Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

I've been recently struggling with a bard build - I feel struck at 21 level - can't really find any party to do pve content during my rare play hours and kinda gave up party idea trying to do stuff solo.
Problem is I can't seem to be able to reliably level him up. Not sure if it's lack of server knowledge about good spots or my build. Could someone take a look?

https://nwn2db.com/build/?317897

I read in some older threads that STR bard/rogue is a good looter and wanted to make something similar without being complete copy-cat - will above even have a chance to perform similarly ? If not what would you recommend for someone who wants to play a bard, have easy leveling and later do some lootruns solo?

Second question - what would be your take on currently viable solo loot run builds? Not necessarily bard types?

Looks like a private build.

Planehopper wrote: ↑Fri Feb 12, 2021 9:44 pm Looks like a private build.

Sorry just fixed it

This is not a standard Bard build it's just an EDM build and those are late bloomers really because there's a lot of power they get when they get this feat, the easiest way to level up in epics is rping, fishing and doing quests. Grinding is good if you can do it consistently and without losses.

If you have trouble finding a party I can help you out just send me a tell in game.

Also, is weapon finesse a placeholder feat on your build?

yyj wrote: ↑Fri Feb 12, 2021 11:00 pm Also, is weapon finesse a placeholder feat on your build?

Yes it's for Northlander Hewing

A STR-focused Bard is indeed one of the better solo options as far the server goes. However, a build that includes Bard as an early dip won't necessarily encounter the same experience. The build you linked is predominantly Fighter-based, and as such would encounter a lot of the same issues as other EDM two-weapon fighter variants. For example, being a glass cannon who struggles with AC, being a "late bloomer" until EDM comes online, and heavy reliance on gear and consumables into order to comfortably solo. With that being said, it's still viable, as I've gone that route before myself in solo play (a Ranger 6/Fighter 18/Tempest 3/Blackguard 3).

From my understanding, Bard is one of those classes that requires heavy investment into the class in order to take advantage of its unique benefits. For one, their spellcasting is not to be overlooked. Extended Haste/Extended Displacement/Mirror Image can make any melee into an untouchable murderball, and Bards can provide themselves with Greater Heroism and ability score buffs very similar to a gish. However, in order to maintain such, special attention needs to be paid to Caster Level. Likewise, their defensive/buff songs play heavily into their effectiveness and scale directly with their bard level, while their offensive use of songs is likewise very potent (Curse Song and Song/Hymn of Requiem) but tied strongly to their CL (for the former) and Perform skill (for both).

For a STR/EDM focused Bard, I'm guessing the easier route would either be Bard 27/Cleric 3 or Bard 26/Blackguard 4. The build you posted is very solid, just not for the intended role of trouble-free soloing. Rather, it's a very competent melee damage dealer with the bonus of a +3 Inspire Courage effect for extra party support, but none of the Bard's usual mechanics that can contribute to its "staying power" with soloing. Hardly non-viable, and I've honestly considered a similar build before to try out myself, but for soloing would require on making sure your equipped gear is more than enough to handle the zone you're going into, maintaining a solid stockpile of wands and other consumables to round out whatever you may be missing, and picking the zones you're adventuring in carefully.