D&D 5E The Immortal Bard: 5eing up yer Minstrels

[Kobold Avenger]

I liked that the 4e Bard was a more focused class, making it one of the classes that was actually improved by having a role. Even though I disapprove of roles for classes since they're too restricting, they should probably slant the Bard more towards a leader role, as it will make the Bard feel useful.

Generally I prefer magical varieties of the Bard. But I think there definitely should be a bunch of options, from the more Druidic Bard of 1e and the Skald of Heroes of Feywild, to the Prescient Bard archer build and the Virtue of Cunning Bard that combines with some of the more esoteric 3e prestige classes such as Master of the Secret Sound and Sublime Chord. While the Beguiler was certainly an example of a focused enchantment specialist wizard, I think that some of that class should have qualities that should be taken by the Bard.

Also versatility was a major draw of the Bard, previously it was to make them the Jack of all Trades. 4e allowed the somewhat ridiculous ability to take unlimited numbers of multiclass feats, though we know 5e multiclassing probably won't work that way. But I think there should be some things in the 5e Bard that works that way in allowing them to dabble in a whole lot of things.

 

[Paraxis]

No spells.
Magical songs that he sings and can sing all day long if need be. These songs take no action or (minor action) to keep up they are aura buff effects mostly and regeneration effects.

Trap handling not as good as the rogue but still able to do it effectively. They should be good at filling the niches of others without taking the spotlight away.