Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 basilbur Dec 10, 2014 19:22:19	I like the Bard class.  I was glad to see Bard Spells go up to 9th level.  However, I was a little surprized at the apparent weakness of the 20th level buff for Bards: Superior Inspiration (pp. 54 PHB).  It seems weak.  Especially compared to some of the other class 20th level buffs.  I mean, Barbarians get +4 to both strength and constitution and Cleric get automatic divine intervention (free True Resurrection spell once per day anyone?).   But Superior Inspiration for Bards get an extra d12 to one person per roll of initiative.  Oh no no no No!  I have two suggestions:   1) low power - I would allow a 20th level Bard to give one d20 buff to any party member each and every round of combat and a number of times equal the charsima mod outside of combat.   2) fun power - Bardic Inspiration (BI) - I would replace the entire d4, d6, d8, etc progression and allow Bards to flat out grant Inspiration similar to that detailed in page 125 of PHB (with one important restriction mentioned below) to any party member within sixty feet a set number of times per long rest as follows:   1st - BI = one plus charisma mod 5th - BI = two plus charisma mod 10th - BI = three plus charisma mod 15th - BI = four plus charisma mod 20th - BI = five plus charisma mod, charisma +4 Char max now 24.   Here's my reasoning: the new Inspiration rule in D&D is a stroke of genius.  I love it.  Players love it.  And Bards should absolutely give Inspiration according to the fun, cool new rule rather than some lowly d(n) dice buff.  If you feel it's too powerful a boon, then other abilities could be reduced.   One restriction on the Bard Inspiration. It has to be used immediately on a specific roll.  You can't bank it for later use.  Only DM's can give out 'bankable' Inspiration.     Think of it though.....  Now, Bards are what?  Weak fighters?  So-so spell casters?  Jack of all Trade skill masters?  But what if the Bard granted instant Inspiration at will?  It would make Bards VERY popular classes to have in a party.  You are a Bard!  You grant inspiration?  You have a spot in our party right the heck now.  Here: fight next to me please so I can hear you sing!!   Have at me!
#2 mellored Dec 10, 2014 20:33:57	IMO: when you roll initivie, you gain 2 Insperation Dice, not going above your normal max. also, bards are not weak spellcasters. They get all sorts of good spells, and can cherry pick the best.
#3 Ashrym Dec 10, 2014 21:26:05	Initiative cheese and duration allows giving out inspiration dice to the entire party. A person can just simplify the mechanic to spending one minute for mass inspiration that also recovers 1 inspiration die. The initiative mechanic is awkward for the capstone and I think I would prefer the ability to recharge inspiration dice by expending spell slots like paladin and ranger mechanics. That could be a sweet capstone because inspiration dice are pretty good as.
#4 mellored Dec 11, 2014 4:50:14	Oh, and clerics get divine intervention once every 7 days.   And it's the DM's choice.  So it's not always as nice as you might like.
#5 Mephi1234 Dec 11, 2014 10:48:10	Barbarians, Fighters, Clerics, Paladins, and Druids are hands down the best level 20 abilities, even if the Fighter one is boring.       Everyone else is pretty ho-hum as it is.   Over half the classes have a weak sauce 20th level ability.   I've gotten to the point I just don't care about the levels after 18.
#6 mellored Dec 11, 2014 10:56:40	Mephi1234 wrote:
#7 Ashrym Dec 11, 2014 14:56:23	I agree on the cleric capstone being okay but not wonderful.  It turns into one of those abilities that never gets used because the player needs to justify whether it's really needed or not because of the time until it can be used again, and on those rare times it does get used it really can't be used again for some time.