Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song...

[Goldmoon]

I have decided to play a Bard as my next character and after a close inspection, I think it sucks as an overall class. It did not make the transition from 2E to 3.5E very well in my opinion. This is not a problem, however as I have some really great role-play ideas. I have decided that the party will love my Bard so much that they wont care that it sucks. Either that or she'll be bound, gagged and sold into slavery when she falls asleep.

Now it seems we have a ton of gaming experience here so Im asking for advice yet again. Any ideas on how to make the Bard more effective and help my fellow party members would be apreciated. I mean besides the standard spellcasting and Bardic song. Has anyone found any feats or feat combinations that help out? Any unusual magic items you like to use? Maybe even a new use for an old spell? Thanks in advance!

 

[IcyCool]

Pick up the first level Bard spell Inspirational Boost (from Complete Adventurer I think). It's a swift action spell that increases the bonus granted by your inspire courage ability by +1. (So your early song will grant +2 instead of +1). Other than that, I'd recommend either choosing the healing spells as known spells, or picking up a wand of one of them. You'll play a backup healer role, which will let your cleric be more useful in combat.

When it comes to direct action, bow-focused Bards are a good choice. You could try melee out, but it is a bit harder.

Pick up party buff spells like Haste, and try to stick with offensive spells that don't allow spell resistance or saves.

Other than that, there are a few really good Bard PrC's out there in Complete Warrior (Warchanter) and Complete Arcane.

 

[Thanee]

For higher levels, the Sublime Chord [CA] offers nice spellcasting.

The Fochlucan Lyrist [CV] is basically an older edition bard as a prestige class.

Initially, the bard's enchantment spells are very strong, but they have only few slots.

Bye
Thanee

 

[shilsen]

Are you allowed to use Eberron material? If so, there are some good bardic feats there, esp. Song of the Heart, which your fellow PCs should love you for.

 

[Goldmoon]

The campaign is in Forgotten Realms, so I dont think he'll alllow Eberron but Ill ask anyway.

 

[hong]

There's a lot of excellent bard spells in the Complete X splatbooks. They really help turn the bard into a viable warrior-mage type, in addition to the party-buff guy or faceman.

 

[Infiniti2000]

faceman.

What kind of guy are you, hong?

 

[Goldmoon]

There's a lot of excellent bard spells in the Complete X splatbooks. They really help turn the bard into a viable warrior-mage type, in addition to the party-buff guy or faceman.

Youre telling me theres hope for the Bard as more than just role playing and eye candy? I can be effective too?!?!

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

I can be effective too?!?!

No, sorry.

Hong's cruel that way, getting your hopes up for nothing ...

...

Okay, check out Complete Adventurer in particular.