Fighter build: purpose of bard?

[Jomunga]

Im following this build which is Fighter 14, Bard 1, Red Dragon Disciple 10, Frenzied Berserker 5.

I wanna know why bard is in the build, is it important, and can it be replaced with something like barbarian for the speed boost.

I plan on making a earth genasi character wielding great swords and if anyone has any other builds and tips for it id appreciate it.

[Mz_Trixter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jomunga Im following this build which is Fighter 14, Bard 1, Red Dragon Disciple 10, Frenzied Berserker 5. I wanna know why bard is in the build, is it important, and can it be replaced with something like barbarian for the speed boost. I plan on making a earth genasi character wielding great swords and if anyone has any other builds and tips for it id appreciate it.

A Bard or Sorc must be used to allow you to take the Dragon Disciple class. Without 'em its impossible to do so. And since that build is more revolved around a Fighter, a Bard would a appeal most and supply 'more' useful abilities than a Sorc would.

[Claudius]

Bard is also good in that build because it opens: tumble for 3 AC, Spellcraft for +6 saves to spells, an inspiration +1 hit/damage

[Revi]

The Red Dragon Disciple is a pretty overpowered prestige class when it comes to melee damage dealing... its Draconic Ability Scores more than make up for the loss of some deeper specialization you could get from a more pure fighter or ranger build.

The bard/sorc requirement is probably implemented because they feared it would otherwise be too powerful. I think, to be honest, that they were hoping the RDD would be used for melee/spellcaster hybrids, but the community is using it for pure melee builds en-masse.

Bard over sorc? Well, bard gets better hit dice, and gets to spend points on tumble, which is also nice to have for melee.

By the way... you do not need the 14 fighter levels at the start... it's probably best to get the full 10 levels of RDD as soon as possible, and for that you need only 4 Fighter levels:

Fighter 4 / Bard 1 / Red Dragon Disciple 10 / Frenzied Berserker 5

...and then you fill in the rest with Fighter or FB levels.

Just make sure to spend 2 skill points on Lore every level during the first 4 Fighter levels. It's a class skill, so you can be at the required 8 Lore at Fighter level 4.

I am playing human myself, you hardly need to be a genasi race with those draconic ability scores. Humans level a bit faster and gain that extra bonus feat right at level 1 (I spent it on Weapon Focus (Greatsword)).

-Revi

[Mz_Trixter]

That build to me seems over emphasized on plain power (Massive overkills though no diversity).
Plus going (Fighter 14 / Bard 1 / Red Dragon Disciple 10 / Frenzied Berserker 5) may get you deeper weapon/fighting specialization but the overall build looks too mediocre. With that build, you'll also feel the penalties from frenzy after each fight. Id rather go (Fighter [2]. Bard [1]. RDD [10]. Barb [17]) for a more stronger repertoire of rage attacks - this'll even get you 'Tireless Rage' to keep on going without being hindered.

[GawainBS]

I think the point of FB5 is the improved Power Attack. Personally, I'd never use Frenzy.

[Claudius]

Fighter 8 is good for +3 AB. Fighter 12 is good for more damage on strikes or alternatively more feats like improved disarm. Actually I think the FZ build I would probably take my CON to 21 and go for DR 9. Frenzy is good for another attack at high BAB but its not the core of the build. I think that build is a PVM build mainly and your basicly using a lot of damage on each hit (weapon specs and strength) and a 2 handed weapon with enhanced power attack + supreme cleave to become the king of cleaning out the trash along with a high enough AB to deal some damage to tough monsters.

The Barb 17 version sounds like a blast too. Nothing like tireless enhanced strength/con on a build that can already have a huge base strength. Would be nice in a setting where +strength gear was limited to 3 or 4.

[Revi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GawainBS I think the point of FB5 is the improved Power Attack. Personally, I'd never use Frenzy.

Supreme Cleave is why I wanted those levels, personally.