Post by Aladrin Greywood on Apr 6, 2023 12:08:36 GMT -5
Ok ya'll.
So, I've given it a lot of thought and I really think that Bard should be a class and less of a Tradeskill. No insult to whomever wrote Tradeskill: Bard, but it just doesn't encapsulate all that the Bard traditionally does.
I've written up some super basic things that I think would make sense to a Bard being a class.
First and foremost is the class description:
Next is the skill list:
Two Options:
1. The Bard, true to historical accuracy in other systems and lore would have a static ability that allows them to multiclass much easier. Similar to the Human being able to crossclass for only 4XP, the Bard would ignore the first point of curve XP for each skill they take. For example, if a Bard takes Armor Proficiency and Arcane, they would cost 0 XP for curve, if they were the first skills they took. The curve would be 1XP for the third skill, 2xp for the fourth skill, etc. Any skill that listed "Bard" as one of the classes that could normally take the skill would not get the cross class bonus.
2. Now, since the above is the only class that has a static ability, another alternative could be adopted. Instead, the Bard could have access to simply more skills. Similar to how the Mage is severely limited in Skill selection and the Rogue has a lot, we could just switch it up so the Rogue more reflects the historical representation of the Rogue and the Bard has access to a lot more skills.
Below is the chart of the CURRENT class skill totals.
As you can see the Cleric and the Mage have the least unique skills, while the Warrior has double. Which makes sense that, since this is a low magic game, those would have less. However, the Cleric has almost the same number of total skills and has the largest number of shared skills by a large margin. As such, the Cleric is actually the "Jack of All Trades".
Here is how I envision the skills INCLUDING the Bard:
The bard would share the following skills with other classes:
Appraise - The bard is used to dealing with merchants and people who want to pay them for their performances
Arcane Magic - Bards should know basic level cantrips and the easiest spells available to a mage.
Break Away - Bards are regularly accosted by unhappy patrons or bandits looking for silver
Disease Resistance - All
Healing Words - New Skill, will cover below.
First Aid - The Bard traditionally relies on themself, so being able to patch themselves up makes sense
Inspiration - New Skill, will cover below.
Jack of All Trades - New Skill, will cover below.
Lore - All but warrior, and Bards traditionally know a lot of different topics.
Mana Reserves - Along with basic magic, a Bard would be able to gain training to hold a little more mana.
Mana Transfer - As a support class and one that deals with other people, the Bard should be able to give their mana to others.
Meditation - Along with the above skills, a Bard knows how to concentrate and focus their efforts on tasks, so being able to meditate (or even perform) to regain mana makes sense
Mend - Instruments break. A lot. Strings, bows, etc. A bard would be well versed in doing simple repairs.
Poison Resistance - All
Profession - All
Ranged - Bards aren't known for being up-close and personal with combat. They would opt to attack from afar.
Renowned - All
Resources - All
Respite - Similar to Mend and First Aid, a Bard would be able to take rests to recuperate their abilities.
Spell Return - As educated on many topics, a Bard would be able to return a spell before casting, knowing when and where to use their magic.
Staff Weapons - Walking sticks are a popular tool among Bards. Ask Joel.
Thrown Weapons - Similar to Ranged, a Bard would know that objects they can hurl from the safety of distance would be their choice in combat.
Trade Skill - All
True Grit - All
Witch Magic - As with many topics, the knowledge a Bard seeks comes from anywhere it can. Learning both arcane and divine spells would be a source of education and learning for a Bard.
New Skills:
The Bard would come with their own assortment of skills, some unique, some shared, that would make the class feel special.
Inspiration
Bard & Cleric - 5xp + curve
Playing your instrument, singing, or telling jokes/stories, you may cut the time of one Tradeskill usage in half. Or, you may do the same for the duration of meditation to increase mana regained by 2. Cannot be used with other effects that also reduce the time to accomplish a Tradeskill.
Improved Inspiration
Bard - 10xp + curve
Prerequisite: Inspiration
The same as "Inspiration", but you may increase the number of targets to 2, or you may use this ability in combat to increase someone's hitpoints temporarily by 1HP. Combat effects lasts until you stop performing, and they lose that temporary hitpoint.
Greater Inspiration
Bard - 15xp + curve
Prerequisite: Improved Inspiration
The same as "Improved Inspiration", but you may increase the number of targets to 3, combat targets to 2, or you may target one person in combat and use this ability to imbue a temporary aura identical to "Mage Armor". Combat effects last until you stop performing, and they lose that temporary hitpoint or aura.
Band Together
Bard - 0xp + curve
If you are present with at least two other people and performing while not in combat, you may invite one other person to join you in your performance. If they do, for the duration of your performance any skills used by those around you, are slightly amplified. For example, Meditation gives 1 additional mana, Divine/Arcane spells cost 1 less mana, and any skill that has a duration applied to it takes 1 less minute. Seek a Herald if you have questions.
Taunt
Bard - 0xp - curve
While performing, you can intentionally draw the attention away reasonable activities or combat. For example, if in combat, you can Taunt the enemy, and they will try to focus their attack on you or move to get to you. Similarly, if a target is meditating, they must stop meditating and focus their attention on you in some way. This stops their meditation time but doesn't cancel it entirely. In combat, you may also dance about or sing, targeting a specific individual. For as long as you perform, attacks against this target stagger on each hit. Specific targets must be announced and made known to the target and those who would be affected. Cannot be used to disrupt the Meditation or activities of more than one person, and any skills with duration resume after the Taunting has finished.
Resounding Word
Bard - 0xp + curve
While performing in combat, you may select one ally. Damage dealt by this ally in melee combat causes the opponent to stagger with each successful hit. This effect lasts as long as you continue performing, and you must announce both the target of your song and make them aware of your intent before it may be used. Simply yelling "Resounding Word" without naming a target will have no effect. If you wish to select a new target for this ability, you must stop performing and being the process again from the top targeting a new person. You allies can only bene from this ability once per combat. For instance, if you yell "Resounding Word" and let Trader Bob know he is the target of the skill, then switch to another character mid combat, you cannot reselect Trader Bob as a target until a separate encounter.
Jack of All Trades
Bard & Rogue - 5xp + curve
All skills cost 2 less cumulative XP to take. This doesn't reduce the XP needed for any other purpose. For example, if a Bard wishes to take another skill and already has 3 skills. The fourth still will only cost 2 cumulative XP rather than 4XP.
Healing Words
Bard & Cleric - 5xp + curve
While not in combat, you may perform and target two individuals. Spending 5 minutes performing, the two targets will regain 1 hit point. Cannot be used to increase any target to more than 2 hitpoints. This skill cannot be used again for another 5 minutes.
Bardic Knowledge
Bard - 0xp + curve
You may spend 5 minutes performing, focusing your intent upon any Lore card you do not possess the applicable Lore Skill to read. After performing, there is a 50% chance that your attempt is successful.
Dealing with the transition from Tradeskill:Bard
Naturally, some people have taken the Tradeskill: Bard or Profession: Bard. Those that had can "reclass" themselves, but will have to reallocate their XP spent and how their character is repositioning their other skills. Obviously, this would require working with a staff member. I will use myself for example:
Aladrin Greywood is currently a Rogue.
He has the following character information:
Available XP - 3
XP spent - 100
XP earned - 103
Current Curve - 9
Skills:
Dual Wield
Improved Dual Wield
Ranged
Armor Proficiency
Arcane Magic
Tradeskill: Bard
Profession: Bard
Resources: Cohorts
Thrown Weapon
Improved Arcane Magic
Because he's a Rogue, he had to spend cross-class XP on Arcane Magic and Improved Arcane Magic. That's a total of 10 extra XP.
If I were to reallocate all of his XP into the Bard class, his skills would look like this:
Now, that covers all of the non-class unique skills. If I were to add in the same skills that would "replicate" having the Tradeskill: Bard as closely as possible:
Inspiration
Bard & Cleric - 5xp + curve
Bardic Knowledge
Bard - 0xp + curve
My character chart would look like this:
That leaves me at EXACTLY the same character, at EXACTLY the same XP. Nothing is new, nothing is broken, and the transition to Class: Bard would be complete.
In Conclusion
I'm obviously super biased. I love my character. I spent a lot of time developing their bio, personality, skills, and I incorporated my personal skills into becoming a Bard. I don't even refer to myself as a Rogue, because it's not who my character is. I know that developing a game and balancing it takes time, testing, patience, etc. I've written several games myself.
It would just be super cool to see the Bard as an actual class that functions uniquely and independently.
Some balancing of skills will have to occur, but I did my best to make sure that things were fair and made sense for each class and skill. Some could be taken away (I could see the argument for First Aid), but by and large, I feel it's a healthy transition that a lot of people would enjoy.
So, after all that, those are my suggestions. I will continue to play Aladrin for many years to come, and should nothing come of this, I can live with that. But I wouldn't be myself if I didn't suggest something I thought could genuinely make people enjoy their characters more.
Thanks ya'll, I hope it was worth a read!!!
So, I've given it a lot of thought and I really think that Bard should be a class and less of a Tradeskill. No insult to whomever wrote Tradeskill: Bard, but it just doesn't encapsulate all that the Bard traditionally does.
I've written up some super basic things that I think would make sense to a Bard being a class.
First and foremost is the class description:
- Bard – Support and morale-oriented character. Jack of all trades and focuses on utilizing specific skills like singing to boost allys' combat and tradeskills. (we would remove "jack of all trades" from the Rogue skill and replace it with "Skilled at remaining unseen" or something similar.).
Next is the skill list:
Two Options:
1. The Bard, true to historical accuracy in other systems and lore would have a static ability that allows them to multiclass much easier. Similar to the Human being able to crossclass for only 4XP, the Bard would ignore the first point of curve XP for each skill they take. For example, if a Bard takes Armor Proficiency and Arcane, they would cost 0 XP for curve, if they were the first skills they took. The curve would be 1XP for the third skill, 2xp for the fourth skill, etc. Any skill that listed "Bard" as one of the classes that could normally take the skill would not get the cross class bonus.
2. Now, since the above is the only class that has a static ability, another alternative could be adopted. Instead, the Bard could have access to simply more skills. Similar to how the Mage is severely limited in Skill selection and the Rogue has a lot, we could just switch it up so the Rogue more reflects the historical representation of the Rogue and the Bard has access to a lot more skills.
Below is the chart of the CURRENT class skill totals.
| Rogue | Cleric | Mage | Warrior | |
| Class Skill Total | 27 | 29 | 24 | 30 |
| Class Specific Totals | 7 | 4 | 5 | 10 |
| Total Multiclasses Shared | 20 | 25 | 19 | 20 |
As you can see the Cleric and the Mage have the least unique skills, while the Warrior has double. Which makes sense that, since this is a low magic game, those would have less. However, the Cleric has almost the same number of total skills and has the largest number of shared skills by a large margin. As such, the Cleric is actually the "Jack of All Trades".
Here is how I envision the skills INCLUDING the Bard:
| Rogue | Cleric | Mage | Warrior | Bard | |
| Class Skill Total | 28 | 31 | 24 | 30 | 30 |
| Class Specific Totals | 4 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Total Multiclasses Shared | 24 | 26 | 21 | 21 | 25 |
The bard would share the following skills with other classes:
Appraise - The bard is used to dealing with merchants and people who want to pay them for their performances
Arcane Magic - Bards should know basic level cantrips and the easiest spells available to a mage.
Break Away - Bards are regularly accosted by unhappy patrons or bandits looking for silver
Disease Resistance - All
Healing Words - New Skill, will cover below.
First Aid - The Bard traditionally relies on themself, so being able to patch themselves up makes sense
Inspiration - New Skill, will cover below.
Jack of All Trades - New Skill, will cover below.
Lore - All but warrior, and Bards traditionally know a lot of different topics.
Mana Reserves - Along with basic magic, a Bard would be able to gain training to hold a little more mana.
Mana Transfer - As a support class and one that deals with other people, the Bard should be able to give their mana to others.
Meditation - Along with the above skills, a Bard knows how to concentrate and focus their efforts on tasks, so being able to meditate (or even perform) to regain mana makes sense
Mend - Instruments break. A lot. Strings, bows, etc. A bard would be well versed in doing simple repairs.
Poison Resistance - All
Profession - All
Ranged - Bards aren't known for being up-close and personal with combat. They would opt to attack from afar.
Renowned - All
Resources - All
Respite - Similar to Mend and First Aid, a Bard would be able to take rests to recuperate their abilities.
Spell Return - As educated on many topics, a Bard would be able to return a spell before casting, knowing when and where to use their magic.
Staff Weapons - Walking sticks are a popular tool among Bards. Ask Joel.
Thrown Weapons - Similar to Ranged, a Bard would know that objects they can hurl from the safety of distance would be their choice in combat.
Trade Skill - All
True Grit - All
Witch Magic - As with many topics, the knowledge a Bard seeks comes from anywhere it can. Learning both arcane and divine spells would be a source of education and learning for a Bard.
New Skills:
The Bard would come with their own assortment of skills, some unique, some shared, that would make the class feel special.
Inspiration
Bard & Cleric - 5xp + curve
Playing your instrument, singing, or telling jokes/stories, you may cut the time of one Tradeskill usage in half. Or, you may do the same for the duration of meditation to increase mana regained by 2. Cannot be used with other effects that also reduce the time to accomplish a Tradeskill.
Improved Inspiration
Bard - 10xp + curve
Prerequisite: Inspiration
The same as "Inspiration", but you may increase the number of targets to 2, or you may use this ability in combat to increase someone's hitpoints temporarily by 1HP. Combat effects lasts until you stop performing, and they lose that temporary hitpoint.
Greater Inspiration
Bard - 15xp + curve
Prerequisite: Improved Inspiration
The same as "Improved Inspiration", but you may increase the number of targets to 3, combat targets to 2, or you may target one person in combat and use this ability to imbue a temporary aura identical to "Mage Armor". Combat effects last until you stop performing, and they lose that temporary hitpoint or aura.
Band Together
Bard - 0xp + curve
If you are present with at least two other people and performing while not in combat, you may invite one other person to join you in your performance. If they do, for the duration of your performance any skills used by those around you, are slightly amplified. For example, Meditation gives 1 additional mana, Divine/Arcane spells cost 1 less mana, and any skill that has a duration applied to it takes 1 less minute. Seek a Herald if you have questions.
Bard - 0xp - curve
While performing, you can intentionally draw the attention away reasonable activities or combat. For example, if in combat, you can Taunt the enemy, and they will try to focus their attack on you or move to get to you. Similarly, if a target is meditating, they must stop meditating and focus their attention on you in some way. This stops their meditation time but doesn't cancel it entirely. In combat, you may also dance about or sing, targeting a specific individual. For as long as you perform, attacks against this target stagger on each hit. Specific targets must be announced and made known to the target and those who would be affected. Cannot be used to disrupt the Meditation or activities of more than one person, and any skills with duration resume after the Taunting has finished.
Bard - 0xp + curve
While performing in combat, you may select one ally. Damage dealt by this ally in melee combat causes the opponent to stagger with each successful hit. This effect lasts as long as you continue performing, and you must announce both the target of your song and make them aware of your intent before it may be used. Simply yelling "Resounding Word" without naming a target will have no effect. If you wish to select a new target for this ability, you must stop performing and being the process again from the top targeting a new person. You allies can only bene from this ability once per combat. For instance, if you yell "Resounding Word" and let Trader Bob know he is the target of the skill, then switch to another character mid combat, you cannot reselect Trader Bob as a target until a separate encounter.
Jack of All Trades
Bard & Rogue - 5xp + curve
All skills cost 2 less cumulative XP to take. This doesn't reduce the XP needed for any other purpose. For example, if a Bard wishes to take another skill and already has 3 skills. The fourth still will only cost 2 cumulative XP rather than 4XP.
Healing Words
Bard & Cleric - 5xp + curve
While not in combat, you may perform and target two individuals. Spending 5 minutes performing, the two targets will regain 1 hit point. Cannot be used to increase any target to more than 2 hitpoints. This skill cannot be used again for another 5 minutes.
Bardic Knowledge
Bard - 0xp + curve
You may spend 5 minutes performing, focusing your intent upon any Lore card you do not possess the applicable Lore Skill to read. After performing, there is a 50% chance that your attempt is successful.
Dealing with the transition from Tradeskill:Bard
Naturally, some people have taken the Tradeskill: Bard or Profession: Bard. Those that had can "reclass" themselves, but will have to reallocate their XP spent and how their character is repositioning their other skills. Obviously, this would require working with a staff member. I will use myself for example:
Aladrin Greywood is currently a Rogue.
He has the following character information:
Available XP - 3
XP spent - 100
XP earned - 103
Current Curve - 9
Skills:
Dual Wield
Improved Dual Wield
Ranged
Armor Proficiency
Arcane Magic
Tradeskill: Bard
Profession: Bard
Resources: Cohorts
Thrown Weapon
Improved Arcane Magic
Because he's a Rogue, he had to spend cross-class XP on Arcane Magic and Improved Arcane Magic. That's a total of 10 extra XP.
If I were to reallocate all of his XP into the Bard class, his skills would look like this:
| Skills | Cost | Cross Class | Curve | Total |
| Dual Wield | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Improved Dual Wield | 0 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Ranged | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Armor Proficiency | 0 | 5 | 3 | 8 |
| Arcane Magic | 10 | 0 | 4 | 14 |
| Improved Arcane Magic | 10 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
| Resources: Cohorts | 10 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
| Thrown Weapon | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Total | 30 | 20 | 28 | 78 |
Now, that covers all of the non-class unique skills. If I were to add in the same skills that would "replicate" having the Tradeskill: Bard as closely as possible:
Inspiration
Bard & Cleric - 5xp + curve
Bardic Knowledge
Bard - 0xp + curve
My character chart would look like this:
| Skills | Cost | Cross Class | Curve | Total |
| Dual Wield | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Improved Dual Wield | 0 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Ranged | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Armor Proficiency | 0 | 5 | 3 | 8 |
| Arcane Magic | 10 | 0 | 4 | 14 |
| Improved Arcane Magic | 10 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
| Resources: Cohorts | 10 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
| Thrown Weapon | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Inspiration | 5 | 0 | 8 | 13 |
| Bardic Knowledge | 0 | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Total | 35 | 20 | 45 | 100 |
That leaves me at EXACTLY the same character, at EXACTLY the same XP. Nothing is new, nothing is broken, and the transition to Class: Bard would be complete.
In Conclusion
I'm obviously super biased. I love my character. I spent a lot of time developing their bio, personality, skills, and I incorporated my personal skills into becoming a Bard. I don't even refer to myself as a Rogue, because it's not who my character is. I know that developing a game and balancing it takes time, testing, patience, etc. I've written several games myself.
It would just be super cool to see the Bard as an actual class that functions uniquely and independently.
Some balancing of skills will have to occur, but I did my best to make sure that things were fair and made sense for each class and skill. Some could be taken away (I could see the argument for First Aid), but by and large, I feel it's a healthy transition that a lot of people would enjoy.
So, after all that, those are my suggestions. I will continue to play Aladrin for many years to come, and should nothing come of this, I can live with that. But I wouldn't be myself if I didn't suggest something I thought could genuinely make people enjoy their characters more.
Thanks ya'll, I hope it was worth a read!!!
