I couldn't think of a better answer to this question than 'it depends'. There are so many different types of bards one could make ... Intelligence or Dexterity would most commonly be good choices, I think.
I couldn't think of a better answer to this question than 'it depends'. There are so many different types of bards one could make ... Intelligence or Dexterity would most commonly be good choices, I think.
I dont normally run Bards (or even Rogues), but from watching my friend run his Bard, i would say that Intelligence is definitely second for him, and his skills and bardic knowledge checks are very important to him, second only to his Charisma. But, i do hear him bemoan his total lack of Armor Class, so maybe he is second guessing his point distribution, and wishing his Dex was a tad higher....
no matter what type of bard you play, INT will always be more important than DEX. the one or maybe two additional points of AC will hardly make a difference to how often she gets hit. whereas whichever type of bard you play you'll need the extra skill points. with more class skills than any other class and only half the skill points of a rogue, no matter what choice you make, you're gonna need the points.
(as for that whole fighter mage idea, take levels in fighter and mage or sorceror if that's what you want. the bard doesn't fit that role well, at all.)
In my experience bards qualify for two typical types:
1. Social skills: Being spokesman, diplomate, great performer, influence people, having lots of enchantment spells
2. Good archer: Having archer feats (perhaps some fighter levels), having a lot of buffing spells (e.g. expedious retreat, cat's grace), skilled at tumble, jump, etc.
For the first type: Intelligence
For the second type: Dexterity
Int is most importand, not only you get more skill points from it (and a Bard depends on its skills) also your legend lore ability depends on Int.
On importance your abilities are:
Cha -> Int -> Dex -> Con/Wis (tie) -> Str
Con for your hitpoints and saving throws, concentration. Wis for a lot of social skills and spot/listen and spell save. Strength is the underdog in the row. A bard who depends on strength will have a hard time.....
Int. The bard has an arsenal of skills on his list, and a near laughable amount of skill points in relation to them. With a mediocre Int, you can't nearly exploit anywhere like the full list. Add to this the fact that many of these skills are Int-based, and that Int is the primary control on Bardic Lore, and it's clear which is the second stat.
As for those who think bards can be effective skirmishers/archers, I find this peculiar. The skirmisher/archer type is far more effective as a fighter/rogue, combining the fighter's proficiencies and feats with the rogue's skills and sneak attacks.