D&D 3E/3.5 Bardic Music 3.5

[lkj]

The perform skill was split up in 3.5. In the bard description it says the following:

"Each abilityr equires both a minimum bard level and a minimum number of ranks in the Perform skill to qualify; if a bard does not have the required number of ranks in at least one Perform skill, he does not gain the bardic music ability until he acquires the needed ranks."

and

"While these abilities fall under the category of bardic music and the descriptions discuss singing or playing instruments, they can all be activated by reciting poetry, chanting, singing lyrical songs, singing melodies (fa-la-la, and so forth), whistling, playing an instrument, or playing an instrument in combination with some spoken performance."

So I understand that any type of musical performance can activate the power. I also understand that you have to have at least one perform skill with the given number of ranks. But are you required to use that specific skill when you are using your bardic music powers? I can see either argument-- 1) you have to be skilled enough in that performance type to enact these powers or 2) Being highly skilled at any given performance denotes an overall ability to perform and allows you to tap into your magical powers.

This has in-game implications because if you have to use the specific perform skill than a bard who specializes in instruments would be a disadvantage (couldn't have his hands free). And I think from reading the rules, it certainly does not explicitly say you have to use the particular performance type.
At any rate, I'm trying to decide and wanted to see if anyone had any input (or perhaps was aware of an 'official' answer from the sage or somesuch).

Thanks very much for your help.

AD

 

[MerakSpielman]

I would say the bard has to use a method of performance in which he has the requisite number of ranks. Yes, there are in-game ramifications. Choose your performance methods wisely.

 

[lkj]

My first instinct is to agree with you. It makes a certain sense. On the other hand, it would seem to be a strong disincentive to not simply max out peform(singing) or the vocal equivalent. I suppose you get performance bonuses using instruments, but I'm not sure this outweighs the disadvantage.
I'm the DM for a couple of campaigns, and I'm thinking through the decision because I'm not sure I want to have all my bards be chanting soloists. In addition, one player needs to convert a 3.0 bard, where this wasn't an issue. On the other hand, maybe the extra skill points make up for it by letting you spread your ranks more effectively. Requiring the use of the particular performance type does also lend a certain flavor.
I think I need to meditate on this a bit longer. I really do appreciate the input.

AD

 

[elbandit]

Well if you use the instrument abilities from Song and Silence it may go a long way to prevent people from justing singing as thier activation to thier bardic music.

The bards in my campaign have used both a harp and a flute as thier abilities and have not seem hindered by it.

 

[MerakSpielman]

For role-playing reasons, I usually have the bards I play produce their magic through their performace as well (I don't remember if this is explicitly stated in the rules). Since they're such ineffective fighters, I don't see that losing their hands in combat is that big of a deal, since they can do their best class abilities and still retain access to their magic.