Perhaps this belongs in the General Discussion board, but...
How often do these abilities come up? I think it might be a lot more if people (myself included), actually knew how and when to use them. What constitutes a "magical attack" for distraction, and what are some of the major spells, monster abilities and SLA's that count as "magic effects based on sound"? Could someone list some of the common effects that these abilities can counter? And if they don't belong in the core rules perhaps there could be a home for them in the PFSRD? (though I'm sure the editors have their hands more than full with the ARG right now).
Both abilities are frustratingly vague, and any examples would go a long way. Thanks for your thoughts.
Distraction (i.e. the bard ability) in Pathfinder gives another saving throw against illusion spells, and doesnt effect your stealth checks. While I agree invisibility is a better use of an action, I'm hoping people can convince me distraction is worth using. I don't know of any illusion effect that allows multiple saves, or that would even require them...
It came up in a game I ran last week. The players triggered a Droning Demon trap that had a heightened Hypnotism effect. The bard countersong'd it. The Same bard player had take another bard character to 10th level in another campaign I ran without ever using it though.
Hypnotism! There's a spell I... certainly didn't know existed! With hypnotic pattern a level later I'd totally overlooked it.
Harpies, Hypnotism... Hypnotic Pattern could certainly be dispelled by distraction. I count three so far! The rules seem really shaky on countersong as Kimera pointed out though. Can you countersong suggestions? Command? Hideous Laughter and other verbal effects?