| I agree that a Fighter/Bard would be a better option, I'm soloing with one at the monent. You lose nothing really by giving the Bard a few fighter levels and gain quite a bit (extra feats, hp, proficiencies and attack bonus plus the option to spec. and use fighter only equip.).
I am interested though in whether the 'weaker' pure bard can still suceed in Normal (insane difficulty) and HoF modes. I think he can if he's played and developed properly. I'm thinking of going with either Human or as you mention Asamiir (for the net +4 attrib points). He can always use Bulls Strength to up his Str and Eagles Spelendor for Cha. an Asamiir would look something like:
Str:18 Int:10 Wis:3 Dex:15 Con:16 Cha:18 |