Bardic Fascination and Suggestion: multiple targets

[Infiniti2000]

Fwiw, I would buy Nail's argument. I hadn't realized the limit on the number of creatures fascinated, so I think that's okay, particularly coupled with the fact that it requires a second saving throw.

 

[Nareau]

I'm the DM running the campaign. I think option #1 makes sense.

1) He uses Suggestion on the second guard (and then third and fourth) without using up another bardic music charge: while he can't do mass simultaneous suggestions until he hits like 18th level or something, he can offer sequential suggestions to the folks that he's already fascinated, without using up extra charges.

It's got significant limitations (number of targets, and taking several rounds to make the suggestions).

My only hesitation (and it's a small one) is here:

Suggestion (Sp): A bard of 6th level or higher with 9 or more ranks in a Perform skill can make a suggestion (as the spell) to a creature that he has already fascinated (see above).

along with

Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a ranged weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.

I could see a very strict interpretation that says, "as soon as you use the Suggestion (SP) ability, the fascinate effect is broken." Basically, using Suggestion counts as "casting a spell". Indeed, if you use the Suggestion power at all, the fascination effect would end for everyone.

Now, it does say:

Using this ability does not break the bard’s concentration on the fascinate effect, nor does it allow a second saving throw against the fascinate effect.

But this line fails to make any mention of the fact that casting a spell automatically breaks it.

You know, as I'm typing/thinking through this, that's a pretty dumb argument. Nevermind.

I think it'll work ok. Assuming one of those guards isn't really an ancient black dragon in disguise...

Heh, I never thought I'd see the day that someone would ask, "Is this bardic tactic too powerful?"

Nareau

 

[Ferret]

I would have gotten the one guard to usher the rest into the cabin for that well needed nap. I don't know if that would break the fascination though....

 

[Pielorinho]

I would have gotten the one guard to usher the rest into the cabin for that well needed nap. I don't know if that would break the fascination though....

Well, the last suggestion, to the last, nonsleeping guard, will probably be, "Why don't you sit down peacefully with us inside, and answer our questions helpfully and honestly?"

Heh, I never thought I'd see the day that someone would ask, "Is this bardic tactic too powerful?"

Force of habit from playing a druid.

Daniel

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Heh, I never thought I'd see the day that someone would ask, "Is this bardic tactic too powerful?"

Someone posted something the other day about "D&D Message Board Bingo."

He claimed to be surprised because he never thought that he'd win on a "The 5' Step is overpowered" square.

I *really* didn't think I'd win with an "Is the bard overpowered?" square!

 

[Pielorinho]

If only I thought it'd work, the suggestions to the fighters would be a little more peremptory.

Daniel

 

[Nail]

Heh, I never thought I'd see the day that someone would ask, "Is this bardic tactic too powerful?"

Me Neither!!!

 

[Nail]

If only I thought it'd work, the suggestions to the fighters would be a little more peremptory.

Daniel

I hadn't gotten around to reading todays OotS. ...That's awesome!


....and, uh, I didn't know dragons had the swallow whole ability.