Instrument of the Bards for a (mostly) non-Bard

[diplomancer]

According to the DMG, for an Instrument of the Bards "You can play the instrument while casting a spell that causes any of its targets to be charmed on a failed saving throw, thereby imposing disadvantage on the save. This effect applies only if the spell has a somatic or a material component.” Notice that it does NOT require it to be the spellcasting focus of the spell.

So, apparently, you could use it if you are, say, a Wizard or a Warlock, as long as you have one level of Bard, so as to impose disadvantage on the Hypnotic Pattern spell. Would that work? And, if yes, would it be worth the investment of 1 level in Bard if you are planning on using Hypnotic Pattern a lot (and why wouldn't you if enemies are making the save at a disadvantage?)

[Guy Lombard-O]

According to the DMG, for an Instrument of the Bards "You can play the instrument while casting a spell that causes any of its targets to be charmed on a failed saving throw, thereby imposing disadvantage on the save. This effect applies only if the spell has a somatic or a material component.” Notice that it does NOT require it to be the spellcasting focus of the spell.

So, apparently, you could use it if you are, say, a Wizard or a Warlock, as long as you have one level of Bard, so as to impose disadvantage on the Hypnotic Pattern spell. Would that work? And, if yes, would it be worth the investment of 1 level in Bard if you are planning on using Hypnotic Pattern a lot (and why wouldn't you if enemies are making the save at a disadvantage?)

Well, you might run into a DM who doesn't allow it, but I'd say it's actually RAW. Especially considering how your spell slots are basically interchangeable between multiclasses.

[Chad.e.clark]

According to the DMG, for an Instrument of the Bards "You can play the instrument while casting a spell that causes any of its targets to be charmed on a failed saving throw, thereby imposing disadvantage on the save. This effect applies only if the spell has a somatic or a material component.” Notice that it does NOT require it to be the spellcasting focus of the spell.

So, apparently, you could use it if you are, say, a Wizard or a Warlock, as long as you have one level of Bard, so as to impose disadvantage on the Hypnotic Pattern spell. Would that work? And, if yes, would it be worth the investment of 1 level in Bard if you are planning on using Hypnotic Pattern a lot (and why wouldn't you if enemies are making the save at a disadvantage?)

Only thing I could see going awry with that plan is this: it states you must be playing the instrument while casting. I am not sure you could use a non-bardic focus to cast the spell AND play the instrument at the same time. Generally, you dont have to play an instrument to use it as a bardic focus, but instrument of the bard states it must be played while casting to get the benefit of disadvantage on charm effects.