Hello everyone,
I have a concept in mind that I would like to put down mechanically – in my head, this character would be a Bard (probably not Arcane Duelist because I hate losing Versatile Performance) or a Skald – some pointers regarding the concept itself:
- This is a no-nonsense, grim man, which has been through a lot in life;
- He was brought up in a harsh environment, and after becoming a teenager, he ended up murdering one of his parents that regularly imposed his violent behaviour on the family;
- He was imprisoned for it, and after the initial 2 year sentence, was given the opportunity o serve the rest of his time in the army, which he gladly took up;
- The army did little to improve his grim demeanour, but he did learn how to fight and defend himself;
- After some time, he was given a squad to lead, and even though it was a rabble squad (made of ex-prisoners, and others forced into service), they learned to depend on themselves, and rely on each other;
- He did his best to make them a team, and in spite of under equipped and usually given worse conditions than ‘regular’ soldiers, they prevailed for a long time;
- He finished his sentence, but decided to stay with them, constantly being given the worst possible assignments, and struggling with harsh words at his superior officers for better conditions;
- In the end, what was inevitable happened – he lost the whole squad, except for Lucian, a wizard that constantly had a word of counsel for the temperamental sergeant;
- They both left the army that day;
- His travels with Lucian allowed him to recover his centre and focus, and gave a chance for his arcane powers to begin manifesting themselves, under the guidance of Lucian;
- After some time he decided it was time to return home, to the place of his birth. He wants to meet those familiar faces again, see how things are faring. And also he has heard rumours of a new criminal group in town, and wants to check out just how hard they are.
So… That being said, I understand that it is perhaps a stretch for a level 1 character, but it is what I am looking at right now, and on a 20pt buy. Mechanically, how I envision the character is:
- A guy that prompts others to action, and is able to lead them if necessary;
- Someone who has gathered a smattering of knowledge about this and that, from all the experiences he has been through;
- Can take the front line, speak for himself or the others (though he may chose not too)
- Prone to lose his temper (think comic book Conan), but not necessarily control
- I plan to have his Inspire Courage (or similar ability) based on him barking orders left and right, as a sergeant would do;
- As far as combat, I envision him more as a melee guy (aiming at a possible second line tank or damage dealer, probably with a reach weapon, but perhaps able to drop the 2-handed weapon, and draw out sword and shield)
- I have pondered giving him one or two fighter levels (to shore up on the martial side), even though I am aware dipping is not usually a good option (perhaps Fighter/Lore Warden)
I have zero experience at building or playing a Skald, so after looking at it somewhat I got kinda lost in the Rage options and whatnot. I have a decent experience in playing a Ranged damage dealer bard, and can attest they can hit HARD with a couple of buffs, but have not tried the melee side of it.
What do you guys think? Would Skald or Bard fit this? And which one would do it better? Any Archetypes that would fit?
I have a sample build, but wanted to have some input on it, and even more on progression. I have nothing against multiclassing, or even dipping, but this will be an ‘organically grown’ character since level one, and in those cases I usually find I need to have some sort of coherent progression (I can always justify a dip in fighter by saying he got better at fighting, from doing it so much. But dipping, say… Wizard, is something that either has to be embedded on his background, or presented by the story – see what I mean?).
Reknar
Human bard 1
CG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +4
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 14 (1d8+6)
Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +2
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee longspear +3 (1d8+4/×3)
Special Attacks bardic performance 6 rounds/day (countersong, distraction, fascinate [DC 12], inspire courage +1)
Bard Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +3)
. . 1st (2/day)—cure light wounds, grease
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, light, mending, message
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14
Base Atk +0; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats Lingering Performance[APG], Toughness
Skills Acrobatics +4, Climb +5, Knowledge (arcana) +1, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +5, Knowledge (engineering) +1, Knowledge (geography) +1, Knowledge (history) +1, Knowledge (local) +5, Knowledge (nature) +1, Knowledge (nobility) +1, Knowledge (planes) +1, Knowledge (religion) +1, Perception +4, Perform (oratory) +6, Use Magic Device +6
Languages Common
SQ bardic knowledge +1
Other Gear lamellar (leather) armor, longspear, 85 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Bardic Knowledge +1 (Ex) Add +1 to all knowledge skill checks.
Bardic Performance (standard action, 6 rounds/day) Your performances can create magical effects.
Lingering Performance Bardic Performances last 2 rds after you stop concentrating.
A skald with rage powers hits harder; with proficiency in all martial weapons it maybe fits the sergeant better. An archetype or dip wouldn't be necessary for the concept you have here, I think.
People can choose whether to use your inspired rage round by round, so powers which may be situationally awkward - e.g. reckless abandon or superstition - are just fine. Alternately the rage powers which allow or assist combat maneuvers (knockback, knockdown, impelling disarm, savage dirty trick) may seem appropriate to your ex-sergeant.
Well, while I am tempted to suggest skald since it has rage...that is very song-y (heavy metal, but still song-y).
So bard with perform (oratory) would be good for a drill sergeant type character.
But you could also possibly go for an exemplar brawler for slightly similar flavor. They get a slightly watered down inspire courage (level -2, less rounds, but hey- lingering performance for trippling your daily rounds). They also have the ability to give allies teamwork feats they have (either as feats or through martial flexibility) in a manner much like cavalier's tactician ability. The ability lasts for 3+(1/2 level) rounds, or basically the whole fight. It can be a useful ability.
Anyway, I can always get behind a good reach build. Grabbing a fortuitous weapon (+1 property- 1/round, it lets you get a second AoO in for the same action, but it is BAB-5; mini full attack when something goes through your area, basically) and lunge/pushing assault (both are good at leaving enemies at the 15' away sweet spot at the end of your turn; it means enemies will often have to move to reach you all the freakin' time- lots of AoOs, and they usually lose full attacks. Offense+Defense=MHAHAHAHA).
It definitely screams skald rather than bard to me. I don't think there's anything you have to dip into to make the concept work, although two levels of Slayer with the Vanguard archetype to pick up the ability to share teamwork feats could actually be highly appropriate. It'd also net you studied target and a nice initiative bonus, and it has full BaB.
It definitely screams skald rather than bard to me. I don't think there's anything you have to dip into to make the concept work, although two levels of Slayer with the Vanguard archetype to pick up the ability to share teamwork feats could actually be highly appropriate. It'd also net you studied target and a nice initiative bonus, and it has full BaB.
Another possible substitution is Cavalier. Personally, I've always thought the Cavalier to be the more "sergeant" type of class than Bard or Skald.
|
You don't need Lingering Performance. By level 4 you will have enough Inspire Courage to last all day. At lower levels you won't miss the lack. I'd take Combat Reflexes at first level, instead. Toughness is excellent for your concept, and 14 HP at level 1 is quite good.
One weird option to consider, if you wish to emphasize melee power, is to angle for Whirlwind Attack. It's a 5-feat chain and can't ever be reached until 5th level. It will take all your feats, but the eventual payoff is quite good. One way is to e.g. dip one level of Fighter at 5th level. Another approach is to take two levels of fighter, at 1st and 5th, allowing you to start with one other feat, which will most likely be Combat Reflexes. Yet a 3rd approach is to simply wait until 7th level.
First of all, thank you for the feedback people. I know I haven't posted a crunch and asked for comments on it - with concepts everything gets a little muddier :D
A skald with rage powers hits harder; with proficiency in all martial weapons it maybe fits the sergeant better. An archetype or dip wouldn't be necessary for the concept you have here, I think.
People can choose whether to use your inspired rage round by round, so powers which may be situationally awkward - e.g. reckless abandon or superstition - are just fine. Alternately the rage powers which allow or assist combat maneuvers (knockback, knockdown, impelling disarm, savage dirty trick) may seem appropriate to your ex-sergeant.
I had missed the martial weapon proficiency on the Skald (and also the ability to wear better armor?), so thank you for pointing that out avr - there are a couple of things I like about the Skald - Spell Kenning is just... Really, really good; Rage is always an amazing way to increase martial proficiency, which would fit the sergeant in a pinch - "So ya boys think that just because I am spitting orders, I don't know how to fight? Come get some then!" - along those lines. What makes me hesitate is the fact that the buff is not simply a flat one that will benefit without detriment to anything - namely, will frontliners honestly be willing to give up AC for it?
As far as rage powers go - I know exactly what to use on my Barbarian, but am not sure of what would be best for a Skald...
Well, while I am tempted to suggest skald since it has rage...that is very song-y (heavy metal, but still song-y).
So bard with perform (oratory) would be good for a drill sergeant type character.
But you could also possibly go for an exemplar brawler for slightly similar flavor. They get a slightly watered down inspire courage (level -2, less rounds, but hey- lingering performance for trippling your daily rounds). They also have the ability to give allies teamwork feats they have (either as feats or through martial flexibility) in a manner much like cavalier's tactician ability. The ability lasts for 3+(1/2 level) rounds, or basically the whole fight. It can be a useful ability.
Anyway, I can always get behind a good reach build. Grabbing a fortuitous weapon (+1 property- 1/round, it lets you get a second AoO in for the same action, but it is BAB-5; mini full attack when something goes through your area, basically) and lunge/pushing assault (both are good at leaving enemies at the 15' away sweet spot at the end of your turn; it means enemies will often have to move to reach you all the freakin' time- lots of AoOs, and they usually lose full attacks. Offense+Defense=MHAHAHAHA).
Well, there is nothing really preventing me from being based on Perform (Oratory) as a Skald, is there? I mean, it is an option for Versatile Performance.
Now... The Exemplar Brawler actually looks GREAT, I gotta admit lemeres, and might actually fit the bill. The thing is, it only gets Inspire Courage at level 3 - I know it is not the base of my character concept, but it plays to its strength and logic. The other thing is spells... They are a funky fit to the sergeant, I can almost admit that, but still they are a real strength, which can make a definite difference... Apart from that, I think I like everything about it, and I am going to at least try and build one.
Reach builds, yeah... They are soooo cool. Now I just need to get lucky, and find a group that plays to its strengths - it hasn't been easy thus far, I can tell you...
It definitely screams skald rather than bard to me. I don't think there's anything you have to dip into to make the concept work, although two levels of Slayer with the Vanguard archetype to pick up the ability to share teamwork feats could actually be highly appropriate. It'd also net you studied target and a nice initiative bonus, and it has full BaB.
That is an archetype definitely worth pondering Rennaivx - the ability to share Teamwork Feats, I just love it when your group goes with the flow, and makes the best of it. Thematically it is also great, as the sergeant fares all the better when his team cooperates ;) Studied target, initiative bonus, full BAB and skills is just gravy.
It definitely screams skald rather than bard to me. I don't think there's anything you have to dip into to make the concept work, although two levels of Slayer with the Vanguard archetype to pick up the ability to share teamwork feats could actually be highly appropriate. It'd also net you studied target and a nice initiative bonus, and it has full BaB.Another possible substitution is Cavalier. Personally, I've always thought the Cavalier to be the more "sergeant" type of class than Bard or Skald.
Kyrrion, would you use any particular Cavalier Archetype? Or Order?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
An Evangelist Cleric would be the other natural option for yelling Inspire Courage at people. Perhaps with a level or two of Urban Barbarian and the Rage Domain (plus a little Extra Rage). Ragathiel is a perfect fit tempermentally. An Evangelist enchanted by Ragathiel's Divine Favor shouting Inspire Courage at his allies as he mauls foes in a controlled rage is... pretty.
Kyrrion, would you use any particular Cavalier Archetype? Or Order?
Well, the Order depends on which aspect you want to focus on.
The Order of the Dragon will drive home the support-aspect (aka giving orders), at level 8 you can give +2 to Dodge AC, +2 to all attacks rolls, or a move action as an immediate action once per combat. Using challenge on a target will also give a boost to attack rolls on said target from allies as well. This Order is very much "This is my group. You do not mess with my group. If you mess with my group, we will hunt you down". Your character's actions will always be for the greater good of the group and you're not above sacrificing for those closest to you.
I would recommend this one based off what you have shared so far. A lot of the Orders kind tie into specific aspects of the character, I would browse a few if you ever have a moment. You might want to check out Order of the Hammer if your character is going to value strength over all or Order of the Staff if you want to show the close relationship to Lucian.
As for archetypes, I'm not sure one is entirely necessary. With challenge fitting your moment of "So ya boys think that just because I am spitting orders, I don't know how to fight? Come get some then!". The Tactician ability, Banner ability, and Strategy ability from the Order of the Dragon, you are very much a supportive figure on the battlefield who leads and commands.
That being said, there is the Strategist archetype is the only one I can see fitting right now. You get more uses of Tactician and trade Expert Rider (Handle Animal bonus regarding your mount) for Drill Master (basically Tactician that takes 10 min to use but lasts 10+ minutes, costs 1 challenge use). Drill Master also requires you to be visible and audible by your allies to be effective, so it quite literally is the act of barking orders.
You don't need Lingering Performance. By level 4 you will have enough Inspire Courage to last all day. At lower levels you won't miss the lack. I'd take Combat Reflexes at first level, instead. Toughness is excellent for your concept, and 14 HP at level 1 is quite good.
One weird option to consider, if you wish to emphasize melee power, is to angle for Whirlwind Attack. It's a 5-feat chain and can't ever be reached until 5th level. It will take all your feats, but the eventual payoff is quite good. One way is to e.g. dip one level of Fighter at 5th level. Another approach is to take two levels of fighter, at 1st and 5th, allowing you to start with one other feat, which will most likely be Combat Reflexes. Yet a 3rd approach is to simply wait until 7th level.
*Bows in awe of the Reach Tactics master*
Thanks for the feedback Magda - In all honesty, the Whirlwind Attack setup is exactly where I would like to go with as far as combat goes, and even though knowing it may just gimp the bard progression, I get the feeling that dipping fighter may be the way to go (Lore Warden appeals to me specially). CI would benefit from dipping fighter at level 1 (mainly due to starting already with a good pool of feats, and better hp, but... I'm not sure it is what would make more sense as the character concept goes. I think I should start with Bard/Skald/Cavalier/etc right off the bat...)
In case of Cavalier, Order of the Dragon is the one that supports allies... but I honestly dislike cavalier for that role. It gets very miniscule bonuses and can share ONE teamwork feat and it takes a standard and only once a day for quite a while, and only last for a few turns... Still, you can grab the standard bearer archetype to get your flag on early, that's a passive boost at least.
If it can be attached to a longspear (or a Bardiche, if I dip fighter), and its effects used concomitantly, that would definitely be an option.
An Evangelist Cleric would be the other natural option for yelling Inspire Courage at people. Perhaps with a level or two of Urban Barbarian and the Rage Domain (plus a little Extra Rage). Ragathiel is a perfect fit tempermentally. An Evangelist enchanted by Ragathiel's Divine Favor shouting Inspire Courage at his allies as he mauls foes in a controlled rage is... pretty.
I am a big fan of the Evangelist Cleric (*bows to Magda again*) - but I don't see Reknar as advocating this or that religion - the guy is just too disillusioned with gods and higher morals to do that. Apart from that, yes... Your suggestion with Ragathiel is just...Brutal :D
Kyrrion, would you use any particular Cavalier Archetype? Or Order?Well, the Order depends on which aspect you want to focus on.
The Order of the Dragon will drive home the support-aspect (aka giving orders), at level 8 you can give +2 to Dodge AC, +2 to all attacks rolls, or a move action as an immediate action once per combat. Using challenge on a target will also give a boost to attack rolls on said target from allies as well. This Order is very much "This is my group. You do not mess with my group. If you mess with my group, we will hunt you down". Your character's actions will always be for the greater good of the group and you're not above sacrificing for those closest to you.
I would recommend this one based off what you have shared so far. A lot of the Orders kind tie into specific aspects of the character, I would browse a few if you ever have a moment. You might want to check out Order of the Hammer if your character is going to value strength over all or Order of the Staff if you want to show the close relationship to Lucian.
As for archetypes, I'm not sure one is entirely necessary. With challenge fitting your moment of "So ya boys think that just because I am spitting orders, I don't know how to fight? Come get some then!". The Tactician ability, Banner ability, and Strategy ability from the Order of the Dragon, you are very much a supportive figure on the battlefield who leads and commands.
That being said, there is the Strategist archetype is the only one I can see fitting right now. You get more uses of Tactician and trade Expert Rider (Handle Animal bonus regarding your mount) for Drill Master (basically Tactician that takes 10 min to use but lasts 10+ minutes, costs 1 challenge use). Drill Master also requires you to be visible and audible by your allies to be effective, so it quite literally is the act of barking orders.
Thank you for the suggestions Kyrrion - I am definitely taking a look at Cavalier. I like the skill set, they get 4+Int skills which is not too bad in my book, and the class abilities are definitely geared towards the Team.
My doubt is, do those abilities actually contribute more to a group's endeavours than those from Bards and Skalds (spells included)? Again I gotta say I love Spell Kenning for its versatility (though the amount of uses per day is lackluster), and I am under the impression the right choice of Rage powers can also be a determining factor in team performance?
The sheer nature of the Skald's rage factor makes me lean towards that class, in all honesty... It might look something like this at level 5?
------------------------------------
Reknar
Angel-blooded aasimar (angelkin) fighter (lore warden) 2/skald 3 (Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Pathfinder Society Field Guide, Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 49, Pathfinder RPG Advanced Race Guide 84)
CG Medium outsider (native)
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +5
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 22, touch 14, flat-footed 19 (+7 armor, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 natural)
hp 45 (5 HD; 3d8+2d10+15)
Fort +9, Ref +4, Will +4; +4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, and sonic, +2 morale bonus vs. spells, supernatural abilities, and spell-like abilities while raging but must resist all spells, even allies'
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor)
Melee +1 cold iron bardiche +9 (1d10+7/19-20) or
. . longspear +8 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks rage power (superstition +2), raging song 9 rounds/day (inspired rage, song of marching)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th; concentration +7)
. . 1/day—alter self
Skald Spells Known (CL 3rd; concentration +5)
. . 1st (4/day)—cure light wounds, feather fall, saving finale[APG] (DC 13), solid note[APG]
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, know direction, light, mending, message, read magic
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 15
Base Atk +4; CMB +8; CMD 22
Feats Combat Expertise, Dodge, Mobility, Power Attack, Scribe Scroll, Spring Attack, Toughness
Traits armor expert
Skills Acrobatics +7 (+3 to jump), Heal +2, Knowledge (arcana) +1, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +1, Knowledge (engineering) +1, Knowledge (geography) +1, Knowledge (history) +1, Knowledge (local) +9, Knowledge (nature) +1, Knowledge (nobility) +1, Knowledge (planes) +8, Knowledge (religion) +1, Perception +5, Perform (oratory) +10, Use Magic Device +10; Racial Modifiers +2 Heal, +2 Knowledge (planes)
Languages Celestial, Common
SQ bardic knowledge +1, rage powers, versatile performance (oratory)
Other Gear +1 breastplate, +1 cold iron bardiche, longspear, amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +1, ring of protection +1, 85 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Armor Expert -1 Armor check penalty.
Bardic Knowledge +1 (Ex) Add +1 to all knowledge skill checks.
Combat Expertise +/-2 Bonus to AC in exchange for an equal penalty to attack.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Energy Resistance, Acid (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Acid attacks.
Energy Resistance, Cold (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Cold attacks.
Energy Resistance, Electricity (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Mobility +4 to AC vs. AoO provoked by moving out of or through a threatened area.
Power Attack -2/+4 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Rage Powers (Ex) Skald rage powers affect self and allies under inspired rage.
Raging Song (standard action, 9 rounds/day) (Su) Song can inspire allies in a variety of ways.
Spring Attack You can move - attack - move when attacking with a melee weapon.
Superstition +2 (Ex) While raging, gain bonus to save vs magic, but must resist all spells, even allies'.
Versatile Performance (Oratory) +10 (Ex) You may substitute the final value of your Perform: Oratory skill for Diplomacy or Sense Motive checks
------------------------------------
I am not convinced on the Aasimar race - though it allows for definitely better stats, but that is it (apart from Darkvision and stuff). Also I really dislike the weak Saving Throws...
Thoughts?
I am not convinced on the Aasimar race - though it allows for definitely better stats
If it's a character concept issue, do note that a Dual Talent human can replicate the stats of any +2/+2 Aasimar, though it lacks the other goodies; a Scion of Humanity Aasimar is basically human for that matter. As far as Will saves go, there's a trait that lets you use your charisma for some of the more dangerous Will saves - Irrepressible I think. And of course, there's always Iron Will.
What about THIS guy - would he be perfect, or am I dreaming?
What about THIS guy - would he be perfect, or am I dreaming?
Looks perfect imo, especially with the Aid Another bonus granted from Order of the Dragon.
I would lose the spells though - can't really decide what is actually more worth it.
I mean, spells give me an edge that nothing else can - stuff like Mirror Image is completely overwhelming in a melee fight. Not counting Heroism, Haste, or even CLW, which can arguably do more for supporting a group than any Aid Another bonus.
It is not an easy decision, though the Inspiring Commander does look like a better fit to the character concept - even the Inspiration being based off Int is appropriate to his grim attitude (instead of a more Charismatic approach).
If you're fine with being a half-orc rather than a human, you can try being a Paladin (Holy Tactician) 3/Skald X. Then take Amplified Rage as your free teamwork feat. You now grant your entire team +6 str/con as long as they're adjacent to or flanking with each other, permanently. Battlefield Presence is always on, unlike a cavalier's Tactician ability.
A one level dip of barbarian or bloodrager increases your own personal rage to +8.
Still mulling the traits over, but there are two things that really bother me:
- The fact that I end up with absolutely ZERO knowledges as class skills (I will spend ranks on them nonetheless, as I envision a bare minimum of two knowledges on Reknar - Local, and... Dungeoneering);
- And the low will save :/
The first one may be solved if I decide to dip one or two levels in Lore Warden further down the road - in my head it would reflect the fact that Reknar has indeed learned there is much more to life, and even warfare than swinging a blade.
The second one could be addressed by the trait Carefully Hidden, or even dipping one or two levels of Martial Artist monk. Again I would give it a twist, and since Martial Artist can have any alignment, it would simply mean that Reknar has improved on his fighting skills, and that's it - 2 levels in monk don't really mean any 'esoteric' abilities that wouldn't fit him thematically.
Right? Seems like a good idea (even knowing that dipping is almost always frowned upon?).
Right? Seems like a good idea (even knowing that dipping is almost always frowned upon?).
Apologies if I'm complicating things and going a little backwards, but I figured I'd mention that you could create an Evangelist without a deity (assuming that you're not going PFS or have a GM that won't permit that), devoted to a principle or philosophy or whatever.
The single biggest reason I'm bringing Cleric back up is that the Scroll Scholar archetype for the Cleric will work with Evangelist, and as it goes up in level it begins to grant huge bonuses to chosen knowledge skills.
So you could do something like Urban Barbarian 1/ Scroll Scholar Evangelist who follows (and preaches) a philosophy of aggressive determination. Once again this provides the option of combining Controlled Rage and the Rage subdomain with Inspire Courage, but in this case Scroll Scholar means that his devotion to his philosophy is slowly turning him into a masterful war-scholar as well as a front-line terror. And of course as a Cleric, he's not sweating those will saves.
I like the concept. Aasimar is not fitting IMO.
I love the grim tactician paladin idea. It fits the concept from the beginning though you could start with a rage class and then develop tactician powers during his service. He'd never call himself a paladin though.
A Vanguard's bond or a (maybe freebooter?) rangers bond to his team mates seems a very fitting ability too.
Thank you for all the feedback guys - I think I may have a chance to play this concept, but in a Gestalt Game.
I immediately gravitated towards Fighter/Bard, since it gives me a very good mix between fighting prowess, inspire courage, out of combat utility and knowledge, skills, the works :D
But then I got to thinking that Cavalier/Bard might be even better (most likely Order of the Dragon) - what do you think?
Cavalier-Bards can probably work well enough - personally, from your description I do not imagine this person being charismatic enough to work as a bard or skald (he sounded borderline antisocial), but anywho. Most cavaliers are mounted specialists, though, so for conceptual reasons I am a bit more leaning towards the fighter.
From a conceptual standpoint, I would probably go skald, either straight or with a pinch of multiclassing. Yes, there is a bit of a detriment to your party buff, but it fits the sort of character. Besides, sometimes the best defense is a strong offense.
The idea behind the Bard, is playing him as 'inspiring' and 'motivating' while he barks orders around the field of battle - the idea I envision is definitely not a 'singing' or 'poetic' bard, though still one that can inspire others to do better with his words.
From my perspective, the good point from cavalier are the Teamwork Feats and the class abilities, which tie in really well with the drill sergeant feel. The bad are the dramatically low skill points (not that much of an issue if gestalted with Bard), and the lesser amount of feats (when compared with fighter/bard).
I would like to have at least some way to guarantee solid martial offense and defense, and Power Attack only will not cut it (I would like to go the Dodge> Mobility > Spring Attack > etc. path).
I had considered the Skald, but the GM is not particularly fond of gestalted 'Hybrid' classes, or I would have most likely already followed the path of the Bloodrager/Oracle ;)
I just received the 'go ahead' from my GM to go ahead and play the third party Inspiring Commander, which is great :D
This has turned gestalt, so now the question would be what to gestalt him with... Again Bard seems cool, namely because of the skill versatility I am a fan of, and the spells. Since I am planning on playing him as melee, stuff like mirror image would make a serious difference.
Another option would be the ranger - organically, and for the character it seems like a perfect fit in all aspects (skills, rugged, combat, etc) - going with an option without animal companion, and instead 'bonding' with the group would also make sense. But animal companions are so cool that I hesitate.
Last, but definitely not least, if I could convince my GM, Slayer might be even better.
Ideas?
If indeed playing this concept as a gestalt game, would you think that a Cavalier(Inspiring Commander)/Bard would work - it is kinda funky how the Inspire Courage would add up, is it not?
On another possibility, as far as Teamwork feats go, would Bard/Vanguard Slayer work out better than the above?