Human or Halfling Bard

[Ryzn]

Hey gang,

I'm thinking about rolling a 'Sandman' Bard who would focus on charming and thieving.

Initially I thought I would go Human as I'd like as many skills as possible, but with versatile performance that might not be an issue. So now I'm considering making him a halfling for the bonuses and innocent look. Roleplaying-wise, I'd probably love either one. Other than not wanting to be a shorty or the extra feat, are there any reasons to go Human over halfling? Am I correct to assume versatile performance and an intelligence of 12 or 14 will keep me swimming in skills?

Thanks for any and all advice!

Ryzn

[Corlindale]

Remember that Sandman doesn't get versatile performance. How many skill points is enough is down to personal preference (for example, I never feel I have enough skill points). Sandman is one of the more skill-starved bard archetypes, though, as he loses versatile performance and bardic knowledge, and he's encouraged to take skills other bards might skip (like Sleight of Hand, which works with his 9th level power). Master of Deception helps a bit, though.

Ultimately it won't make a huge difference. If you want extra skills and need feats early to make your build work, human might be best. Otherwise halfling, for the good stat boosts and all the nice bonuses (better saves, ac, attack rolls and stealth).

[Corlindale]

I almost forgot the most important argument in favor of humans: The alternate class feature that lets you get an extra spell known every level. That's pretty huge for a casting-focused bard.

[Ryzn]

doh! Completely forgot that Sandman doesn't get versatile performance.

Okay...back the drawing board