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[[Image:Bard.jpg|384px|right|Chamber Music for an adoring audience of one.]] | [[Image:Bard.jpg|384px|right|Chamber Music for an adoring audience of one.]] | ||
== | ==Bard== | ||
Yeah, bards have always been the role-player's class, the one you played if you wanted to be a sensitive, soul-searching warrior/poet on a quest to find inner peace. And yes, the bard can still do all of that. | Yeah, bards have always been the role-player's class, the one you played if you wanted to be a sensitive, soul-searching warrior/poet on a quest to find inner peace. And yes, the bard can still do all of that. | ||
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==Class Abilities== | |||
===Weapon and Armor Proficiency=== | |||
A bard is proficient with all simple weapons, plus the longsword, rapier, sap, shortsword, shortbow, and whip (only the 'whip', not the exotic whips). Bards are also proficient with light armor and light shields. A bard can cast bard spells while wearing light armor and using a shield without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. Like any other arcane spellcaster, a bard wearing medium or heavy armor incurs a chance of arcane spell failure if the spell in question has a somatic component. A multiclass bard still incurs the normal arcane spell failure chance for arcane spells received from other classes. | A bard is proficient with all simple weapons, plus the longsword, rapier, sap, shortsword, shortbow, and whip (only the 'whip', not the exotic whips). Bards are also proficient with light armor and light shields. A bard can cast bard spells while wearing light armor and using a shield without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. Like any other arcane spellcaster, a bard wearing medium or heavy armor incurs a chance of arcane spell failure if the spell in question has a somatic component. A multiclass bard still incurs the normal arcane spell failure chance for arcane spells received from other classes. | ||
===Spells === | |||
Beginning at 1st level, a bard casts arcane spells drawn from the bard spell list. He can cast any spell he knows without preparing it ahead of time. Every bard spell has a verbal component (singing, reciting, or music). To learn or cast a spell, a bard must have a Charisma score equal to at least 10 + the spell level. The Difficulty Class (DC) for a saving throw against a bard's spell is 10 + the spell level + the bard's Charisma modifier. | Beginning at 1st level, a bard casts arcane spells drawn from the bard spell list. He can cast any spell he knows without preparing it ahead of time. Every bard spell has a verbal component (singing, reciting, or music). To learn or cast a spell, a bard must have a Charisma score equal to at least 10 + the spell level. The Difficulty Class (DC) for a saving throw against a bard's spell is 10 + the spell level + the bard's Charisma modifier. | ||
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====Table: Bard Spells Known==== | |||
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" style="text-align:center" | {| border="1" cellpadding="5" style="text-align:center" | ||
! Level || 0th || 1st || 2nd || 3rd || 4th || 5th || 6th | ! Level || 0th || 1st || 2nd || 3rd || 4th || 5th || 6th | ||
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====Cantrips (Sp)==== | |||
Bard's learn a number of cantrips, or 0-level spells, as noted on '''Table: Bard Spells Known''' under "Spells Known." These spells are cast like any other spell, but they do not consume any slots and may be used again. | Bard's learn a number of cantrips, or 0-level spells, as noted on '''Table: Bard Spells Known''' under "Spells Known." These spells are cast like any other spell, but they do not consume any slots and may be used again. | ||
===Bardic Knowledge (Ex)=== | |||
A bard adds half his class level (minimum 1) to all Knowledge skill checks and may make all Knowledge skill checks untrained. This bonus also applies to any Spellcraft or Spycraft checks when they are used for knowledge checks. | A bard adds half his class level (minimum 1) to all Knowledge skill checks and may make all Knowledge skill checks untrained. This bonus also applies to any Spellcraft or Spycraft checks when they are used for knowledge checks. | ||
=== | ===Bardic Performance (Ex, Stance)=== | ||
Beginning at 1st level, a bard is trained to use the Perform skill to create magical effects on those around him, including himself if desired. To initiate one of his performances, he enters a [[Types_of_Actions#Stances|Stance]], which follows the rules for stances, except as described below. Each round, the bard can produce any one of the types of bardic performance that he has mastered, as indicated by his level. | |||
A Bardic Performance requires the bard to be standing, wielding an Instrument (see below), occupies both hands, and requires the Bard to have all their actions available each round to maintain the Stance. | |||
Entering the stance of a bardic performance is a standard action, but it can be maintained each round as a free action. Entering and maintaining a bardic performance requires the Bard to be stnding, able to act freely, and occupies both their hands. Ending a bardic performance requires an immediate action (or a swift action if done during the bard's turn) and can trigger a finale (see below). A performance cannot be ended the same round it was begun, and the same performance cannot be ended and then re-started in the same round. However, a bard can end one performance and begin a different one in the same round, assuming he has enough actions to do so. A bardic performance is disrupted if he is knocked out of his stance (see [[Types_of_Actions#Stances|Stance]] rules). If the performance stance is disrupted, the bard must use another standard action to re-initiate the stance (unless he has the higher level abilities which reduce this to lesser action types). Entering a stance does not provoke attacks of opportunity. | |||
As with all stances, a bard cannot have more than one bardic performance in effect at one time. While in the bardic performance stance, the bardic ability of Harmony may be used, as long as the bard has adequate actions to do so. | |||
At 7th level, a bard can enter the stance of a bardic performance as a move action instead of a standard action. At 13th level, a bard can initiate the stance of a bardic performance as a swift action. | |||
Allies must be within the range of the performance (typically 30 feet, but see the performance's description) to gain the benefits of the performance. Depending on the performance skill being used with the stance, allies will also require line of sight for visual-based performance (e.g. dance) or line of effect for audible performances (e.g. percussion). Some performance types require both line of sight and line of effect (e.g. acting). | |||
If a bardic performance has audible components, the targets must be able to hear the bard for the performance to have any effect, and such performances are language dependent. A deaf bard has a 20% change to fail when attempting to use a bardic performance with an audible component. This check is made at the beginning of his turn each round, and is not an action. If he fails this check, the performance grants no benefits or effects until a successful check is made on a subsequent round. Deaf creatures are immune to bardic performances with audible components. | |||
If a bardic performance has a visual component, the targets must have line of sight to the bard for the performance to have any effect. A blind bard has a 50% chance to fail when attempting to use a bardic performance with a visual component. This check is made at the beginning of his turn each round, and is not an action. If he fails this check, the performance grants no benefits or effects until a successful check is made on a subsequent round. Blind creatures are immune to bardic performances with visual components. | |||
====Bard Instruments==== | |||
In order to use their Performance skill and enter a Performance Stance, a bard must wield an Instrument with both hands. This may be a traditional instrument such as a lute, violin, or flute, or it may be any other Instrument which the Bard uses to focus his Performance. It can be an item of clothing such as a signature hat which is manipulated about the body, as used by Fred Astaire, it can be an artifact such as Yorick's Skull to which he declaims dramatically, it can be a scarf which is held and manipulated to emphasize the performance, or anything else the player wishes. | In order to use their Performance skill and enter a Performance Stance, a bard must wield an Instrument with both hands. This may be a traditional instrument such as a lute, violin, or flute, or it may be any other Instrument which the Bard uses to focus his Performance. It can be an item of clothing such as a signature hat which is manipulated about the body, as used by Fred Astaire, it can be an artifact such as Yorick's Skull to which he declaims dramatically, it can be a scarf which is held and manipulated to emphasize the performance, or anything else the player wishes. | ||
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====Finales (Su)==== | |||
During combat, as an Immediate action, the bard may end her performance and gain a Finale effect. Note that 'ending a performance' is not the same as having the stance disrupted, and disrupted stances do not allow the bard to gain a Finale effect. The Finale may not be used in same round that the performance starts. A new performance may begin the same round a Finale is used, but it must be a different performance than the one just ended. The bard is never obligated to use the finale when ending a performance, though voluntarily ending a performance always costs an immediate/swift action. Finales may only be used during combat (while there is an initiative order). | During combat, as an Immediate action, the bard may end her performance and gain a Finale effect. Note that 'ending a performance' is not the same as having the stance disrupted, and disrupted stances do not allow the bard to gain a Finale effect. The Finale may not be used in same round that the performance starts. A new performance may begin the same round a Finale is used, but it must be a different performance than the one just ended. The bard is never obligated to use the finale when ending a performance, though voluntarily ending a performance always costs an immediate/swift action. Finales may only be used during combat (while there is an initiative order). | ||
===Types of Bardic Performance=== | ====Types of Bardic Performance==== | ||
Each of the Bardic Performance types described below is a stance, and follows all of the rules of [[Types_of_Actions#Stances|Stances]]. Once the selected stance is entered, the bard may sustain it each round as a free action, or end it as an immediate (or swift) action to gain its finale effect. If the stance is disrupted, the finale may not be used, and the stance must be re-initiated. If the bard wishes to change the stance he is using to a different performance, he must end the current stance, and initiate the new stance as a standard action (or a move action at 7th level, or swift action at 13th). If the stance is disrupted, the interrupted performance may be re-initiated or a different performance may be initiated if the bard so chooses. The only legal way to end a performance and begin a new one is to either spend an immediate action to end it (and get the Finale benefit if eligible) or have the stance disrupted. | Each of the Bardic Performance types described below is a stance, and follows all of the rules of [[Types_of_Actions#Stances|Stances]]. Once the selected stance is entered, the bard may sustain it each round as a free action, or end it as an immediate (or swift) action to gain its finale effect. If the stance is disrupted, the finale may not be used, and the stance must be re-initiated. If the bard wishes to change the stance he is using to a different performance, he must end the current stance, and initiate the new stance as a standard action (or a move action at 7th level, or swift action at 13th). If the stance is disrupted, the interrupted performance may be re-initiated or a different performance may be initiated if the bard so chooses. The only legal way to end a performance and begin a new one is to either spend an immediate action to end it (and get the Finale benefit if eligible) or have the stance disrupted. | ||
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| [[Deadly Performance (Performance)|Deadly Performance]] || 20th | | [[Deadly Performance (Performance)|Deadly Performance]] || 20th | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Implements=== | |||
The Bard is one of the classes which is allowed to use Implements to boost their magical ranged touch attacks. The bard's bardic instrument may be enchanted as an implement, in addition to any other enchantments it may have. See the [[Crafting_Magic_Implements]] page for more details. | |||
===Harmony (Sp)=== | |||
Starting at 1st level, any time during combat that the bard is maintaining a performance stance (including surprise rounds), a bard may magically strike at his enemies with illusory shadows of his performance as a standard action, in addition to the effects of the [[Types_of_Actions#Stances|Stance]]. The range of the attack is Close (25 ft + 5 ft/two levels (round down)) and it is a ranged touch attack that follows all the rules of [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic#TOC-Aiming-a-Spell ray attacks]. | |||
As a ranged touch attack, Harmony may be boosted if the Bard has an [[Crafting_Magic_Implements|Implement]] in their hand when the ability is used. If their Implement is also their Instrument, this usage does not interrupt their performance. | |||
Harmony is a mind-affecting ability, though the bard need not share a language with the target. Harmony is a spell-like ability that provokes AOO's unless a concentration check is made to combat-cast. Harmony is treated as though it belongs to the illusion school of spells, even though it is not a spell, for purposes of feats like [[Spell Focus]]. Harmony is also subject to Spell Resistance if the targeted creature(s) have it. | |||
If the target is successfully struck by Harmony, the Bard may first [[Types_of_Movement#Forced_Movement|Slide]] the target 1 square as forced movement. As with all forced movement, this ignores difficult terrain, never provokes attacks of opportunity, and may be negated if the target elects to fall [[Prone]]. In addition to the slide, Harmony inflicts 1d6 + CHA modifier of piercing damage at level 1, and this damage increases by 1d6 at each odd level, as detailed in [[#Table:_Bard|Table: Bard]]. | |||
Beginning at level 8, the bard may use harmony twice during a full attack action. The second attack is at BAB - 5. Beginning at level 15, the Bard may use Harmony three times during a full attack action, although the third attack is made at -10. Harmony may never be used in the same round as Staccato, unless an action point is used. | |||
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Every 2 levels after 2nd level (e.g. 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th), the bard can select one additional skill from the list above to substitute with any of his Perform skills. | Every 2 levels after 2nd level (e.g. 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th), the bard can select one additional skill from the list above to substitute with any of his Perform skills. | ||
===Well-Versed (Ex)=== | ===Well-Versed (Ex)=== | ||
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|} | |} | ||
====Sostenuto | == Epic Class Abilities== | ||
===Sostenuto=== | |||
With Sostenuto, the bard may end his performance as a swift action, but the performance lingers to the end of the Bards next round. Any other requirement, such as range or specific conditions, must still be met for the effect to continue, and if the Performance has a Finale, it is lost. | With Sostenuto, the bard may end his performance as a swift action, but the performance lingers to the end of the Bards next round. Any other requirement, such as range or specific conditions, must still be met for the effect to continue, and if the Performance has a Finale, it is lost. | ||
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===Spells=== | |||
Beginning at level 21, and every level thereafter, bards receive spell slots above level 6 so that metamagic feats may be applied to their higher level spells. | Beginning at level 21, and every level thereafter, bards receive spell slots above level 6 so that metamagic feats may be applied to their higher level spells. | ||
===Bard Spells Known==== | |||
At 22nd level and every even numbered level thereafter, Bards may choose another spell from the list of Bard spells. They may choose any spell they wish between spell levels 0 and 6. Bards never gain spells higher than sixth level. | At 22nd level and every even numbered level thereafter, Bards may choose another spell from the list of Bard spells. They may choose any spell they wish between spell levels 0 and 6. Bards never gain spells higher than sixth level. | ||
====Bonus Epic Metamagic Feat==== | =====Bonus Epic Metamagic Feat==== | ||
At 22nd, 28th, and 34th levels, Bards may choose one bonus feat from the list of metamagic feats. The bard must meet any prerequisites that the feat requires, but the feat may be selected from the epic or non-epic metamagic feats, as the bard wishes. | At 22nd, 28th, and 34th levels, Bards may choose one bonus feat from the list of metamagic feats. The bard must meet any prerequisites that the feat requires, but the feat may be selected from the epic or non-epic metamagic feats, as the bard wishes. | ||
===Forte (Ex)=== | |||
At level 23, the range of the bard's performance expands by 10 feet. In most cases, this brings the range to 40 feet instead of 30 feet. Refer to the specific bardic performance entry for the base range. | At level 23, the range of the bard's performance expands by 10 feet. In most cases, this brings the range to 40 feet instead of 30 feet. Refer to the specific bardic performance entry for the base range. | ||
===Symphony (Sp)=== | |||
At level 24, as a standard action, the bard may produce a destructive Symphony which deals piercing damage equal to the bard's Harmony damage as a fifteen foot cone (if using audible performance skills) or a fifteen foot radius centered on himself (if using visual performance skills.) The Bard is immune to damage created by his own Symphony ability. This mind-affecting spell-like ability harms all creatures caught in the area of effect, though they are allowed a Will save (DC 10 + half the bard's level + CHA mod) for half damage. This attack provokes attacks of opportunity unless the bard makes a concentration check to combat-cast. If used as a full-attack action, Symphony may be used the same number of times per round as Harmony. | At level 24, as a standard action, the bard may produce a destructive Symphony which deals piercing damage equal to the bard's Harmony damage as a fifteen foot cone (if using audible performance skills) or a fifteen foot radius centered on himself (if using visual performance skills.) The Bard is immune to damage created by his own Symphony ability. This mind-affecting spell-like ability harms all creatures caught in the area of effect, though they are allowed a Will save (DC 10 + half the bard's level + CHA mod) for half damage. This attack provokes attacks of opportunity unless the bard makes a concentration check to combat-cast. If used as a full-attack action, Symphony may be used the same number of times per round as Harmony. | ||
===Piano (Ex)=== | |||
At level 26, the bard can reduce the radius of his bardic performance to 15 feet, but may perform without visual or audible components. While using bardic performance thusly, the bard and his party take no stealth penalties from the performance, and the performance cannot be countersong-ed. Furthermore, the bard may enter a stealth stance at the same time as he is using a performance stance with the Piano ability, assuming he meets the conditions required for stealth. | At level 26, the bard can reduce the radius of his bardic performance to 15 feet, but may perform without visual or audible components. While using bardic performance thusly, the bard and his party take no stealth penalties from the performance, and the performance cannot be countersong-ed. Furthermore, the bard may enter a stealth stance at the same time as he is using a performance stance with the Piano ability, assuming he meets the conditions required for stealth. | ||
===Reprise (Ex)=== | |||
At level 27, the bard may begin the same bardic performance in the same round in which he used that performance's finale. The bard may also perform the finale of a performance that he began this round. This means it is now possible to get the effects of a particular performance's finale each round (during combat). | At level 27, the bard may begin the same bardic performance in the same round in which he used that performance's finale. The bard may also perform the finale of a performance that he began this round. This means it is now possible to get the effects of a particular performance's finale each round (during combat). | ||
===Grand Symphony (Sp)=== | |||
At level 28, as a standard action, the bard may produce a destructive Grand Symphony which deals piercing damage equal to the bard's Harmony damage as a thirty foot cone (if using audible performance skills) or a thirty foot radius centered on himself (if using visual performance skills.) The Bard is immune to damage created by his own Grand Symphony ability. This mind-affecting spell-like ability harms all creatures caught in the area of effect, though they are allowed a Will save (DC 10 + half the bard's level + CHA mod) for half damage. This attack provokes attacks of opportunity unless the bard makes a concentration check to combat-cast. If used as a full-attack action, Grand Symphony may be used the same number of times per round as Harmony. | At level 28, as a standard action, the bard may produce a destructive Grand Symphony which deals piercing damage equal to the bard's Harmony damage as a thirty foot cone (if using audible performance skills) or a thirty foot radius centered on himself (if using visual performance skills.) The Bard is immune to damage created by his own Grand Symphony ability. This mind-affecting spell-like ability harms all creatures caught in the area of effect, though they are allowed a Will save (DC 10 + half the bard's level + CHA mod) for half damage. This attack provokes attacks of opportunity unless the bard makes a concentration check to combat-cast. If used as a full-attack action, Grand Symphony may be used the same number of times per round as Harmony. | ||
===Mezzo-Forte (Ex)=== | |||
At level 29, the range of the bard's performance expands by an additional 10 feet (for a total of +20 feet, counting Forte). In most cases, this brings the range to 50 feet. Refer to the specific bardic performance entry for the base range. | At level 29, the range of the bard's performance expands by an additional 10 feet (for a total of +20 feet, counting Forte). In most cases, this brings the range to 50 feet. Refer to the specific bardic performance entry for the base range. | ||
===Harmony (Sp)=== | |||
At level 30, the bard may use harmony 3 times during a full attack action, instead of just twice. The third attack is at BAB -10, as normal. | At level 30, the bard may use harmony 3 times during a full attack action, instead of just twice. The third attack is at BAB -10, as normal. | ||
===Mythopoetic Symphony (Sp)=== | |||
At level 31, as a standard action, the bard may produce a destructive Mythopoetic Symphony which deals piercing damage equal to the bard's Harmony damage as a sixty foot cone. The Bard is immune to damage created by his own Mythopoetic Symphony ability. This mind-affecting spell-like ability harms all creatures caught in the area of effect, though they are allowed a Will save (DC 10 + half the bard's level + CHA mod) for half damage. This attack provokes attacks of opportunity unless the bard makes a concentration check to combat-cast. If used as a full-attack action, Symphony may be used the same number of times per round as Harmony. | At level 31, as a standard action, the bard may produce a destructive Mythopoetic Symphony which deals piercing damage equal to the bard's Harmony damage as a sixty foot cone. The Bard is immune to damage created by his own Mythopoetic Symphony ability. This mind-affecting spell-like ability harms all creatures caught in the area of effect, though they are allowed a Will save (DC 10 + half the bard's level + CHA mod) for half damage. This attack provokes attacks of opportunity unless the bard makes a concentration check to combat-cast. If used as a full-attack action, Symphony may be used the same number of times per round as Harmony. | ||
===Pianissimo (Ex)=== | |||
At level 32, the bard can reduce the radius of his bardic performance to 30 feet, but may perform without visual or audible components. While using bardic performance thusly, the bard and his party take no stealth penalties from the performance, and the performance cannot be countersong-ed. Furthermore, the bard may enter a stealth stance at the same time as he is using a performance stance with the Pianissimo ability. | At level 32, the bard can reduce the radius of his bardic performance to 30 feet, but may perform without visual or audible components. While using bardic performance thusly, the bard and his party take no stealth penalties from the performance, and the performance cannot be countersong-ed. Furthermore, the bard may enter a stealth stance at the same time as he is using a performance stance with the Pianissimo ability. | ||
===Fortissimo (Ex)=== | |||
At level 35, the range of the bard's performance expands by an additional 10 feet (for a total of +30 feet, counting Forte and Mezzo-Forte). In most cases, this brings the range to 60 feet. Refer to the specific bardic performance entry for the base range. | At level 35, the range of the bard's performance expands by an additional 10 feet (for a total of +30 feet, counting Forte and Mezzo-Forte). In most cases, this brings the range to 60 feet. Refer to the specific bardic performance entry for the base range. | ||
===Apotheosis=== | |||
You are a rock god. Only, seriously, you really are. | You are a rock god. Only, seriously, you really are. | ||