Bard Subclass:
The College of Command
"Now listen ‘ere, lad. Hear that creak of the deck beneath yer boots? This ain’t a place for hesitation. Out here, orders ain’t suggestions—they’re the difference ‘tween sailin’ home and sinkin’ to the depths. So don’t be questionin’ every blasted word the captain spits. She knows more ‘n you’ll learn in a lifetime. When she says move, ye move. When she says strike, ye strike. And when she says duck—ye best be prayin’ to whatever gods ye fancy that ye hit the deck fast enough....."
—First-mate drilling new sailors
Leadership is more than issuing orders—it’s the weight of responsibility carried with every decision, often unseen by those who do not bear it. A true leader doesn’t rely solely on skill but wields the power of presence, inspiring unwavering trust in those who follow. Bards of the College of Command understand this art like no other. Whether captaining a seafaring galleon, steering a spelljamming vessel, or leading soldiers on distant battlefields, they direct the flow of combat with the precision of a maestro conducting an orchestra. Their words are not mere inspiration—they are the rhythm to which victory marches.
Class Features
| Level | Feature |
|---|---|
| 3rd | Lead by example, Captain's Command |
| 6th | Know your charge, At the ready |
| 14th | Tactical Supremacy |
Lead by example
When you join the College of Command at 3rd level, you gain the skills expected of any great leader.
You gain proficiency with either a vehicle of your choice or either Navigators or Cartographers tools. You also gain proficiency in one skill of your choice, choosing from the following: Insight, Perception, Survival, Persuasion and Intimidation.
Additionally, as long as you aren’t incapacitated, creatures within 30 feet of you that can see or hear you can add your Charisma modifier to any skill check that you have Expertise in.
Captain’s Command
Also starting at 3rd level, you have defined your presence on any battlefield. As a bonus action, you can expend a Bardic Inspiration die to issue a command to a creature that can see, hear, or otherwise communicate with you. The creature can immediately use its reaction to follow your command. Choose one of the following options:
- Attack Now! – Move up to half speed without provoking opportunity attacks, then make a weapon attack. Add the Bardic Inspiration die to the attack roll.
- Move There! – Move up to full speed without provoking opportunity attacks. Gain temporary HP equal to the Bardic Inspiration die + your Charisma modifier.
- Watch Out! – Take the Dodge action. Gain temporary HP equal to the Bardic Inspiration die + your Charisma modifier.
- Push Through! – If grappled or restrained, immediately make an ability check or saving throw to escape, adding the Bardic Inspiration die.
- Eye's up! – Make a Wisdom (Perception) check or an Intelligence (Investigation) check, adding the Bardic Inspiration die to the result.
- Regroup! – Spend one Hit Die to regain hit points and add one roll of your Bardic Inspiration die to the total.
Know your charge
Starting at 6th level, you’ve mastered the art of directing your allies with precision, using each of their strengths to their full potential.
As a bonus action, you can spend a Bardic Inspiration die to command a creature to cast a spell or use a feature, other than the attack action, that requires an action or bonus action. The creature can then use their reaction to follow your command.
The creature adds the Bardic Inspiration die to one roll of the spell or feature (such as an attack roll, damage roll, healing amount, or saving throw DC).
At the ready
Also starting from 6th level, your experience leading has made you ever vigilant.
As long as you aren't unconscious or incapacitated, you cannot be surprised. Additionally, when you roll initiative, you can immediately issue a Command from your Captain’s Command immediately.
Tactical Supremacy
Starting at level 14, your mastery of battlefield coordination allows you to command with effortless precision, guiding your allies and adapting instinctively to the flow of combat.
- You can use your Captain's Command feature by using a d6 instead of expending a Bardic Inspiration die.
- When you do expend a use of your Bardic Inspiration, you can target two creatures instead of one, issuing the same command to both.
- As a reaction at the end of any turn other than your own, you can expend a Bardic Inspiration die and apply the effect of one option from your Captain’s Command feature to yourself.
Art credit
First page top: Andrey Kuzinskiy
Second page bottom: Kudos Productions
