Based on the non-D&D bardic lore I'm familiar with, this makes sense, but I'm going to need help with it.
A bard of the College of Improv can produce a wide variety of magical effects--if the player knows the right song. Some examples:
At low levels, you can dispel darkness(Awakening), render yourself immune to fear (How Can I Keep From Singing), or confer on yourself the effects of a ring of warmth(Let It Snow). At high levels, you can summon a howling blizzard (Baby, It's Cold Outside), cover vast areas in flames that consume body and soul alike (I See Fire), open a one-way portal to the Feywild (Tír na nÓg), confer on yourself the effects of a rod of security(I Wish My Love Was a Red Red Rose), or even animate the ocean itself to cover your retreat (Mo Ghile Mear).
I need help with the details. I need a lot of help with the details.
Help me, D&D Beyond. You're my only hope.
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"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
I'd probably go less singy and more prop comic if building a College of Improv. Lots of spells where I summon random things and maybe liberal use of the WIld Magic table for the lulz.
I like the idea and greatly appreciate the tune inspiration.
Actual Improv would be a difficult build, because everything is fluid and situational when everything has to be made up on the spot.
on the other hand, basing a college on traditional vaudevillian schtick might just require a bit of reek inning things that already exist.
Beware the Halfling Ventriloquist. Maybe his little dummy is a reskinned Warlock PotC upgraded familiar. Maybe the familiar can appear with a little drum set for appropriately timed rim shots and witty repartee...think Zorak from Spaceghost Coast to Coast. How about a little Late Night styled show where you call up the party members and interview them like Colbert or Letterman (this might be fun RP). Or maybe that dummy is like an arcane focus with an offensive ranged cantrip and all your other spells emanating from his mouth.
Maybe that Misty Step spell appears as a giant cane pulling you off stage or out of combat.
why wouldn't Magic Missiles come shaped as pies?
Hold Person could appear as an amusing double take.
Knock will always sound like "Shave and a hair-cut,...two bits"
The npc you use Charm on is going to be pissed at you anyway, why not reskin Charm as Heckle and tear him a new one in a seedy tavern in front of his date and all his buddies.
I already use Presidigination (sp?) to darken the house lights and give my bard a traveling spotlight during performances.
Okay. Bards get subclass features at 3rd, 6th, and 14th levels. And they aren't really all that strong. Not giving me a lot to work with, here, are you, WotC? Okay, fine. I don't need a lot to work with.
3rd level. Okay, I want the improv-a-spell-from-a-song thing to be the core of this subclass, so I should probably put it here (and maybe improve it at 14th level). Making it cost a bard spell slot seems like a good way to balance it and a decent way to help DMs figure out what kind of power level to shoot for. Copy/paste a spell level/magic item rarity table, add fluff, and presto!
Maybe put Wild Magic Surge at 3rd level, too. "You embrace a more . . . unpredictable form of magic . . ." (You know something's . . . interesting when it has two ominous pauses in one sentence).
6th level. Improv is about reacting, so this should probably be something you can do as a reaction. Improv is also about teamwork ("making your partner look good," as my current teacher says), so how about something that helps your allies? This is also probably a good opportunity to give you something else to spend those Bardic Inspiration dice on. "You can take the Help action as a reaction to aid an ally you can see within 15 feet of yourself on an ability check or saving throw. When you do, you can spend one use of Bardic Inspiration to give your ally a bonus," and so forth and so on.
14th level. It's randomness time! I could make you ask a person outside the game to name an object, but that would just be too much hassle. I'm leaning towards some sort of absurd table--or set of tables--that you can force a roll on at little, if any, cost.
So. Does it look balanced? Does it look entertaining?Do you have any suggestions? Last but not least--though I'm not sure what would be least--did I make you laugh?
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"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
3rd level - Bag of Tricks - Perhaps you have a pool of spells that are known (probably from other classes) BUT the caveat is that each day you roll to see which ones are available to you. They would be like all of your individual tricks you know, but you might need to rehearse them a little bit to use them in a routine. This would create something that you would have to improvise day to day how to deal with situations when you have the wrong spell you were ready for that day. I don't know which would be better, you getting pick the mix that goes into the random pile, or just make a set secondary spell list of this is what is available from each level of spells. Another idea to go along with this is make it almost like cleric domain spells that randomly rotate when you sleep.
6th - Distracting Performance - As a reaction to an ally taking damage choose a number of creatures equal to half your bard level that can understand languages. They must succeed a Wisdom or Intelligence save vs your spellcasting save DC or be stunned for one round.
14th - Comedic Inspiration - Using the list of spells already in your "Bag of Tricks" roll on X Chart to determine which one is cast. Not sure if it should always have the full list, or maybe just the ones you happened to have readied in the 'bag of tricks' that day. Probably the latter, as to cost for it, maybe an inspiration die with a chance for it not to be consumed?
The Bag of Tricks ideas. Each day you randomly choose a caster class and have access to two spells from that class per spell level you know. Example being I roll a d8 after a long rest, it is a 8 which is Wizard. For level one spells you get magic missile and mage armor, level 2 Blur and Cloud of Daggers and for level 3 Fireball and... something else. I think you would want the bonus spells to be static options not that you get to choose any two spells from their list or way too good.
Second version would be you randomly determine each spell level separately for the class you get your bonus spells from Level 1 Paladin, level 2, Warlock, level 3 warlock. Would probably have to do something like you only get access to your max spell level -1 for bonus spells.
I did not think of this earlier but the cleric domains only get bonus spells for the first 5 spell levels so cap it at the same point. Yes I realize at this point things have gotten messy.
"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."
A friend had some other interesting ideas, in no particular order.
On any performance check that rolls 9 or less treat it as a 10 to show flexibility in
A trait that allows vicious mockery to be cast at multiple targets, maybe at the cost of an inspiration, or just always be able to cast at two targets similar to some cleric domains i think death has that. Not sure on the details. Another idea was something to make vicious mockery more potent such as lingering for a whole turn of disadvantaged attacks perhaps concentration so it can be interrupted and limits when it can be used. These are all based on the idea that you are good at improv insults off the cuff remarks and the like.
Spell mimicry - Borrow spells that other party members have available, you've watched them enough you can probably improv your way throw it. This would be something to give you temporary spells known that you can change after a rest. Perhaps a failure chance ala wild magic surge, that either reduces effectiveness on a fail or just causes it to fizzle. The idea of either having disadvantage on these uses, or it costs a higher spell slot than normal to limit it somewhat was also floated.
Should have followed Rattigans (The world's greatest rat) link before responding, the focus on vicious mockery is fun and entertaining.
"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."
In certain comedy circles, there is what is known as the 'Rule of Three." This often refers to the amount of callbacks which can increase the humor of a situation/line before the effect diminishes, but also represents the three beats of a joke. It may also be the basis for the basic 1/2 hour sitcom structure which features 3 segments divided with two commercial breaks.
how about adding or subbing access to a free Mirror Image spell recoverable after a long or short rest to represent the rule of 3. Maybe modify/nerf it to add 2 images so the total representations = 3.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of the player singing mechanic. It's immersion-breaking, hard to adjudicate, and favors certain kinds of players over others. There aren't any abilities in the game that rely on player knowledge.
I think it'd be better to abandon that idea and just focus on abilities that increase your versatility. Something like...
3rd level: Read The Room. You can grant assistance to your allies at a moment's notice. Whenever a creature within 60 feet of you that you can see fails an attack roll, ability check or saving throw, you can grant them a Bardic Inspiration die to use on that roll as a reaction, possibly turning the failure into a success. The creature must be able to hear you to gain this benefit.
Bonus Proficiency: You gain proficiency with the disguise kit and learn one language of your choice.
6th level: Improvised Spellcasting (1 use). Your improvisational skills allow you to cast spells you haven't mastered in a pinch. At the end of a long rest, choose a number of Bard spells you don't know equal to your intelligence modifier (minimum of 1). You can cast one of these spells as if it were part of your Spells Known. You regain your use of this ability after finishing a long rest. You gain an additional use of this feature at 14th level.
Skilled Impersonator: After listening to a humanoid speak for at least 5 minutes, you can flawlessly imitate their speech patterns and mannerisms.
14th level: Use Magic Device. Straight-up lifted from the Thief Rogue, but I feel it fits well.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of the player singing mechanic. It's immersion-breaking, hard to adjudicate, and favors certain kinds of players over others. There aren't any abilities in the game that rely on player knowledge.
Yeah, I knew it would be tricky, but I've been wanting to do something like it for years. My best excuse is that someone who can't use the player singing mechanic won't pick the (sub)class.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Based on the non-D&D bardic lore I'm familiar with, this makes sense, but I'm going to need help with it.
A bard of the College of Improv can produce a wide variety of magical effects--if the player knows the right song. Some examples:
At low levels, you can dispel darkness (Awakening), render yourself immune to fear (How Can I Keep From Singing), or confer on yourself the effects of a ring of warmth (Let It Snow). At high levels, you can summon a howling blizzard (Baby, It's Cold Outside), cover vast areas in flames that consume body and soul alike (I See Fire), open a one-way portal to the Feywild (Tír na nÓg), confer on yourself the effects of a rod of security (I Wish My Love Was a Red Red Rose), or even animate the ocean itself to cover your retreat (Mo Ghile Mear).
I need help with the details. I need a lot of help with the details.
Help me, D&D Beyond. You're my only hope.
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
I'd probably go less singy and more prop comic if building a College of Improv.
Lots of spells where I summon random things and maybe liberal use of the WIld Magic table for the lulz.
I like the idea and greatly appreciate the tune inspiration.
I was thinking something related to comedic improv for the 2nd or 3rd subclass feature.
Maybe you gain the ability to summon a randomly determined CR 1d4 creature with a randomly determined alignment?
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
Try this:
http://mfov.magehandpress.com/2017/02/college-of-rhyme.html
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
Actual Improv would be a difficult build, because everything is fluid and situational when everything has to be made up on the spot.
on the other hand, basing a college on traditional vaudevillian schtick might just require a bit of reek inning things that already exist.
Beware the Halfling Ventriloquist. Maybe his little dummy is a reskinned Warlock PotC upgraded familiar. Maybe the familiar can appear with a little drum set for appropriately timed rim shots and witty repartee...think Zorak from Spaceghost Coast to Coast. How about a little Late Night styled show where you call up the party members and interview them like Colbert or Letterman (this might be fun RP). Or maybe that dummy is like an arcane focus with an offensive ranged cantrip and all your other spells emanating from his mouth.
Maybe that Misty Step spell appears as a giant cane pulling you off stage or out of combat.
why wouldn't Magic Missiles come shaped as pies?
Hold Person could appear as an amusing double take.
Knock will always sound like "Shave and a hair-cut,...two bits"
The npc you use Charm on is going to be pissed at you anyway, why not reskin Charm as Heckle and tear him a new one in a seedy tavern in front of his date and all his buddies.
I already use Presidigination (sp?) to darken the house lights and give my bard a traveling spotlight during performances.
Okay. Bards get subclass features at 3rd, 6th, and 14th levels. And they aren't really all that strong. Not giving me a lot to work with, here, are you, WotC? Okay, fine. I don't need a lot to work with.
"You can take the Help action as a reaction to aid an ally you can see within 15 feet of yourself on an ability check or saving throw. When you do, you can spend one use of Bardic Inspiration to give your ally a bonus," and so forth and so on.
So. Does it look balanced? Does it look entertaining? Do you have any suggestions? Last but not least--though I'm not sure what would be least--did I make you laugh?
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
3rd level - Bag of Tricks - Perhaps you have a pool of spells that are known (probably from other classes) BUT the caveat is that each day you roll to see which ones are available to you. They would be like all of your individual tricks you know, but you might need to rehearse them a little bit to use them in a routine. This would create something that you would have to improvise day to day how to deal with situations when you have the wrong spell you were ready for that day. I don't know which would be better, you getting pick the mix that goes into the random pile, or just make a set secondary spell list of this is what is available from each level of spells. Another idea to go along with this is make it almost like cleric domain spells that randomly rotate when you sleep.
6th - Distracting Performance - As a reaction to an ally taking damage choose a number of creatures equal to half your bard level that can understand languages. They must succeed a Wisdom or Intelligence save vs your spellcasting save DC or be stunned for one round.
14th - Comedic Inspiration - Using the list of spells already in your "Bag of Tricks" roll on X Chart to determine which one is cast. Not sure if it should always have the full list, or maybe just the ones you happened to have readied in the 'bag of tricks' that day. Probably the latter, as to cost for it, maybe an inspiration die with a chance for it not to be consumed?
The Bag of Tricks ideas. Each day you randomly choose a caster class and have access to two spells from that class per spell level you know. Example being I roll a d8 after a long rest, it is a 8 which is Wizard. For level one spells you get magic missile and mage armor, level 2 Blur and Cloud of Daggers and for level 3 Fireball and... something else. I think you would want the bonus spells to be static options not that you get to choose any two spells from their list or way too good.
Second version would be you randomly determine each spell level separately for the class you get your bonus spells from Level 1 Paladin, level 2, Warlock, level 3 warlock. Would probably have to do something like you only get access to your max spell level -1 for bonus spells.
I did not think of this earlier but the cleric domains only get bonus spells for the first 5 spell levels so cap it at the same point. Yes I realize at this point things have gotten messy.
"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."
A friend had some other interesting ideas, in no particular order.
On any performance check that rolls 9 or less treat it as a 10 to show flexibility in
A trait that allows vicious mockery to be cast at multiple targets, maybe at the cost of an inspiration, or just always be able to cast at two targets similar to some cleric domains i think death has that. Not sure on the details. Another idea was something to make vicious mockery more potent such as lingering for a whole turn of disadvantaged attacks perhaps concentration so it can be interrupted and limits when it can be used. These are all based on the idea that you are good at improv insults off the cuff remarks and the like.
Spell mimicry - Borrow spells that other party members have available, you've watched them enough you can probably improv your way throw it. This would be something to give you temporary spells known that you can change after a rest. Perhaps a failure chance ala wild magic surge, that either reduces effectiveness on a fail or just causes it to fizzle. The idea of either having disadvantage on these uses, or it costs a higher spell slot than normal to limit it somewhat was also floated.
Should have followed Rattigans (The world's greatest rat) link before responding, the focus on vicious mockery is fun and entertaining.
"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."
Too many good ideas!
I may have to make a whole class to fit all of them.
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
In certain comedy circles, there is what is known as the 'Rule of Three." This often refers to the amount of callbacks which can increase the humor of a situation/line before the effect diminishes, but also represents the three beats of a joke. It may also be the basis for the basic 1/2 hour sitcom structure which features 3 segments divided with two commercial breaks.
how about adding or subbing access to a free Mirror Image spell recoverable after a long or short rest to represent the rule of 3. Maybe modify/nerf it to add 2 images so the total representations = 3.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of the player singing mechanic. It's immersion-breaking, hard to adjudicate, and favors certain kinds of players over others. There aren't any abilities in the game that rely on player knowledge.
I think it'd be better to abandon that idea and just focus on abilities that increase your versatility. Something like...
3rd level: Read The Room. You can grant assistance to your allies at a moment's notice. Whenever a creature within 60 feet of you that you can see fails an attack roll, ability check or saving throw, you can grant them a Bardic Inspiration die to use on that roll as a reaction, possibly turning the failure into a success. The creature must be able to hear you to gain this benefit.
Bonus Proficiency: You gain proficiency with the disguise kit and learn one language of your choice.
6th level: Improvised Spellcasting (1 use). Your improvisational skills allow you to cast spells you haven't mastered in a pinch. At the end of a long rest, choose a number of Bard spells you don't know equal to your intelligence modifier (minimum of 1). You can cast one of these spells as if it were part of your Spells Known. You regain your use of this ability after finishing a long rest. You gain an additional use of this feature at 14th level.
Skilled Impersonator: After listening to a humanoid speak for at least 5 minutes, you can flawlessly imitate their speech patterns and mannerisms.
14th level: Use Magic Device. Straight-up lifted from the Thief Rogue, but I feel it fits well.
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)