At 1st level, Bards get Inspire Greatness.
At 9th level, they get Inspire Courage.
It's always rubbed me the wrong way that an ability you get 8 levels earlier is almost always better than Inspire Greatness.
The effect of this is that the bard can make someone extremely resistant at first level. But it could also be quite deadly, I suppose, if it wears off.
Inspire Courage is obviously more powerful in a much wider variety of situations/group dynamics, but I'd never go so far as to say that it's unconditionally better than Inspire Heroics. I'd say that it's far too little, far too late at 15th level though.
Crap, I meant Inspire Greatness.
Crap, I meant Inspire Greatness.
I'd thought so, but I changed my post at the last minute.
Regardless, my point stands. Usually, inspire courage is better. In some parties (say, 1-2 weapon users) inspire greatness is a stronger choice. Having disposable hitpoints and a boost to attack is a great option.