Build help request for Crossbow Bard of the Starry Quil

[Beachgamer]

Hello,

My inspiration for this PC/build request is a Bard of the Starry Quil from the Church of Mystra. I've seen many builds on the builder with a optimal mix of Bard 26/Fighter 4, but that doesn't really fit my RP idea.

I am thinking more rogueish, with great skillpoint distribution yet able to survive. Im pondering whether Bard 26/Rogue 4 would be a grave mistake? Would the missing AB from the fighter class really gimp the build?

Another reason for going Rogue is inspired by this:

Sadly Dex Bard is way better at picking locks than rogue. Take 3 levels of anything with open locks than go 27 Bard. Extended greater heroism & inspire competence is +10. Wear some open locks gear and you can make DC 99 with lockpicks.

I'd personally like to have an optimized open lock skill. Rogue also helps with decent social skills (diplomacy/sense motive) as the Starry Quil are information gatherers.

The choice for crossbow is for a bit of flair and race possibly gnome (id prefer a non human class) to avoid multiclass penalty.

How do Crossbow Bards handle dungeons in the epic levels?

Thanks for reading and any help offered would be greatly appreciated!

[Beachgamer]

No responses...That bad of an idea, eh?

[Zanniej]

Hardly
I once made a build for a dex bard.
http://nwn2db.com/build/?191178

Just add some rogue in there, as Bard level 26 is usually enough (or you can even get away with less).
( Don't forget to swap one of the feats for improved crossbow sniper )

[Beachgamer]

Thanks Zanniej. How was your experience mechanically in the higher levels?

[Zanniej]

I must admit I haven't played him at really high levels.
But his AB skyrocketed pretty fast, and damage was quite good as well. Perhaps not as good as some of the real powerbuilds, but still really nice.

Besides, if Rykard says it's a pretty powerfull build, it must be pretty good!

[Beachgamer]

Thats good to know, thank you. Not looking for a build to solo the server just something that can last, for the most part.

Thanks again!

[PiaMango]

I have seen one or two Bard21/Assassin9 crossbow builds which have been able to output some serious damage if you are considering rougeish options. Now that the dispel bug has been fixed this build does suffer a little lacking full caster progression.

[Beachgamer]

That does seem to be extremely powerful but a personal prefernce for me would be to stay away from HIPs

[Thorsson]

Ro4 vs F4 loses 3 Feats, 2 of which get you WS & RWM, plus 1 BAB. Net result is that you lose 3AB and 4 damage, which multiplies to 8 with Manyshot.

It's still probably fine, as you never actually use you lower AB attacks as Xbows are limited to 3 attacks per round (4 with Haste). On the way up you may struggle a little more as that extra Fighter AB helps early doors, whereas Rogue will simply be hindering you.

[Beachgamer]

Thanks Thorsson. That sounds like a pretty steep price to pay