Bards are fairly common in Faerie, but far less so in Iconium. Bardic ability (class abilities and spells) stems from fey blood, so Iconian citizens who practice these skills are sometimes looked down upon as "tainted" and possible Faerie spies, but a bard's natural talent at selling themselves, and artistic talent make the veils of prejudice fall away - at least while they are performing. Bards, therefore are often treated on an individual basis in Iconium. Some are brought before the Inquisition, others have high positions in the Imperial Court.

Bards are the lowest class in the Druidical Order in Faerie, meaning they have less say and prestige than druids and praise-singers, but they also outnumber both of their "betters."

Bards are highly valued and always welcome in Faerie, especially by those who do not trust the machiations of the Druids

Rule 0: Bards do not need material components to cast spells (they do need Foci, if required), but they must talk or sing. They must employ material components, to use the Quicken Metamagic feat. Also, bards using material components, for the purpose of spell resistance, have their effective caster level raised by one. Bards may not use the Silent Spell metamagic feat.

Rule 0: Arcane spell failure for armor will not be used in Palaestra if the character is proficient in the armor. If not, the spell failure percentage will be used.

Players may also choose to play Monte Cook's version of this class.