Level 1-30 Advice for Bard/Duelist

[Ethix]

I am currently level 3. I started off with Bard.
Then, after killing rats and all that jazz, I gained a couple levels in Swashbuckler.

I then re-rolled, realizing I'd chosen the wrong feat and messed up ...Rapier Focus wasn't even needed. So, here's my supposed levels at 30 & concerns will be noted:

7 Bard/6 Swashbuckler/9 Duelist/10 Shadowdancer
So, I made this mistake using the Character Builder (lol). Here's what I've come up with so far, using the JEGS thing or whatnot...

3 Bard / 2 Swashbuckler / 1 Dread Pirate

Starting Stats & General Idea
STR - 12
DEX - 15
CON - 14
INT - 14
WIS - 8
CHA - 15

Firstly, I kinda feel bad for my Bard. He's not really much of one. The Shadowdancer and all that defensive utility got me pretty tempted. Second of all, I didn't have any idea what I really wanted to be. I have a couple notes to share on minor things I'd like to have.

1. Luck of Heroes
- Kind of want this, but I thought Duelist would count as Swashbuckler for the required level 11 Swashbuckler. I guess I was wrong, as I'm just that new.

2. As far as Bardic Music goes, I really ain't that concerned with it. I more or less want a couple spells, plus synergy with the other levels. Inspire is more what I'm hoping to achieve (and on that note, I think he'd be *pretty meh* as an inspirational speaker).

3. It's all about the Rapier and/or dueling with an offhand plus rapier/long sword. Feats that I'd like would center around this, and that brings me to his overall branding or image in my mind.

So, the character I have in mind for this build is found here: viewtopic.php?f=153&t=60960

Hidden: show

The overarching plot for this character is he ran away (essentially) to Baldur's Gate, and has a lot of family issues back home in Waterdeep. These issues would hopefully be roleplayed out, so I won't spoil it too much. For one, though, I have a slight desire to see him fork either into becoming a Bladesinger or this proposed build type if not.

That is one major issue, and probably very difficult for a first time player to figure out. In which case, I may make another character, and go for Bladesinger class right away. That character may be an uncle, half-brother, etc.

To finish, as a big spoiler, I want this character (a half-elf) to have a near-death experience. This may become a DM request, as it would leave him with some minor defect that he only survived due to having a strong soul (as per the feat taken at level 1 -- unavailable at further levels).

So, that's about it. My main question(s): What order would you all level him up as? He starts as a Bard in my mind, to reflect his particularly inexperienced life when it comes to armed conflict. I love to RP, though I have stated, I'm new

Please leave comments/critique below. And, thanks!

-Ethix

Edit: Unless I come up with another idea, I'll probably go with it. Three classes is plenty for my first character (I believe) and they seem to work well together. Cheers for the feedback!

[chad878262]

The defensive utility of ShadowDancer is MORE than made up for with Bard spells, so if I might recommend the following split:

B15/SB5/D7/SD3

Or

B16/SB5/D6/SD3

The first build can get up to +5 deflection AC via 30 Parry skill while the 2nd can get 6th level Bard spells with adequate Charisma. Will be dispelable, of course, but you'll have far more casts per day then the few use per day abilities you get from Shadow Dancer. You'll also have potential for a pretty strong Curse Song and get better use out of inspirations.

The split is not idea by any means, too multi ability dependent. Also, DEX must be 19 to qualify for Shadow Dancer so you will need to put your increase at level 4, 8, 12 and 15 in to DEX just to take the class. There are better ways to build a Bard, such as going for Two Weapon Fighting by mixing in Dread Pirate and/or Tempest.

[Ethix]

Also, DEX must be 19 to qualify for Shadow Dancer so you will need to put your increase at level 4, 8, 12 and 15 in to DEX just to take the class

Well, that changes things a bit.
I guess I'll do some more thinking... thank you for catching that.

To open that topic up, I don't intend to go all in on DEX or Charisma, and even one point in Charisma pre-20 would prevent me from doing shadowdancer with that initial spec.

[chad878262]

Take a look at this and see if it is similar to something you might enjoy. It is not a duelist or swashbuckler and the damage will be a bit lower, but the AC can get near 60 for 10 rounds or can stay around 50 pretty consistently by rotating abilities. AB is really high as well so should land a lot of hits. Bard spells can be used to increase damage since many enemies have DR in epics. You might be able to tweak it, dropping Tempest in favor of Swashbuckler, increasing INT by reducing some other stats and going for Combat Insight or similar. Could also drop TWF all together and stop DEX at ~16 or 18, while pushing INT to the 20's. Something like B15/SB5/DP5/Duelist5 might be a decent mix. Or simply B18/SB5/D7...

Anyway here is the PTWF Bard build... Not great, but might be fun if you can manage your spells to keep damage at a decent level.

http://nwn2db.com/build/?224278