HEROIC REALMS

So, I have a quick question.

A lot of the bard skills need the bard to play an instrument for the spell. (Which makes perfect sense.) My question is thus. Since I already also have the general skill "Singing" can I sing something to substitute for the instrument if I'm trying to cast a spell like "Musical divert" or "Confuse" or does it absolutely have to be an instrument.

(Not that it really matters either way, I'm just trying to clarify this so that when I do get those awesome skills I don't mess them up! LOL)

In most cases either will apply. In the rulebook you will find some bard skills specifically call for an instrument whereas others do not. For example the skill "CALM."

CALM:
Bards learning this ability will be able to calm anyone attacking them for thirty seconds. While briefly humming, singing, or playing a musical instrument characters will need to state “Critical Calm Level (3)” to their opponent.

So then if it says "either humming or playing an instrument" I can do either and if it says "while playing an instrument" and nothing else (like Musical Divert" then I have to play an instrument then?

(just making sure is all)

Sounds about right to me.

Will you be playing a real instrument by any chance or just role playing it? I really love music at Larps!

Im hearing what your saying... But im still convinced that singing, i mean really singing. It's..well the most difficult Instrument in the world to control and project to the listener...I feel it should be at least considered to be the primary Instrument. One would not say that the screaches of a wraith wailing at night wont make the heart stumble a bit. There is magik in all music the vessel that projects it, should matter not!


Grumbler Whiplestik Master Composer of Gheldor.

But, at the same time, is not singing just a form of controlled screaming? There is magic in music, yes, but it is difficult for a vocalist to conjure an image in a person's mind if they do not have words to use, as opposed to say, a violin or a flute, which can transcend linguistics and connect people on a level that words never could.

On the other hand, vocals allow for an instrument that need never be carried (or damaged, Laroon forbid), and takes much less effort to tune up once it is learned how to use it.

It's actually the potential damage to an instrument that has kept me from making a bard character. I would love to bring my lyre with me and use it, but I'm afraid that it will get damaged and, nothing for nothing, if it were to only be used for a few skills and no general fighting, I think I'd rather have a blade or a staff as that would be more useful, although...

Hey Keith? Could one of those Wizard Staves I have be used as a flute (like you always saw David Carradine carying around) that could be used as a staff as well? The flute aspect could be role played with whistling...

I have to agree with Chris in that singing, yodelling or even humming is by far more difficult than any instrument. Anyone can learn to play an instrument given the proper time, practice and effort, but not everyone can sing.

Calling it controlled screaming seems a short cut to thinking imho. Really, just about any beast on the planet can belt out some loud obnoxious sound akin to screaming and control the pitch, level, volume and tone... but to put it into a pleasing melodic tone, words or not take skill and natural ability. Vocals do NOT require words to convey a message. Ever hear someone sing a song with words you don't understand because they are in some other language? They can still convey the message the same way a violin or flute can, by tone, pitch, volume, vibrato, etc.

As for a broken instrument, a bard can be effected rather efficiently in game if their primary instrument is their voice. Whether by injury or straight out silence, they can be hindered in game. Im sure Keith has his reasons to require instruments, but discounting someones voice as something other than an instrument is just short sighted and wrong.

Wow...you all are digging your heals in on this. I take that as a good thing!!! Time spent discussion the parameters of the game, rules, etc. is time well spent. Constructive feedback/criticism is always welcome as long as it is constructive, that would include discussions between both players and npc's alike. It is all good if at the end of the day the outcome keeps us true reminding us of the most important facet of the game…having fun!

Spoken like a true HRE (Human Resources Executive).

ok , I just read this post so forgive me....I have majored in music...as in PERFORMANCE in MUSIC i have a AA and BA I have 14 yrs of training and yes HARD work....

all of you have missed one important point...emotions and feelings into the songs that are to be sung...

it is NOT controlled screaming and it takes up to 4hrs a day of practice to keep this ...so called instrument in shape and 2 hours a day of ...warm up...and a person has to be awake for at least 4 hours before warming up!

yes vocal is definitely an instrument! it takes hard work and dedication to keep and maintain it!!!!

and when you are on the stage and performing...that is when your soul and emotion takes over....mechanics is easy...it is the soul and emotion that you have to enter to bring the songs to life....that is the hard thing to do. you have to delve into your inner most being and bring it out onto your audience that is why if you are successful projecting to your audience they will either laugh or cry with all the emotions that you give onto them...

that people is the real secret...to vocal singing...anyone can sing...but not everyone has the real gift of projection ....

sorry gotten carried away there...

Oh, well, in that case, I do hope that people will let me know how well I fake that when I'm singing for the concert

dont worry i wont!

Can I assume after all this Eliora won't be alone?!?! You are all mulit/dual class as Bards?!?!!?

Can't wait to see you all at the game!!! Tylia, we all wish you were coming...perhaps we will sing a little song for you

i wish i could be there too!!!!

and I will be honored to hear your songs....hmmm i wonder if you will allow a phone call durring that time????

*sings*

Well I came into a scoding wife a few short years ago,
And ever since I lead a life of misery and woe.
My wife she is a tyrant, around the room we're in,
Ah, she'd sell me to the devil for a galss or two of gin.

And if the devil will take her, I'd thank him for his pain,
I swear to god I'll hang meself if I get married again.
And if the devil will take her, I'd thank him for his pain,
I swear to god I'll hang meself if I get married again!

hehehehehe

Sorry, no cell phones during game time.

...we will be with you in spirit!!!

just you wait....

as with all things, it is always a matter of coming full circle....shall I get you the rope?!?!?

hmmmmm....you actually read my mind....