Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Nefir Falken 12-17-07, 05:40 PM	Been a while since I posted, but this was a thought going through my head the other day. Bards are required to use a Perform check in order to access their song abilities, but the exact nature of the Perform-ance is seen as inconsequential from a game mechanic standpoint. The PHB indicates that the Perform check can be for vocalizations, playing an instrument, or both. But it doesn't seem to be taking into considerations the limitations (if any) imposed by the type of Perform check to be made. Vocalizations include singing (lyrical or melodic), whistling, chanting, or poetics, and only involve being able to vocalize in a clear, steady tone. Vocalizing does not require either hand to not be carrying something, or to carry something in particular. It might be harder to vocalize while moving at greater than a single move action per round, but may only require a penalty to the Perform check. Concentration on the effect may limit his ability to perform standard actions (like attacking a target), but he could still maintain an armed stance (possibly a shield, too) to still be capable of AoOs and other non-standard actions. Clearly, any type of vocal Perform-ance is a good way to go for a bard. Instruments fall into four basic sub-categories when viewed from a D&D game mechanic perspective: one-handed, two-handed, breath-dependent, and stationary. One-handed instruments would require the use of either the dominant hand or a/the secondary hand to play, but could still offer the option for both a separate vocal activity and holding a melee weapon or shield in an/the other hand. (Using a/the secondary hand to play the instrument may be more difficult, similar to TWF, imposing a penalty on Perform checks.) Two-handed instruments would require the use of the dominant hand and a/the secondary hand, eliminating the ability to hold other objects or make AoOs (unless there's some martial arts ability to still do so while otherwise occupied with the instrument). You could still use a vocal ability, unless the instrument falls into the third sub-category, breath-dependent, which could be either one- or two-handed as well. Stationary instruments can't be operated effectively while being moved, due to bulk or need for stability/balance. All of these instruments are somewhat to very limiting to the bard trying to make Perform checks in the heat of action. Why bring this up? Because I haven't seen (personally, doesn't mean it doesn't exist) anything that either (1) establishes actual limitations based on the type of Perform check involved, or (2) gives bonuses based on the complexity of the Perform check, including possibly playing a lute and singing at the same time. for example. I have more thoughts on this, but that's all I can post at the moment. Let me know what you think.
QuickenedWish 01-12-08, 05:46 PM	There are benefits to vocalizing your performance, such as having your hands free, and benefits when you use an instrument. Certain mastercraft instruments, found in Complete Adventurer, give bonuses to certain bardic music, like Inspire Courage. The mastercraft lute, my favorite, raises your effective bard level by 1 when determining numeric effects of inspire courage (good when combined with the Vest of Legends). For a melee bard, vocalizations are probably the best way to go, unless you want to use the Battle Raddle (one-handed instrument, Dragon Magazine) with an instrument blade. I would never personally use it, but it's there. Facinate and Suggestion are based on perform checks right? There is also a feat called Versatile Performer that allows you to use two kinds of performance skills in concert for a +2 bonus. The feat does other cool things too, but is pretty useless overall. There is a feat in Complete Warrior(?) that allows you to perform spell somatic components with an instrument in hand, called Somatic Weaponry. Hope that helps a bit. QW