by Darkgolem on May 19, 2007
style="font-style: italic;">By PerryC
We have all heard the axiom that music soothes the savage beast. Music
can also stir the soul. The Bardbarian is the savage beast that uses
his music both to pacify opponents and inspire allies. A Bard 7 /
Barbarian 7, the Bardbarian is first and foremost a damage dealer.
Trained in the use of two-handed weapons, he uses great-axes to deliver
massive damage to opponents. He uses his bardic music, spells, and
barbarians rage to increase his (and his allies) attack and damage
bonuses. He will often also use his bardic music to fascinate mobs in
order to dispatch them at his leisure. He can also assume the role of
healer when necessary with both spells and wands and can use most other
scrolls and wands effectively as well.
The Bardbarian focuses on feats, enhancements, and skills that maximize
either his effectiveness in battle or as a healer. Although his Base
Attack Bonus (BAB) isn't quite as high as a pure tank, his music and
spells more than make up for this. The Bardbarian is most effective
when attacking opponents from their flanks, but when the situation
calls for it, he can switch to a sword-and-board and go toe-to-toe with
them. After the fight, he can even raise a fallen comrade with a Raise
Dead scroll. He's not likely to get a seat in a five-star tavern, but
he will help serve up the mobs on a silver platter in even the toughest
quests.
Starting
abilities:
Regarding ability scores: Strength is the key stat for this build
primarily for the bonuses to both attack and damage. Charisma is also
important for it's effect on spell points and the Use Magic Device
skill. For 32-point builds, it is recommended that the additional
points be spent on Dexterity, Constitution, or Intelligence based on
personal preference.
Hit Points: 188
Armor Class: 11 + Items/spells
Saves:*
Fort 13
Ref 13
Will 12
Class/Racial Features:
Dwarven Waraxe is Martial Weapon
+4 to balance checks
+2 to Search checks
+2 saves against poison and spells
+1 to hit orcs and goblinoids
+4 dodge bonus against giants
Bardic Music (Inspire Courage, Fascinate, Inspire Competence,
Suggestion Song)
Fast Movement
Damage Reduction 2/-, 12/- (5x 20 sec)
Improved Uncanny Dodge (2x 20 sec)
Rage (4/rest)
Trap Sense +2
Feat:
Skill Focus, UMD, Power Attack. Two-Handed Fighting, Improved
Two-Handed Fighting, Improved Critical, Slashing
Skills:
Balance +23
Heal +7
Jump +22
Perform +21
Swim +17
Use Magical Device +28*
href="http://ddo.tentonhammer.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=album83&id=Bardbarianb&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php">
alt="The Bardbarian in action"
src="http://ddo.tentonhammer.com/files/gallery/albums/album83/Bardbarianb.jpg"
style="border: 2px solid ; width: 250px; height: 188px;" align="right">Enhancements:
Bard Song Magic 3
Bard Extra Song 3
Bard Charisma 2
Bard Lingering Song2
Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery 2
Bard Inspired Damage 2
Bard Inspired Attack 1
Barbarian Improved Damage Reduction 2
Barbarian Extra Rage 2
Dwarven Constitution 2
Dwarven Axe Attack 2
Dwarven Axe Damage 2
Spells
(DC 15 + spell level)
Spell Points: 286 (base 190 + Ability bonuses 96)
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds, Remove Fear, Expeditious Retreat, Grease
Level 2: Cure Moderate Wounds, Heroism, Rage, Blur
Level 3: Cure Moderate Wounds, Good Hope
Gear:
+5 Strength item
+4 Constitution item
+4 Charisma item
Shrunken Head (Cult of the Six series, min level 7, Resistance +3)
Golden Cartouche (Delera's series, min level 7, +1 Intelligence, +3 Use
Magic Device)
Note: Items with and asterisk (*) include bonuses from items from the
gear listed above.