WF Bard 18 / Rog 2

[DarkchyldeLongbo]

Hello everyone, I'm looking for some help with a bard build.

A bit of background on why I think this may be the way I want to go:

I want to be melee focused, with self healing, and buffs. Trap skills would be awesome as well.

That means battle cleric, some sort of Warforged bastard-love-child of an arcane and a melee, or a bard. For traps, any of these would need either Rogue or Artificer splashes. The difference between 18 and 19 Bard doesn't seem so big as the difference between 1 and 2 of either Rogue or Artificer. Rogue 2 gives 1d6 SA damage, and evasion. Artificer 2 gives metal puppy, rune arm (which could be interesting I suppose, but without the Arti enhancements, I think it would end up lacking the damage to make it worthwhile), some moderately useful level 1 spells, and +2 UMD/1 caster level to scrolls, and potions. I /think/ that given the already high UMD of a bard, that Evasion is more worth while. I am open to suggestions to the contrary though.

Of the above ideas, I've tried battle clerics, and didn't much care for them. The second option just sounds...bad. So a bard seems like the best idea. I've also never played a bard off of Korthos, so would like to give one an honest try.

I was playing with the character generator and came up with this so far, but have some serious reservations, which I will go into after the build.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 03.12.01
DDO Character Planner Home Page

TestBuild 1 - WF Bard18/Rog2
Level 20 True Neutral Warforged Male
(1 Rogue \ 19 Bard) 
Hit Points: 302
Spell Points: 612 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 10
Reflex: 12
Will: 9

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    20
Dexterity             8                     8
Constitution         16                    18
Intelligence         14                    14
Wisdom                6                     6
Charisma             14                    18

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               3                     3
Bluff                 2                     4
Concentration         5                    27
Diplomacy             6                     8
Disable Device        6                    25
Haggle                6                    15
Heal                 -2                    -2
Hide                 -1                    -1
Intimidate            2                     8
Jump                  7                     9
Listen               -2                    -2
Move Silently        -1                    -1
Open Lock             3                     6
Perform               n/a                  27
Repair                2                     2
Search                6                    25
Spot                 -2                    -2
Swim                  3                     5
Tumble                3                     3
Use Magic Device      6                    27

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 2 (Bard)


Level 3 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Bludgeoning Weapons


Level 4 (Bard)
Enhancement: Rogue Skill Boost I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage I
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song I
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Song I
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic I
Enhancement: Bard Charisma I
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution I
Enhancement: Warforged Healer's Friend I
Enhancement: Warforged Inscribed Armor I


Level 5 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery I


Level 6 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 7 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter I


Level 8 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage II
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song II


Level 9 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III


Level 10 (Bard)
Enhancement: Warforged Healer's Friend II


Level 11 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery III


Level 12 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack II


Level 13 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter II


Level 14 (Bard)
Enhancement: Maul Training
Enhancement: Bard Charisma II


Level 15 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons
Enhancement: Bard Charisma III


Level 16 (Bard)
Enhancement: Warforged Constitution II


Level 17 (Bard)
Enhancement: Racial Toughness IV


Level 18 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Warforged Power Attack I
Enhancement: Warforged Power Attack II
Enhancement: Warforged Power Attack III


Level 19 (Bard)
Enhancement: Warforged Great Weapon Aptitude I
Enhancement: Warforged Great Weapon Aptitude II


Level 20 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic II
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery I
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery II

First of all, some reasoning on why I did some of the stuff I did.

- Toughness @ 6 - I messed up. Would move to lvl 1, and move lvl 1 -> 3 , 3 -> 6. Still gets War Chanter I at level 7.

- Second Rogue level, forgot to put that in. Oops. Assuming it should be somewhere between WC1 and WC2, to maximize time spent with evasion? Should I even bother with evasion? If not, would Arti splash make more sense, for the little SP, and the ability to take enchant weapons/armor instead of ... grease for level 1 spells?

- Feat Selection as a whole, I don't really know what I'm doing. Sure I messed up selection, and order overall.

- Same with Enhancements, tried to get those that seemed most useful, but not sure that I did.

- Mauls because they're cheap, and I'm poor.


Concerns.

- I was only able to maximize Search/DD/UMD/Concentration. I put left overs into haggle. Should I move them to balance, and if so, is that enough balance for a melee? Am I missing anything important? Can (should) I lower my int some to increase stats that are useful to a bard?

- What feats should I really be taking?

- TWF vs THF has been gone over a billion times in the forums, but I think that given the low str/BAB I'm looking at already, I should probably stick with THF? Wanting this to be a good build for soloing (and acceptable in groups), so the cleaving attacks would be nice to have regardless.

- Given the small SP pool, is WF going to be awful for self healing?

- Related, is WF just a bad idea on bards to begin with? I know Sorcs pull it off despite the Cha penalty, but they have repair spells, and a HUGE SP pool, and just give up on DC spells. I tried to ignore DC spells in favor of buffs where possible, but not sure how much of the healing / SP issues thats going to take care of. I /like/ WF, for all the immunities and associated reduction on gear requirements, but I'm willing to listen to reason as well.

At this point, I'm falling asleep and rambling, I'm sure there are people here who will be able to see flaws that I couldn't even at my best though.

Any advice is welcome, I appreciate you taking the time to read this far.

[cru121]

Rogue 2 is a good dip for a bard, yes. The second level of rogue is often taken after 7 or 8 bard levels (warchanter with +5/+6 song, displace, haste, good hope).

Warforged is an... unorthodox choice for a bard. Bards don't have repair spells. Warforged are IMMUNE to some songs (game bug probably).

Low charisma is not a problem for melee bards.

If you want to self-heal with SP, even on a fleshie, you need a metamagic feat (empower healing or maximize). Or perhaps insane heal amp.

Many bards splash also fighter, for 16/2/2 or 16/3/1 builds.

My human 16/3/1 went with 18 / 8 / 15 / 12 / 8 / 12
(extra skill means lower starting int)
Feats: Toughness, PA, WF, Extend, 3x THF, IC, Empower Healing

Enhancements:
*Max songs: Attack, Damage, Lingering
*WC II
*Max (?) Wands and/or Song Magic for healing
*Fighter Toughness, Rogue Haste, Rogue Sneak attack/damage
*Racial stuff
*Edit: don't bother with bard charisma enhancements

Skills: Yes, you are missing PERFORM! (AHA, it's in the build, but not in the post)

Evasion: The reflex save on THF builds is often lowish. I don't play warforged; fleshies can benefit from the Harbinger/Reign of Madness upgrade, +10 reflex save. Can that be slotted into docents?

[voodoogroves]

Evasion: The reflex save on THF builds is often lowish. I don't play warforged; fleshies can benefit from the Harbinger/Reign of Madness upgrade, +10 reflex save. Can that be slotted into docents?

Absolutely can.

WF bards are fun, but not optimal at all. Fun though, had one and loved it. They'd need to fix a few things before I did that again.

[Gorbadoc]

First, I generally agree with the above comments. Heed them.

Second, some general comments of my own:

Bards and You
There are two keys to enjoying a bard. First, you have to like (and be good at) bouncing between roles. If you try to play like a fighter all the time, you'll find yourself a bit weak. In combat, look for opportunities to leverage your support abilities, and treat meleeing as your "well, I have nothing better to do" job. You may spend 80% or 90% of your time in melee, but it's that other 10-20% of the time that sets you apart from the fighters in the party.

Second, you need to understand Fascinate (and if you hate Fascinate, pick another class). Do you have veteran status? If yes, here's what you do:

• Roll up a pure bard straight to level 4.
• Max Perform, Hide, Move Silently, and Listen.
• Learn the spell Invisibility
• Take Extra Song I and II. Take Improved Perform I and II.
• Buy the highest +perform item you can equip.
• (Optional): Buy the highest +Hide and +Move Silently items you can equip.
• Run around Korthos island attempting to Fascinate monsters. You need to get a feel for the timing and AoE of the song.
• (Optional): Also try sneaking up on mobs and Fascinating them. The goal here is to learn how singing, stealth, and monster AI interact.
• Also try using Invisibility, THEN running up on monsters and Fascinating them.

Once you're done, feel free to liquidate this character.

The point of the above exercise is to see just how well you and Fascinate get along. All bards can Fascinate (all you need is maxed ranks in Perform and a +Perform item). Whether you invest in Move Silently (or even Hide, for those oddball occasions when Invisibility isn't enough) depends on how well you enjoy sneaking and Fascinating. It also affects your enhancements (I love Music of the Dead and Music of Makers, but with prereqs they cost 14 AP total). You can reset enhancements, of course, but you WILL be tight on AP, all the more so because you're splashing. It's best to understand the value of Fascinate BEFORE you build the bard, while you're still free to tinker with the balance of where you put your build points/skill points/enhancement opportunities.

To Splash Or Not To Splash
Here's the deal:
From levels 1-7, you have limited song and spell use, but generally you're in the same boat as everyone else. Hit monsters until they die; wand whip to heal yourself, because Cure Light and Cure Mod wands are so cheap.

Around level 7, your amazing support abilities start growing by leaps and bounds. You learn Haste and Displacement. The numbers on Inspire Courage start getting good. Your songs per rest and song durations keep growing. You can equip a strong enough +perform item that, combined with Perform ranks, you can land Fascinate reliably. You keep gaining awesome support abilities until level 16. Now, here's the thing about splashing: You delay access to the next great ability with every splash level you have. That is a real cost, if you play the game for the leveling experience.

Then there are levels 17-19. You get another level 6 spell (but you already have Otto's Irresistible and Mass Cure Mod, so who cares?), some more spell points, some more songs and song duration (you were already doing pretty well in that category, though).

Then there's level 20. That final +1/+1 to attack/damage does make a difference. So does that capstone (Spell pen for Otto's Irresistible? Thank you!). And, hey, every spell point and caster level counts when you push your healing to the limit.

You can splash, of course. I offer the above so you'll better understand what you're sacrificing by splashing, so you can make more informed decisions about what is or isn't worth dropping bard levels. And, remember: Spec your build to do what YOU want to do in the game.



Oh, and you don't need more than 12 base charisma on a melee bard.

[Thrudh]

Absolutely can.

WF bards are fun, but not optimal at all. Fun though, had one and loved it. They'd need to fix a few things before I did that again.

Why was it fun? What did being WF add to the build?

[DarkchyldeLongbo]

First of all, thank you all for your input, I think what I've come up with after reading through it is already MUCH more solid than what I had before.

Taking into account that WF and bard songs apparently don't play nice together (meh) and talking to a guildie who conveniently enough logged on his Bard/Rog/Ftr that I didn't know he had, I've come up with this.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 03.12.01
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Level 20 Chaotic Good Human Male
(2 Fighter \ 2 Rogue \ 16 Bard) 
Hit Points: 310
Spell Points: 475 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 12
Reflex: 12
Will: 9

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             16                    22
Dexterity             8                     8
Constitution         16                    18
Intelligence         14                    14
Wisdom                8                     8
Charisma             14                    14

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               3                    18
Bluff                 2                     2
Concentration         5                    27
Diplomacy             6                     6
Disable Device        6                    25
Haggle                2                    11
Heal                  0                     0
Hide                 -1                    -1
Intimidate            2                     6
Jump                  7                    10
Listen               -1                    -1
Move Silently        -1                    -1
Open Lock             3                     3
Perform               n/a                  25
Repair                2                     2
Search                6                    25
Spot                  3                     3
Swim                  7                    10
Tumble                1                     1
Use Magic Device      6                    25

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Human Bonus) Power Attack
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 2 (Bard)


Level 3 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 4 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage I
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Song I
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic I


Level 5 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song II
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Strength I


Level 6 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 7 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song II
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter I


Level 8 (Rogue)
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Accuracy I
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic II
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery I


Level 9 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song III
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage II


Level 10 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack II


Level 11 (Bard)


Level 12 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery III
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song III
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery II


Level 13 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song IV


Level 14 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter II


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Bard Music of Makers
Enhancement: Bard Music of the Dead
Enhancement: Falchion Training
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Two Handed Fighting
Enhancement: Human Greater Adaptability Constitution I


Level 17 (Bard)
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 18 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Maximize Spell
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Rogue Damage Boost I


Level 19 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage III


Level 20 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack III
Enhancement: Racial Toughness III

I know True Neut is better for end game, but this char being about the journey as well, I think that Chaotic Good will serve me well enough (pure good, Iron Manacles at low level, etc) for my purposes.

The FTR levels 'could' be taken later, but with the lack of skill points on those levels I'm playing catch up even at 20 (balance or concentration IS going to take a hit). That said, thought it more important to get Rog2 and WC2 laid down before I worked on the FTR stuff for feats.

I wasn't really sure about the level 18 feat, but there wasn't much left that would help my melee, so figured that expanding on healing capacity at that level wouldn't be a waste in raids, etc.

Looked around on the AH a bit, and looks like I /can/ afford falchions, as they are for some reason cheap on my server. Not Maul cheap, but the 'goodness of weapon to price' ratio is pretty acceptable to my bank account. Accordingly, I switched from Bludge/Mauls to Slash/Falchion.

I'm still not 100% sure that I'm happy with the stat spread, but best I can figure I "need" 14 int to get all the skills I want (maxed search/disable/perform, high concentration, balance.) I couldn't really come up with anything better than what I have up there on a 32 pt build. That high of an int seems like a 'waste', though I've justified that to myself, and 14 cha is higher than I need as well, but with two build points, it seemed more useful than dex or wis. I COULD go 17 str, 13 int, 12 cha, eat a tome, and put last level up into str, but would end up with +1 str mod for -1 con mod, not sure that its worth the trade off to be honest...

Order of feats could probably use some work as well, possibly take IC: Slash before THF for the increased main target DPS, vice the increased AoE DPS. I'm sure there are other things I could fix as well.

Once again, if you guys would find the flaws, I'd appreciate it. I've already rolled it up and am screwing around, but doing more of what Gorbadoc suggested (thanks by the way) than actually trying to level it.

[psteen1]

enhancements are no big deal really, since you can reset them, but I would suggest not bothering with extra songs. Especially at tier 4. 4 AP for one song? You will have more songs than you know what to deal with (at least as a warchanter- you won't need them like the other prestiges).

[Gorbadoc]

enhancements are no big deal really, since you can reset them, but I would suggest not bothering with extra songs. Especially at tier 4. 4 AP for one song? You will have more songs than you know what to deal with (at least as a warchanter- you won't need them like the other prestiges).

Extra Song IV is a prerequisite for Music of the Dead and Music of Makers.

[DarkchyldeLongbo]

Screwing around still, looking at mauls, because I don't know that I've ever seen someone using them.

Google and the forums say there are useful Stunning suffixes, and they provide good synergy with Stunning Blow feat. It seems to me that both of these could prove pretty useful in a group situation. (Also seems to imply that mauls are pretty close to Great Axe in DPS as well.)


Maybe more so than dumping my limited SP on empowered/maximized heals?

Any thoughts on the viability of this?

[cru121]

BTW now that you dipped fighter, you gained proficiency with all martial weapons. I.e. falchions/greatswords/gaxes, all good. And mauls for undead. Obviously, you no longer need falchion training.

Often, the first fighter level is taken early to benefit from proficiencies and HP (toughness).

Two healing metas sound expensive, yes. My bard 18 xy 2 with 22 charisma has 837 SP with archmagi helmet (no shroud SP yet)

[Gorbadoc]

Mauls have the same crit profile as great axes. The base damage is less on mauls, though, and I feel like greataxes have better named options.

Mauls are a good way to beat skeleton and clay golem DR (need adamantine + bludgeoning for clay golems), but both those monster types are (pretty much) immune to crits, so it's not like it matters what Imp Crit feats you have when you pull out your Maul of Dealing With DR.

I haven't used Stunning myself, but I understand the Stunned status increases incoming damage. On top of that, stunned monsters don't hit back, so at least there's an argument in favor of mauls over greataxes (even if the greataxe argument is stronger).

[DarkchyldeLongbo]

BTW now that you dipped fighter, you gained proficiency with all martial weapons. I.e. falchions/greatswords/gaxes, all good. And mauls for undead. Obviously, you no longer need falchion training.

Often, the first fighter level is taken early to benefit from proficiencies and HP (toughness).

Two healing metas sound expensive, yes. My bard 18 xy 2 with 22 charisma has 837 SP with archmagi helmet (no shroud SP yet)

Um...yeah... obviously. (= Good catch, thank you.

[Xoan]

heya, I wanted to weigh in on this, I dipped farther into the rogue portion to see if I liked it, and I did not so used a lesser stone to change some levels and I went with a 17/3 bard/rogue. I do not think that there is much need for the 3rd level of rogue, I would, if I could do it over again go 18/2, but that was not an option without a 2nd stone back then.

If you are going to put some levels in your bard imo you eliminate SS as a Prestige class. Giving up your cap stone means +2 Cha and +2 DCs which is massive. However, neither of those matter a lot to a WC, and a Virt the problem is while the Virt is awesome at CC... he will not get asked back again into many raids as they want a SS and then maybe a WC in 85% of the cases. Playing a WC will still get you in many groups, but not all of them... for example a eDA where SP makes it through the first phase, and a few melee chants do not mean a lot.

Having evasion as a WC is extremely powerful, DQ2 I evade the blades 80% of the time if not more, eVon6 I evade the fire on the path 98% of the time. I have 437 HP with ship buffs on, and frankly I want about 150 more, I would take that into consideration.


With Power Attack on you can miss some bosses, so do not forget to turn off if needed. I have a past life of Rogue, so I turn that on, and when I am BSing I hit vastly more than not, so Diplo is strong. I am a HE, so every 45 seconds I can try again if I fail to do it the first time.



I am sure most of that melee stuff is and has been covered a 100 times over so I wont here, but I will say that I did not even focus completly into rogue skills and I can cast heal/recon scrolls, and get every trap in the epics. You want to set watermarks as a minimum of 56 search, 58 DD, and I would not worry too much about OL with all the Arties and casters you will be around. I have a 33 with bonuses.. so I have a 1 in ranks so I can do it, and I get pretty much any lock I want.


I personally use the eUtility Vest, and the Treasure Hunter Spyglass

[DarkchyldeLongbo]

This is posted mostly for my own reference, but as always, input is more than welcomed.

Character Generated Using: DDO Character Generator
Direct Link to Build: http://www.ddochargen.com/home.aspx?build=13819

Bard 16 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2
Male Human - Chaotic Good
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 1:
Race Selected: Male Human
Alignment Selected: Chaotic Good
Class Selected: Rogue (Rogue 1)
Abilities Raised: STR: 16, CON: 16, INT: 14, CHA: 14
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +4 (4), Concentration +2 (2), 
Disable Device +4 (4), Haggle +4 (4), Jump +4 (4), 
Open Lock +4 (4), Search +4 (4), Spot +4 (4), Swim +4 (4), 
Tumble +4 (4), UMD +4 (4)
Feats Selected: Power Attack, Stunning Blow
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 2:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 1 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Disable Device +1 (5), 
Perform +4 (4), Search +1 (5), UMD +1 (5)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 3:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 2 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Concentration +2 (4), Disable Device +1 (6), 
Perform +2 (6), Search +1 (6), UMD +1 (6)
Feats Selected: Weapon Focus (Bludgeoning)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 4:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 3 / Rogue 1)
Abilities Raised: STR: 17
Skills Ranks Raised: Concentration +3 (7), Disable Device +1 (7), 
Perform +1 (7), Search +1 (7), UMD +1 (7)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 5:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 4 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (6), Concentration +1 (8), 
Disable Device +1 (8), Perform +1 (8), Search +1 (8), UMD +1 (8)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 6:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 5 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (8), Concentration +1 (9), 
Disable Device +1 (9), Perform +1 (9), Search +1 (9), UMD +1 (9)
Feats Selected: Toughness
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 7:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 6 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (10), Concentration +1 (10), 
Disable Device +1 (10), Perform +1 (10), Search +1 (10), UMD +1 (10)
Enhancements Selected: Human Versatility I, 
Bard Extra Song I, Bard Inspired Bravery I, Bard Inspired Damage I, 
Bard Lingering Song I, Rogue Sneak Attack Training I, 
Bard Inspired Attack I, Racial Toughness I, Bard Song Magic I, 
Bard Extra Song II, Bard Lyric of Song I, Human Improved Recovery I, 
Human Adaptability Strength I, Bard Inspired Bravery II, 
Bard Warchanter I, Bard Lingering Song II, Racial Toughness II, 
Rogue Haste Boost I
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 8:
Class Selected: Rogue (Bard 6 / Rogue 2)
Abilities Raised: STR: 19
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +1 (11), Concentration +1 (11), 
Disable Device +1 (11), Open Lock +3 (7), Perform +1 (11), 
Search +1 (11), UMD +1 (11)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 9:
Class Selected: Fighter (Bard 6 / Rogue 2 / Fighter 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Perform +0.5 (11.5), Search +1 (12), 
UMD +1 (12)
Feats Selected: Two-Handed Fighting, Improved Two-Handed Fighting
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 10:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 7 / Rogue 2 / Fighter 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +1 (12), Concentration +2 (13), 
Disable Device +1 (12), Perform +1 (12.5), Search +1 (13), 
UMD +1 (13)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 11:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 8 / Rogue 2 / Fighter 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (14), Concentration +1 (14), 
Disable Device +1 (13), Perform +1 (13.5), Search +1 (14), 
UMD +1 (14)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 12:
Class Selected: Fighter (Bard 8 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Abilities Raised: STR: 20
Skills Ranks Raised: Perform +1.5 (15), Search +1 (15)
Feats Selected: Empower Healing Spell, Improved Critical (Bludgeoning)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 13:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 9 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Concentration +2 (16), 
Disable Device +1 (14), Perform +1 (16), Search +1 (16), UMD +2 (16)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 14:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 10 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Disable Device +3 (17), 
Search +1 (17), UMD +1 (17)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 15:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 11 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Concentration +2 (18), 
Disable Device +1 (18), Perform +2 (18), Search +1 (18), UMD +1 (18)
Feats Selected: Extend Spell
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 16:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 12 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Abilities Raised: STR: 21
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (16), Concentration +1 (19), 
Disable Device +1 (19), Perform +1 (19), Search +1 (19), UMD +1 (19)
Enhancements Selected: Bard Inspired Attack II, 
Bard Inspired Bravery III, Bard Inspired Damage II, 
Bard Extra Song III, Bard Lingering Song III, Bard Warchanter II
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 17:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 13 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (18), Concentration +1 (20), 
Disable Device +1 (20), Perform +1 (20), Search +1 (20), UMD +1 (20)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 18:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 14 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (20), Concentration +1 (21), 
Disable Device +1 (21), Perform +1 (21), Search +1 (21), UMD +1 (21)
Feats Selected: Greater Two-Handed Fighting
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 19:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 15 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (22), Concentration +1 (22), 
Disable Device +1 (22), Perform +1 (22), Search +1 (22), UMD +1 (22)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 20:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 16 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Abilities Raised: CON: 17
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +1 (23), Concentration +1 (23), 
Disable Device +1 (23), Haggle +1 (5), Perform +1 (23), 
Search +1 (23), UMD +1 (23)
Enhancements Selected: Fighter Strength I, Fighter Toughness I, 
Human Greater Adaptability Constitution I, Bard Extra Song IV, 
Racial Toughness III, Bard Inspired Attack III, Bard Inspired Damage III, 
Bard Lingering Song IV, Bard Music of the Dead, Bard Music of the Makers, 
Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery I, Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery II, 
Fighter Attack Boost I
Stats at End of Level 20:
HP:300 SP:475 AC:9 FORT:12 REFL:12 WILL:9 BAB:+15/+15/+20/+25
STR:22(+6) DEX:8(-1) CON:18(+4) INT:14(+2) WIS:8(-1) CHA:14(+2)
Balance:22, Bluff:2, Concentration:27, Diplomacy:2, 
Disable Device:25, Haggle:7, Heal:-1, Hide:-1, Intimidate:6, 
Jump:10, Listen:-1, Move Silently:-1, Open Lock:6, 
Perform:25, Repair:2, Search:25, Spot:3, Swim:10, Tumble:3, UMD:25

[cru121]

I would take the first fighter earlier (level 2-3). And extend and toughness earlier.
1 PA, H Toughness, 3 Extend, F1 Stunning, 6 WF... But I guess it does not really matter.

[DarkchyldeLongbo]

Once again more for my reference than anything else. I think I'm finally happy with the level progression, and feat order on this guy:

Character Generated Using: DDO Character Generator
Direct Link to Build: http://www.ddochargen.com/home.aspx?build=13853

Bard 16 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2
Male Human - Chaotic Good
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 1:
Race Selected: Male Human
Alignment Selected: Chaotic Good
Class Selected: Rogue (Rogue 1)
Abilities Raised: STR: 16, CON: 16, INT: 14, CHA: 14
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +4 (4), Concentration +2 (2), 
Disable Device +4 (4), Haggle +4 (4), Jump +4 (4), 
Open Lock +4 (4), Search +4 (4), Spot +4 (4), Swim +4 (4), 
Tumble +4 (4), UMD +4 (4)
Feats Selected: Toughness, Stunning Blow
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 2:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 1 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Perform +5 (5), Search +1 (5), 
Tumble +1 (5), UMD +1 (5)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 3:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 2 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Concentration +1 (3), Disable Device +2 (6), 
Perform +1 (6), Search +1 (6), UMD +1 (6)
Feats Selected: Weapon Focus (Bludgeoning)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 4:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 3 / Rogue 1)
Abilities Raised: STR: 17
Skills Ranks Raised: Concentration +3 (6), Disable Device +1 (7), 
Perform +1 (7), Search +1 (7), UMD +1 (7)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 5:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 4 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (6), Concentration +2 (8), 
Disable Device +1 (8), Perform +1 (8), Search +1 (8)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 6:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 5 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +1 (7), Concentration +1 (9), 
Disable Device +1 (9), Perform +1 (9), Search +1 (9), UMD +2 (9)
Feats Selected: Power Attack
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 7:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 6 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (9), Concentration +1 (10), 
Disable Device +1 (10), Perform +1 (10), Search +1 (10), UMD +1 (10)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 8:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 7 / Rogue 1)
Abilities Raised: STR: 18
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (11), Concentration +1 (11), 
Disable Device +1 (11), Perform +1 (11), Search +1 (11), UMD +1 (11)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 9:
Class Selected: Fighter (Bard 7 / Fighter 1 / Rogue 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Disable Device +0.5 (11.5), 
Perform +1 (12), Search +1 (12)
Feats Selected: Extend Spell, Two-Handed Fighting
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 10:
Class Selected: Rogue (Bard 7 / Rogue 2 / Fighter 1)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +1 (12), Concentration +2 (13), 
Disable Device +1 (12.5), Perform +1 (13), Search +1 (13), 
UMD +2 (13)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 11:
Class Selected: Fighter (Bard 7 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Disable Device +0.5 (13),
Perform +1 (14), Search +1 (14)
Feats Selected: Improved Critical (Bludgeoning)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 12:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 8 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Abilities Raised: STR: 19
Skills Ranks Raised: Disable Device +2 (15), 
Perform +1 (15), Search +1 (15), UMD +2 (15)
Feats Selected: Empower Healing Spell
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 13:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 9 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Concentration +3 (16), 
Disable Device +1 (16), Perform +1 (16), Search +1 (16), UMD +1 (16)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 14:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 10 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (14), Concentration +1 (17), 
Disable Device +1 (17), Perform +1 (17), Search +1 (17), UMD +1 (17)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 15:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 11 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (16), Concentration +1 (18), 
Disable Device +1 (18), Perform +1 (18), Search +1 (18), UMD +1 (18)
Feats Selected: Improved Two-Handed Fighting
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 16:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 12 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Abilities Raised: CON: 17
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (18), Concentration +1 (19), 
Disable Device +1 (19), Perform +1 (19), Search +1 (19), UMD +1 (19)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 17:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 13 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +2 (20), Concentration +1 (20), 
Disable Device +1 (20), Perform +1 (20), Search +1 (20), UMD +1 (20)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 18:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 14 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +1 (21), Concentration +1 (21), 
Disable Device +1 (21), Haggle +1 (5), Perform +1 (21), 
Search +1 (21), UMD +1 (21)
Feats Selected: Greater Two-Handed Fighting
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 19:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 15 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +1 (22), Concentration +1 (22), 
Disable Device +1 (22), Haggle +1 (6), Perform +1 (22), 
Search +1 (22), UMD +1 (22)
________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 20:
Class Selected: Bard (Bard 16 / Fighter 2 / Rogue 2)
Abilities Raised: STR: 20
Skills Ranks Raised: Balance +1 (23), Concentration +1 (23), 
Disable Device +1 (23), Haggle +1 (7), Perform +1 (23), 
Search +1 (23), UMD +1 (23)
Stats at End of Level 20:
HP:230 SP:475 AC:9 FORT:11 REFL:12 WILL:9 BAB:+15/+15/+20/+25
STR:20(+5) DEX:8(-1) CON:17(+3) INT:14(+2) WIS:8(-1) CHA:14(+2)
Balance:22, Bluff:2, Concentration:26, Diplomacy:2, 
Disable Device:25, Haggle:9, Heal:-1, Hide:-1, Intimidate:2, 
Jump:9, Listen:-1, Move Silently:-1, Open Lock:3, Perform:25, 
Repair:2, Search:25, Spot:3, Swim:9, Tumble:4, UMD:25

[DaSawks]

Your build looks good. I also have a Bard/FTR/Rogue 16/2/2. He is Warchanter and Trapper with a PL Rogue. I love playing him and and never been less than amazed at all the things he can do. One draw back is BP space. I have 2 pages of wands, scrolls and max skill items to carry around.