Revised Bard (Saric's)

[Primitive Screwhead]

Over here, Saric posted a nicely fluffed version of the bard.

I think the direction was solid, but the execution was over the top. The resulting bard is definately a bad-ass.

I worked with one of my players as I convert my campaign over to 4th edition and have revised Saric's work... at least the first 9 levels.
Most of the changes were pulling the powers back in line with the similar powers of equal level, while attempting to create a unique 'Bard' feel to the class.

My guiding thoughts on what a 'Bard' should look like are:

• The bard is a second line combatant that inspired effectiveness and continued fighting from a group of allies.
• He is capable of melee combat, although less effective at hitting than a dedicated frontline fighter and deals less damage than a dedicated striker.
• His primary tool is his voice and/or instrument, channeling arcane power through the melody and variations to bring about extraordinary effects.
• His inspiration comes mainly in the form of improved morale and improved team work.
• His secondary tools is arcane based spells, similar to the Wizards repertoire.
• He does not stand in the rear, as it is hard to be inspiring while kicking it back in the 'safe' zone.

So, looking for input and help making sure I got the powers in-line.. and maybe some help with levels 10 through 30 .. attached is a pdf file with my adjustments.


Thanks for your input!

 

[Starfox]

Looks good, I bye both your reasoning and your powers, tough I only gave it a glance so far.

Inspiring Song seems to be very versatile. You might want to split it up into several separate bardsong abilities or limit it somehow, perhaps even consolidate it to fewer, more powerful abilities. Also "Inspire Manlyness" is somewhat sexist; I suggest Inspire Resilience or something like that instead.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

I was experiencing some serious writer's block when trying to come up with names for those.. Inspire Resiliance is much better, thanks!

And perhaps I didn't write it into the text properly, but Inpiring Song is split up, each of the different bonus types are individual powers. The Virtuoso ability to combine those powers provide more strength.

I look forward to other assistance in making this a good, or even great!, class!

 

[Chimera]

I worked with one of my players as I convert my campaign over to 4th edition and have revised Saric's work... at least the first 9 levels.

Which...er...um....would be me.

One of the things I worked for on this version was to ensure that there was a fair number of decent melee attacks, including some decent hitting ones at appropriate levels. We had originally talked about fewer ranged powers and more melee attacks, but when we got into it, sometimes the ranged powers were far more interesting/seductive/easy and I had to stop and say "Wait a minute, we already have 2 ranged spell powers and only one weapon power, so let's come up with another weapon/melee power here".

One of the powers I promised myself and Primitive Screwhead for the class is going to be based on the Spell Compendium spell Delusions of Grandeur, which I find amusing and have used a couple of times in our campaign. No, Mr Bad Guy, you're such a bada- that you don't need any healing and you certainly don't want to retreat! Stay and die...er, kill us!