Butt-kicking Battle Bard

[S'mon]

People said my Bard class was too weak. I've changed good save from Ref to Will, and added Rage. I think this models historical and legendary bards well. What do you think of it in terms of play balance? Compare to eg 3.5 Ranger, Paladin, Barbarian & Fighter.

Bard/Skald: Very Rare, though there are Norse Skalds and some tribal Bards. These warrior-poets exalt their comrades and strike fear into the hearts of foes. They are the keepers of much lore, but are not spellcasters per se.
Bard/Skald (Ea)
Hit Die: d10
BAB: 1/1
Good Saves: Fort, Will
Weapon Proficiency: All Martial & Simple
Armour Proficiency: Light armour, any shield except tower shield.
Class Skills:
The bard’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Appraise (Int), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Speak Language (n/a), Spellcraft (Int), Swim (Str), and Use Magic Device (Cha).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (6 + Int modifier) x4.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 6 + Int modifier.
Abilities: Bardic Knowledge, Bardic Music - PHB pg 29. Bards may attack in melee or with thrown weapons (but not with loaded missile weapons) while singing. Bardic Rage - a bard may Rage as a Barbarian of equal level, and Barbarian levels stack with Bard levels to determine effects. Bards may sing while Raging.

 

[CRGreathouse]

I had a modification somewhat like this before. I drop them to 4 skill points per level, though, which I think you should do. I like that they can sing while raging, very appropriate.

They're a bit good with full base attack, I think.

 

[Funeris]

Ahh..bard modifications.

Destan's published Valus sourcebook has 3 different types of bards for play within it. One is called a Skald but i can't seem to remember the other two (I don't play bards often...I think one is a troubadour...and the other...eh...its early). I'm not really sure what I could post (if anything) from the sourcebook. But if you know someone who has it, its another good reference.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

Drop the HD to d8 and keep the skills at 6.

As it stands they're a barbarian who gets more skills, has 2 good saves, slightly less HP and has Bardic music/knowledge instead of DR, Uncanny Dodge and trapsense.
I think your bard might be slightly better, it's hard to tell.

 

[S'mon]

They're meant to be Barbaric in tone, yup. Without the BBn fast move, DR, d12 hd & other powers I think the good Will, song, & 6 skill points is reasonable compensation? They ought to have more skill points than the BBn, they're intended to be the loremasters of bbn society. I can see a case for d8 hd like Ranger.