Monday, July 11, 2016

Bards, Drawing, and Copying other Artworks

I've finished the table for bards who draw.  I've split drawing into two large categories: black-and white images (which includes charcoal pencil drawings, tattooing, and printmaking) and paintings (either oil or ink).  Each type of art is its own category (i.e. charcoal is distinct from tattooing and oil painting), but the effects are shared.

Roll
Printmaking, Charcoal, Tattoo
Painting (Oil and Ink)
1
The emphasis on the grey between black and white absolutes lends those who see it to be more tolerant, reducing their resistance to both charm effects and persuasion.
The painting is stunningly realistic; it is a permeable window to a demiplane.
2
The depiction of a tragic figure standing against the darkness ennobles the spirit, boosting mental resistance to the charms and compulsions of creatures with bad intent.
The image is so luscious and visceral that all senses are heightened, increasing all experience gained by 25%.
3
The piece is incredibly economical, fitting much detail into a very small frame, which inspires craftsmanship.  The quality of goods made while under its influence is increased by 25%.
The painting is abstract, filled with impossible figures that splinter the mind.  Spellcasters resting nearby can prepare one additional spell of every level they can cast.
4
The abundance of darkness within the image charms those with darkness in their hearts (those who relish inflicting pain on others, violent criminals, etc.)
The painting is religious in nature.  Undead and demonic creatures must save or be unable to look at it.
5
The image is alien and cold, leeching the feeling from the air.  Damage dealt in view of the image is increased by 10% while healing is reduced by 20%.
The passion of this painting excites those who see it, increasing their resistance to the cold.
6
There is a glimmer of light amidst the darkness of this work; creatures that would perish after seeing this artwork live one extra round.
This landscape painting is so lifelike that animals will flock to it.
7
The background tessellations inspire industriousness; projects are completed 25% faster.
The scene depicted is epic in scope and scale, improving morale.
8
The colorless expanse attracts magic: casters must save or target the image whenever casting a targeted spell.
The painting utilizes optical illusions that contort the mind; saving throws versus magic take a small penalty.
9
The image is rustic and heartening.  Hearths burn warmer and rest comes sweetly to those who sleep before the image: +1hp restored per HD.
The painting shows a representation of Divinity.  All who can see the painting are given the benefit of a Sanctuary spell.
10
The work is intentionally left unfinished, challenging other artists to complete it.  Artistic endeavors completed while under its influence can draw from its effects table.
The work is intentionally left unfinished, challenging other artists to complete it.  Artistic endeavors completed while under its influence can draw from its effects table.

Additionally, I wanted to talk about copying an existing work of art.  I feel that an artist who is, say, skilled at ink painting should be able to duplicate the effects of a sculpture that speaks to them.  Such an attempt requires the same amount of time required to create the original sculpture and duplicates all of its effects, but their power is reduced by half.

2 comments:

  1. Dani, do you have any plans to incorporate the materials used into the bard's ability to produce works? I could see an addition to the system by which using rarer or more splendid materials would produce a stronger or longer-lasting effect -- there might be a difference between carving with common timber and carving with ebony, for example. On the one hand this kind of differentiation might detract from the main focus, which is the bard's ability being put to use; on the other hand it might inspire bard players to seek out rare materials for their pieces.

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  2. It's one I've definitely thought about, but I don't have any designs in that direction right now, no. I feel like, implicit within the additional time spent, making more powerful artworks requires more exotic materials, or at least rarer versions of regular ones (purbeck marble being an excellent example).

    However, if I had players who were willing to do the work to make such a thing happen, then I'd say that the artwork is empowered, either as you've suggested or by adding an additional effect to the artwork related to the source material - a lich bone sculpture would have an affinity for the undead, for example.

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