A Bard for PFS

[Chris Wasson]

I am looking to make a new PFS character that I can spend a lot of time developing and role-playing. I'm generally inclined to make melee characters, I can play spell casters for only so long before I want to hit something with a weapon.

So I thought I would try a Battle Bard set up, I think it could be a pretty viable build. The Bard would give me decent combative ability with lots of utility and a large skill list.

The only problem now is what kind of Bard to make.
On the first go I was thinking.

Half-Orc Bard (Dervish Dancer)/ Dragon Disciple Str Build

The problem I run into is around 6th level, the Dervish gets a new battle dance for a second attack at Full AB I think. Versus Inspire Courage for the bonus to Hit.

Also you lose a lot of the bardic utility with the Archtypes such as Dervish Dancer, or Arcane Duelist. Also when would be a good time to start taking Dragon Disciple levels or perhaps a different prestige class?

Feats would be pretty straight forward for the first few levels. Arcane Strike(If dervish), Power Attack.

From their my lack of Pathfinder knowledge catches up to me about viable/fun feats to take for an effective bard.

Anyone have any thoughts or tips?

[Thaliak]

You can find a description of the Dervish Dancer here. Dervish dancers gain Inspire Courage, but it only affects them and can be started as a move action from Level 1. At 6th level, they grade Suggestion for the ability to make an extra attack while battle dancing. They also gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls, AC, and reflex saves that increases at 9th and 12th levels.

You can find feat advice for a melee, ranged, or combat maneuver bard in Treantmonk's Guide to Bards. It only includes core material, but it is well-organized and easy to read.

For more recent advice, see j b 200's Pathfinder Bard Guide. He also rates prestige classes, archetypes and spells.