Bard

Bards often serve as negotiators, messengers, scouts, and spies. They love to accompany heroes (and villains) to witness heroic (or villainous) deeds firsthand, since a bard who can tell a story from personal experience earns renown among his fellows. A bard casts arcane spells without any advance preparation, much like a sorcerer. His magic emphasizes charms and illusions, and the bard can also play an inspiring song that strengthens him and his allies. Bards also share some specialized skills with rogues, and their knowledge of item lore is nearly unmatched.

WARNING: To cast a spell, a bard must have a Charisma score of 10 + the spell's level. For example, to cast a 3rd-level spell, a bard must have a Charisma of 13.

Standard Abilities:
- Alignment Restrictions: Any nonlawful.
- Hit Die: d6.
- Proficiencies: Proficient with simple weapons. Also proficient with light armor, medium armor, and shields.
- Skill Points (*4 at 1st level): 4 + Int Modifier.
SPELLCASTING: Arcane (Charisma-based, no spell preparation, spell failure from armor is a factor); Bards begin the game knowing all cantrips.
- Ex-Bards: Bards cannot gain levels of experience while they are of any lawful alignment.