D&D 3.x [3.5] Help my bard contribute [Thanks guys!]

[Lord Pendragon]

Mithril scale will still count as medium armor for purposes of armor proficiency, so keep that in mind.

Well, his fighter levels give him Medium Armor Proficiency. However, the reason I wanted Mithril Scale is because a) scale is the preferred armor of his homeland and b) Bards can cast without any Arcane Spell Failure in light armor.

Now, do you know if there's been a specific ruling regarding the bard's ability to nullify ASF in light armor, and Mithril Medium armors? Would Mithril Scale be considered light, and thus without penalty for a bard (as I'm assuming), or are they still "medium" for this purpose?

 

[Lord Pendragon]

1st Level: Expeditious Retreat - for those times when you need to use spring attack against a creature with 10' reach.
Tash's Hideous Laughter: Takes subject out of the fight for 1 round/level.

I hadn't thought of that, but it sounds really good. I can think of a ton of good uses for the occasional Expeditious Retreat. I'll have to take a look at Tasha's Hideous Laughter. I'm not sure how great my bard's DCs will be, but with the new 3.5 system, I could try it out and, if it isn't working, swap it at higher levels...

Edit to add: Ah yes, the druid. I truly never even realized that. I suppose it's because the only druid I've seen in play was a gnome rogue/druid, and a little bit Ka-RAY-zy. Not exactly a diplomatic character, if you get my drift.

 

[Garmorn]

Well, his fighter levels give him Medium Armor Proficiency. However, the reason I wanted Mithril Scale is because a) scale is the preferred armor of his homeland and b) Bards can cast without any Arcane Spell Failure in light armor.

Now, do you know if there's been a specific ruling regarding the bard's ability to nullify ASF in light armor, and Mithril Medium armors? Would Mithril Scale be considered light, and thus without penalty for a bard (as I'm assuming), or are they still "medium" for this purpose?

From the DMG page 284:

Most mithral armors are one category lighter than normal for purposes of movement and other limitations (for example the barbarian can use her fast movement ability while wearing the armor or not).

So mithral scale would be treated as light for bardic abilities and have the following qualities: AC+4, Max Dex = 6, Skill Check penalty = -1. That is really good.

Cost: 4050gp.

 

[satori01]

Unless they took it away in 3.5 a bard is proficient in medium, and light armor and shields.

I would say go for the battle bard, dont wear light armor and be a pansy with a rapier,)), especiallly if your last character was a Dandy buckler combatant, grad 5 levels of fighter, a big freaking sword and shield and go to it man.

 

[The Souljourner]

Problem with Mithril Scale mail is that it's simply inferior to a mithril chain shirt in all ways, and costs way way more.

That's one of the things that I always hated about the armor list - there are only two valid armor choices in medium and heavy armors - breastplate and full plate. Everything else is simply inferior.

-The Souljourner

 

[Garmorn]

Problem with Mithril Scale mail is that it's simply inferior to a mithril chain shirt in all ways, and costs way way more.

That's one of the things that I always hated about the armor list - there are only two valid armor choices in medium and heavy armors - breastplate and full plate. Everything else is simply inferior.

-The Souljourner

He had stated he was going for scale because of roleplaying reasons.

Your statement true for all three catgories of armor after 3rd level at the lattest. (For most 2nd level characters/campains). The diffrence between scale and breastplate is +1 AC, everthing else is the same execpt the price. That is a difference of 150gp. A major diffrence for 1st and many 2nd level characters.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Re: Strategizing a Singer.

I've never played a PC who invested in Use Magic Device. How many skill points are needed to reliably access other classes' scrolls? Is UMD worth it for other purposes?

You need to make a DC of 20 to use any wand. Realistically you would want a skill of +15 or better before you bother using it during combat. Scrolls are a similar story, the DC is 20 + caster level. That sounds difficult, but there are a couple options for getting UMD synergy bonuses.

Practically speaking, we are looking at at least 8th level (11 ranks + 4 for Cha) is +15 skill.

The reach weapon is a great idea for your character especially if you are considering Spring Attack. Combat Reflexes is an obvious choice to consider, but also keep in mind Quickdraw -- it is very nice if you lneed to swap between weapons.

 

[Tellerve]

Monk has diplomacy as a class skill. In 3.5, bard, cleric, monk, druid, paladin and rogue have it.

If you do go with a reach weapon, go with a guisarme as it is a reach weapon with tripping ability.

Tellerve

 

[Garmorn]

Re: Re: Strategizing a Singer.

You need to make a DC of 20 to use any wand. Realistically you would want a skill of +15 or better before you bother using it during combat. Scrolls are a similar story, the DC is 20 + caster level. That sounds difficult, but there are a couple options for getting UMD synergy bonuses.

Practically speaking, we are looking at at least 8th level (11 ranks + 4 for Cha) is +15 skill.

The reach weapon is a great idea for your character especially if you are considering Spring Attack. Combat Reflexes is an obvious choice to consider, but also keep in mind Quickdraw -- it is very nice if you lneed to swap between weapons.

Spellcraft, Decipher Script will give +2 synergies bonus on UMD involving scrolls. UMD will also give you a +2 synergy bonus on Decipher Script so they are nice pair to have. With five ranks in both you have a nice +4, then add in skill focus for +3 and at first level your skill could be 11 + cha bonus. At the start of your game you can have a soild 13 + cha bonus, for a good chance of success for using wands. This also high enough to prevent mishaps on wands (DC of 20). Scrolls have a DC of 20 + spell level so they are harder. A mishap occurs if you fail by 10 or more, so a scroll with a spell of 3rd level or less safe. NOTE: you must also emulate the correct ability if yours is not high enough. Example a clerical spell of 3rd level requires a wisdom of 13 for cleric to cast it. If you don't have a 13 wisdom then you must roll a 23 total on UMD to emulate it. For arcane just stick with sorcerer spells as they use charisma.

Skills are going to be area where you will have to make hard choices about character concept. The bard has lots of class skills to pick from, and the value of UMD must be measured against the desire/need for other skills. It will eventually allow you to use any magic item (good or evil) out there regardless of your alignment, class or race.


This brings up another point. Which class are you going to take a 1st level? I would suggest bard as the skill points are more valuable then four extra hit points. It also fits better as a bard trying to learn combat for survival reasons then a fighter turning bard.

 

[Garmorn]

If you do go with a reach weapon, go with a guisarme as it is a reach weapon with tripping ability.

Tellerve

Yea, using a reach weapon with your rapier and buckler would give you the ability to hide behind the big dumb fighter and still make attacks. Since it is a shaft weapon you can't hurt your ally.

If the nasty has two high a armor class to hit you can go to aid others and still make active difference v.s. the more passive help of bardic song or buff spells.

I have had a mage use this tactic quite successfully.