Drow Finesse Spellsinger

[Twerpp]

Hi! I want to roll a ninja BAMF spellsinger who sticks all of his spells, and has a great to-hit score with rapier. I'm having a hard time figuring out the build. I want a high to-hit score, and a super high spell DC. I want pure bard to access the cool stuff out there later on. It has to be drow because its on a 2nd acct Im not running to 1750 and I dont want to build a 28 pointer.

I dont understand how bards on the forums are claiming like 34 to hit. Even with precision that looks difficult I'm guessing these guys are multiclass str builds with level-up stat points in STR and 8 different kinds of rage effects going on? Anyway I've never built a bard but I want to do it right the first time so let me run this by you all for critique.

Stats set up for +1 tomes
STR 11 (just want to avoid being burdened)
DEX 15
CON 9
INT 11 (would dump it but hate to waste an extra skill point per-level)
WIS 8
CHA 20

I could drop CHA to 19 and get 17 dex, but I think I'd rather have the +1 to hit with a spell instead of a sword.

For feats I'm thinking extend, finesse, mental toughness, a spell focus, and I'm on the fence with heighten, not sure how neccessary it is maybe I will just stick to the higher level spells? Considering Precision I hate missing and want to be a very good 2nd hitter, songs and spell points don't last long at the pace we play.

I'm looking for any feedback or suggestions from the bard pros...thanks!

[EinarMal]

Well lets say you have 15 dex and weapon finesse.

15 +2 (Dex Enh Elf) +1 (Tome) +6 (Item) = 24

At level 14 that gives...

BAB +10
Dex +7
Song +8
Weapon +5
Haste +1
Focusing Chant +1

That is +32 with out trying that hard....you don't need precision.

[Blind_Skwerl]

And yes, the guys with the insane to-hit bonuses (my bard) are usually 13b/1f or even 12/2 warchanter builds. Overkill really, except that I can leave power attack on most of the time.

[maddmatt70]

I wouldn't go for heighten especially if you get spell focus. It may make more sense when the level cap goes up, but currently it cost more sp and since you will be using 3rd to 5th level spells (1-2 to your dc) at end game only helps some. Other options include second sf enchantment feat, 2nd mental toughness feat, skill focus umd, improved crit piercing, maybe even power attack if you feel u can still hit and you want that extra dps as a dex based build....

[maddmatt70]

One other thing is u probably want to boost that con to 12 anyway take those 3 int points and put them into con..

[EinarMal]

I would suggest taking IC piercing as even if you are not going for DPS that makes things like puncturing etc... very good. The only other thing I would point out is why not swap dex and strength? That way you save a feat (weapon finesse) and actually hit a little harder at the same time. Dex is not that great for Bards unless you are going for ultra high AC or TWF (not likely).

Personally I would start with 18 charisma and use those points to help out in other areas like con and strength (leave dex at 12). I think you are going to be disappointed by Bard spell casting in general, it is ok, but in general if you really want an uber caster I would roll a sorcerer. That is why I would balance it out a bit so you are not so 1-D.

[Aeneas]

Well lets say you have 15 dex and weapon finesse.

15 +2 (Dex Enh Elf) +1 (Tome) +6 (Item) = 24

At level 14 that gives...

BAB +10
Dex +7
Song +8
Weapon +5
Haste +1
Focusing Chant +1


That is +32 with out trying that hard....you don't need precision.

Not to mention

+4 greater heroism
+2 drow racial enh for rapiers and ss's

for an easy 38.


Also, i must agree wholeheartedly with the poster above, switch your dex and strength unless you're really looking for those extra reflex save and AC points at the cost of damage and carrying capacity as well as a very valuable feat which could be used for something else.

A starting dex of 11 can get you to 20 at current end game without burning any level points via a +1 tome, +2 for elf enh, and a +6 dex item = +5 which is full bonus in a mith bp.

[EinarMal]

Not to mention

+4 greater heroism
+2 drow racial enh for rapiers and ss's

for an easy 38.


Also, i must agree wholeheartedly with the poster above, switch your dex and strength unless you're really looking for those extra reflex save and AC points at the cost of damage and carrying capacity as well as a very valuable feat which could be used for something else.

The greater hero doesn't stack with Bard buffs but the +2 drow enhancement is a good one...so that gets you to +34.

[Aeneas]

The greater hero doesn't stack with Bard buffs but the +2 drow enhancement is a good one...so that gets you to +34.

true dat sir,

an even better reason to stop taking bard levels at 9