Looking for Anything on Non-Spellcasting Variant Bards

[AFGNCAAP]

(For some reason, IE won't let me access the Rules forum, so that's why I've posted this here.)

Does anyone actually know where I can find information on a non-spellcasting Bard class variant? I haven't found anything on it in Unearthed Arcana or Complete Adventurer. Also, I don't want to just use a Rogue with ranks in Perform--I'm actually looking for a Bard variant that still has Bardic Knowledge, Bardic Music, bard class skills, & all other bard class features except for spellcasting.

I'd appreciate any info you could provide.

 

[Herzog]

since you would be giving up spellcasting, what kind of thing would you be looking for in return?

There may be some classes out there that might not be exactly what you are looking for, but without at least a hint of the extra's you would be looking for, it's hard to come up with something.

Herzog

 

[AFGNCAAP]

since you would be giving up spellcasting, what kind of thing would you be looking for in return?

There may be some classes out there that might not be exactly what you are looking for, but without at least a hint of the extra's you would be looking for, it's hard to come up with something.

To tell you the truth, I can't say for sure. Maybe an innate spell-like ability (like how the non-spellcasting paladins/rangers featured in Complete Warrior get instead of access to a (new) level of class spells). Maybe some rogue-like class abilities instead (like Evasion or Uncanny Dodge). Maybe bonus feats from a limited list (like Extra Music, Skill Focus, Persuasive, etc.). Just something that would be a good trade-off for not having spellcasting.

 

[Aus_Snow]

http://www.athas.org/ --- under 'releases', there's the Dark Sun 3 pdf.

Check out the Dark Sun Bard in that. It might well not be what you're looking for, but then again it might at the very least give you some ideas. It *does* still have most of the Bard stuff, sans casting, I guess.

I can't think of any others at this moment.

 

[eyebeams]

As a matter of fact, I sell one:

http://enworld.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=7537&

This particular class really fits the warrior-skald model instead of the wandering minstrel.

 

[Joker]

Monte's Bard

 

[Darklone]

Wasn't there some OGC minstrel class somewhere that was exactly this?

 

[Aus_Snow]

Ha, yes of course! That's the one I use, in fact (that being Monte Cook's, from the CBoEM).

It's just that I still think of it as "magic". But of course it's (strictly speaking) not spellcasting, in D&D terms.

Good suggestion there, anyway.

 

[True_Blue]

Sovereign Press has the Master class in the War of the Lance sourcebook for Dragonlance. Not sure what you are looking for exactly, but it has a few unique things. I'd probably use the Dark Sun one over it though in this case. But the Master class can be used for a variety of things, not just musicians. Smiths (blacksmiths and weaponsmiths), Musicians, Scholars, etc.

 

[Fishbone]

The monte bard is essentially the core bard gutted of all Bardic Music abilities and replaced with spells. Sure, it can lay down ridonkulus DC attacks time and time again and boost the power of its spells with Performance based feats until its doing 30 to 40 damage 4 times a round with first level spells, which is damn nice, but it ain't no spell-less bard.
Its more of a mouth archer than a bard. No offense to Monte, played one for about 4 months and loved it.
Edit:I caution people looking for variants of classes with partial casting to realize just how powerful 6th and even 4th level spells can be to a class. A hit dice bump and a couple of teensy weensy things here and there most likely will not be as strong as Wail of Doom, Improved Invisibility, Fanfare, Elation, Alter Self, Mirror Image, Sonic Weapon, Waves of Grief, Greater Bestow Curse, Hold Monster, Improvisation, etc. Look before you leap!