So, I have a build I'm tinkering with, which involves being able to shut down opponents through the use of Antagonize (feat) and Bewildering Koan.
Here's the highlights of the build at level 7:
Gnome
Academician, Gift of Tongues alternate racial features.
Paladin 4 (Iroran Paladin, Oath Against Fiends) / Cleric of Irori (Separatist) 1 / Bard (Vanilla) 2
Str 10 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 12 Cha 18 (20 pt.)
Traits: Magical Knack (Bard), ???
Feats: Antagonize, Bewildering Koan, Deific Obedience (Irori), Skill Focus (Perform [Comedy])
*Strong AC due to Iroran Paladin
*Between dips and Divine Grace, saves are really good, which is ideal for Antagonize.
*Uses Versatile Performance (Comedy) to boost both Bluff and Intimidate.
*Cleric dip is primarily to get an additional 3+CHA ki per day, through use of the Bronze Gong. Additionally grants +10 speed via Travel domain, and retrying knowledge checks via Knowledge [Memory] domain.
*Rocks knowledge checks with minimal skill investment, though that can be sacrificed if there is a good reason
*Proceeding from level 7 will likely be straight Bard levels.
*Not sure whether to have a bow, or a finessable weapon as backup.
*Weaker on CMD; may have to watch out for that.
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There's two problems with it I'm looking to remedy, if possible.
One, he's rather lackluster before level 5 (when he gets Bewildering Koan). He can inspire courage and Antagonize people, but still nothing amazing.
Two, beyond using Inspire Courage and a limited bardic spell selection, he's somewhat of a lump against mindless things. Bewildering Koan is not mind-affecting explicitly, but it's pretty clear it at least won't work on things that have no minds at all.
Any suggestions as to how to shore up these weaknesses are greatly appreciated.