Do Bards Get All Their Spells? A Comprehensive Guide to Bard Spellcasting
The short answer is no, Bards do not get all the spells available to them from the bard spell list. Unlike classes like Clerics or Wizards who prepare spells from a larger pool, Bards operate on a “spells known” system. This means they choose a limited number of spells from the bard spell list and these are the spells they can cast. They don’t have access to the entire list all the time; they learn a select few and stick with them, unless they level up and choose to swap one out. This makes them more like Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Rangers in how their magic functions.
Understanding Bard Spellcasting Mechanics
A Bard’s magic is fueled by their Charisma score, which also determines their effectiveness as a party face. Their spellcasting is intuitive and expressive, drawing power from their performances and personal magnetism. This contrasts with a Wizard’s scholarly approach or a Cleric’s divine connection.
Spells Known vs. Spells Prepared
The crucial difference lies in the “spells known” versus “spells prepared” mechanic. Classes that prepare spells, like Clerics and Wizards, have access to almost their entire spell list each day. They choose which spells to prepare during a long rest, giving them great flexibility. Bards, however, are limited to the spells they have specifically chosen to learn. This limitation is offset by other advantages, such as their versatility, skill proficiencies, and unique Bardic Inspiration ability.
Gaining and Changing Spells
Bards learn new spells as they level up. The Bard table in the player’s handbook dictates how many spells a bard can know at each level. Each time a Bard gains a level, they can learn one new spell of a level they can cast, as indicated on the Bard table. Additionally, bards have the valuable ability to swap out one of their known spells for another spell from the Bard spell list whenever they level up. This allows them to adapt their spell selection as needed.
FAQs: Bard Spellcasting Demystified
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bard spellcasting to further clarify how this works in practice:
1. Why do Bards get so few spells compared to other casters?
Bards are designed to be jack-of-all-trades, excelling in skills, magic, and combat to a certain degree. They aren’t specialized spellcasters like Wizards. Their limited spell selection is a balancing factor, allowing them to be proficient in other areas. They’re a blend of Rogue, Cleric, and often another role depending on their chosen college.
2. How often do Bards get new spells?
Bards learn new spells whenever they gain a level. This is confirmed by the Bard’s “spells known” progression chart in the player’s handbook.
3. Can Bards change their spells, or are they stuck with their initial choices?
Fortunately, Bards aren’t permanently stuck with their initial choices. They can swap out one known spell for another when they gain a level. This allows for adaptability and customization as the campaign progresses.
4. Do Bards suffer arcane spell failure when wearing armor?
Bards can cast Bard spells while wearing light armor and using a shield without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. However, like other arcane spellcasters, wearing medium or heavy armor incurs a chance of arcane spell failure if the spell has a somatic component.
5. Can winning a game within the D&D session grant a Bard an additional spell?
This is entirely up to the DM’s discretion and is not a standard rule. Some DMs might reward creative problem-solving or in-game achievements with small bonuses, but granting a spell would be a significant reward and should be considered carefully for balance.
6. How many spells can a Bard cast per turn?
The general rule is one spell per turn. However, if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action. This prevents overwhelming spellcasting combinations.
7. How do Bards learn new spells flavor-wise?
The mechanics dictate that Bards learn new spells when they level up and can swap out one known spell. However, the specific story behind how they learn these spells is up to the DM and the setting. Maybe they learn a new song from a traveling minstrel, decipher an ancient scroll, or have a moment of inspiration during a performance.
8. At what level do Bards get more spells than usual?
Bards get an additional opportunity to learn spells outside of the Bard list at 10th level, 14th level, and 18th level thanks to their Magical Secrets feature. This allows them to choose spells from any class, further enhancing their versatility.
9. How do Bards access spells outside of the Bard spell list?
The Magical Secrets feature, gained at levels 10, 14 and 18, is the primary way Bards can learn spells from other classes’ spell lists. This is a unique and powerful ability that allows Bards to tailor their spell selection to fill specific gaps in their party’s composition or their own strategic needs.
10. Are Bards stronger than Wizards?
Strength is subjective and depends on the situation and play style. Bards offer a unique blend of skills, support, and spellcasting, making them excellent party faces and versatile characters. Wizards excel in raw magical power and versatility thanks to a larger spell list and Arcane Recovery. Neither class is definitively “stronger”; they simply excel in different areas. This question can be explored further using the resources from the GamesLearningSociety.org website, which explores how games, including RPGs, can be understood through various learning theories.
11. Are Bards a weak class in D&D?
Absolutely not! Bards are considered one of the most powerful and versatile classes, especially in D&D 5th edition. They combine the skills of a Rogue, the support of a Cleric, and often a third role depending on their chosen Bard College.
12. What race is best for a Bard?
While many races are suitable for Bards, Half-Elves are often considered the best due to their +2 Charisma bonus and two additional +1 bonuses to other attributes. This allows for a well-rounded character build.
13. Which Bard College is considered the best?
The College of Lore is frequently cited as one of the best due to its access to extra skill proficiencies and extra spells from any class. This greatly enhances a Bard’s versatility and ability to adapt to different situations.
14. Can Bards change spells every long rest like some other spellcasters?
No, Bards cannot change their spells on a long rest. They are restricted to swapping spells when they level up, making their spell selection more permanent than classes like Clerics or Wizards.
15. How many times can a Bard cast a cantrip per day?
Bards can cast cantrips an unlimited number of times per day. Cantrips do not consume spell slots, making them a reliable and versatile option for consistent spellcasting.