Bard

System for Multi-Classing into Bard

1. Schooling

Becoming a Bard requires formal education in the arts, languages, and music. The player must seek out a mentor, join a school of performance, or study at a prestigious academy. This step involves a combination of academic learning and artistic theory.

How to Complete:

• The player must attend a school of music, theater, or bardic arts, either in a city or under a traveling master.
• This may involve completing academic tasks such as writing essays on the history of music, studying ancient languages, or learning about the role of storytelling in various cultures.
• The player must make Intelligence (Arcana) or Charisma (Persuasion) checks to prove they can absorb the necessary knowledge about bardic traditions.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must spend a specific amount of in-game time (e.g., 1-2 months) at the school or with their mentor, during which they must successfully complete a series of academic challenges or lessons.
• The player could demonstrate their academic progress by presenting a project or theory learned during their schooling.

2. Learn a Performance Profession

Bards are not just scholars and magic-users—they are performers. The player must choose and learn a specific performance profession, such as music (instrument or voice), dance, acting, or poetry.

How to Complete:

• The player must choose a performance style and begin studying it under a skilled professional.
• For example, they could learn an instrument (e.g., lute, harp, flute), or perhaps learn to sing, dance, or recite poetry.
• The player must invest in Dexterity (Performance) or Charisma (Performance) checks to practice and refine their craft.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must dedicate several weeks to learning their performance, either through formal lessons or practice.
• The player must perform publicly to showcase their proficiency, either by busking in the streets, performing at an inn, or taking part in a festival.

3. Practice Performing

In order to master performance, the player needs to practice consistently. This stage is about honing their chosen craft and improving their public performance skills.

How to Complete:

• The player should practice regularly, either alone or in front of an audience. The more they perform, the better they become.
• Players must perform in front of NPCs or other players, either as a solo act or with a group, and have their performances evaluated.
• This involves Charisma (Performance) checks to see how well the performance resonates with the audience.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must complete several performances—perhaps 3-5 public performances—with varying degrees of success.
• After each performance, the player receives feedback from the audience or critics. Success could lead to recognition or even rewards, while failure could be a learning experience that pushes them to practice more.

4. Performance Review

At this stage, the player must undergo an evaluation by a professional or respected critic. The goal is to receive formal feedback about their performance skills and artistic development.

How to Complete:

• The player must find a renowned critic, an established Bard, or a performing arts guild to review their abilities.
• The performance review could be formal (e.g., an audition for a prestigious guild) or informal (e.g., a performance at a high-profile event).
• The player must pass a Charisma (Performance) or Wisdom (Insight) check, depending on the circumstances of the review.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must receive a formal evaluation. This might result in an invitation to join a Bardic college, a special recognition, or even a magical boon related to their Bardic abilities.
• The critic might also provide helpful constructive feedback for the player to focus on in the next step.

5. Write a Story

Bards are master storytellers, and the player must write a compelling story, song, or poem that encapsulates their journey and mastery of their art. This could be an epic tale, a ballad, or a written performance piece.

How to Complete:

• The player must write a story (or compose a song/poem) that reflects their experiences, the lessons they’ve learned, and their personal growth.
• This could require the player to Intelligence (Investigation) or Charisma (Performance) checks to ensure the writing is of sufficient quality.
• They must incorporate elements of their travels, encounters, or the NPCs they’ve met along the way into the story.

Completion Criteria:

• The player should complete a written piece that is recognized by an audience (perhaps a guild, a mentor, or a public gathering).
• The piece might be shared at a festival, performed at a gathering, or even published. The player’s effort could be rewarded with inspiration, magical items, or an opportunity to take up the Bardic class.

Finalizing the Multi-Classing

Once the player has completed all five steps, they are ready to multi-class into Bard. They can approach a Bardic Guild or a Bard mentor to be formally initiated into the class.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must have completed each of the five stages with successful results, having shown they possess the academic knowledge, artistic ability, and storytelling talent.
• They receive recognition from a high-ranking Bard or mentor, who offers them a place in the Bardic tradition.

Bonus System for Extra Depth

As with the Barbarian multi-classing system, you can integrate Skill Development Milestones for each task to give extra incentives and rewards:

• Schooling: Gain proficiency in additional languages, magical traditions, or lore of music and art.
• Learn a Performance Profession: Unlock specific performance-related abilities, such as proficiency with a particular instrument or style.
• Practice Performing: The player gains a set of bonuses during performances (e.g., bonuses to Charisma-based checks during public events).
• Performance Review: The player could earn a title or a special ability that boosts their performance skills.
• Write a Story: The player’s story or performance could be woven into the campaign world, earning them fame, recognition, and a potential magical boon tied to their creation.