Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 MykeSchultz Sep 21, 2014 14:01:30	So I'm in the process of making a 3rd level bard of valor, and he uses a sword and shield, and insofar as spell foci, I noticed that all the musical instruments are two-handed (that might not be RAW, but my dm goes for very little cheese; and in this regard, I couldn't blame him), thus, would I be best off just using a component pouch? Or am I missing something? Of course, I suppose I could play a Kazoo, or have one of those contraptions that musician's sometimes wear in order to play a harmonica no-handed, and I could do so with a pan flute? But seriously, do you think it would be cheese to say, I play a horn (like a bugle)? Afterall, his background is a soldier, a standard bearer, thus, the notion of him being some sort of bugler is not that cheesy, no?
#2 GladiusLegis Sep 21, 2014 14:27:57	Pretty sure you could get away with playing a horn one-handed in all cases. Depending on the notes you had to play, you could probably get away with a flute or pan flute in one hand, too.
#3 Ashrym Sep 21, 2014 15:16:22	The component pouch isn't a bad option to bypass the instrument focus but a third alternative is to only select spells known that do not have material components or are not used during combat.
#4 7he_professor Sep 21, 2014 17:18:43	MykeSchultz wrote:
#5 GladiusLegis Sep 21, 2014 17:20:03	College of Valor gives proficiency in shields.
#6 THEMNGMNT Sep 21, 2014 17:51:03	You know, from a balance standpoint, there's nothing about bards that requires them to play an instrument. Not in combat, not ever. You can just swap out just about any other casting option and still have a balanced class. It's one of the things I really like about the 5E bard.
(Reply to #6) Ashrym	THEMNGMNT wrote:
#8 ThatGuyHasABeard Sep 21, 2014 20:08:51	I figured I would use my weapon and shield as a "drum". I haven't talked to my DM about it but I would allow it.
#9 ooSitrioo Sep 21, 2014 20:22:42	I'm sorry my book is in a room with a sleeping baby, but doesn't it say you just need to touch the focus, not acutally play it?
#10 DanMathMan Sep 21, 2014 21:22:18	I don't see where it says the musical instruments are two handed. I was thinking about just strapping a drum to !y bards belt and he would tap it with his weapon.
(Reply to #7) THEMNGMNT	Ashrym wrote:
#12 Kavrek Sep 21, 2014 22:25:35	Pg. 51  Of the PHB    "A stern human warrior bangs hs sword rhythmically agaisnt his scale mail, setting the tempo for his war chant and exhorting his companions to bravery and heroism".   I think this is an example of why I am so impressed with some of the work that the development team is doing on this edition. When they get something right they really get it right, because this is exaclty how I picture a valor bard or battle bard doing what they do best, getting everybody fired up to rumble in a totally metal way (literally)! Also the image it creates in my mind is just awesome.   *to be more clear, the rhythmic banging makes the bard and his armor the focus here, I believe any item that inspires a bard to bring forth power into their vocaliztions or performance, such as their voice, or a stick and a bucket, should be allowed as an appropriate magical conduit.
(Reply to #9) MykeSchultz	ooSitrioo wrote:
#14 demon_idol Sep 22, 2014 0:15:30	At 4th level, take the warcaster feat. You will benefit from all of that feats features, including the ability to cast spells with somatic components while holding a shield in one hand and weapon in the other. It will also be fun to cast viscous mockery as an opportunity attack.
#15 swurvDESN Sep 22, 2014 3:04:12	Even with warcaster feat you still need to satisfy the material component to your spells. Thankfully it's not that hard to do. The rules are on page 190 of the phb. For example as a valor bard you begin your turn with sword and shield in hand, as part of your move you can stow your weapon then use an action to cast a spell with your free hand via a component pouch or instrument (satisfying somatic/material components, wielding the instrument is abstracted). If you're 14th level you can then use the the battle magic feature to draw and attack with your weapon as a bonus action (drawing and attacking same action pg 190), Some might argue you need to stow your instrument but you can avoid this by using a component pouch.   War caster feat adds in some good features and allows a low level bard to utilize his reaction after he used his action on his turn to cast a spell. You would have a free hand or be holding your instrument ready to cast a reaction spell.   At high levels battle magic might set you up to only have weapon attacks ready for reactions. It's up to the DM if you're allowed to stow a weapon then cast a reaction spell.
#16 Lord_Ventnor Sep 22, 2014 9:20:30	Simple. Take a kazoo as one of your instrument proficiencies.
(Reply to #16) Ashrym	Lord_Ventnor wrote:
#18 MykeSchultz Sep 22, 2014 19:05:33	Ha, yeah, a kazoo is what I original thought of when I made this post. Or one of those head-gear things musicians use to play a harmonica and guitar at the same time. Put a pan flute.