Spaghetti Western Build - Bard/Artificer

[OldAquarian]

Utility Build
Good trap skills (with evasion)
Great Buffs
Good Songs (Would have liked to go to 14 Bard - but Evasion seemed better)
Okay Dps - Heavy Repeater with EF (but with traps and buffs nobody will check the dps)
Okay Hitpoints (but with gear and staying away from melee should be okay)

Basically a singing cowboy with a side of trapper
With self healing and scrolls - decent solo ability, good in parties and can fill trap or buff role in raids
What it lacks in dps - it makes up by filling Bard and Arti buffing as well as trapping so you can have more dps slots
Yes, a 20 Warchanter song buffs are better, and its missing deadly weapons - but neither can do both

And he can even say - "git along little doggeee"
(Get hunter of boxes so you can save time getting the bashing bonus XP)

The only tomes needed are +1 STR, +2 DEX

Advanced way to get more skills:
Level INT up at 8, at 18 take a placeholder feat (anything but a second toughness), at 20 level up DEX and then swap placeholder with Imp Precise Shot
(or use +3 or +4 tomes, and adjust build)

EDIT - some rearrangements based on comment below)

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

Spaghetti Western
Level 20 True Neutral Human Male
(2 Rogue \ 12 Bard \ 6 Artificer) 
Hit Points: 272
Spell Points: 723 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 9
Reflex: 18
Will: 13

                  Starting          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats          Modified Stats
(32 Point)       (Level 1)             (Level 20)
Strength             12                    14
Dexterity            14                    20
Constitution         14                    16
Intelligence         16                    20
Wisdom                8                    10
Charisma             14                    16

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 3
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 7
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 7
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 7
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 7
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 7
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 7

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Human Bonus) Rapid Shot


Level 2 (Bard)
Spell (1): Focusing Chant


Level 3 (Artificer)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Spell (1): Curative Admixture: Cure Light Wounds
Spell (1): Enchant Armor
Spell (1): Enchant Weapons
Spell (1): Conjure Bolts


Level 4 (Artificer)
Ability Raise: INT
Spell (1): Ablative Armor


Level 5 (Artificer)
Spell (2): Curative Admixture: Cure Moderate Wounds


Level 6 (Artificer)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell
Feat: (Artificer Bonus) Precise Shot
Spell (2): Elemental Weapons


Level 7 (Artificer)
Spell (2): Lucky Cape


Level 8 (Artificer)
Ability Raise: DEX
Spell (3): Insightful Damage


Level 9 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack


Level 10 (Bard)
Spell (1): Expeditious Retreat


Level 11 (Bard)
Spell (1): Merfolk's Blessing


Level 12 (Bard)
Ability Raise: DEX
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Spell (2): Invisibility
Spell (2): Blur


Level 13 (Bard)
Spell (1): Grease
Spell (2): Rage


Level 14 (Bard)


Level 15 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons
Spell (2): Glitterdust
Spell (3): Displacement
Spell (3): Haste


Level 16 (Bard)
Ability Raise: DEX
Spell (3): Good Hope


Level 17 (Bard)


Level 18 (Bard)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Precise Shot
Spell (3): See Invisibility
Spell (4): Dimension Door
Spell (4): Otto's Sphere of Dancing


Level 19 (Bard)
Spell (4): Freedom of Movement


Level 20 (Bard)
Ability Raise: INT
Enhancement: Artificer Damage Boost I
Enhancement: Artificer Damage Boost II
Enhancement: Artificer Skill Boost I
Enhancement: Artificer Skill Boost II
Enhancement: Artificer Crossbow Attack I
Enhancement: Artificer Crossbow Damage I
Enhancement: Artificer Battle Engineer I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song II
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song III
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song IV
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery 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 Music of Makers
Enhancement: Bard Music of the Dead
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter I
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter II
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Dexterity I
Enhancement: Human Versatility I
Enhancement: Human Versatility II
Enhancement: Human Versatility III
Enhancement: Human Versatility IV
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery I
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery II
Enhancement: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery III

[Cardtrick]

Definitely an interesting flavor/utility build. I had been thinking about a 14/6 bardificer build, but I actually agree that this split makes more sense. The song bonus at 14 bard is great, but I would say evasion is probably better in this case. You're not really missing anything by not getting level 5 bard spells -- greater heroism has a decent length from a scroll, and nothing else there would do you much good on this build.

Is there a reason you couldn't exchange Weapon Focus: Ranged for Toughness? I would find Toughness much more valuable, personally, and I don't think WF: Ranged is a prereq for anything (it would be really nice if it filled War Chanter's requirement).

[OldAquarian]

Is there a reason you couldn't exchange Weapon Focus: Ranged for Toughness? I would find Toughness much more valuable, personally, and I don't think WF: Ranged is a prereq for anything (it would be really nice if it filled War Chanter's requirement).

No reason at all - I was switching things around and thought I needed it for Battle Engineer, but other feats covered that, thanks +1 to you

So reposted with more HP - also started with more INT and used more level ups for DEX, same end result - but more skills.

[OldAquarian]

Comments on spells please? (just added to OP)

Note - mostly for artificer spells were chosen from the hard to find list - except lvl 3 where there is just a slot for one 3rd level and it has to be used for Insightful Damage (you can take Flame Turret and inscribe Insightful Damage but even if you are willing to lose Insightful Damage - Flame Turret is only good for a few more levels)

[strath]

I don't think your hit rate & reflex saves will be a problem thanks to songs, but a cat's grace spell slot may be nice if you don't feel like casting it via wand.

Personal Augmentation: Insightful Strikes would be a welcome addition against high AC enemies.

Insightful Damage seems like the best bet for the level three slot in most situations but I can easily imagine stone skin, admantine weapons, and positive energy infusion being good drop in options.

I have good news for you when it comes to feats, Artificer 1 comes equipped with rapid shot so you may want to swap in toughness or another feat.

An unrelated note: Your build inspired me to create a repeater bard (16 Bard 2 Arti, 2 rogue), I am still tweaking it if you want to chime in. http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=353923 I dropped some of the DPS to reach Improved Inspire Courage and 5+6 level bard spells. I wanted something with a different feel, so I will have more songs and bard spells (Virtuoso Pre) so I can drop more fascinates on enemies. I the idea was to stun & gun.

I may change the split to 14/4/2 for the extra feat it would give me and the level 2 Artificer spells, and sacrifice level 6 bard but I am torn on that. Let me know what you think.

[Jeromio]

It's a very interesting concept. We discussed this level split sometime ago in our guild forums. One of the ideas was that for even better reflex saves, go with Helf and Palladin dilettante.

One of the results (with 36 pt build and +3 supreme tome) became:
MrBuff Trapster
Level 20 True Neutral Half-Elf Male
(2 Rogue / 12 Bard / 6 Artificer)
Hit Points: 292 (~450 with regular standard gear)
Spell Points: 809

BAB: 14/14/19/24
Fortitude: 12
Reflex: 20
Will: 16

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(36 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 10 13
Dexterity 15 20
Constitution 15 18
Intelligence 17 26
Wisdom 8 12
Charisma 13 18

Tomes Used
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 11
+3 Tome of Dexterity used at level 11
+3 Tome of Constitution used at level 11
+3 Tome of Intelligence used at level 11
+3 Tome of Wisdom used at level 11
+3 Tome of Charisma used at level 11

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 4 16
Bluff 1 4
Concentration 6 27
Diplomacy 1 10
Disable Device 7 31
Haggle 1 4
Heal -1 1
Hide 2 5
Intimidate 1 8
Jump 0 1
Listen -1 1
Move Silently 2 5
Open Lock 6 25
Perform n/a 31
Repair 3 8
Search 7 31
Spot 3 24
Swim 0 1
Tumble n/a 6
Use Magic Device 5 28

Feat: (Half-Elf Dilettante) Half-Elf Dilettante: Paladin
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Selected) Point Blank Shot
Feat: (Artificer Bonus) Rapid Shot
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Feat: (Selected) Precise Shot
Feat: (Selected) Improved Precise Shot
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Ranged Weapons

Enhancements:
Enhancement: Artificer Damage Boost I
Enhancement: Artificer Damage Boost II
Enhancement: Artificer Crossbow Attack I
Enhancement: Artificer Crossbow Damage I
Enhancement: Artificer Battle Engineer I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song II
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song III
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song IV
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery 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 Warchanter I
Enhancement: Bard Warchanter II
Enhancement: Improved Paladin Dilettante I
Enhancement: Human Adaptability Wisdom I
Enhancement: Human Improved Recovery I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Enhancement: Improved Perform I
Enhancement: Improved Perform II
Enhancement: Improved Perform III
Enhancement: Improved Perform IV
Enhancement: Improved Use Magic Device I
Enhancement: Bard Charisma I
Enhancement: Bard Charisma II
Enhancement: Rogue Dexterity I
Enhancement: Artificer Intelligence I
Enhancement: Artificer Intelligence II
Enhancement: Rogue Improved Trap Sense I

[OldAquarian]

I don't think your hit rate & reflex saves will be a problem thanks to songs, but a cat's grace spell slot may be nice if you don't feel like casting it via wand.

Cat's grace doesn't stack with +DEX items

Personal Augmentation: Insightful Strikes would be a welcome addition against high AC enemies.

DEX == INT - no help there

I have good news for you when it comes to feats, Artificer 1 comes equipped with rapid shot so you may want to swap in toughness or another feat.

Rapid Reload != Rapid Shot - you need both - so no help there

It's a very interesting concept. We discussed this level split sometime ago in our guild forums. One of the ideas was that for even better reflex saves, go with Helf and Palladin dilettante.

One of the results (with 36 pt build and +3 supreme tome) became:
MrBuff Trapster
...

36 point build and +3 tomes would make most builds better That would raise INT quite a bit

One issue I see is that there is no Extend Spell Feat on that build - I want that more than better saves

[Shadrir]

Is the run arm of any use at all with only 6 in artificer? Does it just do puny damage or does it not even hit at all? I'm assuming you are only using buffs from teh artificer and not attack spells. I'm interested in this or 14 artificer and 6 bard.

[galois]

I really love this build!

I just leveled an arti to 20 and I loved the style of gameplay. That being said, I always wished I had evasion...

I'm planning to TR and your build is probably something i'd try.

I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on gear? End-game or leveling gear.

Thanks! And good job on this build!

[bando]

Just trying to get an idea for what each of the stats will do for my speghetti western build bard:

Note: I'll have a 36 point build with +3 tomes

Str: not gonna be all that important, since I'll be ranging, right?
Con: stick at a 14 and be happy
Wis: Dump

Int: helps with trap skills (I reallllly liked the int bonuses on my wiz/rog life) and can use instead of dex for attack rolls

Dex: would help with attacks and evasion, but i'll have bard buffs for skill boosts

Cha: here's the tricky part. What do I actually need charisma for if what i'll be doing is ranged attacks, buffs, and some heals? songs are based on perform base ranks, which won't be a problem with a higher INT, and i figure for the most part i can just skip cha-based dc spells, right?

Help appreciated (especially from the pugs on Cannith I'll be playing with)

[wey4lust]

Very nice build. I like both bard and arti so i will try it out, tho i think ill drop 2 rogue, i didnt missed evasion on arti life and if i want it for certain quests i will take shadowdancer ed.

[Stormblade721]

I really love this build!

I just leveled an arti to 20 and I loved the style of gameplay. That being said, I always wished I had evasion...

I'm planning to TR and your build is probably something i'd try.

I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on gear? End-game or leveling gear.

Thanks! And good job on this build!

I can answer this I have a 2 arti 18 Bard 4 Epic build that is almost capped.

Level 2 Arti is ll you need to use runearms, which was the original intent, as I tr'ed from a capped Arti. I thought that would raise my DPS quite a bit from a melee bard, and make my toon more useful in end game by having all of the bard spells and songs available, while doing measurable damage without having to melee where I wouldn't be as effective assisting in healing etc.

You will need Charisma for Perform and UMD precisely, while Wisdom will affect your spot skill.

I do about 70% of the damage with runearms that a full Arti does, while Repeater damage seems comparable with my full Arti. Open lock is fine, Search and Spot is a bit light, as is disable, (in the mid to high 30's) I can get those higher on my bard build with a LR and some skill juggling, but as most groups anymore have a dedicated trapper, it's really not nessecary. I would but a couple more points into wisdom, and bring con to 16, as hit points are going to be at a premium if you are running a lot of Epics, mobs hit hard as heck on Epic Elite.