2E bard or 3E bard?

[ramza]

For quite some time now, I have been trying to create a personalised version of the D&D rules. More specifically, I have been creating new classes, new feats, new spells, etc. But don't get me wrong, I am not entirely changing the rules you can find in any WotC book... What I am trying to do is to create a more interesting system as there are some things in Player's Handbook and in the DM Guide that I don't like. For example, I removing the concept of Prestige classes and am replacing it with the 2E kits (like the ones you can find in BG2) or I am trying to change the stat bonuses from some races (for example, elves get +2 to CHA -as elves are by definition prettier than other races- and -2 to CON, and their favored class is sorcerer from now on). Some of you may not like what I am doing, but I try as much as possible to keep everything balanced.

 

Anyway, I was just comparing the Bard class in both 2E and 3.5E and I noticed a major difference in the bard's spellcasting ability. Indeed, in 2E, the Bard can cast arcane spells up to the 6th spell level in the same way as a wizard (copies spells from scrolls, memorizes them). In 3.5E, the Bard can learn a limited number of spells (whereas in 2E, he could learn as many his INT -or CHA?- score allowed him) but can cast them without having to memorize them (just like a sorcerer does). Moreover, the Bard learns his spells from a very special spell list which is made of both arcane and divine spells.

 

Now, I don't know which version of the Bard class I should keep and that is why I am asking you which one is better. The 2E bard can cast spells like fireball, lightning bolt or ice storm, while the 3.5 Bard cannot cast such spells but has some curative magic.

 

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Cheers.

[Judge Hades]

Actually I like the Monte Cook Bard which uses Spellsongs.

[ramza]

Where can I find this version of the Bard class?

Actually, I like the idea of replacing the Bard's spellcasting ability with a wider range of spellsongs. If I manage to create a Bard that looks like the one in the FF series, I will even be able to include the red mage in my version of the d&d rules.

[Judge Hades]

Book of Eldritch Might 1 is where you would find the class. It also has a better balanced Sorcerer class as well.

[deganawida]

1E Bard. Had to have skill in stealth, combat, and magic before you could become a bard. Essentially, you had to be a fighter/thief/druid, and then you multiclassed into a bard (and, yes, the 1E bard focused more on divine spells, rather than the arcane spells of 2E).

[Phosphor]

Yeah, Bard is kind of the original prestige class.

But the 3E Bard is much improved over the 2nd Edition Bard.. more class diversity and a more specialised casting repertoire.

[deganawida]

Hmm, just picked up Complete Adventurer after work, and took a look at the new bard feats and PrCs. One of the new PrCs takes the bard back to his 1E incarnation, while leaving him with a 3.x feel, and those new bardic music feats are ungodly powerful (one grants damage reduction 5/- for all allies for a full turn!). Combine these options with those presented in the Eberron campaign book, and suddenly the 3.x bard is a darn good class to pick.

[The Bardic Pen]

Use the 3.5E Bard, give him the Sorcerer's spell list and 2E Bardic Song. That should balance things out.

 

(Keep in mind, I don't remember what the 2E Bardic Song does, so I might be way off.)

[Sammael]

Monte Cook's bard is very flavorful, but it makes the game a whole lot more complicated by adding what is basically a whole new spellcasting system.

 

In my games, I use the 3.5E bard, minus the alignment restriction, and with Jack of All Trades feat as a bonus feat at 1st level.