So we ran into a bit where the bard was singing and after 3 or 4 rounds he started shouting directions. The GM was wondering if this would cause his Bardic performance to end since he used a Free Action to speak. I realize that there is and "unlimited" number of free actions depending on the GM but he was wondering if it would stop the Auditory performance?
While we're on it is there anything else other than what is listed in the book for the reasons to stop bardic performances?
PF bard performance is either on or off. It's a lot like rage, and it was one of the major changes to bard. It's very fluid. Shouting orders one round, letting loose a battle cry the next, then letting the sweet symphony of your enemies bones being crushed inspire your allies is perfectly legal. You just need to be doing the audio or visual requirements that the performance requires. How that takes place is up to the player.
Throw out *everything* you knew about the 3.5 bard. The PF one is deliberately and vastly different.
K, if the guy is singing, takes a round to shout orders, does the shouting orders count as his Audible performance then or does he shout orders as one free action and then sing as another free action? We're limited in the number of free actions you can take.
It's a free action to maintain it no? So, knock him unconscious, stun him, or paralyze him. Then he can't take any actions.
PF Bardic is very ... videogamey. The devs have clarified that although you may require a startup action, you need only maintain it with a free action -- if you begin playing a flute, you do not actually have to dedicate a hand to playing in the rounds after you start. The free action / no handedness has been alternately described as ambient magic taking up the song, or as being able to incorporate your performance into your normal combat routine without missing a beat.
Unfortunately, some DMs disagree and don't care much for what a dev says on a forum. Some bards may remain relegated to less of a combat role.
In short, if the bard can be prevented from maintaining as a free action, it will end; or if line of sight / sound to his targets can be broken, they will not benefit. Inspire Courage is more versatile since it requires either, but other effects such as Inspire (Greatness?) require both, meaning the effects are more vulnerable to Silence, Blindness, Darkness spells and whatnot.
I'mma let you finish, but Sir Robin's minstrels were the best bards of all time. OF ALL TIME.
If I was running a game, I would let another bard interrupt an ongoing performance by initiating a performance duel...
Let the dance-off begin!
..The GM was wondering if this would cause his Bardic performance to end since he used a Free Action to speak.
The bard is fighting or casting spells while he maintains his bardic performance and the GM has a problem with free actions like speaking ? Crazy :)
I'mma let you finish, but Sir Robin's minstrels were the best bards of all time. OF ALL TIME.
If I was running a game, I would let another bard interrupt an ongoing performance by initiating a performance duel...
Let the dance-off begin!
And thus the first time counter-song was ever used.