Bards are an iconic class in tabletop role-playing games, where all players know these merry musicians play tunes on the battlefield that can support their allies or confuse or harm their enemies. When it comes to the Bard class,Sunderfolkis no exception. The upcoming tabletop-inspired tactical RPG will feature a cheery bard who focuses on buffing their allies and controlling the map to ensure that the heroes always have the advantage against foes inSunderfolk’s mysterious Sunderlands.
For Game Rant Advance, we spoke to several Secret Door developers aboutSunderfolk, including game director Erin Marek about its take onthe support-oriented Bard.
SunderfolkBard Abilities Explained
Like bards inDungeons and Dragonsand other tabletop role-playing games,Sunderfolk’sBard plays their lute on the battlefield - although most bards aren’t tuxedo-wearing bats. “The Bard can do a bit of it all,” said game director Erin Marek. “They provide the boost needed, the extra wiggle room to overcome elements of risk or unpredictability.”
Marek also explained that the Bard class is suitable for all levels of experience:
“The Bard at its base is simple enough for most folks to pick up even if they aren’t familiar with the genre, but has a surprising level of depth and tactical skill that will make it that much more powerful in the hands of experienced players.”
Like all the other classes inSunderfolk,the Bard has a passive ability: Two-Step, which lets them drop Music Notes on the battlefield after performing actions such as swapping spaces with another player. This gives the Bard a level of control over the battlefield that no other class in the game possesses. These Music Notes are powerful buffs that the Bard’s allies can utilize, boosting attack, movement, and more. In addition, as the Bard levels up, they will be able to gain several abilities:
The Bard’s Ultimate Ability Is A Stunning Performance
All classes inSunderfolkhave access to an Ultimate Ability, and the Bard is no exception. The Bard’s is Mosh Pit, an energetic performance that allows them to move five entire spaces and then deal damage to the surrounding enemies. Even better, allies will also be inspired by the Bard’s performance and move towards foes and attack. It’s somewhat similar toDungeons and Dragons’Bardic Inspiration, but it takes effect immediately.
The Bard’s Cards: Fate Deck Explained
Instead of players rolling a D20 during battle,they draw from the Fate Deck inSunderfolk. The card they pull can strengthen or weaken their attack, grant extra movement, or utilize a special modifier. Each class has a unique Fate Deck that players can customize as they level up and unlock more cards, and of course, the cards featured in eachSunderfolkFate Decksynergize with the class’s existing abilities.
The Bard’s Fate deck is unique in that it allows them to generate more Music Notes, even if they pull a bad card, such as one that gives them -2 on an attack roll. Several cards in the deck also provide debuffs to the enemy, inspired by classic tabletop Bard abilities such asVicious Mockery.In addition, the Bard can inspire allies to attack enemies and even heal them with a particularly lucky draw. This varied Fate Deck makesSunderfolk’sBard a versatile character that could be of great use in any battle, and even outside of battle, where their gentle music and cheerful personality can charm the many NPCs thatSunderfolk’splayers will encounter along their journey.
