The recent Patch 8 update for Baldur’s Gate 3 introduced an impressive roster of 12 new subclasses, vastly expanding the array of character builds and archetypes available to players. Among these exciting additions are the enigmatic Shadow Magic Sorcerer and the elegant Bladesinger Wizard. Despite the rich variety of options presented, there’s one particular subclass from Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition that I believe would have made a captivating addition to Patch 8.
One of my personal favorites in D&D 5e is the Bard, a class known for its charismatic performance and magical abilities that both hinder adversaries and empower allies. The latest update has introduced the College of Glamour subclass for Bards, enabling players to charm and heal through powerful Mantles. However, another Bard subclass featured alongside this one piqued my interest even more and I strongly wish it had been included.
The College of Whispers Bard: Unveiling Sinister Secrets
The Potential of an Evil Bard for Unique Characters
The College of Whispers, introduced in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, stands out as an intriguing subclass in contrast to the College of Glamour. While the latter emphasizes enchanting allies with Fey magic, the Whispers Bard employs their charismatic facade to uncover and exploit dark secrets. Practitioners of the College of Whispers thrive on deception, using charm to infiltrate powerful circles, only to leverage their insights for threats and blackmail.
These Bards are renowned for their ability to befriend influential figures, acquire their secrets, and then utilize that information for nefarious purposes. This distinctly sinister flavor diverges sharply from the typically honorable and heroic representations of Bards found in subclasses such as Lore, Valor, or Swords within Baldur’s Gate 3.
In comparison, the features of the College of Glamour operate on a more straightforward level, focusing on the Mantles of Inspiration and Majesty that develop as players progress. However, the rich thematic elements and mechanics of the College of Whispers offer a far deeper and more diverse gameplay experience.
According to the rules established in D&D 5e, Whispers Bards can exert Bardic Inspiration to inflict Psychic damage and invoke fear against adversaries with their Words of Terror. At advanced levels, these Bards can even impersonate those who have fallen near them, assuming their form while retaining knowledge of their identities. These unique abilities would definitely enhance gameplay, distinguishing this subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3.
The Case for an “Evil”Bard Subclass
Chaotic Subclass Additions in Patch 8
The arrival of Patch 8 brought with it several “evil”-themed subclasses, exemplified by:
- Hexblade Warlock
- Shadow Magic Sorcerer
- Death Domain Cleric
- Swarmkeeper Ranger (often viewed as malevolent)
With nearly one-third of the newly added subclasses bearing sinister undertones, the absence of an “evil”Bard subclass feels like a missed opportunity. Presently, the Bards in the game share striking similarities, predominantly revolving around themes of honor and performance rather than delving into darker motives.
Subclasses such as the College of Valor and College of Lore emphasize party support through magic, while the Swords Bard exemplifies a hybrid approach, melding Bardic abilities with combat skills. Introducing a malicious Bard would challenge preconceived notions of the class, which typically leans towards whimsical or charming behavior rather than sinister actions. The addition of new spells in Patch 8, like Toll the Dead and Bursting Sinew, could have further amplified a darker narrative.
Unlike Clerics, whose alignments vary with their deity, or Warlocks, who embody a sense of intrigue and moral ambiguity, Bards currently lack an authentic progression toward a more villainous persona. An archetype like the College of Whispers could have recast Bards as agents of deception, particularly beneficial for engaging with BG3’s Dark Urge origin story. While the College of Glamour has its merits, it offers less variety than Bards evidently deserve.
How Substantial Adjustments Could Have Developed BG3’s Best Stealth Bard
Reimagined Features Emphasizing Stealth
Interestingly, while Bards are proficient in Dexterity skills like Stealth, these abilities tend to be overshadowed by their robust Charisma. Though they share similar saving throws with Rogues, Bards are not primarily played in a stealth-oriented manner. Some players may opt for Dexterity, but this is often to utilize Dexterity weapons instead of promoting sneaking tactics.
However, the College of Whispers subclass is ideally suited for stealth gameplay. Its inclusion in BG3 could have well-established the game’s premier Stealth Bard build. With the sixth-level ability, Mantle of Whispers, this subclass can perfectly replicate the identities of recently deceased individuals, gaining their memories while disguising themselves.
Moreover, the Words of Terror ability strikes fear into opponents who fail a Wisdom saving throw, and even those who succeed are unaware of the Bard’s intent. This mechanic could have been a tremendous addition to stealth tactics in BG3, potentially allowing for creative gameplay strategies.
While a direct translation of this character’s abilities might require adjustments, envisioning how such mechanics could alter play in BG3 is intriguing. Perhaps skills could provide limited combat bonuses or divert enemy attention—a creative and beneficial evolution to Bard gameplay. Given the extensive modifications to other subclasses, integrating the College of Whispers would seamlessly fit within the game, augmenting the existing diversity of options.
Ultimately, my conviction is that the College of Whispers would facilitate significantly more intricate build opportunities than the College of Glamour offers. This reflects greater questions about the fate of other D&D subclasses currently absent from Baldur’s Gate 3, leaving fans with plenty of “what if” scenarios until creative mods fill the gaps.