Is there anything that makes bards worth using? Really?
I can't find a thing.
Bard Prestige Classes?
Tue, 2006-07-11 18:43
#1
Bard Prestige Classes?
Tue, 2006-07-11 23:01
#3
Bard Prestige Classes?
Oh i forgot about the Illumian one. I'll bring that one up.
thanks!
Tue, 2006-07-11 23:25
#4
Bard Prestige Classes?
Mainly for roleplaying potential, as they aren't a 'power' class.
As for prestige classes, probably the Seeker of the Song, Virtuoso and Sublime Chord...
Wed, 2006-07-12 00:27
#5
Bard Prestige Classes?
Is there anything that makes bards worth using? Really?
I can't find a thing.
The last time I played a 'bard', he was actually an expert. Because I didn't really want magic. Although inspiration and bardic knowledge would have been cool... I wonder if I can find a nonspellcasting bard? Anyway, he was a dancer. He was fun to play. My DM really played up the differences of being from another plane for me.
Wed, 2006-07-12 04:18
#6
Bard Prestige Classes?
I wonder if I can find a nonspellcasting bard?
Rogue? 
Wed, 2006-07-12 11:26
#7
Bard Prestige Classes?
Mainly for roleplaying potential, as they aren't a 'power' class.
As for prestige classes, probably the Seeker of the Song, Virtuoso and Sublime Chord...
Don't forget Shadowdancer! People seem to forget that singing isn't the only way a Bard can perform.
-420
Wed, 2006-07-12 14:57
#8
Bard Prestige Classes?
Don't forget Shadowdancer! People seem to forget that singing isn't the only way a Bard can perform.
Oh yeah, it's not 
Dervish requires Perform (Dance)...
Wed, 2006-07-12 15:58
#9
Bard Prestige Classes?
Troubadour of the Stars is always fun for a Bardic character, if we're using the BoED's here?
I always find that Assassins are a good choice for Bards, the one ive DM'd for always managed to get his mark because he could pretty much talk his way around until he was like 3 feet away from the target.
Remember, Bards arent just pretty music men/women. In the hands of a good roleplayer they can be deadly with words as a well trained fighter is with fists and subtle as a well trained rogue. Not to mention they can cast a decent array of spells while lightly armoured.
My two
Wed, 2006-07-12 17:01
#10
re
>>I wonder if I can find a nonspellcasting bard?<<
I've not seen any official non-spell casting variants on the bard which didn't simply underpower them. That said, I should think one could discuss the issue with their gm and come to an arrangement.
As to the question of "What are bards good for?" I'd say many things. They are a wonderful font of information. Their high charismas and way with people tend to be of vast use when attempting to talk your way through or around a situation. As spell casters they aren't particularly devistating, but they do have a very diverse set of spell choices. Their reputations as performers can get them into places one might otherwise find inaccessible. Their ability to use thief skills give them vast potential for being spies. Plus their influencing/inspiring songs can give the party a much needed boost to any encounter. Not to mention a Bard's songs, poems, etc. can do a great deal of good or harm to the reputations of others.
I will note that the Bard is not a class designed for those who don't enjoy roleplaying - as many of the classes benefits are derived from such. But a well played bard can be a fantastic character.
Wed, 2006-07-12 21:43
#11
Bard Prestige Classes?
lol, I have a friend who built a bard power character for Neverwinter Nights. The freaky doom character prestige classed to RDD (with 16 levels in Bard) and I think gained Devastating Critical at 21st level. Since the character used kukris, this was rather terrifying.
I also built a bard archer that mult-classed to arcane archer that was pretty darn beefy. With 16 bard levels, that +4 to AC does more than just a little to make them frightening.
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Fri, 2006-07-14 11:12
#12
Bard Prestige Classes?
thank you guys i'll show this to my roomie, he just may be pleased.
Sat, 2006-07-15 16:52
#13
Bard Prestige Classes?
I personally find using ways to break your opponents abilities to fight more effective, rather than pure save-or-dies. For example, a well-placed charm spell combined with Inspire Courage or the other bardic songs can be quite effective. Especially since a large number of the bardic spells can be used as instant take-downs in the right situation. Dominate, Charm, Sleep, Alter Self... these are potentially quite powerful spells, though most of them are only 1st or 2nd level. (Removing Sleep's HD cap, and you've got a powerful spell, that could potentially remain useful even much later.)
i don't know. i find the bard class to be a lot of fun to play. access to all the personable skills, decent spell list, BARDIC KNOWLEDGE! bards are a lot of fun to play if you want to sit down and talk to everyone and become integrated in the town more than your average merc or something.
there are a few prestige classes out there, or ones that mimic the bard. seeker of the song and the other one from complete arcane. the illumian rogue/wizard prestige class from races of destiny gets bardic knowledge. ollam from some book or whatever duplicates bard abilities.
there are not a lot of bard prestige classes out there. i might have to dig up some of my notes to get a couple 5 level ones out there or soemthing. but then again, there are so many prestige classes already.