A Lute like this (which is also an axe, and you can do rock music);
Sure.
A lute like this?
Nope.
Also a Harp? Nope.
It was never said that they couldn't brew tea, use chi, could heal or use mists. So no, its not a deviation, it's an expansion.Except it literally is, since there is no "tea", no "chi", no "healing" and no "mist" in the original concept.
What type of weapon would Liras and Harps be? Lutes and Guitars can be axes, maces, and swords.Much like lutes, guitars, liras and harps would be housed under the theme of music to fit a specialization.
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They won't, because they've already established a Lute as an ETC-appropriate axe.
Again, you're confusing stylization between races with stylization between specs.Yes, which is the same huge leap we have between wicker bears and pterodactyl men.
Okay, once again;The leaps aren't important as long as there is a fundamental connection to core class themes; which would be centralized around performance and musical aptitude. What is the problem here? Nothing. You just personally don't think it works, and that's fine, it's just not a convincing argument to make. No one else but you has this issue. No one.
This;
Is not the same concept as this;
And wouldn't be in the same class.
I've listed multiple reasons. You can look at it and see it wouldn't work. The concepts are way too different.It's fine to have an unpopular opinion. As long as everyone clear that's all it is. Your opinion that a Bard built around ETC can absolutely not also contain any traditional music themes whatsoever, for no real reason other than you don't think it would happen. I have no problem with this as long as this is made clear.