Eberron Bard
To survive on the road, a trouper must be clever, charismatic, and versatile above all. Whether a tryst with a foe resolves by silver-tongue or adamantine blade, an adventuring bard’s worth truly comes from the ability to improvise a magical talent to charm, lull, or simply assist with a nearly limitless reservoir of practical knowledge and skill. While the common trope sings of a troubadour whose magic harmonizes with some cosmic symphony, those who have traversed Khorvaire have learned that inspiration is the true magic of any bardic exhibition, regardless of the medium. Morgrave Miscellany, page 13, gives examples of what playing a Bard in Eberron might look like.
In addition to the subclass options presented on dndbeyond, the following Bardic Colleges are also available:
College of Defiance: Recent history has altered Khovaire's politics in unprecedented ways. New independent nations have emerged, many ruled by races once entirely subject to the human kings of Galifar. Thrane's monarchy was overthrown in favor of theocracy, while Breland's parliament has assumed great power. As a student of the changing tides of history, you know even greater transformation is possible for those willing to rise up and overthrow their rulers. Your bardic abilities position you to lead and support such uprisings.
You know that the combination of vision, determination, unity, and leadership required to create real change is rare, but so is your talent for nurturing such qualities. Like other bards, you seek to captivate the attention of audiences, but your goal is to educate as well as entertain. You inspire would-be rebels to action, showing them a better world is possible and demonstrating strategies by which the old order can be overthrown.
Your abilities as a performer allow you to cover your activities as entertainment and distract prying eyes from your true agenda. When you are among your comrade-in-arms, however, your real work begins. You are most effective as part of a larger faction, such as the Swords of Liberty, one of the goblinoid clans calling themselves the Heirs of Dhakaan, or the militant movement led by the Lord of Blades. If you have yet to join such a resistance group, you are likely seeking contact with one, or planning to form your own.
- Source: Eberron Archetypes, page 9
College of Intrigue: Countless factions jockey for position in the aftermath of the Last War. The dragonmarked houses, temples both pure and corrupt, crime lords, monster gangs, psionic spies, arcance universities, royal orders, secret societies, sinister masterminds, dragons, and the multitude of other organizations and factions all act in secrecy to gain power, and they all need operatives and leaders. Bards like you fill this role perfectly. Your chosen group taught you the value of loyalty and secrecy, and how to command fear and respect, whether by magic or other means. The key to your success and survival is an expert understanding of the desires, hopes, and fears of those around you.
- Source: Eberron Archetypes, page 9
