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<blockquote data-quote="Mistwell" data-source="post: 8788476" data-attributes="member: 2525"><p>So I am still focused on the Lore bard. The fluff simply doesn't match the abilities of this subclass, and it totally loses focus on the theme.</p><p></p><p>In my view, this subclass gets TWO abilities which are on-theme. They are: Bonus Proficiencies (3rd level - but many other things get this), and Peerless Skill (14th level - too late for most bard players to care).</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, their "core" abilities which they get early do not support the Lore concept: Cutting Words (I never understood what this has to do with Lore - you distract others?), Cunning Inspiration (advantage on bardic inspiration has nothing to do with Lore), Improved Cutting Words (damage on cutting words has nothing to do with Lore).</p><p></p><p>The subclass appears to be having a sharp wit. So sharp you can eventually do damage with it. WTF does that have to do with knowing scholarly tomes and hanging out in libraries?</p><p></p><p>If you renamed this subclass "Comedian" or "Jester" or "Snark" you'd be much closer to matching the fluff to the abilities.</p><p></p><p>I think people liked the fluff of the Lore subclass though. It's just that the abilities should match that fluff. I named some above and I'll repeat them now and add a few more:</p><p></p><p>1) Additional Magical Secrets at 6th level: You'd be the only bard who can eventually access all types of spells in the game;</p><p></p><p>2) A bonus action to identity creatures vulnerabilities, resistances and immunities with a check (which for some reason they gave to Hunter Rangers, with specifically "Lore" in the ability name, but only if they cast an attack-specific spell on them?);</p><p></p><p>3) The ability to use scrolls and magic items with another class as a prerequisite, with a check;</p><p></p><p>4) The ability to cast a spell without preparation or the use of a spell slot from any spell list once a day (of a level they normally have spell slots for of course.)</p><p></p><p>5) The ability to cast the spell Legend Lore without a spell slot or material components, proficiency bonus times a day (or even once a day).</p><p></p><p>6) Advantage on the new Study Action checks;</p><p></p><p>7) Take the new Study Action as a Bonus Action.</p><p></p><p>I am open to some other ideas, but these at least seem to be on-message to the concept of Lore rather than focusing on cutting words and inspiration abilities. Give them something which says, "I have a background in researching obscure lore and can draw on that remembered history in this moment of need."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Mistwell, post: 8788476, member: 2525"] So I am still focused on the Lore bard. The fluff simply doesn't match the abilities of this subclass, and it totally loses focus on the theme. In my view, this subclass gets TWO abilities which are on-theme. They are: Bonus Proficiencies (3rd level - but many other things get this), and Peerless Skill (14th level - too late for most bard players to care). Meanwhile, their "core" abilities which they get early do not support the Lore concept: Cutting Words (I never understood what this has to do with Lore - you distract others?), Cunning Inspiration (advantage on bardic inspiration has nothing to do with Lore), Improved Cutting Words (damage on cutting words has nothing to do with Lore). The subclass appears to be having a sharp wit. So sharp you can eventually do damage with it. WTF does that have to do with knowing scholarly tomes and hanging out in libraries? If you renamed this subclass "Comedian" or "Jester" or "Snark" you'd be much closer to matching the fluff to the abilities. I think people liked the fluff of the Lore subclass though. It's just that the abilities should match that fluff. I named some above and I'll repeat them now and add a few more: 1) Additional Magical Secrets at 6th level: You'd be the only bard who can eventually access all types of spells in the game; 2) A bonus action to identity creatures vulnerabilities, resistances and immunities with a check (which for some reason they gave to Hunter Rangers, with specifically "Lore" in the ability name, but only if they cast an attack-specific spell on them?); 3) The ability to use scrolls and magic items with another class as a prerequisite, with a check; 4) The ability to cast a spell without preparation or the use of a spell slot from any spell list once a day (of a level they normally have spell slots for of course.) 5) The ability to cast the spell Legend Lore without a spell slot or material components, proficiency bonus times a day (or even once a day). 6) Advantage on the new Study Action checks; 7) Take the new Study Action as a Bonus Action. I am open to some other ideas, but these at least seem to be on-message to the concept of Lore rather than focusing on cutting words and inspiration abilities. Give them something which says, "I have a background in researching obscure lore and can draw on that remembered history in this moment of need." [/QUOTE]
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