Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Rabid Dire Wolverine 10-10-05, 10:05 PM	I am an actor in real life and I would like to play and actor bard. I am big on roleplaying, but I'm having problems with how I would roleplay bardic music without sounding tacky. I don't want to have to say "I recite a small monologue. Considering what you've seen in the theatres recently, you are refreshed by seeing some actual talent. Minor competence bonuses for all!" every time I use bardic music. Also, I am wondering if perform(act) can even be used for bardic music. The entry for bardic music in the PHB is rather iffy on the subject.
Bruunwald 10-11-05, 12:41 PM	I believe you can substitute poetry for music in some cases, such as spells. I don't know if that helps. Acting is something you can choose under Perform, but I don't believe it could replace bardic music in say, a combat situation. There, the music is audible, you don't need to watch the bard, and helps to bolster the others. Acting requires the audience's attention, their focus. They must watch you. So I would use the acting to earn money, entrance, hypnotize, distract foes while your rogue sneaks around, that sort of thing. But I would not allow it as a complete substitute for music. I think you are also saying that you find simply stating what your character is doing to be inefficient roleplaying. That's fine. I would recommend keeping a book of limericks and poems handy. Abridge something from Shakespeare to whip out when appropriate. Listen to Scottish and Irish folk music. If you can sing, do a little ditty. If you play an instrument, bring it. Keep it short. You might be needing a little encouragement here. You are not alone. I am a musician and have recited poetry and even involved myself in a bit of singing as a DM. Also, I have recorded tavern music and played it at sessions. I say, more power to you if you can add something unique to the game.
Zurgarghk 10-11-05, 01:50 PM	Here's an idea if your DM allows you to use acting/oration in place of your bardic music: Think William Wallace in Braveheart, think King Henry V, think of how many times in movies, plays, novels, etc. you've seen characters rouse the troops simply by speaking. Henry V does it in actual battle. (Once more into the breach dear friends!) You could write your own or rip off from other sources. On how to use them in battle...well you could break them down and recite a little more each time its your turn as you perform your actions. And if you're not finished by the time the battle's over, you could finish as everybody's cooling down (so long as nobody's killed or anything...that would be awkward). MIght be fun. Zurgarghk
KismetRose 10-11-05, 04:29 PM	When I played my bard, I came up with some rhymes and songs before games to use with bardic music and even my bard's spells. I was quite surprised when I was also able to come up with some very entertaining things on the fly. I have some poetical background but nothing in the way of music. If you're having fun then bardic music that doesn't involve music doesn't have to sound tacky. Poems and quick rhymes can work just as well. You should think about including rhymes about fellow party members or NPCs in order to draw them into your performance a bit. Since your character is going to be an actor, you might also want to consider putting ranks into bluff, diplomacy, disguise, and sense motive. These things can be a part of an actor's art.
Rabid Dire Wolverine 10-11-05, 07:27 PM	Thanks! This has really cleared some stuff up. I think I could play this character now. :D
Starlight Knight 10-12-05, 07:53 PM	Actually, you can substitute poetry, chanting, or even whistling instead of singing for your bardic music. And the book does say spoken performance may be used. But check with your DM. Also, I believe (but I'm not sure) the Bard's Handbook (second edition) had an actor class of bard. If you can find it, your DM may be willing to convert it to 3.5 for you. If nothing else, it may give you some ideas that you can use. Hope that helped.