Shade/Player Guide

Shade - Player Guide

Shade is a Level 7 Tiefling Bard (College of Lore) with the Haunted One background. Shade is a member of the Zhentarim.

Overview

Core Stats:

• AC: 18 (Light Armor)
• HP: 45 (Max)
• Speed: 30 ft.
• Initiative: +4
• Proficiency Bonus: +3

Ability Scores:

• STR 10 (+0) | DEX 16 (+3) | CON 12 (+1)
• INT 14 (+2) | WIS 8 (-1) | CHA 17 (+3)

Saving Throws:

• Dexterity: +6
• Charisma: +6
• +1 Bonus vs Disadvantage or end the Charmed condition
• Advantage against Non-Magical Sources

Spell Save DC: 16 | Spell Attack Bonus: +8

SPELL PREPARATION & CHANGES

When Can Shade Change Spells?

Long Rest (Prepared Spells):

• Bards are Spontaneous Casters - you do NOT prepare spells
• Your entire spell list is ALWAYS available to cast
• You cannot change your known spells at rest

Level Up (Learning New Spells):

• When you gain a Bard level, you learn 1 new spell of any level you can cast
• You can also replace 1 known spell with a different spell of any level you can cast
• Example at Level 8: Learn 1 new spell, and optionally swap out 1 old spell

What This Means:

• Your current spell list is FIXED until you level up
• No daily preparation needed - you always know all your spells
• Choose carefully when leveling - you're stuck with your choices until next level

Current Spells Known: 12 spells (4 cantrips + 8 leveled spells)

• Maximum at Level 7: 11 known spells (you have 1 bonus spell from Infernal Legacy)

COMBAT - What Can I Do On My Turn?

Weapon Attacks

Weapon	Attack Bonus	Avg Damage	Damage Roll	Range	Properties	Source
Rapier, +1	+5	8	1d8+4 piercing	Melee	Finesse, Vex	Equipment
Dagger of Venom	+5	6	1d4+4 piercing	20/60 ft	Finesse, Light, Thrown, Nick, Vex	Magic Item
Dagger, +1	+5	6	1d4+4 piercing	20/60 ft	Finesse, Light, Thrown, Nick	Magic Item
Spear, +1	+2	4	1d6+1 piercing	20/60 ft	Thrown, Versatile, Sap	Equipment
Crossbow, Light	+4	8	1d8+3 piercing	80/320 ft	Two-Handed, Loading	Equipment

Note: All weapon attacks have -2 penalty due to Curse of the Eye (already included in attack bonus above)

Damage Cantrips

Cantrip	Attack Type	Attack Bonus	Avg Damage	Damage Roll	Range	V/S/M	Source
Starry Wisp	Spell Attack	+8	9	2d8 radiant	60 ft	V/S	Bard Cantrip

Damage Spells - Spell Attack

Spell	Level	Attack Bonus	Avg Damage	Damage Roll	Effect	Range	V/S/M	Source
Witch Bolt	1st	+8	13 (first turn) + 6/turn	1d12 lightning initial, 1d12 auto damage each turn	Ongoing damage while concentrated	60 ft	V/S/M	Bard (1/Long Rest)
Scorching Ray	2nd	+8	21 (3 rays)	3 rays × 2d6 fire each	Can target 1-3 creatures	120 ft	V/S	Wand of Suggestion

Damage Spells - Saving Throw

Spell	Level	Save	Avg Damage	Damage Roll	Effect/Conditions	Range/Area	V/S/M	Source
Thunderwave	1st	CON 16	9	2d8 thunder	Half damage on save, pushed 10 ft on fail	15 ft cube	V/S	Bard
Shatter	2nd	CON 16	13	3d8 thunder	Half on save, extra damage to objects	60 ft / 10 ft sphere	V/S/M	Bard
Cloud of Daggers	2nd	None (auto)	10/turn	4d4 slashing per turn	Lasts 1 min (conc), damages on entry and start of turn	60 ft / 5 ft cube	V/S/M	Bard
Erupting Earth	3rd	DEX 16	19	3d12 bludgeoning	Half on save, creates difficult terrain	120 ft / 20 ft cube	V/S/M	Bard
Raulothim's Psychic Lance	4th	INT 16	24	7d6 psychic	Half on save, incapacitated until end of next turn on fail	120 ft	V	Bard
Hellish Rebuke	2nd	DEX 14	11	2d10 fire	Reaction when damaged, half on save	60 ft	V/S	Infernal Legacy (1/LR)

Damage Spells - Automatic Hit

Spell	Level	Avg Damage	Damage Roll	Effect	Range	V/S/M	Source
Magic Missile	1st	10	3 darts × (1d4+1) force	Automatic hit, can split between targets	120 ft	V/S	Bard

Control & Debuff Spells

Spell	Level	Save	Effect	Duration	Conditions	Range	V/S/M	Source
Bane	1st	CHA 16	Up to 3 targets subtract 1d4 from attacks/saves	1 min (conc)	Debuff	30 ft	V/S/M	Bard
Bestow Curse	3rd	WIS 16	Choose: Disadvantage on ability checks/saves, disadvantage on attacks vs you, lose action on 4-6, or custom curse	1 min (conc)	Cursed	Touch	V/S	Bard
Suggestion	2nd	WIS 16	Target follows reasonable suggestion	8 hours (conc)	Charmed (suggestion)	30 ft	V/M	Bard or Wand (2 charges)
Charm Monster	4th	WIS 16	Charm creature	1 hour	Charmed	30 ft	V/S	Bard
Darkness	2nd	None	Create 15 ft sphere of magical darkness	10 min (conc)	Blinded (inside)	60 ft	V/M	Infernal Legacy (1/LR)

Support & Healing

Ability	Type	Effect	Range	V/S/M	Source
Bardic Inspiration	Bonus Action	Give ally 1d8 to add to ability check, attack, or save within 10 minutes (4 uses/Long Rest)	60 ft	Verbal	Bard Class Feature
Healing Word	1st Level Spell (Bonus Action)	Heal ally for 1d4+3 HP	60 ft	V	Bard
Song of Rest	Short Rest Feature	Allies spending Hit Dice gain +1d6 HP	Party	Performance	Bard Class Feature
Blade Ward	Cantrip	Resistance to physical damage	Self	V/S	Bard

Utility Spells

Spell	Level	Effect	Duration	Range	V/S/M	Source
Detect Magic	1st (Ritual)	Sense magic within 30 ft	10 min (conc)	Self	V/S	Bard
Speak with Dead	3rd	Ask corpse 5 questions	10 min	10 ft	V/S/M	Bard
True Strike	Cantrip	Gain advantage on next attack against target	Until end of your next turn	Self	S/M	Bard
Thaumaturgy	Cantrip	Minor supernatural effects (voice amplification, harmless tremors, etc.)	Up to 1 min	30 ft	V	Tiefling

Bonus Actions

• Bardic Inspiration: Give ally 1d8 bonus (4 uses/Long Rest)
• Healing Word: Heal ally 1d4+3 HP at range
• Song of Rest: During short rest only, +1d6 to Hit Dice healing

Reactions

Reaction	Trigger	Effect	Save/DC	Uses	Source
Cutting Words	Enemy makes attack, ability check, or damage roll	Subtract 1d8 from their roll	None	Unlimited (uses Bardic Inspiration)	Bard Feature
Iron Rebuke	Ally within 60 ft takes damage	Attacker takes 2d10 piercing + 2d10 fire	DEX 16 (half on save)	1/Long Rest	Clausebearer Compact Rank 2
Mute's Kiss	Unknown trigger	Unknown effect	Unknown	3/Long Rest	Clausebearer Compact
Hellish Rebuke	You take damage	Deal 2d10 fire damage to attacker	DEX 14 (half on save)	1/Long Rest	Infernal Legacy
Opportunity Attack	Enemy leaves reach without Disengaging	Make melee weapon attack	Attack roll	Unlimited	Standard Rule

SOCIAL SITUATIONS

Skill Bonuses

Best Skills (Expertise):

• Persuasion: +9 - Your strongest social skill
• Deception: +8 - Lying and misdirection
• Investigation: +8 - Finding clues and details
• Arcana: +5 - Magical knowledge

Good Skills:

• Intimidation: +6
• Performance: +6
• Sleight of Hand: +6
• Stealth: +6

Other Skills:

• Animal Handling: +2, Athletics: +1, History: +3, Insight: +2, Medicine: +0, Nature: +3, Perception: +0, Religion: +3, Survival: +2

Passive Scores

• Passive Perception: 10 (WARNING: Low due to Curse of the Eye)
• Passive Insight: 12
• Passive Investigation: 18 (Very high - use this for noticing details)

Social Features

• Jack of All Trades: Add +1 to ability checks you're not proficient in
• Expertise: Double proficiency in Arcana, Deception, Investigation, and Persuasion
• Iron Whisperer: 1/Long Rest, gain advantage on Intimidation or Deception as faint whispers support your words
• Countercharm: As action, perform until end of next turn. You and allies within 30 ft gain advantage vs frightened/charmed

Languages

• Common, Draconic, Infernal, Undercommon

EXPLORATION

Movement & Senses

• Walking Speed: 30 ft
• Darkvision: 60 ft (see in darkness as shades of gray)
• Blindsight: 30 ft (from Robe of Eyes)
• Curse of the Eye Effect: See magic perfectly, but disadvantage on Perception checks and DEX saves involving non-magical creatures/objects. -2 penalty to weapon attacks.

Useful Exploration Spells

• Detect Magic (Ritual): Find magical auras within 30 ft (10 min concentration)
• Speak with Dead: Get information from corpses (5 questions)
• Thaumaturgy (At Will): Create minor supernatural effects - flavor and utility

Tools & Instruments

• Poisoner's Kit: Create and apply poisons
• Bagpipes, Horn, Lute: Musical instruments (Bagpipes can be spellcasting focus)

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Resource	Total	Recharges
Hit Dice (d8)	7	Long Rest
Bardic Inspiration	4 uses	Long Rest
Spell Slots (1st Level)	4	Long Rest
Spell Slots (2nd Level)	3	Long Rest
Spell Slots (3rd Level)	3	Long Rest
Spell Slots (4th Level)	1	Long Rest
Cutting Words	Unlimited (uses Reaction)	Always Available
Song of Rest	Unlimited	Per Short Rest
Whisperfang Oil	1 use	Long Rest
Iron Whisperer (Compact Rank 1)	1 use	Long Rest
Iron Rebuke (Compact Rank 2)	1 use	Long Rest
Mute's Kiss	3 uses	Long Rest
Hellish Rebuke (Infernal Legacy)	1 use	Long Rest
Darkness (Infernal Legacy)	1 use	Long Rest
Wand of Suggestion	2 charges	Unknown
Scorching Ray (Wand)	1 charge used	Unknown

COMMON TACTICS

Opening Combat

1. Check positioning - Stay at 60+ ft for ranged safety

2. Consider Bane - If fighting multiple tough enemies, debuff them first (concentration)

3. Or cast Cloud of Daggers - Place in chokepoint for ongoing damage (concentration)

4. Or blast with Erupting Earth - High damage AOE with difficult terrain

During Combat

1. Use Starry Wisp - Reliable ranged damage every turn

2. Save Bardic Inspiration for critical moments - Death saves, important attacks, crucial saves

3. Use Cutting Words on enemy crits or when ally might get hit - Can turn a hit into a miss

4. Maintain concentration - Don't cast new concentration spells if you have a good one active

5. Use Rapier +1 in melee - Best melee option if forced into close combat

Support Tactics

1. Give Bardic Inspiration before combat - Distribute to frontline fighters

2. Save Healing Word for emergencies - Bonus action means you can still cast cantrip

3. Use Suggestion creatively - Remove enemies from combat without violence

4. Charm Monster for information - Great for interrogation or avoiding combat

Defensive Tactics

1. AC 18 is good - You can take a few hits

2. Fire resistance - Less concerned about fire damage

3. Iron Rebuke for protection - Use when ally takes big hit

4. Hellish Rebuke for revenge - Punish attackers who damage you

5. Darkness as escape - Drop magical darkness and flee if overwhelmed

Spell Slot Conservation

• Use cantrips liberally - Starry Wisp is strong and free

• 1st level slots - Bane, Healing Word, Thunderwave when needed

• 2nd level slots - Shatter for AOE, Suggestion for control

• 3rd level slots - Erupting Earth for big damage, Bestow Curse for boss fights

• 4th level slot - Raulothim's Psychic Lance for high-priority targets only

QUICK REFERENCE

In Combat Priority:

1. Check if concentration spell is active (don't break unless necessary)

2. Check ally positioning and health

3. Cast spell OR make weapon attack

4. Save Cutting Words reaction for critical enemy attacks

5. Save Bardic Inspiration for crucial moments

Before Combat Checklist:

1. Distribute Bardic Inspiration to frontliners (4 available)

2. Position at 60-80 ft range (optimal for spells)

3. Prepare concentration spell choice

4. Have Cutting Words ready for reactions

Concentration Spells (Only ONE Active):

• Control: Bane, Bestow Curse, Suggestion, Charm Monster, Darkness
• Damage: Witch Bolt, Cloud of Daggers
• Defense: Blade Ward

Key Combat Numbers:

• Spell Save DC: 16
• Spell Attack Bonus: +8
• Bardic Inspiration Die: 1d8 (add to ally's roll)
• Cutting Words Die: 1d8 (subtract from enemy's roll)
• AC: 18
• Initiative: +4

Resistances & Vulnerabilities:

• Fire Resistance (Tiefling - half damage from fire)
• Acid Resistance (from features)
• Curse of the Eye Penalties: Disadvantage on Perception and DEX saves vs non-magical things, -2 to weapon attacks

Special Abilities Quick List:

• At-Will: Starry Wisp, Blade Ward, True Strike, Thaumaturgy
• 1/Long Rest: Whisperfang Oil, Iron Whisperer, Iron Rebuke, Mute's Kiss (3/LR), Hellish Rebuke, Darkness, Witch Bolt
• Unlimited: Cutting Words (reaction), Bardic Inspiration (4/LR), Song of Rest

Best Damage Options by Range:

• Ranged (60+ ft): Starry Wisp (2d8), Magic Missile (3×1d4+1), Raulothim's Psychic Lance (7d6)
• AOE: Thunderwave (2d8), Shatter (3d8), Erupting Earth (3d12)
• Melee: Rapier +1 (1d8+4), Dagger of Venom (1d4+4 + poison potential)

Best Control Options:

• Multiple Enemies: Bane (-1d4 to attacks/saves)
• Single Enemy: Bestow Curse (concentration, many effects)
• Social Control: Suggestion (8 hours!), Charm Monster
• Battlefield: Erupting Earth (difficult terrain), Darkness (can't see)

Remember:

• You can cast 1 leveled spell per turn (or 1 bonus action spell + cantrip)
• Bardic Inspiration can be added AFTER seeing the roll result
• Cutting Words can be used AFTER seeing the roll but BEFORE knowing if it succeeds
• Concentration breaks if you cast another concentration spell or take damage and fail CON save
• Your Passive Investigation (18) is very high - DM should tell you when you notice things automatically
• Curse of the Eye makes you bad at mundane Perception but excellent at detecting magic