Battle of the Bards [Archive] - Wizards Community

Battle of the Bards [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
GoriceXII
09-22-07, 03:05 AM I'd appreciate some recommendations for somewhat sinister bardic instruments--ones specifically aimed at creating illusions or manipulating minds.
CroBob
09-22-07, 03:46 AM Magical bardic instruments, I presume?

I've always been a fan of the bones. A goblin bard with some magical bones that create a fear effect, perhaps in conjunction with an illusion that, say, makes the bard's allies appear stronger, faster, and more sinister.

Perhaps a flute made of bone, that targets any one person within 30 feet. That target gets a reflex save = 12 + half the bard's ranks in perform. If they fail, they get thrown back 1d6x10 feet and are shaken. Usable three times per day.

Electric Guitar that, when played, the bard can roll a perform check as though rolling Intimidate against all enemies that can hear it. Electric Guitars rule.
GoriceXII
09-22-07, 06:35 AM I like those--I like electric guitars too. I'd like say maybe 3 instruments, maybe drums and guitar as you said and something else. (a trumpet type instrument maybe?)
Shuuya
09-22-07, 07:33 AM I remember seeing a magical harp someplace in the past called the "Harp of Discord" it was basically a harp that was magically out of tune and when played I think it confused enemies or had some mind effecting property. It's not so much sinister but I like it.

You could also make an instrument that could create a phantasmal killer (either 1/day or 3/day) against a target enemy as long as it was played. It might be useful but it certainly fits your "sinister illusion mind effecting" instrument. There's always the risk that the phantasm is turned back on the player. There's plenty of possibilities you could use. If you didn't want to use phantasmal killer you could try the spell in Spell Compendium which makes the target believe he's being followed or there's someone behind him. It makes the target flanked because he believes there is something behind him all the time, I can't remember the exact name of the spell but that might be preferrable to phantasmal killer (especially at lower levels where phantasmal killer would be overpowered.)
JohnnyWeird
09-22-07, 03:14 PM Harps of charm are classic. A horn that made people think the person next to them was an enemy (is there a spell Friend-To-Foe? Sounds familiar) also works well. Alternately, to take a page out of Lovecraft, an opera or symphony that dominates or drives insane those who listen to it, with increasingly high and precipitous will saves.
GoriceXII
09-23-07, 05:03 AM Thanks for the ideas, friends. What I'm thinking of based on what I've been given is some instruments that perhaps become more powerful when put into an ensemble, which performed at a concert enables them to have a powerful charm effect over many.
DM_Dan
09-23-07, 10:03 AM Try these - it's something I just came up with now, so it's not perfect, but if you like it feel free to use or to adapt for your own.

Hopes this helps,

DMD.

The Nightmare Quartet

This foursome of instruments is said to have been crafted by one of the most disruptive and wicked and yet most talented Bards of her day. Known as Kestrel by most, she and her small troupe of performer/apprentices (who, like her, were Sorcerors as well as Bards) created this set of instruments by means of which they could enhance one another's abilities.

Violin - The Nightscreamer
This ornately-carved but well worn violin comes in a normal case with a bow, resin and chalk. It appears to almost all purposes to be an ordinary instrument, but when played by a skilled perormer can produce a high-pitched screech that can be used to shatter glass or drive others to flee for their very lives.

The Nightscreamer can produce a variety of effects depending on how many ranks in Perform (Violin) its player has. The violin must be played (requiring two hands) for any of these effects to be used. Each effect may be used one per day.

Ranks Effect
5 Cause Fear at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Violin)
10 Fear at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Violin)
13 Shout at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Violin)

Viola - The Eyewail
This ornately-carved but well worn viola comes in a normal case with a bow, resin and chalk. It appears to almost all purposes to be an ordinary instrument, but when played by a skilled perormer can weave illusions of sound and imagination so real that it is said they can kill.

The Eyewail can produce a variety of effects depending on how many ranks in Perform (Viola) the player has. The viola must be played (requiring two hands) for any of these effects to be used. Each effect may be used once per day.

Ranks Effect
5 Silent Image at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Viola)
10 Major Image at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Viola)
13 Shadow Conjuration at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Viola)

Cello - The Mindshadow
This ornately-carved but well worn cello comes in a normal case with a bow, resin and chalk. It appears to almost all purposes to be an ordinary instrument, but when played by a skilled perormer can blur the boundaries of perceptions and send even the clearest of minds spiralling into the mire of stupidity and confusion.

The Mindshadow can produce a variety of effects depending on how many ranks in Perform (Cello) the player has. The cello must be played (requiring two hands) for any of these effects to be used. Each effect may be used once per day.

Ranks Effect
5 Lesser Confusion at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Cello)
10 Confusion at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Cello)
13 Dominate Person at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Cello)

Double Bass - The Calling Song
This ornately-carved but well worn double bass comes in a normal case with a bow, resin and chalk. It appears to almost all purposes to be an ordinary instrument, but when played by a skilled perormer booms like a clarion call through the planes, calling creatures to rip through the fabric of the world.

The Eyewail can produce a variety of effects depending on how many ranks in Perform (Double Bass) the player has. The double bass must be played (requiring two hands) for any of these effects to be used. Each effect may be used once per day.

Ranks Effect
5 Summon Monster I at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Double Bass)
10 Summon Monster III at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Double Bass)
13 Summon Monster IV at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Double Bass)

Special Rules
The Four instruments of the Nightmare Quartet have been crafted to be played together and in harmony. When more than one of the instruments is played at once, any effects produced by them are at +1 Caster Level for each of the other instruments played, unless all four are played together, in which case this bonus is 5. So if The Nightscreamer is used to produce a Fear effect by someone with 12 ranks in Perform (Violin) while the Mindshadow and Calling Song are also being played, the effect will be at a Caster Level of 14. If all four were being played, the Caster Level would be effectively 17

Also, when played together, the instruments add to Perform checks for their musicians in the same manner (so +1 for each additional instrument, or +5 if all four are played at once). This applies to all Perform checks, including those made for Countersong or Fascinate effects.

This bonus also applies to the number of people affected by the Bardic Music Fascinate ability, and adds in the same way.
Taeldrin Laesrash
09-23-07, 10:21 AM Man, that's totally awesome.

I had the idea of a marching drum that forced a target (or targets) to continously march in place while it's being played (Otto's Irresistable Drum?).
GoriceXII
09-23-07, 11:54 AM Holy COW that's awesome. The Nightmare Quartet. Just awesome. And certainly the instruments are readily adaptable but I love the ensemble. What I specially like is how powerful they become together. (if they'd had these those guys on the Titanic could have just summoned a roc and flown away)

Drums of marching, huh? That would be an interesting recruiting device!
Nerdicus
09-23-07, 12:09 PM There was this homeless guy in Vancouver who played an instrument that he made called the Oid( I think it was called the oid) It was a strange device the consisted of a base, a shaft that went through the middle of three other plates of different sizes. It had strings which I believe were wire, that went all the way around it. It then a weights and other ...things...on the strings. He played it with a violin bow and it created a most unsettling sound. It ruled and the old guy who played it ruled also.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
GoriceXII 09-22-07, 03:05 AM	I'd appreciate some recommendations for somewhat sinister bardic instruments--ones specifically aimed at creating illusions or manipulating minds.
CroBob 09-22-07, 03:46 AM	Magical bardic instruments, I presume? I've always been a fan of the bones. A goblin bard with some magical bones that create a fear effect, perhaps in conjunction with an illusion that, say, makes the bard's allies appear stronger, faster, and more sinister. Perhaps a flute made of bone, that targets any one person within 30 feet. That target gets a reflex save = 12 + half the bard's ranks in perform. If they fail, they get thrown back 1d6x10 feet and are shaken. Usable three times per day. Electric Guitar that, when played, the bard can roll a perform check as though rolling Intimidate against all enemies that can hear it. Electric Guitars rule.
GoriceXII 09-22-07, 06:35 AM	I like those--I like electric guitars too. I'd like say maybe 3 instruments, maybe drums and guitar as you said and something else. (a trumpet type instrument maybe?)
Shuuya 09-22-07, 07:33 AM	I remember seeing a magical harp someplace in the past called the "Harp of Discord" it was basically a harp that was magically out of tune and when played I think it confused enemies or had some mind effecting property. It's not so much sinister but I like it. You could also make an instrument that could create a phantasmal killer (either 1/day or 3/day) against a target enemy as long as it was played. It might be useful but it certainly fits your "sinister illusion mind effecting" instrument. There's always the risk that the phantasm is turned back on the player. There's plenty of possibilities you could use. If you didn't want to use phantasmal killer you could try the spell in Spell Compendium which makes the target believe he's being followed or there's someone behind him. It makes the target flanked because he believes there is something behind him all the time, I can't remember the exact name of the spell but that might be preferrable to phantasmal killer (especially at lower levels where phantasmal killer would be overpowered.)
JohnnyWeird 09-22-07, 03:14 PM	Harps of charm are classic. A horn that made people think the person next to them was an enemy (is there a spell Friend-To-Foe? Sounds familiar) also works well. Alternately, to take a page out of Lovecraft, an opera or symphony that dominates or drives insane those who listen to it, with increasingly high and precipitous will saves.
GoriceXII 09-23-07, 05:03 AM	Thanks for the ideas, friends. What I'm thinking of based on what I've been given is some instruments that perhaps become more powerful when put into an ensemble, which performed at a concert enables them to have a powerful charm effect over many.
DM_Dan 09-23-07, 10:03 AM	Try these - it's something I just came up with now, so it's not perfect, but if you like it feel free to use or to adapt for your own. Hopes this helps, DMD. The Nightmare Quartet This foursome of instruments is said to have been crafted by one of the most disruptive and wicked and yet most talented Bards of her day. Known as Kestrel by most, she and her small troupe of performer/apprentices (who, like her, were Sorcerors as well as Bards) created this set of instruments by means of which they could enhance one another's abilities. Violin - The Nightscreamer This ornately-carved but well worn violin comes in a normal case with a bow, resin and chalk. It appears to almost all purposes to be an ordinary instrument, but when played by a skilled perormer can produce a high-pitched screech that can be used to shatter glass or drive others to flee for their very lives. The Nightscreamer can produce a variety of effects depending on how many ranks in Perform (Violin) its player has. The violin must be played (requiring two hands) for any of these effects to be used. Each effect may be used one per day. Ranks Effect 5 Cause Fear at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Violin) 10 Fear at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Violin) 13 Shout at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Violin) Viola - The Eyewail This ornately-carved but well worn viola comes in a normal case with a bow, resin and chalk. It appears to almost all purposes to be an ordinary instrument, but when played by a skilled perormer can weave illusions of sound and imagination so real that it is said they can kill. The Eyewail can produce a variety of effects depending on how many ranks in Perform (Viola) the player has. The viola must be played (requiring two hands) for any of these effects to be used. Each effect may be used once per day. Ranks Effect 5 Silent Image at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Viola) 10 Major Image at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Viola) 13 Shadow Conjuration at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Viola) Cello - The Mindshadow This ornately-carved but well worn cello comes in a normal case with a bow, resin and chalk. It appears to almost all purposes to be an ordinary instrument, but when played by a skilled perormer can blur the boundaries of perceptions and send even the clearest of minds spiralling into the mire of stupidity and confusion. The Mindshadow can produce a variety of effects depending on how many ranks in Perform (Cello) the player has. The cello must be played (requiring two hands) for any of these effects to be used. Each effect may be used once per day. Ranks Effect 5 Lesser Confusion at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Cello) 10 Confusion at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Cello) 13 Dominate Person at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Cello) Double Bass - The Calling Song This ornately-carved but well worn double bass comes in a normal case with a bow, resin and chalk. It appears to almost all purposes to be an ordinary instrument, but when played by a skilled perormer booms like a clarion call through the planes, calling creatures to rip through the fabric of the world. The Eyewail can produce a variety of effects depending on how many ranks in Perform (Double Bass) the player has. The double bass must be played (requiring two hands) for any of these effects to be used. Each effect may be used once per day. Ranks Effect 5 Summon Monster I at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Double Bass) 10 Summon Monster III at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Double Bass) 13 Summon Monster IV at Caster Level Equal to ranks in Perform (Double Bass) Special Rules The Four instruments of the Nightmare Quartet have been crafted to be played together and in harmony. When more than one of the instruments is played at once, any effects produced by them are at +1 Caster Level for each of the other instruments played, unless all four are played together, in which case this bonus is 5. So if The Nightscreamer is used to produce a Fear effect by someone with 12 ranks in Perform (Violin) while the Mindshadow and Calling Song are also being played, the effect will be at a Caster Level of 14. If all four were being played, the Caster Level would be effectively 17 Also, when played together, the instruments add to Perform checks for their musicians in the same manner (so +1 for each additional instrument, or +5 if all four are played at once). This applies to all Perform checks, including those made for Countersong or Fascinate effects. This bonus also applies to the number of people affected by the Bardic Music Fascinate ability, and adds in the same way.
Taeldrin Laesrash 09-23-07, 10:21 AM	Man, that's totally awesome. I had the idea of a marching drum that forced a target (or targets) to continously march in place while it's being played (Otto's Irresistable Drum?).
GoriceXII 09-23-07, 11:54 AM	Holy COW that's awesome. The Nightmare Quartet. Just awesome. And certainly the instruments are readily adaptable but I love the ensemble. What I specially like is how powerful they become together. (if they'd had these those guys on the Titanic could have just summoned a roc and flown away) Drums of marching, huh? That would be an interesting recruiting device!
Nerdicus 09-23-07, 12:09 PM	There was this homeless guy in Vancouver who played an instrument that he made called the Oid( I think it was called the oid) It was a strange device the consisted of a base, a shaft that went through the middle of three other plates of different sizes. It had strings which I believe were wire, that went all the way around it. It then a weights and other ...things...on the strings. He played it with a violin bow and it created a most unsettling sound. It ruled and the old guy who played it ruled also. Just thought I would throw that out there.