People actually play as BARDS???

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

The virtouso class is used best for someone else than a bard - maybe a Sorcerer/Rogue (not sure if all the prerequisites can be met this way)
+1 sorcerer`s caster level and special music abilites? Nice...

+1 Bard`s caster level, some special music abilities, but lowest attack and hit dice?

If you consider Bard to weak, drop the Virtouso Class and add the abilities to the Bard list, gained after 10th level

Mustrum Ridcully

 

[The Sigil]

I have always assumed the PHB Bard could not take that feat.

[Edit] Aha! The reason I always assumed that was because it specifically says under the feat that Bard spells are not enhanced with this feat

D'oh! Missed that one! :-/

Still, it's nice to have a guy who can spell-trigger-complete a wand of fireballs AND a wand of Cure Serious Wounds.

Also, and forgot this earlier, the bard's spell mix allows him to enchant - on his own - a considerable number of "mixed" items (particularly weapons) that a single-classed character can't.

--The Sigil

 

[DDK]

What do you mean, Fourecks? I haven't run in many complaints about it... Please either elaborate why it is broken, or point a thread where subject is discussed. I'm extremely interested in hearing this...

I would but I don't have the PDF. I had looked through a friends and at the time remember only that spellsongs were whacked and that with all the extras it got, it was unplayably unbalanced.

 

[Glaurung]

If you are looking to make you're bard formidable in combat, they make excellent Arcane Archers. I know of two spells which enhance the inspire courage ability-one in Magic of Faerun and one in Relics & Rituals-both are very useful for a bard expecting a lot of combat.
*Shameless Plug* for bardic flavor, new feats, bardic traditions, spells and prestige classes, check of the new Player's Guide to Wizards, Bards, and Sorcs coming out in Feb by S&SS.
I like the Monte Cook bard for its originality, but I agree that it is easily broken. Unfortunately, spellsongs also lack the breadth of spells that are available to traditional bards.

-Mike Gill

 

[David Argall]

percent bards

The Nyrond LG list of 447 PC includes 27 bards, 13 single class and 1 9th level. [Highest of any class is 12th]

Obviously the class is not the most popular, but it has its fans, who don't die that often.