What Spells Can Only Bards Cast?
The question of spells uniquely available to bards in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition is a nuanced one. While the Player’s Handbook presented a few spells explicitly listed as “Bard” in their class list (and thus, arguably, only available to bards at character creation), the real answer hinges on the Magical Secrets feature. This feature, gained at 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th levels, allows bards to learn spells from any class’s spell list.
Therefore, the core spells that are initially Bard-exclusive are: Compulsion, Vicious Mockery, Dissonant Whispers and Power Word Heal.
However, Magical Secrets opens up a world of possibilities, diminishing the importance of a truly “Bard-only” spell list. A savvy bard can essentially access any spell in the game, making the initial list more of a starting point than a limitation. With strategic spell selection using Magical Secrets, bards can become incredibly versatile spellcasters, filling gaps in their party’s capabilities or doubling down on specific areas of expertise.
The Power of Magical Secrets
Understanding the Feature
Magical Secrets is the defining spellcasting feature of the bard class. It allows a bard to learn spells from any class’s spell list at certain levels. The number of spells that can be learned this way is limited to two at each of the relevant levels (6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th).
The level of spell you can take has to be of a level the bard can cast. So, no grabbing 9th level spells at level 6.
Strategic Spell Selection
The true power of the bard lies in the strategic selection of spells through Magical Secrets. Think carefully about what your party needs or what kind of bard you want to be. Here are a few examples:
- Support Bard: Focus on healing and buffing spells from the Cleric or Paladin spell lists, like Aura of Vitality or Shield.
- Damage Dealer: Acquire powerful offensive spells from the Sorcerer or Wizard lists, such as Fireball or Lightning Bolt.
- Control Specialist: Choose spells that control the battlefield, like Wall of Force from the Wizard list.
Shifting the Paradigm
Magical Secrets effectively shatters the concept of class-specific spells. While certain classes are more likely to have certain spells (Wizards with Fireball, Clerics with Healing Word), a bard with Magical Secrets can access any of them. This freedom is what makes bards such adaptable and powerful spellcasters.
The Initial Bard Spell List: A Foundation
While Magical Secrets dominates the discussion, the initial bard spell list provides a solid foundation. Spells like Vicious Mockery (a fantastic cantrip for debuffing enemies), Dissonant Whispers (a strong single-target damage spell with a secondary effect), and Compulsion (though debated for its effectiveness) are all staples of the early-game bard experience.
Evaluating the Core Spells
- Vicious Mockery: A fantastic cantrip that deals psychic damage and imposes disadvantage on the target’s next attack roll. Consistently useful at all levels.
- Dissonant Whispers: A powerful 1st-level spell that deals psychic damage and forces the target to flee, provoking opportunity attacks. Great for disrupting enemy formations.
- Compulsion: Can be situationally useful for controlling groups of enemies, but its reliance on saving throws and its limited duration make it less reliable than other control options.
- Power Word Heal: A 9th-level spell that instantly restores all hit points to a creature and removes several debilitating conditions. Extremely powerful for clutch healing situations. However, by this point, other classes are likely to have access to this as well.
FAQs: Bard Spells and Beyond
Can bards learn spells from any class?
Yes! The Magical Secrets feature allows bards to learn spells from any class’s spell list.
Do bards need to be a certain level to take spells from other classes?
Yes. The spells must be of a level that the bard can cast. For instance, a 6th-level bard can choose spells from other classes of 3rd level or lower.
Can a bard learn Wish?
Yes! At 18th level, a bard can choose the Wish spell through their Magical Secrets feature. This makes them one of the few classes capable of casting this game-changing spell.
Can a bard learn Eldritch Blast?
Absolutely! Although primarily associated with Warlocks, a bard can learn Eldritch Blast through Magical Secrets, and it will scale just as it would for a Warlock.
Are bards arcane or divine casters?
Bards are considered arcane casters. Their magic stems from manipulating the Weave, a source of raw arcane energy.
Can bards cast ritual spells?
Yes, bards can cast ritual spells. They are one of the few classes that can cast any appropriate spell that they know as a Ritual, without having to prepare it.
Can bards wear armor?
Yes, generally bards can wear light armor. Some subclasses even grant proficiency in medium armor.
Can bards use shields?
Some bards are proficient in shields. This usually comes from either the multiclass or another subclass feature.
Can bards learn the Shield spell?
Not by default. The Shield spell is typically a Sorcerer/Wizard spell. However, a bard can learn it through Magical Secrets.
Can a bard learn Fly?
Yes! Fly is on the Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard, and Artificer spell lists, so a bard can learn it using Magical Secrets.
Can bards cast illusion spells?
Yes, bards have access to several illusion spells on their base spell list, and they can acquire more through Magical Secrets.
Can bards cast necromancy spells?
Yes, bards have access to a limited selection of necromancy spells, and they can expand their repertoire with Magical Secrets.
Can bards get Prestidigitation?
Yes, Prestidigitation is a common cantrip on the bard spell list.
Are there any spells bards shouldn’t take with Magical Secrets?
While choice is subjective, consider synergy with your bard’s abilities. Taking a spell that relies on Strength when your bard has low Strength might not be the most optimal choice.
Where can I learn more about using magic in educational games?
The Games Learning Society is a great resource for exploring the intersection of games and learning, including the use of magic systems in educational contexts. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.