Can Bards Use Shields? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: yes, but it’s not always straightforward. Bards in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) have a unique relationship with shields that hinges on their chosen subclass and potential multiclassing options. While not inherently proficient with shields, there are specific pathways for a bard to confidently wield one in combat. Let’s dive deep into the details.
The Base Bard and Shield Proficiency
By default, a standard Bard is not proficient with shields. Their core class abilities grant them proficiency with light armor, but shields fall outside this category. This means that a typical bard who straps on a shield without further modifications will suffer penalties. Specifically, they’ll experience disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity. This makes wielding a shield a very risky proposition for most bards.
Why the Lack of Proficiency?
The Bard’s core design leans heavily into spellcasting and support roles, often prioritizing agility and charisma over brute force. Their spellcasting isn’t hampered by light armor, allowing them to move freely while using their magic. Adding shield proficiency to the base class would potentially make them too durable too early on, upsetting the balance the game designers intended.
The College of Valor Exception
One of the most common ways for a Bard to use a shield is by choosing the College of Valor subclass. This subclass dramatically shifts the bard’s combat capabilities, granting them the much-desired proficiency with Medium Armor and Shields at 3rd level. This means a College of Valor Bard can effectively use a shield without incurring the aforementioned penalties, allowing them to stand toe-to-toe with melee opponents while retaining their spellcasting abilities.
Valor Bards: Combat-Ready Musicians
The College of Valor transforms the bard into more of a front-line combatant. With a shield, medium armor, and Martial Weapon proficiency, these bards are just as comfortable wielding a sword or axe as they are casting spells. This subclass opens up unique playstyles where bards can actively participate in the thick of battle, providing both offensive power and tactical support.
Multiclassing for Shield Proficiency
Another viable route for a bard to gain shield proficiency is through multiclassing. Taking just one level in certain classes can grant this ability, transforming the bard’s defensive capabilities.
Popular Multiclass Options
- Cleric: A single level in the Cleric class grants proficiency with all armor, including shields. A Life Domain Cleric dip can also offer healing bonuses synergizing well with the Bard’s support style.
- Fighter: A single level in Fighter grants proficiency with all armor including shields and martial weapons.
- Paladin: Similar to Fighter, a single level dip in Paladin will grant shield proficiency and also all armor.
- Artificer: A single level in Artificer grants shield and medium armor proficiency.
The Cost of Multiclassing
However, multiclassing isn’t without its downsides. A dip into a different class can delay the progression of the bard’s spellcasting ability and access to higher-level spells. Therefore, deciding to multiclass for shield proficiency requires a thoughtful consideration of the overall character build and desired playstyle.
The Moderately Armored Feat
Another option available to bards to gain proficiency with shields is the Moderately Armored Feat. This feat grants proficiency with medium armor and shields, allowing any bard to take it and gain proficiency without multiclassing. However, it requires an investment of an ability score improvement, which can be a significant resource for a character. This feat also has the added bonus of adding +1 to their Strength or Dexterity ability score.
Shields and Spellcasting
It’s important to note that wearing a shield does not inherently interfere with a bard’s spellcasting. Bards are known for their ability to use their musical instruments as spellcasting focuses. They can still effectively cast spells with a shield in one hand and their instrument in the other. The key factor is whether they have a free hand if required.
Somatic and Material Components
The rules for spellcasting with components require careful management:
- Somatic components: a spell requires specific hand movements which requires a free hand.
- Material Components: a spell that has the material components can use a spell focus or material component pouch instead, meaning you do not need a free hand.
- Verbal components: these spells only require the use of speech, not physical hand movements.
Shield Bash and Dual Shielding
While there’s no explicit “shield bash” action in the base rules of D&D 5e, using a shield as an improvised weapon is possible. However, it will not generally be an optimized attack. Additionally, attempting to dual-wield shields provides no mechanical benefit in 5e, as the rules state that a character can only benefit from the AC increase of one shield at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of bards and shield use:
1. Can a Bard use a shield without proficiency?
Yes, they can physically use a shield, but they’ll suffer disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws that involve Strength or Dexterity.
2. Does a Bard need a free hand to cast spells with a shield equipped?
Generally, yes, if the spell has somatic components, the bard needs a free hand. However, they can use their instrument to fulfill the material component requirements. A Bard can also make use of the War Caster feat to avoid issues with somatic components while holding a shield and weapon.
3. What happens if a Bard wears medium or heavy armor without proficiency?
They’ll suffer disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws that involve Strength or Dexterity.
4. Are shields considered armor in 5e?
Shields are listed in the equipment section but not listed within the armor section. They are treated similar to armor in function, as they offer a +2 bonus to the character’s AC.
5. Does a shield’s AC bonus stack with armor?
Yes, the +2 AC from a shield is added to the character’s base Armor Class from their armor.
6. Can I use two shields at the same time?
You can technically wield two shields, but only one provides the +2 AC bonus at a time. The second shield does not give an additional bonus.
7. What is the best shield for a Bard?
Any standard shield will provide a +2 bonus to AC and work just fine. No additional properties affect bards specifically, so look for one with interesting design.
8. Can you bash with a shield?
Shield bashes are considered an improvised weapon, not a standard attack. If you use the Shield Master feat, this will make your shield bash more impactful.
9. What is the purpose of the College of Valor?
The College of Valor is a Bard subclass that leans into combat, providing proficiency with medium armor, shields, and martial weapons.
10. Is multiclassing a good option for a Bard who wants a shield?
Yes, but it should be done thoughtfully. One level in Cleric or Paladin is a common dip. Weigh the benefits of shield proficiency against the loss of spellcasting progression.
11. Can a Dragonborn Bard use shields without a subclass?
No, the Dragonborn racial traits do not give shield proficiency. A College of Valor Bard or a multiclass is still needed to gain proficiency.
12. Can I take the Moderately Armored feat as a Bard?
Yes, any Bard can take the Moderately Armored Feat, which will grant proficiency in medium armor and shields.
13. What weapons can Bards use with shields?
Bards can use one-handed weapons such as rapiers, shortswords, hand crossbows, and simple weapons alongside a shield.
14. Does a shield affect a Bard’s ability to use instruments?
No, Bards can still use an instrument as a focus to cast spells if needed while wielding a shield.
15. Why are Bards considered powerful in D&D?
Bards are powerful because of their versatility, ability to cast high-level spells, and their access to social skills. With the ability to gain shield proficiency, they can become even more durable and effective in combat.
In conclusion, while the base Bard class isn’t naturally suited for shields, options like choosing the College of Valor subclass, multiclassing, or taking the Moderately Armored feat provide viable paths for Bards to effectively use a shield in 5e. Carefully consider your character’s goals and playstyle to decide if a shield is the right choice for your unique Bard.