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Jan 31, 2013 -- 10:09AM, Kailmung wrote:

Jan 31, 2013 -- 10:05AM, Centauri wrote:

Jan 31, 2013 -- 10:02AM, Kailmung wrote:

He has a lute, but all he has done is sing so far.

I was thinking a magical instrument, but I don't want him to feel like he is being cheated. Everyone else gets weapons & armor and he gets a new lute.

That's okay, because the surprise is what's important. And nothing's more surprising than a complete let down of expectations you didn't tell anyone you had.

For once in a long time I actually agree with you.

I'm not entirely sure that you do.

Jan 31, 2013 -- 10:21AM, Kailmung wrote:

If he had expectations of a great magic item, like everyone else has. But he didn't saying anything it will be a surprise when he gets one that is "weak" compared to the rest of the party. Granted the bard is a bit weaker than the rest, well at least he plays it that way.

Alright. As long as the DM had been open to the players ideas, if the player wants to be "surprised" there's really no reason to complain if the player actually had some sort of expectations.

 If the bard's primary combat role is using his bardic abilities to buff the party, by giving him a magic lute you are giving him a magic weapon...
For 3.5, there a number of bard-specific magic items, mainly instruments, and I believe they start around 7th level or so if I remember right. Most of them give the bard bonuses when using his singing/playing abilities and have the power to cast a specific spell or two. Although each one is a different type of instrument there won't be any problem refluffing them as a lute.

 Also, bards can get some decent use out of most of the items that are useful for other arcane spellcasters. Alternately, since the bard is largely a support character, anything that helps him in that role is useful.