| Thaliak |
Hello all. I am playing a Bard in a Pathfinder version of The Red Hand of Doom, a 3.5 module that runs from level 5 to level 10 and focuses on dragon-worshiping goblinoids invading a mostly defenseless agricultural region. I would like to play a character that uses illusions to trick and trap foes, as that will give me a reason to be creative in combat. Ideally, I would also like to be decent at debuffing spells, such as Glitterdust. I have a few questions:
1. Can a Bard that focuses most of his feats and gold on spellcasting still contribute to combat when he isn't casting spells?
2. Is Sound Striker worth using? I like it conceptually, but since we have some damage-focused characters in the party and a tripper that gets several attacks of opportunity a round, I suspect Inspire Courage will be better mechanically. It'll also make me look less selfish, which is important since I'm new to this group.
3. Can a Bard that focuses on Inspire Courage make a decent summoner despite getting access to the Summon Monster spells at a later level than a pure caster?
4. Aside from the feat Spellsong, is there any way to cast spells while concentrating on an illusion?
If it helps, we are level 6 and are using a variant of 20 point buy where no stat can be below 10 before racial modifiers. My current build is:
Level 6 Human Bard
Strength: 12
Dexterity: 16
Constitution: 12
Wisdom: 10
Intelligence: 14 [This has to stay. I'm even tempted to boost it to 16.]
Charisma: 16 (18 with Headband of Charisma)
Feats:
Level 1: Racial Heritage (gnome) (to qualify for Effortless Trickery)
Level 1: Effortless Trickery (to concentrate on Illusion spells as a Swift action)
Level 3: Quick Draw (to retrieve a Rod of Persistent Spell in the same round I want to use it)
Level 5: Improved Initiative (I want to go first so I can get Inspire Courage up or debuff enemies before others act.)
I can change my feats and equipment before the next game, but the class and race are fixed. To use third party or 3.5 feats and equipment, I need permission from the DM. Since the group doesn't strike me as over-optimized and makes decisions based on roleplay during combat, I'd generally prefer not to ask (though Magic Reservist and Knowledge Devotion have me really, really tempted).
Thanks.