The Importance of Perform

[Chris Wasson]

I have a new bard character, and it looks like you don't really USE the perform skill itself that often.

The Main Question

Is there a reason to have more than 1 rank in a perform skill for a bard? In terms of PFS do lots of scenarios have situations where perform is actually useful?

Now I know bards normally get versatile performance but I do not because of an archtype. So I have one less reason to take really high perform ranks.

Any input would be appreciated!

[CRobledo]

Do you still get Countersong? Because I have seen that save a party's bacon before and it is purely based on your Perform skill

Also if you have Ultimate Magic, check out masterpieces. They all have a perform (ranks) requirement you may want to meet. My own bard has Triple Time and Dance of the 23 Steps.

Besides class options and features, yes, there are scenarios where specifically Perform (X) is useful. I can think right now of 2 where Perform (Oratory) is used, and one where Perform (wind) is useful.

Comes up more often than Profession (X) does (except Sailor) so rarely but I have seen them.

[GreySector]

Additionally you can use the Versatile Performace class feature to substitute your bonus in various Perform skills for your bonus in other skills.

[Jiggy]

Michael Eshleman wrote:

Additionally you can use the Versatile Performace class feature to substitute your bonus in various Perform skills for your bonus in other skills.

Chris Wasson wrote:

Now I know bards normally get versatile performance but I do not because of an archtype.

;)

Anyway, to answer the question: Look at your individual performance types; some of them might have effects based on making a Perform check (countersong has been mentioned, and depending on your archetype there could be others).

I have an arcane duelist bard. Having swapped out countersong for rallying cry (which functions on Intimidate), I made the decision to not bother training any Perform skills.

[Sior]

Chris Wasson wrote:

I have a new bard character, and it looks like you don't really USE the perform skill itself that often.

The Main Question

Is there a reason to have more than 1 rank in a perform skill for a bard? In terms of PFS do lots of scenarios have situations where perform is actually useful?

Now I know bards normally get versatile performance but I do not because of an archtype. So I have one less reason to take really high perform ranks.

Any input would be appreciated!

What archetype is it that you have? Many will have some replacement for the Versatile Performace which would use at least one Perform. I think?

[Fromper]

It's also used for day jobs.

[pathar]

Having a perform is good. Having every perform is not necessarily necessary.

[Funky Badger]

Self respect?

[Chris Wasson]

Thanks for the responses!

I have an Arcane duelist, and I took Perform Oratory and Dance 1 rank each (In case hearing is an issue) but I guess I don't need more than that unless I want one of the masterpieces, I will have to take a look at those.

[kinevon]

If you are planning on going Dervish Dancer, which lets you use Dex instead of Str with a scimitar for attack and damage, you would need at least one more rank of Perform (Dance).

[Conman the Bardbarian]

You'd probably want a performance that can be used as distraction and one that can be used for counter song. 1 rank with a decent charisma gives anyone within 30 feet a free reroll(your performance check) on sound or sight based will saves. Real nice when everyone started walking off enchanted by some music emanating from nearby cliffs.

Versatile performance is nice too and a nice place for half-elf skill focus. I just wish that since dazzling display will be drawing from my performance check for intimidation that it could also count towards my bardic performance to inspire courage.

[Iammars]

Michael Eshleman wrote:

Additionally you can use the Versatile Performace class feature to substitute your bonus in various Perform skills for your bonus in other skills.

Also. a cool trick: There's a racial option for humans that trades the free feat for a Skill Focus at 1st and 8th levels. Versatile performance turns those 2 skill focuses into 6 skill focuses.

[Aeshuura]

I would raise perform (dance), and when you are able take the masterpiece called Dance of 23 steps. It is helpful in adding to your AC. It hits the epicitude when you are close to retiring, but since you can play in modules and other options past 12th level it certainly pays off. (Plus it is subject to Lingering Performance as well.)

[CRobledo]

Aeshuura wrote:

I would raise perform (dance), and when you are able take the masterpiece called Dance of 23 steps. It is helpful in adding to your AC. It hits the epicitude when you are close to retiring, but since you can play in modules and other options past 12th level it certainly pays off. (Plus it is subject to Lingering Performance as well.)

I think he is a melee bard, for which the masterpiece is not as good.

[Aeshuura]

What do you mean? It is a free action, and starts at -2 attack, +2 AC. As he puts more ranks into Perform (Dance) the penalty drops and the dodge bonus increases.

Perform 4 ranks required -2/+2

Perform 8 ranks -> -1/+3

Perform 12 ranks -> -0/+4

How does that not help? Couple that with heroism and the +2 to attack negates the -2 penalty.

Anyway, that is just what I found. If that doesn't work for you, that's ok.