Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Toromos Aug 27, 2014 17:54:40	Is there any (mechanical) reason for a Bard to take the performance skill?  Bards are proficient in 3 musical instruments, which by their use let's them use their proficiency bonus.  I don't think you can use the proficiency bonus twice (once from the instrument and once from being proficient in the skill), so why would a Bard want to be proficient in performance if his instruments grants the bonus?   The only thing I can think of is if he wants to use his Expertise at 3rd level on his Performance skill.
#2 Kalani Aug 27, 2014 18:12:59	Expertise is about the only "mechanical" reason. Expertise cannot be applied to tool use unless specifically stated otherwise (such as the Rogue being able to use it with Thieves tools). There are many flavour reasons however. Tool proficiency (musical instrument) does not grant the ability to sing, dance, act, or perform comedy with any skill. Bards are renown for being versatile performers.
(Reply to #2) Toromos	Kalani wrote:
#4 Ashrym Aug 27, 2014 19:12:48	Proficiency in performance skill also supports a wealthy lifestyle when practicing a profession during downtime.
#5 Kalani Aug 27, 2014 19:38:36	Ashrym wrote:
(Reply to #4) Toromos	Ashrym wrote:
#7 Keendk Aug 27, 2014 20:36:57	I havnt read the bard sice I bought the book, so there might be a mechanical reason I don't know about here. So going back to the initial question and flipping it 180 degrees: What is the mechanical benefit of having musical instrument tool profeciency if you have perform? I know  they are probably free, but it's an odd overlap of skills.
#8 Kalani Aug 27, 2014 21:23:45	Instrument proficiency grants no additional benefits over perform. Instrument proficiency is not even required to use musical instruments as an arcane focus, as that is a class feature.    A bard can use a nonproficient instrument as an arcane focus with no penalty. His/her spells gain proficiency bonus due to his spellcasting expertise. Not because s/he is proficient in the instrument used as a focus.   In this case, instrument proficiency is simply a flavour mechanic. The only mechanical advantage to gaining "free" instrument proficiencies, is that the Bard is not required to be proficient in the performance skill in order to function as a bard.   Both instrument proficiency and/or performance can be used to "practice a profession" at a wealthy lifestyle. The former would involve practicing the profession of a trained musician, while the latter might represent a Thespian (acting), Singer, Dancer, Mime (acting), Stage magic, Performance artist (varies), Comedian (comedy), Orator (Oratory), Storyteller, or Jester (comedy).   Some of these professions may also imply proficiency in supplimentary skills, such as cantrips and/or sleight of hand (stage magic), acrobatics (jester or dancing), or knowledge skills such as arcana, history, or Religion (orator, or storyteller).   As demonstrated above, the Performance skill is far more versatile in respect to what kinds of entertainment it allows. In addition, PCs are not required to choose a performance specialty, and as such - proficiency in the performance skill can be used to perform any (or all) of the above, even during a single performance.
(Reply to #7) Ashrym	Keendk wrote:
(Reply to #8) Ashrym	Kalani wrote: