Prism
Explorer
Nah, they are just more open ended than it sounds like you want them to be. Most of us know the rules but choose to ignore some of them. For me, I would allow the bard to cast word of recall if they had a deity, but if the player suddenly decides they have a deity just as they take this spell I would probably say it doesn't work (as a DM)
ChrisCarlson
First Post
...or even, dare I say, a local temple or church dedicated the the bard's chosen faith?
As the spell explicitly states "it must be dedicated to your deity" with full knowledge that non-clerics may gain access to it, I would insist the Bard sets up the sanctuary at a Church related to his deity.
I wouldn't stop a Bard from doing what most people do, which is to invent information only when relevant, but I would ensure the Bard chooses a deity to follow if they wish to use this spell. So when the Bard learned the spell, they must have a deity their character follows to use the spell, otherwise it's up to individual DMs to decide they don't like that and to allow them to do whatever they want.
I wouldn't stop a Bard from doing what most people do, which is to invent information only when relevant, but I would ensure the Bard chooses a deity to follow if they wish to use this spell. So when the Bard learned the spell, they must have a deity their character follows to use the spell, otherwise it's up to individual DMs to decide they don't like that and to allow them to do whatever they want.
You answered your own question, if a bard does not have access to an area strongly linked to her deity then casting Word of Recall has no effect. If a bard A) has a deity and B) has access to an area dedicated to that deity then Word of Recall works, if either one of those requirements are not met then the spell has no effect.
The Grassy Gnoll
Explorer
In a world where the gods are quite literally real, I think it's fair to have each player choose a "home team" deity at character creation. Even if it's not a fundamental part of their mechanics, in extremis they'll at least say that deity's name in vain ("By Crom, that was a hard fight", "Tymora's t*ts, what is that smell?", etc).
Make it something that ties in with the rest of the character - eg for a bard in the FR, probably Oghma. For a rogue, perhaps the afore-blasphemed Tymora'. And so on. Whether they believe, kind of don't think much about it, or are lapsed, everyone will have one deity they were raised on.
That way - based on "general background" any character will have a relevant deity for this occasion.
Make it something that ties in with the rest of the character - eg for a bard in the FR, probably Oghma. For a rogue, perhaps the afore-blasphemed Tymora'. And so on. Whether they believe, kind of don't think much about it, or are lapsed, everyone will have one deity they were raised on.
That way - based on "general background" any character will have a relevant deity for this occasion.
Saeviomagy
Adventurer
What if my character chooses to worship each member of the pantheon when appropriate? According to a bunch of references, that's how most FR inhabitants seem to do things, and in a world where gods have restricted domains seems like the sensible thing to do.
Mouseferatu
Hero
And also how most real polytheistic faiths work.
The Grassy Gnoll
Explorer
Of course, but there will nonetheless be one that is your own personal default favourite. If you're a smith or a bard or a hunter or a healer or a warrior there will be one that your character would feel the strongest connection to. If for nothing else than the in-game mechanical purpose I outlined above.
I think as-written, the Bard needs to have faith in a deity and choose a sanctuary dedicated to that deity.
That being said, I think this suggestion is a pretty good one. Also reminds me of a scene in The Dresden Files when an Incubus-like character has to magically transport himself and a paladin-like character. The latter wasn't too pleased with where they ended up.
