Bard: Difference between revisions
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[[Category:Bard]] | [[Category:Bard]] | ||
''Go back to the [[Epic Path]] page.'' | ''Go back to the [[Epic Path]] page.'' | ||
[[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.]] | ||
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'''Skill Ranks Per Level:''' 7 + Int modifier. | '''Skill Ranks Per Level:''' 7 + Int modifier. | ||
===Table: Bard=== | ===Table: Bard=== | ||
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| +10/+5 || 6 || 12 || 12 || 10d6 || 1d12 || +10 || Align="Left" | [[#Deadly_Performance_.28Su.2C_Stance.29|Deadly Performance]], [[#Soothing_Performance_.28Su.2C_Stance.29|Soothing Performance (5/round)]] || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 | | +10/+5 || 6 || 12 || 12 || 10d6 || 1d12 || +10 || Align="Left" | [[#Deadly_Performance_.28Su.2C_Stance.29|Deadly Performance]], [[#Soothing_Performance_.28Su.2C_Stance.29|Soothing Performance (5/round)]] || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Class Abilities== | ==Class Abilities== | ||
===Weapon and Armor Proficiency=== | ===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 light shield without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. Like any other arcane spell caster, 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 light shield without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. Like any other arcane spell caster, 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=== | ===Spells=== | ||
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* [[Bard Spells]]. | * [[Bard Spells]]. | ||
====Table: Bard Spells Known==== | ====Table: Bard Spells Known==== | ||
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| 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 5 || 5 | | 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 5 || 5 | ||
|} | |} | ||
====Cantrips (Sp)==== | ====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)=== | ===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)=== | ===Bardic Performance (Ex, Stance)=== | ||
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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. | 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==== | ====Bard Instruments==== | ||
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The magic properties for a Bard Instrument being used as a shield may be chosen as for any other shield, following the same rules as magic shield properties for the number of properties which may be added (i.e. campaign limits must be followed as to the maximum amount of properties which are allowed). The cost to create a magic instrument is the same as the cost for a comparably enchanted magic shield (i.e. 300 gp for masterwork, plus the cost of the instrument itself, plus the cost for the absolute bonus of the total number of magic weapon properties being applied). | The magic properties for a Bard Instrument being used as a shield may be chosen as for any other shield, following the same rules as magic shield properties for the number of properties which may be added (i.e. campaign limits must be followed as to the maximum amount of properties which are allowed). The cost to create a magic instrument is the same as the cost for a comparably enchanted magic shield (i.e. 300 gp for masterwork, plus the cost of the instrument itself, plus the cost for the absolute bonus of the total number of magic weapon properties being applied). | ||
====Finales (Su)==== | ====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==== | ||
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| [[Deadly Performance (Performance)|Deadly Performance]] || align="Center" | 20th | | [[Deadly Performance (Performance)|Deadly Performance]] || align="Center" | 20th | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Implements=== | ===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. | 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)=== | ===Harmony (Sp)=== | ||
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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 21, 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. | 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 21, 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. | ||
===Versatile Performance (Ex)=== | ===Versatile Performance (Ex)=== | ||
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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)=== | ||
At 2nd level, the bard becomes resistant to the bardic performance of others, and to sonic effects in general. The bard gains a +4 bonus on saving throws made against bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects. | At 2nd level, the bard becomes resistant to the bardic performance of others, and to sonic effects in general. The bard gains a +4 bonus on saving throws made against bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent effects. | ||
===Staccato (Su)=== | ===Staccato (Su)=== | ||
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Staccato may never be used in the same round as Harmony (or any of the Symphony abilities) unless an action point is used. | Staccato may never be used in the same round as Harmony (or any of the Symphony abilities) unless an action point is used. | ||
===Lore Master (Ex)=== | ===Lore Master (Ex)=== | ||
At 5th level, the bard becomes a master of lore and can take 10 on any Knowledge skill check that he has ranks in. A bard can choose not to take 10 and can instead roll normally. In addition, once per day, the bard can take 20 on any Knowledge skill check he has ranks in as a standard action. He can use this ability one additional time per day for every six levels he possesses beyond 5th, to a maximum of three times per day at 17th level. This ability may also be used on the Spellcraft and Spycraft skills when they are used for knowledge checks, assuming the bard has ranks in these skills. | At 5th level, the bard becomes a master of lore and can take 10 on any Knowledge skill check that he has ranks in. A bard can choose not to take 10 and can instead roll normally. In addition, once per day, the bard can take 20 on any Knowledge skill check he has ranks in as a standard action. He can use this ability one additional time per day for every six levels he possesses beyond 5th, to a maximum of three times per day at 17th level. This ability may also be used on the Spellcraft and Spycraft skills when they are used for knowledge checks, assuming the bard has ranks in these skills. | ||
===Bonus Metamagic Feat=== | ===Bonus Metamagic Feat=== | ||
At 7th level, Bards may choose one bonus feat from the list of non-epic metamagic feats. The bard must meet any prerequisites that the feat requires. | At 7th level, Bards may choose one bonus feat from the list of non-epic metamagic feats. The bard must meet any prerequisites that the feat requires. | ||
===Jack of All Trades (Ex)=== | ===Jack of All Trades (Ex)=== | ||
At 10th level, the bard can use any skill, even if the skill normally requires him to be trained. At 16th level, the bard considers all skills to be class skills. At 19th level, the bard can take 10 on any skill check, even if it is not normally allowed. | At 10th level, the bard can use any skill, even if the skill normally requires him to be trained. At 16th level, the bard considers all skills to be class skills. At 19th level, the bard can take 10 on any skill check, even if it is not normally allowed. | ||
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| colspan="19" Align="center" | [[#Apotheosis|Apotheosis!]] | | colspan="19" Align="center" | [[#Apotheosis|Apotheosis!]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
== Epic Class Abilities== | == Epic Class Abilities== | ||
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'''Note''': At level 27, the Reprise ability allows you to begin and end a performance in the same round! This allows you to have two Performances running even during the first round of a combat. | '''Note''': At level 27, the Reprise ability allows you to begin and end a performance in the same round! This allows you to have two Performances running even during the first round of a combat. | ||
===Spells=== | ===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==== | ====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)=== | ===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)=== | ===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)=== | ===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)=== | ===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)=== | ===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)=== | ===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. | ||
===Mythopoetic Symphony (Sp)=== | ===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)=== | ===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)=== | ===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=== | ===Apotheosis=== | ||
You are a rock god. Only, seriously, you really are. | You are a rock god. Only, seriously, you really are. | ||