Would Michael Jackson be a Bard or an Expert?

[dreaded_beast]

Using DND classes, I wanted to create characters based on real life performers.

For instance, Michael Jackson. His real life history is interesting enough that he would make an interesting NPC.

However, would he be a Bard or an Expert that picked class skills relating to music and the industry: Perform, Knowledge, Diplomacy, Profession, etc.

In my opinion, I think that if real life performers were given DND classes, they would most likely be high level Experts that focused their class skills in a given area.

 

[Will]

Dunno. I suppose it depends on whether you think he has Glibness and other magical effects to, ah, charm folks.

 

[Thanee]

Zombies can't take class levels.

Oops, that was mean... Sorry, Mr Jackson!

Bye
Thanee

 

[the Jester]

MJ is definitely a bard- perhaps with some levels in a (creepy) prc or two.

 

[drnuncheon]

More seriously, since we don't have magic in our world, I'd make the division by whether the music is inspiring or merely entertaining. Jackson would pretty much be in the latter category, so I'd call him an Expert.

J

 

[hong]

More seriously, since we don't have magic in our world, I'd make the division by whether the music is inspiring or merely entertaining. Jackson would pretty much be in the latter category, so I'd call him an Expert.

J

Hmm. In that case, what would Bruce Springsteen be?


Hong "and was he the bestest Jersey boy to ever come out of Pennsylvania, or what?" Ooi

 

[Nifft]

Bard, with enough ranks in Use Magic Device to read a scroll containing Alter Self and Permanency.

Or Rogue... he seems to enjoy "backstabbing" certain youths.

-- N

 

[am181d]

You probably shouldn't make every entertainer in a D&D world a bard, just as you shouldn't make every priest in a D&D world a cleric. That said, you'll have to make individual decisions on a case by case basis. Since no entertainer on earth has magical powers, it's going to come down to your personal whim.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

D20 Modern does the job so much better. I think he would be a Charismatic, or maybe Charismatic/Fast (both have very low Will saves).

If he were a hero (he's successful and, I presume, skilled) he could take the Personality advanced class.

 

[Awakened]

I seem to remember an alternate Necromancer class from Dragon Magazine that gradually turns you into an undead creature as you gain levels. I'm pretty sure Mr. Jackson has quite a few levels in that one.