4th Edition Bard

So, it seems that Wizards has released details of the fourth edition bard, something I am very excited about.

So, I can't really tell you guys too much. It has to do with the fact the the details on the 4th Edition Bard are confined within the halls of DnD Insider, an online pay-subscription service for DnD content. It's an interesting service, and I'll be detailing more reviews of it's various bells and whistles soon.

But, I can simply talk about it, in so many words.

They've really taken the heart of the bard that persisted through the 2nd and 3rd editions and transformed into something better and more consistent. The leader archetype holds through into the bard, giving him ways to help his allies, hinder his foes, and heal. Standard stuff for the 4th Edition Leader.

However, the bard has some other neat tricks up his sleeve that give him a distinction all his own.

The third edition bard always wanted to be a fighter. He had weapon proficiencies and he had a few offensive spells, but he just had a bad Base Attack Bonus. Now, it seems even his melee oriented powers rely on his Charisma stat, a beautiful use of the new powers system. And he still has his random sampling of bardish weapons, and now comes complete with chainmail and shield.

One of the aspects of the 2nd edition bard was the feeling of a Jack of All Trades. The feeling that he could fill in for any role the party needed at any time. He might not be as good as a fighter, a priest, or a wizard, but he was useful in a pinch. 4th Edition has this covered as well with a pair of neat aspects. He always gets a +1 on untrained skill checks. And this stacks with the feat "Jack of All Trades" allowing him to get a +3. Only two points away from being trained in every skill? Not bad.

But what might be his most interesting aspect is his ability to take multiple multiclass feats. He can take the Rogue and Ranger feats to max out some pin-point damage. He can double up on Cleric/Warlord feats to become a much more able-bodied healer. Want more spellcasting? Pick up Warlock/Wizard feats and gain two additional encounter spells. And that's only second level! (First for humans *wink*)

I'm very excited to see the bard return to a respectable power level. Not as overpowered as the 2nd Edition monster, and not quite as forgettable as the 3rd Edition supporter, the 4th Edition Bard is a great interpretation, and I can't wait to see him rolled up in some of my games.

Later this week,
More WoW goodness, a sneak peak at two new miniatures lines, and a look behind the screen of Dungeon Mastering.

See ya soon,
Hoggy