As a great great bard fan I am trying to brainstorm some ideas for the new bard. Before I start I would like to mention that there are great things already - bardic knowledge is fantastic for example.
I am starting this thread to
- add some corrections to existing bardic performances (like save DC-s and ability type definitions)
- provide some ideas for additional bardic music options, so that players can choose from more abilities instead of trying to have their bard learn everything a bard may have ever known. Some of the ideas are from previous sources but they have been carefully worded to avoid copycating. There are some entirely new ideas also.
Altogether, this is a slightly changed progression idea for the bard class features. Everything remains with the same description except for bardic performance. Whether the different types of perform requirements should remain or not is not the main issue here, please playtest them and post feedback afterwards.
lvl1 Bardic Knowledge, Bardic Performance:Fascinate, Cantrips, Inspire Courage +1
lvl2 Bardic Performance, Well Versed
lvl3 Inspire Competence
lvl4 Bardic Performance
lvl5 Lore Master 1/day
lvl6 Bardic Performance
lvl7 Inspire Courage +2
lvl8 Bardic Performance
lvl9 Inspire Greatness
lvl10 Bardic Performance
lvl11 Lore Master 2/day
lvl12 Bardic Performance
lvl13 Inspire Courage +3
lvl14 Bardic Performance
lvl15 Inspire Heroics
lvl16 Bardic Performance
lvl17 Jack-of-all-trades, Lore Master 3/day
lvl18 Bardic Performance
lvl19 Inspire Courage +4
lvl20 Bardic Performance
Bardic Performance: Once per day per bard level, a bard can use his Perform skill to produce magical effects on those around him (usually including himself, if desired). While these abilities fall under the category of bardic performance, they can be activated using any Perform skill, such as dancing, singing, playing an instrument, or performing comedy. Some of the abilities are standard for each bard (listed among class features), while at 2nd level, and every two levels thereafter, the bard learns one new bardic performance chosen from the optional list of bardic performances (see below). Each ability requires both a minimum bard level and a minimum number of ranks in the Perform skill to qualify; if a bard does not have the required number of ranks in at least one Perform skill, he does not gain the bardic performance ability until he acquires the needed ranks. In the case of optional performances, the bard can learn a performance only if he fulfills all requirements, including bard levels and ranks in one of the listed types of perform skills. The abilities requiring certain types of perform to learn can be utilized only by using one of the performs listed in its prerequisite perform list. The bard does not have to choose an optional bardic performance ability matching his level; he can learn a lower level performance if he so desires.
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Bardic performances received as standard class features:
the performances named in the class feature lists remain the same for every bard
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Bardic performances received as optional choices at every even bard level:
Countersong (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 2, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 2 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to use his music or song to counter magical effects that depend on sound (but not spells that simply have verbal components). Each round of the countersong, he makes a Perform 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 noninstantaneous 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 check result for the save. Countersong does not work on effects that don’t allow saves. The bard may keep up the countersong for 10 rounds.
Distraction (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 2, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 2 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to counter magical effects that depend on sight. Each round of the distraction, he makes a Perform 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 noninstantaneous 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. The bard may keep up the distraction for 10 rounds.
Captivating Tune (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 4, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 4 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to enhance the effect of another bardic performance ability or a spell from the enchantment or illusion schools. Playing this song is a move action, after which the bard makes a perform check. If the check result is below 20, the bard receives no benefit from the ability. If the check is 20 or higher, he consults the following table:
Perform check result Bonus to DC
20-29 +1
30-39 +2
40-49 +3
50+ +4
The bard can add the bonus derived from his perform check result to the DC of the next bardic performance he makes or the next enchantment/illusion spell he casts before the end of his next turn.
Cheering Performance (Ex): Prerequisite: Bard level 4, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 4 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to influence the attitude of the audience. The bard can make a Perform check and treat the result as a Diplomacy check result. Listeners must be within 60’ of the bard, and willing to pay attention to his performance. This ability requires at least one minute of unbroken concentration, and can affect a particular creature only once a day. An audience with the hostile attitude cannot be influenced by this ability.
Suggestion (Sp): Prerequisite: Bard level 6, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 6 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to make a suggestion (as the spell) to a creature that he has already fascinated (see above). Using this ability does not break the bard’s concentration on the fascinate effect, nor does it allow a second saving throw against the fascinate effect.
Making a suggestion doesn’t count against a bard’s daily limit on bardic performances. A Will saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 bard’s level + bard’s Cha modifier) negates the effect. This ability affects only a single creature (but see mass suggestion, below). Suggestion is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting, language-dependent ability.
Feinting Performance (Ex): Prerequisite: Bard level 6, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 6 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to distract an opponent within 30 feet. The opponent must see and hear the bard perform, and make a sense motive check opposed to the bard’s perform check. If the check fails for the opponent, it is rendered flat footed against one creature of the bard’s choice. This effect lasts until the opponent is attacked or the next turn of the bard (whichever comes first).
Dirge of Doom (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 8, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 8 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to foster a sense of growing dread in his enemies, causing them to take a number of penalties. To be affected, an enemy must be able to hear the bard perform and be within 30 feet. For every three levels a bard attains beyond 8th, he can target one additional enemy with a single use of this ability (two at 11th level, three at 14th, four at 17th, and five at 20th). A Will saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 bard’s level + bard’s Cha modifier) negates the effect. Affected enemies are shaken and take a –2 penalty on ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks. Affected enemies with less HD than half the bard’s class levels are panicked instead, and become shaken even if the save is successful. The effect lasts for as long as the enemy hears the bard and remains within 30 feet, and it persists for 1 minute after the bard stops playing or the enemy leaves the area. Dirge of Doom is an enchantment, mind-affecting, fear ability.
Discordant Performance (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 8, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 8 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to cause his enemies to become confused. To be affected, an enemy must be able to see the bard perform and be within 30 feet. The effect lasts for as long as the enemy sees the bard and remains within 30 feet. For every three levels a bard attains beyond 8th, he can target one additional enemy with a single use of this ability (two at 11th level, three at 14th, four at 17th, and five at 20th). A Will saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 bard’s level + bard’s Cha modifier) negates the effect. If a creature’s saving throw succeeds, the bard cannot attempt to confuse that creature again using discordant performance for 24 hours. If its saving throw fails, the creature becomes confused as long as the bard keeps performing (up to a maximum of 1 round per bard level). At the end of an affected creature’s turn, it is allowed a new Will save to overcome the effect, making it immune to discordant performance for 24 hours if it does. Discordant Performance is an enchantment, mind-affecting ability.
Steelskin March (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 10, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 10 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to magically harden the skin of himself and/or any allies within 30 feet. All affected targets gain DR 5/adamantine. The effect ends when the bard stops performing. The bard can keep up this performance for a maximum of 1 minute. This is an abjuration effect.
Enraging Performance (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 10, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 10 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to put his allies into a furious rage against his enemies. Upon this performance, each willing ally within 30 feet can decide to go into a rage similar to a barbarian rage, except that it automatically ends if the bard stops performing. If the affected ally has the ability to rage, she can choose to apply the effect of her own rage (even greater rage or mighty rage) without spending any rage points to do so. The bard cannot apply the effect of this performance on himself. The bard can keep up this performance for a maximum of 1 minute. This is an enchantment, mind-affecting ability.
Song of Freedom (Sp): Prerequisite: Bard level 12, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 12 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to create an effect equivalent to the break enchantment spell (caster level equals the character’s bard level). Using this ability requires 1 minute of uninterrupted concentration and music, and it functions on a single target within 30 feet. A bard can’t use song of freedom on himself.
Soothing Performance (Sp): Prerequisite: Bard level 12, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 12 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to create an effect equivalent to the mass cure light wounds spell (caster level equals the character’s bard level). In addition, this performance removes the fatigued, sickened, and shakened condition from all those affected. Using this ability requires 1 minute of uninterrupted concentration and performance, and it functions on all targets within 30 feet.
Dominate (Sp): Prerequisite: Bard level 14, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 14 ranks.
This ability functions like suggestion, above, except that a bard can dominate one humanoid creature he has already fascinated (see above). Dominate functions as the spell dominate person, and is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting, language dependent ability.
Unveiling Performance (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 14, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 14 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to have his allies see everything as it is in reality. All allies within 30’ who hear the bard perform becomes under an effect similar to that of a True Seeing spell. This effect last as long as the bard concentrates on the song.
Song of Life (Sp): Prerequisite: Bard level 16, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 16 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to protect himself and his allies from death effects and negative energy. Each round of the countersong, he makes a Perform check. Any creature within 30 feet of the bard (including the bard himself) that is affected by a death or negative energy 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. In addition, allies can make saving throws against all negative energy effects, energy drain, ability damage or drain, fatigue or exhaustion effects even if the effect normally does not allow one. In case of a successful save, the attack has no effect.
Harassing Spectacle (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 16, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 16 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to interrupt the spellcasting of a target creature. Any target creature within 30’ of the bard must make a Spellcraft check opposed to the bard’s Perform check result when attempting to cast a spell. In case of an unsuccessful check, the spell is wasted with no effect. The bard can keep up this song for a maximum of 1 minute.
Mass Suggestion (Sp): Prerequisite: Bard level 18, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 18 ranks.
This ability functions like suggestion, above, except that a bard can make the suggestion simultaneously to any number of creatures that he has already fascinated (see above). Mass suggestion is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting, language dependent ability.
Paralyzing Show (Sp): Prerequisite: Bard level 18, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 18 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to paralyze his enemies. To be affected, an enemy must be able to see the bard perform and be within 30 feet. For every three levels a bard attains beyond 14th, he can target one additional enemy with a single use of this ability (two at 17th level, and three at 20th). A Will saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 bard’s level + bard’s Cha modifier) negates the effect. If a creature’s saving throw succeeds, the bard cannot use paralyzing show on that creature again for 24 hours. If its saving throw fails, the creature becomes paralyzed for a number of rounds equal to the bard’s level. If its saving throw fails, the creature becomes paralyzed for a number of rounds equal to the bard’s level. At the end of an affected creature’s turn, it is allowed a new Will save to overcome the effect, making it immune to paralyzing show for 24 hours. Paralyzing Show is an enchantment, mind-affecting, language dependent ability.
Song of Timelessness (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 20, Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) 20 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to cause one target to enter into a state of timeless suspension. To be affected, the target must be able to hear the bard perform and be within 30 feet. A Will saving throw (DC 20 + bard’s Cha modifier) negates the effect. If the target creature’s saving throw succeeds, the target is slowed (as the spell) for 3 rounds and the bard cannot use song of timelessness on that creature again for 24 hours. If the target fails its saving throw, it is frozen in a state of suspended animation and can take no actions. However, no force can affect it – weapons cannot hit it, spells targeting it automatically fail. The frozen creature remains in the state it was frozen into even it is in the air. A Freedom spell targeting the creature can return it to normal state. Otherwise, the only other way for the subject to return to normal is the bard playing this song again reversed (standard action, no daily use of bardic music required). This is a transmutation ability.
Deadly Performance (Su): Prerequisite: Bard level 20, Perform (act, comedy, dance, or oratory) 20 ranks.
A bard with this ability can spend a daily use of his bardic performances to cause one enemy to die from joy or sorrow. To be affected, the target must be able to see and hear the bard perform and be within 30 feet. A Will saving throw (DC 20 + bard’s Cha modifier) negates the effect. If the target creature’s saving throw succeeds, the target is stunned for 1 round and the bard cannot use deadly performance on that creature again for 24 hours. If its saving throw fails, the target dies. Deadly Performance is an enchantment, mind-affecting, death ability.
This way the following happens:
- bards can be customized even in their music, and not every bard will sing the same songs and the same juggling things.
- there were some balance issues (thinking first on perform ceck save DCs) that are more or less managed, but saving throws can be still made somewhat more difficult by the Captivating Tune performance
curious of what you guys think
keep up brainstorming