Need help with first Bard

[KoboldKiller]

I am looking at making a Drow pure Bard.
I do not have any tomes to add so I would like a solid build without tomes.
I am leaning more towards the spell and buff side as opposed to battle.
Not sure about two weapon fighting, not sure I want to go that route but not sure if I have to as shields could interfere with spell casting.
I have dabbled with Sorcs and Wizzys but the Bard facinates me (no pun intended).
Would like a complete breakdown if possible or a link to some builds that would fit my concept.

Thank You.

[BUpcott]

I am looking at making a Drow pure Bard.
I do not have any tomes to add so I would like a solid build without tomes.
I am leaning more towards the spell and buff side as opposed to battle.
Not sure about two weapon fighting, not sure I want to go that route but not sure if I have to as shields could interfere with spell casting.
I have dabbled with Sorcs and Wizzys but the Bard facinates me (no pun intended).
Would like a complete breakdown if possible or a link to some builds that would fit my concept.

Thank You.

Light Mithral shield won't affect your spell casting abilities.
If you are wanting to buff and cast offensive/defensively look to put your points in CHA and CON mainly.

[KoboldKiller]

Light Mithral shield won't affect your spell casting abilities.
If you are wanting to buff and cast offensive/defensively look to put your points in CHA and CON mainly.

Alright thanks. I don't know why but out of all the classes I have built this one is the hardest for me.

[Jebise]

Light Mithral shield won't affect your spell casting abilities.
If you are wanting to buff and cast offensive/defensively look to put your points in CHA and CON mainly.

You might also consider INT for skill points, depending on how many skills you want to keep maxed.

I took CHA to 20, CON to 10 and DEX to 16, but I do a fair bit of melee, with the Finesse feat.

[MysticRhythms]

Alright thanks. I don't know why but out of all the classes I have built this one is the hardest for me.

I can tell you why it's hard:

1) You must focus on the other members of the party more than yourself. Your true power lies in making THEM better
2) It's too easy to try to do too much - heal, CC, buff, fight. Moreso than with any other class, you need to decide what you want your role to be.
3) Too tempting to grab a "level of this" and a "level of that" and lose sight of the power of being a bard
4) The enhancements are diverse and complex
5) The main stat (charisma) can be really high or just marginal and still produce a solid bard.
6) The three prestige enhancements really create three different classes

It will take practice and you may not be comfortable with the class until around level 7 or 8.

[MysticRhythms]

I highly recommend you scour the Bard forum. There are many builds here and a wide variety of them.

Someone should write up a good Bard guide.

I'd do it but I'm sure it would upset some folks.

[Cireeric]

I put points in Dex and Char. I am a CC/Buff bard. I also too the repeater crossbow to help in the ranged department.

Also look at your Feats/Enhancement at levels 5-7 and decide if you want to go Warchanter/Spellsinger/Virtuoso route and plan your enhancements/feats.

At level 12 I have a 30 charisma, 26 dex, 16 con.

This is a good build for the way I use it. There are others based on styles of play.

Enjoy the bard. It is a labor of love. I did not enjoy it until I got to level 7 and the 3rd level bard spells.


Have fun.

[maddmatt70]

Why dex if he is not going to fight? charisma, con and then maybe int are your best bets.. Max out your charisma as well by the way better save then sorry if you are going to be a cc bard. Devils should be alot harder to cc then a bunch of giants..

[Cireeric]

Why dex if he is not going to fight? charisma, con and then maybe int are your best bets..

That Dex helps my AC and the bonus on my crossbows.

No, it is not needed. but it has helped me in the past, especially when we are surprised from the rear.

This was my first Bard, It is now my favorite character.

[Delt]

If ya want a cc/buff bard, ignore melee completely (INT to whatever maxxes skills, CHA maxxed and the rest for CON). Some people say a Bard can be good at all 3...I say their definition of "good" is lower than mine. Whatever is correct, you'll have an easier time building your bard if you focus and it'll allow you to see if bard 'strengths / style of play' suits you.

Grab a couple puncturers and everything dies quick enough when held anyway.

[A_Sheep]

Why dex if he is not going to fight? charisma, con and then maybe int are your best bets.. Max out your charisma as well by the way better save then sorry if you are going to be a cc bard. Devils should be alot harder to cc then a bunch of giants..

Ohhhh yeah. And much harder to firewall, too.