TOPIC: Bards getting a bad rap

As a player (played both years so far) it seems to me that the bard caught an unfair rap in this years module. To demonstrate this point, see the Survey regarding which character class people would like to see removed. Granted their impact in this specific instance was lower than the first year. However, their role and importance in the party really doesn't change as the master of lore and moral. If nothin else, the moral boost can be more than worth it if you have trouble hitting that 4 inch "20" on the battle board. All of that being said, I would like to add the following thoughts about how bards (and the people who play them) can add to the adventuring experience.

As a DM the groups that I've seen having the most fun seem to have an active bard. The bard is without a doubt one of the catalyst characters that can keep an encounter lively and if done well, drag the other party members into the roleplaying aspect of the game. As a player I know that I appriciated my bard for the humor that he brought to the group and the knowledge he had that made clue finding easier.

Singing can be cute, but if the only song you know is "row-row-row your boat" or "the song that never ends", it's going to be a long adventure. Since you're reading this, you've got some time to prepare for the con and I would suggest perhaps memorizing an inspiring poem or song. I suggest a poem since not everyone is a singer (or likes the sound of their own voice) and if you need an idea, perhaps this site could help . For songs, perhaps a good ol school fight song, modified for TD use of course. Most of all, have fun with it because if you don't, then your party isn't going to think much of their bard.

... As a player I know that I appriciated my bard for the humor that he brought to the group and the knowledge he had that made clue finding easier.

Singing can be cute, but if the only song you know is "row-row-row your boat" or "the song that never ends", it's going to be a long adventure. Since you're reading this, you've got some time to prepare for the con and I would suggest perhaps memorizing an inspiring poem or song. I suggest a poem since not everyone is a singer (or likes the sound of their own voice) and if you need an idea, perhaps this site could help

There is but one, single, simple, rousing song that every worthy minstrel should learn... "Brave, Brave, Brave, Brave Sir Robyn".

I agree that bards can be a great addition to a party, and put the whole adventure more into the spirit of the role play. If bards prepared not only songs, but maybe even insturments before the Cons it would be great. I think it would be worth extra XP of a bard played a flute or ukelele or recorder (the flute type--not the boombox type). With some prep they could have some great tunes for battle. There could even be some tokens for magical insturments.

Just some thoughts.


Widseth

I think it would be worth extra XP of a bard played a flute or ukelele or recorder

Come on, everyone knows there's only one real bardic instrument: The kazoo! Light, compact, portable. Not to mention the breathtaking harmony. Truly the instrument of the gods.

I think the DM's would eventually lose their minds, if every bard that came through was playing a Kazoo!

I'm actually contemplating memorizing some songs, just on the off chance that I end up as a bard... A fight song, a soothing song, etc... I don't know what all songs the bard's alowed to sing for what effects, so who knows, but it could be interesting.

Not that my voice is very good, but hey, if a bards all I can be, then the rest of the group will have to suffer with it.

I had one player come through at So Cal who was in garb and was carrying a small instrument. He played it through out the entire dungeon, and was amazing. The bards that wanted to sing or play certianly helped their groups a lot more then the one who constantly wanted to slide the dice.

Might I sugguest Minstrel Boy,Foggy Dew, or Avenging and Bright as bard songs. By the way, I've played a bard every year and they have yet to let me bring in my papoose (a guitar like instrument about the size of a lute). I realize that often there are clues invovling the true dungeon music and that a singing bard may conflict with those clues, but still I would rather have my party say to me "quiet ye spoony bard, we must listen" than the door peopel tell me I can't bring in props.

I understand the grand piano would be tough to tote from room to room, but I think a small instrument would be great--especially a period type instrument like reed pipe, flute, recorder, or small stringed instrument.

Also I think people who dress the part should get more XP than the levi, tennis shoe, teeshirt wearing wizard or paladin. It is role play and it doesn't have to be much XP but a little extra would reward and encourage that aspect.

Just thinking again.


Widseth

Also I think people who dress the part should get more XP than the levi, tennis shoe, teeshirt wearing wizard or paladin. It is role play and it doesn't have to be much XP but a little extra would reward and encourage that aspect.

Just thinking again.

That is an interesting thought... THOUGH, the overall concept of giving rewards (and thus encouraging a particular level or style of RP) is one on which I'm not sure where I stand. I seem to recall past forum discussions that TD is not intended to turn into a LARP (live-action-role-play) for the very reason it doesn't want to alienate the potential players who are put off by idea of costumes and heavy D&D style RP. I very much agree with this idea of keeping it as open as possible.

Oooon the other hand, well-prepared costumes and well-done acting can certainly add to the overall ambiance for everyone and perhaps a small amount of XP extra credit is in order for the extra effort.

It is a slippery hill of which many sides can be discussed.

one word Violin

you can play it like a lute and then use the bow like a sword or play the violin with the bow, a nice soothing classical piece

Not exactly portable, but put it in your car and bring it out for the adventure or even if your hotel is close leave it there (decides to bring violin to next Gencon )

I'll be in costume - both as a volunteer and player at INDY and also as player and most likely volunteer at SOCAL!

I think a costmue is a very simple/cool thing - even if it is just a simple cowl. There are cowl patterns on the internet. The cost in materials is very low - like $2-4.

I encourage everyone to try something costume-wise as what better way to draw people to TD than to have your costume on in the gaming area AND PERHAPS HAVE A STICKER ON THAT SAYS - I PLAY TRUE DUNGEON! OR HAVE THAT "I SURVIVED TRUE DUNGEON PIN ON"

OK LEE/JEFF - how about that idea for drawing some added attention???

Gary

Well, I don't want to speak for Jeff but I think it is safe to say that neither of us are really roleplayers. I do like it when people get caught up in the spirit and excitement of the game though whether is is by wearing a costume or crawling on the floor to avoid a persieved trap. To me the coolest part is seeing people who totally loose themselves in the moment and forget they are standing in a hotel ballroom. The term that we have coined for TD is passive roleplaying. We recognize the fact that many players and volunteers enjoy roleplaying and we want it to be available for them. The passive tag comes in because a person who doesn't want to roleplay can still go through the module and have a great time. So it is sort of roleplaying optional... Personally I love to see people in costume and creating a character. Just don't expect me to wear one. (alright I did wear a cloak in the tavern a few times, but my character was 'Lee in a cloak') Even though I am not a roleplayer myself, I will say that the bard character definatly should be a roleplayer. That is really the only character class that HAS to roleplay, otherwise like you guys said it is lame to here Row your boat for two hours.

Lee