This is a versatile melee build that I'm currently running on a PW with very good results. I didn't find any builds with the same level split using the search engine as most favored more bard levels and one focused on the CoT. As you probably have guessed, the level split is very common where Red Dragon Disciple was used in the place of Champion of Torm. While this build doesn't have the raw power of a similar RDD build, I believe it does offer a bit more versatility by offering combat feats, magic feats, bardic goodies and Dev Crit.
Suggestions, questions, and criticisms welcome.
Blade Chanter Bard(16), Fighter(14), Champion of Torm(10), Human PvM 1-40, PvP untested
Some quick AB calculations: AB Calcs 42 Base +2 Bard Song (+2 to AB) +5 Curse Song (-5 to AC) +6 Taunt +2 Bull's Strength +5 Greater Magic Weapon +2 War Cry 64 Buffed
Similar builds: Ode to a Lily (Brd 26 / Fig 4 / CoT 10) by I...Samphus Swordmaiden of Torm (Fig 8 / Brd 8 / CoT 24) by Kaliban99 Sling Blade (Fighting Bard-SONG Version) Bard(21)/Fighter(4)/COT(15) by TyrTemplar The Veteran Party-Leader V2 (Fighter 4/Bard 26/COT 10) by Xylophone
Edited By ptlee00 on 06/18/10 17:42
Some additional comments about this build:
1. I forgot to include: Any non-Lawful, non-Evil alignment.
2. I chose Craft Wand over Still Spell. If your PW does not scale up Wand casting levels, then it may be worth it to switch it for Still Spell.
3. Extra Music and Lingering Song increase the usefulness of "only" 16 Bard levels. These are not critical and can be replaced but I like them in this build.
4. I chose Scimitar because of Keen Edge (also available in wand form) and the way I chose the character's background (Desert nomad in the Arabian Nights / Prince of Persia mold).
5. If you don't want or need the variety of feats, go RDD.
My only real criticism is the conception. Yah, count me in the camp that considers a different combo vastly superior. At least drop four fighter levels for bard levels. Still, the end result isn't bad at all, it just could be a whole lot better.
Oh, and Lingering Song at level 33 is ridiculous. If you're going to take it (and this is a rare occasion where I can at least accept an argument for it's usefulness), do so much earlier. Really though, dropping three feats (including lingering), and four fighter levels, for four more bard, and lasting inspirations, seems nearly a no-brainer. _________________ Down with autofail! Down with alignment restrictions!
Good observations Onion. Lingering Song could come pre-epic if I shuffle a couple of feats around and drop one of my combat feats (Improved Knockdown probably). I placed it at level 33 because it was really an after-thought and a nice-to-have in this build. I could just drop it altogether and probably wouldn't miss it.
If I was to go Bard 20 / Fighter 10 / CoT 10 like your suggestion (which I may try as well), then Lasting Inspiration wouldn't come until the end of the build anyway (39 since I would want to max my Bard skill dumps).
Edited By ptlee00 on 06/19/10 19:36
Quote: Posted 06/19/10 19:35 (GMT) -- ptlee00
If I was to go Bard 20 / Fighter 10 / CoT 10 like your suggestion (which I may try as well), then Lasting Inspiration wouldn't come until the end of the build anyway (39 since I would want to max my Bard skill dumps).
True, but IMO that's better than not at all, at least on paper.
Personally, I'd drop more fighter levels and get bard 26, then you get an earlier LI, and more bardic goodness. That's quite a big difference from the original build though. Still, as in many bard builds, 26/4/10 would be the split I'd suggest.
Quote: Posted 06/18/10 17:20 (GMT) -- ptlee00
.. As you probably have guessed, the level split is very common where Red Dragon Disciple was used in the place of Champion of Torm.
I love the 'no fear' attitude! You do realize that Bard20/cot10/rdd10 is one of the strongest builds in nwn?
My only real criticism is the conception. Yah, count me in the camp that considers a different combo vastly superior. At least drop four fighter levels for bard levels. Still, the end result isn't bad at all, it just could be a whole lot better.