Hiro Quester
2021-11-14, 11:26 PM
In our next campaign, at third level a spellcaster can apply a unique theme to all their spells. I’m looking for theme ideas.
This free spell thematics adds roleplaying and descriptive flavor, and adds +2 to the DC to identify the spell being cast, but a DC 14 investigation check would enable someone familiar with your theme to identify you as the caster.
I’m playing a glory-seeking half elf, bard 1 hexblade 2 (intending something like Bard1/hexblade 5/ bard +2 (swords) /more bard and hexblade, proportions will depend on the campaign. (I know this isn’t terribly optimized. But our party has many full casters: Druid, cleric, wizard, plus paladin and artificer. Bard is to add flavor and lower-level spell slots to a hexblade, at least at lower levels)
He’s the party’s PR agent, working to increase our reputation, fame and fortune, etc.
High cha, dex, and con. Penalties to wis and int. He’s elegant, graceful and charming, but foolhardy and not terribly sharp.
He’s from a privileged noble elven family (but the unwanted bastard). He’s used to luxury and comfort. But used to having to work hard to endear himself to those who might otherwise dismiss him. So he’s always charming, optimistic and cheerful, putting a positive spin on things, giving compliments, and making friends, whenever he can. A bit of a social climber when possible.
His gnome mentor taught him the value of a well crafted illusion, and to use pranks and laughter to humble those who abuse their power.
He believes he’s awesome, or at least destined to become so. Always very well dressed (using prestidigitation to remain spotlessly clean). He wants to become the epitome of the dashing swordsman.
He worships a goddess of fertility, festivals, dance, lovers and passion. He dances as well as singing and telling stories, etc. Chaotic good.
After the pact of the blade and college of swords, his sword will be his arcane focus. Before that, he’ll use a musical instrument (horn, probably) for bard spells.
Many of his bard spells will be illusions and enchantments. But also combat spells (GFB, Eldrich blast, shield, armor of Agathys, mirror image, hex, faerie fire, smites, shadow of moil, polymorph, counterspell, misty step, etc.). Using elven accuracy to crit fish, and pumping Eldritch Smites and sword flourishes into those.
We have not yet started the campaign. The nature of the hexblade patron will be revealed later. I expect it to be dark, though. Probably involving a young bard taking a visit to a crossroads at midnight.
So what kinds of theme might work for such a character? Swordsmaship, music, dance, flowers, fertility, a little mischief, plus a darker element?
Suggestions for how to create a theme, and examples applying it to various spells, would be most appreciated.
This free spell thematics adds roleplaying and descriptive flavor, and adds +2 to the DC to identify the spell being cast, but a DC 14 investigation check would enable someone familiar with your theme to identify you as the caster.
I’m playing a glory-seeking half elf, bard 1 hexblade 2 (intending something like Bard1/hexblade 5/ bard +2 (swords) /more bard and hexblade, proportions will depend on the campaign. (I know this isn’t terribly optimized. But our party has many full casters: Druid, cleric, wizard, plus paladin and artificer. Bard is to add flavor and lower-level spell slots to a hexblade, at least at lower levels)
He’s the party’s PR agent, working to increase our reputation, fame and fortune, etc.
High cha, dex, and con. Penalties to wis and int. He’s elegant, graceful and charming, but foolhardy and not terribly sharp.
He’s from a privileged noble elven family (but the unwanted bastard). He’s used to luxury and comfort. But used to having to work hard to endear himself to those who might otherwise dismiss him. So he’s always charming, optimistic and cheerful, putting a positive spin on things, giving compliments, and making friends, whenever he can. A bit of a social climber when possible.
His gnome mentor taught him the value of a well crafted illusion, and to use pranks and laughter to humble those who abuse their power.
He believes he’s awesome, or at least destined to become so. Always very well dressed (using prestidigitation to remain spotlessly clean). He wants to become the epitome of the dashing swordsman.
He worships a goddess of fertility, festivals, dance, lovers and passion. He dances as well as singing and telling stories, etc. Chaotic good.
After the pact of the blade and college of swords, his sword will be his arcane focus. Before that, he’ll use a musical instrument (horn, probably) for bard spells.
Many of his bard spells will be illusions and enchantments. But also combat spells (GFB, Eldrich blast, shield, armor of Agathys, mirror image, hex, faerie fire, smites, shadow of moil, polymorph, counterspell, misty step, etc.). Using elven accuracy to crit fish, and pumping Eldritch Smites and sword flourishes into those.
We have not yet started the campaign. The nature of the hexblade patron will be revealed later. I expect it to be dark, though. Probably involving a young bard taking a visit to a crossroads at midnight.
So what kinds of theme might work for such a character? Swordsmaship, music, dance, flowers, fertility, a little mischief, plus a darker element?
Suggestions for how to create a theme, and examples applying it to various spells, would be most appreciated.