| Azothath |
Req: PFS legal, 20 pt Abil buy, 5th Lvl 10500gp gear.
Comments – a half-elf archaeologist. I had to dip to make this build practical for adventuring (so some extra magic, wands, BO casting from spellbook). Interestingly the dueling sword works here whereas normally it’s a clunker, just don’t buy into the dueling sword feat chain. Overall a role-play pick as other classes do better.
Torela Arouca Cultiqua Bard-Archaeologist 4, Wizard-Diviner 1
CN sz med half-elf humnoid (f) age:26 ht:5’9” wt:163lb. (BMI 23 nrml)
Home: Almas Andoran Politic: democratic Worship: Myr, Elion, (Aroden).
Init: +5{act in Supr rnd}, Sns: low-lgt vis, darkvis 60’, Prcp: +10
AC: 22/18, tch 18/14, fftd 14/13 (+4[frc]/+3 armr, +4[frc]/+1 shld, +4 Dex, dodg, ntrl).
HP: 31 (4d8+1d6) {PFS=8 +3*(5) +1*4 +4*1{FCB}}.
Saves: Fort +3, Rflx +9, Will +7, +2 vs E, +1{of 2} rst to scdry sv, imm: magic sleep efct.
Trap Sns: +1 AC vs Traps.
Mov Spd:30
Mle: mw ElyBrnz dueling sword 2hnd +9 (1d8+1 c19+ *2)S, MagBst/MonHmnd +0(+1) then +1(+1).
Mle: mw ElyBrnz dueling sword 1hnd +9 (1d8+1 c19+ *2)S, “.
Mle: Obsd dagger +7(4) | +7 thrw (1d4+1 c19+ *2)S|P Rng:10ft {fragile} glassy, ammo:[2].
Rng: mw cmp shortbow(Str+1) 2hnd GravBow +9 ≤30’|+8 (1d8+1(+2≤30’) c20 *3)P Rng:70ft.
Rng: mw cmp shortbow(Str+1) 2hnd +9 ≤30’|+8 (1d6+1(+2≤30’) c20 *3)P.
Ammo: dur cFe & AgWpnBlch [6 +4], thistle [6 +4] poi bleed 1d6r. arrw[8 +12].
Archol Luck(Ex)@4: swft actn(cont free actn) +2[luck] atk & wpn dmg, saves, Skl for rnd, [7]/d {Fate’s Fvd}
Brd Arcn Spells (CL 4; DC= 10 +SplLvl +3(Cha){E:+1}; Conc +7)
2nd 2(2): Babble:E2, Hero:E2.
1st 4(4): Ear-Prc Scrm:K1, Hids Lghtr:E1, Hypno:E1, Tap Innr Beaut:D1.
0th 6(will): Ghst Snd:I0, Grasp:D0, Knw Dir:D0, Lull:E0, Mag Hnd:T0, Mssg:T0.
Wiz Arcn Spells Prpd (CL 1; DC= 10 +SplLvl +2(Int){E:+1}; Conc +3)
1st(2+1) BO[ ]: Mag Armr:C1, Shld:A1, TrueStrk:D1.
0th(3@will): Acd Splsh:C0, Det Mag:D0, Rd Mag:D0.
SchPwr: Forwrnd. DivnFortn(Sp): std actn tch +1 insgt atk, skl, abil, sv 1r [5]/d.
Skills(rnk 41): Acroᶜ +10(3), Apprᶜ +6(1), Bluffᶜ +7(1), Clmbᶜ, Crftᶜ(alchemy +6(1)), Diploᶜ +10(4), Dis Dev +7(1){+2}, Dsgsᶜ +7(1), Esc Artᶜ +8(1), Flyᶜ +8(1), Hndl Anml, Heal +1(1), Intmdᶜ, Knowᶜ(arcn +8(1), dngn +8(1), engr +8(1), geog +8(1), hist +8(1), locl +8(1), natr +8(1), nobl +8(1), plns +8(1), rlgn +8(1), all{+2}), Lingᶜ +6(1), Prcpᶜ +10(5){+2}, Pfrmᶜ(dance +7(1)), Profᶜ (antique dealer +4(1)), Ride +9/7(3){+2}, Sns Mtvᶜ +4(1), SoHᶜ +8(1), Splcrftᶜ +6(1), Stlthᶜ +8(1), Survl, Swim, UMDᶜ +7(1). Cls Skl(ᶜ), Skl Fcs(ˢ)
Lang: common(taldan), elven, varisian{rgnl}, draconic, napsu-sign lang, sakvroth(undercommon)ᒻ. Ling(ᒻ)
Abil: 5th [12(+1), 18(+4), 10(+0), 14(+2), 10(+0), 16{14}(+3)], 20pt [12,16,10,14,10,13] & race +2 Dex, 4th:+1 Cha, headband Cha +2.
BAB: +3, CMB:+3 CMD: 15.
Race(half-elf): Age:21-38, HT:62-78”, Wt:110-180. Abil: +2 one abil. Type:humn & elf hmnd. Sz: Med. Spd: 30’. Adapt: Skl Fcs(choose {+3 then @10rnk +6}). Elf blood: elf & human for race efct (like Wpn Prfc). Elven Imm: immune to magic sleep efct, +2 race sv E spls & efct. Keen Sns: +2 race Prcp. MultiTlnt: two Fvd Cls. Lang:common, elven. Sns: Low-lgt vis. FCB of +1 HP is preferred.
Alt Race: Blended View gain drkvis 60’, rplc MultiTlnt. Ancstrl Arms: gain Mrtl/Extc Wpn Prfc (Extc Dueling Sword) rplc Adapt.
Wpn & Armr Prfc: simple wpns, longsword(& mrtl dueling sword), rapier, sap, short sword, shortbow, whip, extc dueling sword, lgt armr, lgt & med shield. No ASF w lgt armr & shlds.
Cmbt Gear:
SLWS-L: Wand:Obsc Mist:C{SplLvl=}1@{CstrLvl=}1 [30]chg 450gp. SLWS-R: Wand:Vanish:I1@1 [30] 450gp. Bndlr[8+8]: Pot:Cure Lgt Wnd:C1@1 50gp. Flsk alch fire [4] 80gp. Vial antiplague 50gp. Vial twitch tonic 45gp. Wand:Infrnl Heal:C1@1 [30] 450gp. Scr: Comp Lang:D1@1 [2] 50gp. Scr: Endur Ele:T1@1 [2] 50gp. Scr: Exp Rtrt:T1@1 [2] 50gp. Scr: Hgtn Aware:D1@1 [2] 50gp. = 1775gp
Worn Equip:
mw ElyBrnz dueling sword 1hnd wpn +1 (1d8 c19+ *2)S WpnFnss & 2hnd 1.5* dmg, ElyBrnz(MagBst/MonHmnd +0(+1) then {specific type} +1(+1) 24hr or another qualifying type hit) Hrd:10 HP:5 3lb 1320gp. (2) dagger smpl lgt/thrw wpn (1d4 c19+ *2)P|S Rng:10ft Hrd:10 HP:2, (2)1lb (2)2gp. mw cmp shortbow mrtl 2hnd rngd wpn (+1 Str) +1 (1d6+1 c20 *3)P Rng:70ft -2 atk with Str<12 Hrd:5 HP:5 2lb 450gp. Ammo: durable cold iron(cFe) & silver(Ag) WpnBlch [10] 20+5gp, Thistle [10] poi bleed 1d6r 10gp, Arrw [20] 1gp. mw studded lthr lgt armr (AC:+3, MaxDex:+5, ACP:0, ASF:15%, Mov:30) Hrd:3 HP:15 20lb 175gp. (2) bandolier(Bdlr) [8] 1gp. Spring-loaded wrist sheath(SLWS) [2]*5gp. Belt pouch. Signal whistle 0.8gp. Advtr outfit 0gp. Aegis of recovery (BondObj) [neck] +2 rst cont saves, at HP:0 (2d8+3)heal & destroyed 750gp(of 1500). Cloak of resistance +1 [shldr] 1000gp. Headband of Cha +2 [hdbnd] 4000gp. Wd Holy Symbol{Myr} 1gp. = 7747.8gp
Stowed Equip:
BP: wiz kit (mw backpack(BP)+48gp, bedroll, {belt pouch above}, flint and steel, ink & inkpen, iron pot, mess kit, soap 1/2lb, torches [10], trail rations [5]d, waterskin 4lb) 21lb 69gp. Grppl arrw Rng:30’, 2*0.5lb 2*1gp. 50’ silk rope HP:4 5lb 10gp. (2) canteen 2*4lb 4gp. (2) sack stows 60lb 2*0.5lb 1gp. Camo blnkt +2 crcm Stlth in forest or undrgrnd 2*2lb 2*12gp. Crowbar +2 crcm Str Chk force open door/chst 5lb 2gp. Folding shovel dig 2 cuft/min 12lb 10gp. mw thieves tools +2 crcm DisDev 2lb 100gp. Spellbook 370gp. = 592gp
Phelipe adv horse war trained 300gp trick(atk, come, defend, down, guard, heel), Military saddle +2 crcm stay in saddle, uncons 75% stay in saddle wt:30lb 20gp. bit & bridle wt:1lb 2gp. Saddlebags(SB) weatherproof 2*20lb stowage 8lb 4gp. cFe bear trap type:mech, Prcp:15, Tggr:loc, Reset:manl, +10 (2d6+3)dmg mov/2 and none if anchrd, Dis Dev 20, Esc Art 22, Str Chk 26, 2*10lb 2*4gp. Sack: horse feed [6] wt:60lb 0.6gp. = 334.6gp
cash: 10500 -1775 -7747.8 -592 -334.6 = 50.6gp
Traits:
T1: Fate’s Fav’d(Fth) any [luck] bonus +1 [luck].
T2: Resilient(Cmbt) +1 trt Fort.
Feats & Levels:
• F1: Wpn Fnss.
• Lvl1: Bard-Archaeologist 1. Brd Know(Ex) +([Brd/2], min 1) all Know(any) skls & may make untrained. Rplc Bardic Performance: no Brd Pfrm or Pfrm types. Spellcasting & Cantrips. Archol Luck(Ex) swft actn (+1@1, +2@5, +3@11, +4@17; 1 +[(Brd+1)/6]) [luck] Atk & wpn dmg, saves, Skl, uses [4+CHA]/d. Maintaining(successive rounds) bonus is free actn but ends if killed, paralz, stun, uncons, or prevented from taking free actn. Treated as Brd Pfrm for feat, abils, efcts, but cannot be maintained with other pfrm abilities.
• Lvl2: Wizard-Diviner(Wiz-Dvnr) 1: Arcane Spells(Int) prep’d splcstr from Rd Mag:D1 & spellbook/penned/scribed spells (incl orisons/cantrips). Spellbook: Gain spellbook with penned(learned/known, scribed) (non-opposed) cantrips, (3 +INT) First SplLvl spells then 2 each Wiz thereafter (see Magic). Spell Preparation: takes 1hr or proportional amount to fill empty slot (see Magic). BondObj(Sp)/Fmlr(Ex): choose[amulet, ring, staff, wand, weapon] and while worn[MIBS]/held cast any one (non-opposed, non-MetaMag) spellbook spl/d, without Conc (20 +SplLvl) to cast. May add magical abilities as if having appropriate magic item crafting feat at half price to mw Bond Obj{item’s material requirements are ignored}. BondObj restores to full HPs with daily spell prep. Replace (item & mw cost +200*Wiz)gp or existing magic item on day 7(if lost/destroyed) taking 8hr. ArcnSchl(opt, else U): at initial level choose school (tbd) and opposed schls (I,N) gaining school abilities. Opps’d schools req 2 SplSlots and -4 Skl when crafting magic item. Lang opt: draconic. Scribe Scroll or {PFS}SplFcs(tbd) feat. HD:d6, SplRnk:2+INT.
Diviner: Forwrnd(Su): Act in Supr rnd. +(Wiz/2) INIT, @Wiz20 roll “20”. DivnFortn(Sp): std actn tch +[Wiz/2] insgt atk, skl, abil, sv 1r uses [3+INT]/d. ScryAdpt(Su)@8: aware when observed via magic(clairaud, scry, etc), With scrying(mir sgt:D3, scrying:D4, remote view:4, sym scry:D5 ) gain 1 step more familiar, very familiar gets -10.
• Lvl2: WizBF: SplFcs(E) feat.
• F3: Point-blank Shot: Rng wpns +1(+1) ≤30ft.
• Lvl3: Bard-Archol 2. Clvr Explr(Ex)@2 +[Brd/2] Prcp, DisDev, disable in ([time/2], min 1)rnd, open lock in std actn, @6th disarm magical traps, take ‘10’ DisDev & while distracted/endangered, rplc Vers Pfrm. Uncny Dodg(Ex) as Rog Cls feature, not flt-foot’d/lose Dex to AC vs invis, rplc Well Versd.
• Abil4: Cha +1 (14).
• Lvl4: Bard-Archol 3. BrdPfrm Inspr Comp(Su). Trap Sns(Ex) stacking +(1 +[(Brd-3)/3]) Rflx sv & dodg AC vs trap as Rog Cls feature.
• F5: Precise Shot: Rng & Thrwn wpns no atk cmbt cover {-4 pnlty}.
• Lvl5: Bard-Archol 4. Rog Tlnt(Ex) choose rogue talent (Wpn Train(Wpn Fcs(dueling swd))) works as Rog. Again at [(Brd-4)/4] Lvls. Opt: Fnss Rog(Wpn Fnss), Cmbt Trck(cmbt feat), Snap Shot(INIT 20+ & Rng wpn Atk in Supr rnd only), Resil(+Brd temp HP 1 min 1/d when <0 HP), Fst Stlth(mov at full w Stlth).
• Bard Spls Kwn: 0th:6, 1st:4, 2nd:2. Spl Slots: 1st:3+1, 2nd:1+1.
• Wiz Spl Slots: 0:3, 1st:1+1.
• Spellbook #1 (53/200)pg 0(15)gp, note: free(⁰) from level gains.
Scnd(4 ): B Con:T2, Bstw Wpn Prfc:E2, Rst Enrg:A2. Tch Idiocy:E2.
First(21+5⁰ ): Prot E:A1, Shld:A1, Abund Ammo:C1, Infrnl Heal:C1, Mag Armr:C1, Unsn Srvnt:C1, Comp Lang:D1, Cult Adpt:D1, Hgtn Aware:D1, Sure Cast:D1, Techno:D1, True Strk:D1, Chrm Per:E1, Momt Grt:E1, Sleep:E1, Mag Mssl:K1, Shk Grsp:K1, Ill Calm:I1, Vansh:I1, Coin Shot:T1, Exp Rtrt:T1, Grav Bow:T1, Hide Wpn:T1, Lbrtn Cmmd:T1, Long Arm:T1, Tch ot Sea:T1.
Zero(19⁰,!I!N): Rst:A0, Acd Splsh:C0, Det Mag:D0, Det Poi:D0, Grsp:D0, Rd Mag:D0, Daze:E0, Danc Lgt:K0, Flare:K0, Lgt:K0, R Frst:K0, Spark:K0, Mag Hnd:T0, Mend:T0, Mssg:T0, Opn/Cls:T0, Scrv Chant:T0, Arcn Mrk:U0, Prstdg:U0. = Paid 370gp of 515.
===== end 5th =====
• Lvl6: Bard-Archol 5. BrdPfrm Inspr Courg(Su). LoreMstr(Ex) may take ‘10’ on Know Skl Chk with ranks and std actn take ‘20’ 1(=1+[(brd-5)/6])/d.
• F7: Varisian Tattoo (E).
comments, again - this build could go a couple of ways depending on your style but you need to watch your feat requirements - it can be tricky and invested. Rog Talents come on too late for Weapon Finesse unless you feel like retraining.
Impv'd Feint is a good feat tree but you'll need Bluff or Intmd.
Performing Combatant tree, leads to Dazzling Display, Hero’s Display, & Shatter Defenses @8. Invested!
Ofcourse there's Cmbt Exp feat tax if you are going that route.
I did not find Eldritch Heritage appealing due to the slowness and investment.
Homebrew -
IF you're a GM consider tweaking this arch. Add back in Brdc Pfrm at [1 +Brd]rnds/d for Inspire Courage targeting (CHA) allies within 30ft, Inspire Competence (each Brd Pfrm rnd lasting dur of task up to 10 min), Inspire Greatness, and Inspire Heroics using Pfrm(oratory(epic, lecture, ode, reading, speech, storytelling, etc), sing(ballad, chant, harmonizing(group), melody, opera, vocal stylist, etc)).
by Azothath
| Azothath |
see also
Azothath's Builds: Bard-Mute Musician arch 5th & 11 (mw ElyBrnz morningstar, mw comp shortbow)
Azothath's Homebrew: Bard-Mute Musician arch fix
Azothath's Builds: multiclass Wizard-Diviner 1, Bard-Archaeologist 4 {link to above, homebrew fix (suggestion) at end} (mw ElyBrnz dueling sword, mw comp shortbow)
Azothath's Bard Builds thread, 2023
> Gem halfling Bard 7. 25pt Abil. (yes, 20pt is the correct number of points for PFS...)
> Renatus samsaran Bard 7. 25pt Abil.
> Scrinyaree half-elf Bard-Archivist 7. 25pt Abil.
> Senex Socie human Bard-Archeologist 7. 25pt Abil & later 20 pt.
> Harq Alsayf Alraaqis catfolk Bard-Dawnflower Dervish 7. 25pt Abil & later 20 pt.
> Palos Gitano Flamenco dhampir Bard-Dervish Dancer 7. 20pt Abil.
+ Heather sml gnome Fighter 2, Bard-Archaeologist 5. 20pt Abil.
> Lucus Fabula sml fey(Gathlain) Bard-Filidh 7. 20pt Abil.
> Nenias Umbravati fetchling Bard-Dirge Bard 7. 20pt Abil.
> {Danseuse} Giselle Anisia Mariinsky Celje Povlova human Cleric 1 (Reymenda CG) Bard 4 & 10. 20pt Abil.
Azothath's Builds: Mage-killer build = Monk-Flowing Monk 2 Wizard-Diviner 7 (temple sword, nunchaku, tonfa, cestus, hvy crossbow) in case you want some martial ability
Azothath's Builds: Cleric-Varisian Pilgrim 1, Wizard-Diviner 4 (gladius) (gladius, cestus, hvy crossbow)
Azothath's Builds: Wizard-Spell Sage @ 5th & 11th (quarterstaff, hvy crossbow)
Azothath's Builds: Wizard-Poleiheira Adherent 8 25pt Abil. (quarterstaff, kunai, hvy crossbow)
Azothath's Builds: Sorcerer-Razmiran Priest at 5th & 11th along with a Cleric 1, Wizard 4|10 for comparison (cestus, hvy crossbow) vs (gladius, cestus, hvy crossbow)
Azothath's Builds: Cleric-Varisian Pilgrim 3, Paladin 2 (cryptstone lucerne hammer, gladius, comp longbow)
Azothath's Homebrew: Wizard archetype Vedelys (Azlanti caster)
Azothath's Homebrew: Wizard archetype Tutelary {replaces Pact Wiz(HHH)}
Azothath's Homebrew: Fighter Archetype Tribunus {somewhat a Tactician fix}
Azothath's Homebrew: Purchased Mounts and in particular horses with scaling Hit Die & Prices {rough as I've updated it}
| Mysterious Stranger |
Why bother with the level of wizard? All it really gets you is the ability to act in the surprise round, a +1 to initiate, and a +1 bonus any check a few times per day. Archeologist bards get a bonus to perception rolls; they also usually max out perception and it is a class skill. By 5th level they should have at least a +9 Perception roll. A half Elf gets skill focus as a bonus feat and keen so a half elf should have a +15 bonus to perception. That does not factor in Archeologist luck or Heroism. Once those are added you are at +20 to perception roll. The high bonus to perception rolls makes the value of being able to act in the surprise round a lot less valuable. When you are rarely if ever surprised acting in the surprise round is not important.
As a bard you can already use medium armor with no spell failure, so mage armor is worthless. By 5th level you should easily be able to afford a mithral chain shirt. That will give you the same AC all the time instead of just for an hour. Bards are a CHA based class with UMD as a class skill, so using wands is usually not a problem. Both Heroism and Archeologists luck can boost UMD. Buy a wand of Shield instead of casting it.