Build any good? (bard/sorc)

[Bunzy]

I've never played a sorcerer before but I think I just might once I unlock Drow. Shouldn't be too much longer now. I was originally going to play a bard until I noticed Sorcerers have more spells. (I mean, come on! 1 spell to start. that's just insane) But I just wanted people's opinions on if taking one level of bard (for Cure Light Wounds spell to take weight off cleric, i can heal myself, and better UMD.) is a good idea. I also noticed they have more proficiencies with weapons and don't suffer arcane spell failure in light armor (correct me if I'm wrong).

Stats (as reflected in character planner):
Str - 10
Dex - 14
Con - 14
Int - 12
Wis - 8
Cha - 18

Spells:
Lvl 1 Bard -- Cure Light Wounds
Lvl 2 Sorc -- Charm Person, Niac's Cold Ray
Lvl 3 Sorc -- ??

Any suggestions, comments of corrections?

[MrCow]

But I just wanted people's opinions on if taking one level of bard

The most common reason for a single level of bard on a sorcerer is to max out the skill Use Magic Device. Just be warned that you lose a potent spell slot by doing so (at the current state of the game that means no level 7th spell slot).

Cure Light Wounds spell to take weight off cleric

That spell will remain at healing 1d8 + 1 damage (2 to 9 damage healed) for the remainder of your bard/sorcerer's life, unless you took more levels in bard.

I also noticed they have more proficiencies with weapons and don't suffer arcane spell failure in light armor

Yep, bards have a few martial weapon proficiencies. Although, with that build I'm not sure how viable they will be in the higher levels, but I'm sure it will make for a fun start (providing you can keep yourself alive).

Bards can wear light armor with no arcane spell failure. This pertains to bardic spells only. If you cast any wizard or sorcerer spells or use any wizard or sorcerer scrolls then you will get arcane spell failure.

[Bunzy]

So is the level of Bard even worth while? I didn't realize how many things I overlooked. I feel like such a noob.

[MrCow]

Don't feel bad. These are common questions people have about mixing a bard level with a sorcerer. As mentioned, the main reason most people do it is to get Use Magic Device maxed out (so it is not a cross class skill) and a single bardic inspire courage or fascinate. Other than that it doesn't offer too much.

Hopefully someone with experience with a build like this can give some personal thoughts on the build.

[Geonis]

I think the build is viable, just remember you're trading a 7th level spell to be more verstile. Most sorcerors are specialists, they choose one thing and focus on it. You are a semi-specialist. You can definitely back-up heal, you just do it from Heal scrolls and wands. I don't have time to fill in all the specifics, as it's time to leave work. If I remember I'll fill in some of the specifics tomorrow when I get to work.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 2.70
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 14 Neutral Good Drow Male
(13 Sorcerer \ 1 Bard) 
Hit Points: 106
Spell Points: 1304 
BAB: 6\6\11
Fortitude: 6
Reflex: 8
Will: 9

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Stats          Modified Stats
Abilities        (Level 1)             (Level 14)
Strength             10                    10
Dexterity            14                    14
Constitution         14                    14
Intelligence         12                    12
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             18                    24

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 14)
Balance               2                     2
Bluff                 4                     7
Concentration         6                    18
Diplomacy             8                    11
Disable Device        n/a                   n/a
Haggle                8                    11
Heal                 -1                    -1
Hide                  2                     2
Intimidate            4                     7
Jump                  4                     4
Listen               -1                     1
Move Silently         2                     2
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               8                    11
Repair                1                     1
Search                1                     3
Spot                 -1                     1
Swim                  0                     0
Tumble                6                     6
Use Magic Device      8                    27

Level 1 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell

Level 2 (Sorcerer)

Level 3 (Sorcerer)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Spell

Level 4 (Sorcerer)

Level 5 (Sorcerer)

Level 6 (Sorcerer)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell

Level 7 (Sorcerer)

Level 8 (Sorcerer)

Level 9 (Sorcerer)
Feat: (Selected) Skill Focus: Use Magic Device

Level 10 (Sorcerer)

Level 11 (Sorcerer)

Level 12 (Sorcerer)
Feat: (Selected) Spell Focus: Enchantment

Level 13 (Sorcerer)

Level 14 (Sorcerer)
Enhancement: Elven Arcane Fluidity I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Improved Empowering I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Improved Maximize I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Elements I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Elements II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Elements III
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Deadly Elements I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Deadly Elements II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Lineage of Deadly Elements III
Enhancement: Sorcerer Elemental Manipulation I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Elemental Manipulation II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Elemental Manipulation III
Enhancement: Sorcerer Elemental Manipulation IV
Enhancement: Sorcerer Spell Penetration I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Energy of the Dragonblooded I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Energy of the Dragonblooded II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Charisma III
Enhancement: Sorcerer Wand Mastery I
Enhancement: Sorcerer Wand Mastery II
Enhancement: Sorcerer Wand Mastery III
Enhancement: Sorcerer Wand Mastery IV

[Borror0]

That spell will remain at healing 1d8 + 1 damage (2 to 9 damage healed) for the remainder of your bard/sorcerer's life, unless you took more levels in bard.

Sorry, but I'm picky on those. Cure Light Wounds:1d6+3 so 4 to 9

And yes, bard/sorcerer is viable, but you must be ready to loose a level 7 spell for these extra SPs and the higher UMD.

EDIT: I'd take Focusing Chant as level 1 bard spell.

[CSFurious]

probably about 6 to 12 months ago, you saw more of these builds

not so much now

a good sor wants his/her 7th level spell now, not when Turbine decides to raise the level cap

you get yourself some good equipment, you can easily get to over 150 hitpoints unbuffed, being heavy fortified & then buffed & the pouch of jerky, you will not die that much; no need to healing-wand whip yourself as a sor

[Bunzy]

Thank you all for your opinions. So maybe choosing Focusing Chant instead of Cure Light Wounds would be the better choice (like Borror0 suggested)?
And with UMD and cure spell in lvl 1 bard spell list, I could always use healing wands if I need. (I know u said I don't need to heal-wand CSFurious, but I'm still not very good at the game and I think being able to heal myself, even a little bit, would be a big help.)

[CSFurious]

you might want to take a pure bard to level 5 or 7 to see how you like it

the first character i ever played to drow favor was a level 7bard/1fighter, named, "Bunkie", he was deleted, but playing him to that level taught me a lot about the game

peace

[jaitee]

the reason for bard is for umd, umd is huge in the game atm


anyone with umd is better then a class already

the thing is can you reach your goal

to tell you the truth, i have a 14th lvl sorc, who can use heal scrolls, on a not too high roll

[Taerdra]

On a human or drow build you can get over 30 UMD without even taking the bard level. Assuming a 32 CHA:

8.5 Ranks (.5 per level)
11 CHA
3 Golden Cartouche
4 Greater Heroism
1 Rabbit Gloves for Luck
3 HV2 or Skill Focus: UMD
===================
+ 30.5

Even if you're talking UMD, I don't think it is necessary to take Bard levels. This allows you to raise on a 6 and heal on a 10. If you were to take both HV2 & SF:UMD you would raise on a 2 or 3. Clearly not perfect or as good, but this UMD score with FoD is much better than a higher UMD.

My 2 cents anyway.

[Bunzy]

Well, maybe I'll try pure bard then. i really just wanna try different classes ( although I still prefer a caster type). I tried a sorcerer once, but after playing a wizard, its hard to work with such little spells. I also wanna play a paladin.