Bard

Bards are versatile arcanists, capable in combat, art, and magic alike. Bards practice magic as they would art or song and use their artistic talents to induce magical effects that either bolster their party or hinder their enemy, typically through illusion magic. They also are among the most versatile of characters, capable of learning from practically any trade.

Bards are common throughout Toril and some of the world's greatest magical and adventuring traditions were propped up and supported by bards. The most notable of these, the Harpers, held a large numbers of bards within their ranks.

The most notable of the world's bards was likely Storm Silverhand.

Abilities
Bards are among the most versatile of adventurers. While not necessarily as tough as a fighter, as skilled as a rogue, or as intelligent as a wizard, the bard class combines all these aspects, and more, to be a "jack-of-all-trades" support character. For instance, bards are better trained in weaponry than all other arcanists, including swordmages, trained in the use of all simple weapons, longswords, scimitars, short swords, and most kinds of ranged weapons. Similarly, bards are naturally knowledgable and have an uncanny ability for improvisation and trying new things. But unlike fighters or rogues, who might be similarily proficient, bards are capable of casting rituals, though to a lesser extent than wizards or clerics, and spells.

Bards of all kinds learn to inspire virtue and ability in those around them, though what qualities they inspire may vary from bard to bard. Some bards inspire cunning and quick reflexes in their allies, while others might inspire and further the courage and valor in those with whom they fight. Similarly, bards can, through their music and arts, soothe the nerves of their allies and, through their magic, heal their wounds and bolster their spirits, either at rest or in combat.

Bards are uncannily good at persuasion and diplomacy. For many bards this is a result of their typically high charisma but all bards, even those with a lower degree of personal allure, are able to charm their way through many troubles. They do this by actually enchanting the very words they speak, making them sound even more persuasive and compelling than they would normally.

Like other arcanists, bards usually use implements to increase the effectiveness of their spells. Most bards use wands for this purpose, wielding them like a conductor's baton. Some bards, however, use more specialized implements such as songblades or enchanted magical instruments. Many bards in particularly treasure the latter, since they can be used not only for magic but for weaving beautiful music.