The Greatest / Most Original Bard Character Design Challenge!

[Swanky_Yankie]

Hay guyz! I'll be joining a campaign tomorrow and I need ideas for a Bard type character. The DM has allowed every WOTC book + the kitchen sink, with any PC that is even remotely allowable under the rules. I've decided I want to play a Bard build, but I've never built one before.

I need the guidance of Enworld's finest to create a Bard that is as weird as it is fun. The starting level is 5. Any PC race from the various MM's and supplements is allowed.

You have my eternal gratitude (in advance).

 

[Darklone]

Level 5... argh. I'd go for the simple thing and pick a warblade/bard archer. Woodelf for race or human for feats. Hobgoblin is good for archers but bad because of Int and Cha.

For level 2 bard spell things I'd start with one level of warblade and add 4 levels of bard. You need good str and dex, con shouldn't be lower than 14. Cha 15 is enough, you need level 3 bonus spells later.

Get the following feats: Rapid Shot, Point Blank Shot, Song of the White Raven and later perhaps that feat that allows you to use bardic music uses for spells (if you don't go for the Weapon Focus, Weapon Spec and RWM later). Have a look at the Inspire courage optimisation threads and get that level 1 spell boost and a badge of valor (you need 2 rounds for buffing with them).

Are flaws allowed? Additional feats would be nice, e.g. Precise Shot though this build hits pretty well.

Level 6 and 7 should be warblade, you'll be shooting 3 arrows per round with pretty good damage. Next few levels are bard till you either get boots of speed or the haste spell... afterwards get to warblade level 6 asap and pick Weapon Spec CompLongbow and Ranged Weapon Mastery.

At level 12 or 13 without major buffing you'll be shooting 5 arrows per round with Rapid Shot and Haste with 1d8+10 or more and a pretty good to hit bonus.

Get a wand of Flame Arrow ASAP.

 

[domino]

Manwhore. Max ranks in "Profession: Oldest" and the Harem Trained feat from one of the Faerun books. The standard diplomacy push, high charisma, etc. Come onto every sentient enemy you meet.

 

[roguerouge]

If you're doing 3.0, might I recommend the "so punk rock" bard concept? Bard/Barbarian half orc angling to get into the Frenzied beserker prestige class ASAP. Never die in battle again! (Die after the battle, instead.)

 

[Mistwell]

Level 5 is a great level for the Inspire Courage Optimized Bard:

http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=185372\

 

[Trouvere]

It certainly wouldn't be powerful, but I keep thinking I'd like to go completely against type and play a dwarven divine bard with a Cha of 6.

 

[Thurbane]

Catfolk are a decent race for Bards: +4 to DEX, +2 to CHA, 40 ft. movement.

 

[SelcSilverhand]

If you are going full bard and no prestige classes I recommend Singing, Oratory, or Dancing for your bard perform skills. Sure, you get performance bonuses for using instruments but your perform check only affects your Fascinate and Countersong abilities and how much gold you can make performing in town (At least until you're high enough to get magic instruments), but it's nice to be able to keep your hands free to hold a weapon and shield rather than a lute early in the game.

If you plan on doing a prestige class like Seeker of the Song from Complete Arcane, then I would go for an instrument-based perform skill. It will let you crank up your perform skill using magical instruments (also from CA book) for important abilities like Song of Life.