Controller / Battle Bard - PFS - looking for feedback!

[Kilgore Trout73]

So, I’ve been reading Treantmonk’s Bard Guide and was intrigued by the Controller Bard. Have read some of the ensuing threads since the guide was built and have put together a couple of my own versions for PFS. Optimal…no. But I think both could be fun.

I know Maestro for Eldritch Hertitage is more appropriate, but I have a couple of backstories where these builds make sense. Something along the lines of the Hero growing up among feral jungle tribes and coming forth into civilization to champion the rights of animals and indigenous species...

Would love some feedback!

Build #1

Class – Bard – all 11 levels
Race - Half-Orc, Beastmaster alternate racial trait

Trait 1 - Magical Knack, Sorcerer (to keep the eldritch heritage ability in-line with class level)
Trait 2 – Open to suggestions

S - 14
D - 14
C - 14
I - 10
W - 10
Ch - 16

Feats

1 - Skill Focus, Knowledge Nature
3 - Eldritch – Verdant (gives trip, disarm, steal at 15’ with CMB = Level + CHA Bonus)
5 - Improved Initiative
7 - Arcane Strike
9 - Power Attack
11 - Improved Critical – Falchion

This build would have proficiency in Net so there are options to debuff with Net or trip/disarm/steal with Verdant Eldritch Heritage. Could Intimidate single opponents. Spells and Bard Stuff and then skirmishing with Falchion when all else failed.

Build #2

Class – Brawler (Exemplar) 1 then Bard 10
Race - Half-Elf

Trait 1 - Magical Knack, Sorcerer (to keep the eldritch heritage ability in-line with class level)
Trait 2 – Reactionary

S - 14
D - 14
C - 14
I - 10
W - 10
Ch - 16

Feats

1 - Skill Focus, Knowledge Nature
1 – Combat Expertise
3 - Eldritch – Verdant (gives trip, disarm, steal at 15’ with CMB = Level + CHA Bonus)
5 – Weapon Focus - Longsword
7 - Arcane Strike
9 - Power Attack
11 - Improved Critical – Longsword

This build loses out on Net proficiency, but given the touch AC and the added BAB with a level in Brawler could use it with no proficiency at it wouldn't totally flop. Or flex into proficiency if scoring a hit was vitally needed. Can flex into a variety of feats depending on what the situation needed: better chances to trip/disarm/steal, dazzling display, some other Combat Maneuvers once Power Attack is obtained. No Falchion, but the Longsword is still a good weapon for a skirmisher. Not sure if I like the 11th level feat…anything better? The Exemplar ability is a nice complement to other bard abilities. Lose out on some bonuses for no 11th Level in Bard, but not losing out on any new additions.

What’s tough is I like both these builds for different reasons!

Would love to hear your thoughts and, as always, appreciate the feedback of the forums!

KT

[Thunder_TBT]

Magical Knack, Sorcerer dose not work for eldritch heritage it improves caster level not sorrier level

remember you only can trip a certain amount a day with the eldritch
your trip will be pretty low on both builds
and the net is only effective vs 1 creature

if you like less magic you can use this build
16
10
14
10
10
16
Class – (Cavalier Daring Champion, Order of the Cockatrice) 1 then Bard 4, Battle Herald 6
Race Half-Orc, Sacred Tattoo alt trait
1- combat expertise
3 - improved trip
5 - weapon focus (guisarme)
7 - Greater Trip
9 - dazzling display
11 - intimidating Prowess

the builds have nothing wrong with them i just don't see how the would deal with a high str baddy

[Kilgore Trout73]

Thanks for the feedback!

Yeah, I did some researching after reading your post and that's a bummer that M. Knack doesn't work as I thought it might. There's really nothing that would do so, so it always be at that -2 level.

Yeah, could only use that x6/day (7 at level 8), but would still have a CMB of 4 at level 3 which is the same as it would be normally but there's a bit of distance. But I could get that same effect with the whip now that I'm thinking about.

Humph.

Well, shoot. Have been trying to incorporate some eldritch heritage stuff into builds where there is some synergy (which I guess is Oracle, Bard, Ninja, and some Cavalier...probably some other classes where CHA is a factor that I'm not thinking of).

Might have to go back to the drawing board on this one....but I do like the idea of a half-orc falchion swinging bard!