Versatile Performance question

[Othniel]

So...I'm making another Skald (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/skald) with the War Drummer (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/skald/archetypes/paizo---skald-archetypes/war-drummer-skald-archetype) archetype. Skalds, like Bards, get the Versatile Performance ability (though at a slower progression than Bards), which states:


At 2nd level, a skald can choose one type of Perform skill associated with the skald class. He can use his bonus in that skill in place of his bonus in the associated skills listed below. When substituting in this way, the skald uses his total Perform skill bonus, including class skill bonus, in place of the associated skill's bonus, whether or not he has ranks in that skill or if it is a class skill. At 7th level, and every 5 levels thereafter, the bard can select an additional type of Perform to substitute.

The types of Perform and their associated skills are: Oratory (Diplomacy, Sense Motive), Percussion (Handle Animal, Intimidate), Sing (Bluff, Sense Motive), and String (Bluff, Diplomacy).

The War Drummer archetype features the class ability, Fearsome Mien, which says:


A war drummer adds 1/2 his class level (minimum 1) to all Intimidate and Bluff skill checks.

This ability replaces bardic knowledge.

You can probably figure out what the question is by now: Do I get to combine the bonus I have for Percussion, which I can use in place of my Intimidate bonus AND the 1/2 class level addition to Intimidate checks?

It seems to me that they should work together, but I just don't know.

[deuxhero]

I THINK that because it's added to "checks" (which you are still doing, just using your perform modifier instead of the original skill) it will work with Versatile Performance but wouldn't if it boosted the skill itself.

[Thatwarforged]

Versatile performance says that you use your perform bonus instead of the bonus to that skill. Since wardrumer power gives you a bonus to intimidate checks it should. I also can see the argument for it not working that way as well. I would personally say it works as a GM but you still might want to ask yours.

[Sithrak]

According to James Jacobs, the answer is yes (http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jw28?Rules-Clarification-Bardic-Versatile-Performance#18). The point is to free up the bard's skill points, which only works as intended if the various situational bonuses still apply.