Half elf <Historian> (i actually insist of stating that icly or fix my DM when he refers to my character as a bard)
Level 5 College of lore, member of The Harpers
Zanfyr never had some dramatic background to him, most of his life was very oridinary. he was born in the southwest of Faerûn and moved to North areas with his parents to a rural town called Velheim that residescomfortably to a major city and on a main road, which made the town have a lot of travelers pass by. Seeing many adventurers come and go and hear their story sparked an interest in how wide and diverse the world is to Zanfyr. He particularly got interested in the stories about the Feys and the Feywild. the more time passed Zanfyr got began researching their lore and culture more, he studied the Sylvan language as time went by he and a childhood friend worked on writing a book together containing their various researcheswhilealmost finishingthe workhisa friend on publishing a historical book where his own research about Fey cultural lore would appear as a minor articlebetween his friendslarger articles, he couldn't help but feel like he is being deceived. When asked to send to the publisher the book he had the chance to remove his friend name from the book entirely and place his own, he was caught by their publisher who in exchange for his silence offered Zanfyr to join as an agent of The Harpers and give his service in Lore to gather information in the form of documentation.
Zanfyr quickly agreed, despite it being on terms he saw the opportunity to have his works sponsored and a chance to witness all the tales he heard while growing up for his own eyes and then he will be the one who will pass on the stories.
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my faerie fire has FABULOUSshades that will match your shoes and eyes~
Melessine DeArvanhy fled her family's ***** caravan as a young teen and made her way in the world playing her dumbak and zills as well as dancing and telling stories.
She traveled alone for a few years, then met up with a young warlock. Together they traveled the roads. She kept them safe with her daggers and the fear that dissonant whispers put in the hearts of the bandits on the road or the amorous strangers.
Eventually they met up with the crew of the Sorceress, joining forces to become a group to recon with. Melessine's skills as a valor bard have come in very handy in tight spots. Particularly since gaining her shadow ashiko drum.
Brand new bard waiting for our next session to crack open. This will be my first D&D game ever, so suggestions for altering backstory are welcome:
Born and raised in the town of Secomber, a farming village ENE of Daggerford. The Brimley's were a humble family of farmers, but Wilfred developed a love of song and story at an early age after seeing a traveling storyteller share a story called "The Lord of the Fellowship Rings." He was enthralled by the sage human, and decided to take on the trade rather than become a farmer. Unfortunately for Wilfred, he's an idiot and poor storyteller and even worse singer. His family were consistently embarrassed for their son, but his charm and demeanor made it difficult to dash his dreams. One day, while attempting to "wow" some travelers at the local tavern, The Green Apple, the town was attacked by a berserked orc. The orc crashed through the door and started attacking folks at will. Brave Wilfred stepped up to attack the orc, and due to his incredible luck, as the orc attempted to punt poor Wilfred he tripped over a bar stool and impaled himself on Wilfred's longsword. After this "brave feat," Wilfred was touted as a local hero amongst his fellow halflings. After a while, the halfing was made to believe his destiny was out in the world to become a great hero. He soon began his journey as a travelling bard, but due to his incredible lack of skill never stays in one place for long.
If Wilfred encounters an Orc, he becomes very brash and assumes he could easily best any Orc in battle. He won't willing instigate a fight, but he will exhibit foolish bravery whenever interacting with Orcs. His trust in the strength and capabilities of orcs is diminished and will never believe an orc able to accomplish anything.
My bard is a dashing a flirtatious Tiefling named Art. Art has a crush on our Aasimling paladin named Lylah yet has a Orc fetish. He's a Valor Bard at level 3 and loves to use Phantasmal Force to induce chaos and confusion in his enemies. He's chaotic neutral yet strays into chaotic good a lot. All he wants is to play his shawm to an adoring audience and get laid and money.
Name: Solomon Song (Cassius ab'Vex, Duke Estron Blackbriar) Race: Changeling (Wizards Eberron UA: https://media.wizards.com/2015/downloads/dnd/UA_Eberron_v1.pdf) Class: Bard 10 Archetype: College of Lore Background: Charlatan Notable Equipment: Wears a Hat of Disguise [somewhat redundant w/ changeling but it's a schtick] and travels around in a blue ***** wagon.
I have a bard I play anytime a campaign calls for an evil party member. He is based off of the villain in the book It from Stephen King (and yes I am very excited for the new movie). Because he has been used in multiple campaigns, instead of giving the stats he has in the three campaigns he has been in, I will give a general description.
NickelSmart, the Prancing Jester, is a chaotic evil Tiefling Bard who is a master of disguise. Nickelsmart dresses as a clown, and uses a clown wig to cover his Tiefling horns, along with other items in his disguise kit. He is very adept in rope handling, a master escape artist, and can be very persuasive. Nickelsmart prefers to win his fights using trickery instead of brute force, so he has fairly low strength and combat skills, not anemic, but a point or two below average usually. Spells he prefers to use include Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Minor Illusion, Disguise Self, Charm Person, Sleep, Tashas Hideous Laughter, Hold Person, Enthrall, Invisibility, and Confusion.
Per DM ruling, Nickelsmart only gets quarter benefit from normal rations. However, if he slays and consumes a child, he gains the ability to not need to consume rations for a month. In the event of combat, he either prefers ranged weaponry or attempts to flank the target, getting in close before the target knows he is there. Unfortunately, Nickelsmart often risks his own goals as well as the parties with his habit of doing whatever he wishes to entertain himself, or, if he has gone a while without feeding, to attempt to feed upon a child no matter the consequence.
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I use summon instrument to summon my kettle drum, hold it overhead like Donkey Kong, and chuck it at the nearest kobold.
So to start things out my stats rolled heavily influenced the character my bard became. He is Dragonborn lvl7 Bard who fancies himself to be a True Hero (Folk Hero background). But in reality he has the absolute worst wisdom (4) and subpar intelligence (7) the physical stats and charisma are all pretty good. So I have a foolish and stupid Gold Dragonbard which means he has access to fire breath. Let us just leave that at 'fire burns' for now.
Performing member in the Troupe of Troublesome Troubadours, a short lived and mostly unsuccessful attempt at making a boy band. When fame failed T3 they split ways when some turned to a life of crime to pay off debts racked up at bars and taverns. Founding member of The Better Bard Bureau, protecting you from terrible bardsmanship. The Hero of Jaynestown.
His real name is Gharsht Random Varanus though he longer goes by that name. Many years ago in Jaynestown there was a terribly unjust mayor who continually claimed that more was needed to pay for the lords taxes and always more tribute was collected year over year until a hero arose. Gharsht had decided enough was enough and he would get to the bottom of where all the extras taxes were going. What he discovered was the mayor embezzling from the town and storing it in his manor. Gharsht confronted him and during the struggle set the manor ablaze with the mayor inside it. The village was awestruck with Gharsht's story until he reached the part about the mayor having been hoarding all of the treasures and goods from taxes had all been destroyed. They would have to come up with even more to send to the lord now. Sensing a change in attitude Random strode out of that backwoods town a Hero of the People and a Righter of Wrongs. His childhood sweetheart telling him "Don't come back until you become a True Hero" although she did not seem enthusiastic about it when he departed, more like irritated.
He later acquired a magic javelin, in a dungeon a goblin hurled a poorly aimed javelin at our hero and when he caught the weapon and then returned fire with it its true nature became known as it was MAGIC and slayed the enemy. He then discovered that his magic javelin had a name 'Phillip' etched onto the shaft. when he inquired as to the properties he was told that it was just a finely crafted magic javelin but later became convinced that if you talk to a weapon long enough it becomes sentient. He is still working on that.
Because he is the hero he has picked up some very hero-like abilities with the acquisition of mostly cleric and paladin spells to augment his collection by taking Magic Initiate for Cleric. He may have also recently badly burned himself (even through the resistance) by attempting to explore an enemy stronghold while stealing most of their unfinished liquor. Who knew broken bottles of something alcoholic could occasionally combust when you are in a kitchen.
"Where words fail, swords prevail. Where blood is spilled, my cup is filled" -Cartaphilus
"I have found the answer to the meaning of life. You ask me what the answer is? You already know what the answer to life is. You fear it more than the strike of a viper, the ravages of disease, the ire of a lover. The answer is always death. But death is a gentle mistress with a sweet embrace, and you owe her a debt of restitution. Life is not a gift, it is a loan."
Sahar is an Arabian Nights/Silk Road inspired trader. Hes a Lore bard and an Enchanting school wizard. His entire kit are charms, illusions, enchantments, etc. The ONLY damaging spell in his kit is viscous mockery. Sahar is actually an older character of 48 and is short 5'4" and portly.... Think... the sultan from Aladdin , except his hair and beard are still dark brown and not quite so fat. The DM also let me home brew a little, we dropped the instrument proficiencies and let me take a couple extra languages, with the linguist trait I have a total of 8 spoken languages. The trade off is I don't get a bard focus and must cast my bard spells with their components. The upside is he's allowed me to do some funky stuff like delivering a bardic inspiration through a minor illusion sound of my voice.
He is a trader who left his home land, and some bad history behind. He now seeks to unify the land and put an end the constant wars that claimed the lives of his family.
Sahar has single-handedly avoided combat encounters and thrown the DM for serious loops because my emphasis on Sahar is so RP heavy and so combat light (we have a 5 person party and CC is OP as **** in combat anyway)
Claus started off as the (NPC) one giving the (now deceased) group of guild adventurers the mission to collect thr blades from the Forges of Fury.
After that (going from DM to player) he and a fellow companion (also now deceased) met up with a couple of monks to discuss matters, where, after a bit enticement, they were lured into the House of Horrors. The younger of the women (monk) and clause where caught and sold to the underdark. Here, in jail, Claus would no longer rely on his physical form or his wealth. Instead he would sing and incurage others there. So much that in jail, a new party formed with the young monk girl, and they were able to escape and now are lost in the underdark.
Through hardships Claus remebered back to the days as a noble child and how performers enthralled politicians as well as used their performance to influence others. While stll able to wield multiple weapons at the same time, he’d rather prtotect and encourage, than attack.
He now stands as a beacon of hope, that the group may finally survive.
Seamus William Kane III here. I left my ‘family business’ over some...disagreements I had with my grandad about blackmailing techniques. I have two lutes, my morning lute Clarissa and my evening Lute, Sandy.
Although you shouldn’t rely on me in combat (I have a bit of a fear of dying), that doesn’t mean I’m useless in a scrap. They say I’m the best shot around with throwing knives, and they’re right.
I drift from place to place, picking up women, picking up stories, picking fights, and picking pockets. I come where I please and I go where I please and yes, both of those were double entendres.
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I know what you're thinking: "In that flurry of blows, did he use all his ki points, or save one?" Well, are ya feeling lucky, punk?
Haven't had the chance to play, but I've put together two bards, both for different campaigns.
This first is a re-imagining of a character from a long 4e campaign. He ended up captain of a airship (why no, he absolutely did not steal it from his native nation's military, what an absurd suggestion--he just doesn't like mountains and cold, that's why he avoids his northern home state. Honest). In 4e he was a sorcerer/warlord, but in 5e a Bard (Lore)/Rogue (Mastermind) seems to fit most closely to his character concept. He was all about knowing various languages and using subtle quips before blasting enemies to smithereens--or inspiring his crew to do so. He may or may not have sold a warforged party member into slavery, but since the creature turned on them and he had to melt it for slag, it's a moot point. He also tamed a pseudodragon on a random adventure, though as far as it's concerned, it trained a very nice treasure-gatherer for its nest. His crew thinks they're out to set up a new trade empire from looting ancient ruins. In truth, he's already obtained seven cards into rebuilding the Deck of Many Things and seeks the rest.
The second character was for a Noir-esque game (that never got past character creation, sadly) that I'd really like to use in any game. This was a Tiefling Bard whose parents ran speakeasies (illicit taverns) and, as tieflings, conned people with their "fortune telling" proclivities. It's no wonder she grew up to become a graduate of the College of Whispers. She ignores the easy cons for the more subtle ones: gossip. She has ears and contacts through the local underworld and the servants of the wealthy. The ruffians come to her to know where certain illicit goods and contacts are. The "legitimate clients" aka the rich come to her for the more...unsavory aspects of society they'd like to discover. And so her power over both always grows....until, that is, she's implicated in a noble's scandalous death! With bridges burning she turns to an interesting cast of characters for support and to clear her name--if only so she can rebuild it in a new town without fear of arrest or shunning.
CLASS: Lore Bard 9 / Life Cleric 1 BACKGROUND: Criminal/Spy
Born Arvon Sanorin, it was his criminal background, and his ability to fool others into believing the things he says, that has helped him to get by in life. Unlike most halflings, Arvon grew tired of following his clan and never branching out of the wilderness. His distrust of all people who are not his tribe made him a callous person, often times leaning on the art of the con to keep others from knowing who he is. Yet, it was his ability to charm others which allowed him to gain access to anyone and anything. In doing so, he earned the alias Lucky Charms in the criminal underworld...a nickname which he despises. Lucky is often not to be trusted, rarely are the things he says true and anyone that should work with him should consider getting second opinions before going forth with his suggestions. However, like most halflings, when he does work with others, he will not leave them to death. If another person in his party is hurt, he will assist them, if a person is in true danger, he will do what he can to save them.
Played him in a one shot last night. During the final boss fight I used Dominate Person, had her help kill off the other baddies with us...then attempted to turn her into a bunny. She was killed with Vicious Mockery, with Lucky saying her hair was awful.
Silvergray is a half elf lore bard currently hanging at level 10. Sort of modelled on 2e Meistersinger kit.
He was brought up in the forest by a human family who found him wandering around the forest at what could have been age 10 or 11. They called him Silvergray for his shock of thick silver hair. No one knows how he got there, but the animals and denizens of the forest had been doing a good job looking after him until the humans took him in on their hamlet. The father was a former minstrel, and taught him how to play a variety of instruments in between his chores-his favourite is the viola, but he is equally proficient with the lute, flute, and pipes. He can carry a tune, but his voice is nothing really special-he shines in the instrumental arts. He likes nothing more than a campsite fire to play a quiet tune to, whilst smoking on his pipe- tabacoo, or other....exotic mixes. He can play a tune to satisfy a tavern audience, but he's not the type to seek out fame, fortune or glory on the stage. He just wants to travel, some kind of wonderlust he cant pin down.
He appears to be touched with some affinity for animals, likely from his early years in the wild. He doesnt feel particularly protective towards them either way, but they seem to like him well enough. He feels at home in nature, and has discovered he is adept at using spells to charm and befriend creatures. He has a fey ferret familiar named Squeak, who will often voice out loud his internal thoughts- at least by way of the open conversations he has with him. Squeak is the ying to Silvergrays yang- extroverted and less cautious. He is also trying to learn how to pack and smoke a pipe, but its hard without opposable thumbs. Silvergray also has a fey warhorse steed called Bubble. He prfers to walk places, but will call on Bubble should the need arise. Bubble and Squeak just appeared of their own volition, and Silvergray has become attached to them, as they are to him.
He also has a twin, Xagyg "Zach" Yrag, who is also a bard. They have never met, although the party he travels with has, and at first thought him to be Zach when they encountered him. Zach was raised by elves, who also found him wandering around the forest, but he lacks the natural affinity for animals. They named him with what they jokingly thought was the most human sounding name they could think of. One day the two might meet. But that is a story for another time, perhaps.
This is my first D&D character, so sorry if it's really amaeturish.
My bard is Goldisk Hillsbane, a hill dwarf who was banned from his village by its elders after he shaved off his beard. It was summer, it was hot, his beard was really scratchy, and he never took to that living in discomfort and being proud of it lifestyle most other dwarves love. On top of being banned, his elders took away his dwarven birth name, Darrack Krumheart. So, now walking the forest adjacent to his village, he met a kindly bard woman named Goldy, who took the dwarf in for many years. She shared with the dwarf her love of music and her dreams of seeing the world. Goldy eventually died during an encounter with a storm giant. The dwarf, in order to honor her, took her first name (fulled to Goldisk), her instruments, and set out to see the world in her memory.
Goldisk is in so many ways the opposite of the stereotypical dwarf. He is a quiet fellow with little taste for battle. He embraces whatever art he finds and loves to partake in the culture of whatever race he's just fallen into, so long as the culture isn't dwarvish. He does hold a grudge against his own kind for his banishment. He's also dim when it comes to socialization, often being far more blunt and loose lipped than he intended to be.
Lyria came from a family of dwarven merchants, and would have likely spent her days overseeing trade routes, had it not been for her cousin. On the birthday when she would begin to assume some control of the family business, her cousin Daveth helped her sneak away from the rest of her family to visit the local festival. The streets were alive with madness and revelry; drunken friends dancing and singing in the streets, performers of all types committing daring feats and creating lights and sounds. Lyria watched it all in amazement, unaccustomed to such wonder...her family often travelled, but rarely stopped to enjoy the local entertainment. It took only several hours to convince Lyria that her life had been rather boring up until now.
Finally, she came to the town square, where the largest number of townsfolk had gathered. A group of stage performers, a band of musicians, were captivating the audience with their music. Lyria gazed at the stage, and blinked as she saw strange colors emanating from the performers....lush, vibrant color that dazzled her. The people were cheering and singing along, lifting some people above their heads to ride the crowd like an ocean wave. Much to Lyria's surprise, she was suddenly picked up by an enthusiastic audience member and hoisted across the crowd towards the stage. The experience was both shocking and exhilarating...it was considered taboo for dwarves to be lifted or tossed around, yet in the context of the performance, Lyria couldn't help but laugh.
Then, she was abruptly flung onto the stage, where she landed on her feet, staring at the performers. The music stopped, and the audience stopped cheering.
Awkwardly, Lyria turned around to face the audience. She saw what had to have been hundreds of faces peering back at her. Embarrassed, she opened her mouth to start to apologize, when suddenly, a musician behind her began playing an energetic tune. The people in the audience started cheering again, and the rest of the band joined in. As if compelled by some strange magic, Lyria began singing along to the music, the words coming to her like they had been buried in some long forgotten memory, and her voice amplified so that it rang out clearly over the cheering crowd. She didn't know how, but something about the music was giving her power, tapping into potential she didn't know she had.
When the song ended, the band thanked the audience and announced they were having a short break. Lyria was invited into a nearby tavern by the musician that had started playing for her on stage. They sat at a table and ordered drinks, the performer inspecting the lady dwarf sitting across from him.
"So...that was an unexpected performance," he said with a grin, as two mugs filled to the brim with ale were brought to them.
Lyria started to apologize for the intrusion, but the man held up a hand and urged her to drink.
"No trouble at all," he said, chugging a bit of the ale. "As a matter of fact...you seem to have a natural talent for music."
"I...don't know where that came from," Lyria admitted, tentatively drinking from her own mug. It was strong and warm. "The music, the words...they just sort of came to me."
"Interesting," the man said, stroking his beard stubble thoughtfully. "Tell me..."
He placed the mug down on the table and snapped his fingers. Lyria's eyes widened in amazement as several orbs of flickering light appeared above his hand, dancing around and changing colors.
"...how much do you know about bards?" he asked.
---
Lyria Adagio is a wandering bard and a travelling adventurer. She makes her living as a performer...having abandoned her old, stagnant life in favor of seeking fortune and experiencing the world. She joined the Inari Theatre Troupe, a group of performers that entertained both nobility and the common folk...and though they would occasionally commit "jobs" of questionable legality, they're purpose was to ultimately look after one another as a family. Lyria learned everything from dancing and acrobatics, playing musical instruments, how to weave stories and fables through spoken words, to inspire and delight those around her, and of course, the magical arts of the bard.
Her travels would sometimes take her away from her troupe, but her quest to become a legendary bard required experiencing places where her troupe could not venture...seeking the knowledge of the fey, Lyria would learn techniques of the bard thought impossible to mere mortals. In addition to buffing her allies and taunting the minds of her foes, she unlocked powers that allowed some degree of control over elemental forces, deftly bending nature to her will. Life was exciting, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous.
But at the end of the day...sometimes there was just rent to pay.
Hair: Short and Curly (light brown/greying), Shorter on the sides
Beard: Old English (light brown)
As a youth, training at a school to become a cleric, Odan discovered a proclivity for music. That same passion he once felt for his faith had shifted and he decided to pursue a different life, one that has lead to him becoming one of the most well known Bards throughout the Sword Coast. Finding much joy in the excitement of the adventurers lifestyle he has most recently taken up the personal journy/task of collecting all of the fabled Instruments of The Bard. (Two of which he has already obtained)
Whisper is a 3rd Level Bard, on the verge to get into 4th Level. He's a Michtim (see signature) and is enrolled in the College of Glamour. His magic is all fey themed, since Michtims are creatures that live in the borderlands of the feywilds. I'm the party's secondary healer, and also I'm responsible for making sure my party hits its mark perfectly well (faerie fire). As for Bardic tradition, he isn't a musician. He has expertise in Deception and Nature. He's known for writing a book on spiders and other creatures of the woods, and he's basically interested in picking up new lore.
His bardic inspiration looks like this: shouting tactical insights to party members, cheering them on, infusing them with fey magic. His song of rest looks like this: he uses dancing lights to engulf a party member, and basically "performs" in the magical sense, to improve their self-healing capabilities. His cure spells look like this: he uses leaves as material components, that dissolve and surround the target in a small storm of autumn or spring leaves, patching up their wounds and boosting their resolve.
Well, the bard I want to play is a brass dragon wyrmling to playtest my homebrew College of Song (inspired and named for the Song Dragon).
She's a 4 years old wyrmling who escaped her parents lair bc she was curious about the world, uses her voice as her main instrument (together with a drum bc THAT her dragon claws can actually play), learns to take the shape of 12 year old child and never shuts up about anything, ever.
I love dragons, but I do not want to be more powerful than the rest of the group, so a wyrmling seemed the way to go to combine playing a dragon with their whimsical personality with a power level that isn't ridiculously high (plus the dragon homebrew I'm working on needs playtesting anyway).
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Zanfyr Eltorin
Half elf <Historian> (i actually insist of stating that icly or fix my DM when he refers to my character as a bard)
Level 5 College of lore, member of The Harpers
Zanfyr never had some dramatic background to him, most of his life was very oridinary. he was born in the southwest of Faerûn and moved to North areas with his parents to a rural town called Velheim that resides comfortably to a major city and on a main road, which made the town have a lot of travelers pass by. Seeing many adventurers come and go and hear their story sparked an interest in how wide and diverse the world is to Zanfyr. He particularly got interested in the stories about the Feys and the Feywild. the more time passed Zanfyr got began researching their lore and culture more, he studied the Sylvan language as time went by he and a childhood friend worked on writing a book together containing their various researches while almost finishing the work his a friend on publishing a historical book where his own research about Fey cultural lore would appear as a minor article between his friends larger articles, he couldn't help but feel like he is being deceived. When asked to send to the publisher the book he had the chance to remove his friend name from the book entirely and place his own, he was caught by their publisher who in exchange for his silence offered Zanfyr to join as an agent of The Harpers and give his service in Lore to gather information in the form of documentation.
Zanfyr quickly agreed, despite it being on terms he saw the opportunity to have his works sponsored and a chance to witness all the tales he heard while growing up for his own eyes and then he will be the one who will pass on the stories.
my faerie fire has FABULOUS shades that will match your shoes and eyes~
Melessine DeArvanhy fled her family's ***** caravan as a young teen and made her way in the world playing her dumbak and zills as well as dancing and telling stories.
She traveled alone for a few years, then met up with a young warlock. Together they traveled the roads. She kept them safe with her daggers and the fear that dissonant whispers put in the hearts of the bandits on the road or the amorous strangers.
Eventually they met up with the crew of the Sorceress, joining forces to become a group to recon with. Melessine's skills as a valor bard have come in very handy in tight spots. Particularly since gaining her shadow ashiko drum.
Brand new bard waiting for our next session to crack open. This will be my first D&D game ever, so suggestions for altering backstory are welcome:
Born and raised in the town of Secomber, a farming village ENE of Daggerford. The Brimley's were a humble family of farmers, but Wilfred developed a love of song and story at an early age after seeing a traveling storyteller share a story called "The Lord of the Fellowship Rings." He was enthralled by the sage human, and decided to take on the trade rather than become a farmer. Unfortunately for Wilfred, he's an idiot and poor storyteller and even worse singer. His family were consistently embarrassed for their son, but his charm and demeanor made it difficult to dash his dreams. One day, while attempting to "wow" some travelers at the local tavern, The Green Apple, the town was attacked by a berserked orc. The orc crashed through the door and started attacking folks at will. Brave Wilfred stepped up to attack the orc, and due to his incredible luck, as the orc attempted to punt poor Wilfred he tripped over a bar stool and impaled himself on Wilfred's longsword. After this "brave feat," Wilfred was touted as a local hero amongst his fellow halflings. After a while, the halfing was made to believe his destiny was out in the world to become a great hero. He soon began his journey as a travelling bard, but due to his incredible lack of skill never stays in one place for long.
If Wilfred encounters an Orc, he becomes very brash and assumes he could easily best any Orc in battle. He won't willing instigate a fight, but he will exhibit foolish bravery whenever interacting with Orcs. His trust in the strength and capabilities of orcs is diminished and will never believe an orc able to accomplish anything.
My bard is a dashing a flirtatious Tiefling named Art. Art has a crush on our Aasimling paladin named Lylah yet has a Orc fetish. He's a Valor Bard at level 3 and loves to use Phantasmal Force to induce chaos and confusion in his enemies. He's chaotic neutral yet strays into chaotic good a lot. All he wants is to play his shawm to an adoring audience and get laid and money.
Name: Solomon Song (Cassius ab'Vex, Duke Estron Blackbriar)
Race: Changeling (Wizards Eberron UA: https://media.wizards.com/2015/downloads/dnd/UA_Eberron_v1.pdf)
Class: Bard 10
Archetype: College of Lore
Background: Charlatan
Notable Equipment: Wears a Hat of Disguise [somewhat redundant w/ changeling but it's a schtick] and travels around in a blue ***** wagon.
Con man, street thief, violinist extraordinaire
I have a bard I play anytime a campaign calls for an evil party member. He is based off of the villain in the book It from Stephen King (and yes I am very excited for the new movie). Because he has been used in multiple campaigns, instead of giving the stats he has in the three campaigns he has been in, I will give a general description.
NickelSmart, the Prancing Jester, is a chaotic evil Tiefling Bard who is a master of disguise. Nickelsmart dresses as a clown, and uses a clown wig to cover his Tiefling horns, along with other items in his disguise kit. He is very adept in rope handling, a master escape artist, and can be very persuasive. Nickelsmart prefers to win his fights using trickery instead of brute force, so he has fairly low strength and combat skills, not anemic, but a point or two below average usually. Spells he prefers to use include Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Minor Illusion, Disguise Self, Charm Person, Sleep, Tashas Hideous Laughter, Hold Person, Enthrall, Invisibility, and Confusion.
Per DM ruling, Nickelsmart only gets quarter benefit from normal rations. However, if he slays and consumes a child, he gains the ability to not need to consume rations for a month. In the event of combat, he either prefers ranged weaponry or attempts to flank the target, getting in close before the target knows he is there. Unfortunately, Nickelsmart often risks his own goals as well as the parties with his habit of doing whatever he wishes to entertain himself, or, if he has gone a while without feeding, to attempt to feed upon a child no matter the consequence.
I use summon instrument to summon my kettle drum, hold it overhead like Donkey Kong, and chuck it at the nearest kobold.
So to start things out my stats rolled heavily influenced the character my bard became. He is Dragonborn lvl7 Bard who fancies himself to be a True Hero (Folk Hero background). But in reality he has the absolute worst wisdom (4) and subpar intelligence (7) the physical stats and charisma are all pretty good. So I have a foolish and stupid Gold Dragonbard which means he has access to fire breath. Let us just leave that at 'fire burns' for now.
Performing member in the Troupe of Troublesome Troubadours, a short lived and mostly unsuccessful attempt at making a boy band. When fame failed T3 they split ways when some turned to a life of crime to pay off debts racked up at bars and taverns. Founding member of The Better Bard Bureau, protecting you from terrible bardsmanship. The Hero of Jaynestown.
His real name is Gharsht Random Varanus though he longer goes by that name. Many years ago in Jaynestown there was a terribly unjust mayor who continually claimed that more was needed to pay for the lords taxes and always more tribute was collected year over year until a hero arose. Gharsht had decided enough was enough and he would get to the bottom of where all the extras taxes were going. What he discovered was the mayor embezzling from the town and storing it in his manor. Gharsht confronted him and during the struggle set the manor ablaze with the mayor inside it. The village was awestruck with Gharsht's story until he reached the part about the mayor having been hoarding all of the treasures and goods from taxes had all been destroyed. They would have to come up with even more to send to the lord now. Sensing a change in attitude Random strode out of that backwoods town a Hero of the People and a Righter of Wrongs. His childhood sweetheart telling him "Don't come back until you become a True Hero" although she did not seem enthusiastic about it when he departed, more like irritated.
He later acquired a magic javelin, in a dungeon a goblin hurled a poorly aimed javelin at our hero and when he caught the weapon and then returned fire with it its true nature became known as it was MAGIC and slayed the enemy. He then discovered that his magic javelin had a name 'Phillip' etched onto the shaft. when he inquired as to the properties he was told that it was just a finely crafted magic javelin but later became convinced that if you talk to a weapon long enough it becomes sentient. He is still working on that.
Because he is the hero he has picked up some very hero-like abilities with the acquisition of mostly cleric and paladin spells to augment his collection by taking Magic Initiate for Cleric. He may have also recently badly burned himself (even through the resistance) by attempting to explore an enemy stronghold while stealing most of their unfinished liquor. Who knew broken bottles of something alcoholic could occasionally combust when you are in a kitchen.
"Where words fail, swords prevail. Where blood is spilled, my cup is filled" -Cartaphilus
"I have found the answer to the meaning of life. You ask me what the answer is? You already know what the answer to life is. You fear it more than the strike of a viper, the ravages of disease, the ire of a lover. The answer is always death. But death is a gentle mistress with a sweet embrace, and you owe her a debt of restitution. Life is not a gift, it is a loan."
'Czar' Sahar Habiib
Human, 3 Bard/2 Wiz
Sahar is an Arabian Nights/Silk Road inspired trader. Hes a Lore bard and an Enchanting school wizard. His entire kit are charms, illusions, enchantments, etc. The ONLY damaging spell in his kit is viscous mockery. Sahar is actually an older character of 48 and is short 5'4" and portly.... Think... the sultan from Aladdin , except his hair and beard are still dark brown and not quite so fat. The DM also let me home brew a little, we dropped the instrument proficiencies and let me take a couple extra languages, with the linguist trait I have a total of 8 spoken languages. The trade off is I don't get a bard focus and must cast my bard spells with their components. The upside is he's allowed me to do some funky stuff like delivering a bardic inspiration through a minor illusion sound of my voice.
He is a trader who left his home land, and some bad history behind. He now seeks to unify the land and put an end the constant wars that claimed the lives of his family.
Sahar has single-handedly avoided combat encounters and thrown the DM for serious loops because my emphasis on Sahar is so RP heavy and so combat light (we have a 5 person party and CC is OP as **** in combat anyway)
By far my most loved and invested character
Name Claus Berrick
Human LvL1 Fighter Lvl 4 Bard Glamour (uA)
Noble
Claus started off as the (NPC) one giving the (now deceased) group of guild adventurers the mission to collect thr blades from the Forges of Fury.
After that (going from DM to player) he and a fellow companion (also now deceased) met up with a couple of monks to discuss matters, where, after a bit enticement, they were lured into the House of Horrors. The younger of the women (monk) and clause where caught and sold to the underdark. Here, in jail, Claus would no longer rely on his physical form or his wealth. Instead he would sing and incurage others there. So much that in jail, a new party formed with the young monk girl, and they were able to escape and now are lost in the underdark.
Through hardships Claus remebered back to the days as a noble child and how performers enthralled politicians as well as used their performance to influence others. While stll able to wield multiple weapons at the same time, he’d rather prtotect and encourage, than attack.
He now stands as a beacon of hope, that the group may finally survive.
Seamus William Kane III here. I left my ‘family business’ over some...disagreements I had with my grandad about blackmailing techniques. I have two lutes, my morning lute Clarissa and my evening Lute, Sandy.
Although you shouldn’t rely on me in combat (I have a bit of a fear of dying), that doesn’t mean I’m useless in a scrap. They say I’m the best shot around with throwing knives, and they’re right.
I drift from place to place, picking up women, picking up stories, picking fights, and picking pockets. I come where I please and I go where I please and yes, both of those were double entendres.
I know what you're thinking: "In that flurry of blows, did he use all his ki points, or save one?" Well, are ya feeling lucky, punk?
Haven't had the chance to play, but I've put together two bards, both for different campaigns.
This first is a re-imagining of a character from a long 4e campaign. He ended up captain of a airship (why no, he absolutely did not steal it from his native nation's military, what an absurd suggestion--he just doesn't like mountains and cold, that's why he avoids his northern home state. Honest). In 4e he was a sorcerer/warlord, but in 5e a Bard (Lore)/Rogue (Mastermind) seems to fit most closely to his character concept. He was all about knowing various languages and using subtle quips before blasting enemies to smithereens--or inspiring his crew to do so. He may or may not have sold a warforged party member into slavery, but since the creature turned on them and he had to melt it for slag, it's a moot point. He also tamed a pseudodragon on a random adventure, though as far as it's concerned, it trained a very nice treasure-gatherer for its nest. His crew thinks they're out to set up a new trade empire from looting ancient ruins. In truth, he's already obtained seven cards into rebuilding the Deck of Many Things and seeks the rest.
The second character was for a Noir-esque game (that never got past character creation, sadly) that I'd really like to use in any game. This was a Tiefling Bard whose parents ran speakeasies (illicit taverns) and, as tieflings, conned people with their "fortune telling" proclivities. It's no wonder she grew up to become a graduate of the College of Whispers. She ignores the easy cons for the more subtle ones: gossip. She has ears and contacts through the local underworld and the servants of the wealthy. The ruffians come to her to know where certain illicit goods and contacts are. The "legitimate clients" aka the rich come to her for the more...unsavory aspects of society they'd like to discover. And so her power over both always grows....until, that is, she's implicated in a noble's scandalous death! With bridges burning she turns to an interesting cast of characters for support and to clear her name--if only so she can rebuild it in a new town without fear of arrest or shunning.
NAME: Lucky Charms
RACE: Ghostwise Halfling
AGE: 37
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Good
CLASS: Lore Bard 9 / Life Cleric 1
BACKGROUND: Criminal/Spy
Born Arvon Sanorin, it was his criminal background, and his ability to fool others into believing the things he says, that has helped him to get by in life. Unlike most halflings, Arvon grew tired of following his clan and never branching out of the wilderness. His distrust of all people who are not his tribe made him a callous person, often times leaning on the art of the con to keep others from knowing who he is. Yet, it was his ability to charm others which allowed him to gain access to anyone and anything. In doing so, he earned the alias Lucky Charms in the criminal underworld...a nickname which he despises. Lucky is often not to be trusted, rarely are the things he says true and anyone that should work with him should consider getting second opinions before going forth with his suggestions. However, like most halflings, when he does work with others, he will not leave them to death. If another person in his party is hurt, he will assist them, if a person is in true danger, he will do what he can to save them.
Played him in a one shot last night. During the final boss fight I used Dominate Person, had her help kill off the other baddies with us...then attempted to turn her into a bunny. She was killed with Vicious Mockery, with Lucky saying her hair was awful.
Seems Valor gets no love.
Silvergray is a half elf lore bard currently hanging at level 10. Sort of modelled on 2e Meistersinger kit.
He was brought up in the forest by a human family who found him wandering around the forest at what could have been age 10 or 11. They called him Silvergray for his shock of thick silver hair. No one knows how he got there, but the animals and denizens of the forest had been doing a good job looking after him until the humans took him in on their hamlet. The father was a former minstrel, and taught him how to play a variety of instruments in between his chores-his favourite is the viola, but he is equally proficient with the lute, flute, and pipes. He can carry a tune, but his voice is nothing really special-he shines in the instrumental arts. He likes nothing more than a campsite fire to play a quiet tune to, whilst smoking on his pipe- tabacoo, or other....exotic mixes. He can play a tune to satisfy a tavern audience, but he's not the type to seek out fame, fortune or glory on the stage. He just wants to travel, some kind of wonderlust he cant pin down.
He appears to be touched with some affinity for animals, likely from his early years in the wild. He doesnt feel particularly protective towards them either way, but they seem to like him well enough. He feels at home in nature, and has discovered he is adept at using spells to charm and befriend creatures. He has a fey ferret familiar named Squeak, who will often voice out loud his internal thoughts- at least by way of the open conversations he has with him. Squeak is the ying to Silvergrays yang- extroverted and less cautious. He is also trying to learn how to pack and smoke a pipe, but its hard without opposable thumbs. Silvergray also has a fey warhorse steed called Bubble. He prfers to walk places, but will call on Bubble should the need arise. Bubble and Squeak just appeared of their own volition, and Silvergray has become attached to them, as they are to him.
He also has a twin, Xagyg "Zach" Yrag, who is also a bard. They have never met, although the party he travels with has, and at first thought him to be Zach when they encountered him. Zach was raised by elves, who also found him wandering around the forest, but he lacks the natural affinity for animals. They named him with what they jokingly thought was the most human sounding name they could think of. One day the two might meet. But that is a story for another time, perhaps.
This is my first D&D character, so sorry if it's really amaeturish.
My bard is Goldisk Hillsbane, a hill dwarf who was banned from his village by its elders after he shaved off his beard. It was summer, it was hot, his beard was really scratchy, and he never took to that living in discomfort and being proud of it lifestyle most other dwarves love. On top of being banned, his elders took away his dwarven birth name, Darrack Krumheart. So, now walking the forest adjacent to his village, he met a kindly bard woman named Goldy, who took the dwarf in for many years. She shared with the dwarf her love of music and her dreams of seeing the world. Goldy eventually died during an encounter with a storm giant. The dwarf, in order to honor her, took her first name (fulled to Goldisk), her instruments, and set out to see the world in her memory.
Goldisk is in so many ways the opposite of the stereotypical dwarf. He is a quiet fellow with little taste for battle. He embraces whatever art he finds and loves to partake in the culture of whatever race he's just fallen into, so long as the culture isn't dwarvish. He does hold a grudge against his own kind for his banishment. He's also dim when it comes to socialization, often being far more blunt and loose lipped than he intended to be.
NAME: Lyria Adagio
RACE: Hill Dwarf
BARD COLLEGE: College of Glamour
Lyria came from a family of dwarven merchants, and would have likely spent her days overseeing trade routes, had it not been for her cousin. On the birthday when she would begin to assume some control of the family business, her cousin Daveth helped her sneak away from the rest of her family to visit the local festival. The streets were alive with madness and revelry; drunken friends dancing and singing in the streets, performers of all types committing daring feats and creating lights and sounds. Lyria watched it all in amazement, unaccustomed to such wonder...her family often travelled, but rarely stopped to enjoy the local entertainment. It took only several hours to convince Lyria that her life had been rather boring up until now.
Finally, she came to the town square, where the largest number of townsfolk had gathered. A group of stage performers, a band of musicians, were captivating the audience with their music. Lyria gazed at the stage, and blinked as she saw strange colors emanating from the performers....lush, vibrant color that dazzled her. The people were cheering and singing along, lifting some people above their heads to ride the crowd like an ocean wave. Much to Lyria's surprise, she was suddenly picked up by an enthusiastic audience member and hoisted across the crowd towards the stage. The experience was both shocking and exhilarating...it was considered taboo for dwarves to be lifted or tossed around, yet in the context of the performance, Lyria couldn't help but laugh.
Then, she was abruptly flung onto the stage, where she landed on her feet, staring at the performers. The music stopped, and the audience stopped cheering.
Awkwardly, Lyria turned around to face the audience. She saw what had to have been hundreds of faces peering back at her. Embarrassed, she opened her mouth to start to apologize, when suddenly, a musician behind her began playing an energetic tune. The people in the audience started cheering again, and the rest of the band joined in. As if compelled by some strange magic, Lyria began singing along to the music, the words coming to her like they had been buried in some long forgotten memory, and her voice amplified so that it rang out clearly over the cheering crowd. She didn't know how, but something about the music was giving her power, tapping into potential she didn't know she had.
When the song ended, the band thanked the audience and announced they were having a short break. Lyria was invited into a nearby tavern by the musician that had started playing for her on stage. They sat at a table and ordered drinks, the performer inspecting the lady dwarf sitting across from him.
"So...that was an unexpected performance," he said with a grin, as two mugs filled to the brim with ale were brought to them.
Lyria started to apologize for the intrusion, but the man held up a hand and urged her to drink.
"No trouble at all," he said, chugging a bit of the ale. "As a matter of fact...you seem to have a natural talent for music."
"I...don't know where that came from," Lyria admitted, tentatively drinking from her own mug. It was strong and warm. "The music, the words...they just sort of came to me."
"Interesting," the man said, stroking his beard stubble thoughtfully. "Tell me..."
He placed the mug down on the table and snapped his fingers. Lyria's eyes widened in amazement as several orbs of flickering light appeared above his hand, dancing around and changing colors.
"...how much do you know about bards?" he asked.
---
Lyria Adagio is a wandering bard and a travelling adventurer. She makes her living as a performer...having abandoned her old, stagnant life in favor of seeking fortune and experiencing the world. She joined the Inari Theatre Troupe, a group of performers that entertained both nobility and the common folk...and though they would occasionally commit "jobs" of questionable legality, they're purpose was to ultimately look after one another as a family. Lyria learned everything from dancing and acrobatics, playing musical instruments, how to weave stories and fables through spoken words, to inspire and delight those around her, and of course, the magical arts of the bard.
Her travels would sometimes take her away from her troupe, but her quest to become a legendary bard required experiencing places where her troupe could not venture...seeking the knowledge of the fey, Lyria would learn techniques of the bard thought impossible to mere mortals. In addition to buffing her allies and taunting the minds of her foes, she unlocked powers that allowed some degree of control over elemental forces, deftly bending nature to her will. Life was exciting, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous.
But at the end of the day...sometimes there was just rent to pay.
Name: Odan Summers
Race: Human (variant)
Level/s: Cleric 1(life), Bard 5(lore)
Age: 36
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 270lbs
Eyes: Green
Skin: Lt. Tan (red faced)
Hair: Short and Curly (light brown/greying), Shorter on the sides
Beard: Old English (light brown)
As a youth, training at a school to become a cleric, Odan discovered a proclivity for music. That same passion he once felt for his faith had shifted and he decided to pursue a different life, one that has lead to him becoming one of the most well known Bards throughout the Sword Coast. Finding much joy in the excitement of the adventurers lifestyle he has most recently taken up the personal journy/task of collecting all of the fabled Instruments of The Bard. (Two of which he has already obtained)
Currently he is in Bryn Shanders helping with the recovery efforts from a recent Frost Giant attack (playing Storm Kings)
Whisper is a 3rd Level Bard, on the verge to get into 4th Level. He's a Michtim (see signature) and is enrolled in the College of Glamour. His magic is all fey themed, since Michtims are creatures that live in the borderlands of the feywilds. I'm the party's secondary healer, and also I'm responsible for making sure my party hits its mark perfectly well (faerie fire). As for Bardic tradition, he isn't a musician. He has expertise in Deception and Nature. He's known for writing a book on spiders and other creatures of the woods, and he's basically interested in picking up new lore.
His bardic inspiration looks like this: shouting tactical insights to party members, cheering them on, infusing them with fey magic.
His song of rest looks like this: he uses dancing lights to engulf a party member, and basically "performs" in the magical sense, to improve their self-healing capabilities.
His cure spells look like this: he uses leaves as material components, that dissolve and surround the target in a small storm of autumn or spring leaves, patching up their wounds and boosting their resolve.
Zev Georg Mir, creator of Michtim: Fluffy Adventures
Game Designer, Storyteller, UX Gamedev, Homebrewer, Michtim
Get Michtim For D&D
The Tavern (casual RP socializing) game: DM, feel free to join, but read rules in first post and post questions if you have any!
Tym Eisenfuchs: ambiguous Michtim Warlock
Click links to find out more!
Well, the bard I want to play is a brass dragon wyrmling to playtest my homebrew College of Song (inspired and named for the Song Dragon).
She's a 4 years old wyrmling who escaped her parents lair bc she was curious about the world, uses her voice as her main instrument (together with a drum bc THAT her dragon claws can actually play), learns to take the shape of 12 year old child and never shuts up about anything, ever.
I love dragons, but I do not want to be more powerful than the rest of the group, so a wyrmling seemed the way to go to combine playing a dragon with their whimsical personality with a power level that isn't ridiculously high (plus the dragon homebrew I'm working on needs playtesting anyway).