Buy me a coffeeStreet Performer (Human Bard 2)
“The Street Performer, the enigmatic bard, captivating crowds with spellbinding performances!”
Appearance: Street performers come in a variety of appearances, often tailored to their performance style. They may dress in colorful, eccentric clothing to attract attention or wear traditional costumes reflective of their cultural background. Their attire is usually adorned with accessories like scarves, hats, or jewelry, adding flair to their presentation. Their physical features vary widely, but they often possess an aura of charisma and expressiveness, vital for engaging audiences.
Behavior: Street performers are dynamic individuals, adapting their behavior to suit the demands of their act and the audience’s response. They exude confidence and enthusiasm during their performances, drawing spectators in with their energy and charm. Between acts, they may interact with passersby, enticing them to watch or participate. Street performers often possess a resilient spirit, persevering through challenges such as adverse weather or indifferent crowds, driven by their passion for their craft.
Habitat: Street performers thrive in bustling urban environments, where foot traffic is plentiful and diverse audiences abound. They gravitate towards busy squares, pedestrian malls, tourist attractions, and cultural events, seeking high visibility and foot traffic. While some may have designated performance spots, others roam from location to location, exploring new audiences and opportunities. Additionally, they may participate in organized festivals or events tailored to street performance arts.
Modus Operandi: Street performers rely on their artistic talents to captivate audiences and earn their livelihood. They showcase a range of skills, including music, dance, juggling, magic, acrobatics, mime, and storytelling, often incorporating elements of comedy or drama to enhance their acts. They use simple props or instruments to enhance their performances, leveraging creativity and improvisation to entertain and engage spectators. Depending on local regulations, they may collect voluntary donations or sell merchandise to support themselves.
Motivation: The motivations of street performers are as diverse as their acts. Some are driven by a deep passion for their art, finding fulfillment in sharing their talents with others and connecting with audiences on a personal level. Others may pursue street performing as a means of self-expression, asserting their creativity and individuality in public spaces. For many, street performing represents a livelihood, offering a flexible and autonomous career path outside traditional employment structures. Regardless of their motivations, street performers are united by a shared desire to enrich the urban landscape with their artistry and create memorable experiences for all who encounter them.
Street Performer (Human Bard 2) 5e
Street Performer (Human Bard 2) Pathfinder
Street Performer (Human Bard 2)
Medium humanoid (human), any alignment
Armor Class 12 (leather armor)
Hit Points 16 (3d8 + 2)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 16 (+3) |
Skills Acrobatics +4, Performance +5
Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages Common plus one additional language
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Bardic Inspiration (3/Day). As a bonus action, the street performer can grant one creature within 60 feet that can hear it a Bardic Inspiration die, a d6. The creature can add this die to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw it makes. This inspiration lasts for 10 minutes.
Spellcasting. The street performer is a 2nd-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following Bard spells prepared:
- Cantrips (at will): prestidigitation, vicious mockery
- 1st level (2 slots): dissonant whispers, healing word, tasha’s hideous laughter
Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Performance (3/Day). The street performer begins a captivating performance that affects creatures within 30 feet of it. Each creature of the street performer’s choice that can see and hear it must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the end of the performer’s next turn. The charmed target must use its movement to approach the performer by the most direct route. It can’t willingly move away from the performer. The performer must take a bonus action on its subsequent turns to maintain the performance.
Reactions
Cutting Words. When a creature that the street performer can see within 60 feet of it makes an attack roll, an ability check, or a damage roll, the street performer can use its reaction to expend one use of Bardic Inspiration, rolling a Bardic Inspiration die and subtracting the number rolled from the creature’s roll.
Note: The Street Performer can be encountered in bustling city squares, where it seeks to entertain and charm audiences with its performances.
After growing up an orphan on the streets, Jelks earns a living by playing music and guiding newcomers through the city. She hopes adventurer clients will take her along with them.
XP 400
Human Bard 2 Street Performer
CN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +5
DEFENSE
AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 14 (2d8+1)
Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +4; +4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, and sonic
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +1 (1d4/19–20)
Ranged dagger +3 (1d4/19–20)
Special Attacks bardic performance 9 rounds/day (countersong, distraction, fascinate, inspire courage +1)
Bard Spells Known (CL 2nd; concentration +5)
1st (3/day)—charm person (DC 14), expeditious retreat, sleep (DC 14)
0th (at will)—daze (DC 13), detect magic, flare (DC 13), ghost sound (DC 13), prestidigitation
TACTICS
During Combat The bard stays at a safe distance, supporting allies with music and using spells to deter fights.
STATISTICS
Str 10, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 17
Base Atk +1; CMB +1; CMD 13
Feats Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot
Skills Acrobatics +5, Bluff +7, Diplomacy +8, Handle Animal +8, Knowledge (local) +4, Perception +5, Perform (wind) +8, Sense Motive +5, Sleight of Hand +7, Stealth +5
Languages Common
SQ bardic knowledge +1, versatile performance (wind)
Combat Gear potions of cure light wounds (2), potion of invisibility, caltrops, silk rope, tanglefoot bags (2); Other Gear masterwork chain shirt, daggers (3), 8 gp
Sample NPC
DESCRIPTION
A bard without a regular tavern as a base can busk in various streets and markets.
Section 15: Copyright Notice
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game NPC Codex © 2012, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Jesse Benner, Jason Bulmahn, Adam Daigle, Alex Greenshields, Rob McCreary, Mark Moreland, Jason Nelson, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Patrick Renie, Sean K Reynolds, and Russ Taylor.