The Bard
The Bard is a poet, minstrel, entertainer, and story-teller but more than this he is the storehouse of the wit, wisdom and wherefores of a culture. Most good Bards have outstanding memories which permit them to call up tales of the past at a moments notice, or recall a fascinating piece of lore, or quick talk his way out of a jam as the situation demands. Bards are a fascinating mix of many skills, which they either pick up during their life of wandering or learn from other Bards of note who are willing to teach.
As the life of a Bard is often one of much travel, they have learned to defend themselves with sword, spell and subterfuge. All of these skills combined in a single class make Bards very versatile. Though they do none as well as those trained in these arts, they do each to some degree of proficiency and so are often prized as companions for more then just their ability to make the journey less tedious. The primary attribute for this class is Charisma with Intelligence and Dexterity as secondary.
Class Abilities:
Level | Title | Attribute | Class Ability Table |
1 – 4 | Rhymer/ Minstrel | Int: 12
Cha: 13 Dex: 12 |
Education: The Bard has either been classically trained, or tutored in the various tongues of the realm. Therefore, he begins his career with two additional languages known. The Bard may choose to learn a new language every two levels to the maximum permitted by his Intelligence. |
5 – 8 | Troubadour | Int: 12
Cha: 14 Dex: 13 |
Charm: The Singing and Poetics skills of the Bard are such that he has developed the ability to Charm individuals (as the Spell) with a base 3% chance per level of success. The Bard must recite or sing for 5 full rounds at which time a roll is made. If successful those listening must save vs. Charm with a -1 per title of Bard or else come under the charming influence of the Bard, see Song Table below. The Bard’s percentage supersedes resistances, i.e. if a Bard rolls successfully for the song then even Elves who normally resist must immediately make a saving throw. Beings of Animal intelligence or lower receive no save and are charmed if the percentage is rolled successfully. |
9 –12 | Skald | Int: 14
Cha: 15 |
Patronage: The Bard gains the protection and support of a patron. The individual or group will be a figure of wealth and prominence. The patron will help financially and provide a place of refuge. Furthermore, they will offer guidance and aid to the Bard in almost all matters. |
13 – | Bard | Int: 15
Cha: 16 |
Fame: Now a figure of some notoriety and fame the Bard may ask a boon, once a month. The boon may be asked of almost anyone who knows or knows of the Bard. The quality of the boon will be dependent on how well the figure knows the Bard, their ability to fulfill the request, and on the circumstances under which it is asked, as determined by the Game Master. Regardless, the individual will do their best to help the Bard. |
Special Advantages:
Jack-of-all-Trades
–The Bard has picked up a few knavish skills in his time in order to survive in places where a good song or a fine poem is not appreciated. These are listed on the Rogue Skills Table below. Furthermore, starting at 3rd level the Bard is able to use Magician’s Spells. Spell progression can be seen on the Spell Table below.
Poetics
–A Bard’s true power resides in his voice above all other things. Thus, he may turn this powerful tool to his needs in a variety of ways. He may inspire comrades before and during battle that will result in a +1 to attacks and saving throws as well as a +2 to morale. With his voice he may be able to influence a crowd in order to alter their mood as noted on the Bard Song Table. The Bard may also counter the mystical songs of various people and creatures for all those with 30 feet of him.
Non-Weapon Proficiencies:
The Bard has received an education of either a formal or an extensive informal nature and has learned a great deal.
-Education 3
-Magik Sense
-Heraldry
-Etiquette
-Public Speaking
-Acting
-Musical Instrument
-Artifact Lore
-Ancient History
Rogue Skills:
The skills are adjusted for Race, Dexterity and Armour just as the thief abilities. The Bard gains 20 points initially to distribute as he wishes and then 15 points per level after this.
Rogue Skills Table
Climb
Walls |
Detect
Noise |
Pick
Pockets |
Read Languages |
40% | 20% | 10% | 15% |
Magikal Skills:
The Bard has the ability to cast illusionist spells like a Magician. He gains this skill starting at 5th level and progresses as normal for casting purposes from that point forward. If he is under the direct education of someone or some university then he will be given three spells initially and then advances as indicated on the table. Other spells may be found or bargained for by the Bard on his travels. The Bard will generate Power Points from this point forward just as a Magician would.
Spell Table
Bard
Level |
Spell Level | |||||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
1 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
2 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
3 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – |
4 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – |
5 | 2 | 1 | – | – | – | – |
6 | 3 | 1 | – | – | – | – |
7 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | – |
8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | – | – |
9 | 3 | 3 | 1 | – | – | – |
10 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – |
11 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | – |
12 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | – | – |
13 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | – |
14 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | – |
15 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – |
16 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Becoming a Bard:
Those wishing to become Bards are trained from a veryyoung age either by another Bard or by Bardic Scholars at a College or University. There are many Bards wandering the world who are the lesser sons and daughters of noble families that took up the training with the Bard who is patronized by their house. Still others are the scions of merchants or laborers who showed great promise and were taken under the wing of a reputable or not so reputable Bard. Yet still others might have been sent or gained entrance into one of the colleges where Bards teach their special brand of historical methodology. From early on the Bard is expected to pay for this education in one fashion or another and tuition is paid through the course of their study. Bards must have a minimum of a 13 Charisma, 12 Dexterity, and 12 Intelligence.
Advancing as a Bard:
Bards as noted are formally trained in one way or another and must pay tuition for this training, which covers all aspects of their educational skills. The other skills must be taught by those able to teach such things, i.e. knavery and combat. Upon reaching 9th level, the Bard essentially educates himself with regards to his scholarly pursuits, though he may return to his tutor or college for aid in research of one sort or another. Overall though his life is an opportunity to collect tales, learn and be a part of history, and make his mark on the world.
Bard’s Song
The Bard has the ability to effectively Charm people and sometimes animals with his music. This ability as noted is 3% per level and must be performed for five (5) consecutive rounds after which a roll is made to determine if the Bard is successful. All those listening must save vs. Charm at -1 per title of Bard. If the save is failed then the listeners will be susceptible to the effects of the song as noted below; the effects last for one hour per level of the Bard or until the song ends. If the Bard ceases his song, the effects continue for an additional 5 rounds per title before wearing off.
Bard’s Song Table
Song | Instrument | Effect |
Alba | Voice | Amorous Affection |
Arrescu | Any (not voice) | Vigorous Dancing |
Ballad | Any w/ Voice | Rapt Attention |
Bransle | Any | Follow the Bard |
Buffon | Voice, Dance | Amazed Attention |
Caccia | Any | Alertness |
Canticle | Voice | Spiritual Reverence |
Canzonetta | Any | Remove Fear |
Experience Table
Experience | Level | Hit Dice (d6) |
0 | 1 | 1 |
2,500 | 2 | 2 |
5,000 | 3 | 3 |
9,000 | 4 | 4 |
18,000 | 5 | 5 |
36,000 | 6 | 6 |
72,000 | 7 | 7 |
124,000 | 8 | 8 |
195,000 | 9 | 9 |
245,000 | 10 | 10 |
305,000 | 11 | 11 |
380,000 | 12 | 12 |
500,000 | 13 | 13 |