Buffmaster 3000 aka Barty

[Failedlegend]

So in another thread so guy was looking to make a bard that uses an xbow I suggested a Bard/Arty mix and I friend liked the idea so this is what I came up with (also posted in the Bard thread) I personally would go Pure Arty but to each their own...anyways what do you guys think?

"Buffmaster 3000"

Barty the Halfling Bard12/Arty8 SS2/BE1(True Neutral)

Dex 18 (To-hit/Reflex Save)
Con 14 (HP)
Int 16 (Damage/Skill Points)
Cha 14

Lvl ups in either Dex or Int whichever you prefer



Feats (Not in order - Includes Bonus Arty Feats)

PBS,PS,IPS, IC:Ranged,Rapid Shot, Toughness, Extend, SF:UMD, Augment Summoning


Skills: Trap Skills, UMD, Perform, Concentration, Diplomacy, than w/e you want

UMD Breakdown: 7(Stat) + 4 (SS2) + 23 (Trained) + 3 (SF:UMD) +2(Arty Knowledge)= 39 No-Fail Heal Scroll without a single UMD item.

Level Order: Unsure probably Arty 1, Bard2, Arty3-9, Bard 10-20.

[Thebeest]

why int for damage? your damage mod (dex) without a spell is higher.

[Failedlegend]

why int for damage? your damage mod (dex) without a spell is higher.

Ranged weapons don't have a damage stat...Dex is only for to-hit...the only way to get a damage stat on XBOWs is either Mech1 or Insightful Damage from Arty both of which add Int Mod to damage

[djsonar919]

So... from what I'm seeing here is that you created a bard that cannot buff as good as a bard should, mixed with an artificer that cannot buff or have the damage output as an artificer should? And the name "Buffmaster" came about how if it actually is a master of nothing?

[Failedlegend]

So... from what I'm seeing here is that you created a bard that cannot buff as good as a bard should, mixed with an artificer that cannot buff or have the damage output as an artificer should? And the name "Buffmaster" came about how if it actually is a master of nothing?

As far as Bard 12 is a fairly common split and quite welcome in raids...as for Arty all his buff timers are static and not reliant on caster levels and honestly other than Radiant forcefield he doesn't miss much buff wise (add in Deadly weapons if they ever fix it)

That said I'd again like to reiterate I'd rather go pure Arty but this is for a friend and I'd like some actual help with it.

[Failedlegend]

Anyone?

[StableKobold]

20 arti could do better.
More buffs,More soloability,Etc.
Anyways-If you want to contribute the party alot and DPS,Try cleric.
A well builden healing cleric could do both DPS and heal the party.
You would might also agree that clerics are welcomed in partys just as well as bards are.

[Dwarfo]

Ive seen a couple of 18 bard 2 artis running around and they seem quite viable. This split WILL not work, not enough bard, not enough arti.

[voodoogroves]

I personally don't like bard 12 as a split - it gives up way too much IMO.

I'm more a fan of 18/2 or 16/2/2 splits as you get then most of the bard abilities you really want and enhance it.

[Teharahma]

Maybe consider going 14Bard6Arti, +1 dmg/att on songs.

[Gulain]

As far as Bard 12 is a fairly common split and quite welcome in raids...as for Arty all his buff timers are static and not reliant on caster levels and honestly other than Radiant forcefield he doesn't miss much buff wise (add in Deadly weapons if they ever fix it)

That said I'd again like to reiterate I'd rather go pure Arty but this is for a friend and I'd like some actual help with it.

Point of correction: Arti buff durations are affected by the class level. The tooltips may not indicate it but level any arti above level 5 and you will see in fact that the actual duration changes based on your character level. The only point they differ than most spells in that regard is that extend does not affect artificer imbues (weapon or armor buffs).

I'm assuming that you went to 8 arti for the 2nd free feat or something? Reasoning behind your class split may let others know why you chose 1 setup versus another. You may be better off leaving it at level 6 arti for acces to tier 3 spells and kick bard up to 14 so that you get 1 more on your hit/dam from inspire courage.

One thing you will really need to keep in mind with this build is that you will be restricted to light armor as the artificer arcane spell failure ignore on medium won't apply to bard spells (which only receive ignore on light armor).

I suppose you qualify for SS through the Artificer Magical training so that is a benefit. I would probably look for alternatives for Augment Summoning as you won't have high summoning or DC for charms and your dog is going to be more of a drawback at endgame than anything else. Not sure what I would use there though... maybe more toughness to cover low hp.

Otherwise as people have said damage is going to be fairly mediocre on this build. It won't have the same rune-arm usage that a pure arti has to be competitive on damage. It also won't have the same DC on saves that most casters will need for CC in dungeons. It seems to be ok as a flavor build but you may run into some prejudice in groups who aren't sure what your build is designed for. Ultimately I would be most worried about your HP with a starting 14 con and low natural HP both from Bard and Artificer.