Table of Contents
Expanding the Bardic Repertoire, Part I
One of the most interesting and well-rounded classes in fifth edition fantasy is the bard. It combines some of the most interesting aspects of fighters, spellcasters, and rogues to produce one of the best support character types in all of fantasy gaming. Yes, arguments can be made for other gish combinations (several of which have more than their fair share of merit), but bard does not require multiclassing, taking an armful of excessively eclectic feats, or other such chicanery. It’s just that good!
Spell selection is one of the very few areas where this class is lacking, in our opinion. So, we have set about to correct that issue by providing some flavorful variety for one of the most diverse character types in the game.
Playtest Material
We humbly present three new bard cantrips for your playtesting pleasure. Feel free to use these in your own games and let us know what you think of them if you do. Our aim is to publish a magic compendium of new spells and magic items for 5E in the coming months, so we’d like the spells and items we include to be as “battle-tested” as possible. So, without further ado, we present the new spells, which you can read below or download in handy PDF format using the link below:
New Bard Spells
Bardcraft
Transmutation cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a tiny tuning fork)
Duration: Instantaneous
You create one of the following effects within range:
- You can instantly tune or detune any instrument you see within 5 feet.
- You can instantly clean your current outfit.
- You gain advantage on your next skill check to identify a song or poem you have not encountered before.
- You cause flames to flicker, brighten, dim, or change color for up to 10 minutes. This effect can be used to enhance your performance or speech if you so desire, changing with the dynamics of the story or song for emphasis and atmosphere.
- Your voice is amplified up to three times as loud as normal while performing before or addressing others. This effect lasts for up to 10 minutes.
- Your voice is accompanied by subtle music that changes appropriately with your mood and intonation. This music can be heard to a radius of 20 feet centered on you. This effect lasts for up to 10 minutes.
If you cast this spell multiple times, you can have up to three of its non-instantaneous effects active at a time, and you can dismiss an effect as an action.
Phantom Blade
Illusion cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
You select a single target you can see within range, forcing it to make a Wisdom save. On a success, nothing happens. On a failure, the target perceives that you have successfully attacked it with a shimmering dagger-like blade, taking 1d6 psychic damage. Depending on your proximity to the target, the blade appears to be thrown or wielded in your hand.
The psychic damage increases by 1d6 whenever you reach 5th level (2d6), 11th level (3d6), and 17th level (4d6).
Sanguineous Healing
Necromancy cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (a drop of your own blood)
Duration: Instantaneous
You cut yourself as you cast this spell, touching a single living target that you can see. The target heals any number of hit points you choose that is equal to or less than your proficiency modifier. At the same time, you sustain an equal number of hit points in necrotic damage and your maximum hit points decreases by that number. This damage cannot be prevented or reduced in any way. Your hit point maximum is restored after you complete a short or long rest.
Design Notes
The first spell, bardcraft, is an attempt to create a cantrip in the vein of druidcraft, prestidigitation, thaumaturgy but adjusted to have more of a bardic flavor. The second spell, phantom blade, was designed to provide the bard with another option for an attack cantrip based off the theme of psychic damage. Since many other bardic spells and abilities are based on this damage type, it seemed a natural fit for a bard spell list. Finally, sanguineous healing is our attempt at creating a healing cantrip based on the principle or concept of self-sacrifice. This gives the bard some versatility in how other characters can be healed but prevents abuse by inflicting damage on the bard whenever it’s cast. Let us know what you think and how these spells work in your game!
Keep watching www.silverthornegames.com for new playtest material, coming soon!
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