Alright, so I'm planning on running a Seasinger Bard/Inspired Blade Swashbuckler. I'm having trouble deciding how many levels of each and when to take them. I know I want at least 5 levels of both, and to complicate matters I'd love to work in a level of Urban Barbarian as well. Race will definitely be Human.
Our GM told us to plan to reach 17th level and told us that we would have an NPC Cleric most of the way. The rest of the group will be:
Half-Elven Master Summoner with a specialized summoning list (aquatic, avian and elementals only)
Human invulnerable Rager Barbarian
Human Rogue
Any advice would be most welcome. :)
IMO, start with inspired blade swashbuckler for the +2 hp, Inspired Finesse, and greater starting wealth. For progression, I'd probably go something like:
Swb 2 (to pick up Charmed Life)/Brd 4 (for 2nd-level spells)/Swb +3 (for Rapier Training)/Brd +X; fit the level of urban barbarian in whenever it makes sense in the campaign plotline.
How set are you on the inspired blade? While the extra feat is good, losing the option to regain panache when defeating an enemy can be big. It might also be an option to use the Daring Champion cavalier archetype, it does not get all swashbuckler goodies but it does have most of the non-mounted cavalier ones.
The Daring Champion Cavalier/Bard in my S&S campaign seems to be enjoying that combo.