Bards are an exception to the regular dualclassing rules. A character intending to become a bard need not meet the standard ability score requirements for dual-classing, merely the requirements for the bard class. Furthermore, the character is able to switch from thief to bard even before surpassing their fighter level, if desired.

Only when a half-elf intends to become a bard can that race dual-class. This is a special exception.

If a dual-classed character abandons plans to become a bard, or if they become ineligible due to surpassed prerequisite level limits, the player must select “fighter”, “thief”, or “fighter/thief” as the character’s class. The latter option is available only to half-elves (as a multi-class), or to humans who meet the standard ability score requirements for non-bard dual-classing. If the fighter or thief class is lost, so too is XP accumulated for that class.