This thread isn't really anything more than a place for me to store my half-baked build ideas. I love bards, and I could never play enough of them to use all the crazy ideas I have...well, I could, but then I'd have Bardout (bard burnout)
So, this really is just a collection of partial build concepts and stuff, that either I haven't gotten around to fleshing out, or are more thematic than special. The special ones get their own threads on the CO forums.
Bard Builds:
Warforged (Jukebox Hero) -- 18cha bought, split the rest into Str/Con, use any +3 weapon, ignore Bard Implement powers. Make it a ranged weapon (dwarven thrower / hungry / farbond spellblade) so you can capitalize on the fun variety of melee/weapon powers. Take Combat Virtuoso and PMC into Warlord so you can get +CHA to party Init and all your attack rolls are CHA-based. Daring Blade on a Hybrid Warlord|Bard is another option. In a highly raw/unrefined stage at this point, with no feat ordering, or any powers selected. Jukebox HeroShow
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ====== Jukebox Hero, level 30 Warforged, Bard, Paragon Multiclassing, Avatar of War Build: Valorous Bard Bardic Virtue: Virtue of Valor Power in Conflict: Power in Conflict Charisma Gritty Sergeant Benefit: Weapon Proficiency (Khopesh) Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant Benefit)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES Str 22, Con 18, Dex 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 28.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES Str 11, Con 13, Dex 10, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 18.
FEATS Bard: Ritual Caster Level 1: Combat Virtuoso Level 2: Improved Defenses Level 4: Resourceful Leader Level 6: Novice Power Level 8: Acolyte Power Level 10: Adept Power Level 11: Battle Instructor Level 12: Combat Commander Level 14: Warforged Tactics Level 16: Divine Channeler (Paladin) Level 18: Path of War Level 20: Armor Proficiency: Scale Level 21: Supreme Majesty Level 22: Axe Mastery Level 24: Armor Proficiency: Plate Level 26: Shield Proficiency: Heavy Level 28: Armor Specialization (Plate) Feat User Choice: Axe Expertise Level 30: Bard of All Trades
POWERS Bard at-will 1: Guiding Strike Bard at-will 1: War Song Strike Divine Channeler (Paladin): Divine Mettle Bard daily 1: Arrow of Warning Bard encounter 3: Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade
ITEMS Ritual Book, Magic Godplate Armor +6, Heavy Shield, Amulet of Protection +6, Boots of Quickness (epic tier), Diamond Cincture (epic tier), Eye of Awareness (epic tier), Gloves of the Healer (epic tier), Ring of Free Time (epic tier), Ring of Tactical Brilliance (paragon tier), Dwarven Thrower Khopesh +6 ====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Dragonborn (DRAGONBARD!) -- Barbarian|Bard with Howling Strike and Plate, charges all the time, HT for Thaneborn Presence, get some Bolstering Breath action in there. Current Build is a little light on the At-Will DPR, and not really worth taking for either DPR or Leader slots, at this point. It might work well as a 6th man, but I wouldn't even call it a good 5th man yet. ChargebardShow
POWERS Astral Knowledge: Blood-Frenzy Strike (retrained to Curtain of Steel at Level 24) Hybrid at-will 1: Howling Strike Hybrid at-will 1: Guiding Strike Hybrid encounter 1: Inspiring Refrain Hybrid daily 1: Swift Panther Rage Hybrid utility 2: Shrug It Off (retrained to Bloodthirsty Resurgence at Level 22) Hybrid encounter 3: Shatterbone Strike Hybrid daily 5: Word of Mystic Warding Hybrid utility 6: Everybody Move Hybrid encounter 7: Curtain of Steel Hybrid daily 9: Stoneroot Rage Hybrid utility 10: Mantle of Unity Hybrid encounter 13: Storm of Blades (replaces Shatterbone Strike) Hybrid daily 15: Rage of the War Bringer (replaces Swift Panther Rage) Hybrid utility 16: Kill Them All Hybrid encounter 17: Couplet of Deceptive Weakness (replaces Inspiring Refrain) Hybrid daily 19: Winter Phoenix Rage (replaces Stoneroot Rage) Hybrid utility 22: Invisible Troupe Hybrid encounter 23: Berserker's Shout (replaces Curtain of Steel) Hybrid daily 25: Fraught with Failure (replaces Word of Mystic Warding) Hybrid encounter 27: Hurricane of Blades (replaces Storm of Blades) Hybrid daily 29: Hero's Beacon (replaces Fraught with Failure)
ITEMS Jagged Gouge +6, Horned Helm (epic tier), Badge of the Berserker +6, Boots of Adept Charging (heroic tier), Gloves of the Healer (epic tier), Iron Armbands of Power (epic tier), Diamond Cincture (epic tier), Ring of Free Time (epic tier), Resurgence Tattoo (epic tier), Magic Godplate Armor +6, Ring of Giants (paragon tier) ====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Genasi (Milli Vanili) -- A Str/Int Warlord|Bard with low-cha that takes the lazy bard powers and warlord strength powers. The build name should suggest the approach I was going for with the build. Irony to hybrid with Warlord in order to use Str powers and ignore the other class...but, I abandoned this build, realizing there was no compelling reason to play it instead of a regular Warlord. Milli VaniliShow
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ====== Milli, level 1 Genasi, Bard|Warlord Hybrid Bard: Hybrid Bard Will Warlord Leadership: Combat Leader (Hybrid) Hybrid Warlord: Hybrid Warlord Will Hybrid Talent: Commanding Presence (Hybrid) Commanding Presence (Hybrid): Tactical Presence (Hybrid) Elemental Manifestation: Causticsoul Background: Auspicious Birth (Auspicious Birth Benefit)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES Str 18, Con 12, Dex 10, Int 18, Wis 8, Cha 12.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES Str 16, Con 12, Dex 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 12.
ITEMS Hide Armor, Light Shield, Longsword ====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Tiefling Bard|Ardent (Fearsome) -- Stygian Adept and lots of fun with Polearm Momentum style effects. This would work a lot better if Bard had a weapon-based Fear At-Will, because there are so many great fear-based feats from multiple classes.
Bard|Cleric (Pastor of Muppets) -- I've come at this combo from various angles and haven't found an approach I really like, yet. The best one so far is a Moonbow Dedicate build, but I've already got a couple of those. I hate a "double dip" build (pumping both sides of a singular NAD), so I've shied away from the wis/cha option, which basically leaves us looking at the Strength cleric...some of this thought process is what led the Cha`Ka Ranger|Cleric build further down.
Dragonborn Swordmage|Bard -- STR/CON build, taking a SM Stance power and Reserve Maneuvering out the encounter power. Never really went anywhere, as the concept didn't gel with me.
Shardmind Paladin|Bard (Amadeus) -- Combine Marking and Healing...but it's kind of flat at the moment, I need to come back to this one later. It uses lots of attack penalty imposition. This build got abandoned midway though design and changed to a Paladin|Warlock to create the Hexer build in my sig, so the summary is incomplete, but should be enough to spark ideas. AmadeusShow
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ====== Amadeus, level 30 Shardmind, Bard|Paladin, Blessed Psalmist Hybrid Bard: Hybrid Bard Reflex Hybrid Paladin: Hybrid Paladin Fortitude Hybrid Talent: Bardic Virtue Bardic Virtue: Virtue of Cunning Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Mace) Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Holy Symbol) Shardmind: Religion Bonus
FINAL ABILITY SCORES Str 15, Con 13, Dex 12, Int 26, Wis 10, Cha 26.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES Str 13, Con 11, Dex 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 16.
POWERS Disciplined Talent: Dishearten Hybrid at-will 1: Vicious Mockery Hybrid at-will 1: Virtuous Strike Hybrid encounter 1: Valorous Smite Hybrid daily 1: Stirring Shout Hybrid utility 2: Virtue (retrained to Call of Challenge at Level 6) Hybrid encounter 3: Song of the New Dawn Hybrid daily 5: Name of Might (retrained to Song of Discord at Level 9) Hybrid utility 6: Deliverance of Faith Hybrid encounter 7: Price of Cowardice Hybrid daily 9: Ray of Reprisal Hybrid utility 10: Mantle of Unity Hybrid encounter 13: Castigating Strike (replaces Valorous Smite) Hybrid daily 15: Strike Up the Dance (replaces Stirring Shout) Hybrid utility 16: Divine Aegis
ITEMS Heavy Shield, Magic Elderhide Armor +6, Crusader's Singing Stick +6, Amulet of Protection +6, Symbol of the Champion's Code +6, Ring of Tenacious Will (epic tier) ====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Half-Orc Avenger of Silvanus PMC Ranger (Gromp) -- This is my primary LFR character, who's currently level 18. I haven't updated this summary since I built it to 30 originally, and my current version has some tweaks with new content. Auspex7 was invaluable in helping me build this dude. He'd probably go Eternal Seeker in Epic for the ability to cherry pick some fun powers. Note: This build won't work well pre-Paragon without LFR-style stat retraining, as you're starting with a 14 Wisdom. GrompShow
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ====== Gromp, level 30 Half-Orc, Avenger, Paragon Multiclassing Build: Pursuing Avenger Avenger's Censure: Censure of Pursuit Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Axe) Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Holy Symbol) Background: Moonshae Isles, Monastic (Melora) (+2 to Perception)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES Str 26, Con 15, Dex 24, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 10.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES Str 16, Con 13, Dex 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8.
FEATS Level 1: Unarmored Agility Level 2: Versatile Expertise Level 4: Warrior of the Wild Level 6: Weapon Proficiency (Double axe) Level 8: Novice Power Level 10: Acolyte Power Level 11: Adept Power Level 12: Deadly Axe Level 14: Improved Armor of Faith Level 16: Painful Oath Level 18: Impending Doom Style Level 20: Godsworn Tidedancer Level 21: Hand of Divine Guidance Level 22: Halo of Warding Level 24: Prime Hunter Level 26: Slashing Storm Level 28: Ferocious Critical Level 30: Robust Defenses
POWERS Avenger at-will 1: Overwhelming Strike Avenger at-will 1: Bond of Pursuit Paragon Multiclassing: Lashing Leaves Paragon Multiclassing: Drop and Roll Paragon Multiclassing: Cruel Cage of Steel Avenger encounter 1: Angelic Alacrity Avenger daily 1: Aspect of Might Avenger utility 2: Distracting Flare Avenger encounter 3: Fury's Advance Avenger daily 5: Bond of Foresight Avenger utility 6: Everybody Move Avenger encounter 7: Chains of Censure Avenger daily 9: Blade of Repulsion Avenger utility 10: Wings of Vengeance Avenger encounter 13: Avenger's Demand (replaces Chains of Censure) Avenger daily 15: Aspect of Fury (replaces Aspect of Might) Avenger utility 16: Astral Cloak Avenger encounter 17: Vengeful Parry (replaces Angelic Alacrity) Avenger daily 19: Oath of the Inevitable Blade (replaces Blade of Repulsion) Avenger utility 22: Twin Step Avenger encounter 23: Bond of Justice (replaces Fury's Advance) Avenger daily 25: Aspect of Death (replaces Bond of Foresight) Avenger encounter 27: Inevitable End (replaces Avenger's Demand) Avenger daily 29: Cataclysmic Duel (replaces Aspect of Fury)
ITEMS Adventurer's Kit, Magic Starweave Armor +6, Magic Double axe +6, Badge of the Berserker +6 ====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Str/Wis Runepriest|Seeker -- Utilizing a Heavy Thrown weapon to combo control+enabling in a tough package. Hoping for a race I like better to get this stat spread, at the moment...If I make another character, this one's high on my list, as a Goliath.
Thri-Kreen Enchanter using Orbs -- Specializes in as much possible Forced Movement as possible. This character never got fully fleshed out, cause I decided to go with the next build, instead.
Thri-Kreen Ranger|Cleric of Corellon (Cha`Ka) -- In the never-ending quest to make the most bizarre characters possible, there's my bugman cleric. Using a Hungry Greatspear, he combines Throw & Stab with Righteous Brand (Power of Skill) as his primary attacks. He can standing-jump further than his movement speed already, at level 6. Here's a level 30 version I whipped up after getting a surprising amount of interest. Note the Phantom Chaussures in the summary..wear those until you get the Shadowband, then change to the Avandra Sandals. Cha`kaShow
FEATS Level 1: Power of Skill Level 2: Weapon Proficiency (Greatspear) Level 4: Spear Expertise Level 6: Hybrid Talent Level 8: Improved Defenses Level 10: Student of the Sword (retrained to Battle Awareness at Level 11) Level 11: Hafted Defense Level 12: Gambler's Word Level 14: Impaling Spear Level 16: Fleet-Footed Level 18: Polearm Flanker Level 20: Weapon Focus (Spear) Level 21: Expert Skirmisher Level 22: Polearm Gamble Level 24: Epic Will Level 26: Supreme Healer Level 28: Mobile Warrior Level 30: =========== Open Slot
POWERS Hybrid at-will 1: Throw and Stab Hybrid at-will 1: Righteous Brand Hybrid encounter 1: Healing Strike Hybrid daily 1: Shield of the Gods Hybrid utility 2: Invigorating Stride Hybrid encounter 3: Disruptive Strike Hybrid daily 5: Spitting-Cobra Stance Hybrid utility 6: Bastion of Health Hybrid encounter 7: Biting Volley Hybrid daily 9: Divine Power Hybrid utility 10: Word of Vigor Hybrid encounter 13: Inspiring Strike (replaces Healing Strike) Hybrid daily 15: Barreling the Fish (replaces Shield of the Gods) Hybrid utility 16: Cloak of Courage Hybrid encounter 17: Wolverine Claw Strike (replaces Disruptive Strike) Hybrid daily 19: Surprising Arrow Stance (replaces Spitting-Cobra Stance) Hybrid utility 22: Mass Cure Serious Wounds Hybrid encounter 23: Ricochet Throw (replaces Biting Volley) Hybrid daily 25: Righteous Might (replaces Divine Power) Hybrid encounter 27: Scouring Smite (replaces Inspiring Strike) Hybrid daily 29: Ultimate Confrontation (replaces Barreling the Fish)
ITEMS Adventurer's Kit, Desert Clothing, Everburning Torch, Thieves' Tools, Hungry Spear Greatspear +6, Amulet of Protection +6, Shadow Band (epic tier), Phantom Chaussures (paragon tier), Sandals of Avandra (epic tier), Sylvan Elderhide Armor +6, Eye of Awareness (epic tier), Diamond Cincture (epic tier), Gloves of the Healer (epic tier), Executioner's Bracers (epic tier), War Ring (paragon tier) ====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Halfling Rogue|Warlock of Sehanine (Aerjio) -- The Astral Ascendant PP allows him to deal WC damage when allies hit his Cursed targets, so he uses his Rogue attacks almost exclusively, allowing him to double-stack Striker features. He makes strong use of the Shadow Walk feature (Assassin MC) and Cunning Sneak Hybrid Talent to hide from stuff constantly, and his Shadow Warlock Armor to constantly have CA for his Sneak Attack. Lordduskblade even drew a picture of him for me. (Note this summary isn't 100% current) AerjioShow
At-Will DPR, level 30 (Assuming CA on all attacks): Warlock's Curse: 4d8 (Killing Curse + SK Pact bonus die) Radiant = 18 * 90% = 16.2 Radiant Sly Flourish: +36 for 2d6+29(b2 Shortbow Halfling Shortbow Hunter) + 5d8 SA + 6 against Medium+ hit on an 8 = 69% normal hit = 36+22.5+6 = 64.5 19% crit = 87+6d6+12(Ring of Giants)+3d6 (executioner bracers) = 129.5 = 44.505 + 24.605 = 69.11 At-Will DPR plus 4d8 Radiant Curse damage on Ally hit
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ====== Roglock, level 30 Halfling, Rogue|Warlock, Astral Ascendant, Sage of Ages Eldritch Blast: Eldritch Blast Charisma Eldritch Pact (Hybrid): Vestige Pact (Hybrid) Hybrid Warlock: Hybrid Warlock Reflex Hybrid Talent: Rogue Tactics (Hybrid) Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Bow) Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Rod) Rogue Tactics (Hybrid): Cunning Sneak (Hybrid)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES Str 13, Con 15, Dex 26, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES Str 11, Con 13, Dex 16, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16.
FEATS Level 1: Moonbow Stalker Level 2: Moonbow Dedicate Level 4: Hybrid Talent Level 6: Halfling Short Bow Hunter Level 8: Versatile Expertise ==================== 10/11 are Twofold Pact and the +1d of curse from SK Pact (retrains, need Vestige for PP) Level 12: Twofold Curse Level 14: Backstabber Level 16: Reserve Maneuver ==================== 18 = the +1/tier to all defenses feat from essentials Level 20: Protective Hex Level 21: Bow Mastery Level 22: Martial Mastery Level 24: Killing Curse ========================== Level 25: New Fort feat? Old one? Level 28: Relentless Curse Level 30: Warding Curse
POWERS Hybrid at-will 1: Sly Flourish Hybrid at-will 1: Eldritch Blast Reserve Maneuver: Perfect Strike Hybrid encounter 1: Grasp of the Iron Tower Hybrid daily 1: Blinding Barrage Hybrid utility 2: Tumble Hybrid encounter 3: Fleeting Spirit Strike Hybrid daily 5: Forceful Assault Hybrid utility 6: Perfect Balance Hybrid encounter 7: Snap Shot Hybrid daily 9: Bewildering Assault Hybrid utility 10: Troublesome Aid of Caiphon Hybrid encounter 13: Dark Reach of Xevut (replaces Grasp of the Iron Tower) Hybrid daily 15: Plague of Frogs (replaces Blinding Barrage) Hybrid utility 16: Hide in Plain Sight Hybrid encounter 17: Surprising Assault (replaces Fleeting Spirit Strike) Hybrid daily 19: Feinting Flurry (replaces Forceful Assault) Hybrid utility 22: Dazzling Acrobatics Hybrid encounter 23: Web of Lies (replaces Dark Reach of Xevut) Hybrid daily 25: Biting Assault (replaces Bewildering Assault) Hybrid encounter 27: Killer's Gift (replaces Perfect Strike) Hybrid daily 29: Caiphon's Abominable Melody (replaces Plague of Frogs)
ITEMS Adventurer's Kit, Dagger, Phantom Chaussures (paragon tier), Starleather Armor of Dark Deeds +6, Piwafwi +6, Goblin Totem Shortbow +6 ====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Halfling Chaos Sorcerer MC Divine (Dalhar) -- Embrace chaos! This build is probably one of the least optimal builds going. I'm only taking feats/powers/etc that have random-based options. The build has an MBA, but I generally never use anything but Chaos Bolt. Avandra is the perfect deity, and leads us into the amusing Fortune Blessed PP, which has random-based options. Dalhar, level 11Show
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ====== Dalhar, level 11 Halfling, Sorcerer, Fortune Blessed Spell Source: Wild Magic Background: Nelanther Isles (Nelanther Isles Benefit)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES Str 9, Con 13, Dex 21, Int 11, Wis 13, Cha 21.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES Str 8, Con 12, Dex 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 16.
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Revenant (Genasi) Monk|Sorcerer (Aieni) - This build has two goals. First is to make use of all those "shift and hit everything adjacent" style of powers, like Spark Form and Spining Leopard Maneuver combined with Promise of Storm. Second is to have fun with multi-target attacks and hoping for crits.
Revenant (Vryloka) Vampire/Cleric of Amaunator (Dusk) - A charging vampire that ironically has as many forms of undead as possible, and will go Morninglord just to inflict radiant vulnerability on people, so they know what it's like! Currently only level 4 as I'm also amusing myself by only playing him in ELTU and Myth Dranor, the two places that hate undead the most.
I'm also playing every build in my signature as an LFR character Deuce = Master of Puppets, level 15 currently Dielzen = Photophobia, level 2 currently Daveed = Fuel, level 2 currently Marci = Push It, level 4 currently Kithara = Seek & Destroy, level 10 currently Annie = Pole Dancer, level 12 currently
Wow I really like Cha'ka, heck I might even play him in our current paragon level campaign . I might come up with a lvl 16 version tonight, would you mind looking into it?
oh, definately, since the build isn't a high healer base, that's on the list. With the 19-20 range at Paragon, there will be plenty of crit/spear focus. The build is mainly striker-based, but will be as helpful as possible without giving up too much.
Updated Cha`Ka to level 30. I didn't order the feats yet, so you'll want to order this if you're playing the build...I'll tweak the feat order later, kinda busy atm, but give the interest level in it from various sources, I decided to at least slap something up there.
His core combo is Throw & Stab and if he moves 2+ squares he gets +1 AC/Reflex and a +1 to both attacks. There's a feat for +2, but I couldn't see a good place to squeeze it in. He also has Concealment to add another +2 to all defenses. He can also Shift 1 after every attack with the spear, flank from reach, has excellent defenses, decent healing capability, and Polearm Gamble to punish monsters that get too close to him.
Just a reminder for Cha'ka- Elusive movement is a feat bonus, and so the reflex portion of it won't stack with Improved Defenses. So you're really just gaining +1 AC (which may not be up the entire time) with the feat as soon as you pick up Improved Defenses as well. Also, the benefit only applies out-of-turn. So if you provoke OA's or something you won't benefit from it.
Currently Playing: lvl 6 Pixie Skald in Home Campaign lvl 2 Human Bard in Forgotten Realms ---
