Pathfinder 1e Archetype Bard

Court Fool

A jester bard who uses buffoonery and misdirection to protect allies from mind-affecting harm.

Class: Bard
Kind: Archetype
Granted Spells: —
Replaces: 4 features

Arguably the oldest and most widespread role for a court entertainer is that of the court jester or fool. This role arose from the need to offset the intense, even deadly, seriousness of court business. The court fool serves as an outlet for the constant pressure of aristocratic dealings, relieving tensions through humor. The motley clad acrobat is a good example of this style of court fool, using physical comedy to generate belly laughs and raise spirits. In other courts, the court fool might ridicule social conventions with bawdy songs or engage in biting satire, parodying manners or even mocking individuals to spread good cheer. The court fool holds up an unflattering mirror to those in charge or speaks truths, however veiled, that no one else can safely utter.

Replaces

Bardic KnowledgeLore MasterCountersongInspire Competence

Archetype Features

Buffoonery Level 1

A court fool gains a bonus equal to 1/2 his bard level on Acrobatics, Bluff, Climb, and Disguise checks (minimum +1). This replaces bardic knowledge.

Bardic Performance Level 1

A court fool gains the following types of bardic performance. Distracting Motley (Su) At 1st level, a court fool can startle his allies back to their senses with erratic capering or by fluttering multicolored clothing. Each round, he attempts an Acrobatics check. Any ally (including the court fool) within 30 feet can use this check in place of her own saving throw against confusion and fascination effects. Those already under a confusion or fascination effect can attempt a new save each round using the court fool's Acrobatics check. A court fool wearing an entertainer's outfit gains a +2 bonus on these Acrobatics checks. Distracting motley doesn't work on effects that don't allow saves. This is a mind-affecting effect that uses visual components. This performance replaces countersong. Defuse Tension (Su) At 3rd level, a court fool can use a silly performance to comfort a beleaguered ally. That ally must be within 30 feet and be able to see the court fool. The ally ignores the fatigued and shaken conditions (but not more extreme conditions, such as exhausted or frightened) as long as she continues to see the court fool's performance. This performance affects one additional creature at 7th level and every 4 bard levels thereafter. A court fool can't use defuse tension on himself. Defuse tension relies on visual components. This performance replaces inspire competence.

Caper and Jeer Level 5

At 5th level, a court fool can take 10 on Acrobatics and Bluff checks, even when in danger or distracted, and can use Bluff to create a diversion to hide (as per the Stealth skill) as a swift action. He can take 20 on an Acrobatics or Bluff check once per day, plus one time per 6 levels beyond 5th, even when in danger or distracted. This ability replaces lore master. Section 15: Copyright Notice Pathfinder Player Companion: Heroes of the High Court © 2017, Paizo Inc.; Authors: Isabelle Lee, Luis Loza, Ron Lundeen, and Jacob W. Michaels.