Ampersand: The Bard (merged)

[Cadfan]

It depends what you want from the multiclass. A bard who multiclasses into rogue only because he wants sneak attack for some close combat punch really doesn't give up much of anything. Just 13 dex and a feat. And usually utility powers don't require stats at all.

So you could multiclass bard/rogue and get sneak attack once per fight, and Ignoble Retreat, or some other similar utility power. It would work fine.

 

[Shroomy]

The whip wielding bard is not completely boned. For one, you could just forsake the multi-classing and go the route of the weapon proficiency feat. But multi-classing into rogue to get the weapon specialization is doable, since it does just cost a 13 in Dex and two feats. To make matters more interesting, the whip specialist powers target Reflex not AC, so a low Dex is not as crippling as it would be if you were using normal powers with the Weapon keyword; you'd just have to get combat advantage as much as possible and get the benefit of some buffs (a magic weapon would also help).

 

[Ethalias]

Is anyone else thinking that the Half-Elf affinity for Bard-dom and it's +2 to Con are related? I remember the Con boost raised a few eyebrows when it was revealed, and now it makes a little more sense..

 

[lutecius]

Is anyone else thinking that the Half-Elf affinity for Bard-dom and it's +2 to Con are related? I remember the Con boost raised a few eyebrows when it was revealed, and now it makes a little more sense..

It makes sense mechanically. Fluff-wise it's still weird (2 wrongs...)

 

[Kobold Avenger]

Having spent years of my youth involved in musical performance, I'd say that Constitution is pretty dead-on for a bard character, since it takes a lot of stamina to play or sing for an extended period of time.

You could argue that Strength and Wisdom are just as valid for bard, using a point such as that.

 

[The Little Raven]

You could argue that Strength and Wisdom are just as valid for bard, using a point such as that.

Wisdom, sure, but Strength? Only for some, like marching bands, and big instruments like tubas and baritones. Most musicians don't need muscular strength because they don't play a heavy instrument, but all need physical fortitude to play their instruments for an extended period of time.

 

[Eldorian]

It makes sense mechanically. Fluff-wise it's still weird (2 wrongs...)

Hybrid Vigor. It makes sense, genetically.

I'm pretty happy with the bard, too. Time to remake my Tiefling bard who plays the fiddle.

 

[Rechan]

I'm pretty happy with the bard, too. Time to remake my Tiefling bard who plays the fiddle.

Is the fiddle made of gold?

Sorry, sorry.

 

[am181d]

Hybrid Vigor.

The words hurt my brain everytime they're used in conjunction. Half-elves were given a +2 to Con because they're plucky survivors, not because they're literally tougher.

 

[Nahat Anoj]

Is anyone else thinking that the Half-Elf affinity for Bard-dom and it's +2 to Con are related? I remember the Con boost raised a few eyebrows when it was revealed, and now it makes a little more sense..

I do. I think Wizards wanted to make bards the ideal race for half-elves, and so they did. I think it's cool.