Healer · Inspiring Caster

Bard

A spellsinger whose verses sharpen allies' blades and whose insults leave monsters weeping.

Skirmisher
d8 hit die
CHA
Inspiration

Hire 3 sellswords at the Tavern.

Overview

Role: Healer · Inspiring Caster
Archetype: Skirmisher (melee basic attack)
Hit die: d8
Hit points: 24 at level 1, +15 per level (+3 per CON modifier point, every level)
Primary ability: Charisma
Armour: Light
Weapons: Rapiers, Swords, Daggers, Bows, Crossbows
Resource: Inspiration: 90 + 5 per level, refills 8/s; every basic attack that hits restores 1.5
Ability score improvements: Levels 4, 8, 12, 16, 19
Subclass: Level 3: College of Lore or College of the Warhorn
Starting kit: Rapier, Leather Armor
Suggested scores: STR 8 · DEX 14 · CON 13 · INT 10 · WIS 12 · CHA 15

Class features

Lv 1
Silver Tongue Your magic is woven into every word.
- +1 Spell Save DC
Lv 1
Light Feet A performer never stands where the blow lands: your dashes come back 25% sooner.
- +25 Dash Haste
Lv 1
Performer's Flourish Your blade moves to the rhythm of your voice: finesse weapons strike with Charisma when it beats Strength and Dexterity.
Lv 2
Jack of All Trades You're passable at everything — including taking a punch.
- +1 to Hit
- +10% Max HP
Lv 5
Font of Inspiration Your inspiration wells up faster.
- +25% Resource Regen
Lv 6
Countercharm Your music shields mind and body alike: every point of Inspiration you spend weaves into a ward around you (up to a quarter of your health; it fades when the music stops).
- +5% All Resistances
- +5% Damage Reduction
- +25% Psychic Resistance
Lv 10
Magical Secrets You've learned spells no bard should know.
- +6% Skill Damage
- +5% Cooldown Reduction
- +5% Damage Reduction
- +12% Damage
Lv 14
Magical Secrets (2) Your repertoire is deeper still — and you know the songs that keep a singer alive.
- +6% Skill Damage
- +12% Max HP
- +8% Damage
Lv 18
Magical Secrets (3) Your first skill cast every 10 seconds costs nothing.
Lv 20
Superior Inspiration You are never without a song.
- +25 Max Resource
- +8% Damage

Level 1–20 progression

Everything a Bard gains each level, including both subclasses (chosen at level 3). Tap a skill to jump to its numbers.

Bard level 1 to 20 progression
Level	Prof.	Gains
1	+2	Silver Tongue Light Feet Performer's Flourish Vicious Mockery
2	+2	Jack of All Trades Bardic Inspiration
3	+2	Subclass: College of Lore or College of the Warhorn Bonus Proficiencies College of Lore Cutting Words College of Lore Battle Hymn College of the Warhorn Dancing Steel College of the Warhorn
4	+2	Ability Score Improvement
5	+3	Proficiency +3 Font of Inspiration Thunderwave Vicious Mockery 2d6
6	+3	Countercharm
7	+3	Song of Rest Additional Magical Secrets College of Lore Extra Attack College of the Warhorn
8	+3	Ability Score Improvement
9	+4	Proficiency +4 Discordant Whispers Thunderwave 3d8 Dancing Steel 2d8 College of the Warhorn
10	+4	Magical Secrets
11	+4	Well-Read College of Lore War Drums College of the Warhorn Vicious Mockery 3d6 Song of Rest 3d8
12	+4	Ability Score Improvement
13	+5	Proficiency +5 Hypnotic Pattern Thunderwave 4d8 Discordant Whispers 4d6
14	+5	Magical Secrets (2) Dancing Steel 3d8 College of the Warhorn
15	+5	Peerless Skill College of Lore Warhorn's Echo College of the Warhorn Song of Rest 4d8
16	+5	Ability Score Improvement
17	+6	Proficiency +6 Crescendo Vicious Mockery 4d6 Thunderwave 5d8 Discordant Whispers 5d6
18	+6	Magical Secrets (3) Living Archive College of Lore Battle Magic College of the Warhorn
19	+6	Song of Rest 5d8 Ability Score Improvement
20	+6	Superior Inspiration

Feature Skill Dice rank-up Subclass Ability Score Improvement Proficiency · Subclass entries are tagged with the subclass name.

Skills & spells

Numbers at mastery rank 1. Damage adds your weapon hit or ability modifier; "save" skills deal half damage when the foe makes its save (DC = 8 + proficiency + CHA modifier). Open Mastery for every rank, perk and the rank-10 bonus.

Bard skills

Vicious Mockery

Lv 1 Projectile psychic

A string of insults laced with subtle enchantment — it hurts, and it leaves them Weakened.

What it does for a new Bard at level 1; in game the numbers follow your hero

Fires a projectile (9 tiles range) dealing 4–9 psychic damage.
Foes roll a Wisdom save against your DC 14: half damage if they pass.
No attack roll, so it never grazes and can't crit.
65% chance per hit to leave a foe Weakened for 3.2 s (deals 25% less damage (bosses: half as much)).
Its effect only lands on foes that fail the save.

Type: Projectile
Cost: Free
Cooldown: 1.1s
Damage: 1d6 + CHA mod psychic
Hit: WIS save vs your spell DC (half damage on a save)
Scales with: Charisma
Projectiles: 1
Range: 9 tiles
Applies: Weakened 60% · 3s

Damage dice by level Lv 1 1d6Lv 5 2d6Lv 11 3d6Lv 17 4d6

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% damage, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Vicious Mockery mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cooldown	Dmg	What changes
1	Lv 1	1.1s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	1.1s	+3%	Weaken chance +10% · Weakened 70% · 3s
3	Lv 2	1.1s	+16%	Damage +10%
4	Lv 4	1.1s	+19%
5	Lv 5	1.1s	+22%	Range +20%
6	Lv 6	1s	+25%	Weaken lasts 30% longer · Weakened 70% · 3.9s
7	Lv 8	0.9s	+28%	Cooldown −8%
8	Lv 10	0.9s	+31%
9	Lv 12	0.9s	+34%	Weaken chance +10% · Weakened 80% · 3.9s
10	Lv 14	0.9s	+52%	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · Weakened 95% · 3.9s

Rank 4: pick one

Heckle the Crowd +1 insult, insults −35% damage.
Cutting Insult Damage +20%, cooldown +10%.

Rank 8: pick one

Exposed Flaws Foes are Marked (+15% damage taken from everyone) instead of Weakened.
Carrying Voice Insults pass through every foe in the line; damage −10%.

Rank 10, Mastered: Devastating Wit: status chance +15% and range +20%.

Bardic Inspiration

Lv 2 Buff

A rousing verse: you and every ally in earshot hit harder, truer and recover faster, and the courage in it wards you like a shield.

What it does for a new Bard at level 2; in game the numbers follow your hero

For 12 s, you and every ally within 7 tiles gain +10% damage, +2 to hit, +8% cooldown reduction and +2 Armor Class.
You are Blessed for 12 s: +2 to hit.
Wraps you and those allies in a barrier that absorbs 14 damage (25% of max HP; stacks up to 30% of max HP).

Type: Buff
Cost: 30
Cooldown: 20s
Scales with: Charisma
Duration: 12s
Allies within: 7 tiles
Barrier: 25% of max HP
Applies: Blessed · 12s
Grants you: +10% Damage, +2 to Hit, +8% Cooldown Reduction, +2 Armor Class

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% damage, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Bardic Inspiration mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cost	Cooldown	Dmg	What changes
1	Lv 1	30	20s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	30	19.8s	+3%	Duration +15% · 13.8s
3	Lv 2	29	19.6s	+6%	Inspiration strength +15% · +11.5% Damage, +2.3 to Hit, +9.2% Cooldown Reduction, +2.3 Armor Class
4	Lv 4	29	19.4s	+9%
5	Lv 5	29	19.2s	+12%	Reaches allies 20% farther · radius 8.4
6	Lv 6	29	17.4s	+15%	Cooldown −8%
7	Lv 8	22	17.2s	+18%	Cost −20%
8	Lv 10	22	17s	+21%
9	Lv 12	22	16.8s	+24%	Inspiration strength +10% · +12.5% Damage, +2.5 to Hit, +10% Cooldown Reduction, +2.5 Armor Class
10	Lv 14	14	16.6s	+42%	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · radius 9.8 · +14% Damage, +2.8 to Hit, +11.2% Cooldown Reduction, +2.8 Armor Class

Rank 4: pick one

Valorous Verse Inspiration strength +30%, duration −20%.
Lingering Refrain Duration +30%.

Rank 8: pick one

Quick Cadence Cooldown −15%.
Heroic Verse Inspiration strength +20%, cost +30%.

Rank 10, Mastered: Anthem of Heroes: inspiration strength +15% and radius +20%.

Thunderwave

Lv 5 Area thunder

A wave of thunderous force sweeps out from you, hurling foes away.

What it does for a new Bard at level 5; in game the numbers follow your hero

Hits every foe within 2.6 tiles of you for 5–19 thunder damage.
Foes roll a Constitution save against your DC 15: half damage if they pass.
No attack roll, so it never grazes and can't crit.
16% chance per hit to leave a foe Stunned for 0.6 s (reeling: can't move, attack or cast. Stunned foes are easier to crit).
Its effect only lands on foes that fail the save.
Leaves the foe Rattled (your payoff consumes it).

Type: Area (around you)
Cost: 20
Cooldown: 8s
Damage: 2d8 + CHA mod thunder
Hit: CON save vs your spell DC (half damage on a save)
Scales with: Charisma
Radius: 2.6 tiles
Applies: Stunned 15% · 0.6s

Damage dice by level Lv 5 2d8Lv 9 3d8Lv 13 4d8Lv 17 5d8

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% damage, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Thunderwave mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cost	Cooldown	Dmg	What changes
1	Lv 1	20	8s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	20	7.9s	+3%	Radius +10% · radius 2.9
3	Lv 2	20	7.8s	+6% +1d	+1 damage die
4	Lv 4	19	7.8s	+9% +1d
5	Lv 5	19	7s	+12% +1d	Cooldown −8%
6	Lv 6	19	7s	+15% +1d	Stun chance +10% · Stunned 25% · 0.6s
7	Lv 8	19	6.9s	+18% +1d	Radius +10% · radius 3.1
8	Lv 10	19	6.8s	+21% +1d
9	Lv 12	15	6.7s	+24% +1d	Cost −15%
10	Lv 14	10	6.6s	+42% +1d	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · radius 3.6 · Stunned 40% · 0.6s

Rank 4: pick one

Wide Wave Radius +35%, damage −10%.
Booming Chord Damage +20%, cost +25%.

Rank 8: pick one

Staccato Cooldown −15%.
Deafening Stun chance +30%, damage −10%.

Rank 10, Mastered: Thunderclap: radius +20% and stun chance +15%.

Song of Rest

Lv 7 Heal

A soothing melody mends you and every ally nearby; the one who needs it most keeps mending and steadies (−10% damage taken) for a while after.

What it does for a new Bard at level 7; in game the numbers follow your hero

Heals the most wounded ally near you (or you): 29–71 HP on you (8% of the target's max HP is part of it, so tougher allies heal more).
Everyone else within 6 tiles heals 60% of their own dose.
Also lifts poison, burning, fear, roots, silence and curses from the one it heals.
The one you heal gains +4 HP regenerated per second and +10% damage reduction for 8 s.

Type: Heal
Cost: 30
Cooldown: 12s
Heals: (2d8 + CHA mod) × 3 + 8% of target's max HP
Hit: Always hits
Scales with: Charisma
Also heals allies within: 6 tiles
Buff lasts: 8s
Grants you: +4 HP Regen / s, +10% Damage Reduction

Healing dice by level Lv 7 2d8Lv 11 3d8Lv 15 4d8Lv 19 5d8

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% healing, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Song of Rest mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cost	Cooldown	Heal	What changes
1	Lv 1	30	12s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	30	11.9s	+3%	Radius +15% · radius 6.9
3	Lv 2	25	11.8s	+6%	Cost −15%
4	Lv 4	25	11.6s	+9%
5	Lv 5	24	11.5s	+12% +1d	+1 healing die
6	Lv 6	24	10.4s	+15% +1d	Cooldown −8%
7	Lv 8	24	10.3s	+18% +1d	Lingering regeneration +50% · +6 HP Regen / s, +15% Damage Reduction
8	Lv 10	23	10.2s	+21% +1d
9	Lv 12	23	10.1s	+24% +1d	Lingering regeneration lasts 30% longer · 10.4s
10	Lv 14	9	10s	+42% +1d	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · +8 HP Regen / s, +20% Damage Reduction

Rank 4: pick one

Rousing Chorus Healing +20%, cost +30%.
Encore Cooldown −25%, healing −10%.

Rank 8: pick one

Carrying Melody Radius +40%.
Lullaby Lingering regeneration twice as strong.

Rank 10, Mastered: Hymn of Hearth: cost −20% and lingering regeneration +50%.

Discordant Whispers

Lv 9 Area psychic

A melody only your enemies can hear — it wracks their minds and sends them fleeing.

What it does for a new Bard at level 9; in game the numbers follow your hero

Hits every foe in a 2.5-tile radius up to 7 tiles away for 6–21 psychic damage.
Foes roll a Wisdom save against your DC 16: half damage if they pass.
No attack roll, so it never grazes and can't crit.
76% chance per hit to leave a foe Feared for 3 s (flees from the nearest enemy, ignoring commands).
Its effect only lands on foes that fail the save.
Leaves the foe Rattled (your payoff consumes it).

Type: Area
Cost: 25
Cooldown: 10s
Damage: 3d6 + CHA mod psychic
Hit: WIS save vs your spell DC (half damage on a save)
Scales with: Charisma
Radius: 2.5 tiles
Range: 7 tiles
Applies: Feared 70% · 3s

Damage dice by level Lv 9 3d6Lv 13 4d6Lv 17 5d6

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% damage, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Discordant Whispers mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cost	Cooldown	Dmg	What changes
1	Lv 1	25	10s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	25	9.9s	+3%	Radius +10% · radius 2.8
3	Lv 2	25	9.8s	+6% +1d	+1 damage die
4	Lv 4	24	9.7s	+9% +1d
5	Lv 5	24	8.8s	+12% +1d	Cooldown −8%
6	Lv 6	24	8.7s	+15% +1d	Fear lasts 20% longer · Feared 70% · 3.6s
7	Lv 8	24	8.6s	+18% +1d	Radius +10% · radius 3
8	Lv 10	23	8.5s	+21% +1d
9	Lv 12	19	8.4s	+24% +1d	Cost −15%
10	Lv 14	13	8.3s	+42% +1d	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · radius 3.4 · Feared 70% · 4.5s

Rank 4: pick one

Rumour Spreads Radius +35%, damage −10%.
Dread Chorus Damage +20%, radius −20%.

Rank 8: pick one

Endless Murmur Cooldown −15%.
Exposed Secrets Foes are Marked (+15% damage taken) instead of Frightened.

Rank 10, Mastered: Madness Refrain: status lasts 30% longer and radius +15%.

Hypnotic Pattern

Lv 13 Area psychic

A twisting pattern of colour hangs in the air; those who see it stand transfixed.

What it does for a new Bard at level 13; in game the numbers follow your hero

Hits every foe in a 3-tile radius up to 7 tiles away for 6–18 psychic damage.
Foes roll a Wisdom save against your DC 17: half damage if they pass.
No attack roll, so it never grazes and can't crit.
60% chance per hit to leave a foe Stunned for 2.1 s (reeling: can't move, attack or cast. Stunned foes are easier to crit).
Its effect only lands on foes that fail the save.
Leaves the foe Rattled (your payoff consumes it).

Type: Area
Cost: 35
Cooldown: 16s
Damage: 2d6 + CHA mod psychic
Hit: WIS save vs your spell DC (half damage on a save)
Scales with: Charisma
Radius: 3 tiles
Range: 7 tiles
Applies: Stunned 55% · 2s

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% damage, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Hypnotic Pattern mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cost	Cooldown	Dmg	What changes
1	Lv 1	35	16s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	35	15.8s	+3%	Stun chance +10% · Stunned 65% · 2s
3	Lv 2	34	15.7s	+6%	Radius +10% · radius 3.3
4	Lv 4	34	15.5s	+9%
5	Lv 5	34	13.8s	+12%	Cooldown −10%
6	Lv 6	33	13.6s	+15%	Stuns last 20% longer · Stunned 65% · 2.4s
7	Lv 8	28	13.4s	+18%	Cost −15%
8	Lv 10	27	13.3s	+21%
9	Lv 12	27	13.1s	+24%	Radius +10% · radius 3.6
10	Lv 14	18	13s	+42%	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · radius 4.1 · Stunned 80% · 2.4s

Rank 4: pick one

Mesmerize Stuns last 50% longer, damage −20%.
Kaleidoscope Radius +35%, stun chance −10%.

Rank 8: pick one

Flicker Cooldown −15%.
Vivid Hues Damage +40%, cost +30%.

Rank 10, Mastered: Spellbound: stun chance +15% and radius +15%.

Crescendo

Lv 17 Area thunder

The final bar of your song detonates in a thunderous blast — and leaves you riding the high.

What it does for a new Bard at level 17; in game the numbers follow your hero

Hits every foe within 4 tiles of you for 12–67 thunder damage.
Foes roll a Constitution save against your DC 18: half damage if they pass.
No attack roll, so it never grazes and can't crit.
Then for 6 s you gain +15% damage and +10% attack speed.
Leaves the foe Rattled (your payoff consumes it).

Type: Area (around you)
Cost: 45
Cooldown: 20s
Damage: 6d8 + CHA mod thunder
Hit: CON save vs your spell DC (half damage on a save)
Scales with: Charisma
Radius: 4 tiles
Grants you: +15% Damage, +10% Attack Speed

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% damage, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Crescendo mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cost	Cooldown	Dmg	What changes
1	Lv 1	45	20s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	45	19.8s	+3%	Radius +10% · radius 4.4
3	Lv 2	44	19.6s	+6%	Afterglow strength +20% · +18% Damage, +12% Attack Speed
4	Lv 4	44	19.4s	+9%
5	Lv 5	43	17.6s	+12%	Cooldown −8%
6	Lv 6	43	17.4s	+15% +1d	+1 damage die
7	Lv 8	42	17.2s	+18% +1d	Radius +10% · radius 4.8
8	Lv 10	42	17s	+21% +1d
9	Lv 12	35	16.8s	+24% +1d	Cost −15%
10	Lv 14	23	16.6s	+52% +1d	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · +21.8% Damage, +14.5% Attack Speed

Rank 4: pick one

Grand Hall Radius +35%, damage −10%.
Fortissimo Damage +20%, cost +25%.

Rank 8: pick one

Da Capo Cooldown −15%.
Standing Ovation Afterglow strength +50%.

Rank 10, Mastered: Magnum Opus: afterglow strength +25% and damage +10%.

College of Lore skills

Cutting Words

Lv 3 Buff College of Lore

Name every weakness aloud: nearby foes are Marked to take more damage, and your allies grow nimbler.

What it does for a new Bard at level 3; in game the numbers follow your hero

For 6 s, you and every ally within 6 tiles gain +5% dodge.
Foes within 6 tiles of you: always Marked for 6.4 s (singled out: takes 15% more damage from the party).

Type: Buff
Cost: 20
Cooldown: 14s
Scales with: Charisma
Duration: 6s
Allies within: 6 tiles
Applies: Marked · 6s
Grants you: +5% Dodge

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% damage, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Cutting Words mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cost	Cooldown	Dmg	What changes
1	Lv 1	20	14s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	20	13.9s	+3%	Radius +10% · radius 6.6
3	Lv 2	20	13.7s	+6%	Marks last 20% longer · Marked · 7.2s
4	Lv 4	19	13.6s	+9%
5	Lv 5	19	12s	+12%	Cooldown −10%
6	Lv 6	19	11.9s	+15%	Dodge bonus +30% · +6.5% Dodge
7	Lv 8	15	11.8s	+18%	Cost −20%
8	Lv 10	15	11.6s	+21%
9	Lv 12	14	11.5s	+24%	Radius +15% · radius 7.5
10	Lv 14	9	11.3s	+42%	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · radius 8.4 · Marked · 9s

Rank 4: pick one

Peerless Lore Marks last 50% longer.
Loud Library Radius +35%.

Rank 8: pick one

Quick Wit Cooldown −15%.
Nimble Footnotes Dodge bonus +60%, cost +20%.

Rank 10, Mastered: The Last Word: marks last 30% longer and radius +15%.

College of the Warhorn skills

Dancing Steel

Lv 3 Melee strike slashing College of the Warhorn

A spinning, showboating flurry of blade-work that cuts a wide circle.

What it does for a new Bard at level 3; in game the numbers follow your hero

Strikes every foe in a 150° arc in front of you (1.9 tiles reach) for 5–19 slashing damage.
Rolls to hit against armor (+6 to hit).
Leaves the foe Rattled (your payoff consumes it).

Type: Melee strike
Cost: 12
Cooldown: 4s
Damage: 1d8 + weapon hit slashing
Hit: Attack roll vs AC
Reach: 1.5 tiles
Arc: 150°

Damage dice by level Lv 3 1d8Lv 9 2d8Lv 14 3d8

Mastery: ranks 1–10, perks, mastered bonus

Each rank above 1: +3% damage, −1% cooldown, −1% cost. Ranks come from using the skill; your character level caps them (rank 10 needs level 14). Numbers below are without perks.

Dancing Steel mastery ranks
Rank	Needs	Cost	Cooldown	Dmg	What changes
1	Lv 1	12	4s	—	Learned
2	Lv 1	12	4s	+3%	Arc and reach +15% · radius 1.7 · arc 173°
3	Lv 2	12	3.9s	+16%	Damage +10%
4	Lv 4	12	3.9s	+19%
5	Lv 5	12	3.4s	+22%	Cooldown −10%
6	Lv 6	11	3.4s	+25%	Flourishes Mark foes (20%) · Marked 20% · 3s
7	Lv 8	11	3.4s	+28%	Arc and reach +15% · radius 2 · arc 195°
8	Lv 10	11	3.3s	+31%
9	Lv 12	9	3.3s	+34%	Cost −20%
10	Lv 14	6	3.2s	+62%	Mastered (+15% damage, −25% cost, plus its signature bonus) · Marked 40% · 3s

Rank 4: pick one

Full Circle Arc and reach +30%, damage −10%.
Showstopper Damage +20%, cost +25%.

Rank 8: pick one

Allegro Cooldown −15%.
Spotlight Mark chance +30%; marks last 50% longer.

Rank 10, Mastered: Blade Ballad: damage +10% and Mark chance +20%.

Subclasses

Chosen at level 3. Each adds its own skill and a feature every few levels.

College of Lore

Bards who collect secrets like coins — and spend them to cut an enemy's confidence to ribbons.

Skills

Cutting Words Lv 3

Features

Lv 3
Bonus Proficiencies You've picked up a little of everything.
- +1 to Hit
- +5% Magic Find
Lv 7
Additional Magical Secrets Borrowed spells from a dozen traditions.
- +8% Skill Damage
Lv 11
Well-Read You know the trick to every spell.
- +1 Spell Save DC
- +5% Cooldown Reduction
Lv 15
Peerless Skill Your talent rises to meet any moment.
- +4% Crit Chance
Lv 18
Living Archive Your reserves are as deep as your library.
- +20 Max Resource
- +15% Resource Regen

College of the Warhorn

Battle-skalds who fight in the front rank, blade in one hand and horn in the other.

Skills

Dancing Steel Lv 3

Features

Lv 3
Battle Hymn You were drilled for the shield-wall.
- +1 Armor Class
- +15 Hit Points
Lv 7
Extra Attack Your basic attacks strike twice.
Lv 11
War Drums Your rhythm quickens your arm.
- +8% Attack Speed
Lv 15
Warhorn's Echo Your blows ring out across the whole melee.
- +10% Area Damage
Lv 18
Battle Magic Song and steel are one weapon now.
- +10% Damage

Talents & roles

Bards lean healer and damage. The class tree and one tree for each subclass hold 51 talents; you earn a point every level and one for each act boss.

All Bard talents Party roles

Spellbook & mechanic

Songs and the Measure

Conduct the whole party.

A song takes the shared Aura slot, reserves part of your pool and pulses to the whole party. Eight beats make a Measure, then the song's Chorus rings out.

Keystone: Medley · Chase legendary: Lute of the Long Applause

Bards choose 7 pages from level 4, picking at levels 4, 9, 14 and 18:

Rapier Waltz · Tango, Swordsong, Pirouette
Marching Cadence · War March, Blood Anthem, Drumline
Sustained Note · Shatterglass, Siren's Pull, Harmony
Ballad of the Hearth · Lullaby, Ember Hymn, Shelter
Dirge of Dissonance · Madness, Cracked Minds, Requiem
Earworm · Catchy Tune, Maddening, Refrain
Sounding Stone · Amplifier, Tuning Fork, War Drum

All Bard pages and variants How the Spellbook works

Bard unique weapons

Rhyme-and-Reason Starter

Rapier · Weapon · drops from level 5

+8–24% Damage
+2–6 Charisma
+1–4 Dexterity
+1 random affix

Heckler. Each basic hit also fires a free Vicious Mockery at another nearby foe for 62–75% damage.

“Every thrust is a line of verse. Every verse is an insult.”

Encore, the Twice-Sung Bow

Shortbow · Weapon · drops from level 12

+8–24% Damage
+2–6 Charisma
+5–15% Area Damage
+1 random affix

Encore!. Your area songs play again at the same spot 1.2s later for 54–58% damage.

Verse. Each skill you cast adds a Verse: +5% attack speed and +2% move speed for 8s (up to 8).

“Its string plays every note twice: once for the crowd, once for the dead.”

The Last Chord

Longsword · Weapon · drops from level 16

+8–24% Damage
+2–6 Charisma
+3–8% Cooldown Reduction
+1 random affix

Finale. Every 4th skill you cast is a Finale: a thunder burst around you for 45–60% weapon damage.

Standing Ovation. You and allies within 6 tiles deal +8% damage and move 8% faster.

“A blade tuned to a single note, the one every song is secretly building toward.”

Farsight, the Chartbreaker ◈ DEEP

Longbow · Weapon · drops from level 20

+10–28% Damage
+3–8 Dexterity
+4–10% Crit Chance ⌃
+1 random affix

Edge of the Map. Every 10th basic hit fires a comet-lance that pierces 12 tiles for 440–520% weapon damage and Shocks for 3s.

Stormwake. Critical hits have a 30% chance to arc through 3 foes for 100–120% weapon damage.

Off the Chart. Casting a skill with a foe within 1.5 tiles blinks you 2.5–3.5 tiles away from it. Asleep Hone this item at the Forge (Smithy level 6) to wake it. Any line will do, even with its Forging Potential spent.

Drops from: Only from the Deep: Breach Wardens, chart bosses of tier 8 and up, and Survey Shards. Always Emberforged

“Its first owner shot the edge off a map. The arrow is still going.”

Bards are Skirmishers: they can also wear the 9 Skirmisher unique armour and off-hands, and any unique jewelry. Power values show the range they roll in.