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Dumb question: do I roll a d20 and add my caster level and Int bonus to the check versus the opponent's CMD to see if they are tripped or do I just get my caster level and Int bonus? Thanks!

fuel gun wrote:

The pre-req for Weapon Focus is proficiency with weapon and base attack bonus +1 so the earliest you could take weapon focus is for your 3rd level feat (assuming you are a straight bard).

DOH! Missed that +1 BAB requirement!

Might I suggest a level of Barbarian instead of fighter? That d12 HD is amazing at first level, the speed bonus is great, the skills are more diverse and you get more of them, and rage is a great boost when you really need it.

Paladin and Ranger are good as well, but probably not worth it unless you are going to take at least 2 levels.

Fighter has bonus feat which will give my 1/2 orc two feats at first level at let me taking dazzling display at 1st level. Barbarian has no bonus feat.

Did you consider that there are some magical whips or weapon properties that can apply things like hideous laughter? For example the Sadist´s Lash?

Also feats like Fury´s Snare and Fury´s Fall and Srpent Lash are quite cool for wielding a whip.

Hadn't heard of those feats and magic items. Where are they located?

So... anybody have thoughts on taking a level (first) of fighter to get dazzling display sooner for an arcane duelist? Would it hurt a controller bard that much?

fuel gun wrote:

I really want to try the controller bard build and make the most of dazzling display. Problem is I can't see how to get dazzling display with my half-orc bard until level 5. Since the campaign is using slow progression, it might be a year or more before the group hits level 5 and I get to use it. What about taking a level of fighter at first level and then going bard all the way? A fighter would be able to meet the requirements for dazzling display at level 1. I could also get proficiency in the net this way via the beasthandler alternate racial trait (for half-orc controllers anyway).

1st level feat - Weapon Focus (My half-orc bard used a greataxe...)

3rd level feat - Dazzling Display

If you go human, you could be a first level bard with dazzling display - (bonus feat for being human).

Perhaps I'm missing something, but I don't see why you need to wait for 5th level?

The pre-req for Weapon Focus is proficiency with weapon and base attack bonus +1 so the earliest you could take weapon focus is for your 3rd level feat (assuming you are a straight bard). http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/weapon-focus-combat---final

So... anybody have thoughts on taking a level of fighter to get dazzling display sooner? Would it hurt a controller bard that much?

I really want to try the controller bard build and make the most of dazzling display. Problem is I can't see how to get dazzling display with my half-orc bard until level 5. Since the campaign is using slow progression, it might be a year or more before the group hits level 5 and I get to use it. What about taking a level of fighter at first level and then going bard all the way? A fighter would be able to meet the requirements for dazzling display at level 1. I could also get proficiency in the net this way via the beasthandler alternate racial trait (for half-orc controllers anyway).

That would be my recommendation. Keep a lance handy for when you happen to be out of better options than a double damage charge though (although non-proficiency is a problem...).

Well, can burn a trait to be able to use a lance (master tinkerer or heirloom wpn) but taking a trait that gives a bonus to a save or lets me use druid spells via UMD might be a better spend in the long run me thinks.

Hmmm... okay didn't get a lot of discussion going but I guess I'll just use the mount to help with my battlefield mobility. I'll pay attention to stuff like ride skill and armor check penalty but not bother trying to be an "oracle lance charger" or anything.

Unless you have very good rolled ability scores or a particularily high point buy, i'd leave mounted combat alone. Still ride the thing but focus on your revelations and casting.

Okay, how about 20 point buy?

A common thing to see amongst oracles is gnomes (usually) or halflings with the lame curse and an animal to ride on to totally ignore extra-slow movement. Being small, their mount can go most places medium-sized party members can.

Thanks. However, what I was looking for is thoughts/advice on the above specific questions about an oracle going down the path of mounted combat on the bonded mount (e.g. taking mounted combat, ride by attack and spirited charge); is it worth it or should I just put all my focus on buffing and BFC?

I am making an oracle PC for a upcoming campaign. 20 point buy. I am considering a halfling or gnome (for RP and CHA bump reasons) and pretty much decided on the nature mystery. When it comes to general combat effectiveness, I am wondering: 1) If I should bother riding the mount in combat and sinking 2-3 feats in the mounted combat tree? And 2) If I go the mounted combat route is halfling the best choice (b/c of dex boost and outrider trait)?