3E Skylis Rules

3E Skylis Rules
Chapter 3: Classes.

Regular Classes
BARD
Adjustments
Campaign Notes: In the realms, minstrels, players, bards and other performers are quite valued. Since we are in times of relative peace, thoughts can again turn to entertainment and how to pass the time pleasantly. From rich merchants entertaining political friends to tired farmworkers at the local tavern, people want stories, songs and parlour tricks. While not all characters of the Bard class participate actively in the entertainment trade, those that do run the terrible risk of becoming famous. Such notoriety, or Reputation, is important in the campaign because, well, because I frickin said so. (Actually, if you don't already know, it'll be more fun to find out the hard way.) To that effect, a Bard's Repertoire is an important tool. It is the collection of self-written songs or other works that are the signature pieces for which a performer becomes known, as either a talented entertainer, a formulaic hack or a brilliant artist. It is this Repertoire that will live on, long after the fat lady has sung.
REPERTOIRE
Starting at 1st level, and for each Bard level gained thereafter, a Bard can add 1 Signature Piece to her Repertoire. The value of the Signature Piece is given on an (average) scale of 0-40. It is possible to have a higher or lower score, but it is also very unlikely. The Bard selects one piece, whether it be a song, medly, story, skit, trick or similar performance with a maximum duration of Bard level attained plus 2 minutes (Bard Level + 2 Minutes). In game terms, this need only be a title and short description.
Once the Signature Piece is selected, the overall quality of the piece needs to be determined. To do so, the character adds her Bard Level to her Wisdom Modifier and adds the result of a d10 roll (Bard Level + Wis Mod + 1d10). This total is now the Quality score of the Signature Piece. It should be recorded alongside the title and the duration should also be included.
Here is a sample Repertoire for a Bard named The Lilac Harp, at 4th level.

Chords of Solace, 2 min instrumental in capriccio, Quality:5

The Clumsy Baker (Scherzoso con Arpeggio), 4 min song En retenant, Quality:9

Ride of Brynhilde (con Bravura), 3 min song, Quality:8

Fields of Soth Cantando Decrescendo, 5 min elegy, Quality:13

A Bard may then employ a Signature Piece in a performance. When he does so, regardless of the previous and following portions of the performance, a separate Perform check is made for the Signature Piece. This is rolled like a normal Perform check, except that the Quality of the Piece is added to the roll (along with other normal modifiers). This counts ar a Circumstance Bonus.
Another Bard (or Bardic class) may use this Signature Piece. If their Bardic levels are equal to or greater than the Quality Score of the piece, then the performer may add 1d10 to their Perform check. This counts as a Circumstance Bonus, and lasts only for the duration of the piece. Otherwise, no modifier is gained from using the piece.
Below is a table with general descriptions of the value of varying Quality scores. (Quality reflects the overall effectiveness of a piece to entertain or be liked by a listener. This is a combination of technical proficiency, catchiness, style, content, etc. Two songs may share the same Quality Score, but one is full of great lyrics set to a simple, traditional tune, while the other has nonsensical lyrics with a tune that is unmistakably moving.)

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF QUALITY SCORES

Quality Score Description

less than 5 Amateurish piece that has the ability to amuse, but quickly becomes annoying.

6-10 Reasonable piece that people enjoy and remember, until the next distraction comes along.

11-15 Very well-crafted piece that people hum or re-enact for days afterward.

16-20 A piece that not only is always well received by audiences, but quickly becomes popular with other performers.

21-25 An instant hit, this piece is often requested by nobility at social events.

26-30 Nobility and other music afficionados go to great length to have the piece performed by the author themself.

more than 30 Long after the Bard is dead, people will still want to see/hear this piece, and because of that, the author's name will be placed alongside the masters.

A Bard may elect to 're-do' a Signature Piece at a higher level. There is no additional bonus to this, aside from the fact that she adds more to the roll than when she originally composed it. In effect, there will be two versions of the piece, but it is most likely that this newer, probably better, version will be the only one performed.
Finally, it is possible to take certain Prestige Classes which allow the character to build his repertoire. These are generally Prestige Classes which are natural progressions of the Bard class; Bard O'Bragi, Virtuoso (S&S), etc. Please check with the DM for verification.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
To conform with the different linguistic landscape of Skylis, rules for Languages have been ammended. Bards may learn to speak one additional language every three Bard levels attained (1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, etc.). This does not count against the (Skylis) normal number of additional languages allowed, as determined by the Intelligence bonus.

Common Room | Hall | Skylis Rules

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF QUALITY SCORES
Quality Score	Description
less than 5	Amateurish piece that has the ability to amuse, but quickly becomes annoying.
6-10	Reasonable piece that people enjoy and remember, until the next distraction comes along.
11-15	Very well-crafted piece that people hum or re-enact for days afterward.
16-20	A piece that not only is always well received by audiences, but quickly becomes popular with other performers.
21-25	An instant hit, this piece is often requested by nobility at social events.
26-30	Nobility and other music afficionados go to great length to have the piece performed by the author themself.
more than 30	Long after the Bard is dead, people will still want to see/hear this piece, and because of that, the author's name will be placed alongside the masters.