[Amergin]

after playing through a few times as paladins, sorcerers, wild mages, but mostly fighter/thieves, i have decided to use all 20 tokens and see how good i'll look in psychedelic chain.

i've read about all the different bonuses for the different bard kits, but i'm really looking to have a poor man's fighter/mage. i don't want to gimp my lore so blade is out, and i'd much prefer to be in most fights rather than hanging at the back fondling my lute so i'm not concerned with song effects much (at least not until ToB where i hear they get a nice boost). still, a kit or standard?

not too concerned with weapon, but weapon style is an issue. granted the various elven chains end up as good as the best thief armor, but my f/t's all had decent hp's (high CON and 8 hp/lvl). this guy won't. are there any bucklers in the game that would make sword/shield style worth it? i've only seen the +1 one. next preferred is single style mostly for the AC bonus. failing any endorsements for that i'd go with dual except that so many precious points will have to spent just to make it usable (thief THAC0 with any penalties is pointless, literally).

spells. with the cap at 6th level, what role would he be best at? backup mage, casting the greater malisons and non-caster-level-dependent-effect spells like chaos? personal buffs (as with my fighter/mage) like protections and boosts? other?

fyi, i would answer this post with a snide "play the game and find out for yourself", but if you have any bard tips post that, too.