Here is a simple, lightweight tweak that might make the Bard more palatable for those who can’t stomach guitar…

Here is a simple, lightweight tweak that might make the Bard more palatable for those who can’t stomach guitar…

Here is a simple, lightweight tweak that might make the Bard more palatable for those who can’t stomach guitar lasers or otherwise find the original too… goofy. I’m pretty sure all the moves make sense given the reframing, at least with minimal reinterpretation.

The Bard is someone possessed of a magical artifact of great but subtle, obscure, or wild power, and the ability or interpret, translate or control it to practical effect, and are famed for doing so.

Instead of choosing an instrument, pick an artifact, all 0 weight:

* Endless Scroll of the Epic Deeds of the Ancient Heroes

* Cards of Augury

* Bottle of Fairies

* Enigma Cube

* The Crystal

* [Insert other cool stuff here]

Optionally, work with the GM and the table to define some specifics of the artifact, how you “wield” it, why Charisma is the primary factor in doing so, and how you came to be in possession of this unique object.

13 thoughts on “Here is a simple, lightweight tweak that might make the Bard more palatable for those who can’t stomach guitar…”

  2. Had a bard in one of my games who played as a motivational speaker. He’d buff people’s damage by yelling out “YOU CAN DO IT, I BELIEVE IN YOU. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!”

  4. I love “low magic” bards too. In my heart, a Bard is half scoundrel, half poet, half leader, half gifted musician (ok, too many halves ☺). His only “powers” are the same powers that Mozart or Bach had, bring me to cry when I hear their masterpieces, or the rage that fills me up when a System of a Down song is pumping in my ears. An inspired speech, or powerful songs, emotions that erupt on the cold battlefields, or in a warm tavern.

  5. Dorian Yeager​

    Reading up on the article you mentioned. The bard was a thieving fighter with knowledge of magic and a badass instrument (specifically a harp) that the bard could use to cast spells.

    I like this version, he himself is non magical and relies on a special instrument that, with his arcane knowledge, can cast specific spells contained within.

    I may create a revised version that uses the fighters “signature weapon” move for a “signature instrument”.

    Ideas are bubbling!

    Tagging David Guyll​, future class remake

  11. Oh yes! That was a nice piece. Have you tested it? Any further tweeks? Id like to do a overhal that may even remove arcane art entirely, with the goal of removing any confusion as to the bard’s lethality when it comes to the arcane.

    An old school scoundrel who is good with a rapier and plays a tune. Thats what id like to see again.

    But thats just my d&d side coming out. Its kinda constraining i know

  12. I’ve never actually used it in play, and I don’t know that anybody else has either, but I’m fairly happy with it as-is. Damian Jankowski mentioned he might be using a version of it in a playbook he was working on, but I don’t know if he did or if he ended up going in another direction.

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