Background 1: +3 I’ve hunted every animal in the Queen’s Wood
Background 2: +3 I lived on the streets and busked for years in Horizon
Background 3: +3 I romanced the Archmage’s daughter and wrote a song about it
Armor of Alacrity
This chain mail heavy armor granted to the consorts of the Elf Queen grants +1 per tier to AC. When you roll for your kin power, you may roll twice per turn.
Crescendo
This longsword grants +1 to attack and damage per tier. You can cast the bard spell soundburst.
Flute of Empires
This was the signature musical instrument of the Bard, an icon of a past age who could raise armies—or destroy them—with a song.
When you play the instrument you gain the following powers:
· Echoing Thunder p169. Once per battle.
· Confusion p192. Once per arc/day. Attack with Charisma, not Intelligence.
· Head Wrecker p171. Once per arc/day, chain spell.
· Transfer Enchantment p195. Once per arc/day. Attack with Charisma, not Intelligence.
Further powers may be available but at considerable risk to yourself and the Empire.
Ring of Honeyed Words: This signet ring bears the symbol of the Diabolist and is just large enough to be noticed from across a room. While wearing it, you get a +6 bonus to skill tests to convince someone to aid you in some fashion. Your target is magically compelled to look favorably on your case and think of you as eloquent, interesting and more than a little sexy. However, it has the opposite effect on every other witness to the conversation, including the other PCs - they believe that you're deceitful, manipulative and crass, no matter what you say or do. Oh well, it's not like they can cause any problems later on.
You could try getting around the ring's restriction by insisting on a private conference. That won't make anyone suspicious or paranoid in the slightest. Quirk: Incapable of speaking without prevaricating.