| FhqwhgadsX2 |
This is the entry for the Court Bard's Glorious Epic ability under Bardic Performance:
Glorious Epic (Su): A court bard of 8th level or higher can weave captivating tales that engross those who hear them. Enemies within 30 feet become flat-footed unless they succeed at a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the bard’s level + the bard’s Cha modifier). A save renders them immune to this ability for 24 hours. Glorious epic is a language-dependent, mind-affecting ability that uses audible components.
This performance replaces dirge of doom.
If someone has a RAW quote for how this save is handled, that would be lovely, otherwise I will take interpretations because I can't find this on the forums or anywhere in the rule books.
So, case 1, this save is a 1 save deal where if you fail it and remain inside the bard's range (provided he still maintains the performance) then you are flat-footed until you leave the range.
Or, case 2, the save is something you can make every round at the beginning of your turn to try to ignore the effects of this performance. Once made, you have 24 hours of immunity.
If it is indeed the latter, case 2, should it be a full-round action? Much like certain spells such as hideous laughter or hold person read?
| glandis |
If someone has a RAW quote for how this save is handled, that would be lovely, otherwise I will take interpretations because I can't find this on the forums or anywhere in the rule books.
I'd go with case 1 but add more info. Since it replaces dirge of doom, I'd say this applies: "The effect persists for as long as the enemy is within 30 feet and the bard continues the performance." Now, note that it says they BECOME flat-footed, not that they STAY flat-footed, so - normal "lose flat-footed after I'm attacked/when I get an inititiative action" process still happens. Re-flat-footing would only happen with a new performance.
There might be odd cases where we're not in an initiative situation, a target failed the save but changing circumstances (someone calling out 'Hey, anyone see what happened to Janey? She dissapeared!) dictate a new save. In general, though, I read this as a "lower their guard for one shot" ability.
EDIT - I guess if the target or bard moved so that they weren't in 30' , and then were in 30' on a subsequent turn, the target would have to save again.
| FhqwhgadsX2 |
I think I figured out the cleanest way for this ability to work. You helped by pointing out the "become" flat footed part. I think I want to change your suggestion on the "new performance" part because I don't know why the bard would have to start a "new performance" unless you meant, on the bard's turn, when he continues playing or has the "lingering song" feat. (Or lingering performance, can't remember exact name.)
Basically, when it is the affected person's turn in initiative, they lose their flat-footed status because they are now acting. However, if they have not previously (within 24 hours) passed a save from this bard's Glorious Epic, then, if they are within range, they must pass another save provided the bardic performance is still going (via lingering or the free action to continue performance).
If they pass this save, they don't have to care about this performance anymore (for 24 hours). If they fail the save, they become flat-footed again.
This process repeats each turn until they make their save. No need for a full-round action or anything because once it is their turn, they lose the flat-footed status, but just need to make another save because they are not yet immune to the bardic performance.
Thank you Glandis!