TORG ETERNITY: STRIKE A CHORD

BARDS, SKALDS, AND MUSICIANS IN THE POSSIBILITY WARS

By Jason “PK” Levine

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Skills ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Perks............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Bards vs. Skalds ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Gear .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Spells ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Eternity Shards ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Sample Character ....................................................................................................................................... 8

INTRODUCTION
Music is a powerful force, able to move the masses as well as any sermon, which makes it useful
in the fight against the High Lords. Aysle in particular has bards who weave songs into spellcraft
and Viking skalds whose poetry is a melody all its own – but musical performers can be found in
every cosm, and this mini-supplement will help you create your own!

SPECIAL THANKS
Ben Conrad, SamJo Levine, Allison Louise, Tyler Morris.
For more Torg Eternity resources, visit www.mygurps.com
This product was created under license from Ulisses North America. Torg Eternity, its respective logos, as well as Torg, Infiniverse, Possibility
Wars, Storm Knight, Aysle, Cyberpapacy, Living Land, Nile Empire, Orrorsh, Pan-Pacifica, Tharkold, and their respective logos, are trademarks
of Ulisses North America. The title and contents of this book are protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. No part of
this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval systems, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without written consent from Ulisses
North America.
This publication includes material that was produced by Ulisses North America and/or other authors and which is protected under applicable
copyright laws. Use of such material is granted under the Community Content Agreement for the INFINIVERSE EXCHANGE.
All original content in this work is copyright 2019 by Jason “PK” Levine and published under the Community Content Agreement for the
INFINIVERSE EXCHANGE.

1
 SKILLS
No new skills are required to create a musician,
just discussion of existing options.
COMPUTERS
Computers can be used to edit existing music,
and the line between “an original composition”
and “a smart remix” is a fuzzy one. Thus
characters with a DJ controller, or a computer
with DAW software and speakers, can use
computers instead of profession: musician to
compose music (even on the fly). For this
purpose, add computers to the lower of Charisma
or Mind, as technical aptitude and “soul”
matter equally here.
This rule does not allow computers to be used
for casting Bardic Magic. A bard can use high-
tech editing software to create their music, but
the casting roll is always against profession:
musician.
PERSUASION
A common skill among musicians; working
the crowd is arguably as important as musical
talent itself. Poetry, rap, and other purely
spoken-word performances may use either
persuasion or profession: musician.
PROFESSION: MUSICIAN
Note: This skill is always based on Charisma,
not Mind.
This is the skill of singing, playing
instruments, and composing music. In
addition to esoteric uses like Bardic Magic, it is
usually used to gain a good reaction from a
crowd. The GM will need to set the DN based
on the mood of the audience and the
appropriateness of the performance. Playing
for fans at a music festival would be DN 8,
2
while breaking out instruments in the middle
of a combat would be DN 20 or worse!
• Standard: The audience members react
favorably to the performer and will be
happy to talk to them, drink with them, etc.
Any penalties to follow-up persuasion or
streetwise rolls (e.g., for being an outsider)
are eliminated.
• Good: They loved this concert and will
remember the music and musician for at
least the next few months, possibly longer.
As Standard but follow-up rolls are also
Favored.
• Outstanding: This was the best show
they’ve ever been to, and they’ll be telling
their friends about it for years. As
Standard, but follow-up rolls are at +4.
Assume that, in addition to singing, this skill
covers knowledge of any instrument the
musician would be familiar with (GM’s call).
For optional realism, choose one instrument
familiarity for each +1 skill add; e.g., someone
with profession: musician +3 might be able to
play the lyre, drums, and flute in addition to
singing...not all at once, of course!
SCHOLAR
In Aysle, scholar is a key skill for bards and
skalds, who use it to recall epics and sagas. At
the GM’s discretion, using scholar to select the
right poem for a formal occasion (royal court,
clan moot, etc.) can make the performance roll
itself Favored.
PERKS
Some Perks directly use music or poetry to
great effect in the game, while others just fit the
theme. Either way, the following existing and
new Perks are very appropriate for Storm
Knight performers.
 EXISTING PERKS
A performance-focused Storm Knight should
consider these Perks. The first four are
available to characters from any cosm, but
Skald is Aysle-only and Storyteller is restricted
to Core Earth unless the GM allows otherwise.
Bring the Beats (Ruins of the Living Land): Use
melody plus reality to control an encounter.
This Perk explicitly requires music – though
not necessarily compositional skill, as it doesn’t
have to be an original performance.
Famous (Nile Empire Sourcebook): Especially
fitting for bards, reflecting the ability to make
friends and contacts anywhere.
Helper (Torg Eternity): Rallying one’s
companions is a potent ability, and very fitting.
Feel free to replace “speak a few encouraging
words” with “play some inspirational chords.”
Pep Talk (Beta Clearance Player’s Primer):
Builds on Helper to further aid the party.
Skald (Aysle Sourcebook): While designed for
true Viking Skalds, this fits any warrior-poet.
Bring the Beats plus Skald is a particularly
powerful combination, granting control and
knowledge regarding the Drama Deck.
Storyteller (Torg Eternity): See p. 4.
PROWESS
Cosms: Any
MEMORY JOURNEY
• Prereq: Mind 8+
Also known as “method of loci,” ancient bards
and authors created this mnemonic technique
to allow near-perfect recall of facts and images.
The scholar visualizes an imaginary scene and
“stores” each detail by associating it within a
specific location there. Later, they can mentally
“walk through” the location to remember it.
BARDS VS. SKALDS
Aysle is home to two proud
traditions of music and verse. Both
have been around longer than even
the elves can remember and, while
distinct, have influenced each other
over time.
Bards are found throughout the
sovereign lands, home of the great
houses which form the Court of the
Light. The first bards (now called free
bards) were common folk. These
musicians and storytellers filled a
crucial social role by traveling from
place to place, spreading news and
cultural trends. Over time, nobles
recognized the value in sponsoring
their own bards; these courtly bards
specialize in traveling to other houses
and lands to represent their sponsors
(and learn useful rumors).
The bardic tradition has spread to
other lands as well, particularly those
of the elves and half-folk. An elven
courtly bard or satyr free bard isn’t an
uncommon sight in certain taverns.
Skalds are warrior-poets, charged
with both motivating their fellow
Vikings in battle and preserving their
people's history. While some eschew
melody completely, most find their
epics and sagas more impactful when
sung. Several accompany this with
instrumental music, such as strings,
often along with a woodwind intro
and outro. Horns are also popular –
the louder the better!
3

BARDIC MAGIC SPELL LIST
For these spells and cantrips, profession:
musician replaces the standard magical
skill for all purposes. The bard can cast the
cantrips in Aysle, or elsewhere with the
Cantrip Magic Perk.
• Diminish*, enhance*, fear*, gain language*,
harmonic wave‡, identify magic item†,
messenger hawk†, silence†, siren song,
sound cloud†, sound vision, wildsong.
• Cantrips†: booming voice, focus, hold
animal, inspire.
* From Torg Eternity.
† From Aysle Sourcebook.
‡ From Nile Empire Sourcebook.
The process takes no longer than a normal
inspection, reading, etc. Assume it takes about
a round to memorize a map, letter, or picture,
and about a minute to take in a crime scene.
Once stored, the character retains perfect recall
of the data or scene as though it were still
present. This makes evidence analysis rolls
involving that information Favored.
The character’s overall memory improves as
well, even when not using this technique. In
general, the GM should assume the hero
automatically recalls everything; if a roll is
called for (usually Mind or scholar), it is Up.
REALITY
STORYTELLER
• Prereq: See below.
While this perk befits Realm Runners and
other Core Earth Storm Knights, it is at least as
fitting for bards and skalds.
As such, with GM permission, this perk is also
accessible to characters who have Charisma 8+,
at least three adds in profession: musician, and
4
one of Bardic Magic, Bring the Beats, or Skald.
(This doesn’t change the Core Earth prereq,
which remains just “Charisma 8+.”)
SPELLCRAFT
BARDIC MAGIC
• Prereq: Aysle, at least one add in profession:
musician.
Aylish bards invented the art of wielding
music to great magical effect. Later, Viking
skalds adapted it to their poems, adding
melody to meter to evoke their musical
potential. This form of spellcraft has unique
requirements and restrictions, but allows the
character to cast spells without having to learn
any of the four classic magical skills. Instead,
all casting is done via profession: musician.
Casting a bardic spell requires the caster to
sing and/or play an instrument at full volume,
making stealth nigh-impossible. Both hands
must either be empty (to gesture) or holding an
instrument. If the caster is singing, the lyrics
are descriptive of the spell being cast; anyone
who speaks the same language will
understand what is being cast and why. (You
must have 1+ add in the language skill or use
gain language to sing in it; Linguist is not
enough.) Lyric-free music is less blatant, but
requires the bard to have an instrument handy.
The character need only sing or play while
casting the spell. It lasts for its normal duration
without further musical effort on their part.
When acquiring this Perk, the performer picks
three spells from the list above. This Perk may
be taken multiple times; each time after the
first, the character learns another spell.
Bardic Magic counts as Spellcaster for
prerequisite purposes. While one can take both,
it isn’t recommended, as doing so removes the
main mechanical advantage of Bardic Magic.
 GEAR MUSICAL GEAR
See the table to the right for musical Equipment Tech* Price
instruments and playback devices. By no Accordion 15 150 (11)
means is this a comprehensive list! For other Axe Guitar† 24 400 (13)
instruments or equipment, use the values here Bagpipes 8 125 (10)
as a rough guide. Blowing Horn 3 5 (3)
Blowpipe-Flute 9 75 (9)
Anything described as a “drum” makes casting Boombox‡ 21 50 (8)
one by four by nine Favored (see Nile Empire Bow-Harp 9 125 (10)
Sourcebook). Brass Horn 8 75 (9)

SELECTED ITEM DESCRIPTIONS

DAW Software† 23 50 (8)
DJ Controller† 23 100 (10)
Axe Guitar: An electric-only guitar with a Flametar† 25 550 (13)
bladed body, made of ultra-tech reinforced Flute 4 50 (8)
materials so it can be wielded as a weapon: Hand Drum 3 20 (6)
Strength +4 damage with Stagger, Two- Keytar† 23 75 (9)
Handed, and Unwieldy. Media Player†‡ 23 25 (6)
Stringed (family) 7 50 (8)
Bagpipes: When you want the entire clan to
Microphone† 17 25 (6)
hear your music. The similar Viking skalmejen
Ocarina 5 30 (6)
can be played with the air reservoir or without,
Pan Pipes 4 30 (8)
though the latter requires far more lung power.
Portable PA‡ 20 75 (9)
Blowing Horn: Also known as a winding horn. Talking Drum 5 50 (8)
A natural animal horn, usually a ram’s or TSE Euphony 26 175 (11)
antelope’s, modified for crude music;
* The Tech Axiom at which the earliest type
profession: musician is Disfavored.
of this item appears. Other versions may
Blowpipe-Flute: A flute which can also use have higher Axioms.
missile weapons to fire a dart: Strength +1
† Requires amplification, usually via a
damage at Range 10/20/40.
portable PA.
Boombox: Basically a media player with
‡ Cannot be used to create new music, at
speakers. While originally cassette-based,
least, not on its own.
modern ones play digital music files. Double
cost if it can also be used as a portable PA.
wooden horn used, not for music, but for calling
Bow-Harp: A bow with many strings instead livestock and signaling soldiers.)
of just the one, allowing it to be played as a
DAW Software: Digital Audio Workstation
harp (see Stringed, below). As a bow, it has
software turns any computer into a DJ
Damage 11, Range 20/40/80, and Min Str 7.
controller (below). Due to the lack of physical
Brass Horn: Describes several instruments, controls, the GM may optionally require the
including the trumpet, trombone, and Viking computers skill be used for crafting music on the
lur. (Confusingly, there is a different Viking fly (as per p. 2). Cyberware like the TSE HUD
“instrument” also called the lur: a meter-long and TSE Recorder can also run this software.

5
 DJ Controller: A physical sound board/
sampler/turntable, small and portable, that lets
the user easily remix music on the fly. At Tech
Axiom 24, this can be built into a set of gloves,
allowing the same degree of control via simple
hand movements.
Flametar: An electric-only guitar with a
reservoir of fuel which can be shot out of the
neck as a flamethrower: Damage 15, Ammo 2,
Range 10/15/20, and Small Blast, using the
heavy weapons skill.
Flute: Possibly the oldest instrument capable
of creating a true, complex melody.
Keytar: Alternatively, this can represent a less
ostentatious mini-keyboard, but where’s the
fun in that?
Media Player: A “Walkman,” MP3 player, or
equivalent. By Tech Axiom 24, it’s the size of a
postage stamp. Redundant if you have an
actual computer.
Stringed (family): This entry represents a
wide range of instruments; choose the one you
want! Some are primarily strummed, like the
guitar, lute, lyre, ukulele, and zither. Some are
mainly plucked, like the balalaika, banjo, harp,
mandolin, and sitar. And some must be bowed,
like a lyra, violin/fiddle, and the Viking rebec
and talharpa. The Japanese taishogoto is a unique
“strummed while pressing keys” arrangement
which suits accordion and keytar players.
At Tech Axiom 17 or higher, any stringed
instrument can be electric for no additional cost.
This allows it to be plugged into a PA, which
adds significant volume and optional effects
like distortion and reverb. Some instruments
are electric-only, which makes them much
sturdier but also means they cannot produce
sound without amplification.
Microphone: Obviously not necessary to sing,
but once amplified it adds volume and possible
6
effects (like chorus). At Tech Axiom 20,
microphones become wireless.
Portable PA: An amplifier/speaker combo, to
provide volume for digital or electric-only
sources. It runs on a rechargeable battery and
can be worn as a backpack, or as a small hip-
pack at Tech Axiom 24+. (Modern musical
venues have full public-address systems
installed, obviating the need for this.)
Talking Drum: A percussive instrument
designed to allow a wide range of sounds –
enough that a full melody can be played on it.
May have multiple drumheads or, like the
Indian ghatam, tapered walls which can be
struck in different ways.
TSE Euphony: A small bracelet which, when
activated, can manifest any (non-weaponized)
portable musical instrument via hard-light.
Includes the equivalent of a portable PA for
equipment which needs it..
SPELLS
Bardic Magic has a few unique, sound-related
spells. While bards use profession: musician to
qualify for and cast these, the descriptions
show their standard magical skill equivalent,
in case the GM wants to make them generally
available to all mages.
SIREN SONG
Axiom Level: 12
Skill: Alteration 14
Casting Time: 1 action
DN: Target’s willpower or Spirit
Range: 10 meters
Duration: One round (see below).
The bard’s music can momentarily charm a
single target (no multi-targeting), influencing
their emotions and actions. This does not give
the bard total control over the subject’s actions,
but they are considered Very Stymied (-4) on
any action which runs counter to the emotions
inspired by the bard.
For example, the bard could declare that the
target is now friends with the bard’s entire
party. If the subject had no logical reason to be
hostile, they would become friendly (GM’s
call). Otherwise, they could attack the party, but
would be Very Stymied while doing so.
This spell lasts one round, from the turn of
casting until the bard’s next turn. If the bard
continues to successfully cast this spell every
turn, its effects are essentially continuous.
After the spell ends, the target is aware of the
manipulation.
A target who resists cannot be affected by this
spell (or other mind control effects) for the rest
of the scene.
Success Levels:
• Good: The effects are upgraded to actual
mind control, allowing the bard to dictate
the subject’s actions. The GM should
increase the DN by +2 to +4 if the subject is
ordered to do something extremely
dangerous or morally repugnant.
• Outstanding: As Good, plus the duration
becomes one minute (six rounds). If the
subject is reality-rated, he gets a free
resistance roll (as a contest) each round to
break free. Ords get a resistance roll only if
ordered to do something extremely
dangerous or morally repugnant.
SOUND VISION
Axiom Level: 9
Skill: Divination 10
Casting Time: 1 action
DN: Standard (DN 10)
Range: Touch
Duration: 3 rounds
The subject(s) of this spell can “see sound” for
the duration. This makes any find test to tell
where a sound came from Favored.
More importantly, as long as either the subject
or the person/thing they’re “looking at” is
making some noise (at least as loud as normal
conversation), the subject ignores up to 4
points of darkness penalties.
Success Levels:
• Good: Duration becomes one minute (six
rounds).
• Outstanding: Duration becomes until the
end of the scene.
WILDSONG
Axiom Level: 12
Skill: Divination 10
Casting Time: 1 action
DN: Standard (DN 10)
Range: Self
Duration: Concentration
The caster gains the ability to speak with one
type of normal (nonsapient) animal for the
duration; e.g., foxes. This works for most
species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, etc.,
but not worms, insects, or spiders. When in
doubt, “Does it have a brain bigger than a
pea?” is a good gauge.
The degree of communication is similar to
speaking with a 3-year-old. Asking who came
through the forest recently might earn the
answer, “Buncha people with clanky metal and
couple horses. Stayed overnight then took off
when sun up.”
Success Levels:
• Good: The caster can speak with all types
of animals for the duration of the spell, not
just one.
• Outstanding: As Good, and the animals
are about as smart and well-spoken as an 8-
year old.
7
 ETERNITY SHARDS
Anything as emotional and inspirational as
music is going to create eternity shards. These
are just a few examples.
LLYWELYN’S FLUTE
Cosm: Aysle
Possibilities: 3
Tapping Difficulty: 18
Purpose: To inspire a new generation of bards.
Description: This large flute (“buinne”) was
the signature instrument of Llywelyn of
Cathail, arguably the most famous and
brilliant bardic scholar from the early days
of Aysle. It is made of black wood with red
and blue striations.
Powers: The user can sing and play the flute
simultaneously, at no additional difficulty.
When doing so to cast Bardic Magic, this
bestows the effect of the Magister Perk.
Restrictions: The flute’s Possibilities can only
be tapped for Mind-based tests, including
skills based on Mind.
MOLITOR STRADIVARIUS
Cosm: Core Earth
Possibilities: 3
Tapping Difficulty: 20
Purpose: To celebrate culture and civilization.
Description: The most famous Stradivarius
violin, once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Its body is made of golden maple, spruce,
and willow, and its strings alternate
between red and blue.
Powers: While playing the violin, the bearer
may use profession: musician in place of
reality for any test (including tapping the
Molitor’s Possibilities).
Restrictions: The Molitor’s Possibilities cannot
be used for negative social interactions like
intimidation and taunt.
8
SAMPLE CHARACTER
The following Aylish bard is a balanced
starting character or could make a fun NPC
encounter. For detailed centaur statistics, see
Cracking Tales of Aysle.
ALCIDES, FREE BARD
“You could use a little pick-me-up, and I know just
the tune!”
Alcides likes to say he apprenticed at the
Bardic College of the Steppelands. He just fails
to mention how that’s a euphemism his people
use, similar to “studied at the School of Hard
Knocks.” He saw bardic life as a way to travel
and expand his horizons. Self-taught but no
prodigy, he gradually went from being booed
out of taverns to being welcomed at them.
The centaur was in dwarven lands when the
Dark One invaded Core Earth. When the
dwarves came to Earth’s aid, his curiosity and
sense of adventure led him to join. Though he
never intended to end up in battle, he quickly
became their warbard, providing inspiration
and even defeating a few enemies himself.
Tactically, Alcides tends to use enhance, Bring
the Beats, and interaction attacks to assist
others in a fight. His best attack is harmonic
wave, but his bow-harp suffices if the foe is
resistant to magic.
As an NPC, Alcides still rides with the
dwarves, acting as their “face” and unofficial
morale officer. He is cheerful and optimistic,
but not naïve; when negotiating on behalf of
“his squad,” he drives a hard bargain.
If used as a PC, Alcides was recruited to the
Army of Light by Lady Pella Ardinay and is
“on loan” to the Delphi Council. For
advancement, consider interaction skills and
the perks from pp. 3-4, especially Helper.
Centaur Art: Pearson Scott Foresman, public domain
 Name Alcides Total XP ___

Stymied
Centaur Aysle

-4
Race Cosm Unspent ___
24 Social___

-2
Axioms: Magic___ 16 Spirit___
18 Tech___Clearance
14 Alpha
Level _____

Vulnerable
ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS

+4
Total
Charisma Dexterity Spirit Strength Movement Run Toughness Armor
Mind
DEFENSES

+2
11 6 7 9 7 8 32 10 3 Dodge

KO
Combat Skills Attribute Skill Adds Value
Energy Weapons 6
Dex 6

-3
Melee Defense

Wound Tracker
Fire Combat 6
Dex 6
6

-3
Melee Weapons 6
Dex 6

-3
Missile Weapons 6
Dex 3 9
Unarmed Defense
Unarmed Combat 6
Dex 6

-2
Interaction Skills Attribute Skill Adds Value 6

-1
Intimidation 9
Spirit 9
Maneuver 6
Dex 1 7
SHOCK
9
Taunt 11
Cha 11
Trick 7
Mind 1 8
Other Attribute Skill Adds Value PORTRAIT WOUNDS
3
Dodge Dex 1 7
Persuasion Cha 1 12
Profession: Musician Cha 3 14 EQUIPMENT
Reality Spi 3 12 Item Axiom Notes
Scholar Mind 1 8 Candles 10
Streetwise Cha 1 12 Hand Drum 3
Hemp Rope 8 10 meters
Pan Pipes 4
Quiver 7 Holds 20 arrows
PERKS Torches x3 2
Perk Effect
Centaur (race) Foot chases Favored, Magical
Affinity, Size, Unbridled,
Unique
Bardic Magic enhance, harmonic wave, ARMOR
wildsong Armor Axiom Adds Notes
Bring the Beats Test reality to flip Drama Elven Chain 12 +3 Torso Only
cards in an encounter Fur Barding 3 +1 Favored vs. Cold

WEAPONS
Weapon Axiom Damage Ammo Range Notes
Bow-Harp 9 11 1 20/40/80 Min Str 7
Dagger 8 +1 (8) - - Small

Bonus Chart
Die 1 2 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 26 31 36 41 46 +5
Roll 4 6 8 10 12 14 25 30 35 40 45 50
Bonus fail –8 –6 –4 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 +1