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Hi all,
I could use some advice for my archaeologist bard. She's my first and highest-level PFS character, and is about to hit level 6. I know what to expect from tier 1-5 scenarios so far, but I have very limited experience in Pathfinder at medium and high levels. I'd like to continue being useful to my tables, so I'm a bit lost on where to take the character, mostly related to build choices and gear.
Character summary
The full character sheet is in the profile, but I'll save you all that reading and make a summary. The character is a half-orc Archaeologist Bard, currently with a melee focus: Power Attack and Step Up feats. I think my AC is decent (21 with Buckler), with a normal longsword attack of +11 for 1d8+8 damage (including performance). I have the option to attack two-handed with Power Attack for extra damage, at the cost of -2 AC. That makes my longsword attack do 1d8+13, at an attack bonus of +9.
For out of combat use, I've invested quite a lot in social and knowledge skills. So far, those have come in pretty hands. My spell list has been geared towards defense, toolbox and support.
Choices to make
At level 6 I'll have a nice amount of cash to spend, from some saved up gp and the Serpent's Rise chronicle that will kick in. I'm not really sure what to spend it on...
- A belt for Strength, or for Constitution to bolster my hp?
- Will my current AC be enough as a support/frontliner, or should I start investing in ring of protection and extra enhancements on my armor?
- Is it useful to continue developing my melee skills, or should I branch out in ranged attacks as well? I haven't had to use my bow all that often, but it wasn't too effective. I know I don't have enough feats to become good at archery, but a +1 adaptive bow might make a difference...
Anything else that I should keep in mind, now that I've 'graduated' from low-level play?
The hit/damage looks a little low. I'd start there. A +1 adaptive bow is a good investment, the feats probably are not. if something is flying over head you probably have a clear shot. if there's a party member flying at it, buff them.
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Depending on which god/dess your character worships, Evangelist PrC could be interesting. It works well with melee oriented bards (i.e. bards who don't really spend all their time spellcasting) and the multitude of talents will stack with bardic knowledge skill bonus for those skills you haven't put a rank in (allowing you to maximize one or two good knowledge skills, and rely on bardic knowledge + multitude of talents for the rest)
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Ok, first question is do you have the 'big two'? Lingering Performance (APG) gets the most out of your limited rounds of luck, and Fate's Favored (Religion trait, Ultimate Campaign) adds one to any luck bonuses (boni?).
For AC. The Jingassa of the Fortunate Soldier is a must. Head slot item for 5K GP out of Ultimate Equipment that gives a +1 luck bonus to AC and negates crits once a day. (see Fate's Favoured above).
I recommend a lesser rod of extend spell (Core Rulebook) if you're rocking heroism. And why wouldn't you?
Melee, My melee archaeologist uses the falcate, but the longsword works. Make sure to keen it, ASAP. Since your luck and power attack bonuses are static, they do double (or triple with the Falcata) on a crit.
What rogue talent did you take?
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An adaptive bow is a good idea, because flying and climbing critters are going to become more and more common as you get higher in levels. You won't need Precise shot as much for those types of foes, as you're more likely to have a clear shot against them. For feats I would recommend Arcane Strike, as it's a very cheap and easy damage boost for Bards.
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Thanks for the suggestions so far. Indeed, it seems I made some typos. That should have been +2 Luck to AC (from the Jingasa) and a +1 cloak of resistance.
I had some pretty good advice before starting the character, so I think I have the basis covered: Lingering Performance, Fate's favored, Sacred Tattoo and the Jingasa. For rogue talent I went with Wall Climber.
There's some things I looked into, but will probably not work too well. The Arcane Strike feat eats into my swift actions, which I need for Archeologist's Luck and Gallant Inspiration. The suggestion for Evangelist is indeed a pretty good one. It's not really what I'm looking for in my bard; she already has ranks in all the skills she'd want, and I've picked an Empyreal Lord for me patron. (Also, one of my other characters is gunning for that PrC).
That leaves some things that seems good to follow up:
- The +1 Adaptive bow
- Some consumables and toolbox items. That link was very useful, BigNorseWolf. I had a potion of flying at one point, will need to replenish. Glitterdust will do for invisible enemies, that leaves an oil of daylight and something to grant waterbreathing, along with Touch of the sea.
- The lesser rod of extend. If I'm correct, that makes Heroism 2 hours at level 6, enough for a couple of encounters in most dungeon settings. Nice. I remembered I have a nice boon from a chronicle, to get a metamagic rod for Extern, Merciful ánd Reach. A bit pricy, but might be worth it.
- The extended Heroism could also take care of my low-ish damage output. At level 6 I'll get an extra +3 on Power Attack (from BAB +4). The attack penalty will be offset by Heroism.
Some thoughts on the stat boost item that I'd need most? Strength for the extra attack and damage, or Constitution?
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-For a stat boost item I would recommend Strength.
-AC 21 is low for a front-liner, but Mirror Image should keep you relatively safe.
-I second the suggestion for a Lesser Rod of Extend Spell (it's great for Good Hope later).
- Keep investing in your Cloak of Resistance - there's lots of nasty Save or Sucks in PFS.
-At some point you should learn Liberating Command (1st Lvl).