I'm not 100% sure on this, Sib, but my way of thinking is that as long as the bard in question is able to come up with a "makeshift" instrument of some sort (i.e. drum on a table top, empty log, one's own chest) then that bard's "bardic music" ability should still be able to be used, even in the absence of a "true instrument"... Bard's are supposed to be "talented entertainers," imaginitive and all that, yes?

As far as spells go, I'd say that it really depends upon the spell being cast. If a particular spell doesn't call for a somatic component then, no, the caster shouldn't need so much as a free finger to cast it. However, if a particular spell does call for a somatic component a free hand (or maybe two) will be required... unless, of course, there's been something along the lines of "still spell" attached to it...

Edit: Lookit me! I play one magic user in my life an' all the sudden I'm a friggin expert. Anyhoo, like I said, I may not be 100% correct about bards and spells, but that's kind of the idea I get. Take it with a grain of salt or a teaspoon of sugar...

Ok, I was really just looking for other's opinions on that. The improvised instrument was a good idea ^-^ which makes me think about improvised weapons, which makes the think about that one time...... too bad you can't say no if you don't have a reason.

my friend's Half-Orc Barbarian really put a new light into the intro to improvised weapons: "Sometimes objects not crafted to weapons nonetheless see use in combat"

I wonder if they had grappled enemy skeletons in mind, that one certainly saw use in combat. Moving along.

here's a thought for the thread:
Why were humans 'chosen' as the superior race?

Because I am one of course!


In regards to the bards I'm fairly sure Eol's pretty much right. I'm pretty sure they can't be silent though, such as in a Silence spell or gagged. I think they need their mouth at least. I usually go with the "if they can make some sort of music" rule, like drumming on the walls or such things.

We weren't 'chosen' as the superior race...we ASSUME we are.

If you could ask a Grizzly who is at the top of the food chain I'm sure you would get an answer you wouldn't like.

I think Sib was referring to humans in D&D terms as opposed to IRL but I like those answers anyway.

As far as humans being considered "the chosen race" in game terms go, though, I'd say that it's due in large part to adaptability and such. Sure, other races tend to live longer and might have some really cool inherent abilities associated with their race but despite all that (or maybe even because of it) those other races often get pigeon-holed into certain roles whereas humans have the luxury of being able to fit into just about anything that's available, y'know? Adaptability.

Now, for a IRL answer: human's aren't necessarily the chosen race... we just let you think that cuz you taste good with mustard.

oh.
Well you tell I'm a hard core gamer huh?

@mustard

...I've gotta try tasting myself with mustard...

Oh Mom? I think he meant IRL actually. "Here's one for the thread"

sorry, needed to rhyme but anyway, yes that was 'for the thread' and less so related to D&D. really interesting answers we have coming here hey? I wonder if there are grizzlies in Alberta? I have to go hunt one down and pose him the question. Unless he's got a RDI account.... the possibilities.
btw
If anyone will check the recruitment forum, I'm sure you'll find something by me... I'm looking for a little D&D action (not that it hasn't been fun chatting) but I'd like to join a game (note 'a', not many, I don't have the patience for that many more ^.^

...it's definitely the mustard thing.

You're also not bad with a little green wasabi...

Why is nearly every article in the DM's Corner and Player's Guild for AD&D? Hasn't anyone thought to update them for 3.5E? or even add an article? How long ago was AD&D? I first got the books at 3.5 so I'm not sure (though I've been playing d20 Modern before that, so I knew what to expect)

that mustard comes from the roots of some plant...
what does mustard taste like?
i've never eaten any before (the plasticky yellow color used to freak me out...)
_____________________________________________________

and about DM's corners... i guess i can simply say:
tis one of the great mysteries of the world

you've never eaten mustard?? You are SO missing out.

I don't think that any of those articles have been "updated" to 3.5 primarily because 3.5e is EVIL ... j/k

In all actuallity, a great number of those articles were written some time ago and also by folks who have their preferences firmly alligned with earlier editions of the rules. If you'd like to write up some stuff with the 3.5 edition rulkes in mind, Sib, feel free. All ya gotta do is submit 'em and, usually, it doesn't take too long after until they're posted/added to the appropriate section.