Requirements: Rank: Novice, Spirit d6+, Common Knowledge d6+

The bards of Golarion bring epic tales of heroism and tragedy to the people. Many are renowned far and wide for their talents, but few realize how crucial they are to parties of brave adventurers. They bolster their allies in dire circumstances, beguile their enemies, and often battle evil with a sword in one hand and a lute in the other.

Bards cast spells by singing, reciting poetry, or reciting epic tales. They are usually erudite individuals, traveling the land to learn bawdy songs, great histories, and epic legends.

Allies must be able to hear the bard to benefit from his various abilities.

ARCANE BACKGROUND (Bard): Bards use Performance as their arcane skill. They have 3 starting powers and 10 Power Points.

Available Powers: Arcane protection, banish, beast friend, boost/lower Trait, confusion, deflection, detect/conceal arcana, conjure item, dispel, divination, drain Power Points, empathy, fear, healing, illusion, mind link, mind reading, object reading, puppet, sloth/speed, slumber, sound/silence, speak language, stun, summon ally, teleport, warrior’s gift.

ARMOR INTERFERENCE (Light): Bulky armor interferes with a bard’s grace and dexterity. They subtract 4 from their Performance rolls and from their Agility and Agility-based skill rolls if using medium or heavy armor or shields.

SHARP TONGUED: Bards may use Performance as Taunt to Test a foe. They may also ignore the Repetition advice given under Tests (see page 140), as long as they recite different verses, stanzas, lyrics, etc. Bards may also substitute Performance for Taunt to meet Edge Requirements.