Whats this I hear about a bard class?

[fingers630]

Bard is currently a class that is being playtested. You may playtest a bard of whatever rank your highest level character is. Here are the basic rules for the class, and there is also a group on Facebook dedicated to them. Feel free to friend request me and I can add you (thom hitz/fingers)

Bard

Bards are skalds, minstrels, musicians and storytellers who bolster other players with their songs and oratory. They may use any weapons, armor or shields available to Thieves.

Bards augment players with Bardic Songs, which are described below with the Bard's other class abilities. A Bardic Song consists of music played on an instrument and/ or sung by the Bard, or oratory which consists of storytelling or poetic praising of the Bard's allies. Music and singing may not rely on modern devices or be delivered in a way to agitate players or disrupt gameplay. If oratory is used it must be approved by an elder as being in character and consistent with good roleplay.

To begin a Bardic Song, the Bard shouts "I, (Name) Invoke Song of (Bardic Song Ability)" and begins playing, singing, or orating. The effect of the Bardic Song begins immediately and affects a number of other players based on the Bard's rank.

Rank 1: Up to 3 other players
Rank 3: Up to 4 other players
Rank 5: Up to 5 other players
Rank 7: Up to 6 other players
Rank 9: Up to 7 other players

Bardic songs always affect the Bard. To receive the effects of a Bardic Song, players must visibly wear a strip of yellow or gold material at least 2” wide and 12” long. After one minute of continuity the Bard may shout "Song of (Bardic Song Ability) Persists for Five Minutes!" The Song's effect will then persist for five additional minutes. If the Bard is interrupted or takes weapon or spell damage during the first minute of performance the song effect ends. While performing a Bardic Song the Bard can have nothing in his hands except for an instrument(s).

Players may only be affected by one Bardic Song at a time.

At 1st Rank Bards gain the adventure ability Bardic Knowledge. This can be used to gain minor insight into the history or nature of a person, place or object. An elder will determine the exact effectiveness of this ability.
At 2nd Rank Bards gain the ability Song of The Stalwart. Those affected by this song are immune to shield breaking abilities.
At 3rd Rank Bards gain the ability Bardic Inspiration. The Bard chooses one player of equal or lesser rank and gives them a favor made of metal or leather that must be worn upon the neck, wrist, or belt. This player gains maximum 50% spell reduction and a bonus of 5 spell points. A Bard may only choose one player to gain Bardic Inspiration and may not transfer it to another.
At 4th Rank Bards gain the Thief ability Pick Pockets.
At 5th Rank Bards gain the ability Song of The Joten. Those affected by this song may stand in the presence of giants.
At 6th Rank Bards gain the ability Song of Shielding. Those affected by this song are unaffected by the the AOE of spells.
At 7th Rank Bards gain the adventure only Thief ability Disguise.
At 9th Rank Bards gain the adventure ability Fascinate. This ability only works on lesser NPCs. An elder will determine the exact effectiveness. By speaking words of praise to an NPC, the Bard gains sway over the NPC and can encourage him to aid the Bard or attack the Bard's foes. A Fascinated NPC will never harm himself or perform an action contrary to his ethos. A Bard cannot Fascinate more than one NPC at a time.
At 10th Rank Bards gain the ability Song of Enchantment. Those affected by this song may call "Magic" with melee weapons. This ability can only be used if a Rank 10 or higher willing Mage is present with the Bard when the Song is begun. This represents the Bard tapping into the Mage's magic and using it to rally allies. Once the Song is started the Mage may move or even die and the Song will continue. If oratory is used to create the song, the Bard is encouraged to praise the Mage or tell tales of his adventure. A Bard may always affect themselves with this song without a Rank 10 Mage.
At 10th Rank Bards gain the ability Song of The Holy. Those affected by this song may call "Holy" with melee weapons. This ability can only be used if a Rank 10 or higher willing Cleric is present with the Bard when the Song is begun. This represents the Bard tapping into the Cleric's divine power and using it to rally allies. Once the Song is started the Cleric may move or even die and the Song will continue. If oratory is used to create the song, the Bard is encouraged to praise the Cleric or the Cleric's deity. A Bard may always affect themselves with this song without a Rank 10 Cleric
At 10th Rank Bards gain the ability Song of Truth. Those affected by this song temporarily gain the Monk ability Immunity To Mind Control. This ability can only be used if a Rank 10 or higher willing Monk is present with the Bard when the Song is begun. This represents the Bard tapping into the Monk's energy and using it to rally allies. Once the Song is started the Monk may move or even die and the Song will continue. If oratory is used to create the song, the Bard is encouraged to praise the Monk's discipline and ability. A Bard may always affect themselves with this song without a Rank 10 Monk.
At 10th Rank Bards gain the ability Song of Purity. Those affected by this song temporarily gain the Cavalier ability Immunity To Disease. This ability can only be used if a Rank 10 or higher willing Cavalier is present with the Bard when the Song is begun. This represents the Bard tapping into the Cavalier's energy and using it to rally allies. Once the Song is started the Cavalier may move or even die and the Song will continue. If oratory is used to create the song, the Bard is encouraged to praise the Cavalier's skill and virtue. A Bard may always affect themselves with this song without a Rank 10 Cavalier.