Path of the Skald (5e Primal Path)

Author: Eiji-kun (talk) Date Created: 12-31-23 Status: Complete Editing: Mechanical changes on Talk

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Skald

Warrior poets which keep the (often oral only) traditions of barbarian tribes alive through the art of storytelling, performance, and memory. In this way they are very much bards, but these bards trade the art of spellcasting for the muscle they need to stand toe to toe in battle.

Story of Heroism

Starting at 3rd level, a skald may replicate the effects of bardic performances through the slower and methodical telling of tales of bravery and heroism, lessons which may apply to the very situation they face now. They may use Bardic Inspiration of a bard of their level with the following differences: The action to do so takes 1 minute, it applies to a number of creatures equal to your proficiency bonus, it lasts for 1 hour (or until expended), and unlike a normal bardic inspiration when using Bardic inspiration, you choose what bonus it will impart on your target. As before, a creature can only have one Bardic Inspiration die at a time, and this class feature counts as Bardic Inspiration.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (a minimum of once). You regain any expended uses when you finish a long rest.

As per a real bard, your Bardic Inspiration die changes when you reach certain levels in this class. The die becomes a d8 at 5th level, a d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level.

Fervor

At 3rd level and beyond, you can choose to initiate a special rage which applies to your allies as well as yourself. This "mass rage" is a bonus action and applies to yourself (if you desire) and an additional number of willing creatures within 30 ft equal to your proficiency bonus. This functions as rage as a barbarian of your level, but the bonuses are halved (minimum 1). It has all the requirements and penalties of normal rage, and each creature can end it on their own.

You can initiate your normal rage and its bonuses, and the effects of fervor in the same bonus action if you consume two uses of rage.

Magic of Imagination

At 6th level and beyond, a skald may perform stories so rich in detail and so moving as to invoke supernatural elements into the story into reality. A skald may obtain a storybook which acts similar to a wizard's spellbook, and they learn any two ritual spells from the Cleric or Druid spell lists of 2nd level or lower. Additional spells may be added to the storybook in the same way a wizard can obtain additional spells for their spellbook. They may cast the ritual spell over the course of 10 minutes as if they were a spellcaster of their level. For the purpose of save DCs, the skald uses their Charisma.

Celebration of Heroism

The 10th level and higher skald can inspire with the events occurring around them even now. Whenever they or an ally with 60 ft rolls a natural 20 on any check, they may use their reaction to immediately inspire another ally within 60 ft to reach their goals as well. The ally gains the effect of Bardic Inspiration. This one can apply to any attack, save, or check, but must be used within 1 round. This does not consume your Bardic Inspirations per day.

Epic in the Making

The 14th level or higher skald gains two additional ritual spells for their storybook, up to 5th level, for free. In addition, they can recall stories quickly through the power of shorthand references to these oft told stories. Whenever they enter a rage, they can immediately cast one of their ritual spells from their storybook as part of the same bonus action. Even if your number of rages is unlimited, you must finish a short or long rest before you can this ability again.

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