Bard Instrument Flavor Ideas?

[Hanuman]

I've created a bard, a rich backstory, selected his class, spells and weapon, but his instrument is really taking some thought. (High level dancer bard, melee/healer/ranged)

What are some really interesting examples of bard instrument concepts?

The best thing I can think of so far is using what is essentially the green destiny sword from crouching tiger hidden dragon (an enchanted jian) as a bow for a violin.

In a pinch I was thinking of just hitting my sword and letting the sword's vibration be the music.

Thoughts?

[AvatarVecna]

Look up the feat "Lightning Maces"; build a skald-bard based around a guy who uses over-sized percussion mallets (mechanically, light maces) to set the tempo of the fight, whether using his own armor as a drum, or if possible, his enemies noggins.

[Zaq]

Well, singing is popular for a reason—namely, it doesn't take a hand, so you've got two hands free to fight, cast, or do whatever you like. From a mechanical standpoint, it's hard to beat that. If you're looking to have one hand on a sword and one hand on an instrument, you'll either need some way of quick-drawing/quick-stowing it (or take the Somatic Weaponry feat) if you're planning on using any spells with somatic components, and losing out on your spells in combat would be a real shame.

A lot will depend on what your GM will accept under Rule of Cool. I know some GMs who would be okay with an enchanted sword being a violin (or whatever) bow, and they might also be okay with the sword itself being an instrument, but I know some GMs who wouldn't go for either of those ideas. If you've got a permissive GM, you can get away with a lot more than if you have a restrictive GM. (This should go without saying, but it's true nonetheless.)

[Troacctid]

Well, singing is popular for a reason—namely, it doesn't take a hand, so you've got two hands free to fight, cast, or do whatever you like. From a mechanical standpoint, it's hard to beat that.

Oh, I don't know. There are substantial benefits for using masterwork instruments.

[Zaq]

Oh, I don't know. There are substantial benefits for using masterwork instruments.

True, but most (all?) of them require two hands to use, and the OP specified that he's using a weapon, implied to be a sword. The OP also specified that he's going to be using spells, so somatic components become an issue.

If you're starting from zero, it's possible to say that a MW instrument is worth more to you than having your hands free to attack with, but that's not the impression I'm getting from the OP.

[Hanuman]

Singing deserves more thought.

I've asked my DM whether I can have a fluff houserule that allows the sword to reverberate and cut through the air to make my musical effect, mechanically sourced from my ability to sing.

This allows me to have a 0 handed instrument that I can fluff to carry when I want, if the DM approves. I can pull out a masterwork violin and use that whenever I really need the bonus.

If the DM allows this rule (I don't see why not) I could use my wordstrike ability with my sword, which is really nice because I have the Sound Striker archetype: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVjf5CccAwY

I've looked as skald and it looks really fun, but not exactly what I am looking for. But, who doesn't love this scene?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_CRESxNFE

Also, obligatory reboot guitar battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYrKYETorM8

[backwaterj]

On the hands-free note, let's not forget about dance and oratory. I've even been able to justify shoes as a masterwork "instrument" for dance, though that trick won't work so well for oratory.

Hmm, now I'm picturing a more modern-era bard with a harmonica harness. This character must be rolled.

[Hanuman]

The character is a dancer, but RAI it would make more sense if acrobatics or dexterity would create synergy that specific shoes.

Some effects specifically state or imply they require both to be seen and heard, through normal bardic performance dawn dervishes generally don't need anything, the entire party could be blind and deaf and it'd still work out fine.

In terms of modern era one-handed I'd say asalato is appealing.

[Prince Raven]

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--XMH5G8dE--/196o456w3zestjpg.jpg

[Fax Celestis]

If you're a melee bard, why not make your weapon your instrument? Dual wield clubs and use Perform (Drums) or Perform (Xylophone). Or refluff a club to a hand bell (or a great club to a huge two handed hand bell). Reinforced steel/adamantine flute? Light mace. Cymbals? Sharpen their edges and now they're daggers. Harp? Lyre? Lute? It's a bow. (http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltuzsvQmTZ1qhigt0o1_500.gif) Guitar? They call those axes (http://www.guitaraficionado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/axe.jpg) for a reason. Piano/Celeste/harpsichord? Make a keytar axe. (http://www.synthtopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/zombie-with-keytar-250x360.jpg)

[Snowbluff]

Perform (Weapon Drill)? EDIT: Can't be used for bardic music. Philistines.

I have a bard who sings requiems to his victims.

[Telonius]

Magic Item Compendium has a couple of things you might want to look at. First is the Crystal Echoblade (a specific weapon that deals more damage while you have Bardic Music active); second is Harmonizing (a weapon property that lets your weapon carry on your Bardic Music for a number of rounds).

Would Perform (tapdance) be a possibility? :smallbiggrin: Slightly more seriously, there are some percussion instruments that could work. Brain is blanking on what these things are called, but they're basically the tiny cymbals from a tambourine, sewn into clothing.

[Fax Celestis]

Castanets?

[Hanuman]

Talks with my DM went well, he's allowed me to use my sword as an instrument.

It's mechanically a scimitar but for fluff it's a Jian, basically the Green Destiny (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOlA6LLATuY) (as my bard's archetype is fractionally similar to Jen Yu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0HlLqilGcM)) with more reverberation allowing it to produce sound while moving through the air.

For combat I can use it individually or as a bow for a violin.

The thoughts on music has got me thinking about being able to steal voices and such but that is another thread, thanks!