Credits: This build is part of the Robin Hood series, and has been revised in accordance with comments by Tatooed Monk (who deserves half the credit for this build, on account of his suggestions of an earlier build, and kind review of a draft of this particular character; I would also like to thank Dwarflord, for his comments on the original incantation also, as well as Grim, not only for his kind comments, but also his extensive knowledge of historical weapons, too. In other words, this build grew out of an earlier version, since re-dubbed for another legendary member of the “merry men” so that Alan O’ Dale here could stand out as a minstrel proper, since he was the lovable, well-known entertainer of Robin Hood and his group, and we needed to do him up RP-wise proper); for more about Alan and the forest clan group (as fictionalized), please see: Click Here To see all the great comments which led to this build, Click Here
Other builds: While there be a gazillion Bard/Ranger builds here, this one (according to the pulse cap) seems to be the very first to combine epic ranger (hence, bane, covering off all 7 player races) with mid-level bard; thus proving, once again, the incredible power of the ranger class (which Robin and pretty much the entire “merry men” band were, too -- and all the good works they were able to do, as a result of being inspired by a talented bard, as Alan was). As such, this build is dedicated to the memory (as fictionalized) of Alan O Dale, also known as Alan A Dale, and the entertainer of the group.
The Build: Hence, the class combination, effective RP-wise, and build-wise, too: this be a high ranger w. early bane, such that all playable races are covered off, w. a very good/high AB, thanks to bane and mid-level bard (lingering bard song/curse song and innate casting, plus full UMD, too); also, good HPs and good AC, with a nice skillset, too. The main drawback of this build is that your your bard spells (but not ranger spells) are vulnerable to dispelling, but so what: they add a lot of flavor/versatility/power to this build, while at the same time. covering off just about everything, including defense: i.e., AC and saves (which saves otherwise could be a problem). That said, while magic access and song/curse indeed be very nice, with natural AB 46 (bane), and bane's output on damage alone, this Minstrel is by no means buff-dependent (although, that also said, having buffs, song/curse at his ready disposal likewise means he’s not equipment dependent either, hence doesn't suffer from typical melee'r weaknesses); in other words, this combo makes for a very solid warrior, as an epic ranger enjoying all the benefits of the mid-level bard (or, is that bard enjoying all the benefits of ranger); as such, not only is he true to the legends re: Alan A (O) Dale, but he shines PvM, and is also very solid PvP, holding his own in hand-to-hand combat, and dishes/sings on behalf of any party (including Robin’s). Without further ado, please meet:
II. Level Guide: 01: Bard(1): lingering song, curse song 02: Ranger(1): favored enemy I, {Dual Wield} 03: Ranger(2): weapon proficiency exotic* 04: Ranger(3): STR+1, (STR=18) 05: Ranger(4) 06: Ranger(5): weapon focus: kukris*, favored enemy II 07: Ranger(6) 08: Ranger(7): STR+1, (STR=19) 09: Ranger(8): blind fight 10: Ranger(9): {Improved Two-Weapon Fighting} 11: Ranger(10): favored enemy III 12: Bard(2): STR+1, extend spell, (STR=20) 13: Ranger(11) 14: Ranger(12) 15: Ranger(13): knockdown* 16: Ranger(14): STR+1, (STR=21) 17: Ranger(15): favored enemy IV 18: Ranger(16): improved critical 19: Ranger(17) 20: Ranger(18): STR+1, (STR=22) 21: Ranger(19): epic weapon focus 22: Bard(3) 23: Ranger(20): favored enemy V 24: Ranger(21): STR+1, bane of enemies, (STR=23) 25: Ranger(22) 26: Ranger(23): favored enemy VI 27: Bard(4): great strength I, (STR=24) 28: Ranger(24): STR+1, (STR=25) 29: Ranger(25): favored enemy VII 30: Bard(5): great strength II, (STR=26) 31: Bard(6) 32: Bard(7): STR+1, (STR=27) 33: Bard(8): great strength III, (STR=28) 34: Bard(9) 35: Bard(10) 36: Bard(11): STR+1, great strength IV, (STR=30) 37: Bard(12) 38: Bard(13) 39: Ranger(26): great strength V, epic prowess, (STR=31) 40: Bard(14): STR+1, (STR=32)
Weapon/Feat Note: Kukris selected to optimize ranger’s dual-wielding abilities, and its expanded crit range (which you can further self-keen, thus generating even more crits and hence more overall damage as compared to dualing short swords, yet similarly allows for the use of a tower board, as desired; RP-wise, in light of Alan’s talents and understanding of far away places, it makes total sense that he’d be knowledgeable about exotic weapons; that said, if for some reason you’d prefer the short swords or another weapon, then feel free to switch out, taking your WF at level 3, bumping up KD to level 5, and taking one of either IKD, power attack, or combat expertise at level 15. --
III. Basics:
a. Hitpoints: 424 (440 Song)
b. Saving Throws Fort: 23 Will: 18 Reflex: 18
Bard Song, +1 All-Saves; Bard Spells, and Full UMD
IV. Combat Vitals:
BAB: 29 AB (naked): 44 (melee)
Attack Bonus: 44 AB +2 Bane* -- Effective (AB): 46 +2 Bard Song -- AB 48 (-2 dual-wielding)
+2 Bull’s +2 War Cry +4 GMW +3 Curse Song (lowers enemy AC, thus raising your AB) + Haste (extra attack) -- * Single Wield: 59/54/49/44/59 +6 Taunt, or: 65/60/55/50/65 (self-buffs only)
* Main-hand: 1-4+11 (16-20/x2) (14-20 keen) +6 FEs +3 song +2 bull’s +2 war cry +4 GMW +2d6 bane + haste (extra attack) -- (31-44) /x5 apr (Main Totals: 155-220) -- Crit: 62-88, per each crit.
* Off-hand: 1-4+5 (16-20/x2) (14-20 keen) +6 FEs +3 song +1 bull’s +2 war cry +4 GMW +2d6 bane -- (24-37) /x2 apr (Off Totals: 48-74) -- Crit: 48-74, per each crit.
* Total Damage/Round: (155-220) + (48-74) = 203-294 (self-buffs only)* (does not factor in/include any crits, nor include any magical equipment/umd)
Other: Curse Song (16 damage all enemies in area of effect), Bard Spells, and UMD
V. Defense Vitals: 17 AC +3 Studded Armor +3 mundane shield -- 23 +2 Cat’s +3 Song +2 curse (lowers enemy ab) +4 haste +4 mage armor -- 38 AC (self-buffs only); assuming +5 items, dex: AC 63
Other: Bard Spells, and UMD
V. Spell Casting: Bard, Level (4)
Spells Known/Per Day (or Rest): - Cantrips (5/4) * Level 1 (4/4) * Level 2 (4/4) * Level 3 (4/3) * Level 4 (4/3) - For more info and to see your spells, see: http://www.nwnwiki.org/Bard Other: Full UMD, and Bard Toys