Edgin of “Honor Among Thieves”: A Bard Without Magic?
When it comes to translating beloved games to film, fans expect a degree of accuracy. “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” surely took some liberties, especially with Chris Pine’s character, Edgin. Fans of the tabletop RPG Dungeons and Dragons might have raised eyebrows over the film’s interpretation of the bard class. In the world of D&D, bards are known for their charisma and, more crucially, their spellcasting. However, the movie paints a different picture.
Edgin: A Bard with No Spells?
In the 2023 blockbuster, Edgin, with his lute and charm, took center stage but lacked the essential element that makes a bard truly magical: his spells. “Though Edgin is a bard, a Dungeons and Dragons class that typically comes with useful spellcasting abilities, in the film, he has no spells at all,” leaving him vulnerable and needing to rely on his teammates when danger approaches.
Chris Pine‘s portrayal of Edgin highlighted the character’s wit, fighting abilities, and charm, which made for great cinema but would not have held up in an actual D&D game. As any seasoned player would attest, “a bard without spells is arguably useless.”
How Dungeons & Dragons Typically Views Bards
In the gaming universe, bards often hold their own through their performances and spellcasting. Their role is not just to entertain but to manipulate, charm, and sometimes even defeat foes through their magical abilities. They may not have the raw strength of a warrior, but their magic compensates for it. To quote, “Bards also have spells, which are usually related to charming or manipulating other players.” Stripping Edgin of these powers seems like a missed opportunity to showcase the real essence of a D&D bard.
A Better Fit for Edgin’s Skills
Given Edgin’s history and characteristics, it might have been more fitting to classify him as a rogue. Rogues are characterized by their stealth, cunning, and deception. Their life as thieves aligns perfectly with Edgin’s backstory and his suave demeanor.
Instead of playing his lute, Edgin could have been navigating the shadows, using his charisma to deceive foes and perhaps even backstabbing when necessary. After all, music is not solely the domain of bards; other classes can have a flair for melodies too.
“Honor Among Thieves” definitely brought the world of Dungeons and Dragons to life on the big screen. However, for the die-hard fans, the treatment of the bard class, especially with Edgin’s character, might feel a tad off. While film adaptations often require creative liberties, staying true to the essence of characters, especially in a universe as beloved as D&D, can go a long way in resonating with the core fans.
