TOPIC: 2 more newbie questions...

The DM has symbols which he/she can show to a Bard who attempts to use the Bardic Lore ability. If the player correctly identifies the symbol, they will receive a bit of info about the monster (such as a weakness to a certain damage type, for example).

However, the symbols could be written around the dungeon, in which case their literal meaning may give a hint. For example, the bardic symbol for "lightening" might be drawn on a stone column...giving a clue that anyone who doesn't wish a nasty shock should stay clear of the column! Or, the symbol for "good" may be present in what otherwise looks like a nefarious situation, giving a clue that the supposedly bad-looking NPC or vile looking substance, etc., might actually be helpful.

There are also bardic symbols for such things as "astral", "acid", "poison", and a host of others. If you have played a bard before (or even if you just look over the bardic symbols in the training room) you can therefore potentially pick up on a lot of little secrets throughout the dungeon, regardless of what class you are playing at the time. I think this is what the comment you are referring to meant by "multiclassing".

Edit: Keep in mind that the bard/cleric/druid/wizard tests can be changed. For example, there might be a whole new set of cleric beads this year than were used last year; the bardic symbol for "acid" this year might have meant "protection" last year, and so on. If you're going to meta-game another class ability, at least take a glance at their stuff in the training room to see if anything has changed!

David Harris wrote: I haven't been following that thread but that sounds dead on Cormroc. You can see the Wizard, Druid, and Bard memory cards hanging in a room and you know to get ready for a fight.

Maybe there should be a hook for it behind the curtain or something
I am usually the first in the room for my group, That is the first thing I look for(then signal for the Elf Wizard to cast +10 int spell)

or make a few more and hang them in every room

I doubt it could be done this year, but def for next year

A rune could just be a hint or warning, but would not be necessary to solve a puzzle or room, in case a party has no bard. It could just add to the atmosphere of the room.

The bardic test is held by the DM for the bards to get a hint/lore regarding a monster.

Brad Mortensen wrote: I saw the "multiclassing" post, too. I think it was just short-hand for trying out some of the other classes' skill checks and whatnot in the training room.

What Brad said, though I did end up explaining further in the original post. Sorry for causing confusing.

Garrison wrote: The DM has symbols which he/she can show to a Bard who attempts to use the Bardic Lore ability. If the player correctly identifies the symbol, they will receive a bit of info about the monster (such as a weakness to a certain damage type, for example).

However, the symbols could be written around the dungeon, in which case their literal meaning may give a hint. For example, the bardic symbol for "lightening" might be drawn on a stone column...giving a clue that anyone who doesn't wish a nasty shock should stay clear of the column! Or, the symbol for "good" may be present in what otherwise looks like a nefarious situation, giving a clue that the supposedly bad-looking NPC or vile looking substance, etc., might actually be helpful.

There are also bardic symbols for such things as "astral", "acid", "poison", and a host of others. If you have played a bard before (or even if you just look over the bardic symbols in the training room) you can therefore potentially pick up on a lot of little secrets throughout the dungeon, regardless of what class you are playing at the time. I think this is what the comment you are referring to meant by "multiclassing".

Edit: Keep in mind that the bard/cleric/druid/wizard tests can be changed. For example, there might be a whole new set of cleric beads this year than were used last year; the bardic symbol for "acid" this year might have meant "protection" last year, and so on. If you're going to meta-game another class ability, at least take a glance at their stuff in the training room to see if anything has changed!

Everythinig Garrison said in this post is what I was alluding to. Unlike the Wizard/Druid/Cleric memorization, Bardic Runes are often visible in plain sight in the dungeon, giving you a hint about what's going on in the room. You don't have to be actively playing a bard to recognize a symbol. Thus, you're "multiclassing" as Bard because you, the player, have some of the Bard's skills.