So, the Bard. I just read Eva Schiffer comment about the Bard being too much of a “support” role and “Arcane Arts”…
So, the Bard. I just read Eva Schiffer comment about the Bard being too much of a “support” role and “Arcane Arts” lacking player agency (here : http://www.1000d4.com/2013/07/25/failure-in-rpgs-and-why-i-love-dungeon-world/#comment-184; read the post too, it’s good!).
I came up with this alternative to the “Arcane Arts” move (and all advanced moves building on it), trying to hit those two birds with one stone. It’s a (rough) first draft. I’m not satisfied with the names of the moves (english is a second language to me), but I like the vibe of it. I picture this alternate Bard chanting the victories of his company and spelling the doom of their enemies while chopping heads, so the Gear should reflect that. Maybe “A Port in the Storm” should be removed (or maybe it’s just me). Comments welcome!
—
War Chant (Bard move, instead of Arcane Arts)
When you loudly chant while in the thick of things, maybe your victories past or the foolishness of your enemies, you increase your damage to d8 and roll +CHA. On a 10+, hold 3. On a 7-9, hold 1. So long as you continue to chant, you may spend hold, 1 for 1, to choose an option :
– you strengthen the resolve of an ally of your choice. Their mind is shaken of one enchantment.
– you strike fear in the heart of the enemy. They hesitate in their next move, maybe missing an opportunity or dealing -1d4 damage, the GM will describe how.
– you anger an opponent facing you, making them foolhardy. Take +1d4 damage forward against them.
Lively Poem (2-5 Bard move, instead of Healing Song)
When you choose to strengthen the resolve of an ally with War Chant, you also give them +1 forward.
Infuriating Tone (2-5 Bard move, instead of Vicious Cacophony)
When you choose to anger an opponent facing you with War Chant, you take +2d4 damage forward against them instead.
Lifting Voice (2-5 Bard move, instead of Eldritch Tones)
When you War Chant you always get +1 hold, even on a 6-.
Spirited Poem (6-10 Bard move, instead of Healing Chorus)
Replaces : Lively Poem
When you choose to strengthen the resolve of an ally with War Chant, you also give them +2 forward.
Maddening Tone (6-10 Bard move, instead of Vicious Blast)
Replaces : Infuriating Tone
When you choose to anger an opponent facing you with War Chant, you take +3d4 damage forward against them instead.
Heartening Voice (6-10 Bard move, instead of Eldritch Chord)
Replaces : Lifting Voice
When you War Chant you always get +1 hold, even on a 6-. On a 12+, you immediately give +1 forward to all the allies hearing you.