Shattered Kingdoms

>help tumble
>[Skills help] tumbling tumble

Syntax: tumble <character>

Tumbling allows the user to seek protection from melee attacks by dodging
and rolling in such a way as to place the target character in harm's way in
your place.  This tactic is not of much use against an enemy formation, but
it can be used to retreat from your own front row in a pinch.  This ability
is effectively the opposite of rescue.

See also: rescue

>help persuade
[Skills help] persuade

Syntax: persuade <victim> <command>

Persuade is the ultimate skill of a bard, the fusion of his fast talking
ability with a magical tongue.  It allows him to talk someone into committing
a single action that may not be in their best interest.  In practice, persuade
works much like the order command but without any charm affect taking place.

There are actions that are impossible to persuade someone to do.  Not only are
the obvious game-related commands like quit or save off limits, but it is also
impossible to persuade them to join your group or give you their possessions.
A bard cannot persuade while singing.  It also uses a lot of magical energy.

See also: order

>help dance
[Skills help] dance

Syntax: dance

The ability to dance, can be used not only to entertain but also within
combat.  Well trained dancers are harder to hit and it can be difficult to
trip or bash someone whose feet are always on the move.  Dancing will also
magnify the power of a bard's mystic songs.  Moving your feet to the music
requires concentration but the nimbler you are, the easier it seems to be.

Using the dance command while dancing will stop your dance.  Alternatively,
you may also use the stop command for this purpose.  It is impossible to
rest, sleep or even walk away while dancing, although a trained dancer can
flee.  Of course, fleeing immediately ends the dance.

See also: stop sing

>help f minor
[Songs help] power chords

Syntax: sing 'c major' <character>
Syntax: sing 'f minor'
Syntax: sing 'b augmented sixth'

Each of these three skills allows the bard to sing a single powerful chord
at full volume.  By infusing his voice with a touch of magic, the tones can
be used to bring about special effects and damage enemies, most effectively
when the bard is alone.  Chords cannot be used while singing a song.

C Major is the first chord a bard learns during training.  Emphasizing
technique over power, this chord produces a narrow cone of sound which can
be aimed at a single creature.  While creating pain in listeners, C Major
can also cause items made out of certain materials to shatter.

F Minor is a slightly more difficult chord learned once a voice is more
seasoned.  This chord affects everyone that stands near to the bard, making
it best used when allies are not nearby.  In addition to creating pain, F
Minor also disorients the inner ear, temporarily dazing those hearing it.

B Augmented Sixth is the most complex and far reaching chord in a bard's
repertoire.  Sung at full opera volume, the chord's powerful reverberations
penetrate into adjoining rooms in every direction.  The wave is so strong
that, in addition to deadly pain, B Augmented Sixth also causes deafness.

See also: sing

>help 'songs of sleep'
[Songs help] songs of sleep

Syntax: sing '<sleep lyric>'

The melody of sleep is an almost irresistable lullaby that causes extreme
drowsiness to everyone in the room except for the bard's party.  Symptoms
of drowsiness include reduced chance to hit and dodge, a reduced rate of
multiple attack routines and a larger chance to miscast spells.  If used
while dancing, the drowsiness effects are doubled and if the listener is
not fighting, they will find it difficult to avoid helpless slumber.

Some of the more common sets of lyrics for songs of sleep include:
Slow Moon Over Zhenshi, The Soothesayer, Relentless Sleep, Peaceful Release,
This Idyllic Scene, Powers Of Song, Done Now Be, and Pyrathia's Palm

See also: songs sing dance