Hordo or Leslie or any of the pro bard players which epic feat should I take?

[whereispowderedsilve]

Hordo or Leslie or any of the pro bard players which epic feat should I take?

Following Hordo's Warchanter of Vengeance build here(It's not the one posted in the OP it's a bit further down on the 1st page):

Also I tweaked the starting stats a bit you should see my post on the 1st page further down.
(essentially it's a 32 point helf pally dilly 14 bard warchanter 2 6 FvS AoV 1)

http://my.ddo.com/character/orien/goargos/

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=323740

I *want* to take Inspire Excellence *however* prereq is inspire heroics which is ML bard 15 dddduuurrr!!!

So any not sure what if any other feat to take on this build specifically would appreciate any & all helpful feedback/ideas/advice etc.

Please explain why if listing a feat! Thanks in advance & greatly appreciated! :P! !

[whereispowderedsilve]

So no helpful non trolling advice on which way to take the build?

/sad panda.

Only 2 options I can think of(in no particular order):

#1. I won a LR +3 heart in the lotto so I could use that once the bugs are ironed out with the LRing.

*NO* idea what I would do though so any advice would be awesome.

Like 15 bard 5 FvS? or 16 bard 4 FvS or? Also not 100% on how a LR+3 works anyways(other then reading on ddo wiki).

#2. TR into another bard build all together...

So yeah again would greatly appreciate any feedback with please post why you would go into which direction etc!

Mucho thanks in advance! :P! !

[Ayyelos]

OP, I love giving bard advice, but I have never played a build like yours before, so I'm not sure what would be helpful to you without more details. It looks like that build is set up for DPS, yeah? Would be helpful to know what feats you currently have, which destiny (if any) you are leveling, and what your favorite primary role in the party is.

A regular LR allows you to re-level your character from level 1. You cannot change your class, alignment, gender or race. You can reallocate stat points, skill points and feats.
A +3 heart allows you to LR as above, but also allows you 3 class changes if desired.

I assume the build is FVS 6 so you can take the AOV I enhancement, so changing classes during leveling will kind of break the build concept, and make you a lot less effective.

Anyway, give us some more details on your build and we can be more helpful to you.

[LeslieWest_GuitarGod]

Hey Power, just saw this tonight. The great majority of the community is still leveling and trying to figure all this new stuff out for ourselves. Thats why such a hush, as people are trying various ideas, messing with destiny options and twists of fates, or just simply not playing their toons out of frustration or confusion because of the lack of information coming from Turbine.

I have a few ideas for you, but I'd need to see your build mock up. The more info you give, the more I, and others, can help.

[whereispowderedsilve]

Terribly sorry but gonna be really quick have 2 get up at 5am!

***I took skill focus: UMD*** as the level 22 feat for now.

Can't link u myddo page cos I'm level 22 now!

So far the fate singer destiny has really turned some weaknesses into strengths of the build so.

Need to make a GS hp +45 item not sure where to slot it. Also dual lit2 scimis would be ideal.

Use level 12 calomel scimis at tier3 with some cannith crafting on them, also use Terror, epic tier 1 short blades from crystal cove

& the epic tier 1 brigand cutlasses. Working on some epic calomel scimis & prolly should get the epic mournlode longswords for undead beaters.

The build buffs heals does some DPS & crowd control(through songs not spells). I was just upset I couldn't take the Inspire excellence feat

cos have to have 15 levels of bard! .

Was based on Hordo's Warchanter of Vengeance build also tweaked the starting stats

a bit:

17 STR
8 DEX
16 CON
8 INT
10 WIS
16 CHA

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.9.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Hordosoul Canach
Level 20 True Neutral Half-Elf Male
(14 Bard \ 6 Favored Soul) 
Hit Points: 304
Spell Points: 1070 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 16
Will: 21

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             14                 21                   21
Dexterity             8                 10                   10
Constitution         14                 16                   17
Intelligence          8                 10                   10
Wisdom               12                 14                   14
Charisma             18                 20                   20

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               3                 19                   19
Bluff                 4                  5                    5
Concentration         6                 26                   26
Diplomacy             4                 11                   11
Disable Device       n/a                n/a                   n/a
Haggle                4                  5                    5
Heal                  1                  2                    2
Hide                 -1                  0                    0
Intimidate            4                  5                    9
Jump                  2                  5                    5
Listen                1                  2                    2
Move Silently        -1                  0                    0
Open Lock            n/a                n/a                   n/a
Perform               8                 28                   28
Repair               -1                  0                    0
Search               -1                  0                    0
Spot                  1                  2                    2
Swim                  2                  5                    5
Tumble                3                 10                   10
Use Magic Device      8                 28                   28

Level 1 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Perform (+4)
Skill: Tumble (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Paladin
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Dismiss Charm
Feat: (Automatic) Fascinate
Feat: (Automatic) Half-Elven Keen Senses
Feat: (Automatic) Half-Elven Mixed Heritage
Feat: (Automatic) Half-Elven Social Graces (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Inspire Courage
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Longsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortsword
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency: Shortbow
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Spell (1): Focusing Chant
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery I
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic I


Level 2 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Trip
Spell (1): Cure Light Wounds
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage I
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song I


Level 3 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Feat: (Automatic) Inspire Competence
Spell (1): Sonic Blast
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I


Level 4 (Bard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (2): Blur
Spell (2): Rage


Level 5 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (2): Soundburst
Spell (1): Feather Fall


Level 6 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Suggestion


Level 7 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (3): Good Hope
Spell (3): Haste
Spell (2): Invisibility


Level 8 (Favored Soul)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Diplomacy (+1)
Feat: (Diety) Favored by the Undying Court
Feat: (Automatic) Magical Training
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Spell (1): Divine Favor
Spell (1): Nightshield
Enhancement: Favored Soul Smiting I
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic II
Enhancement: Favored Soul Energy of the Scion I
Enhancement: Favored Soul Toughness I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery II
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter I
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage II
Enhancement: Improved Paladin Dilettante I
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Constitution I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II


Level 9 (Favored Soul)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Diplomacy (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell
Spell (1): Nimbus of Light
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III


Level 10 (Bard)
Skill: Perform (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+3)
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Inspire Courage
Spell (3): Displacement
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack II


Level 11 (Favored Soul)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Diplomacy (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Child of the Undying Court
Spell (1): Protection From Evil
Enhancement: Improved Paladin Dilettante II


Level 12 (Favored Soul)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Diplomacy (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Spell (2): Deific Vengance
Enhancement: Favored Soul Smiting II
Enhancement: Favored Soul Toughness II


Level 13 (Bard)
Skill: Perform (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+3)
Feat: (Automatic) Inspire Greatness
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery III


Level 14 (Favored Soul)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Diplomacy (+1)
Feat: (Favored Soul Bonus) Energy Resistance: Fire
Spell (2): Spawn Screen
Enhancement: Favored Soul Energy of the Scion II


Level 15 (Favored Soul)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Diplomacy (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Spell (3): Cure Serious Wounds
Enhancement: Undying Call
Enhancement: Favored Soul Angel of Vengeance I


Level 16 (Bard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Perform (+3)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+3)
Spell (3): Remove Curse
Spell (4): Dimension Door
Spell (4): Freedom of Movement
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song III


Level 17 (Bard)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (4): Break Enchantment
Enhancement: Improved Paladin Dilettante III


Level 18 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+3)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Force of Personality
Feat: (Automatic) Song of Freedom
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage III
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter II


Level 19 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+3)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (4): Shout
Spell (5): Greater Heroism
Spell (5): Mass Cure Light Wounds
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack III


Level 20 (Bard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Balance (+3)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (5): Greater Dispel Magic
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song IV

Let me know if need any more/other info! Thanks so much for any & all help! Open to feedback!

Greatly appreciated! :P! !

[Gorbadoc]

Frankly, I'm not worrying too much about my epic feat picks for the moment, largely because of Epic Toughness.

Recently, 14-16 base constitution has been the norm (16-18 dwarf and warforged). Epic Toughness requires 21 base constitution (I assume that includes tomes, but I haven't seen this confirmed). Fifty extra hit points will be enough to convince many players to put a little more investment into constitution. This is especially true of melee bards-- we want to stand beside a fighter in melee, yet the fighter has 4 extra hit points per level for free.

What this means is that, for melee builds using "non-melee" classes, 21 base constitution will be the new target. For most of us, that means there's at least a Lesser Reincarnation in our future, at which point we can redo all our feats anyway.

Edit: Meanwhile, I do plan to grab Inspire Excellence; I might as well see how effective/ineffective it is now, before I redesign my bard.

[taurean430]

The 14/6 variant you speak of may now be broken. My warchanter was running with 14bard/2barbarian/4 fighter. In order to make room for inspire excellence, I had to give up one of the fighter levels. He is now 15bard/2barbarian/3 fighter. This is because the prerequisite feat for inspire excellence is inspire heroics. And you have to be bard 15 or greater to have inspire heroics.

I don't see a way on the surface for that build to work anymore in the way you want it to. AOV one has a 6 FvS requirement. Inspire Excellence has a bard 15 requirement. So it's either the PrC or the bard ability you have to make a choice regarding.

[Blank_Zero]

The 14/6 variant you speak of may now be broken. My warchanter was running with 14bard/2barbarian/4 fighter. In order to make room for inspire excellence, I had to give up one of the fighter levels. He is now 15bard/2barbarian/3 fighter. This is because the prerequisite feat for inspire excellence is inspire heroics. And you have to be bard 15 or greater to have inspire heroics.

I don't see a way on the surface for that build to work anymore in the way you want it to. AOV one has a 6 FvS requirement. Inspire Excellence has a bard 15 requirement. So it's either the PrC or the bard ability you have to make a choice regarding.

This.

Also, T3 PrEs are coming soon (tm). Might as well go for pure or for 18/2 very soon.

I'm taking Inspire Excellence and Overwhelming Crit on Warcrye after swapping her about to an 18/2 with rogue splash. The 14/x WC split is pretty much going out the window with the new prereqs in epics unfortunately. It's too bad too. I know a few WC2/SD1s out there who are very sad to lose that extra HP and feat slots. :/

[whereispowderedsilve]

Thanks for all the input/replies so far everybody!! Still hoping Leslie & Hordo stop by!

Yeah I know/knew that Inspire heroics is prereq which you can only obtain by having 15 levels of Bard.

Anywhoo I took Skill focus: UMD as my epic level 21 feat, the reasoning behind it was I can worry less about no fail heal & True Rez

scrolls with death penalties stacked with less gear swapping as well so.

I'm thinking of maxing out the Fate singer ED & then once I have my other TR back up to 20/capped I'll go ahead & TR this guy.

I mean it sucks I can't take Inspire Excellence but I still contribute to the party since lots of goodies in the Fate singer ED *imo*.

Also worst case scenario I always still have my Free LR on this guy if have to swap any feats or make any changes(other then changing classes! Lolz!)

[LeslieWest_GuitarGod]

Ok, I see a very good, very unique bard build there, and its true that it does not fit well at all into the new Fatesinger destiny.

This may come as a surprise to some, but I would personally recommend for you to buck the trends, and skip Inspire Excellence on this particular build.

I am 100% certain that you should end this build as a 14/6. Don't break your bard build.

Instead, take a look at Fatesinger closely, and twist in melee goodies from Fury or Dreadnaught. Or go divine route check out Exalted Angel... very sexy.

Only you know what looks good in other destinies for your bard. But I see dozens of different ways you can go, and all of them very achievable and effective.

[whereispowderedsilve]

Ok, I see a very good, very unique bard build there, and its true that it does not fit well at all into the new Fatesinger destiny.

This may come as a surprise to some, but I would personally recommend for you to buck the trends, and skip Inspire Excellence on this particular build.

I am 100% certain that you should end this build as a 14/6. Don't break your bard build.

Instead, take a look at Fatesinger closely, and twist in melee goodies from Fury or Dreadnaught. Or go divine route check out Exalted Angel... very sexy.

Only you know what looks good in other destinies for your bard. But I see dozens of different ways you can go, and all of them very achievable and effective.

Ok that makes a lot of sense. +1ed everyone I could! Thanks again! Cheers! :P! !