Bard archetype/variant without arcane spells

[Matthias]

I could use a version of Bard that keeps some of its flavor intact but without its arcane spellcasting ability. What would be a good replacement for its spells?

 

[Crothian]

Bard Masterpieces from Ultimate Magic.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Spellcasting is a lot to lose... I'll try to think of some options:

A) Alchemist's Bombs (cha-based instead of int-based) and Discoveries (likewise) including the higher level versions

B) Summoner's Eidolon, free Extra Performance feat every 4 levels, and Inquisitor's Solo Tactics and bonus tactical feats

C) Full BAB, d10 HD, proficiency with medium armor and shields and all martial weapons, and Ranger's Combat Style feats

D) Witch's Hexes (cha-based instead of int-based) including major and grand hexes at higher levels and Rogue's talents including advanced talents. Make the talents come at levels 1, 3, 5, etc... so they're not hitting the same level as the hexes.

Just some ideas, not sure if they're that balanced, either in terms of being over- OR under-powered.

 

[1Mac]

I think you're slightly overvaluing Bard spellcasting, SoS. You don't get too many spells, and the selection is relatively limited. Bards have plenty of goodies without spells.

I've got a variant spell-less Bard project that I occasionally remember to work on. The gist is to give the Bard free choice from more performances (pilfered from archetypes, masterpieces, and a few 3rd party sources), plus unlimited rounds of performance (with other stipulations). I've got to refine it a bit before it's ready for public viewing.

 

[1Mac]

I went ahead and posted my spell-less bard class on Friday. Find the link to it in this post. Please discuss!

 

[Matthias]

Is there some way I could get a copy of that emailed directly to me? I would like to avoid having to download and install an installer program.

 

[Herobizkit]

Why not just drop the spellcasting altogether? Pretend it's not even there. You lose nothing else by doing so.

 

[SteelDraco]

Presumably he wants to maintain the utility of the class. A bard without spells loses a lot of power.

 

[1Mac]

Is there some way I could get a copy of that emailed directly to me? I would like to avoid having to download and install an installer program.

You shouldn't need to download an installer. Just click the "Regular Download" link, then "click here to download from Sendspace." Sorry Sendspace is being so counterintuitive. It's changed since I last used it.