Male Human (Shoanti) Bard (Savage Skald) 2
CN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses none; Perception +5
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DEFENSE
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AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 17 (2d8+2+2)
Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +3
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OFFENSE
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee totem spear +5 (1d10+6)
Ranged shortbow +3 (d6/x3)
Bard Spells Known (CL 2nd; concentration +4)
1st (3): Enhance Water, Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration
0 (at will): detect magic, light, prestidigitation, know direction
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STATISTICS
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Str 18, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 14
Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 17
Feats: Extra Performance, Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Totem Spear
Traits: Stowaway, Devotee of the Green
Skills: Intimidate +6, Knowledge (Arcana) +4, Knowledge (Geography) +1, Knowledge (Local) +4, Knowledge (Nature) +5, Knowledge (Planes) +4, Knowledge (all other) +0, Perception +5, Perform (Dance) +6, Perform (Sing) +6, Perform (Wind) +6, Survival +5, Use Magic Device +6
Favored Class: Bard (+1 hp)
Languages: shoanti, common
Combat Gear: chain shirt, spear, totem spear, dagger, whip, shortbow, 40 arrows
Other Gear: backpack, bedroll, 50ft rope (hemp), rations (8), 10g (Total: 73lbs, light load)
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Special Abilities Bardic Knowledge A bard adds half his class level (minimum 1) to all Knowledge skill checks and may make all Knowledge skill checks untrained. [Current Bonus: +1]
Countersong:At 1st level, a bard learns to counter magic effects that depend on sound (but not spells that have verbal components.) Each round of the countersong he makes a Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) skill check. Any creature within 30 feet of the bard (including the bard himself) that is affected by a sonic or language-dependent magical attack may use the bard's Perform check result in place of its saving throw if, after the saving throw is rolled, the Perform check result proves to be higher. If a creature within range of the countersong is already under the effect of a non-instantaneous sonic or language-dependent magical attack, it gains another saving throw against the effect each round it hears the countersong, but it must use the bard's Perform skill check result for the save. Countersong does not work on effects that don't allow saves. Countersong relies on audible components.
Bardic Performance: A bard is trained to use the Perform skill to create magical effects on those around him, including himself if desired. He can use this ability for a number of rounds per day equal to 4 + his Charisma modifier. At each level after 1st a bard can use bardic performance for 2 additional rounds per day. Each round, the bard can produce any one of the types of bardic performance that he has mastered, as indicated by his level. Starting a bardic performance is a standard action, but it can be maintained each round as a free action. Changing a bardic performance from one effect to another requires the bard to stop the previous performance and start a new one as a standard action. A bardic performance cannot be disrupted, but it ends immediately if the bard is killed, paralyzed, stunned, knocked unconscious, or otherwise prevented from taking a free action to maintain it each round. A bard cannot have more than one bardic performance in effect at one time. [12 rounds per day]
Distraction: At 1st level, a bard can use his performance to counter magic effects that depend on sight. Each round of the distraction, he makes a Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) skill check. Any creature within 30 feet of the bard (including the bard himself) that is affected by an illusion (pattern) or illusion (figment) magical attack may use the bard’s Perform check result in place of its saving throw if, after the saving throw is rolled, the Perform check result proves to be higher. If a creature within range of the distraction is already under the effect of a non-instantaneous illusion (pattern) or illusion (figment) magical attack, it gains another saving throw against the effect each round it sees the distraction, but it must use the bard’s Perform check result for the save. Distraction does not work on effects that don’t allow saves. Distraction relies on visual components.
Inspiring Blow (Su): A savage skald roars his war-cries with each telling blow. When he confirms a critical hit, he can start this performance as an immediate action (ending any other performances). He gains temporary hit points equal to his Charisma modifier (if positive), and all allies within 30 feet gain a +1 morale bonus on their next attack roll prior to the start of his next turn. These temporary hit points remain until the bard ends his performance.
Inspire Courage: A 1st level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard’s performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. At 5th level, and every six bard levels thereafter, this bonus increases by +1, to a maximum of +4 at 17th level. Inspire courage is a mind-affecting ability. Inspire courage can use audible or visual components. The bard must choose which component to use when starting his performance. [Current Bonus +1]
Versatile Performance: At 2nd level, a bard can choose one type of Perform skill. He can use his bonus in that skill in place of his bonus in associated skills. When substituting in this way, the bard uses his total Perform skill bonus, including class skill bonus, in place of its associated skill's bonus, whether or not he has ranks in that skill or if it is a class skill. At 6th level, and every 4 levels thereafter, the bard can select an additional type of Perform to substitute. [Dance]
Background
Spoiler:
Slicing Song is a bard of the Shoanti tradition, utilizing his totem spear to meld graceful and martial movements into soulful dirges. His family was killed by Chelish raiders and, though he survived, the beautiful plains of his home were a source of constant sorrow to him. He has not played his totem spear since raid that killed his family. It's simply too painful. He has traveled far to escape the memories that haunt him. First, he took ship to the Shackles, thinking that such a drastic change might serve to renew and inspire him, but the noise and crowding were too much for him. Out of money, he has sneaked aboard the Jenivere with no knowledge of its eventual destination in hopes that it will take him far enough away that he can move on, too.
He is of average height and lean but well muscled beneath his bronze skin. His movements are strong and graceful but his face is morose and his eyes sad. If any were to see him on the Jenivere, it would be just a quick flash of a body, darkened with the filth of the bilge where he has been forced to hide several times.
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I envision Slicingsong as a wise beyond his years, shamanic type of fellow. He'll start quiet and withdrawn but eventually regain some of his jovial nature. I expect he'll find the jungle pretty wondrous, despite the difficulties surviving. If accepted, I'll be doing some research on Native American folk lore for inspiration and stories to tell for roleplaying opportunities. It's a shame that Shoanti don't automatically qualify for Totem Spear proficiency but it'll give me an opportunity to let him have a substantial moment of growth when at level 2 (if you allow me to hold the feat in reserve), after the struggles of surviving after the shipwreck, he suddenly starts to use Bardic Performance and his totem spear finding a new music in the jungles so different from the plains and desert of his home.
