What is the bard's "fireball"?

[Ancalagon]

Hello.

So the Wizard/sorcerer has fireball, an iconic spell that is probably too good for its level. The cleric now has spiritual guardian, that's really freaking good. And [MENTION=2525]Mistwell[/MENTION] pointed out that druids have conjure animals - I haven't tried it but he swears it's great, and looking at it I see it has potential.

These are all spells that are unique to those classes, and are all in that sort of "low-mid" sweet spot where D&D works so well (3rd level spell in this case). Gaining 3rd level spells is a big step up in the power of these classes, equivalent for the warriors getting their second attack.

But I started wondering... what is the bard's version of this? For Warlocks it's arguably hunger of hadar (it's great area denial) but for the bard nothing leaps out at me...

 

[Ordrek]

A bard's Fireball is Fireball; magical secrets.

 

[jgsugden]

There are certain third level spells that are disproportionately strong. However, they are not all class unique. Fireball, afterall is a (Light) Cleric spell. The Bard's best third level combat spell, IMO, is Hypnotic Pattern, which it shares with other classes.

 

[MichaelSomething]

The Bard is defined by their music of course!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20sIhZLVJR4

 

[Caliban]

There are certain third level spells that are disproportionately strong. However, they are not all class unique. Fireball, afterall is a (Light) Cleric spell. The Bard's best third level combat spell, IMO, is Hypnotic Pattern, which it shares with other classes.

Especially if the bard has an "Instrument of the Bards" so that all targets have disadvantage on the save. Technically, Hypnotic Patter is the only spell in the PHB that benefits from that.

 

[DEFCON 1]

The Bard's signature spell is Bardic Inspiration. Only WotC was gracious enough to not force Bards to spend their spell slots to use it.

 

[TwoSix]

The bard's 5th level power-up is getting Bardic Inspiration on a short rest. They arguably get a two-level power up, as they also get Extra Attack or Magical Secrets at 6th.

 

[FrogReaver]

Hypnotic patterns + bardic insirpation upgrade recharge on short rest instead of long rest.

 

[lall]

Any Charisma check.

 

[Ashrym]

Just gaining 3rd lvl spells is considered a significant benefit. Bards don't need an iconic or unique spell of their own for 3rd lvl spells to still be significant.

Bardic inspiration is what defines bards and font of inspiration kicks in at 5th lvl instead.