Deadly Troubadour

By Ralsu

The Deadly Troubadour is a Bard 8/Fighter 2 who combines Bardic Music with combat prowess to excel in melee combat. The progression is Bard at Level 1, Fighter for Levels 2 & 3, and back to Bard for Levels 4-10.

Starting Abilities:
Str 16
Dex 14
Con 10
Int 10
Wis 10
Cha 14 (+2 at Levels 4 & 8 = 16)

Race: Elf

Hit Points: 88

AC: 18 (Base 10 + Dexterity modifier 3 + Mage Armor 4 + Dodge 1)

Damage Reduction: none

Saves (Ability modifiers added):
Fort: 5
Ref: 9
Will: 6

Class/Race Features:
+2 dexterity, -2 constitution: Elves are nimble but frail.

+2 to Listen, Search, and Spot checks: Elves are very observant.

+2 to saves against enchantment: Elves have strong wills.

Bardic Music: At Level 1, a bard gains the ability to use songs to soothe the wild beast (Fascinate) or motivate her party to greater deeds in combat (Inspire Courage: +1 vs. charm and fear effects and +1 on attack and weapon damage; this benefit increses to +2 at Level 8). At Level 3, she can sing to provide a party member with greater success in using skills (Inspire Competence; +2 to all skill checks). At Level 6, she can even use song to turn a foe into an ally (Suggestion). The bard's ability to sing is based on her Perform skill and, if planned incorrectly, she could find herself unable to sing that new song.

Extra Feats: The Deadly Troubadour receives bonus combat-oriented feats at fighter Level 1 and one additional bonus combat feat at each even level of fighter thereafter (2).

 Sleep immunity: Elves are immune to sleep spells and effects

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Fighters train with all types of simple and martial weapons, in any armor, and with all shields.

Feats (in the order selected):
Dodge, Mobility, Two Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus (Slashing), Spring Attack, Improved Critical (Slashing)

Skills (includes Ability modifiers, Enhancements, and armor penalties):
Balance 10, Concentration 13, Diplomacy 10, Performance 16, Swim 11, Tumble 9, Use Magic Device 16

Combat:
BAB +8, armor class +1 (Dodge)

Attack and Damage: +4 to attack rolls and +5 to damage when using Inspire Courage

Spellcasting: DC 13 + Spell Level

Spell Points: 257
Level 1 Spells: Cure Light Wounds, Grease, Charm Person, Sleep
Level 2 Spells: Cure Moderate Wounds, Hypnotic Pattern, Soundburst, Suggestion
Level 3 Spells:  Cure Serious Wounds, Good Hope, Dispel Magic

Enhancements:
Elven Melee Damage II, Extra Song IV, Inspired Attack II, Inspired Damage III

Notes: A true elven warrior the Deadly Troubadour wields two longswords with great skill. His Enhancements all focus on damage, giving him greater results with a longsword and permitting him to use Bardic Music more often and for far higher damage than normal. His Feats grant him the chance to move around during combat with a bonus to armor class and no penalty to BAB. The Deadly Troubadour learns Cure spells for emergencies, but his pool of spell points is insufficient to serve as the party's lone healer. Charm Person and Suggestion can turn foes against each other to produce more damage for the party. More often than not, the Deadly Troubadour jumps into battle without worrying about spells. He is frail with only 88 HP, so healers will need to keep an eye on him.

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