A handy guide to the Bardic Skill Tree found inside Sanctuary. Below is a list of perk descriptions for the first rank of each skill. Players can access this tree once they have progressed through the quest 'Of Songs and Shouts'. To earn Bardic Inspiration XP, players can: win a Duel of Wit, read skill books, use Shouts and Chants, complete main quests (BCE), pass a speech check (Persuasion, Intimidation, Bribery), learn and unlock Words of Power, unlock all three words of a Shout, and composing Ballads. Earning XP will eventually give you a Bardic Inspiration point to spend.
Spiritual Connection | 3 ranks | Stamina and Magicka regenerate 5% faster when traveling with a follower.
Draconic Knowledge | 2 Ranks | Skills improve 0.25% faster for each Word of Power known.
Empowered Voice | 2 Ranks | The power of many Shouts is increased 25%.
Thu’um Mastery | 5 Ranks | Time between Shouts is reduced 10%.
Meditative Chant | 2 Ranks | Doubles time before the next Shout in a Chant must be cast.
Chant Mastery | 5 Ranks | Resource cost of using the Cadence Rod is reduced 10%.
Dragon’s Roar | Shouting staggers all enemies around you.
Entertainer | 4 Ranks | Gold received when playing music for crowds is increased 25%.
Triumphant Melodies | 5 Ranks | Inspiration buffs for music playing are improved 20%.
Diminished Presence | 2 Ranks | When playing music in combat, you will be less likely to be attacked if your followers are fighting.
Battle Bard*** | 3 Ranks | While playing music during combat, your followers gain additional Empowered effects.
Dragon's Dirge | Using this ability causes your music to attract a dragon. Note: this is a power that must be activated, and can occur once per day. A dragon will appear the next time you play your instrument in the wilderness.
*** Empowered Effects as listed:
Drum | Empowerment: Rage - Increase physical damage output of party members.
Lute | Empowerment: Intensity - Increase magic damage output of party members.
Flute | Empowerment: Resilience - Increase armor rating and magic resistance of party members.
Spiritual Connection | 3 ranks | Stamina and Magicka regenerate 5% faster when traveling with a follower.
Draconic Knowledge | 2 Ranks | Skills improve 0.25% faster for each Word of Power known.
Empowered Voice | 2 Ranks | The power of many Shouts is increased 25%.
Thu’um Mastery | 5 Ranks | Time between Shouts is reduced 10%.
Meditative Chant | 2 Ranks | Doubles time before the next Shout in a Chant must be cast.
Chant Mastery | 5 Ranks | Resource cost of using the Cadence Rod is reduced 10%.
Dragon’s Roar | Shouting staggers all enemies around you.
Entertainer | 4 Ranks | Gold received when playing music for crowds is increased 25%.
Triumphant Melodies | 5 Ranks | Inspiration buffs for music playing are improved 20%.
Diminished Presence | 2 Ranks | When playing music in combat, you will be less likely to be attacked if your followers are fighting.
Battle Bard*** | 3 Ranks | While playing music during combat, your followers gain additional Empowered effects.
Dragon's Dirge | Using this ability causes your music to attract a dragon. Note: this is a power that must be activated, and can occur once per day. A dragon will appear the next time you play your instrument in the wilderness.
*** Empowered Effects as listed:
Drum | Empowerment: Rage - Increase physical damage output of party members.
Lute | Empowerment: Intensity - Increase magic damage output of party members.
Flute | Empowerment: Resilience - Increase armor rating and magic resistance of party members.
