Bard

Bard
(Class)
Races	any
Alignment	LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE
Iconic character	Lem

A bard might be a travelling minstrel, a conniving confidence man, a court jester, or a noble chronicler. One thing is for sure in Golarion - bards know a bit about everything, and have seen things most men only dream of.

Bards count on their reputation to pay their way. The most successful bards are known far and wide, and can count on drinks, meals, or even lodging at the cost of a few performances. As such, most bards prefer to make themselves known, usually by carrying a standard or mark, but sometimes by dressing lavishly or behaving uniquely.

The nature of wanderlust can arise in any being, and so bards can be found anywhere, from anywhere. They never seem to escape their upbringing, and a bard usually has some distinctive trait that belies his or her heritage.

Lem the bard plays a countersong.

Races

Humans, elves, gnomes, and halflings seem to have a prediliction for bardic ways. The more single-minded races often find the wandering life more difficult to adhere to.

Regions

Bards are common in any population centre. Absalom, Oppara, Westcrown, and Egorian all have major bardic colleges which teach specific styles and techniques.

Religion

Bards, with their wandering, ostentatious lifestyles tend to worship chaotic or neutral deities. Traveling performers venerate Desna, great artists worship Shelyn, and bardic followers of Calistria are not unheard of. One faith has a special role for bards, and that is the church of Cayden Cailean, which utilizes them to share the teachings of the Placard of Wisdom with drunken revelers the world over. Their abilities to heal, inspire courage and entertain in taverns and inns makes them a small but integral part of the faith.