pvgttm-web/src/pages/classes/bard/index.md

title, description, date_pub, section, content_type, short_code

title	description	date_pub	section	content_type	short_code
Bard	The Bard class for OSR gaming.	2023-09-15T11:54:00-04:00	classes	feature	cbd

A warrior-performer with a deep knowledge of lore and some spellcasting ability.

toc

Hit Dice	1d8
Armor	Leather, chainmail, no shields
Weapons	Missile weapons, one-handed melee weapons
Languages	Alignment, Common
Spellcasting Ability	Charisma (CHA)

Core Features

Level	HD	Atk	Save	Spells / Day
1	1d8	0	13	-
2	2d8	0	13	1
3	3d8	0	13	2
4	4d8	0	13	2
5	5d8	+2	12	3
6	6d8	+2	12	3
7	7d8	+2	12	4
8	9d8	+2	12	4
9	9d8	+5	10	5
10	9d8+2	+5	10	5
11	9d8+4	+5	10	6
12	9d8+6	+5	10	6
13	9d8+8	+7	8	7
14	9d8+10	+7	8	7

[Bard Features]

Saving Throw Mods

• +2 to Save vs Spells (-2 overall)

Captivating Performance

By singing, playing music, or otherwise performing, can make a skilled CHA check to captivate subjects in a 30' radius.

• Only works outside of combat.
• Up to 2 HD per bard level may be targeted (performer's choice).
• Types of subjects affected is determined by bard level:
  • 1st level: humanoids only
  • 4th level: animals or humanoids only
  • 7th level: any creatures
• Targeted subjects must Save vs Spells or be captivated.
  • The attention of affected subjects is fully focused on the performer.
  • Affected subjects will follow the performer.
  • Continues until performance ends or is interrupted (ex: by violence or a loud noise).

Charming Captivated Subject

If the performance lasts for at least one turn and ends without interruption:

• Each subject must Save vs Spells or be charmed for one turn per bard level.
• Charmed subjects treat performer as trusted friend and ally (including defending performer).
• Charmed subjects will obey performer's commands (if they can understand the language).
  • Commands that contradict the subject's nature or alignment (or that will lead to self-harm) are ignored.

Class Skills

• Bardic Lore: INT or WIS check to recall lore pertaining to magic items, heroes, legends, and myths (including knowing some of the powers of a magic item).
• Prestidigitation: Can use a combat action to make a skilled INT check to create a small, instant, illusory effect that inflicts no damage.
• Ritual Casting: Some rituals require a skilled check.
• Swashbuckling: Describe intended outcome, make a skilled check as indicated by GM.
  • May only be used successfully once per 10 minutes (1 turn).
  • ex: jump on a banquet table, kicking the drinks over the stunned guards, before making a leaping strike at the nearest opponent.

Divine Magic

• Can pray to nature to cast spells.
• Must remain faithful to alignment and bardic faith.
• At level 2, gains spell casting and learns how to conduct magical research.
• May cast a number of spells each day up to to bard level - 1.
• Bard Spell List

Casting Spells

To cast a spell, the bard prays to nature.

• Make a skilled CHA check reduced by the level of the spell being attempted.
  • On a fumble, causes Doubt.
  • On a failure, nothing happens, and it doesn't count towards casts for the day.
  • On a complicated success, the spell is cast, but something interesting (although not directly dangerous) may happen.
  • On a complete success, the spell casts as expected.
  • On a critical success, the spell works exceptionally well (ex: player may choose to double spell duration, range, or targets).

Doubt

Occurs whenever a fumble occurs while casting a spell.

• Next attempt to cast spell gets -2 on roll.
• Cleared by a successful cast.
• Fumbling while already having Doubt severs connection to nature, preventing spell casting until next day.

Languages

• With each even-numbered level beyond 3rd, may learn to speak an additional language.
• May learn "Druidic", the secret language of Druids, this way.

Musical Defense

While singing, playing music, or otherwise performing:

• Allies within 30' are immune to music-based magical effects and the charms of Fae creatures.
• Allies already charmed or under a music-based magical effect may make a saving throw at +4 to end the charm or effect.

Scene

After 12th level, can establish a scene (ex: a venue, club, theater, manor, or traveling roadshow) with 2d6 apprentices of level 1.