Bardic Herald -- Unearthed Arcana-style lawful bard variant [Archive] - Wizards Community

Bardic Herald -- Unearthed Arcana-style lawful bard variant [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
JulesCARV
05-14-06, 06:04 AM I previously posted this in the UA/House Rules board. I thought I might as well post it here too. I can't stop you if you're determined, but I really, really don't want this thread to turn into a debate on whether the "any non-lawful" restriction should exist in the first place.

Anyway, who says paladins get to have all of the fun with alignment-bending variants?

The Bardic Herald typically serves as a diplomat and representative of her lord, state, church, or some other organization. They are talented at non-violent problem resolution and the arts of propaganda. Although Heralds may easily assume a facile, debonaire demeanor much like that of bards, this easygoing, charming style belies a fierce dedication to duty and loyalty to the causes they represent.

Alignment: alignment restriction changes from any non-lawful to any non-chaotic.

Lose proficiency with whip. Gain proficiency with net. As frequent representives of the law, bardic heralds are proficient with a weapon commonly used for taking fugitives captive.

Spellcasting becomes prepared and spellbook-based, as with a wizard. The herald must have an intelligence equal to 10 + spell level to cast spells. Bonus spells are also intelligence based. Save DCs, however, are still based on charisma: i.e. 10 + spell level + charisma modifier.

Add Ride and Handle Animal to list of class skills. Remove Sleight of Hand and Escape Artist. Heralds are usually messengers and diplomats who must frequently move from place to place quickly, with less of an emphasis on tricks and chicanery.

Spells added to list: 0th: Detect Poison 1st: Sanctuary 2nd: Zone of Truth 3rd: Discern Lies 4th: Mnemonic Enhancer 5th: Sending 6th: Symbol of Persuasion

Spells removed from list: Lulllaby, Hideous Laughter, Pyrotechnics, Confusion, Hallucinatory Terrain, Song of Discord, Irresistible Dance

Thoughts?
jaelis
05-15-06, 12:41 PM Seems like a fine balance, but where does the bardic music fit in? As described, it doesn't seem like such a character's abilities would be based off performance.
JulesCARV
05-16-06, 05:26 AM Hmm.... one possibility would be to make it based off of diplomacy, but that would just be too powerful, probably (a half-elf bardic herald with maxed diplomacy, +6 from bluff, sense motive, and knowledge (nobility and royalty) synergies, and a +2 racial bonus?). I suppose it might as well still be perform still. You do raise a good point, though.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
JulesCARV 05-14-06, 06:04 AM	I previously posted this in the UA/House Rules board. I thought I might as well post it here too. I can't stop you if you're determined, but I really, really don't want this thread to turn into a debate on whether the "any non-lawful" restriction should exist in the first place. Anyway, who says paladins get to have all of the fun with alignment-bending variants? The Bardic Herald typically serves as a diplomat and representative of her lord, state, church, or some other organization. They are talented at non-violent problem resolution and the arts of propaganda. Although Heralds may easily assume a facile, debonaire demeanor much like that of bards, this easygoing, charming style belies a fierce dedication to duty and loyalty to the causes they represent. Alignment: alignment restriction changes from any non-lawful to any non-chaotic. Lose proficiency with whip. Gain proficiency with net. As frequent representives of the law, bardic heralds are proficient with a weapon commonly used for taking fugitives captive. Spellcasting becomes prepared and spellbook-based, as with a wizard. The herald must have an intelligence equal to 10 + spell level to cast spells. Bonus spells are also intelligence based. Save DCs, however, are still based on charisma: i.e. 10 + spell level + charisma modifier. Add Ride and Handle Animal to list of class skills. Remove Sleight of Hand and Escape Artist. Heralds are usually messengers and diplomats who must frequently move from place to place quickly, with less of an emphasis on tricks and chicanery. Spells added to list: 0th: Detect Poison 1st: Sanctuary 2nd: Zone of Truth 3rd: Discern Lies 4th: Mnemonic Enhancer 5th: Sending 6th: Symbol of Persuasion Spells removed from list: Lulllaby, Hideous Laughter, Pyrotechnics, Confusion, Hallucinatory Terrain, Song of Discord, Irresistible Dance Thoughts?
jaelis 05-15-06, 12:41 PM	Seems like a fine balance, but where does the bardic music fit in? As described, it doesn't seem like such a character's abilities would be based off performance.
JulesCARV 05-16-06, 05:26 AM	Hmm.... one possibility would be to make it based off of diplomacy, but that would just be too powerful, probably (a half-elf bardic herald with maxed diplomacy, +6 from bluff, sense motive, and knowledge (nobility and royalty) synergies, and a +2 racial bonus?). I suppose it might as well still be perform still. You do raise a good point, though.