What is Bardic Inspiration in DnD 5e?

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In fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons, Bardic inspiration is a core class feature that allows Bards to use their musical talents to inspire their companions in battle, granting an ally an extra die roll which they can add to their attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.

Yet, despite this seemingly simple definition, Bardic inspiration is often misunderstood, as it has a few odd caveats that can sometimes confuse how it works. What’s more, the feature has recently undergone a significant change from how it first appeared the 2014 Player’s Handbook with the revised version appearing in the 2024 Player’s Handbook.

So just what is Bardic inspiration and how does it work? Grab your lute and dice as we strum up all the details.

What Does Bardic Inspiration Do in 2014 DnD 5e?

When Bardic Inspiration was first introduced in the 2014 Player’s Handbook, it quickly became a hallmark of the Bard class. The feature allowed Bards to use a bonus action on their turn to grant one creature within 60 feet that could hear them a Bardic Inspiration die. At Level 1 this die was a d6, but it became a d8 at 5th level, a d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level. The Bardic Inspiration die could be rolled and added to one ability check, attack roll or saving throw the recipient made within the next 10 minutes.

One important (and often confusing) caveat was that the die could be used after seeing the d20 roll but had to be decided before knowing from the Dungeon Master if the roll succeeded or failed. Additionally, a target could never have more than one Bardic Inspiration die at any given time.

The number of times a Bard could use Bardic Inspiration per day was tied to their Charisma modifier (with a minimum of once) and all expended uses were regained after a long rest.

What Does Bardic Inspiration Do in 2024 DnD 5e?

The 2024 Player’s Handbook introduced several notable changes to the new Bard class, including a fairly substantial overhaul of Bardic Inspiration that’s designed to enhance its functionality and make it more adaptable in various situations.

Mechanically, it functions the same as the 2014 version of Bardic Inspiration with a few key differences. First, the duration has gone from 10 minutes to a full hour. This change allows the Bard’s inspirational effect to last through more extended encounters and scenarios, providing greater strategic flexibility.

Additionally, the new rules allow the target to use Bardic Inspiration even after initially failing a d20 roll. This revision empowers players to make more informed decisions about when to use their inspiration die, potentially turning a failed roll into a success at a critical moment.

Another important change is that Bardic Inspiration now works on any target that can both hear and see the Bard. This means that even if a target is deafened, they can still benefit from Bardic Inspiration as long as they are within range and can see the Bard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bardic Inspiration

Below are a few common questions about how Bardic Inspiration works. For ease of reference, we’ve used the new 2024 DnD 5e rules, since these are most likely to be adopted by players.

How many Bardic Inspirations does a Bard have?

Under the 2024 rules, the number of times a Bard can use Bardic Inspiration is still tied to their Charisma modifier, with a minimum of once per long rest. This means that a Bard with a higher Charisma score can use this feature more frequently, reflecting their greater ability to inspire and motivate others.

How long does Bardic Inspiration last?

One of the major updates in the 2024 rules is the extended duration of Bardic Inspiration, which now lasts for a full hour. This change significantly enhances the utility of the feature, allowing the Bard’s inspirational effect to persist through longer encounters and various situations where timely boosts to ability checks, attack rolls or saving throws can be crucial.

Is Bardic Inspiration a bonus action?

Yes, using Bardic Inspiration is still a bonus action in the 2024 rules. This allows Bards to inspire their allies while also performing other actions on their turn, maintaining the dynamic and versatile nature of the class.

Can Bardic Inspiration be used on death saves?

Yes, Bardic Inspiration can be used on death saving throws. This can be a game-changer in dire situations, providing a crucial boost to an ally’s chances of stabilizing and surviving. In the new 2024 rules this is especially important, since you’re now able to use a Bardic Inspiration die after initially failing a roll.

Can you give yourself Bardic Inspiration?

No, a Bard cannot use Bardic Inspiration on themselves. The feature is designed to support and inspire others, fitting the thematic role of the Bard as a leader and motivator within the party.

How can you recover Bardic Inspiration?

Normally, you can only recover Bardic Inspiration uses after a Long rest. However, in the 2024 rules you can also recover Bardic Inspiration using the Font of Inspiration feature (which is given at Level 5). This allows you to regain all of your expended uses of Bardic Inspiration on both a Short or Long Rest. Additionally, Font of Inspiration allows to expend a spell slot to regain one use of Bardic Inspiration. You can do this anytime you wish and it does not require an action. This is a major boost to the class and really opens the path for players using their Bardic Inspiration more often, rather than hoarding it.

Final Thoughts

Whether inspiring a comrade to land a crucial blow, overcome a daunting challenge or coming back from the brink of death itself, Bardic Inspiration remains a powerful tool in any Bard’s repertoire. Yet it’s also a game mechanic that’s easy to confuse, given the many caveats to how it works and the recent changes from the 2014 to the 2024 rules.

Understanding how this feature works and when to use it, will ensure your Bard will be inspiring your fellow players whenever and wherever adventure takes you next.

You can find the complete rules for the new Bardic Inspiration feature in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, which is available for order now on D&D Beyond and Amazon.

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