In DnD, most people like to play them as womanizers (high charisma + enchantments spells), but there are many others "types", just like any other class. The Development boards had a thread of 1001 Bard Personalities, and almost all can be adapted to Eberron. I've personally always wanted to play a War Drummer/Howler (using the War Howler of Gruumsh PrC) for the Dhakkaan (Sp?).
Essentialy, cross Keith Richards with Rouge, and take away the necromancy effects that are keeping him alive, and reverse the clock 30 years and your set!
-Rob
Just go read up on what a historical bard is (generally something of a mush between performer (stories, music, epics and such), lorekeeper, and historian in some cultures,) add in some magic to make things appropirately fantasy and that sort of covers it. Taliesin (legendary Welsh bard) is a good example of what a powerful bard might be like. Homer (of the Iliad and the Odessey) could be another. Generally speaking, in DnD they dabble in a bit of everything (spells, stealth, fighting) without being particularly good at any one thing. Their music helps things along. I really like them as a class, though I tend to focus on a few aspects plus improving his bardic abilities. They are usually viewed as support characters and generalists.
Then again I guess it could all come down to identifying with a character class with ADD.
In 4e terms (least to me and what I hope they keep) Bards are the original Warlords with artistic talent, a splash of magical might, a sense of the dramatic, and a smattering of stealth appeal. They are actors, musicians, poets, artists, loremasters, rebel rousers, heralds and anything of the like. That is what has always made them so interesting to me. The "Jack of all Trades", master of none sure, but still pretty dang handy to have around.
Then again I guess it could all come down to identifying with a character class with ADD.
Note* stuff here is 3.5 stuff, not sure what's going on for 4e.
That's because there are no bards in 4th, not yet anyway. We might see a sourcebook possibly coming out sometime, perhaps, could have the bard maybe.
That's because there are no bards in 4th, not yet anyway. We might see a sourcebook possibly coming out sometime, perhaps, could have the bard maybe.
Most likely in PHB 2 I am thinking, but we will see.
That's because there are no bards in 4th, not yet anyway. We might see a sourcebook possibly coming out sometime, perhaps, could have the bard maybe.
I heard the classes were being split between two different player's books because there were too many to make for a comfortable sized volume. I don't plan on switching any time soon anyway so I'm not fussing over it yet. I like to stick with the Celtic inspired image of a bard and if that changes or isn't there, there's a good chance I won't bother with the new system. I might backwards convert the stuff that I like.