Bardic Inspiration (class action)

This article is about the base bard class action. For other uses, see Bardic Inspiration (disambiguation). For the unrelated gameplay mechanic that allows rerolling failed skill checks, see Inspiration.

Bardic Inspiration is a Bard passive feature and class action. This ability allows a Bard to inspire their allies and influence the outcome of their rolls. At level 5 and onwards this feature is replaced with Improved Bardic Inspiration in the UI.

Description

Inspire an ally to go beyond their capabilities with your performance. They can add a +1d6 bonus to their next Attack roll, Ability check, or Saving throw.

Properties

Cost

 Bonus Action +  Bardic Inspiration

Details

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft

Targets: 1 ally that does not already have  Bardic Inspiration

At higher levels

• When the Bard reaches level 5, the bonus increases to +1d8.
• When the Bard reaches level 10, the bonus increases to +1d10.

Condition: Bardic Inspiration

 Bardic Inspiration

Duration: Until Long rest

• Can use  Bardic Inspiration to add a +1d6 bonus to the next Attack roll, Ability check, or Saving throw.
• Bonus depends on originating Bard's level

Grants:

•  Bardic Roll (Toggleable Passive Feature): +1d6 bonus to the next Ability check.
•  Bardic Defence (Reaction): +1d6 bonus to the next Saving throw.
•  Bardic Attack (Reaction): +1d6 bonus to the next Attack roll.

How to learn

Classes:

• Class level 1: Bard

Notes

• Helping Alfira play for the tiefling kids at the end of Act 2 allows the use of the unique  Improved Bardic Inspiration class action once per long rest, costing only a bonus action. This functions similarly to Bardic Inspiration but uses a d12 and triggers via toggled passives, rather than reactions.

Bugs

• When used to modify an attack roll with a +1d10 bonus, the Bardic Inspiration condition is not removed from the character.
• Bardic Inspiration may target a character who is already affected by the +1d10 version, wasting the effect as they do not stack.

Related items

• Blazer of Benevolence: When you inspire an ally using Bardic Inspiration, you gain 4 temporary hit points.
• Boots of Brilliance: Play your instrument to restore one of your Bardic Inspiration slots (Recharge: Long Rest).
• Cap of Curing: When you inspire an ally using Bardic Inspiration, they also regain 1d6 hit points.
• Wondrous Gloves: Your Armour Class increases by 1. In addition, if you have Bardic Inspiration, you gain 1 more use of it.