Aura Classes and Shields

[Nifft]

Does a marshal aura stack with a draconic aura?

For example, Motivate Dexterity (which adds the Marshal's Cha bonus to initiative checks) and the draconic Senses aura (which adds the aura bonus to initiative checks)?

One would think so.

If we're optimizing a party for initiative, let's not neglect the Dread Commando, too. Though that's not technically an Aura.

Cheers, -- N

 

[blargney the second]

Does a marshal aura stack with a draconic aura?

For example, Motivate Dexterity (which adds the Marshal's Cha bonus to initiative checks) and the draconic Senses aura (which adds the aura bonus to initiative checks)?

Yep, they stack.

 

[Stormrunner]

His first level should be Warblade, in fact -- the 12 HP + 4 skill points are better than the Bard's 6 HP + 6 skill points. He'll be a front-liner until the minions start showing up in full force (level 6 or so).

I'd seriously consider taking all the Bard levels first before taking the first level of Warblade.
First off, you're neglecting the 4x skill points at 1st level - you're trading 8 skill pts (not 2) for that extra 6 hp. And skill pts are harder to come by. Secondly, with Bo9S classes you get a big chunk of maneuvers at 1st lvl and then a steady trickle thereafter - and half your Bard levels count towards manifester level. If you take 1 level of Warblade first off, you can only choose from those maneuvers available to a 1st-lvl Warblade. If you take Bard 8 and then Warblade 1, you qualify for maneuvers as if you had 5 levels in Warblade, giving you a much larger pool to pick from. In general, with Bo9S classes, if you're going to multiclass them with a non-Bo9S class, you're better off taking all your levels in other classes first.
If you can't wait that long, even taking 4 levels of Bard before the first level of Warblade will improve your choices.

 

[Darklone]

I'd rather start with one level of Warblade and a good Int for the skill points, then take another level or two of warblade later.