Request Decent THF Bard build.

[Divinus_Pondera]

On the journey towards completionist and I'm looking for a decent (soloable in the beginning) Bard build that would utilize THF.

I prefer human, because I'm going to use my free LR to use the dragonmark to raise his crafting before I TR.

Past lives are:

Fighter
Paladin
Barbarian
Monk
Druid

If I could just get some suggestions on decent builds, I would appreciate it immensely. I would definitely like to get this class out of the way ASAP.

[FalexiaSutter]

You're in luck! This is an easy build to pull off. I don't know a thing about past lives so I won't touch on those, but my bard right now is a thf human virtuoso and she works out great. Enthrall is great CC and otto's song rarely fails to dance an opponent at a distance. Plus song of vigor is surprisingly useful for a melee bard. Pairs well with a vicious weapon.

Virtuoso is my favourite right now and I think it will be good for what you are looking for (it is better at soloing and small groups rather than raid-type stuff).

Stats: Str primary, since you are TR you can afford to max it. Con next. Cha last. This is a melee type build, but I find that even with a 16 base cha you can charm mobs fairly efficiently (perhaps not for too much longer though).

Feats: At 6 you will need skill focus: perform for PRE. This can be swapped out at level 10 once you can afford the enhancement extra song 4.
Toughness
Extend
Power Attack
Cleave
Great Cleave
Improved Critical Bludgeoning (I like bludgeoning because I use masterstouch for mauls. Convenient to switch to quarterstaffs) -> Since you are using this for TR, you could splash two fighter for feats and not have to worry about weapon proficiencies.
Maximize
If you do go 2 fighter you can afford the full THF line as well.

Enhancements:
Besides what you need for the PRE, I would go with song damage/attack boosts, whatever stat boosts you need, song of the dead. I don't worry much about the song magic enh.

Spells:
Masterstouch
Buffs - tons to work with
Suggestion or Charm (and their mass versions) - Not a caster, but useful
One cure spell ready
Glitterdust and dancing ball are great CC to lay down before a fight.

[Divinus_Pondera]

Thanks for the fast reply Falexia!

I do have a question though, I've heard I should go Warchanter for the "melee type", but what makes you choose Virtuoso over Warchanter?

[FalexiaSutter]

They both have benefits. Both would work fine, I just prefer the virtuoso's benefits.

Warchanters can wear medium armor (I find I don't miss AC much though), do more damage, have weapon proficiency without masterstouch, a DR song, and a greater heroism song (helpful, can't be dispelled).

Virtuoso's have auto self healing (vigor - small at first. But human enhancements make it ~6-8 per tick for 2 full minutes), a long distance otto's song, a better version of fascinate (monster's don't break out as easy and it debuffs them), regenerating songs, and easy access to song of the dead.

[Divinus_Pondera]

Well that definitely is something to consider. I'm toying around with the builds on a character generator now, but I'm on TR cooldown until tomorrow afternoon.... at least it gives me time to consider. Thank you for your help!

[Dasthug]

It seems that the trend these days for a THF bard is to go Warchanter if you are staying pure bard, and virtuoso if you are doing something similar to a 16/x/x fighter splash.. Fighter gives you martial weapons and medium armor (though you still have ASF from it), so taking warchanter with the fighter splash provides less benefit.