2014 Ruleset Dungeons and Dragons Subclasses in 2024: Bard!
0The 2024 Player's Handbook is out for Dungeons and Dragons, and it's supposed to be backwards compatible! So how do the old Bard subclasses stack up?
Music: “The Medieval Banquet”
by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com/
Original Thread: https://bsky.app/profile/caseaiken.bsky.social/post/3llyukc6nkk2r
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Overview
The Educational presentation/Class analysis meeting focused on an in-depth exploration of the Bard class in Dungeons & Dragons, particularly highlighting the upcoming changes in the 5.5e/2024 edition. Case Aiken introduced the Bard as a full caster with a blend of high hit points and versatile skills, emphasizing the significance of Bardic Inspiration as a core feature despite its limited enhancement to spellcasting. Major revisions were discussed, including a reworked Magical Secrets that allows access to Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spell lists at 10th level, alongside subclass features that are now unlocked at specific levels. The meeting provided an analysis of both new and revised subclasses, examining their unique abilities and overall effectiveness. For example, the new College of Dance offers interesting combat enhancements, while the revised College of Glamour provides strong party support. In contrast, some existing subclasses, like the College of Whispers, were noted to be less competitive compared to the anticipated 2024 updates. Action items were noted for further examination and potential adjustments to ensure balance and engagement within the Bard class.
Notes
Introduction to the Bard Class (00:00 - 02:39)
Case Aiken presents an analysis of the D&D Bard class
Speaker mentions personal bias from Final Fantasy's Red Mage
The 5.5e/2024 Bard is a full caster with great HP and skills
Bardic Inspiration is a core feature but doesn't enhance spellcasting
Major change in 2024: Magical Secrets reworked, giving access to Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spell lists at 10th level
Bard subclasses get features at 3rd, 6th, and 14th levels only
Player's Handbook Subclasses (02:40 - 10:50)
College of Dance (new to 2024):
3rd level: Charisma to AC, unarmed strikes using Bardic Inspiration dice
6th level: Reaction movement, initiative boosting
14th level: Evasion-like feature shareable with allies
Lacks Extra Attack, making it underwhelming at higher levels
College of Glamour (revised from 5e):
3rd level: Free preparations of charm spells, temp HP feature
6th level: Free casting of command spell
14th level: Form that makes you hard to attack
Strong party support with buffs and control
College of Lore:
Extra skill proficiencies and Cutting Words at 3rd level
Access to other class spells at 6th level
Self-focused Bardic Inspiration at 14th level
Excellent skill monkey capabilities
College of Valor:
Medium armor, martial weapons, shields at 3rd level
Improved Extra Attack at 6th level that allows cantrip casting
Bonus action weapon attack after casting a spell at 14th level
Described as 'the most jacked jack of all trades'
Unadapted Subclasses Analysis (10:51 - 20:45)
College of Creation (Tasha's):
Enhances Bardic Inspiration and allows item creation at 3rd level
Animating Performance pet feature at 6th level
Underwhelming 14th level upgrade
Unique for having built-in summoning
College of Eloquence (Theros/Tasha's):
Unsettling Words and Silver Tongue at 3rd level
Unfailing Inspiration at 6th level
Infectious Inspiration at 14th level
Good features but feels like it's missing something impactful
College of Spirits:
Enhanced guidance, Tales from Beyond random table at 3rd level
Access to divination/necromancy spells at 6th level
Better odds on spirit table at 14th level
Fun and flavorful despite randomness
College of Swords (Xanathar's):
Medium armor, weapon fighting styles at 3rd level
Blade Flourish system using Bardic Inspiration
Basic Extra Attack at 6th level
Unlimited D6 flourishes at 14th level
Good swashbuckler flavor but outpaced by newer gish options
College of Whispers (Xanathar's):
Psychic Blades (sneak attack-like) and fear effect at 3rd level
Identity stealing at 6th level
Charm effect at 14th level
Unique but underpowered compared to 2024 options