Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUnder the 2014 D&D 5e rules, a bard starts with leather armor, a dagger, and three choices: one weapon, one pack, and one musical instrument. Add the equipment granted by the bard’s background, too. The 2024 rules use a different starting-equipment list, so don’t combine the two revisions.
2014 bard starting equipment
The 2014 class equipment list gives you these three choices, plus fixed gear:
- Weapon: a rapier, a longsword, or any simple weapon.
- Pack: a diplomat’s pack or an entertainer’s pack.
- Musical instrument: a lute or another musical instrument.
- Fixed gear: leather armor and a dagger.
These are independent choices: for example, you can choose a rapier, an entertainer’s pack, and an instrument other than a lute. The equipment is in addition to what your background provides. The 2014 Basic Rules give the class list; the same loadout appears in the SRD 5.1.
What the instrument does
A bard can use a musical instrument as a spellcasting focus under the 2014 rules. The instrument you start with can therefore have a rules function as well as a roleplaying one. The class list allows an instrument other than a lute; whether a particular instrument is available in your character’s setting can depend on the table.
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Bards also gain proficiency with three musical instruments of your choice. That is a proficiency feature, not three extra starting instruments.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.2024 rules: a different starting loadout
The current bard class page on D&D Beyond presents two starting-equipment options for the 2024 rules. Choose one; these are alternatives, not additions to the 2014 package.
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| 2024 option | Starting equipment |
|---|---|
| A | Leather armor, two daggers, a musical instrument of your choice, an entertainer’s pack, and 19 GP. |
| B | 90 GP instead of the listed equipment. |
Unlike the 2014 class list, these options do not offer a rapier, longsword, simple-weapon choice, or diplomat’s pack. The 2024 list also has two daggers in its equipment option and an all-cash alternative.
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How to choose your 2014 gear
- Pick your weapon. Choose the option that suits your character and the way you expect to play. The starting list offers a rapier, longsword, or any simple weapon.
- Pick a pack. Select either the diplomat’s pack or entertainer’s pack.
- Pick an instrument. Choose a lute or another musical instrument. It can serve as a bard spellcasting focus under the 2014 rules.
- Add the fixed items and background gear. Your class equipment includes leather armor and a dagger; your background supplies additional equipment.
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