Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Halgar 03-11-06, 12:24 PM	If a spell has a somatic component, can a bard cast it while playing an instrument with his hands? If a spell has verbal and somatic components, could a bard cast it while playing a flute? --Scott
Nerdicus 03-11-06, 01:28 PM	I'm not totally certain about this, but I belive Bards can do what you are asking. especailly if the spell is an enchantment that would work well with his/her performance.
dratheart 03-11-06, 03:21 PM	I think in the Complete ADventurer section that talks about Bards instruments it covers this. The Bard that has an instrument using his hands for example cant cast spells with a somatic component, but if his mouth is free (like drums) he can use spells that have only a verbal component. As all spells cast by a bard have a Verbal component I believe this does not hold true the other way around. So while a bard who uses perform (sing) for instance does keep his hands free for combat, the price is he can cast no spells while performing. Talia
Wind of Darkness 03-11-06, 04:34 PM	Bards can't cast spells with somatic components while playing instruments. If the instrument involves the use of his mouth, no vocal components (and Bards can't use Silent spell). If he's singing, then likewise no verbal components, though this frees up his hands for weapon use, at least.
Halgar 03-11-06, 07:47 PM	The players handbook says: "It is said that music has a special magic, and the bard proves that saying true. Wandering across the land, telling stories, working magic with his music, and living on the gratitude of his audience--such is the life of a bard." But if he can't do somatic components while playing an instrument, and he can't do verbal components while singing, you're making it sound like his magic has nothing to do with music. Players handbook 3.5, page 28, column 1 at the bottom says "Most bard spells have a verbal component (singing, reciting, or music)." That makes it sound like a bard can use singing for the verbal component. --Scott
DaMullet 03-11-06, 07:59 PM	A bard's music IS his magic. When he uses his fascinate, suggestion, or assorted inspire __________ abilities he requires a verbal component only. This component is the singing or recitation. It is in there that in order to to use Bardic Music you need to concentrate on it (no attacking while singing), leading me to believe that you can't cast a spel, either.
Nom 03-11-06, 09:03 PM	Let's deal with the questions independently: (1) While maintaining bardic music (that doesn't require concentration), can a bard cast spells or activate spell completion, spell trigger or command word magic items? No. See PH pg 29. (2) Can a bard cast spells with V/S components while using mouth / hands to play music? One could rule "no", but IMO that would be using a particular interpretation of the rules to override good flavour. A better ruling is that a musical instrument can be used to complete V/S components of bardic spells as long as: (1) for V components, the hand is otherwise "free" (ie it's only playing the instrument). (2) it is clear that the bard is spellcasting, for the purposes of Spellcraft checks (any rules for deliberately concealing components notwithstanding). (3) the music (and/or instrument) is not currently being used to create or maintain another magic effect. (4) all other requirements are satisfied. Basically, there's no reason to assume that V/S components of a bardic spell cannot be satisfied via playing music (or something like it), unless the very concept of a bard using music in spellcasting offends your sensibilities.