CHAPTER
L Role4Yaying Bards I
A Bard's Mind Isn't Barred but few close friends. Some bards actually
push away those who try to get too close. A
Welcome to the mind of a bard. To play a binding friendshipor relationshipis like a root:
bard, you must think like a bard. He is a It attempts to plant the bard in one place and
dreamer, a romantic, and a part-time philoso- lock him into the relationship. This is far more
pher. A bard wants to be a master of all skills. than just undesirable to most bards-it is
He wants to try everything, know everything, downright frightening. Bards enjoy their free-
and be everything. Unfortunately, most bards
are,mortal.The constraints of mortality keep dom and don't want anything to jeopardize it.
a bard moving from one profession and activi- Of all the character classes, none are as care-
ty to the next. He fears that if he spends too
much time in one place or doing one thing, he free and lighthearted as bards. These charac-
will miss out on something else. ters rarely own more than they can carry. To
bards, all the world is their home and their
Pragmatists claim that bards suffer from imagination is the only limit to their aspira-
"green pasture syndrome." This syndrome gets tions. Although they can be profoundly moved
its name from cows. They constantly poke by others' plights, bards recover quickly from
their heads over or through fences in an at- any sadness they might feel. Often they deal
tempt to eat the grass on the other side.
Farmers laugh at their livestock because the with problems by leaving them behind and
grass in their own pasture is often greener traveling on to some greener pasture.
than the grass on the other side. But the cows
have green pasture syndrome and always If you are going to play a bard, remember
seem to think that things are better some- at least this one rule of thumb: Your charac-
where else. ter's main goal is to, "move on and experience
all that there is."
Bards are easily excited about new develop-
ments, upcoming events, and change in gen- Experience
eral. If things aren't changing, they become
bored very quickly. Thus, bards are not ones According to the DUNGEON MASTER
to hold down long-time jobs. When they do Guide (Chapter 2: Experience), bards gain ex-
take jobs, they work at them at a breakneck perience for the following reasons:
pace at first. Then, as the job becomes rou-
tine, their pace slows and they spend more Table 21: BARD EXPERIENCE
time pondering the future and where it will
take them next. XP Reason
All of this is also true for adventuring 200 Per successtui use of a special ability
bards. They want to get going, attack now, Per gold piece value of treasure ob-
stop listening at every door, rush forward and 2 tained
meet life head on. Bards don't always select Per hit die of creatures defeated
the most effective spells or the most advanta- 5 Monster experience
geous proficiencies. Instead, they select the Typ* Other group experie
most dramatic, the most fun, those that can be Typ*
used in unique situations. A flashy spell, such
as color spray, is always preferable to a bor- *"Typ" stands for a typical share of experi-
ence.
ing one, such as hold portal or sleep.
All of the above reasons are self-
Bards love crowds and love to be around explanatory except for "successful use of a
people. They tend to have many acquaintances special ability." A bard's special abilities in-
clude his thief skills, his ability to read any
3 Role-Playing Bards 101
written magical item, and his special benefits. reputation is based upon that of his family.
If you would like to tailor experience From there, events and the way the bard is
role-played continually adjust his reputation.
awards to better reflect the experiences of the Read on for the events that define a bards rep-
bard class, the following is suggested. utation.
Table 22: COMPLETE B A R D EXPERIENCE Following a Performer
XP Reason A bards reputation is a variable that can
change in an instant. Furthermore, reputation
100 Per successful use of a thief ability varies from one village or town to the next. A
200 Per successful use of 10th-level abili- bards initial reputation applies to his home
town only. This is the center of the bards rep-
ty to read any written magical device utation.
150 Per successful use of a special benefit
25 Per spell level cast to overcome foes Let's follow the development of the great
Hanalacious's reputation. She put on her first
or problems public performance in Greyhawk City at the
100 For each significant performance of age of 16. First impressions are extremely im-
portant and vary uncontrollably depending
the bards entertaining talents upon the mood of the audience, season, local
500 For each major performance of the events, etc. After her first performance, Hana
became a "noted member of the entertaining
bards entertaining talents class.
1 Per gold piece value of treasure ob-
To determine Hana's initial reputation, the
tained following table was consulted.
5 Per hit die of creatures defeated
TYP* Monster experience Table 23: INITIAL REPUTATION
TYP* Other group experience
2d4 Roll Index Title
*'Typ"stands for a typical share of experi- 2 0 Unsung
ence. 3 1 Accepted
2 Known
Reputation 4 3 Noted
5 Good standing
So how good is a bards performance? It de- 6 4 Liked
pends partly upon his skill and level, but most 7 5 Well-known
importantly, upon his reputation. The songs 8 6
of a famous skald hailing from the icy north
are met with great anticipation and accept- Hanalacious was pleased with her initial
ance. An infamous blade known for his many reputation, but she had aspirations of great-
assassinations draws just as large a crowd to ness. She looked upon those great bards who
his daring performances of weaponry. were her teachers, and she envied the reputa-
tions they had built for themselves. Some
Reputation is an intangible aspect of any were popular, some were celebrated, a few
bard. As the bard travels the path of life, his were even acclaimed by the citizens of
reputation can grow into that of a great sing-
ing hero, it can be slandered so everyone Greyhawk, but Hana wanted to attain a re-
thinks the bard is a cowardly oaf, or the bards vered reputation for herself.
reputation can become an infamous cloak
with which to frighten watchmen and thrill
the crowds.
When you first generate your character, his
Table 24: REPUTATION LADDER Table 25: REPUTATIONMODIFIERS
Index Title Last performancewas- +1
0 Unsung within the week
1 Accepted +O
2 Known -1
3 Noted
4 Good standing over 6 months ago
5 Liked over 9 months ago
6 Well-known over a year ago
7 Admired
8 Prominent Each attempt to publicly influence reactions
9 Distinguished
Popular that succeeds +2
10 fails but no reaction adjustment
11 Reputable fails and worsens reactions -I
12 Honored
13 Celebrated -
14 Illustrious
15 Eminent Money spent on local appearance/reputation:
16 Acclaimed
17 Prestigious 0%of income -2
Famoushfamous
18 Renowned 10% of income +O
19 Revered
20 25% of income +1
50% of income +2
75% of income +3
90% of income +4
Reaching for a revered reputation would be Completed a local adventure +1
a long and delicate process for Hanalacious. +2
She would have to watch her every action and Fulfilled a local quest -2
-5
word, being careful to avoid entanglements Blamed for a violent crime
with the law, yet helping those in need. Of
course, all this would mean nothing if she Convicted of a violent crime
didn't also put on frequent performances of D M soption
her musical talents.
Hanalacious realized that there are two
Hana made a list of all the things that could types of reputable performers, both of whom
both help and hinder her climb to fame on the draw large crowds: those who are famous and
ladder in Table 24.Among them she included those who are infamous. The famous person is
the following: looked upon as a public hero, upholder of
good, and a generally law-abiding citizen.
The infamous performer is well known as a
courser, a romantic thief who lives above the
law and leads a high-paced, romantic life
(e.g., Robin Hood).
Of course, Hana decided to walk the path
to infamy, realizing that there is a huge gap be-
tween an infamous performer and a violent
bully, ruthless thug, or evil villain.
Again, Hana made a list of those actions
that gained a person the reputation of being
infamous as opposed to those that gained a
person fame.
i Role-Playing Bards 103
Table 26: FAME AND INFAMY chances. The oppositeis true for a bard who is
attempting to become famous.
Fame Scale: +2
Calmed a violent situation +1 A bards reputation is adjusted only in two
Made a hostile person look foolish +3 situations: when he increases in level, and
Turned a crowdsmood against evil +2 when he puts on a significantpublic perform-
Prevented a crime from occurring +1 ance (in which case it is checked just as the
Upheld a good person's reputation +1 performance begins).
Upheld what's right vs. adversaries
+1 A d20 is rolled and any modifiers from the
Infamy Scale: +2 preceding three tables are applied to it only if
Blamed for a nonviolent crime +3 their total is negative (if the net total modifier
Avoided imprisonment +1 ends up being positive, it is simply ignored).
Escaped imprisonment +3
Make town watch look foolish If the result of the d20,adjusted by a possi-
Created a political scandal ble negative modifier, is greater than or equal
to the bards current reputation, then the repu-
For a bard trying to become infamous, per- tation increases one category. If the net result
forming acts on the infamy list improve the
chancesfor building his reputation, while per- is a negative number, the bards reputation is
forming acts on the fame scale decrease these lowered by this amount (thus a net result of
-3 would lower the bards reputation by
three places on Table 24). If the roll falls in be-
tween, nothing happens. However, no matter
what, a natural roll of 20 always increasesthe
bards reputation by 1 and a natural roll of 1 tation modifiers. Furthermore, the decision
always decreases it by at least 1(more if there whether to become infamous or famous must
are negative modifiers). be made. This selection determines how cer-
tain events affect the bards reputation.
No matter what the roll, all reputation
modifiers reset afterward, and the bard once When a bard enters another village, town,
again has a net 0 adjustment. or city, his reputation should be determined
for that area. This is done by consulting Table
Eventually, Hanalacious became infamous- 27.The bards closest established reputation is
used as a base. An established reputation is
ly acclaimed (16) in Greyhawk City, but she defined as a place in which the bard has put on
felt stilted by performing for the same crowd some form of entertainment performance.
over and over gain. What she wanted was a The closest established reputation is then ad-
fresh audience; one that had heard of her infa- justed by distance.
mous reputation, but that hadn't been to any
of her performances. Thus, she contacted the For example, if the nearest established repu-
bard college, known as the Society of the Sil- tation is two towns away, the bards local rep-
ver Lute, in the nearby town of Hardby. She utation is four levels lower. If the bard wishes
to establish a local reputation, he simply puts
had several of the college's members advertise on a public performance or series of perform-
that the Infamous Hanalacious would soon be ances (spread out over no more than a year's
performing for the public. time). Each performance costs the bard 100gp
per 1,000 citizens in the town (Le., 1 silver
Two weeks later, Hana arrived in Hardby. piece per person). The bard then becomes an
She was pleased to note that her reputation established performer in the community.
had somewhat preceded her. She wasn't ac-
claimed (16) like she was in Greyhawk City, Once a reputation is established, it is never
but she was treated as an illustrious (14)per- again influenced by other established reputa-
sonality. Of course, the distance from her es- tions. Thus, after Hanalacious's big perform-
tablished Greyhawk City base was ance in Hardby, her reputation in Greyhawk
responsible for the slight decline. The follow- City has no impact upon her reputation in
ing table shows the decline in reputation as a Hardby. She thus has an independent, estab-
bard moves away from his base, where he has lished reputation in both cities. Hana's player
an established reputation. should write down the two city names and
note Hana's reputation next to each name.
Table 27: PRECEDING REPUTATION
Benefits of a Good Reputation
Distance Reputation
from base Decline Reputation is treated much like a special
1 town or 25 miles proficiency, although no proficiency slots are
2 towns or 50 miles -2 (or can be) spent on it. When a situation arises
3 towns or 100 miles in which the bards reputation should be con-
4 t o w or 150miles -4 sidered, Id20is rolled-this is called a reputa-
5 towns or 200 miles tion check. Any roll equal to or less than the
Farther -6 bards reputation level is considered a success.
However, no such roll should ever replace
--810 role-playing. In fact, the bard player should
role-play any situation before a reputation
No reputation check is made. The Dungeon Master should
Local Reputation
As noted earlier, a bards initial reputation
applies to his home town only. This reputa-
tion increases and decreases based upon repu-
Role-Playing Bards 105
then assign an adjustment to the reputation gling, and so on (based upon the kit). Being
check based upon the role-playing. performers is as fundamental to the bard class
as being combatanksis-tothe warrior class. It
If a bard is attempting to alter encounterre- is the one element common to all the bard
actions (i.e., influencereactions or some simi- kits, the element that defines the essenceof be-
lar ability), a successful reputation check ing a bard.
indicatesthat the bard can adjust the reactions
by two levels instead of the typical one. Back to the example of musical instrument
proficiency. It is true that a warrior with a
A reputation can be used as an invisible proficiency of 16 in musical instruments is
key. A successful reputation check can get a able to play more precisely and more accu-
rately than a bard with a 15or less. However,
bard into private parties or functions even playing music technically correct is only half
the picture. Since bards are performers, they
when the bard isn't on the guest registry. A understand numerous hidden aspects relating
to music. They are more in tune with their au-
reputable bard will also find it easy to get a dience and adapt their performances appro-
seat at the most prominent banquet hall in priately. Bards are more aware of mood,
town, even if there is a long line and the bard feeling, tone, and the dramatic effects of
failed to make a reservation. stretchingthe music beyond the technicalities
of precise playing.
Dealing with prominent public figures is al-
so easier with a good reputation. A city's may- A warrior who is a master musician (profi-
or is more likely to invite a reputable person ciency 20) can play the most complicated
to dinner than a commoner. Reputation can piece of music exactly as written. Moreover,
also be used to help smooth out deals, such as every time he plays the piece, it sounds just as
the price required to rent the public theater for it did the last time. But a bard with only a 15
a weekends performance. proficiency can entertain audiences far more
successfully. Every performance is custom tai-
Many other uses of reputation exist and lored to the occasion and the audience. The
should be adjudicated by the Dungeon Mas- bard takes the liberty of interpreting the song
ter. and won't simply repeat it.
The Performer The Effect o n Role-Playing
So what is it that makes bards such fantastic As a role-player, if you can capture this per-
entertainers? Why is a bard with a 15 profi- formingaspect of the bard class, you will have
ciency in musical instrument any better than a captured the essence of your character. Every-
fighter, priest, or wizard with a 151 What thing should center around this aspect. The
makes bards so special? The answer to these spellsyou chooseshouldnot alwaysbe chosen
questions and other questions are found in to maximize your character's effectiveness in
this section. combat. Rather, they should make the most
dramatic impact upon those around him (in-
Unlike all the other character classes, bards cluding the adventuring party). Your bard
are performers. This is a special trait common lives to perform.
to all bards. There is no die roll bonus associ-
ated with this trait, it isn't listed under any Likewise, when you select your bards
kit's specialbenefits, and it isn't a proficiency. weapons, clothing, items, proficiencies,
friends, allies, enemies, etc., you should try to
Being a true performer is so fundamental to
the bard character class that it isn't listed at
all. Instead, this fact influences almost every
aspect of the character class. It is because of
their performing nature that bards gain spe-
cial abilities with music, song, poems, jug-
-
106 Chlapter Eigtlt
I
examine these choices from a performer’s Defining Your Bard’s Personality
point of view.
Most of the other Complete Handbooks
What weapon will compliment your bards present sample personality types. It can be
very useful to read over these sections to help
role as a performer, both on the stage and off?
What color should his cape be? Which profi- you define your character’s personality. A-
ciencies will make him a more effective per-
former or a more memorable personality? though such descriptions are colorful and use-
ful, they just begin to establish the manv
Which spells produce effects in line with your facets that you should define for a bard.
bards persona? How can these spells be used
to build up the reputation of your bard? These Generating complete examples of individ-
are the questions to ask yourself. ual bard personalities would take pages of text
and would result in only a dozen options for
Playing a bard can be a lot of fun. Play up you to choose from. For this reason, personal-
the details. Add flavor to the game. Immerse ity types are not presented in this handbook.
the other players in the fantasy of the game. Rather, the following section contains many
You should always play heavy on description traits of a character’s personality, along with
several examples of each trait.
and mood. For example, it isn’t the success or
failure of an attack that matters, it‘s the way Although examples under each trait are
in which it is made. numbered, you should only roll randomly if
you are having a hard time selecting an appro-
As a player you are succeeding at your job priate trait. Also note that randomly rolling
every trait will likely result in combinations
if your fellow role-players know the color of that make little sense or are unplayable. So go
your bards boots, what kind of weapon he through and carefully select your character’s
wields, the name of his favorite song (better traits. Keep in mind his kit, alignment, race,
yet, the words to it), the material components other traits, and all other elements that you
have already defined.
to his most-used spells, the lesser details of his
Note that the examples under each trait are
personality, his vocal range, etc. If they know not exhaustive. Feel free to select any other
descriptive term that could define the trait.
your bard as if he were a real person, then you You can also select one or more traits within a
are a true bard role-player. specific category if they aren’t contradictory.
Also, note that the following list of traits is far
To establish such a realistic character, you from complete. Selecting the following traits
must have a very solid mental image of your will help define your bards persona and is a
bards appearance, personality, and manner- good start, but you should expand these de
isms. For believability, these aspects must be scriptive terms in your own mind or on paper.
predetermined, consistent, and you must por- Examine your character as a whole, then fill in
tray them reliably.
the gaps and add some extra details.
Somerole-players are skilled at establishing
such a solidly defined character. Often they
base the bard upon a character in a movie or
book that they know. Others spend hours
mentally developing their bard and getting to
know him as a friend. Some generate pages of
notes to help them out. You can use any meth-
od you like and the following section should
help you out with this process.
I Role-Playing Bards !“7
Table 28: BARD TRAITS
Personality lntellect Motivation 7 Ornaments
Rationality &Jewelry
1 Neurotic 1 Active 1 Driven
2 Normal 8 Porcelain,
3 Slightly 2 Anti- 2 Energetic China &
insane Crystal
4 Stable intellectual 3 Lazy
5 Unstable 9 Shields &
6 Very stable 3 Average 4 Motivated Weapons
Mannerism 4 Brilliant 5 Normal 10 Swords
1 Careless 11 Trophies &
2 curious/ 5 Flighty 6 Slothful
Inquisitive Skins
3 Fanatical/ 6 Dull Interests 12 Weapons
Obsessive 7 Ponderous Hobbies
4 Perceptive 1 Altruism Fears
5 Precise/ 8 Scheming 1 Caves
Exacting 2 Enclosed
6 Relaxed Bravery 2 Athletics places
7 Retiring 3 Crowds
8 Somber 1 Brave 3 Community 4 Dark
9 Studious
2 Calculating service 5 Dying
10 Suspicious/ 6 Heights
Cautious 3 Craven 4 Dancing 7 Horses
8 Insects
Self-Esteem 4 Fearless 5 Exotic 9 Loneliness
1 Egoist/
Arrogant 5 Foolhardy animals 10 Pain
2 Humble 11 Poison
3 Modest 6 Normal 6 Fishing 12 Priests
4 Proper 13 Sight of own
5 Proud/ Morals 7 Foods&
Haughty 1 Aesthetic Preparation blood
6 Servile/ 2 Amoral 14 Snakes
Obsequious 3 Depraved 8 Gambling 15 Spiders
9 Handicrafts 16 Torture
Philosophy 4 Immoral 10 History 17 Traps
1 Altruist 5 Lustful 11 Horticulture 18 Undead
2 Benevolent 6 Lusty 12 Hunting 19 Water
3 Extroverted 7 Normal 13 Husbandry 20 Wizards
4 Hedonist 8 Perverted 14 Legends
5 Introverted 9 Sadistic 15 Nature Hates
6 Malevolent 10 Virtuous 16 None 1 Authority
7 Optimist 17 Politics 2 Badfood
8 Pessimist 3 Beggars
Piety 18 Religion 4 Braggarts
5 Bullies
1 Average 19 Smoking& 6 Greed
7 Guards
2 Iconoclastic Pipes 8 Heretics
9 Laws
3 Impious 20 Wines & 10 Lower class
4 Irreligious Spirits
5 Irreverent Loves
6 Martyr/ 1 Armor
2 Artwork
Zealot 3 Books&
7 Pious Scrolls
8 Profane
9 Reverent 4 Coins &
10 Saintly Tokens
5 Knives &
Daggers
6 Minerals &
Gems
I
I
11 Farmers 11 Humans 5 Even-temperea Quality
12 Priests 12 Lizardmen
13 Rival clan 13 Lower class 6 Forgiving 1 Cheap
14 Selfishness 14 Nonhumans
15 Stupidity 15 Planar beings 7 Hard-hearted 2 Durable
16 Thieves 16 Ruffians
17 Big cities 8 Harsh 3 Garish
18 Upper class 17 Thieves
19 Warriors 18 Underworlders 9 Hot-tempered 4 Functional
20 Wizards 19 Upper class
10 Pleasant 5 High
Relationships 20 Use ally list
Allies Manner 11 Moody 6 Junk
1 Baker
2 Beggars 12 Silly 7 Kingly
3 Blacksmith
4 Constable 13 Peaceful 8 Low
5 Foreigner
6 Innkeeper 14 Reserved 9 Practical
7 King
8 Local college 15 Scheming 10 Trash
9 Mayor
10 Merchant 1 Abrasive 17 Soflitt-ahreya/rted Personal Habits
11 Prince 2 Antagonistic Secretive
12 Princess 3 Blustering 1 Disheveled
13 Sage 2 Immaculate
14 Sheriff 4 Capricious/ 18 Taciturn 3 Nonchalant
15 Slave master Mischievous 19 Unfeeling/ 4 Organized
16 Tavern 5 Perfectionist
master 5 Compassionate/ 20 UInnsefonrsgitiivvieng
17 Thief Sensitive 6 Primand
18 Thieves' proper
Guild 6 Courteous Honesty
19 Warrior 7 Diplomatic 1 Average 7 Scatterbrained
20 Wizard
8 Forceful 2 Deceitful 8 Sloppy
Foes 9 Foul/ 3 Liar
1 Beggars State of Clothing
2 Criminals Barbaric 4 Scrupulous 1 Clean
3 Dragons 2 Dirty
4 Dwarves 10 Helpful/ 5 Truthful 3 Immaculate
5 Elves
6 Gnomes Kindly 6 Very 4 Ragged
7 Half-elves 11 Hostile honorable 5 Rough
8 Half-races 6 Unkempt
9 Halflings 12 Opinionated/ Appearance,
Thrift
10 Highwaymen 13 OCovnertbraerayring- PoGsseensesiroanl s 1 Ascetic
2 Average
14 Practical 1 Dandyish 3 Charitable
joker/ 2 Dignified 4 Covetous
Prankster
3 Foppish 5 Generous
15 Rash 4 Imposing 6 Greedy
16 Rude 5 Slob 7 Miserly
17 Trusting 6 Spartan 8 Spendthrift
18 Vengeful 7 Stately 9 Thrifty
19 Violent/ 10 Wastrel
8 Typical
War-like Quantity
20 Well-spoken
1 Above
Mood/Disposition Average
1 Aloof
2 Cheerful 2 Abundant
3 Cruel/ 3 Average
Callous 4 Exceptional
4 Easygoing 5 Few
Role-Playing Bards 109
Performances street-side performers to be easy pickings;
even beggars have been known to loot a bards
Now that you have your bard fully defined, takings. On occasion a gang of ruffians will
it is time to put on a show. Bards perform in attack the performer in an attempt to gain his
every situation, from street shows to elabo- valuables (instruments are well worth such a
rate performances in the town’s grand theater. risk).
This section contains the information you and
your Dungeon Master need to determine the Performing street side for money is consid-
cost, turnout, and income from such perform- ered a desperate act; a bard with a reputation
ances. of 10 or above loses two places on the ladder
In several places in this section, a proficien- fdourrminagnacney. week in which he gives such a per-
cy check is asked for without the exact profi-
ciency being specified. The actual proficiency The income gained from a street-side per-
depends upon the type of performance. If the formance is figured by rolling both a profi-
bard is playing an instrument, use the musical ciency check and a reputation check. The
instrument proficiency; if he is juggling number of successful rolls (0 [both fail], 1,or
knives, use the juggling proficiency; and if he 2 [both succeed])is checked against the condi-
is singing, use the singing proficiency. Thus, tions, as determined by the Dungeon Master,
the proficiency check matches the perform- on Table 29. The bards total income from the
ance being given. performance is determined by multiplying the
hourly income (found in Table 29) by thc
Street-side Performances number of hours the bard performs that day
Street-side performances include any situa-
tion in which the bard plays for a changing
audience in a public place. Bards can try play-
ing on the sides of streets, in front of public
buildings, in the town bazaar, etc.
All a bard needs to perform street-side is a
coin collection device (a box, cup, or open
knapsack), his performing implements, and
some time.
In some towns and villages, the law con-
siders street-sideperformers to be beggars and
vagrants. In such towns a permit containing a
wax seal set with the appropriate official’s ring
must be carried or the performer is likely to
end up paying twice the amount he made and
possibly spending a night in the town
dungeon. The typical fee for such a document
is 1 gp. The document is good as long as it
lasts (which is usually Id8 days, due to the
fragile nature of the wax).
The big danger or thrill (depending upon
point of view) of performing street side lies in
the performer’s
1 10 Chapter Eight
New checks are needed for each day's per-
formance.
Table 29:HOURLY STREET-SIDE INCOME
Conditions Successful Checks ,i
0 12
Horrid
Poor 0 l c p ld2cp
0
Fabulous ld4sp ld8sp ld4&
Booked Performances
A booking is an arrangement in which a town in order to maintain his reputation.
bard entertains the crowd of some private busi- -However, highly reputable bards (13or high-
ness (usually a tavern). The tavern master and
bard come to some prearranged agreement as er) suffer a 1 reputation adjustment for giv-
to the income, hours, and type of entertain-
inga booked performance in any but the most
ment. The bard (and his assistants if any) sim- lavish surroundings.
ply show up and perform. The tavern master The method of payment varies widely from
always has a place set aside for the performer. tavern to tavern and from low to high social
Perhaps a small stage, a corner of the tavern level. The tendency is for the tavern master to
floor, or even some old keyboard instrument. pay the bard a set salary once a night, week,
or month. On top of this, wise tavern masters
Typically, it is the bards responsibility to also allow bards to put out a collection bowl.
bring all the instruments required for his per- This ensures that the bard gives his all during
formance. Other than that, the bard has no set the performance.
expenses. Drinks are usually on the house as Collection bowls gain money at the street-
side performance rate specified on Table 29.
long as the bard doesn't select the more expen- The salaried income should be determined
sive items. However, it is considered profes- randomly on the following table. The bard
sional to tip the bar maids and wenches can then adjust this random result by one in
heavily when they bring a performer d r i n k s (it any direction if he rolls a successful reputation
sets a good example for the customers). check or a proficiency check, or by two if he
succeeds with both checks.
Few cities have any legal limitations on
booked performances.
Although a booked performer is a bit more
protected from snatch-and-run thieves, the
danger from bar fights and brawls is almost as
bad. It is unlikely that the bard will lose
money in such situations, but his body and in-
struments can be severely damaged.
Bookings are considered a good starting
place for bards. Such performances satisfy the
requirement for a bard to perform locally in a
I Role-Playing Bards 111
Table 30:BOOKED INCOME forming area and are generally good for one
week.
D8Roll Salary
1 Free room The dangers a carnival faces are much the
2 A free meal same as those faced by a traveling merchant:
3 Room and board highway robbery, pirates (duringwater trans-
port), and monster raids are common. Even
4 Double the collection within the walls of a town, a carnival is far
bowl contents from safe. Thieves and beggars are attracted
5 5 electrum per nig-ht to carnivalslike flies. Although these lowlifes
6 5 gold per night typically play the crowd, they aren't against
7 making off with a valuable instrument or the
8 2d8 gold carnival strong box. Even more dangerous are
2d12gold the rival carnivalsand performers who are in
competition for the same audience. Such
Carnivals groups occasionally resort to practical jokes,
vandalism, employing bullies, or even hiring
The term carnival is usec ..ere to include assassins to drive off the competition.
any circus, carnival, caravan, or other travel-
ing formof entertainment. All of these groups Performing in a carnival is considered quite
arrive at most towns from time to time. Dur- reputable and satisfies the performance crite-
ing the local harvest season, circuses often ar-
rive to join in the celebration and festivities. ria of reputation up to and including a reputa-
Holidays are often targeted by carnival tion of 17. If a more reputable bard performs
bands. Occasionally the governing body of a
large city actually contracts for a carnival as -for any but the most elite carnivals, he will
part of a fund raising drive.
suffera 1adjustmentto his local reputation.
Carnival bands are complex and expensive Carnival performers are given free room
operations to run, and they include multiple
performers. It is easiestfor a bard to join in an and board while on the road (typically some
existing carnival, but if he wants to start his blankets and a mat to throw in, under, or
own he has to invest some time and money. around the wagon or tents at night and rela-
The base list of needed assets includes at least tively good food from the travelingcook). On
one wagon (though a one-wagon carnival is top of this, they make wages. The normal ar-
unlikely to see much success), horses or oxen rangement is that each performing night's in-
to pull it, entertaining implements, portable come is divided up as follows: 50% to the
performance area (a stage, tents, etc.),several carnival master and 50% to the crew. The
high-quality performers, and the necessary crew's half of the money is not split evenly.
support crew (teamster, cook, carpenter,
etc.). Total outlay of gold for such an opera- Each member is assigned a number of shares.
tion is in the thousands of gold pieces. Typical shares are as follows:
It is illegal in most towns and villages for a
carnival to simply set up tents and begin per-
forming (unless it is well outside of the town
walls). Legal permission ranges from simple
verbal approval to purchasing a carnival or
circus permit from the town. Such permits
typically cost 50 gold per tent, stage, or per-
Table 31: CARNWAL SHARE
Position Shares of Crew Income
Performers
3 + (# of successful checks)*
Cook
Carpenter 4
3
Teamster
StageHands 2
1
Guards
Level (generally 1-4)
times the carnival fee.
Table 32:NIGHTLY ATTENDANCE and actually boosts reputations of 10 or less
by +l.However, it is rare for any performer
PER PERFORMER below a 10reputation to be invited to perform
at such events. The standard auditions elimi-
Conditions Successful Checks nate all but the best performers.
Horrid
0 12 Of all performances, productions provide
ld4 2d4 3d4 the greatest for potential income, but they are
also the most risky. As with carnivals, the net
Excellent Id12 2d12 3d12 nightly income is equal to the number of at-
Fabulous ld20 2d20 3d20 tendees times the admittance fee. Typical ad-
mittance fees to productions are 1gold piece,
Shows and Productions although really elaborate performances put
on in extravagant theaters can range up to a
Shows and productions are the big time for platinum piece or more.
performers. These include any performance Before the actual number of attendeesis de-
that takes place in an established building or termined, the maximum possible number
place where the audience shows up specifi- must be found. If the performance is to take
cally for the performance and nothing else. place within a building, the maximum equals
Some examples include plays and recitals the building's seating capacity. Otherwise,
given at the local theater or opera house, con- some reasonable number will have to be set-
certs at the local music hall, and productions tled upon between Dungeon Master and the
put on at local bard colleges. Such a perform- involved players.
ance is either a regularly scheduledevent or is Once the maximum possible crowd is deter-
accompanied by a lot of promotion and
advertising. mined, each performer rolls both a reputation
check and a proficiency check. Take the total
The cost of putting on a show or production number of successful checks from all per-
is large. Costs include advertising, facility formers and divide this by the number of
checks that were rolled. This gives a number
rental, stage hands, performer's fees, etc. A between 0 and 1, inclusive. Multiplythis num-
ber by the maximum possible crowd to deter-
typical outlay is Id4 silver pieces times the mine how many people actually show up.
maximum possible crowd (this is usually
equal to the available seating). If every performer succeeds at both checks,
then the maximum possible crowd shows up.
Shows and performances are usually out- If only half of the checks succeed, then the
side the domain of city laws. Even if there are number of attendees is only half the maxi-
fees, the owner of the facility is generally re- mum. If 25% succeed, then 25% show up, etc.
sponsiblefor payment (typicallyan additional On top of this, bards have their applicablepa-
silver piece per audience member). trons show up.
A nice side benefit to such extravagant per- Half of the net income (attendance fees mi-
formances is the unlikely event of victimiza- nus production costs) goes to the facility's
tion. The only crooks who dare mess with owner and the other half is divided among the
such eventsare high-ranking master thieves or performers and stage hands using the carni-
a fully planned hit by the local thieves' guild, val's share system.
though these are very rare occurrences.
It is considered an honor to perform in
shows or productions. This satisfiesperform-
ance requirements for any reputation level
1 9Comrades
I
Bards have many comrades throughout ily accessible location (often just inside the
entryway). These rules are amended, re-
their lives. As they climb the ranks of fame pealed, and redrafted as often as membership
turnover causes a shift in philosophy.
toward a great reputation, they rely heavily
upon the various bard colleges. These institu- The functions of a college are determined
tions contain fellow performers great and by the current members. Most meetings are
small. Bards meet those who serve as teachers, called on an informal basis; those who show
critics, peers, and friends within the ba up partake in the discussion, practice, or semi-
colleges. nar. Such meetings can evolve into a regular
event (for a short while), fragment into
A bard who proves to be a good entertainer smaller groups, or simply end in lieu of more
exciting events.
gains a pool of patrons who go out of their
way to attend his performances and occasion- Authority is treated as is everything else-
ally help him out. If a bard survives long in a very nonchalant way. If the current rank-
enough, he eventually gains devoted fol- ing member of the college is a neutral evil
lowers. bard, authority is determined by age, power,
and underhanded tricks. If a lawful neutral
Bard Colleges bard is in control, authority is governed strict-
Bards often associate with one another, es- ly by a set of written laws and proceedings. Of
pecially those who hold similar views and
practice similar forms of entertainment. If course, as one leader departs the college and
such a group becomes established, it is known another comes into power, the rulesand meth-
as a college. Colleges are to bards what guilds ods of determining authority are likely to
are to most other characters. These are places
in which skills, philosophies, beliefs, and tal- change. A common saying among bards is, "If
ents are pooled together. However, colleges you don't like the way a college is run,wait a
are too unique to be given the generic label of
"guild." minute and it'll change."
Membership in most guilds is a permanent Common Events
matter or at least a long-term one. If a thief There are numerous events that occur at
any college. A few of the most common are
joins the local thieves' guild, he is likely going performances, practices, debates, dress re-
to remain there until something drastic hap- hearsals, collecting dues, seminars, discus-
pens. This is not so with bards joining bard sions, gatherings, and general meetings
colleges.
Performances are given by one or more
Bards float from one college to the ne bards. These range from vocal solos to danc-
When they are visiting a particular ci ing duets to an entire cast of actors putting on
lage, they look up the local college and p a play. Some performances are restricted to
take in its functions. Then when the ba audiences made up of friends or college mem-
mood changes, he parts with that college bers. Others are open to the public and help
proceeds on his merry way. Colleges serve fund the college. Every decent college has a
form of specialty inn-members come stage or other performance area, but many
stay for a while, then move on. performances take place at the local theater or
in the village square.
From one month to the next, the
membership of a given college can chan All bards are performers of one sort or an-
would be expected, this demands tha other, and no performer can elevatehis talents
colleges be set up in a very loose format by study alone. Practice literally makes per-
colleges have a set of rules posted in so
II
fect for the skills of a bard. Thus numerous expect to have fun, learn something useful,
practices are held at the college. Here, bards and get a chance to ask questions of the mas-
can play before peers, gain the advice of a ters. Seminar audiences should always be at
master, learn the latest techniques for string- least two levels below those of the panel.
ing a harp, and so on. If optional training Thus, a bard must be at least 3rd level to put
rules are used, college is where most bards on a seminar.
train.
Discussions are simply planned events in
Since bards are romantic philosophers at which a small- to medium-sized group (3-10)
heart, it is no small wonder that debates fre- of bards get together and discuss a topic. The
quently crop up. Subjects range from the subject can be professional (actingtechniques,
proper way to pluck a mandolin to the best how to clean instruments),relaxing (reminisc-
ing about the good old days), or philosophical
philosophical alignment to hold when going (discussing the lifestyle of the pixie). Discus-
through life. Although debate is defined as a sions are very loose in format, and no one is
controlled discussion in which two or more necessarily in charge.
sides air their views, it is not uncommon for
such debates to boil into heated arguments Gatherings are some of the most cherished
ending when one side or another draws its events of a college. A gathering is rarely a
weapons and threatens violence. planned formal event. Rather, it occurs when
several bards begin talking about the same
Before any professional production, a dress topic, such as the proper tempo for an epicpo-
Lrehearsalmust take place. This bridges the gap em. In other words, gatherings are acquaint-
between practices and actual performances. ance meetings. Stories are swapped, tales
The intent is to run through the entire perform- told, rumors shared, and laughs had by all.
ance without an audience or only a specially Occasionally a gathering is planned, such as
an early brunch or late evening ball.
selected audience. This enables the bards to
judge the length of the performance and make Finally, no college would be complete with-
any last minute alterations.Occasionally,dress out the general college meeting. These are for-
rehearsals are used as test performances before mal events held for the sole purpose of
a small sample audience.The purpose of this is discussing the college, its policies, future, and
to determineif the subject matter is too volatile other functions. Some college meetings are
for the target audience. mandatory; a fine (1sp) or penalty must be
paid by those who do not show. Commo
Dues are usually collected as soon as a bard topics include assigning personnel to clean
first enters a college. Typical dues are an elec- and cooking details, discussing methods
trum piece plus 25% of all income the bard advertising college performances, voting o
makes while associatingwith the college (50% whether or not to perform at a local duke
wedding, and so or
if the college is used to put on the perform-
ance). If a bard doesn’t perform or draws in Patrons
only small crowds, he will be asked to leave or
contribute a platinum piece each week (his As a bards reputation grows, he begins to
decision). attract patrons. These people go out of their
way to attend the bards performances. Some
High-level bards often make money at col- even take up traveling with the bard on short
leges by planning seminars and other events performing tours. Such devoted patrons often
and charging a cover fee (usually a few silver serve the bard as stage hands
pieces). Seminars are events in which a small
panel of bards (usually 1to 3) presents infor-
mation on some predetermined topic. Semi-
nars are learning events; those who attend
I
Patrons should not be confused with fol- Once a bard becomes well-known (reputa-
lowers. Patrons are more interested in a bards tion 6)he gains his first patrons. To determine
performances than in the bard as an individ- how many patrons the bard initially gains,
ual. They are caught up with the bards artistic roll Id20 a number of times equal to the bards
talents. Some will travel miles to attend as maximum number of henchmen (a function of
many performances as possible, others donate Charisma). Every result equal to or below the
silver and gold to ensure that their favorite bards reputation indicates that one more pa-
performer can support his career. Devoted pa- tron is acquired.
trons love his performances so much that they
are willing to help him out in order to get him Note that patrons are not henchmen and do
on stage more often. Patrons are a valuable not count against this number.
commodity to bards and are always treated
with care. Gaining and Losing Patrons
Initial Patrons The number of a bards patrons fluctuates
as the bards reputation changes. Any time the
Acquiring, gaining, and losing patrons is bards reputation increases, more patrons can
,based upon the optional reputation system be gained. The bard rolls Id20 in an attempt
presented in this handbook. If this system isn’t to roll equal to or below his new reputation.
used, substitute the bards level for his reputa- He can keep rolling until he fails. The number
tion. of consecutive rolls equal to or below his new
reputation is the number of new patrons
1I 8 Chapter Nine
gained. However, the number of a bards pa- change for free admit-
trons is limited by his maximum number of
henchmen and by his level, as shown on Table -- tance.
jupporter Roll ld12; in that many
33. The number next to the bards level is mul- months the supporter
tiplied by the bards maximum number of will donate Idlo times
the bards level, in gold,
henchmen (see Table 6 in the PHB) to deter- to the bard.
Zealot Zealots follow the bard
mine the bards maximum number of patrons. around to every perform-
ance. Some have been
Table 33:NUMBER OF PATRONS known to secretly
shadow the bard wher-
Bard’s Maximum # of ever he goes, even on
Level Henchmen Times: dangerous quests (from
1-4 which they seldom re-
1 turn).
5-9 18 Defender Defenders are zealots
10-14 2
15-19 3 who have taken it upon
4 themselves to protect the
20 + 5 bard, serving as body
guards.
If a bards reputation ever drops, he must 19 Extremist Extremists attempt to
check to see if any of his patrons leave him. mimic the bard as much
This is done by rolling once for each patron. as possible. They dress
Any roll above the bards new reputation indi- like him, act like him,
cates that the patron has lost his infatuation learn his habits, and will
with the bard and is no longer a patron. A nat- even attempt to steal au-
ural roll of 20 indicatesthat the patron is very thentic items from him.
upset with the bard and will have nothing Some extremists even at-
more to do with him. tempt to befriend the
bards friends and lovers.
If you want to add even more detail to your
bards patrons, you can roll on the following 20 Fanatic Fanatics are extremists,
table for each one. but if the bard ever rolls
that a fanatic drops from
Table 34: TYPE OF PATRON the ranks of his patrons,
the fanatic is 25% likely
Id20 Typeof to attempt to assassinate
the bard.
Roll Patron Description
1-10 Fan Afotrtmenadnscee.very local per-
11-12 Diehard Attends every perform-
ancewithin 100miles and
insists on paying ld4
times what others pay.
13-14 Booster Attends all local per-
formancesand brings ld6
friends along.
15 Enthusiast Will serve as a stagehand
without charge in ex-
Followers The above information is correct for the
True Bard. Of the other kits, only the Skald
As stated in the Pfayer’s Handbook, the and some Heralds receive such followers. The
other kits receive followers as indicated
True Bard can attract 10d6 0-level soldiers at below.
the 9th level, if he builds a stronghold. These
followers arrive over a period of time and are ‘To attract these followers, a 9th-level (or
not automatically replaced if lost in battle. higher) Gypsy-bard must first purchase a
wagon and two carts.
~~~ ~
’A Herald has two options. If he decides to
Table 35: FOLLOWERSBY KIT build a stronghold of his own,he attracts 10d6
0-level warriors. However, if the herald is
Kit Followers serving a lord as his agent, the lord donates a
section of his fortress to the herald, along with
True 10d6 0-level warriors ld4 2nd-level warriors and l d 6 3rd-level
thieves.
Blade 3d6 (use Table 31 in the PHB)
3Loremasters do not build typical strong-
Charlatan ld6 1st-level Charlatans holds. Instead, they acquire a tower in the
corner of some nobleman’s keep, or a house in
Gallant 3d4 0-level warriors and 1 the scholarly quarter of town.
3rd-level squire 4Meistersingersdo not build typical strong-
holds. They construct a number of hidden cot-
Gypsy-bar dl 3d6 gypsies (50% thieves, tages instead.
20% fighters, 20% fighter/ These actors do not have a class and do not
gain levels. They pay for all of their own ex-
thieves, 5% thief/mages, 4% penses and bring in an additional ld6 gold
each per month for the thespian.
thief/mages and 1%special
[fighter/mage/ thief, ranger,
bard, druid, bear, etc. I)
Herald’ 10d6 0-level warriors or
Id4 2nd-level warriors and
ld6 3rd-level thieves
Jester No followers
Jongleur
3d6 (use Table 31 in the PHB)
Loremaster3 ld6 1st-level wizards
Mei~tersinger~Up to 3 animal companions
Riddlemaster No followers
Skald 10d6 0-level warriors
Thespian’ 2d12 0-level actors
120 Chapter
Appendix: Original AD&D@Game Bards
Original Bards Table
Exp. Experience &Sided Druid College Addl. Legend
Spells (Probationer) Lang. Lore
Level Points Dice for 12345 Known
1 0-2,OOO I---- Fochlucan and Item
2 Accum. Level Fochlucan 0** Cham Knowledge
3 2,001-4,000 hP Title 2---- Percentaw %
4.001-8. OOO O* Rhymer 3---- 0 15% 0%
1 Lyrist 0 20% 5%
2 Sonneteer 22%
7 40.001-60.000 6 Troubadour 331-- MacFuirmidh 1 34% 20%
Minstrel 0 40% 25%
8 60,001-85;000 7 - DOSS
20 1,800,001-2,000,OOO 10 + 9 M. Bard20th 54444 Ollamh
~
21 2.000.001-2.200.000 10 + 10 M. Bard21st 55444 I Ollamh
* The bard has as many Hit Dice as he has previously earned as a fikhter (plusthe possible addition of those e m e d as a
thief, if that class level exceeds the class level of fighter). All bard Hit Dice (and additional hit points) are additions to
existing Hit Dice-none are lost for becoming a bard.
* * The character may already know languages from his previous experience.
Notes Regarding the Original Bards tion of those earned as a thief if that class exceeds the
Table classlevel of fighter). All bard Hit Dice (and addition-
al hit points) are additions to existing Hit Dice-none
Experience points are strictly those gained as a bard. are lost for becoming a bard.
All previously earned experience points are not con- College is an important distinction to a bard; he will
sidered here. not associate with a bard of a lesser college. The ex-
Experiencelevel is that of the bard class only. There is ceptions to this rule are the Magna Alumnae, who will
no level beyond the 23rd. The bard gains druidic happily aid (by advice and suggestion) any bard of
powers as a druid of the same level would, and he any level.
learns and casts spells exactly as a druid of the same The bard need not study to learn the additional lan-
level, but he does not progress beyond the 12th level guages indicated on the table-this process is sub-
of druid ability until the 23rd level (at which time he sumed as previous work.
casts spells at the 13th level of ability). Bards can read Charm percentage is the chance the bard has of suc-
scroll that contain druidic spells. cessfully casting a charm person (or charm monster)
At first level, the bard has as many Hit Dice as he has spell with his music. It does not negate any immuni-
previously earned as a fighter (plus the possible addi- ties or saving throws vs. magic.
Legend lore and item knowledge percentage shows the
Appendix: Oriainal AD&D@Game Bards 121
I
I
1
cnance a bard has of knowing something about a ieg- charmed by the bard will still stop and listen for one
endary person, place, or thing, or of knowing what a round. Charmed creaturesare subject to a suggestion (as
particular magical item is. The latter ability is limited the spell), and if the bard implants the suggestion in his
to weapons, armor, potions, scrolls, and those items song, the charmed creatures must roll a successful sav-
of magical nature that the bard can employ or which ing throw vs. spell with a -2 penalty or be subject to the
bear magical inscriptions. All bards know runes, full impact of the suggestion. Thosewho save are totally
glyphs, characters, symbols, etc. Naturally, any free of the bards charm effect. Each creature is suscepti-
knowledge gained by the bard while in his former ble to this ability once per day. Loud noise or physical
classes is retained at all levels. attack will negate the charm, but not the suggestion.
Class Description Due to his training, a bard has knowledge of many
As this character classsubsumesthe functions of two oth- legendary and magical items after the 1st level of experi-
er classes--fighters and thieves-and tops them off with ence, and this knowledge improves with advancement.
magical abilities, it is often not allowed by Dungeon Mas- If some legendary knowledge is appropriate and the dice
ters. Even though this presentation is greatly modified score indicates that the bard has knowledge in that area,
from the original bard class, it is offered as supplemental then his ability will deliver information similar to the
to the system, and the DM will be the final arbiter as to magic-user spell, legend lore. Without actually touching
the inclusion of bards in the campaign. an item, the bard also has a like chance of determining
its magical properties and alignment. This latter ability
A bard must have scores of 15or better in the follow- is limited to armor, miscellaneous weapons, miscellane-
ing abilities: Strength, Wisdom, Dexterity, and Cha- ous magical items (if usable by a druid, fighter, or
risma. He must also have an Intelligence score of at least thief-unless inscribed with magical writing, in which
12 and a Constitution score of at least 10. The character case the bard can read what is written at the least), po-
must be either a human or a half-elf. tions, rings, rods et al. (if usable by a druid, fighter, or
thief), and scrolls. Artifacts and relics are not considered
Bards begin play as fighters and must remain exclu- ”miscellaneousmagical it ms.”
sively so until they have achieved at least the 5th level of
experience. Anytime thereafter, and in any event prior Bards are able to use d g i c a l items that are permitted
to attaining the 8th level, they must change to the thief to druids, fighters, and thieves. Magicalbooks/librams/
class. Sometime between 5th and 9th level, bards must tomes that pertain to the same are also beneficial (or
leave the thief class and become a druid-at this time, baneful) to bards, and these items can raise fighting or
they are actually bards under druidic tutelage. Bards thieving abilities beyond the norm. (If a writing is bane-
must fulfill the requirementsin all the above classes be- ful, treat the bard as the least favorable of his classes.)
fore progressing to the Original Bards Table. They must Miscellaneous magical items of a musical nature are su-
always remainNeutral, but they may be Good, Chaotic, perior when employedby a bard, such as drums of panic
Evil, or Lawful if they wish. (-1to saving throws), a horn of blasting (50% greater
damage),a lyre of building (the effects are doubled), and
A bard always engages in combat at the level he at- pipes of the sewer (twice the number of rats in half the
tained as a fighter. Likewise, he is able to function as a usual time).
thief of the level attained. All savingthrows are made on
the most favorable table, with the actual bard level con- Bards may wear leather or magical chain mail only
sidered to be that of a druid. He must always have a and may not use shields. They may use any type of club,
stringed instrument. dagger, dart, javelin, sling, scimitar, spear, or staff.
They may also use a bastard, long, or short sword. They
The bards poetic ability raises the morale of associ- may employ oil, but never poison (unless they are Neu-
ated creatures by 10%.It likewise can inspire ferocity in tral Evil in alignment).
battle, so attack rolls gain a + 1 bonus. Both effects re-
quire two rounds to inspire the desired effect, and they Bards will never serve as a henchman for longer than
last for one turn. Note that the bard can engage in com- one to four months. They are unable to employ hench-
bat while engaged in this ability, but he cannot sing or men other than druids, fighters, or thieves of human,
cast spells. half-elf, or elf stock. It is possible for a bard to attract one
henchman upon attaining 5th level, two at 8th level, three
A bards singing and playing negates the song effects at 11th level, four at 14th level, five at 17th level, six at
of harpies and similar attacks that rely upon song. It ne- 20th level, and any number of them at 23rd level (subject
gates the sound of shriekers, who are soothed by the to the bards Charisma).Onlybards of 23rd levelmay set-
sound of the bards instrument. tle down and construct a stronghold of any sort.
Note: If bards are permitted in your campaign, there is a
When the bard plays his instrument, creatures (not in possibility that the DM will also include certain magical
the bards party) within 4“ of the bard must roll success- items that are usable only by bards.
ful saving throws vs. spell or sit entranced while the
bard performs. Even those creatures who are not
~
122 Atmendix
Player Bard Character Record Sheet Character
Date Created Kit Name
Race
Alignment
0 10% Bonus
if 16 Dex and Con
INT Individual XP # Worth
(Missingenlries go in nher areas of this remrdsheet.)
Loyany Reaction Thief Skills
EaSe Miustment
1 Written Magic
Special Benefits
Spell Levels
Entertain
Performance
Gold
Hit Die Defeated
-* changeat5th.Sth. 13th. 17th. 21St etc.,levels I - 1TOTAL
Armor Class
Worn
ABase ' INext Level
Level Changes
+I- ITHACO
+I- Condition Condition Odd levels
II
I HP All
1st-10th level = Id6 + saves 59.13,17,21
-llthon +Zonly Proficiencies 4,8,12,16,20
ARegenerate
(Con.) Thief Skills All
Initial Spells All
DEATH:~ a x i (Con. + 1) Reputation Check at all
Resurrection Followers 9th
Use Written 10th
Target's AC 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 -1 - 2 -3 - 4 - 5 -6 -7 -8 - 9 -10
Attack Number
Weapon Slots II IIII III IllIIIIIII
THACO =20 (-1 every odd level past 1st)
0 =2+(1 at 4.8, 12, 16.20, etc.)
E334Shots Fired
..-..
01982TSR, Inc. Ey permissionof TSR. Inc.. Lis peeemay be repmducadfor personal use OW. 123
Nonweapon Proficiencies Notes
Slots 0 = -+3(+1 at4,8,12, 16,2O,etc.)
w
PmRclency
B
0
U
I 0Secondaw Skill: Racial A b M k s
I Race Dex Thief Skills I
Base Skll'
Kii Armor Total
Pick Pockets
Detect Noise
Climb Walls
Read Lang.
I 0 Use any written m a & a l item with a 15% malfunction chance
Spells 0 Verbal Component
-Max. Spell Level
Chanceto Learn%- -Max. #/level
1st- 2nd
3rd- 4th- 5th- 6th- 7th-
Special Benefits
#1
#2
#3
#4
Kit Note6
01892TSR. Inc. Ey psrmissiar of TSR. Inc., this W be reproducadfor persona use mty. 124
Bard Character Record Sheet
Age Vital Statistics Personality Traits
-+- a -lJ"Ml"d 81.I sex O M OF
Height
Natu,.l Weight I I1
Middle Hair Ibs.
-1 Str&Con; +1 Int&Wis
Old -2Str&Dex; -1Con; +1 Wis Eyes
Venerable -1Str&Dex&Con; +1 Int&Wis Skin
0Maximum Age I
I
nReputation nPatrons (gainedat Rep. 6)
Title
Current
0# Maximum
ALast Performance
Spem on
Earnings Fans attend local
Reputation_ _ _
Established ReDutations Diehards 11-12 attend 100 miles
m t e r s 13-14
Index Enthusiasts 15 local + I d 6 friends
free work
Supporters 16 levelxldlOgp/ld12months
Zealots 17 follow
Defenders 10 follow 8 defend
Extremists 19 mimic
Fanatics 20 mimic (25% kill)
0Followers (%'E%) #: Type: Notes
unit - Equipment Carried unit Used/# Right Sick 4
wst/rvt. Front/Back coahlwt.
Usedlt Herrmocatii unii
ltermLocation coahlwt.
I
I II II I
1/100* Vision -lnfravision R. Movement Rate
01692TSR, IN. By permisionof TSR, Inc., this page may be repoducedfor personalUBB only. 125
Bard Kit Record Sheet
Player Character
Kit 0 DM
Qualifications Thief Skill Adjustments
Ability Scores Races Pick Pockets
Detect Noise
DEX (12*) Climb Walls
Read Languages
INT (13) Alignments
CHA (15*)
U
Other Minimum Other -1-
= Prime Requisite
Description* * I
I
Role* *
Secondary Skills Weapon Proficiencies Nonweapon Proficiencies
B1 2
0
cj3 4
S
II I
Armor Equipment
I
Special Benefits* Other
#1
#2
#3
#4
Special Hindrances*
Notes*
= These categories should be fully detailedon another sheet of paper.
O l W TSR, Inc. By permissiond TSR, Iffi.,@is paee may be repmducedfor pennmaluse only. 126
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cCChchhhhtaitiimmmremeeer.iooonfffangoihniupmt.nee.agnr.lrei.nu.r.g.p...t.i....o....n........................................................4888622232 Fundamentals of music .........96 MLLMMMMLLLLoooyoyarraaaarrrreeggggeeee..giiiimococccilalaafdaafoearlllgwlcbscwaiiietautatteoereneelnimrmuamlmdedpn..osis..o..dun...rn..s.i.gl.n..s.e.e....g.g..........e..........n...........d.............l........o......l......r...o..e.........................4........0.............4......7.6........9..............88483488153.9.0031101337
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Musical 74
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21
...................... 38 115
ropping kits .................52 PPPPPeeeeerrrrsfi~fauoopnarrtsmmaioiolfannignptcrty..ore..ao.i..f.t..s.a....g...a.....i..n.....s...t....s....o.....u....n.....1d.1..0.........111.8401000657
Horn of ctghooeloldatrpniestoisnsngs.................................8833 Pesuadecrowd ................33
Horn of ........ gstlaibmnmesesrin..g......................8822
Horn of ..
Horn of valhalla Philter of nTheieif sskkiiullsad.j.u..s.t.m..e.n..t.s..................1110
bubbles Phiiter of
Horn of Pick of strumming .............so
Horn of baubles ........................80 Pipes of pain . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Throwing weapons .............w
Identify rumors Pipesofthesewers ..... Tightropewaking .............38
TTimi einlgocrdha.n.t.....................................
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Infamy ...................... 102 TTriiucekbTahrdrow................
Influence .. 16.38.44.48.51.57. 62
reactions
JJJeoesskttieinrngg......................................................................... 34 Professor ..................... 58 Uvsingimpoaegtica.l .it.e.m.s......l.o..........
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inier, musician, clown, actor, acrobat-just a partial list of
t h e many twists o n t h e bard class to b e found in this
book! Seventeen bard kits, multitudes of abilities and
powers, new magical items, new proficiencies, rules for
gaining patrons and followers, over 100 bardic instru-
ments, and much more await you within. The Complete
W s Hindbook gives you everythingyou need to create
d the world will never forget!