ToB SPOILER (DO NOT READ IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ABOUT ToB YET!!!)
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That all changes when they hit 20th level (if you have Throne of Bhaal installed). Their bard song gets replaced with the Enhanced Bard Song (bard gets -10AC and +10%MR; party gets +4 to hit & damage, -4AC, immunity to fear, stun, confusion, and normal weapons). They also gain access to additional special abilities that thieves have, including Use Any Item (allows the bard to use ANY item in the game, regardless of class or alignment restrictions).
However, to get to that point, you have to play from levels 7 to 20 with their piddly bard abilities. About their only saving grace is the ability to identify items easily. Skalds are not too bad (find the Melodic Chain +3 and he is a decent backup fighter). Not sure about Blades (I don't know if they get the Enhanced Bard Song due to their restrictions; anyone know on this?).
In general, I don't have the patience to play through with a bard (I would be tempted to use Shadowkeeper to boost him up
).
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Death is only the beginning...