Nestled in the trees at the edge of the wood, a skilled bow master watches their mark wander the plains 100 yalms away. With a slight smile, they let loose an arrow toppling the creature in a single shot.

In the thick of battle, a fearless singer's voice bellows out above the clash of steel, their voice imbued with magic, ushering great power unto their allies, turning the tide of battle.

In preparation for an upcoming battle, a careful hunter crafts a series of poisons and douses their arrowheads. Though their attacks appear simple, the poison running through their future mark will ravage its body.

Gridanian Bards are a somewhat young profession in Eorzea, but one of great effect for the Black Shroud. Historically finding their beginnings as archers, these bards mix swords and songs in order to protect themselves and their allies in the heat of battle.

Songs for the Souls

One of the originators of the craft was a disgraced commander who travelled the land singing songs to soothe the spirits of their dead allies. In time this commemorative art would find great utility on the battlefield and then go on to be widely practiced across the world.

Of Lyres and Lyrics

Bards make use of musical instruments and their own voices to weave beautiful musical pieces that have magical properties. Their ability to soothe wounds, fend off danger and weaken foes has made their presence invaluable on the battlefield.

Creating a Bard

Bards traditionally are specially trained by some sort of mentor figure who assists them in unlocking the potential of spells through song. This is not always the case though as some are able to unlock these secrets for themselves. You must also consider how to treat these mystical arts, do you follow their purposes of the past where they served to soothe spirits and support military units, or have you taken music back as a freelance wanderer, weaving songs and stories for the masses? A bard at heart is a free spirit who can use their magical power how they see fit.

Class Features

As a Gridanian Bard, you gain the following class features

Hit Points

Hit Dice: 1d8 per Bard level

Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier

Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier per bard level after 1st

Proficiencies

Armor: Light Armor

Weapons: Simple weapons, longbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords

Tools: Three musical instruments of your choice

Saving Throws: Dexterity, Charisma

Skills: Choose any three

Equipment

You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background:

A set of leather armour

(a) rapier or (b) two simple melee weapons

A longbow and a quiver of 20 arrows

(a) an explorer's pack or (b) a scholar's pack

a musical instrument of your choice

Full Description

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