The goal of every performer is fame. Many see Court Bards as a fulfillment of this dream, they have prestige, honors, and of course fame. But this is just the surface of what it means to be a Court Bard; they also can be trusted advisors, players of The Great Game, diplomats, and spies. The life of a Court Bard is a life of intrigue and luxury, to be seen but not noticed, to be heard but not remembered. To rule a kingdom is never their goal, but if a puppet is to dance, to what better tune than a Court Bard’s.

Hit Die: d6

Requirements: To qualify to become a Court Bard, a hero must fulfill all the following criteria:

• Background: Non Aiel, non Ogier.

• Skills: Diplomacy 10 ranks, Perform 10 ranks, Innuendo 4 ranks, Read Lips 4 ranks, Forgery 4 ranks.

• Feats: Fame, Skill Emphasis (Perform).

• Special: Must be commissioned by a Noble, or a royal court.

Skill Points at Each Level: 6+int modifier

Class Skills: the Court Bard’s class skills: are Balance, Bluff, Disguise, Escape Artist, Concentration, Decipher Script, Forgery, Gather Information, Hide, Innuendo, Jump, Knowledge (Any), Listen, Move Silently, Open Lock, Perform, Read Lips, Search, Speak Language, Sense Motive, Spot, and Tumble.

Class Features: All the following are class features for the Court Bard.

Weapons and Armor Proficiency: The Court Bard is proficient in all simple weapons, and light armor.

Grand Entrance: A Court Bard always makes an entrance, and takes great pleasure over making sure that every one knows he is there. He gains a +4 bonus to all charisma based skill checks for 5 minutes after his presence has been announced.

A Bard’s Instrument: Every Great Bard needs a great instrument. The bard receives a masterwork instrument of his choice for free.

Grand Performance: Your performances have become renown throughout the kingdom’s courts. Many nobles are willing to hire you to perform. On any given day you may make a gather Information check (DC 10) to learn of a noble requesting your presence to perform. They also offer 5d6 mk for a full day of performances.

Sneak Attack: At level three the Court Bard begins to be utilized for things other than a wonderful performance. Darker deeds, but necessary ones none the less, the Court bard receives Sneak attack +2d6.

Rumors spread like the wind. They have great power and are all but impossible to trace. Once per day the Court Bard may attempt to spread a rumor. The GM Roles a d% to check for the result.

Modifiers:

Favor +1: The Court Bard has accumulated enough power to begin to call in favors. It works like the Revised Noble class.

Flourish: A grand way to end an even grander performance. For the first 5 minutes after completing a performance, the Court Bard receives a +4 modifier to all Charisma related skill checks.

Make the Soul Weep: You perform a piece that makes even the most stoic blink back tears in their eyes. This effect can be arranged before the actual performance with a third party. All targets present during the performance (except the third party) receive a -4 penalty to all charisma related skills. The targets also receive a -2 penalty to Will Saves.

Intrigue: You have become an adept player at the Great Game. You gain a +2 bonus to all Innuendo, Forgery, Bluff, Sense Motive, and Diplomacy checks.

Influence: You have a knack for getting the desired result and influencing opinions. Benefit: You get a +2 Synergy bonus on all Reputation and Favor checks.

Glorious Anthem: The Court Bard has composed a piece so inspiring, that the fearful become brave, and the brave become even more so. Any allies hearing the anthem for a full round, and who are within 30ft become inspired. They gain a +2 modifier to will saves, a +2 modifier to attack and damage rolls, and to all skill checks.

Resources

• The Collam Daan - Songs of the Wheel
• The Collam Daan - History of the Wheel of Time
• The Illustrated Wheel of Time Worldbook - The Call of Power: A Noble's Handbook
• The Illustrated Wheel of Time Worldbook - Rites and Customs of the WoT World