Switching bardic performance modes

[Kwauss]

If you start a performance using visual, can you switch to auditory?

[Kazaan]

No. For performances that give you the option between Visual and Auditory components, it states you select which to use when you start the performance. It gives no allowance to change so, in order to do so, you must end the current performance and begin a new one with the alternate component.

[wraithstrike]

I don't think you are allowed to switch. If so there would be no point in making you choose one or the other.

Inspire courage specifically says you must choose when starting the performance. That is a restriction on when you can make the choice.

[Kwauss]

Since it's not very clear what happens when you spend your action on subsequent rounds (e.g. inspire courage), why is it limited if it doesn't say so?

[wraithstrike]

Kwauss wrote:

Since it's not very clear what happens when you spend your action on subsequent rounds (e.g. inspire courage), why is it limited if it doesn't say so?

On subsequent rounds you are not restarting it, you are maintaining it, so there is no reason to mention the later rounds.

Actually I was only speaking of inspire courage since it gives a choice, but only upon starting it.

As for the other performances you would have to refer to their specific text to see how strict they are.

IIRC that is the only one that gives you a choice. The others tell you what you have to use.

PS: If there are any outside of the CRB then I am not aware of them.

[Trekkie90909]

You can effectively switch components by starting a new bardic performance (thus ending the old one) using the appropriate level specific action. There are feats which let you change what type of performance (inspire courage/competence, etc) for free, but to my knowledge none which allow you to switch between auditory and visual.