Bard Bards were versatile arcane spellcaster s , capable in combat , art , and magic alike . Bards practiced magic as they would art or song , using their artistic talents to induce magical effects that either bolstered their allies or hindered their enemies , typically through charms and illusions . In addition to their magical skills , bards were artistically talented and extraordinarily well - learned , possessing knowledge in a wide range of fields . Bards were among the most versatile of adventurer s , capable of learning from practically any trade . The most notable of the world ' s bards during the Era of Upheaval were likely Storm Silverhand of the Seven Sisters or Ningal of Unther . Culture . Both literally and figuratively enchanting , bards drew upon , more than perhaps any other profession , the works of all who ' d come before them . Storytellers , musicians , enchanters , dancers , and lorekeepers , bards were prone to wanderlust , traveling from one place to another in search of new lore or perhaps in the hopes of spreading what they already knew . Some came into the services of others as ambassadors or spies , but most bards preferred the freedom of mobility and living by one ' s whims , though this was not without exception and most bards acquired their skills as a result of training under previous bards , drawing upon ancient traditions of lore and arcane magic . Bards had a reputation for being joyful and inspiring , though as with every skill their ability to charm and inspire had a darker side . Evil bards were manipulative and cunning , twisting the hearts of others either through magic or sheer charisma . Most bards , though , regardless of their individual morals , held a strong distaste for blatant violence , at least when it could be avoided . To a bard the joys of life were in seeking knowledge or , better yet , witnessing the discovery of such knowledge firsthand . For this reason many bards were drawn to the adventuring lifestyle , hoping to witness the weaving of new tales firsthand - or perhaps even to instigate them . Bards were common throughout Toril , appearing most commonly in the Dalelands and North Faerûn , though they could also be found in large numbers in as diverse locations as Chult or Vaasa . Some of the world ' s greatest magical and adventuring traditions were propped up and supported by bards . The most notable of these , the Harper s , held a large numbers of bards within their ranks . The most common bards were human s and eladrin , as well as half - elves and half - eladrin to a lesser extent , the latter three drawing upon the ancient magical and musical traditions of the elves to their benefit . On the other hand , few half - orc s , orc s , or goblinoid s became bards , their ancient traditions less befitting the bard ' s lifestyle . Nor , for that matter , were dwarven , except for gold dwarves , though halfling and gnomish bards were . Of all the races , half - elves , with their unusual combination of endurance and charm , were considered to have the best natural capability for a bard ' s lifestyle , though gnomes and tiefling s also made excellent bards . Bards typically got along well with non - bards , in no small part due to their versatility and charm . In parties of adventurers most bards served as spokesmen of sorts , due to their affinity for social interaction and skill at enchantment . Bards clashed with few people , having a little bit of something to offer just about anyone . Bards were drawn most often to the worship of god s of magic , such as Corellon , Selûne , or others . Good bards sometimes worshiped Bahamut or Moradin . Less moralistic bards were instead sometimes drawn to the worship of Lolth , Tiamat , or Zehir . Abilities . Bards were 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 , bards were widely capable in a number of different situations and were widely recognized as a sort of " jack - of - all - trades . " For instance , bards were better trained in weaponry than all other arcane spellcasters ( including swordmage s ) trained in the use of all simple weapons , longsword s , rapier s , shortsword s , and hand crossbows . Additionally , some bards exhibited proficiency in scimitar s and martial ranged weapons as well . Similarly , bards were naturally knowledgeable and had an uncanny ability for improvisation and trying new things . But unlike fighters or rogues , who might be similarly proficient , bards were capable of casting ritual s and spell s , including those normally only used by other spellcasters . Bards of all kinds learned to inspire virtue and ability in those around them . Exactly how frequently a bard could do this depended partially upon their strength of personality as well as their level of experience . Some bards used their inspirational power to boost their allies ' cunning or reflexes , while others inspired and furthered the courage and valor in those with whom they fought . In addition to this , experienced bards could also counteract the effects of spells designed to charm or frighten , providing magical aid to their allies . Similarly , bards , through their music and arts , could soothe the nerves of their allies and , through their magic , heal their wounds and bolster their spirits , either at rest or in combat . Bards were , as a general rule , uncannily skilled advocates and diplomats . For many bards this was a result of their typically high charisma but some bards - including those who were less charming - could boost their persuasive power through magic . They did this by actually enchanting the very words they speak , making them sound even more persuasive and compelling than they would normally . Like other spellcasters , bards usually used implements to increase the effectiveness of their spells or to subsitute for their material cost . Some bards used wand s for this purpose , wielding them like a conductor ' s baton . Others use more specialized implements such as songblade s . Most however used a musical instrument , enchanted or mundane , focusing their magic through music . Many bards particularly treasured this latter method and believed their music tapped into the Words of Creation themselves , sprinkling song and story with echoes of the universe ' s beginnings . Bard colleges . Eager to learn and often fond of company , most bards organized themselves into loosely bound fellowships known as colleges , which helped to preserve each bard ' s individual knowledge and pass them on to others . Some of the most common colleges are listed below . College of Lore . Given all bards ’ love of learning it is little surprise that some bards prioritized it during their training . Bards belong to the College of Lore , also known as cunning bards , collected bits of knowledge from every place they can find , be it academic writings or folk tales , gathering in universities and local festivals alike in their pursuit of lore . Bards of this tradition weaved what tales and trivia they found into their stories and songs to entertain , as well as to illuminate that which they hold to be important . Uncompromising in their views , College of Lore bards ' first loyalty was to the truth , which made them valuable ( if occasionally brazen ) advisers . Cunning bards preferred a path of trickery and cunning , using charm and intellect together to overcome obstacles . As a result , while cunning bards were as charming as most other bards , they placed less of an emphasis on vitality and more of one on intellectual pursuits . Witty with insults and distracting barbs , bards from the College of Lore were capable of whittling the confidence of their opponents , reducing their effectiveness in various acts of skill or combat . Proficient in a greater number of skills than most bards , College of Lore bards were also uncommonly capable in those same skills and experienced bards of the tradition were rarely completely ineffectual at any given task . In addition to their peerless skill , bards from the College of Lore were also versatile spellcasters , capable of learning or imitating even more spells than a typical bard . Many cunning bards preferred using wands as implements to cast ranged spells and nearly all had training as tacticians , coordinating their allies in the midst of a battle . Cunning bards sometimes also trained to become summer rhymer s . College of Valor . College of Valor bards , also known as skald s , or valorous bards , were daring adventurers , who preferred to emulate the heroes they heard and learned of than to merely sing of them . Frequently found in mead halls or other gatherings of warriors , skalds hoped to witness heroic deeds firsthand so they may inspire future generations to similar heights . Believing that the heart should come before the mind , valorous bards were often great leaders , inspiring others to acts of heroism as legends inspired them . Proficient in a greater number of weapons and armor than typical bards , bards from the College of Valor were also exceptionally skilled as warriors , capable of attacking more frequently and casting spells at the same time . A valorous bard might have neglected their intelligence to some small degree ( though most of the tradition were still cunning ) but they remained capable leaders while also improving their own durability . Many valorous bards preferred the use of short ranged spells and wielded sword s as their weapon of choice . Valorous bards often make capable war chanter s .