I think to understand a Bard, expand a bit from D&D.
In general, 5e does a real good job of making Bards be the class that makes everyone else shine; the skinner can do that, but can also utterly change the story around them.
That's the most obvious, yeah. But, how about aiming closer to the skinner?
Compare 5e College of Glamour -- in particular the Enthralling Performance ability -- with AW's Skinner, in particular the Artful & Gracious playbook move. Both can act to change the actions of other characters, and with minimal downside to the Bard or Skinner.
Does that make sense? I don't know if this makes sense anymore, but its where I'd go with a Bard.
As an example move:
Inspiration: Your stories aid your allies. You can mark one doom to grant an ally +1D, even after they roll, whether or not anyone else has help'd or hinder'd.
What i'm going for there: The Bard helps their ally shine, even risking future badness to the Bard.
In general, 5e does a real good job of making Bards be the class that makes everyone else shine; the skinner can do that, but can also utterly change the story around them.
Sorcerer that weaves their magic through a magic flute or ritualistic dance.
That's the most obvious, yeah. But, how about aiming closer to the skinner?
Compare 5e College of Glamour -- in particular the Enthralling Performance ability -- with AW's Skinner, in particular the Artful & Gracious playbook move. Both can act to change the actions of other characters, and with minimal downside to the Bard or Skinner.
As a suggestion: It's not the music. It's the story. The Paladin is only heroic because the Bard focuses the story on their moments of heroism, the clerics faith shines due to the Bard reminding everyone they never lost faith -- even if they did. A bard shapes the world through storytelling. With every move, a bard changes and refines the story; they shape their party into the best they can each be.what's the main thing about them.
Does that make sense? I don't know if this makes sense anymore, but its where I'd go with a Bard.
As an example move:
Inspiration: Your stories aid your allies. You can mark one doom to grant an ally +1D, even after they roll, whether or not anyone else has help'd or hinder'd.
What i'm going for there: The Bard helps their ally shine, even risking future badness to the Bard.
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