bonus to Bard instruments

[leegi0n]

Playgrounders,

Is it possible to have a +'x' to an instrument for a bard? Like, a +2 violin, for example. If so, is there source material on it? How would the bonus apply?....I mean, unless you're smashing your instrument over the orc's head, you know?

Thanks in advance -

[Matrota]

As far as I know it's certainly possible to enhance an instrument, but that would just increase it's damage and to-hit modifiers. Unless you're playing a didgeridoo that doubles as a greatclub, not very beneficial. Were you looking for an enchantment that boosted bardic music or something along those lines?

[Nifft]

A masterwork instrument can get you +2 on your Perform checks.

There have been write-ups about specific instruments (either masterwork or otherwise) which give you other specific bonuses.

Of course, you cannot just apply weapon enhancement bonuses to a weapon and expect it to give those bonuses to non-weapon uses... but I do like the idea of smashing a guitar into an orc's face.

[leegi0n]

Ok. Yeah, that answers my question. A masterwork instrument providing bonus to perform. That makes total sense.

Thank you guys.

[Rijan_Sai]

but I do like the idea of smashing a guitar into an orc's face.

Well, it's not called an "axe" for nothing! :smallbiggrin:


In Song and Silence, starting on page 41, there is a long list of instruments that give various bonuses to bardic music abilities. Each of them are masterwork (though you have to choose between the MW bonus and the BM effects.)

[Vaern]

The table of magic item creation guidelines includes items that grant bonuses to skill checks. It's priced at a reasonable [bonus]²*100.
A masterwork instrument gives a +2 circumstance bonus to your perform skill. Enchanting a masterwork violin to +2 would add a +2 competence bonus, which would stack to a total bonus of +4.