Specifically, can I Inspire Courage and then use The Dance of 23 Steps.
Logically, I can dance and sing at the same time!
If I can, is this because The Dance of 23 Steps is special in that it is a free action, or would it also apply once the standard action masterpieces become a move action at lvl 7.
The Dance of 23 Steps question is specifically for the lvl 7 halfling I am currently building with:
Trait: Threatening Defender
Feats: Cautious Fighter (+2AC), Combat Expertise (+2AC)
Skills: Acrobatics 3 ranks (+1AC), Dance 4 ranks
Masterpiece: The Dance of 23 Steps
Equipment: Madu
At lvl 7, would he be able to do the following on turn 1: (assuming enemy within reach)
Move: Inspire Courage (to be a good bard)
Standard: Fight Defensively (+2AC) (w/ Combat Expertise)
Free: The Dance of 23 Steps (+2AC)
Totaling a -0 penalty to attack w/:
+2 to attack from Inspire Courage
-2 to attack from Fighting Defensively with a Madu before starting to dance
-0 to attack Combat Expertise with a Madu and Threating Defender before starting to dance
and +9 to AC after the dance?
I don't think this is over powered, to put it into perspective Total Defense would give +8AC at lvl 3 (of course without an attack, but that's 4 levels earlier.)
Would this continue for 2 more rounds with Lingering Performance?
it would become a -2 to hit because of dancing and a +9 to AC?
[I would of course eventually have Blundering Defenses, Combat Reflexes, Bodyguard and Helpful (trait) to give my nearby buddies +6AC]
Any input into the PC is also welcomed!
Yes, you can.
You may want to check this thread out--it may help even though it is very out of date.
http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p0hk?How-good-are-Bardic-Masterpieces-really