Are there any races suited to bard? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Are there any races suited to bard? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Aphota_Hellsbrother
03-27-07, 05:01 PM Well, looking at the core classes, none seem very suited to bards (An Elf Gnome or about as close as you'll get) So for those with greater knowledge than I, is there any race with a bonus to Charisma? I'm aware the Satyr has a bonus and is favoured class bard, but I'm looking for Races with L.A +0 or +1, although try to go for +0 as I dislike Level Adjustments all together.
Melpomene
03-27-07, 05:09 PM Casting stats (Cha, Int, and Wis) are usually worthy of level adjustments. There are always a few slipping out from under the cracks, but this is the general trend.
Tytalus
03-27-07, 05:49 PM Star Elves [UE] seem fitting. They have bard as a favored class and CHA+2, CON-2.
Krusk
03-27-07, 06:02 PM I like human bard Gains more skill points to fill up your load of class skills. Gains an extra feat, always handy. And you get favored class any, meaning multiclass as you wish.
Spikes01k
03-27-07, 07:11 PM I think your missing the obvious, half elves. +2 diplomacy.
Spikes01k
03-27-07, 07:12 PM I think your missing the obvious, half elves.

# Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects.
# Low-Light Vision: A half-elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
# +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks.
# +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.
Argaud
03-27-07, 07:24 PM Aasimar are LA+1 and get +2 cha (and wisdom too, and a few other minor benefits).
Treymordin
03-28-07, 12:26 AM Drow?
Neutronium_Dragon
03-28-07, 12:49 AM An additional suggestion would be the Spellscale from Races of the Dragon.
Critalondel
03-28-07, 01:26 AM I think your missing the obvious, half elves.

# Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects.
# Low-Light Vision: A half-elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
# +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks.
# +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.
No kiddin'! I'm always surprised at how quick people are to overlook Half Elves out of reflex, but for Bards they're not half bad. They get very nice for Bards if your campaign uses Racial Paragon levels, too.
Jim Johnny
03-28-07, 05:02 AM Are there any races suited to bard?

No

----------------------------------
Any race will do in matters of rolepalying
In matters of powering up your character choose races with bonuses in CHA, but every other ability can also come at handy, if high, to the bard.
StalkerEntreri
03-28-07, 06:24 AM Well I would say the general answer is : Yes

Most races can slip by as being a Bard; beside your Half-orcs and your Dwarfs
Jaxgaret
03-28-07, 01:13 PM No kiddin'! I'm always surprised at how quick people are to overlook Half Elves out of reflex, but for Bards they're not half bad. They get very nice for Bards if your campaign uses Racial Paragon levels, too.

QFT.

Half-Elf Paragon Bards who eventually go into Sublime Chord gain very solid benefits to Bardery while getting good casting too.
obrysii
03-28-07, 02:08 PM Merfolk make interesting bards.

*Dex +2, Con +2, Cha +2
*5ft move speed, 50ft swim speed
*Amphibious
*LA +1
Aphota_Hellsbrother
03-28-07, 03:02 PM Well I would say the general answer is : Yes

Most races can slip by as being a Bard; beside your Half-orcs and your Dwarfs
I'm aware Dwarves and Bards clearly don't mix, but I've always loved the idea of them, I made a Variant Dwarf to counter this, but I believe it robs the concept of a rugged dwarf playin' the panpipes.
Seldriss
03-28-07, 03:14 PM Why should you restrict yourself to races who get a Charisma bonus ?
Do you only create fighters from races with a strength bonus ?
Having a bonus in a major attribute of the class is nice, but it is not at all a requirement. Well, it shouldn't be, in my opinion.
Don't restrict yourself to scores and numbers. This is not the point of a roleplaying game.
Having less in Str than an ogre doesn't mean you can't beat him in a fight. Having less in Int than an illithid doesn't mean you can't survive him.

Consider first the concept of your character, his origin, his background, his personality. Then distribute score to reflect that concept.

Any race can make a great bard :
A dwarf can be a skald, inspiring his people to work or to war.
An elf can be a menestrel, visiting the mortal folks to bring them stories of an old age.
A halfling can be a eternal vagabond, an explorer, curious about everything.
A gnome can be a mischievous inventor, bringing knowledge and creativity along his journeys.
A half-elf (or half-orc) can be a maverick, a lonely soul in search for a place in the world.
A fey can be an eternal prankster, bringing laughter to the broken hearts.
A lizardman can be a diplomat, a emissary between the greenscales and the pink skins.
A centaur can be a lone rider, a nomad crossing the world without halting more than a week, bringing news from far away realms.
An aasimar can be a prophet of the celestials, a beacon of hope even in dark and forgotten places.
A tiefling can be witness and proof that even the greatest evil can be controled and be turned into good.
And so on...
TheDarkLord
03-28-07, 03:28 PM Casting stats (Cha, Int, and Wis) are usually worthy of level adjustments.

That's absolutly Hilarious :rolleyes:. Why would a spellcaster gimp themselves a level or more for a measly +1.

On topic, There are a myriad of the bastardized elven subraces that probably have some kind of CHA bonus, including the standard elf bonus' without an LA.

Seriously, what kind's of beast's haven't the elves paired with ;)
Rogue Shadows
03-28-07, 04:31 PM Drow?

Bard's most important stats are Int, Cha, and Dex...

Drow get a +2 to Int, Cha, and Dex...

...hmm...may be on to something there...
Spikes01k
03-28-07, 05:40 PM No kiddin'! I'm always surprised at how quick people are to overlook Half Elves out of reflex, but for Bards they're not half bad. They get very nice for Bards if your campaign uses Racial Paragon levels, too.

Yeah Half Elves actually are not bad IF they are bards. The bard class is probably the only good application of half elves.

Be sure to use the UA variation.
+4 skill points level one, +1 skill point at every level there after.
Angel Black
03-28-07, 05:46 PM Catfolk !!!

natural armor bonus and dex and cha bonus , LA +1 :D
Rhuxley
03-28-07, 05:51 PM Yeah Half Elves actually are not bad IF they are bards. The bard class is probably the only good application of half elves.

Be sure to use the UA variation.
+4 skill points level one, +1 skill point at every level there after.

My group wont allow it, they only let me have the 4 at 1st level, but it still kicks ass.
Critalondel
03-29-07, 02:08 AM An elf can be a menestrel, visiting the mortal folks to bring them stories of an old age.
Does the menestrel visit those mortal folks once a month?

(I kid, I kid. Just so you know, though, it's "minstrel.")
David
03-29-07, 03:33 AM There's the Celadrin (Dragon #350 or something). He has a bonus to charisma, bard as favoured class, +4 bonus to Perform (Singing) AND MORE.
Evil Succubus Evaligan
03-29-07, 06:36 AM LA +0 or +1?
Why all always want play with these characters?
I like more use characters with +6 LA or +8.
A very good choice for a bard is a succubus. Has great charisma score +16 and has many spell-like abilities at will. I like use more a succubus than a female bard. Also I have a succubus bard LV20 with ECL 32. I like the epic characters.
AZNsupermarket
03-29-07, 06:53 AM I think your missing the obvious, half elves.

# Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects.
# Low-Light Vision: A half-elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
# +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks.
# +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.

How can you forget about the ever so sweet racial substitution levels from Races of Destiny?

The Soothing Voice ability you gain from that is so... FREAKING AWESOME!!! :cool::cool::cool:
Steely_Dan
03-29-07, 07:33 AM Feytouched (LA +1, Cha bonus, immune to all mind-affecting effects and some other goodies) are pretty fat.
Spikes01k
03-29-07, 08:23 AM How can you forget about the ever so sweet racial substitution levels from Races of Destiny?

The Soothing Voice ability you gain from that is so... FREAKING AWESOME!!! :cool::cool::cool:

Ah cool, I don't have that book yet.
tetebetson
03-29-07, 08:47 AM Well, looking at the core classes, none seem very suited to bards (An Elf Gnome or about as close as you'll get) So for those with greater knowledge than I, is there any race with a bonus to Charisma? I'm aware the Satyr has a bonus and is favoured class bard, but I'm looking for Races with L.A +0 or +1, although try to go for +0 as I dislike Level Adjustments all together.

half elf is the obvious choice but the Aasimar wolud be good to but you might want to try Cat folk +2 cha and +4 dex to play an insterement
+ LA
(Races of destiny)
Seldriss
03-29-07, 12:22 PM Does the menestrel visit those mortal folks once a month?
(I kid, I kid. Just so you know, though, it's "minstrel.")

Actually, that's Menestrel.
That's a french word, equivalent of bard, baladin or troubadour.
Minstrel is just a english translation.
DwarfPcfan
03-29-07, 01:00 PM Dwarf because you can't beat the feel of a full armored dwarf with a giant dwarven waraxe and a towershield reciting poems of chopping his enemies into sausages

bard3/fighter7/warchanter10/

Snowflake wardance (frostburn), extra music, Ironskin chant,

yep that works...
feraltibbit
03-29-07, 03:49 PM Well, looking at the core classes, none seem very suited to bards (An Elf Gnome or about as close as you'll get) So for those with greater knowledge than I, is there any race with a bonus to Charisma? I'm aware the Satyr has a bonus and is favoured class bard, but I'm looking for Races with L.A +0 or +1, although try to go for +0 as I dislike Level Adjustments all together.

Pixies, Halflings, Nymphs, Gnomes (esp. the Chaos Gnome--Races of Stone), Catfolk, Tibbits, etc.
And who says a Dwarf can't be a bard? Who says they actually have 2 sing their "inspire courage"? They can shout it as boisterously as they do when they get together and drink.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Aphota_Hellsbrother 03-27-07, 05:01 PM	Well, looking at the core classes, none seem very suited to bards (An Elf Gnome or about as close as you'll get) So for those with greater knowledge than I, is there any race with a bonus to Charisma? I'm aware the Satyr has a bonus and is favoured class bard, but I'm looking for Races with L.A +0 or +1, although try to go for +0 as I dislike Level Adjustments all together.
Melpomene 03-27-07, 05:09 PM	Casting stats (Cha, Int, and Wis) are usually worthy of level adjustments. There are always a few slipping out from under the cracks, but this is the general trend.
Tytalus 03-27-07, 05:49 PM	Star Elves [UE] seem fitting. They have bard as a favored class and CHA+2, CON-2.
Krusk 03-27-07, 06:02 PM	I like human bard Gains more skill points to fill up your load of class skills. Gains an extra feat, always handy. And you get favored class any, meaning multiclass as you wish.
Spikes01k 03-27-07, 07:11 PM	I think your missing the obvious, half elves. +2 diplomacy.
Spikes01k 03-27-07, 07:12 PM	I think your missing the obvious, half elves. # Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects. # Low-Light Vision: A half-elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions. # +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks. # +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.
Argaud 03-27-07, 07:24 PM	Aasimar are LA+1 and get +2 cha (and wisdom too, and a few other minor benefits).
Treymordin 03-28-07, 12:26 AM	Drow?
Neutronium_Dragon 03-28-07, 12:49 AM	An additional suggestion would be the Spellscale from Races of the Dragon.
Critalondel 03-28-07, 01:26 AM	I think your missing the obvious, half elves. # Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects. # Low-Light Vision: A half-elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions. # +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks. # +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks. No kiddin'! I'm always surprised at how quick people are to overlook Half Elves out of reflex, but for Bards they're not half bad. They get very nice for Bards if your campaign uses Racial Paragon levels, too.
Jim Johnny 03-28-07, 05:02 AM	Are there any races suited to bard? No ---------------------------------- Any race will do in matters of rolepalying In matters of powering up your character choose races with bonuses in CHA, but every other ability can also come at handy, if high, to the bard.
StalkerEntreri 03-28-07, 06:24 AM	Well I would say the general answer is : Yes Most races can slip by as being a Bard; beside your Half-orcs and your Dwarfs
Jaxgaret 03-28-07, 01:13 PM	No kiddin'! I'm always surprised at how quick people are to overlook Half Elves out of reflex, but for Bards they're not half bad. They get very nice for Bards if your campaign uses Racial Paragon levels, too. QFT. Half-Elf Paragon Bards who eventually go into Sublime Chord gain very solid benefits to Bardery while getting good casting too.
obrysii 03-28-07, 02:08 PM	Merfolk make interesting bards. Dex +2, Con +2, Cha +2 5ft move speed, 50ft swim speed Amphibious LA +1
Aphota_Hellsbrother 03-28-07, 03:02 PM	Well I would say the general answer is : Yes Most races can slip by as being a Bard; beside your Half-orcs and your Dwarfs I'm aware Dwarves and Bards clearly don't mix, but I've always loved the idea of them, I made a Variant Dwarf to counter this, but I believe it robs the concept of a rugged dwarf playin' the panpipes.
Seldriss 03-28-07, 03:14 PM	Why should you restrict yourself to races who get a Charisma bonus ? Do you only create fighters from races with a strength bonus ? Having a bonus in a major attribute of the class is nice, but it is not at all a requirement. Well, it shouldn't be, in my opinion. Don't restrict yourself to scores and numbers. This is not the point of a roleplaying game. Having less in Str than an ogre doesn't mean you can't beat him in a fight. Having less in Int than an illithid doesn't mean you can't survive him. Consider first the concept of your character, his origin, his background, his personality. Then distribute score to reflect that concept. Any race can make a great bard : A dwarf can be a skald, inspiring his people to work or to war. An elf can be a menestrel, visiting the mortal folks to bring them stories of an old age. A halfling can be a eternal vagabond, an explorer, curious about everything. A gnome can be a mischievous inventor, bringing knowledge and creativity along his journeys. A half-elf (or half-orc) can be a maverick, a lonely soul in search for a place in the world. A fey can be an eternal prankster, bringing laughter to the broken hearts. A lizardman can be a diplomat, a emissary between the greenscales and the pink skins. A centaur can be a lone rider, a nomad crossing the world without halting more than a week, bringing news from far away realms. An aasimar can be a prophet of the celestials, a beacon of hope even in dark and forgotten places. A tiefling can be witness and proof that even the greatest evil can be controled and be turned into good. And so on...
TheDarkLord 03-28-07, 03:28 PM	Casting stats (Cha, Int, and Wis) are usually worthy of level adjustments. That's absolutly Hilarious :rolleyes:. Why would a spellcaster gimp themselves a level or more for a measly +1. On topic, There are a myriad of the bastardized elven subraces that probably have some kind of CHA bonus, including the standard elf bonus' without an LA. Seriously, what kind's of beast's haven't the elves paired with ;)
Rogue Shadows 03-28-07, 04:31 PM	Drow? Bard's most important stats are Int, Cha, and Dex... Drow get a +2 to Int, Cha, and Dex... ...hmm...may be on to something there...
Spikes01k 03-28-07, 05:40 PM	No kiddin'! I'm always surprised at how quick people are to overlook Half Elves out of reflex, but for Bards they're not half bad. They get very nice for Bards if your campaign uses Racial Paragon levels, too. Yeah Half Elves actually are not bad IF they are bards. The bard class is probably the only good application of half elves. Be sure to use the UA variation. +4 skill points level one, +1 skill point at every level there after.
Angel Black 03-28-07, 05:46 PM	Catfolk !!! natural armor bonus and dex and cha bonus , LA +1 :D
Rhuxley 03-28-07, 05:51 PM	Yeah Half Elves actually are not bad IF they are bards. The bard class is probably the only good application of half elves. Be sure to use the UA variation. +4 skill points level one, +1 skill point at every level there after. My group wont allow it, they only let me have the 4 at 1st level, but it still kicks ass.
Critalondel 03-29-07, 02:08 AM	An elf can be a menestrel, visiting the mortal folks to bring them stories of an old age. Does the menestrel visit those mortal folks once a month? (I kid, I kid. Just so you know, though, it's "minstrel.")
David 03-29-07, 03:33 AM	There's the Celadrin (Dragon #350 or something). He has a bonus to charisma, bard as favoured class, +4 bonus to Perform (Singing) AND MORE.
Evil Succubus Evaligan 03-29-07, 06:36 AM	LA +0 or +1? Why all always want play with these characters? I like more use characters with +6 LA or +8. A very good choice for a bard is a succubus. Has great charisma score +16 and has many spell-like abilities at will. I like use more a succubus than a female bard. Also I have a succubus bard LV20 with ECL 32. I like the epic characters.
AZNsupermarket 03-29-07, 06:53 AM	I think your missing the obvious, half elves. # Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects. # Low-Light Vision: A half-elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions. # +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks. # +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks. How can you forget about the ever so sweet racial substitution levels from Races of Destiny? The Soothing Voice ability you gain from that is so... FREAKING AWESOME!!! :cool::cool::cool:
Steely_Dan 03-29-07, 07:33 AM	Feytouched (LA +1, Cha bonus, immune to all mind-affecting effects and some other goodies) are pretty fat.
Spikes01k 03-29-07, 08:23 AM	How can you forget about the ever so sweet racial substitution levels from Races of Destiny? The Soothing Voice ability you gain from that is so... FREAKING AWESOME!!! :cool::cool::cool: Ah cool, I don't have that book yet.
tetebetson 03-29-07, 08:47 AM	Well, looking at the core classes, none seem very suited to bards (An Elf Gnome or about as close as you'll get) So for those with greater knowledge than I, is there any race with a bonus to Charisma? I'm aware the Satyr has a bonus and is favoured class bard, but I'm looking for Races with L.A +0 or +1, although try to go for +0 as I dislike Level Adjustments all together. half elf is the obvious choice but the Aasimar wolud be good to but you might want to try Cat folk +2 cha and +4 dex to play an insterement + LA (Races of destiny)
Seldriss 03-29-07, 12:22 PM	Does the menestrel visit those mortal folks once a month? (I kid, I kid. Just so you know, though, it's "minstrel.") Actually, that's Menestrel. That's a french word, equivalent of bard, baladin or troubadour. Minstrel is just a english translation.
DwarfPcfan 03-29-07, 01:00 PM	Dwarf because you can't beat the feel of a full armored dwarf with a giant dwarven waraxe and a towershield reciting poems of chopping his enemies into sausages bard3/fighter7/warchanter10/ Snowflake wardance (frostburn), extra music, Ironskin chant, yep that works...
feraltibbit 03-29-07, 03:49 PM	Well, looking at the core classes, none seem very suited to bards (An Elf Gnome or about as close as you'll get) So for those with greater knowledge than I, is there any race with a bonus to Charisma? I'm aware the Satyr has a bonus and is favoured class bard, but I'm looking for Races with L.A +0 or +1, although try to go for +0 as I dislike Level Adjustments all together. Pixies, Halflings, Nymphs, Gnomes (esp. the Chaos Gnome--Races of Stone), Catfolk, Tibbits, etc. And who says a Dwarf can't be a bard? Who says they actually have 2 sing their "inspire courage"? They can shout it as boisterously as they do when they get together and drink.