Virtuoso PrC

[Magnus]

not sure if this should go here or in general but:

i'm planning on playing a bard in our next game, and i was wondering what the general concensus on this PrC was. is it balanced/overpowered? the character concept isn't designed around combat at all. i'll probly take imp unarmed strike as her feat. rationale being her mentor insisted that she learn some form of selfdefense, and she chose the most unobtrusive one she could find. i'm thinking that she might also use a whip ... but i digress. also, what do you think about the thief acrobat PrC?

thanks all

 

[Crothian]

First of all a what type of perform skills do you plan on her having? Instruments require delicate hands, so punching would not be suggested. It is very hard to play a stringed instrument with swollen fingers. Trumpets and other brass instruments are not any better. I'd go with ranged weapons like the short bow or crossbow.

The Virtuoso is a bit powerful combared to the Bard, but only because the bard is a little weak. I used to think that was not the case, but playing a Bard has shown me it is not equal to the other classes.

The Acrobat seems a little bland perhaps, but otherwise okay. I haven't seen one in use, but I think with the proper character it could be a lot of fun.

 

[Magnus]

primary perform skill will be dance and singing, with story telling and a flute as secondary. kinda had Elora Danan from the Shadow Trilogy in mind. i think the bard is underpowered too, but i'm not playing her for her power. looking for more of the roleplaying satisfaction.

pending my DM's approval, she'll be from an association that has members attached to "important" groups. they have a special way of sending info back to headquaters as it were. a specially prepared dust that they sprinkle into a fire which sends letters subsequently burned in it back home. her job won't really be to fight. fortunately we have a big group, and alreday have a few clerics, a ranger, barb, paladin, mage and a rogue. so i'm pretty much free to just be flamboyant with her. ... almost seems a waste with the great scores i got, lowest is a 12!

the DM is a first timer, and he hasn't seen the PrCs in the splat books. so i don't wanna go to him with something that'll be ridiculous right off the bat.

 

[Cloudgatherer]

I have one currently in my game. He's a Bard 9/ Virtuoso 2, he's not that powerful, but in general I think it's a good class.

 

[Akunin]

I can't think of a reason for a Bard to NOT take the Virtuoso PrC. The entry requirements are waaaay too easy (few Bard don't have those skills at that level), and the loss of Bardic Knowledge and a hit in your Class Skills selection are minor setbacks. The hit to your Reflex saves is a kicker, though.

I rember with fondness the 1e Thief-Acrobat, and liked the 2e version, as well. The 3e T-A is pretty boring in comparison (although Fight Anywhere and Cartwheel Charge are fun abilities).

 

[Magnus]

... and the loss of Bardic Knowledge ...

huh? what? what was that? where does it say that??? *scrambling for my S&S*

 

[Fast Learner]

He's referring to the loss of additional bardic knowledge because it's dependent on your bard level.

 

[Magnus]

ahhh
bummer

... quick catch there

<edit as an afterthought>

but that doesn't make sense! why wouldn't it count? why shouldn't it? a virtuoso is still a bard! even moreso!
*going off to sulk*

 

[Ma'varkith]

Most likely because the Virtuoso focuses his training on performance, rather than the acquisition of esoteric knowledge. Probably the same reason he loses Alchemy, Appraise, Decipher Script, Use Magical Advice, Knowledge, and Speak Language as Class Skills.

 

[Magnus]

Most likely because the Virtuoso focuses his training on performance, rather than the acquisition of esoteric knowledge. Probably the same reason he loses Alchemy, Appraise, Decipher Script, Use Magical Advice, Knowledge, and Speak Language as Class Skills.

i as dreading someone would say something like that. i just didn't want it to be true. but ... i fail to see why i wouldn't be able to "Use Magical Advice" anymore.

... then again, maybe once taking the PrC, you become way too wrapped up in your own talent to take any more "Magical Advice" sorry Ma'v , i just couldn't help it!