Bard Backgrounds for Non-singers

[Shackled]

Just wondering if there's a chance of getting some Bard background/perks that are made for those that want to make a bard more of a spy/diplomat/engineer/etc rather then just singers and entertainers.

Stuff similar to the rogue would be awesome :cool:

[Caster13]

Uhm, take rogue levels instead...?

Rogues are pretty much designed to be built as spies/diplomats/engineers.

[Random_White_Guy]

I'd quite be for a bard perk that took away the song ability and gave you something akin to the level 8 disguise rogue perk giving you a boost in bluff and a limited ability to change your IC appearance for being an actor/etc. Spy or actor or anything really could gain from that kinda perk in return no bard song which is a kind of big bard deal to have.

Lose mechanical strength for some flavor is what perk system is all about.

[Zango_Unchained]

Uhm, take rogue levels instead...?

Rogues are pretty much designed to be built as spies/diplomats/engineers.

I whole heartedly agree with this, Bards are singers, rogues are actors.

If there was to be some sort of bluff spying thing to be given it would have to be akin to "Phantom of the opera" style of pc.

[Talir]

Bards are only singers as much as rogues are nothing but thieves.

The class is based around influencing others and some of the bard perks slightly add to that or other pursuits. See Loremaster getting XP for deciphering texts and Orators being able to re-roll failed persuade/bluff checks. Because bards already get custom songs that can be very potent, they do not get much in lieu of advantages through perks.

Feel free to suggest variations as you'd like in the thread for it. It will not be as good as what the rogues get mind.

[Shackled]

Not all bards even touch an instrument!  I've always taken to heart the first part of the class description on NWN "Bards often serve as negotiators, messengers, scouts, and spies."

I suppose what I am saying mostly is that I've always played a bard that wouldn't use a song. And yeah while they obviously wouldn't get such a boost as the rogue, It'd be cool to see some social skill perks. I am not overly great at mechanics or balance though, so it's not really my area of expertise :P

[Pandip]

Try playing a rogue with bard flavor. I'd say the fact that most bards don't sing or entertain is more of an issue of the players than it is reasoning to give bards more of a negotiator/spy feel.