There are many ways to spec out a Bard in DDO; so many choices, in
fact, that it is very easy to make a mistake and really gimp yourself
later in game, especially with a Bard who gets very few Feats to begin
with. Bearing that in mind, we’ve done the hard work for you.
We present the Warchanter, a Melee Bard that will level easily, and
keep you from looking like a total noob while grouping.
The
Warchanter
Bard Hybrid
Role
Party buffs, personal DPS, decent defense
Weakness
Few spell points, enough to buff, but not able to sling spells
Description
So, you want to kick ass as a Bard, do you? Do you like the idea of
making your entire team perform better, while dishing out damage? Does
standing back with the casters hoping not to get hit seem boring to
you? Want to get up close and personal with your enemy while hearing
the squishy sounds of your blade sinking deep into flesh and feeling
their warm blood splatter across your face? Then the Warchanter is the
class for you!
As a Warchanter you will be one of the best at amplifying your party's
melee damage output. You will be a fairly capable fighter in your own
right, and will also be self-sufficient.
This Warchanter is a Bard/ Fighter/ Rogue build. You will focus on
improving your fighting capabilities, as well as that of your party,
but will also be able to mesmerize your enemies and use almost every
item in the game like other Bards. It is designed to get you very high
DPS, and near max songs.
Race
Dwarf (mainly for save bonuses)
Alignment
True Neutral (avoids all alignment damage)
Starting
Abilities
28 Point Build
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Advancement
by Level
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WEAPON FIGHTING
SLASHING
TWO WEAPON FIGHTING
TWO WEAPON FIGHTING
ATTACK
CRIT: SLASHING
TWO WEAPON FIGHTING
SPELL
At level 20 this will give you a final build of Bard 15/Fighter 2/Rogue
3. Always take Rogue at first level if you are going to take any Rogue
levels at all. It gives you a lot more skill points to spend than if
you take it later on.
Spells
(in order taken by spell level)
Level
1: Cure Light Wounds,
Expeditious Retreat, Focusing Chant, Remove Fear, Detect Secret Doors
Level
2: Cure Moderate Wounds,
Rage, Blur, Heroism
Level
3: Haste, Displacement, Cure
Serious Wounds, Remove Curse
Level
4: Freedom of Movement,
Dimensional Door, Cure Critical Wounds, Break Enchantment
Level
5: Greater Heroism, Mass Cure
Light, Greater Dispel, Shadow Walk
Skills
Perform:
Keep maxed out (for Bard songs)
Use
Magic Device: Keep maxed out
(for wand and scroll use, and ignoring
requirements
on gear)
Open
Locks: Keep at half ranks,
and you can catch up on rogue levels (at half can still open
most locks)
Balance:
Put a few left over points here (helps you get up faster once knocked
down)
Jump:
Put a few left over points here
Enhancements
Take them when you can, at level 20 you should end up with the
following.
Bard Warchanter I (availabe at level 10)
Dwarven Toughness III
Fighter STR I
Rogue DEX I
Dwarf CON I
Bard CHA II
Dwarven Axe Damage II
Dwarven Armor Mastery II
Dwarven spell Resist III
Dwarven Axe Attack II
Bard Lingering Song II
Bard Song Magic II
Bard Inspired Damage III
Bard Energy of Music II
Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery I
Bard Inspired Attack III
Bard Inspired Bravery II
Rogue Sneak Attack Training I
Fighter Haste Boost I
Fighter Toughness I
Summary
This build captures the spirit of the Warchanter. You are a kick ass
Bard that can solo very well, but you’re also wanted by
groups for all the benefits you bring. In many groups you can be near
the top of the kill list, and your songs are something that every party
member will love.
I have to say that this is one of the most fun classes I have played in
DDO in a long time. While not a class for the beginner, you don't have
to be a hardcore player either. Players with a good basic understanding
of the game, and a love of playing a hybrid will truly excel with this
build.
A special thank you to Thanimal who was the inspiration for this build.
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