D&D 5E Next Q&A

[UngeheuerLich]

Ok, I played bards a lot... and I don´t deny that they were versatile... that is why I picked them... but Is still believe the PHB bard should not be THE BARD for dnd next. Even though he could learn all skills besides heal for the normal cost (think of that, when trying to force him into a healer´s role), His fixed skills were bad... (not the thief skills... but the free proficiencies... Singing, Musical Instrument, Reading/Writing (native tongue), Local History. are not too useful... except reading/writing maybe...

I believe, in the core system we did not add int bonus to number of proficiencies... which make a difference of course... so I take the fighter comparison back...

 

[Nemesis Destiny]

Ok, I played bards a lot... and I don´t deny that they were versatile... that is why I picked them... but Is still believe the PHB bard should not be THE BARD for dnd next. Even though he could learn all skills besides heal for the normal cost (think of that, when trying to force him into a healer´s role), His fixed skills were bad... (not the thief skills... but the free proficiencies... Singing, Musical Instrument, Reading/Writing (native tongue), Local History. are not too useful... except reading/writing maybe...

I believe, in the core system we did not add int bonus to number of proficiencies... which make a difference of course... so I take the fighter comparison back...

Nope. Number of languages as bonus proficiency slots was PHB core.

If the DM allows characters to have proficiencies, this column also indicates the number of extra proficiency slots the character gains due to his Intelligence. These extra proficiency slots can be used however the player desires. The character never needs to spend any proficiency slots to speak his native language.

In other words, if you're using the optional NWP system, then you get bonus slots from Int. And so what if bards got a bunch of free NWPs that were "bad" (and I would say that Local History has potential to be pretty good)? How many other classes got NWPs for free? They're just icing on an already super-versatile cake. And if you wanted a healing bard, you just pay an extra slot for it. You've got plenty to go around (certainly more than the typical priest or druid).

Anyway, this is a big side-track and digression, but I stand by my opinion that if the bard in Next doesn't even get an option to be a skill monkey jack-of-all-trades, that I will be disappointed.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Ok, I guess we did id wrong back then. Or I misremebered... Thanks for pointing it out.

I would also be disappointed if the Jack of many trades would be taken away... I just don´t want singing and such as default. I want to chose which way I do perform. I don´t want to take away the option.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

I always liked the bard as more magical, and but I think for options there should somehow be a sliding scale for access to spells. Really magical would get 9th level spells, and not magical would get none. However the way class design is going, I don't think that's really doable.

 

[Klaus]

Sounds to me more like a Rogue (on one end) and a Wizard or Druid (on the other end) with some sort of Bardic Dabbler feat or specialty.

 

[Sadrik]

If they get a martial die bonus and a spell casting table and can select fighter or rogue feats, and can select Druid/cleric and wizard spells. I think there is something there.

Versatility, in skills and in abilities is their hallmark. Do a little bit of everything but at the cost of mastery of none. I really like that approach. In a pinch they can fill in for any missing role. Currently only the Druid can do that. The bard should be the only one that should do that consistently.

One other thing I don't want to see bards have their own type of magic like in the past I would rather them learn their magic just like a Druid or cleric or wizard. No need to have a tertiary magic type. Less to explain that way in the campaign world.

 

[Weather Report]

If they get a martial die bonus and a spell casting table and can select fighter or rogue feats, and can select Druid/cleric and wizard spells. I think there is something there.

Versatility, in skills and in abilities is their hallmark. Do a little bit of everything but at the cost of mastery of none. I really like that approach. In a pinch they can fill in for any missing role. Currently only the Druid can do that. The bard should be the only one that should do that consistently.

One other thing I don't want to see bards have their own type of magic like in the past I would rather them learn their magic just like a Druid or cleric or wizard. No need to have a tertiary magic type. Less to explain that way in the campaign world.

I agree, but they have never really had their own magic type/system, they just cast spells (druid ones in 1st Ed, etc) like the other classes.

I would like a return to their "Druidical Tutelage" action.

 

[gyor]

I think the best your going to get is a primalish build like the Barbarian is going to get.