As a bard, I find a certain security in knowing that I'll always be able to perform with Sing skill, considering it does not NEED an instrument... but ARE there instruments that can be employed with sing anywhere in the rules, or a magic item that could have a sing skill bonus mounted on it?
While Masterwork bonuses cannot be applied to versatile performance (I believe I read that somewhere) I was hoping there was an instrument for sing that could bear such a bonus, or one could simply make an item for some spell-slot that would improve sing. Through versatile performance this would enable me to improve my bluff and sense motive amicably.
Any ideas or items in the minds out there?
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As a bard, I find a certain security in knowing that I'll always be able to perform with Sing skill, considering it does not NEED an instrument... but ARE there instruments that can be employed with sing anywhere in the rules, or a magic item that could have a sing skill bonus mounted on it?
While Masterwork bonuses cannot be applied to versatile performance (I believe I read that somewhere) I was hoping there was an instrument for sing that could bear such a bonus, or one could simply make an item for some spell-slot that would improve sing. Through versatile performance this would enable me to improve my bluff and sense motive amicably.
Any ideas or items in the minds out there?
Using the custom magic rules, you can easily craft an item that improves sing. As the custom magic rules are merely guidelines, it would be up to the DM in the end to decide whether to allow it or not.
I can't think of any off the top of my head that already exist. I would be surprised if there wasn't something in Ultimate Equipment, but I haven't picked it up yet.
[NOT RAW: As a DM, I wouldn't allow it. The advantage of sing is you can't be easily stripped of your instrument. However, there is some precedent given that magic items can enhance unarmed strikes. I would probably allow something like 'magical honey' that is a single use item, rather than a magic item (as I also dislike unarmed magic items and Monks in general)]
Just a note, bards don't need to use a Perform skill anymore. The advantage Sing had in 3.5 is lessened considerably now, since you don't need to use an instrument to use Bardic Performances anymore.
A nice fall back is a book on singing. If you have certain songs you normally use, just ask about having sheets with cues for those songs.
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I would certainly allow the Masterwork Cheliaxian Opera House to give a +2 bonus to Sing checks made on stage due to superior acoustics and proper sound design. A bit hard to carry around with you, however.
I'd also allow some sort of alchemical throat lozenges that would do the same thing via an alchemical bonus.
Beyond that, I dunno. Maybe a pitch pipe?
Microphone and speakers.
Microphone and speakers.
I have a bard NPC in one of my games who has something like that. Basically it's a custom wondrous item based on ghost sounds and ventrilloquism, which he uses to perform in front of huge crowds. should be doable in most games with a little gm-cooporation.
a white sequined jumpsuit, fake sideburns, and sunglasses
My Bard is a singer, and i've come to the same issue. I've thought of a few things.
Masterwork Pitch Pipes, Masterwork Tuning Fork, Masterwork Sheet Music (Hate this one) Masterwork Outfit (+2 to any one perform skill?).
Any other ideas?
She's a singer, she sings in every tavern she visits or tries to.
The other thing though for a generic 'tool' shouldn't they be priced the same as a masterwork musical instrument to be fair?
masterwork false teeth help you sing better :)
An old style megaphone
Actually, "masterwork" vocal chords would make sense as a Trait one could get for being a product of Hermean breeding programs, having a siren as an ancestress, or just Nex-style fleshwarping, where the desired effect, unlike drow "weird and icky" fleshwarping, is "new and improved!" instead.
Of course the drow would probably do that too: "Here's our hideous abomination, but it has a really nice voice!"
Oooo that gives me an idea. The price of a mwk tool for singing could be the money you pay a backalley vivesectionist to "fix" your vocal cords
Honey coated candy.
In my world (Which I finished the mechanics for! YAY!) there is a bard who found a box with a lightning elemental willingly bound to it. The box was "enchanted" to make sounds louder. With it he found a strange lute with some sort of vine that attaches to the strange box (+2 to Perform [String Instruments] along with a staff tipped with a sort of removable metal sphere with tiny holes in it (+2 to Perform [Sing]). The staff like object stands on its own and has some sort of long scarf tied around the tip there the metal sphere part detatches from the staff. The box adds a 300ft AoE to any bardic performance and once per day it can be used to simulate the effects of a shout spell and once a month it can replicate the effects of s greater shout spell. The Lightning elemental can be freed from the box during a lightning storm to replenish its energy. These items can function within the effects of an antimagic field. If used during a lightning storm, the box can be used to call lightning once every other round. In addition, i played during a lightning storm, the user can fire a bolt of lightning from the neck of the lute dealing 1d6 damage to one enemy within 30ft with line of sight to the user. This is ancient technology (quasi artifact) and if the box is destroyed, it is gone for good.
GP cost: -
Weight: 50 lbs.
Hot Herbal Tea perhaps. Pitch Pipe as mentioned above seems very suitable. A book on vocal warm ups and exercises. A song book that you practice daily.
Plenty of different and fun options.
/shrug, if you wanted a masterwork instrument for performing, you would've chosen a perform that required an instrument. There's your tradeoff. 'doesn't require an instrument at all' vs. 'instrument can be made masterwork'.
That was my initial reaction, but it doesn't work.
Perform (Act) doesn't require an instrument , but lends itself quite well to masterwork tools. Masterwork skull for soliloquies, for example.
Well with magic you can do all kind of stuff, like an item (medallion or so) that gives you a clearer voice, makes the voice carry further and all that.
For non-magical items... yes that's a bit tougher. There's been some ideas up there that could work.
/shrug, if you wanted a masterwork instrument for performing, you would've chosen a perform that required an instrument. There's your tradeoff. 'doesn't require an instrument at all' vs. 'instrument can be made masterwork'.That was my initial reaction, but it doesn't work.
Perform (Act) doesn't require an instrument , but lends itself quite well to masterwork tools. Masterwork skull for soliloquies, for example.
Perform (Sing) may not require an instrument, but there's no reason a bard couldn't play an instrument (masterwork or not) while singing unless they've taken ranks in Perform (A Cappella).
Neti Pot
I recall having a toy microphone when I was little that needed no power (or magic, despite it being called a magic microphone) to work. There was a fair bit of dissonance, but it magnified my voice through echo alone.
So... Masterwork microphone?
Masterwork Backup dancers!
Masterwork Backup dancers!
I think that qualifies as hirelings using aid another.
Masterwork Backup dancers!I think that qualifies as hirelings using aid another.
Masterwork construct backup dancers.
Or better yet. This
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There is always some gizmo or thingamadoodad on the market which claims to improve the quality of someone's singing voice. Most are nothing more than shams, but in a fantasy world there's no reason the snake oil can't be real and have a real effect. A special belt or collar, throat magnets, a weird contraptions you keep in your mouth... and because they are masterwork they are either concealed as clothing or jewelry or otherwise just look impressive. So sure, master tools for singing make perfect sense.
Play a stringed instrament to accompany your voice. That should be worth a +2.