Halfling Whistler

[Glyfair]

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/prc/20061121a&dcmp=ILC-RSSDND

For the most part I skipped 2nd edition. I bought it thinking they'd finally make the critical changes that would "fix" the game and allow me to play again (they touched nothing I considered "critical" at the time) and bought a few things the year before 3E was released. So, I missed much of the development from that time, and only have secondhand information to go on.

The Complete Bard's Handbook was one of the most popular class option books for AD&D 2nd Edition.

True or False?

How does the class stack up to the original kit?

I have to admit, I think adapting the 2E kits to 3E is a good idea. All shouldn't be prestige classes. Some could be new classes, some just simulated with alternate class abilities.

 

[Arnwyn]

That's Halfling "Whistler".

True or False?

Why are you asking us? I would think WotC has a better handle on that than a limited number of people on some internet site... (I was quite happy with it - and still am, actually, FWIW. The massive musical instrument equipment list [fully illustrated!] is still used IMC.)

How does the class stack up to the original kit?

IDHTBIFOM, so I can't judge. The only thing that looks immediately familiar is the "counterwhistle" ability. It is probably quite different, though, simply because 'demihumans' couldn't actually be of the Bard class in 2e, so this book provided 'bard-like' options.

In any case, I'll be using this conversion in my game, no question. I'm not really a Wil Upchurch fan, but he did a great job here, IMO.

I have to admit, I think adapting the 2E kits to 3E is a good idea. All shouldn't be prestige classes. Some could be new classes, some just simulated with alternate class abilities.

I totally agree, and have done it multiple times. I also agree that it all shouldn't be prestige classes - many kits can be converted by a simple feat (which I've also done).

 

[qstor]

In any case, I'll be using this conversion in my game, no question. I'm not really a Wil Upchurch fan, but he did a great job here, IMO.

I like his work in Dungeon and for Dragonstar a lot. I think its pretty interesting. The Complete bards book for 2e was one of my favorite Complete Books for 2e. Too bad the conversion can't make it into the Complete Scoundrel, for I'm sure all the work is done and the book is on the way to the printer.

I think a squirrel or trained ferret might be too 'weak' to be a druids 1st level animal companion though. Otherwise it looked ok. You might give it a racial restriction for halfings and remove the Yondolla worship reference.

Mike

 

[Crothian]

True

Bard's Handbook was awesome!!

 

[Razz]

Too bad the conversion can't make it into the Complete Scoundrel, for I'm sure all the work is done and the book is on the way to the printer.

Dude, that's actually a GOOD thing. More room for "other" material to fit into Complete Scoundrel. No sense posting it on the website and getting it for free only to pay for it later. Just print out the PrC and set it into your Complete Scoundrel when ya get it.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I only recently got rid of my Complete Bard. I loved the flavor of it.

I'm hoping he does the gnome kit next -- was that a riddlemaster or something?

 

[Glyfair]

That's Halfling "Whistler".

Oops! That's what I get for posting after a 10 hour work night, just before heading to bed.

I think a squirrel or trained ferret might be too 'weak' to be a druids 1st level animal companion though.

Yeah. I would have been better in 3E when druids/rangers could have multiple animal companions.

 

[Herobizkit]

Heh, and so it begins...

I've always believed that kits should work like Occupations from d20 Modern rather than prestige classes, but that aside...

I loooooved the Bard's Handbook. It, among the others, actually gave you a way to play different archetypes of classes. In particular, the Bard's HB had all the flavour you'd need to figure out how to make your bard something more than "the guy what sings good".

That in mind, I am very eager to see an adaptation of the Blade kit for the Bard.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I loooooved the Bard's Handbook. It, among the others, actually gave you a way to play different archetypes of classes. In particular, the Bard's HB had all the flavour you'd need to figure out how to make your bard something more than "the guy what sings good".

I particularly liked the bard-as-romantic-knight. Was that the Gallant kit?

 

[Prince of Happiness]

I hated the Blade kit with a passion. Takes only one player to make: The. Same. Exact. Character. Every. Time.

I thought the other kits, especially the Gallant were pretty interesting, but never saw anybody play any of them, just the damn Blade.