Extending the Bard's Playlist

Azred · 08-01-2003, 11:50 PM

Now that my bard has attained 11th level, thus gaining the much-desired War Chant of Sith, I realized that she won't have any significant improvement for the rest of her adventuring career, except for spells. So the thought hit me, "why not add a few bard songs to round out her repertoire?"

What kind of bard songs should be added? Please, no "death songs" that automatically kill enemies with no saves. I was thinking some sort of charm or confusion song; as long as the song ability in in keeping with the spirit of a bard I will consider it--anything that benefits the party, removes an affliction, or has some emotion-based effect is perfect.

Dundee Slaytern · 08-02-2003, 12:18 AM

15: Blackboard Scratching

Bard learns the art of blackboard scratching. Nails polished for maximum screechiness, the bard keeps his/her harp and takes out a blackboard to scratch his/her nails on it. This counts as a sound base attack, and will affect ALL those around the Bard.

20' Radius, Target must save versus... spells(?) once a round or go Berserk.

--------

20: Requiem Sympony

The Bard has become so proficient with his/her harp that he/she can play as though he/she is a band. This battlesong instills courage and a gung-ho attitude into his/her party.

15' Radius, +1 ApR, Immunity to Fear, Feeblemind, Sleep, Charm and Confusion, -2 Saving Throws bonus, +4 AC penalty.

--------

25: Discords of the Harlequiens

Having played the harp for so long, the Bard has seen many tragedies in his/her life and it is through songs that he/she plays out his/her angst. The song can get so violent that it actually afflicts damage upon the hearer.

15' Radius, Target must save versus breath once a round or suffer 2d10 crushing damage. Immunity to sound based attacks will negate the effects.

Bozos of Bones · 08-02-2003, 09:01 AM

Level 1>
Unexpirienced bard.
He starts singing and all the creatures around him must make a save vs breath weapon or flee in terror.

Level 14>
The song of Imoen's love.
The bard chooses who to play the song to. The target is Dominated for half the number of bard-s levels in rounds, saving throw goes like this>
1-8> no effect
9-14> target is held for number of rounds equal to half bard's level
15-19> Dominated as explained above
20> Dominated for life, no saving throw, chreature can avoid this effect with a save vs death only after number of days equal to bard's level

Level 18>
Song of Epic Battle
All the bard's friends do critical hits on any hit.

Level 22>
Pacifying Moan
Round 1 effect> all creatures have initiative penalty of 2 except for bard and his homies.
Round 2 effect> all creatures with fewer than 4 hit dice sit and listen automatically, thos with 5 to 8 hd make a save vs spell to avoid the effect, those with 9 or more have initiative penalties of 4.
Round 3 effect> all creatures, including the bard's party stop attacking each other. They are allowed no saving throws against bard songs or any of his actions. This effect lasts for number of rounds equal to bard's level. Creatures are allowed a saving throw versus this effect every round with a -2.

NobleNick · 08-13-2003, 10:18 AM

Azred,

I have pined away about this a bit, too. True, the Bard is very powerful as is, with HoW installed, and gains spells and spell power indefinitely. And I am sure the character type has been play tested for game balance; but I still didn't like the slow increase in powers after clvl 11.

I know the following needs to be massaged into a format that fits the "d20 and saving throw" combat engine; but how about something like:

Level 13 --> Chorus of the Chaotic Elements: The Bard has learned to open the gateway to the elements via song; but cannot control what comes through the primordial portal. As long as the Bard sings, there is a (2X)% chance, each round, that ONE of the events randomly picked from the following list will be targeted at an enemy picked at random from those within sight of the Bard: Fireball; Aganazzar's Scorcher; Ice Storm; Cone of Cold; Chain Lightning; Lightning Bolt; Thunder Storm (?? whatever that outdoors Druid rain spell is); or Crashing Wave. X = (clvl of Bard).

As you can see, though quite powerful, this 13th level song could get your party into deep yogurt extremely quickly if not used with very careful tactical forethought. This song also offers growth potential (and the opportunity to get into even deeper yogurt), since the spell strengths for most spells are dependent on clvl.

Level 15 --> Soliloquy of Spells: The bard has discovered, and experimented with, a soothing melody that allows spellcasters within hearing to regain spells without having to sleep. Every round that the Bard sings this song, there is an (5*[X-10])% chance that a used spell will be regenerated in the party, where X = (clvl of Bard). The spell to be regenerated is picked randomly from the available pool of spells that are waiting to be regained through sleep, from all spell-capable characters in the party (including the Bard, Mages, Clerics, Druids, etc.). Spells of spell_level greater than (X/3) are not eligible to be regenerated.

This 15th level song offers some growth potential, since it gains consistency and power as the Bard gains levels.

Level 17 --> Ballad of the Imbued Berserkers: At the end of every round that the Bard sings this tune there is a (2X)% chance of summoning a single Imbued Berserker; again, where X is the Bard's clvl. The Imbued Berserker has higher HP and better saving throws than a normal berserker, and is armed with a sword imbued with a magical THAC0 bonus = ROUND_DOWN(X/6). The maximum number of Imbued Berserkers that may be called per day = ROUND_DOWN(X/4). If the Bard stops singing, EACH Imbued Berserker stands a (100/X)% chance per round of evaporating, until the Bard resumes singing the Ballad. Like their brothers who are summoned with the bardic horn, Imbued Berserkers may not be directly controlled, only move to engage enemies within their sight, and they evaporate if separated from sight of the party.

And, again, this 17th level song adds modest growth potential long after it is acquired.

Level 19 --> Malavon's Melody (a.k.a. "War Scream of the Sith"): An improvement on War Chant of the Sith which several genrations of very experienced bards honed after vast experimentation. Grants the same bonuses as the war chant, except: AC bonus of -3 (instead of -2); ALL physical and magical resistances = 20% (instead of selective 10% for physical); total immunity to fear, confusion and all non-imbued weapons; and +5 HP healing per round, in the presence of enemies, only.

This 19th level song seems even cheesier than "War Chant"; but we are talking level 19; so the party should be meeting up with some very bad boys by then. (Can a Bard even get to clvl 19?)

Hmmm... Do you think that I gave our imaginary Bard TOO much power? Looking back at this, my only regret is that I think I should have thought of more songs that made the Bard a support person (like "Soliloquy of Spells" and "Malavon's Melody"), rather than a stand-alone offensive weapon.

What's a party,
without a song?
Bards ROCK!
Party on!!

moiraine sedai · 08-13-2003, 08:18 PM

Aren't bards supposed to be support characters???

Just checking.

Cheers,

Moiraine Sedai

Lymond · 08-14-2003, 02:48 PM

NobleNick,

Soliloquy of Spells is a must-have song. The only reason I sleep lately is to regain spells.

After spending too much time on the music channels, I came up with the following:

The Ballad of One Hit Wonders - Randomly improves the stats of one party member to maximum levels for five rounds.

Head Bangers Ball - Increases the damage of blunt weapons +5 and increases the odds of critical hits.

Where Are They Now - Randomly imbues spellcasters with the abilities of a previously vanquished enemy.

Yo, Bard Raps - Summons 20 NPCs to join and aid your party.

The Real World Song - Sadly, a cursed song. In fact, not a song at all- the bard starts whining and complaining to the point where the rest of the party falls asleep. The only saving throw is if the rest of the party votes the bard off the team.

NobleNick · 08-14-2003, 04:48 PM

moiraine,

Yes, I think you are right; though the Bard does have a generous slot allocation that can be used for a variety of spells, many of which are very devastating direct offensive magic. I like to think of the bard as a jack of all trades and master of none (or master of ONE --> lore, in the form of identification abilities and songs). Still, I think I may have overdone it...

Lymond, ...ROTFL!! ... Yes, get a life... away from the music channel! I like your song titles, especially the last four! AND... I think your "Head Bangers' Ball" might be considered balanced enough and easy enough to actually implement.

You gave me some ideas for some more songs that might also be a little more balanced (realistic) and "support role-ish" to have better chance of inclusion than some of those in my first post:

1.) Symphony of Silence: All spell casters (including party members) within 20 feet of the singing bard must make saving throws each round or be silenced for that round. Spellcasters below the level of the bard must make saving throws at -6 penalty. Those at/above roll with -4 penalty. From 20 feet out to 40 feet the penalties are -4 and -2 for those below and above the Bards clvl, respectively.

2.) Melody of the Masses: Summoning limit is doubled while the Bard plays. Excess summons are randomly evaporated, one per round, to get back to normal summoning limit if the bard stops playing.

3.) Song of Sight: All affected party members can see, and shoot their ranged weapons, 25% farther.

4.) Poetic Justice: Enemies take 1/2 of any damage they inflict on any party members who are within 15 feet of the singing bard.

Hey!! Along with "Soliloquy of Spells," I think that makes a nice bucket of support songs!

What's a party,
without a song?
Bards ROCK!
Party on!!

08-01-2003, 11:50 PM	#1
Azred Drow Priestess Join Date: March 13, 2001 Location: a hidden sanctorum high above the metroplex Age: 55 Posts: 4,037	Now that my bard has attained 11th level, thus gaining the much-desired War Chant of Sith, I realized that she won't have any significant improvement for the rest of her adventuring career, except for spells. So the thought hit me, "why not add a few bard songs to round out her repertoire?" What kind of bard songs should be added? Please, no "death songs" that automatically kill enemies with no saves. I was thinking some sort of charm or confusion song; as long as the song ability in in keeping with the spirit of a bard I will consider it--anything that benefits the party, removes an affliction, or has some emotion-based effect is perfect. __________________ Everything may be explained by a conspiracy theory. All conspiracy theories are true. No matter how thinly you slice it, it's still bologna.

08-02-2003, 09:01 AM	#3
Bozos of Bones Apophis Join Date: July 29, 2003 Location: The Underdark cavern of Zagreb Age: 38 Posts: 4,679	Level 1> Unexpirienced bard. He starts singing and all the creatures around him must make a save vs breath weapon or flee in terror. Level 14> The song of Imoen's love. The bard chooses who to play the song to. The target is Dominated for half the number of bard-s levels in rounds, saving throw goes like this> 1-8> no effect 9-14> target is held for number of rounds equal to half bard's level 15-19> Dominated as explained above 20> Dominated for life, no saving throw, chreature can avoid this effect with a save vs death only after number of days equal to bard's level Level 18> Song of Epic Battle All the bard's friends do critical hits on any hit. Level 22> Pacifying Moan Round 1 effect> all creatures have initiative penalty of 2 except for bard and his homies. Round 2 effect> all creatures with fewer than 4 hit dice sit and listen automatically, thos with 5 to 8 hd make a save vs spell to avoid the effect, those with 9 or more have initiative penalties of 4. Round 3 effect> all creatures, including the bard's party stop attacking each other. They are allowed no saving throws against bard songs or any of his actions. This effect lasts for number of rounds equal to bard's level. Creatures are allowed a saving throw versus this effect every round with a -2. __________________ MAKE LOVE, NOT SPAM!

08-13-2003, 08:18 PM	#5
moiraine sedai Zhentarim Guard Join Date: January 25, 2003 Location: Tar Valon Age: 41 Posts: 335	Aren't bards supposed to be support characters??? Just checking. Cheers, Moiraine Sedai __________________ ~The wheel weaves as the wheel wills~

08-14-2003, 02:48 PM	#6
Lymond Manshoon Join Date: February 6, 2003 Location: Boston, MA Age: 56 Posts: 175	NobleNick, Soliloquy of Spells is a must-have song. The only reason I sleep lately is to regain spells. After spending too much time on the music channels, I came up with the following: The Ballad of One Hit Wonders - Randomly improves the stats of one party member to maximum levels for five rounds. Head Bangers Ball - Increases the damage of blunt weapons +5 and increases the odds of critical hits. Where Are They Now - Randomly imbues spellcasters with the abilities of a previously vanquished enemy. Yo, Bard Raps - Summons 20 NPCs to join and aid your party. The Real World Song - Sadly, a cursed song. In fact, not a song at all- the bard starts whining and complaining to the point where the rest of the party falls asleep. The only saving throw is if the rest of the party votes the bard off the team. __________________ Hard work pays off in the long run. Laziness pays off right now.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The Bard's new rig...	robertthebard	General Discussion	0	05-04-2007 08:18 PM
Bands From My Playlist: Part 2	shadowhound	General Discussion	8	03-12-2006 06:14 AM
The Bard's Tale	Balintherlas	Miscellaneous Games (RPG or not)	0	01-01-2006 05:28 PM
Bard's Song - What does it DO?	Desuma_Malevois	Baldurs Gate II Archives	6	06-19-2001 12:12 PM
bard's quest help	Mcrae	Wizards & Warriors Forum	2	01-12-2001 06:40 PM

08-02-2003, 12:18 AM	#2
Dundee Slaytern Ironworks Moderator Join Date: June 10, 2001 Location: Pasir Ris, Singapore Age: 42 Posts: 11,063	15: Blackboard Scratching Bard learns the art of blackboard scratching. Nails polished for maximum screechiness, the bard keeps his/her harp and takes out a blackboard to scratch his/her nails on it. This counts as a sound base attack, and will affect ALL those around the Bard. 20' Radius, Target must save versus... spells(?) once a round or go Berserk. -------- 20: Requiem Sympony The Bard has become so proficient with his/her harp that he/she can play as though he/she is a band. This battlesong instills courage and a gung-ho attitude into his/her party. 15' Radius, +1 ApR, Immunity to Fear, Feeblemind, Sleep, Charm and Confusion, -2 Saving Throws bonus, +4 AC penalty. -------- 25: Discords of the Harlequiens Having played the harp for so long, the Bard has seen many tragedies in his/her life and it is through songs that he/she plays out his/her angst. The song can get so violent that it actually afflicts damage upon the hearer. 15' Radius, Target must save versus breath once a round or suffer 2d10 crushing damage. Immunity to sound based attacks will negate the effects.

08-13-2003, 10:18 AM	#4
NobleNick Quintesson Join Date: February 5, 2002 Location: Huntsville, AL, USA Age: 65 Posts: 1,045	Azred, I have pined away about this a bit, too. True, the Bard is very powerful as is, with HoW installed, and gains spells and spell power indefinitely. And I am sure the character type has been play tested for game balance; but I still didn't like the slow increase in powers after clvl 11. I know the following needs to be massaged into a format that fits the "d20 and saving throw" combat engine; but how about something like: Level 13 --> Chorus of the Chaotic Elements: The Bard has learned to open the gateway to the elements via song; but cannot control what comes through the primordial portal. As long as the Bard sings, there is a (2X)% chance, each round, that ONE of the events randomly picked from the following list will be targeted at an enemy picked at random from those within sight of the Bard: Fireball; Aganazzar's Scorcher; Ice Storm; Cone of Cold; Chain Lightning; Lightning Bolt; Thunder Storm (?? whatever that outdoors Druid rain spell is); or Crashing Wave. X = (clvl of Bard). As you can see, though quite powerful, this 13th level song could get your party into deep yogurt extremely quickly if not used with very careful tactical forethought. This song also offers growth potential (and the opportunity to get into even deeper yogurt), since the spell strengths for most spells are dependent on clvl. Level 15 --> Soliloquy of Spells: The bard has discovered, and experimented with, a soothing melody that allows spellcasters within hearing to regain spells without having to sleep. Every round that the Bard sings this song, there is an (5[X-10])% chance that a used spell will be regenerated in the party, where X = (clvl of Bard). The spell to be regenerated is picked randomly from the available pool of spells that are waiting to be regained through sleep, from all spell-capable characters in the party (including the Bard, Mages, Clerics, Druids, etc.). Spells of spell_level greater than (X/3) are not eligible to be regenerated. This 15th level song offers some growth potential, since it gains consistency and power as the Bard gains levels. Level 17 --> Ballad of the Imbued Berserkers: At the end of every round that the Bard sings this tune there is a (2X)% chance of summoning a single Imbued Berserker; again, where X is the Bard's clvl. The Imbued Berserker has higher HP and better saving throws than a normal berserker, and is armed with a sword imbued with a magical THAC0 bonus = ROUND_DOWN(X/6). The maximum number of Imbued Berserkers that may be called per day = ROUND_DOWN(X/4). If the Bard stops singing, EACH Imbued Berserker stands a (100/X)% chance per round of evaporating, until the Bard resumes singing the Ballad. Like their brothers who are summoned with the bardic horn, Imbued Berserkers may not be directly controlled, only move to engage enemies within their sight, and they evaporate if separated from sight of the party. And, again, this 17th level song adds modest growth potential long after it is acquired. Level 19 --> Malavon's Melody (a.k.a. "War Scream* of the Sith"): An improvement on War Chant of the Sith which several genrations of very experienced bards honed after vast experimentation. Grants the same bonuses as the war chant, except: AC bonus of -3 (instead of -2); ALL physical and magical resistances = 20% (instead of selective 10% for physical); total immunity to fear, confusion and all non-imbued weapons; and +5 HP healing per round, in the presence of enemies, only. This 19th level song seems even cheesier than "War Chant"; but we are talking level 19; so the party should be meeting up with some very bad boys by then. (Can a Bard even get to clvl 19?) Hmmm... Do you think that I gave our imaginary Bard TOO much power? Looking back at this, my only regret is that I think I should have thought of more songs that made the Bard a support person (like "Soliloquy of Spells" and "Malavon's Melody"), rather than a stand-alone offensive weapon. What's a party, without a song? Bards ROCK! Party on!!

08-14-2003, 04:48 PM	#7
NobleNick Quintesson Join Date: February 5, 2002 Location: Huntsville, AL, USA Age: 65 Posts: 1,045	moiraine, Yes, I think you are right; though the Bard does have a generous slot allocation that can be used for a variety of spells, many of which are very devastating direct offensive magic. I like to think of the bard as a jack of all trades and master of none (or master of ONE --> lore, in the form of identification abilities and songs). Still, I think I may have overdone it... Lymond, ...ROTFL!! ... Yes, get a life... away from the music channel! I like your song titles, especially the last four! AND... I think your "Head Bangers' Ball" might be considered balanced enough and easy enough to actually implement. You gave me some ideas for some more songs that might also be a little more balanced (realistic) and "support role-ish" to have better chance of inclusion than some of those in my first post: 1.) Symphony of Silence: All spell casters (including party members) within 20 feet of the singing bard must make saving throws each round or be silenced for that round. Spellcasters below the level of the bard must make saving throws at -6 penalty. Those at/above roll with -4 penalty. From 20 feet out to 40 feet the penalties are -4 and -2 for those below and above the Bards clvl, respectively. 2.) Melody of the Masses: Summoning limit is doubled while the Bard plays. Excess summons are randomly evaporated, one per round, to get back to normal summoning limit if the bard stops playing. 3.) Song of Sight: All affected party members can see, and shoot their ranged weapons, 25% farther. 4.) Poetic Justice: Enemies take 1/2 of any damage they inflict on any party members who are within 15 feet of the singing bard. Hey!! Along with "Soliloquy of Spells," I think that makes a nice bucket of support songs! What's a party, without a song? Bards ROCK! Party on!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)