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 Ancestral Resplendence (Aerenal Elves Only)
Bards who choose this school revere their ancestors. They study the lore and deeds of ancestral patrons and spread that knowledge among the people to strengthen the bonds between the Undying and their descendants. Bards of the College of Ancestral Resplendence honor the long-standing martial traditions of their ancestors and seek to show reverence to the Undying by achieving glory through their own deeds.
- Source: Faithful of Eberron, page 50
College of Resistance
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.
- More here: College of Resistance
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
College of Keys
Many say that it was a warden of House Kundarak that first mastered the techniques of the College of Keys, singing a song so beautiful that the locks of Dreadhold opened and closed with harmonious rhythm. Whatever the truth, the techniques of the College of Keys are a boon to anyone who faces locks and traps on a regular basis. Many masters of this path can be found in House Kundarak, but the elves of House Phiarlan orchestrate the Timbre Illuminous, and spies and thieves alike yearn to strike the Master Keynote. It is an uncommon path, and one that is very difficult to master, but riches await those who unravel its mysteries.
- Source: Morgrave Miscellany, page 17
College of the Silver Preachers
Members of the College of the Silver Preachers belong most often to the Order of Friars. Silver Preachers are itinerant, and motivate not only through hymns and choir music but also speeches, which generate the same mystical effects of their songs. Some Silver Friars persuaded many (one way or the other) during the lycanthropic purge, and some from this school have often served as lawyers or judges of the Church, settling religious-legal disputes.
- Source: Faithful of Eberron, page 22
