Yep, I want to make a good character out of this oft-maligned class. How can I make the most out of this class?

Just FYI: I need the character to cover my Rogue slot in the party too.

IMO, the rest of the party determines how useful the bard will be to a large extent. A party that is very melee heavy and lighter on magic will really benefit the most (especially once the war chant of the sith is attained). So to get the most out of the bard, include one in a melee-oriented party. If you want him to cover the rogue slot, then I would go with a human for the extra skill points, and go with a high enough INT to cover the rogue skills (and at the very least also the concentration skill).

Definitely take lingering song as a feat, and then a good formula is to sing and then use a ranged weapon and repeat. I would say go with a crossbow. Try to keep him out of melee, but if that can't be avoided, put up a mirror image and consider taking/using the expertise feat to make him hard to hit (I also like the dash feat to help keep him from harm's way).

[ 11-05-2005, 06:10 PM: Message edited by: Gimli ]

Though I haven't yet used a bard, your suggestion to me on my Shoot Me thread seems like a good idea, especially in support of a decoy guy. However, you will miss out on spells that way.