Bardic Magics

The College of Bardic Magic deals primarily with sound, language, rhythm, and the power in music, particularly the power to soothe, charm, and otherwise affect emotions.

Adepts of this College are generally known as Bards.

Training

Spells and rituals available to the College of Bardic Magics from the Guild's Bard trainer.

Playtest Version

Bardic 2.2.06 Bardic 2.2.06 PDF Available from June 2023.

Please add any playtest feedback to the discussion page.

Updates

One of the notable issues with several Bardic abilities is the need for the Adept to continue to sing/play for the duration of the effect. (Rituals where the Adept plays for the casting time are generally fine.) For some of the spells this makes sense (e.g., Satyr’s Dance) but for others it appears an unnecessary limitation (e.g., Inspirational Song) that will severely limit player choices – and probably result in the ability never being used. Eliminating this requirement from abilities where it is not essential should help to improve College usability.

Summary of Changes

Introduction

• Bards can count a hand holding an instrument as a free hand for the purposes of casting. That thy could cast holding an instrument was previously implied but is now made explicit.
• Troubadour rank (instrument) can be used for bonuses rather than just (singing).

Talents, Spells, and Rituals

T-1 Counterpoint Casting

This talent was previously the same as Concealed Casting of Illusion college, but casting requires song for concealment of the magic, making it far less subtle. Negative modifier only applies if spell rank used exceeds talent rank. Name changed to emphasize distinctions.

G-1 Clairaudience

Note that ear cannot go into a Shell of Silence.

G-2 Enchant Instrument

Previous rank instrument played removed. Ability for bard to have an instrument play itself on repeat added.

G-3 Ethereal Orchestra

Number of instruments increased so that at rank 20 a full symphony orchestra is possible. Volume clarified.

G-4 Exhortation

Changed to Self; Bard buffs themselves and can then play and change crowd reaction. Lingering effect period defined.

G-5 Hush

Name changed. (Reference to Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode of the same name.)

G-6 Mockery

Subjects cannot usually move away from the Bard. They can attempt to act against other targets but are debuffed if they do.

G-7 Shatter

Weight increased and noted that it is possible to affect this amount of a larger target, e.g., shatter the arm off a statue. (In playtest was used with multiple casts to crack a demonic stone altar.)

G-8 Subtle Sounds

Name changed to better reflect spell effect - the sounds are almost inaudible.

G-9 Soothe the Savage Beast

Concentration duration reduced, reaction roll raised to 100, defending against an attack doesn’t automatically break spell.

Q-1 Implanting Sounds

Duration at Rank 20 changed from Permanent to Indefinite as the recording has a maximum number of uses (21 at Rank 20) and should be gone after that.

Q-2 Recitation

Trance removed (Bard knows what they learned/said), questions changed to clarifying the legend or story.

S-2 Compel Speech

Minor wording change.

S-3 Comprehending Tongues

Storage Potion added - until all storage gets removed, if that is still happening in next rule book version.

S-4 Confusion of Tongues

Duration, EM, and BC slightly improved. Spell base chances reduced as well as backfire threshold.

S-6 Enthralling Audience

Changed to Self; Bard buffs themselves and can then play and enthral audience.

S-7 Thunderstruck

Can be done with music rather than only a shout. Name changed because reasons…

S-8 Inspirational Song.

Duration slightly improved. Effect alters allies dice rolls rather than base chances. Bard does not need to perform for the duration.

S-9 Satyr’s Dance

Duration slightly improved. Notes explicitly that the Bard needs to continue performing for the duration.

S-10 Shell of Silence

Clarification that Bard’s Ear may be cast out of the Shell, but not into it.

S-12 Siren Song

Duration dropped. Changed to # targets instead of all in range (including party). Bard does not need to perform for the duration.

S-13 Slumber Song

Time to sleep simplified. FT increase buffed. Spell now heals EN as well.

S-14 Whispering World

Message shortened. Time reduced. Receiver automatically knows who sent it.

S-15 Cacophony (New spell)

Multi-target fear effect using Dragonflames style cone for area emanating from Bard’s mouth or musical instrument. Downside of potentially impacting party. (Slightly inspired by 2Cellos performance of Thunderstruck - much recommended if you haven't seen it.)

S-16 Wall of Sound (New spell)

Insubstantial but damaging and fear causing wall with Shatter effect on objects. (Inspired by Bennie and the Jets "Solid Walls of Sound", and Kate Bush's Experiment IV.)

R-3 Sound of Doom

Instruments other than trumpet permitted - providing they are loud enough. Damaging effects altered/clarified.

Player’s Guide

Spell price updates to go with playtest version.

S-8 Thunderstruck (name change)

8,000 sp

S-13 Siren Song

8,000 sp (price lowered)

S-15 Cacophony (New spell)

10,000 sp

S-16 Wall of Sound (New spell)

4,000 sp