Optional Abilities for Bards

Bard characters may modify their spell abilities by selecting optional abilities or restrictions from the following list. Note that these concentrate on the bard’s spell powers; the other basic class abilities remain unchanged. For each optional ability selected, the bard character must take a restriction of equal value, so that the total number of character points spent remains 0. Or, these abilities may be added to the bard list in Player’s Option: Skills & Powers .

Accelerated spell progression (15): The bard enters Table 32 : Bard Spell Progression in the PHB as if he were one level higher. A 1st-level bard with this advantage has the spell power of a 2nd-level bard, a 4th-level bard is treated as a 5th-level bard, and so on.

Armor and spell use (5/10): Normally, a bard cannot wear armor and cast spells. For 5 CPs, he may wear leather or lighter armor and still use spells; for 10 CPs, he may wear any kind of armor normally usable by a bard and still cast spells.

School specialization (10): A bard with this power may select a school of magic in which to specialize. He may choose enchantment/charm, illusion, or song magic as his specialty. Bard specialists gain all the normal benefits and restrictions associated with school specialization, including opposition schools and penalties to learning spells outside their chosen school. However, they may not engage in spell research.

Scroll use (10): This is the optional ability described above under Bards and Scroll Use . Instead of waiting until 10th level, the bard may attempt to use wizard spell scrolls at 4th level. His success chance is 25%, plus 10% per experience level above 4th (maximum 85%). If the reading fails, the scroll’s effects usually rebound on the bard or his companions with deleterious results.

Wizard magical item use (10): A bard with this ability may make use of magical items normally reserved for use by wizards, including wands, rings, and miscellaneous magical items, but not rods or staves.

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