Freeloading golddigger

[Phidius]

For the past several months, I've been working on builds that are designed for alternate accounts - like where you have 2 computers side-by-side, running 2 different accounts at the same time.

It's important that they don't require P2P races or classes, as my immediate goal is to purchase the adventure packs that contain raids and hard-to-acquire BtC gear.

This build takes over several roles.

1. Healer
2. Buffer
3. Traps (in a pinch)
4. Treasure!!

Ideally, this guy will buff up the group, then stay just out of melee range and throw out the CMM and CML. Once the combat is over, buff up the chest and profit!

The saves are pretty weak, but most of his career will be spent piking until the time comes to run him through the empty dungeon to manipulate the chest.

Starting out with Spell Singer to get a higher UMD in the lower levels without the Cartouche or 7-finger gloves, but as better gear/ranks make the +2/+4 bonus less valuable, can switch over into Warchanter. Not entirely sure the extra DPS on the group will justify the loss of 200 spell points, though. At any rate, he qualifies for any of the bard PrE's, so I can switch him around every 3 days.

Very new to bards in general - he's currently level 12 thanks to mooching off of Gemstone as he levels. Criticism is welcome - I've got a LR+3 heart I can use to "fix" any issues I have with him.

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.8.0
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Bangin Heads
Level 20 True Neutral Human Male
(2 Fighter \ 2 Rogue \ 16 Bard)
Hit Points: 380 = 96 (bard) + 12 (rog) + 20 (ftr) + 20 (heroic) + 10 (draconic) + 120 (con) + 22 (toughness) + 30 (toughness enhancements) + 30 (GFL) + 20 (minos)
Spell Points: 1265 = 425 (16 bard) + 300 (34 Cha) + 175 (WizVII) + 105 (MT) + 60 (energy of music) + 200 (spell singer)
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 22 = 5 (bard) + 0 (rog) + 3 (ftr) + 6 (con) + 4 (item) + 4 (GH)
Reflex: 24 = 10 (bard) + 3 (rog) + 0 (ftr) + 3 (dex) + 4 (item) + 4 (GH)
Will: 21 = 10 (bard) + 0 (rog) + 0 (ftr) + 3 (wis) + 4 (item) + 4 (GH)

Abilities(28 Point)

Strength 20 = 12 (base) + 2 (tome) + 6 (item)
Dexterity 16 = 8 (base) + 2 (tome) + 6 (item)
Constitution 22 = 14 (base) + 2 (tome) + 6 (item)
Intelligence 12/18 = 10 (base) + 2 (tome) = 12 + 6 (item)
Wisdom 16 = 8 (base) + 2 (tome) + 6 (item)
Charisma 34 = 18 (base) + 5 (levels) + 2 (tome) + 3 (AP) + 6 (item)


Tomes Used

+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 6


Skills

Balance 37 = 15 (ranks) + 3 (dex) + 15 (item) + 4 (GH)
Concentration 52 = 23 (ranks) + 6 (con) + 4 (spellsinger) + 15 (item) + 4 (GH)
Disable Device d20 + 47 = 17 (ranks) + 4 (int) + 15 (item) + 4 (GH) + 7 (tools)
Haggle 36 = 5 (ranks) + 12 (cha) + 15 (item) + 4 (GH)
Jump 41 = 17 (ranks) + 5 (str) + 4 (GH) = 26 + 15 (item)
Open Lock d20 + 33 = 4 (ranks) + 3 (dex) + 15 (item) + 4 (GH) + 7 (tools)
Perform 54 = 23 (ranks) + 12 (cha) + 15 (item) + 4 (GH)
Search 47 = 22 (ranks) + 4 (int) + 2 (dragonmark) + 15 (item) + 4 (GH)
Spot 26 = 4 (ranks) + 3 (wis) + 15 (item) + 4 (GH)
Use Magic Device 43 = 23 (ranks) + 12 (cha) + 4 (spellsinger) + 4 (GH)


Level 1 (Rogue)
Skill: Balance (+4)
Skill: Concentration (+2)
Skill: Disable Device (+4)
Skill: Haggle (+4)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Open Lock (+4)
Skill: Search (+4)
Skill: Spot (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Human Bonus) Least Dragonmark of Finding
Feat: (Selected) Toughness


Level 2 (Fighter)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons


Level 3 (Bard)
Skill: Concentration (+4)
Skill: Perform (+3)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell


Level 4 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+4)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)


Level 5 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+3)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)


Level 6 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+3)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Finding


Level 7 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 8 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Search (+1.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 9 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Search (+1.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Dragonmark of Finding


Level 10 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Search (+1.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 11 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Search (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 12 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Haggle (+1)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Search (+1.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness


Level 13 (Bard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+2.5)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 14 (Bard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+2.5)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 15 (Bard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+2.5)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 16 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Disable Device (+2.5)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)


Level 17 (Rogue)
Skill: Disable Device (+3)
Skill: Search (+7)


Level 18 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Attack
Feat: (Selected) Quicken Spell


Level 19 (Bard)
Skill: Concentration (+1)
Skill: Perform (+3)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)


Level 20 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Skill: Concentration (+3)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Search (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack III
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage III
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song I
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song II
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song III
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song IV
Enhancement: Bard Spellsinger I
Enhancement: Bard Spellsinger II
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use I
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use II
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use III
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Charisma I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Improved Concentration I
Enhancement: Improved Concentration II
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Song I
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Song II
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic I
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic II
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic III
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic IV
Enhancement: Bard Energy of the Music I
Enhancement: Bard Energy of the Music II
Enhancement: Bard Energy of the Music III
Enhancement: Bard Charisma I
Enhancement: Bard Charisma II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery I
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery II

[Tobril]

What are the ins/outs of that finding mark?

Do you note a difference when using it? (i.e. guaranteed devouts, +2 tomes from ww, etc)

[Trillea]

What are the ins/outs of that finding mark?

Do you note a difference when using it? (i.e. guaranteed devouts, +2 tomes from ww, etc)

Theoretically this guy could make the Vale explorer chests give +2 tomes without a loot gem.

[Phidius]

What are the ins/outs of that finding mark?

Do you note a difference when using it? (i.e. guaranteed devouts, +2 tomes from ww, etc)

I don't know yet - I'm waiting for people to rip the build apart before I use my last LR+3 to fix him... I kinda threw a bard together back in the day, and didn't really plan it very well.

Some would say just reroll, as the only raid loot he has is the Battle Coin, but it's no easy feat running 2 alt accounts with Gemstone as he levels - plus, I'm trying to mooch off his XP with 2 different toons on one of those accounts

So I'll just trade my collectibles for LR+3 hearts - it's faster that way.

[Tobril]

Theoretically this guy could make the Vale explorer chests give +2 tomes without a loot gem.

They used to drop +2 tomes, dunno if they changed that or not.

[Phidius]

I updated the build to push back the 2nd fighter and rogue levels until after getting CLW. I also added Quicken to the build, to make sure his mass cures go off when they're supposed to. I know it's a crutch

[Eckenwiler]

With the 2 excalmation marks behind treasure, I'm guessing that is the biggest reason for making this guy.

If so, perhaps you'd want the Extra Dragonmark Use enhancements.

[Phidius]

With the 2 excalmation marks behind treasure, I'm guessing that is the biggest reason for making this guy.

If so, perhaps you'd want the Extra Dragonmark Use enhancements.

Nice catch - I figure 4 uses per rest should be good.

[Phidius]

What are the ins/outs of that finding mark?

Do you note a difference when using it? (i.e. guaranteed devouts, +2 tomes from ww, etc)

Used the LR last night, and finally got to play with it a little.

Chests (Reaver's Fate) With 3 people, only got one raid item from the warded chest (Treason). The other chests were giving up ML 12 items - I think they normally give out ML10 items. Nothing special, though.

Breakables: Used the Least mark to break a few containers in Feast or Famine - made me think that this is the toon I'd want to bring on a Naked [Insert Quest Name] run. Got a few wands and a few ML10 assorted weapons.

Knock: Didn't come across any locked door/chest to try it out to see what the DC is.

[Phidius]

Theoretically this guy could make the Vale explorer chests give +2 tomes without a loot gem.

Not theoretically - just pulled a +2 Cha tome after begging and pleading with the chest

[voodoogroves]

Gah. May have to roll one of these. Too handy ...

[Lithic]

I've got a lvl 19 haggler bard (been 19 for quite a while), and I use to use it to farm vale stones. Was great to kill it off, and rez it near a chest (main farmer was a fvs, or a rogue with umd for rezzes).

Thanks to you, I may look into LRing into the marks. Would be nice to have 90ish haggle with the finding marks, though it would reduce an already weak bard into a even bigger piker heh.

I don't think the marks affect named items, or at least raid items though. I wonder if the marks affect renown?

[Phidius]

...
I don't think the marks affect named items, or at least raid items though. I wonder if the marks affect renown?

Warded chests give a "shield" icon, which I presume means it's blocked. Haven't seen anything to indicate that named drops are more frequent, but it would require a lot of test runs to find out - I doubt it, though.

I don't even pay attention to renown drops, so I have no clue.

[Mister_Peace]

Dragonmark raises the level of the chest, which should have no effect on renown.

[Irinis]

Inspiring build, rolled a half-orc version to pike along with my next TR. +1

[Phidius]

Inspiring build, rolled a half-orc version to pike along with my next TR. +1

I take it you're planning to actually play your build?

[Posgildenlow]

I inspired my character on your build, with a few changes:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 03.09.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Gildein  The Tresurehunter
Level 20 True Neutral Human Male
(2 Fighter \ 18 Bard) 
Hit Points: 240
Spell Points: 1161 
BAB: 15\15\20\25\25
Fortitude: 11
Reflex: 11
Will: 10

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             12                 12                   14
Dexterity            10                 10                   10
Constitution         14                 14                   14
Intelligence          8                  8                    8
Wisdom                8                  8                    8
Charisma             18                 23                   27

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills         Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)            (Level 20)
Balance               4                    24
Bluff                 4                     8
Concentration         6                    35
Diplomacy             4                    10
Disable Device       n/a                   n/a
Haggle                4                     8
Heal                 -1                    -1
Hide                  0                     0
Intimidate            4                     8
Jump                  5                    13
Listen               -1                    -1
Move Silently         0                     0
Open Lock             n/a                   n/a
Perform               8                    31
Repair               -1                    -1
Search               -1                    -1
Spot                 -1                     6
Swim                  1                     2
Tumble                4                     5
Use Magic Device      8                    35

Level 1 (Bard)
Feat: (Human Bonus) Least Dragonmark of Finding
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Spell (1): Charm Person
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song I
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic I
Enhancement: Bard Energy of the Music I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 3 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Spell (1): Cure Light Wounds
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Bard Charisma I


Level 4 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Spell (1): Expeditious Retreat
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage I
Enhancement: Improved Concentration I
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Song I


Level 5 (Bard)
Spell (2): Cure Moderate Wounds
Spell (2): Blur
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Charisma I
Enhancement: Improved Concentration II
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic II


Level 6 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Mental Toughness
Spell (1): Grease
Spell (2): Heroism
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Bard Energy of the Music II


Level 7 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Spellsinger I


Level 8 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Spell (3): Cure Serious Wounds
Spell (2): Cat's Grace
Spell (3): Displacement
Enhancement: Bard Charisma II


Level 9 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Finding
Spell (3): Haste
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song II
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Song II


Level 10 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Energy of the Music III


Level 11 (Bard)
Spell (3): Good Hope
Spell (4): Otto's Sphere of Dancing
Spell (4): Hold Monster
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song II
Enhancement: Bard Song Magic III


Level 12 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Feat: (Selected) Greater Dragonmark of Finding
Spell (4): Cure Critical Wounds
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song III


Level 13 (Bard)
Enhancement: Bard Spellsinger II
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use I
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use II


Level 14 (Bard)
Spell (4): Dimension Door
Spell (5): Mass Suggestion
Spell (5): Greater Heroism
Enhancement: Human Greater Adaptability Strength I


Level 15 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Mental Toughness
Spell (5): Mind Fog
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song III


Level 16 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA


Level 17 (Bard)
Spell (6): Mass Cure Moderate Wounds
Spell (1): Hypnotism
Spell (6): Otto's Irresistable Dance
Spell (5): Shadow Walk
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Song III
Enhancement: Bard Charisma III


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use III


Level 19 (Bard)
Spell (6): Heroes Feast
Spell (2): Rage
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery II


Level 20 (Bard)
Ability Raise: CHA
Spell (3): Remove Curse
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Incredible Song I
Enhancement: Bard Lyric of Incredible Song II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I

This is my idea of a build. I just thought that the 2 levels of rogue didn't seem critical. Sure the sneak attacks and trap disabling skills are nice, but it didn't seem that necessary now that you have Artificers to pick traps as well. Also because
A: Any chests you need to unlock can be done so by the lesser DM of finding.
B: in most cases you can just have a wand of resist energy and protection from energy to get past the traps when you're soloing (Or just time them. Or get a hireling and buff him up. Or just berserk trough them and heal yourself afterwards.)
C: More bard Levels= better spell casting plus an advantage of one level 2,3 and 6 spells each compared to the rogue splash .Also, High level players are well know for their prejudice against different builds, and the more you splash, the weirder it looks.

Also, the life of a bard is to tell the tales of adventures, distant lands and mystical treasures of storm reach. And some would like to bring back home all that treasure rather then being payed to just sing about it. Hence, Bard 18 is still justifiable for the themed build, since you can use magic, gear and creativity to overcome the necessity of a rogue. And well... life is a dangerous place, even for those who songs spread joy trough the land... and even more dangerous are the dungeons hiding the treasure. Hence, fighter 2( but lets face it, just the extra feats, hitpoints and martial weps proficiency would be reason enough)

Anyways, from what i've played so far of the build (curently level 10) it's just as good as any other bard.Even with extremely poor gear, it still does well CC, healing, buffing and even melee(with displacement and haste, of course), just like a generalist, which mean NO PIKING. Because, really, i see no acceptable excuse for it.

There is one more very important difference however: I chose to pick pick Mental Toughness at 6 instead of DM of finding, meaning i can only pick Greater DM at level 12 . I did that to fit for Spellsinger PrE as soon as possible, as it is quite useful for you and for the entire party (especially if you feel you might need to spamm displacement around) and also for the extra SP. Plus, it doesn't really take that long to level from 9 to 12(especially with those sweet elite streaks now... imagine Tempest Spine on elite with a streak) and you treasure can wait another 3 levels.

But other than that, its a rather nice build to play , although i can't yet attest to its utility in the latter levels, but i'm confident that it will do well enough. My sincere thanks to the OP for the build idea(also, any feedback on my build is appreciated, especially on the feat selection after level 12)