Bards are known for their charisma, artistic talents, and the power of music and storytelling. They can hail from any species, and many excel as masters of the performing arts. However, some species may find embracing the bardic lifestyle and ethos more challenging. This article explores the ten worst species for a bard, considering their racial abilities, thematic misalignment, and storytelling hurdles that may arise from these combinations.
1 Dwarf
Dwarves, while renowned for their craftsmanship and resilience, may not seem like the most natural fit for the flamboyant and charismatic world of bards. Their stoic and reserved nature can clash with the lively and extroverted characteristics typically associated with bards. Dwarves might need compelling backstories to justify their bardic pursuits.
2 Kobold
Kobolds often live on the fringes of society, and their aggressive tendencies might not align with the diplomatic and charming image of bards. Their small size and limited racial abilities can present challenges when fully embracing the bard’s versatile skill set. Playing a kobold bard requires careful role-playing to find a unique twist on this species-class combination.
3 Orc
Orcs, known for their martial prowess and aggressive nature, are another species that might struggle to find a comfortable place within the bardic tradition. Their traditional lore as warriors may make it difficult to convince others of their prowess as musicians, actors, and poets. Players must navigate a path that embraces and transcends their species’ brutal reputation to play an orc bard successfully.
4 Yuan-Ti Purebloods
With their secretive and often enigmatic ways, Yuan-Ti may have difficulty stepping into the spotlight as bards. Their inherent cold-blooded and calculating nature might not align with bardic performances’ lively and spontaneous spirit. To be a yuan-ti bard, players may need to explore complex narratives and character arcs that lead them toward this surprising class choice.
5 Githyanki
Githyanki’s warrior culture, psychic abilities, and focus on combat might not easily harmonize with the bardic theme. These fierce and resilient warriors often prioritize martial pursuits, and convincing others of their musical or storytelling talents can be challenging. To create a githyanki bard, players must weave unique tales of how these warriors found their way into bardic arts.
6 Tortles
Tortles‘ slow and methodical nature might not readily align with bards’ quick-witted and agile performances. Their unique features, like their Natural Armor and Shell Defense, might not support the more traditional bardic abilities. Players who play a tortle bard should create compelling narratives that delve into the more unusual aspects of this species-class combination.
7 Aarakocra
Aarakocra’s avian features and natural agility might be challenging for bardic themes, which often require engaging with more grounded elements of storytelling and performance. The bird-like nature of these creatures may make it difficult to rectify the traditional bardic image. Players should consider ways to ground their aarakocra bard and provide a unique performance twist.
8 Bugbears
Bugbears‘ aggressive and stealthy tendencies might not blend well with the bard’s role as a charismatic and charming entertainer. Like their long-limbed feature, their abilities don’t naturally support the bard’s skill set. To play a bugbear bard, players must construct compelling narratives that explain how these stealthy creatures found themselves on the path of performance and artistry.
9 Warforged
Warforged, with their mechanical and stoic nature, might not initially come to mind when thinking of charismatic bards. These constructs may lack the organic qualities that often define bardic performances. To excel as a warforged bard, players should delve into the origins of these characters and explore how they connect with artistic expression.
10 Genasi
Genasi, despite their elemental heritage and unique abilities, might find it challenging to fit within the lively and outgoing world of bards. Their connection to the elements and often reflective nature might not readily align with the typical bardic image. Players must create distinctive and imaginative narratives to support this species-class combination effectively.
While any species can theoretically become a bard, the ten species outlined here may present particular challenges in fully embracing the bardic ethos. Playing a bard from these species often requires creative storytelling, unique character development, and a willingness to explore the unexpected. These combinations may not be the most intuitive, but they can lead to some of the most memorable and extraordinary characters in Dungeons & Dragons.
