| I've been pretty happy taking a level of ranger for my bard. I'm sure the one level of ranger has been discussed ad infinitum around here but it works really well.
I'm of the persuation where, by roleplaying standards, if it doesn't make sense to rest, I don't do it. For instance in the warrens below the horde stronghold. Once it is cleared out, you can rest, but do you really have eight hours to kill learning spells. No. This and quick save are one of the long running arguments concerning ethical CRPGing.
Anyway, to the point. Seeing as how I try to complete mini adventures within the game before resting, I usually go heavy magic early on, pulling out all the strings and try to brawn it towards the end. That said, I usually save my bard spells, blur, mirror image, stoneskin, et al for as long as I can. Then when the group is winded and out of magic, the bard can step in kick a little hide. Tack on a haste and stoneskin, with the dual wielding and he bcomes a damage soak that can dish it out as well. He wasn't nearly as good on the offensive until I took a level of ranger.
So, while it may have already been beat to death concerning the ranger level, here is a little anecdote where it has worked. Power to the minstrels.
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Crush enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women.
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