Bard OCC

Bard O.C.C.

The most popular entertainers of the Palladium World are the wandering bards who are both master story-tellers and travelling journalists. Not only do they spin fanciful tales, sing, play musical instruments, and recite from poetry and prose, but they are also expected to carry the latest world news, the scoop on any happenings w ith regional nobles , shipping and merchant reports, as well as juicy gossip.

All of this should be packaged so as to be entertaining and amusing, and never, ever boring! The bard is also (usually) an expert in fanciful lore, legends and rousing tales of adventure. Bards make most of their coin in public performances, in response to requests at inns, on street corners, or anywhere where people gather.

However, the big money comes from composing original work. Bards know that odes to a noble's military victory, or to the beauty of a rich merchant's lover, are very lucrative. Also, the way for a bard to gain a wide reputation is by coming up with something that will catch on with the public, and with other bards.

Stringed instruments, such as harps, lutes, and mandolins, are the bard's main musical tools, as they allow for singing or speaking to the accompaniment of music.

Like actors, the bard's travels and talents bring him (or her) into contact with peasants and the wealthy and powerful alike. The bard too, must exercise cunning and discretion. Bards who chose a side in political or military conflicts and sing songs or tell tales that besmirch the donor or integrity of one side, or a particular person(s) or institution, are likely to be branded as an enemy or be accused of being a spy, rabble rouser, assassin or brigand.

This has earned many a bard the designation of hero or "peasant palladin," as well as the enmity of those in power. Even unallied and politically correct bards often travel alone or in a small group, and strike up a temporary association with caravans, travelers, mercenaries, adventurers and notable individuals. This traveling minstrel and storyteller is usually well versed in the arts of combat.

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The Bard O.C.C.

Alignments: Any, although it is typically good and aberrant characters who take up a particular cause.

Attribute Minimum Requirements: I.Q. 9, M.A. 12 or higher.

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O.C.C. Skills

• Cook (+15%)
• Sing (+20%; professional quality)
• Public Speaking (+10%)
• Play Musical Instrument (+10%; professional quality)
• Sign Language (+10%)
• Language: Native tongue a t 98% plus two of choice (+20%).
• Literacy in one language of choice (+10%)
• Writing (+10%, includes both prose and poetry)
• History (+10%)
• Lore: Demons & Monsters (+15%)
• Lore: One of choice (+10%)
• Land Navigation (+10%)
• W.P.: Select two of choice
• Hand to Hand: Basic

Hand to hand: basic can be changed to expert for the cost of one "other" skill, or to martial arts for the cost of two "other" skills (assassin or gladiator are not available).

O.C.C. Related Skills

Select six other skills at level one, plus select two additional skills at levels three, six, nine and twelve. All new skills start at level one proficiency.

• Communications & Performing Arts: Any (+10% each)
• Domestic: Any (+10%)
• Espionage: Any
• Horsemanship: General or Exotic only (+5%)
• Medical: First Aid only (+5%)
• Military: Heraldry (+10%), Falconry, Recog. Weapon Quality and Surveillance only; no bonuses for the latter three.
• Physical: Any (+5% when applicable) except acrobatics.
• Rogue: Any (+5%)
• Science: Math only.
• Scholar & Technical: Any (+10% each)
• Weapon Proficiencies: Any
• Wilderness: Any (+5% on Land Navigation only).

Secondary Skills

Select four secondary skills from the previous list at level one, and two additional skills at levels four, seven, and ten. These are additional areas of knowledge that do not get the advantage of the bonus listed in the parentheses . All secondary skills start at the base skill level. Also, skills are limited as previously indicated in the list.

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Starting Equipment

The Bard starts out with one musical instrument (see details under Minstrel O.C.c., but note that this instrument is of secondary quality), along with a suitable travelling case.

Also starts with two sets of clothing, one casual and one fancy, a large hat, cloak or cape, jacket, leggings, belt and shoes or boots. The character will be equipped with at least two books, one of legends and the other of traditional ballads, along with a blank book/diary and a supply of writing implements (paper, pen & ink).

Also a lantern, a bedroll , a backpack, a purse or shoulder bag, tinder box and a water skin.

Armor

Most bards travel light and seldom wear anything heavier than double mail, and then only when he knows he's going into battle. The character starts off w ith a full suit of Studded Leather (13 A.R., 38 S .D.C.) while travelling, and sometimes when entertaining. They love light magic armor!

Weapons

Bards are not generally considered men of arms, but that does not mean they are helpless. Many of these entertainers are experts with a particular weapon(s), ready for the dangerous world they live in. The character starts off with two ordinary weapons of choice, suitable to his weapon proficiencies, and a dagger or hand ax.

Money

Starts with 160 gold.