Master Bard

Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment

Armor Class 18 (studded leather)
Hit Points 195 (26d8 + 78)
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
13 (+1)	22 (+6)	17 (+3)	15 (+2)	14 (+2)	23 (+6)

Saving Throws Dexterity +11, Constitution +8, Charisma +11
Skills Acrobatics +11, Arcana +7, Perception +7, Performance +16
Condition Immunities deafened
Senses passive Perception 17
Languages any three languages
Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)

Special Traits

• Legendary Resistance (3/day). If the master bard fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
• Spellcasting. The master bard is an 18th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following bard spells prepared:
• Cantrips (at will): blade ward, light, prestidigitation, vicious mockery
• 1st level (4 slots): dissonant whispers, faerie fire, heroism, hideous laughter, sleep
• 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, enthrall, hold person, shatter, suggestion
• 3rd level (3 slots): bestow curse, clairvoyance, dispel magic, sending
• 4th level (3 slots): compulsion, confusion, freedom of movement, greater invisibility
• 5th level (3 slots): dominate person, hold monster, seeming
• 6th level (1 slot): irresistible dance
• 7th level (1 slot): teleport
• 8th level (1 slot): power word stun
• 9th level (1 slot): foresight

Actions

• Multiattack. The master bard makes two Bow Strike attacks or two Prestissimo attacks.
• Bow Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 6) slashing damage plus 21 (6d6) force damage.
• Prestissimo. Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 31 (7d8) psychic damage.
• Adagio (recharge 6). The master bard launches a slow, expressive refrain at one target within 30 feet. The target regains 18 (4d8) hit points and is cured of the charmed, deafened, and frightened conditions.

Reactions

• Discordant Note. When a spell with a verbal component is cast within 30 feet of the master bard, the master bard unleashes a single, unnerving note to counter the spell. This works like the counterspell spell with a +6 spellcasting ability check.

Legendary Actions

The master bard can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The master bard regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

• Cantrip. The master bard casts one cantrip.
• Move. The master bard moves up to its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
• Jubilant Aria (costs 2 actions). The master bard sings a joyful tune. Each of the master bard’s allies within 15 feet of it that can hear it has advantage on its next attack roll, saving throw, or ability check.
• Melancholic Aria (costs 2 actions). The master bard sings a solemn melody. Each creature of the master bard’s choice within 30 feet of it that can hear it must make a DC 19 Charisma saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 14 (4d6) psychic damage and falls prone as it weeps with overwhelming despair. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and doesn’t fall prone.