Bard Skill Monkey (Bard Build)

Bard Skill-Monkey

by Zenith Games

Human Bard 19/ Urban Ranger 1

Here is a classic bard skill monkey who dips urban ranger to gain class skill in every skill in the game save fly. In combat he inspires courage, enchants his enemies, and as a last resort shoots with his bow. Gets 10 skill points per level, and gets all the Bard skill goodies.

Attributes

Importance of attributes. Cha>Dex/Int>Con>Str>Wis
All bonuses go into charisma.

15 Point Buy
STR: 10
DEX: 14
CON: 12
INT: 14
WIS: 8
CHA: 16 (14+2)

20 Point Buy
STR: 12
DEX: 14
CON: 14
INT: 14
WIS: 8
CHA: 16 (14+2)

25 Point Buy
STR: 12
DEX: 14
CON: 14
INT: 14
WIS: 8
CHA: 18 (16+2)

Traits

Savannah Child: Handle Animal: Give you +1 in handle animal and makes it a class skill.
Reactionary: Gives you +2 to initiative, letting you buff your allies earlier.

Feats

1: Lingering Performance, Point Blank Shot
2:
3: Spell Focus (Enchantment)
4:
5: Greater Spell Focus (Enchantment)
6:
7: Weapon Focus (Longbow)
8:
9: Precise Shot
10:
11: Discordant Voice
12:
13: Rapid Shot
14:
15: Persistent Spell
16:
17: Dodge
18:
19: Iron Will
20:

Suggested Gear

Composite Longbow, Lamellar Armor. Anything that buffs performances or charisma. Bracers of Falcon Aim. Metamagic Quick Rod is also awesome for enchantment do-overs.

Spells

Grab a bunch of enchantment spells, such as charm monster/person, then go nuts!

What the Build Looks Like at...

This assumes a 20 point buy and no magic items

Level 1: Nothing too exciting yet. 10 skill points, 10 Hp, 16 AC. Can cast 2 level 1 spells a day with a DC of 14. Doesn’t even have proficiency in the longbow yet, but attacks with a heavy crossbow at +2 (d10).

Level 4: 39 skill points, and has a class skill of every skill in the game except for fly. 32 Hp, 16 AC. Can cast 4 level 1 spells a day with a DC of 14 (15 enchantment). Attacks with a longbow at +5 (d8+1)

Level 8: 79 skill points. 60 Hp, 16 AC. Can cast 2 level 3 spells a day with a DC of 17 (19 enchantment). Attacks with a longbow at +9/+4 (d8+1)

Level 12: 119 skill points. 88 Hp, 16 AC. Can cast 3 level 4 spells a day with a DC of 18 (20 enchantment). Attacks with a longbow at +12/+7 (d8+1)

Level 16: 159 skill points. 116 Hp, 16 AC. Can cast 4 level 5 spells a day with a DC of 20 (22 enchantment). Attacks with a longbow at +13/+13/+8/+3 (d8+1)

Level 20: 199 skill points. 144 Hp, 17 AC. Can cast 4 level 6 spells a day with a DC of 21 (23 enchantment). Attacks with a longbow at +16/+16/+11/+6 (d8+1)

Tactics

Out of combat, you have a wide variety of options, as is the point. with 10 skill points a level and all skills as class skills save fly, you’ll be golden.

In combat, priority number one is to start inspiring courage or using some other bardic performance. Next, you want to enchant your enemies. If that doesn’t work, start shooting them with your mediocre bow.

Guide to the Builds
Comprehensive Guide to the Guides