Wednesday, August 20, 2014

D&D Next Characters: Keira Daley, Bard level 1

Wow, I sure love me some Bards. Even when I know they're bad, I just love the idea of using magic through music, writing songs and poetry about your adventures, inspiring your allies to press onward. My inner choir boy understands how good music can fill up your whole spirit, and make a +2 to your attack roll or your saving throw against fear make perfect sense. I might still be holding a grudge against 4th Edition for leaving Bards out of the first player's handbook.

So this Bard is updated, and does many of the things we want them to do and so much more. While they were only minor spellcaters in 3.5, their spell list has expanded dramatically here. They now get spellcasting all the way to 9th level spells, and their list includes iconic spells like Power Word Kill. I think Bards might actually be good now, you guys!

So here's my first level 1 Bard for D&D Next, Keira Daley, the Diva Bard with daddy issues.

Keira Daley
Half-Elf Bard 1
Chaotic Neutral
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HP 8
AC 13 (+1 Armor, +2 Dex)
Saving Throws: Dexterity, Charisma
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Attack:
Rapier +4 melee 1d6+2
Spell Attack: +5
Spell DC: 13
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Abilities: Str 12, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 17
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Class Features: Spellcasting, Bardic Inspiration (d6)
Racial Traits: Fey Ancestry (advantage on charm, immune to sleep spells), Skill Versatility (2 skills)
Skills: Acrobatics, Arcana, Deception, Persuasion, Performance, Perception, History
Languages: Common, Elven, Halfling
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Proficiency Bonus: +2
Proficiencies:
Armor: Light
Weapons: Simple Weapons, Hand Crossbow, longswords, shortswords, rapiers
Tools: Lute, Dulcimer, Flute, Disguise Kit
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Equipment: Rapier, dagger, Entertainer's Pack, Lute, Leather Armor, Flute, 15 GP, 3 fine dresses
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Cantrips Known: True Strike, Message
Spells Known: Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Heroism, Healing Word, Sleep
Spells Per Day: 2
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Background: Entertainer
Can always find a crowd to entertain, and free food and lodging when you play
Instrumentalist, Singer
"I get bitter if I'm not the center of attention."
Ideal: Money and Fame
Bonds: "I will find my father and show him how much I've grown."
Flaw: "I'll do anything for fame and renown."
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Keira Daley is a petite woman with fair skin and long blonde ringlets, carefully maintained. Her pointed ears and large green eyes mark her as a half-elf to all who see her. She owns a set of Leather Armor for battles and travel, but more often elects to perform in one of her strikingly beautiful custom dresses, decorated in leaves and rose motifs as a nod to her elven heritage. She keeps a variety of colors on hand, along with matching accessories and make-up. She wears a rapier at her side and a lute strapped across her back.

Keira is 19.

Keira is very concerned with her appearance and image. Some accuse her of being vain, but she scoffs at people who do not care (or at least pretend not to care) about their appearance. She can be witty and charming, but has a tendency to blow up unexpectedly, especially when she feels she's been insulted. She is not prone to drawing weapons in such a rage, but she often says things that get her in trouble. She is very self-assured - she KNOWS she's the best, and nothing will stop her from getting the recognition she deserves. This makes her very competitive, especially when she meets other Bards.

Keira was the illegitimate child of a traveling Elf circus performer and a woman of nobility. The relationship soured somewhat after her birth, as her elven father had no intentions of settling down. Thus, she was raised in luxury in her mother's estate, with all of her needs and desires met. She was given lessons in instruments and voice from a young age. Still, the money wasn't enough. She saw her father only once a year, when the performers would return to town, but every time her father would teach her something different - the basics of swordplay, how to juggle, how to dance, and many other skills. The days she spent with him were few, but the most joyous in her life.

But one year, when Keira was 14, the circus did not appear at its usual time. Rumors gradually floated in that the circus had broken up, the performers scattered. Keira was heartbroken, and threw a truly epic tantrum directed at her helpless mother before running away to find her father - the one person who truly loves her, as far as she can see.

She's been traveling for five years now, perfecting her skills and searching for some sign of her father. She's developed a bit of a reputation in the Bard community for being a diva - but she doesn't mind.

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