Author Topic: Bard help  (Read 1086 times)

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SeekingKnight

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Bard help
« on: September 10, 2010, 03:41:33 PM »
Hey gang, hope all has been well.  I am wondering if I may have some help with a bard build.  First off the party mostly consists of a halfling rogue, human cleric of Pelor, elf wizard, half-orc cleric of Kord, human "monk", dwarf druid with one arm, human commoner, Meepo from Sunless Citidal as DMPC, and another player who may be rolling up a throwing build.  As one can tell we are pretty much stacked with people who can do a variety of jobs.

I decided to make a bard who can be the diplomacy expert of the group.  My stats are: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 16, Cha 18.  I am going to be half elf for the substitution levels at 1 and 8 as well as being a savage bard varient for giggles.  I am going to see if I can get the pacifist flaw so I can take martial study Devoted Spirit.  Third level I am gonna dip into Marshal for the aura bonus and get negotiator as the feat unless someone suggests otherwise.  The continue in bard for a while more.  I am open to ideas on PrC's and feats.  I probably will not be doing much combat considering we have soo damn many people.

Thanks in advance.

PhaedrusXY

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Re: Bard help
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2010, 03:54:18 PM »
You should focus on Inspire Courage. Diplomacy is a broken mechanic that the DM will almost be forced to house rule if you optimize it. Then you're going to be stuck with it working however the DM says it does, which may or may not suck.

At the very least, don't focus entirely on Diplomacy.

The "bardsader" (bard/crusader) with Song of the White Raven is a very popular build, and with good reason. I'd suggest that, and focusing on cranking up your IC bonuses, and maybe take Dragonfire Inspiration. You have a bunch of melee guys in your party and they'll love you for it. You can still be the party diplomat by just sticking ranks in it, but you won't be breaking the game with it.
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

SeekingKnight

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Re: Bard help
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2010, 09:57:18 PM »
How would I crank up my Inspire Courage bonus?  I was thinking of going dragonfire inspiration some where along the line.  So should I go say some levels in bard and like 4 in crusader then jump into a Prc that boosts my  bard abilities?

PhaedrusXY

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Re: Bard help
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2010, 11:04:28 PM »
How would I crank up my Inspire Courage bonus?  I was thinking of going dragonfire inspiration some where along the line.  So should I go say some levels in bard and like 4 in crusader then jump into a Prc that boosts my  bard abilities?
With song of the white raven, crusader boosts your bardic music AND lets you activate it as a swift action. There is a whole thread on optimizing IC. Take a look at that. It's fairly easy, even at low levels, to get a substantial bonus.
« Last Edit: September 10, 2010, 11:06:10 PM by PhaedrusXY »
[spoiler]
A couple of water benders, a dike, a flaming arrow, and a few barrels of blasting jelly?

Sounds like the makings of a gay porn film.
...thanks
[/spoiler]

jojolagger

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Re: Bard help
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2010, 12:23:59 AM »
Just putting this link here. Doesn't have all the stuff in PhaedrusXY's link, but shows the end result well.
Countdown to Zombie Apocalypse 97
When you see this, copy it into your sig and -1
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Quotes [spoiler]
In other words, he thinks there's a "correct" way to play D&D.  *sigh*
There is: Kill shit and loot the corpse!
When you use a tool the way it was designed for -- its intended function -- then it will work very well for you.

But it's not the tool's fault if you use it for something else and you fail utterly, such as trying to eat cereal with a butterknife, pounding nails with a screwdriver, blogging to voice your political opinions, and brushing your teeth with a hammer.
[/spoiler]