Bard

The BARD is the Class of music, trickery, and influence. Most BARDS are characterized as pestering musicians, roaming the countryside in search of the some wondrous event to compose their latest epic to. In many cases, this is what they are reduced to - few BARDS actually aspire to this. Because of their Powers, a BARD playing an instrument is equivalent of a ROGUE reaching for your wallet - the more you listen, the easier it is for a BARD to deceive you. BARDS are mistrusted in modern society, but in the marginalization, BARDS of all colors seem to carve out a niche for them, through a combination of bluffing, sleight of hand, and a few sour notes... In a way, a niche they excel in.

Examples of BARDS in the story: Agent Grace Hawthorne, Agent Levin Geralt

Primary Power: Fascinate This is the root of deception associated with BARDS - when a BARD actively uses this Power through his instrument of choice, the listeners become enchanted in a way. Their disposition improves towards the BARD and his music, and the more intently they listen, the easier it is for the BARD to trick them. Very intent listeners are highly susceptible to suggestion - a BARD politely asks them to throw their Internets on the ground and, depending on how charming he is, the listeners may very well do it. Of course, harsher or more violent commands are often resisted, and the process of Fascinating people is delicate are requires great finesse - some BARDS will even sing a song that implies the listeners should tip much more than they intended.

Secondary Power: Illusion With a gentle strum of their guitar (or quiet note on their flute.), a BARD can conjure illusions of nearly anything they can think of. Depending on the amount of effort exerted, the Illusions can range from crude to life-like, and experienced BARD can even fake noise, conversation, smells... With enough effort a BARD can create an image that appeals to all senses, and is very difficult to discern from reality.

Mastery Power: Power Chord With one, powerful note, a BARD can expel a wave of energy that "dispels" and "silences" everyone and everything around him. Electronics stop functioning, weapons won't function - even Class Powers are temporarily snuffed out. The trade-off is that few instruments are capable of withstanding the flow of energy, often shattering into pieces and leaving the BARD at a disadvantage. Powers and electronics are only temporarily disabled, but it is often for long enough for the BARD to escape or react.

Passive Effect: Natural Power After awhile, a BARD can learn to use his powers without an Instrument to play, although at a much reduced effectiveness.