Playbook: The Bard (PBtA)
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Stories and songs can do more than entertain.
Properly told stories can unite a community¸ allow you to share experiences¸ and convey lessons and wisdom. Likewise¸ songs can uplift one's soul and inspire others to perform great deeds¸ or they can fill one's heart with despair or dread.
Whether by book or word you've learned your share of both over the years¸ like the difference between a puca and a kelpie¸ The Three Songs of Erui¸ how sunlight affects the trolls of the Hagswood¸ The Barghest of Ulfstir¸ dwarven smith-chants¸ and the bleak poetry of the Silverbough elves.
But you know there's more out there¸ much forgotten or yet to be told¸ and you yearn to find or write them yourself. Just think what you could learn¸ what they could teach¸ and who they could inspire?
This isn't your exactly your "normal" bard. Yeah¸ you know a lot of songs and stories¸ but you aren't going to be capering about combat strumming a lute¸ instantly singing wounds closed¸ or shouting people to death.
Your songs have power to be sure - draw in everyone's attention¸ put people to sleep (intentionally¸ mind you)¸ cause animals to let you by unhindered (or possibly befriend you)¸ and eventually instill entire crowds with hope or fear - it's just that they aren't going to be handy once swords are drawn.
Thankfully you don't have to rely on your music to get by: you can bolster your allies with encouraging words¸ try talking your way out of a fight¸ pick up on clues that others would overlook¸ or just charge screaming into the fray¸ axe swinging. It all depends on the story you want to write.
As with the rest of our playbooks ¸ this product is two files.
The first is a digest-sized¸ 15-page book laid out Dungeon World-style. It comes with:
- The bard (huzzah!)¸ complete with 20 advanced moves that let you focus on your music¸ social¸ observational¸ or supporting talents¸ or swordplay.
- A page that talks about various instruments¸ and expands on the default selection.
- A pair of magic items: the dancing sword and electric axe.
The other is a 2-page¸ letter-sized character sheet for you to print out and use at the table. As with our other playbooks¸ there are some custom graphics to spice it up.