In tabletop role-playing games, bards have long been cherished for their musical prowess in both aiding allies and baffling foes. This familiar role is embraced fully in the upcoming tactical RPG, Sunderfolk. The game brings to life a lively bard who excels at empowering teammates and manipulating the battlefield, ensuring that the team always gains an upper hand against opponents in the enigmatic Sunderlands.
Diving deeper into Sunderfolk, Game Rant Advance engaged in conversation with members of Secret Door’s team, featuring insights from game director Erin Marek on their vision for the support-centered Bard class.
Exploring Sunderfolk’s Bard Abilities
Much like their counterparts in Dungeons and Dragons, Sunderfolk’s Bard wields a lute in combat, though this particular bard takes the form of a tuxedo-clad bat. Erin Marek shared insights into the Bard’s versatility: "The Bard can tackle a variety of roles," Marek commented. "They provide crucial support, giving that extra maneuvering space to handle unexpected challenges."
Marek also highlighted how the Bard is suitable for various player experiences:
"At its core, the Bard is intuitive enough for newcomers to pick up, even if they’re not familiar with the genre, while offering a tactical depth that seasoned players will find incredibly potent."
Like every class in Sunderfolk, the Bard carries a passive skill called Two-Step, enabling them to leave behind Music Notes post-actions, like switching places with another player. This grants them unparalleled battlefield influence in the game. Allies benefit from these Music Notes, enjoying boosts to attack, mobility, and beyond. As the Bard progresses, they unlock several compelling abilities:
- Sharp Refrain: Inflicts damage and spawns a Music Note.
- Siren Song: Charms a target to move towards the Bard, facilitating dual movement.
- Beat Drop: Pushes enemies away and grants the Bard an escape.
- Shield Sonata: Attacks an enemy while shielding allies close by.
- Power Chord: Damages, knocks back multiple enemies, and enhances allies’ Strength.
- Crowd Surf: Utilizes Two-Step for repositioning before delivering a distance-based attack.
Unveiling the Bard’s Ultimate Ability
Sunderfolk’s classes each boast an Ultimate Ability; the Bard’s is called Mosh Pit. This dynamic display lets the Bard traverse five spaces, damaging adversaries in proximity. More than just a spectacle, it energizes allies to launch towards enemies and join the fray. While reminiscent of the Bardic Inspiration from Dungeons and Dragons, this ability activates immediately, showcasing its unique flair.
Navigating the Bard’s Fate Deck
In Sunderfolk, instead of rolling a D20, players draw from the Fate Deck during battles. Cards drawn can either augment or hinder attacks, add movement, or use specific modifiers. Every class contains a tailored Fate Deck that evolves as players gain levels, enhancing its compatibility with the class’s skill set.
The Bard’s deck stands out by generating Music Notes even with unfavorable cards, such as a -2 penalty on an attack. Several cards in the deck are designed to debuff enemies, taking inspiration from classic Bard powers like Vicious Mockery. Moreover, the Bard can motivate allies to strike enemies and even heal with a fortunate draw. This diverse Fate Deck transforms Sunderfolk’s Bard into a versatile character, proving indispensable in battles and also enriching interactions beyond combat with their soothing melodies and vivacious demeanor charming Sunderfolk’s many NPCs throughout the adventure.
