Traditional fantasy-based MMO classes redesigned for a post-apocalyptic setting: ( 5 / 9 ) bards
Given the somewhat whimsical nature of the original class, I struggled with translating bards into something more realistic before my friend Fal suggested going in the direction of rally leaders, which ended up working out great. (They started out as more straightforward rock starlets, which would have been adequate but not very unique, I think.)
The core imagery was taken from girls’ cheerleader uniforms and – due to the aggressive un-cuteness of most male cheerleadering uniforms – stereotypical ouendan clothes. I wanted both outfits to be moderately fanservice-y but easy to move in and somewhat durable.
Bards are heavily skewed towards long-distance support, so their defensive gear is a bit more for looks than functionality. They wear lacrosse leg guards and thigh guards, while their arm braces are a stacked combination of bite sleeves, police arm guards and heavy-duty gloves. MMA chestplates are optional.
Buffs and debuffs are cast by shouting cheers/chants and rallying cries through a megaphone. A portable speaker cobbled together with a backpacking strap set can be appended to the megaphone in order to increase range and effectiveness. Cheer flags serve the same function as megaphones, but can’t be enhanced with speakers; in exchange, they can be wielded like bo staffs for close- to mid-range combat.
(via cthulhu-with-a-fez)
