question about bards

[Harkoliar]

okay, here is the thing. i suddenly got the idea of making a bard character and starting a new game (with installing the acension mod as well as the soulefein mod). but i have some couple of questions actually.

1. i want my bard to be a axe specialist (for bg2 and TOB) is it possible?
2. when you are already like lvl 25, what mage level can you cast?
3. can bards backstab? if yes, can they do it with axe?

another is with my necromancer, he is already lvl 23 so i was wondering if i should dual class him to a fighter together with my bard so by the time he gets to TOB, i would have 2 tanks with one capable of lvl 9 mage spells.

[ 01-01-2003, 01:59 AM: Message edited by: Harkoliar ]

[Desuma Malevois]

Originally posted by Harkoliar: okay, here is the thing. i suddenly got the idea of making a bard character and starting a new game (with installing the acension mod as well as the soulefein mod). but i have some couple of questions actually. 1. i want my bard to be a axe specialist (for bg2 and TOB) is it possible? 2. when you are already like lvl 25, what mage level can you cast? 3. can bards backstab? if yes, can they do it with axe?

1) Bards can't (legally) specialize in any weapon, except for the blade's being allowed 3 stars in dual wielding.

2) The highest level spell a bard can cast is 6th. ToB limits casting level to 20th for purposes of damage dice, duration, etc.

3) Although I've never done it, I've heard that it is possible for bards to backstab if they've got an invisibility spell up; however, axes cannot be used to backstab.

another is with my necromancer, he is already lvl 23 so i was wondering if i should dual class him to a fighter together with my bard so by the time he gets to TOB, i would have 2 tanks with one capable of lvl 9 mage spells.

I assume you have the XP cap removed. If so, then go for it; otherwise he'll never make 24th level so you wouldn't get his spells back.

[Vedran]

Just to confirm, invisible bard can backstab.

[Harkoliar]

hmm, i have been playing with the bard blade class kit and somehow im a little disappointed with its fighting capabilities. it is now currently wielding two battle axes 3 stars on two handed fighting styles and 1 star for specialization on axes yet somehow when it comes to fighting (im currently wearing a +1 chainmail in chapter 2) i completly suck!! my bard only has a 48hp and im getting clobbered with that guy at copper coronet who challenges me for a duel and yes im also using offensive spin that time.
my str and con is 15 and my dex is 12, is it somehow affecting my combat performance? i have another fighter who has a 19 str, 18con and 18 dex and he can handle 7 opponenets at the time.. sigh.. i think its my dexterity but i was hoping to wait for the "braces of dex" to equip my bard with. oh btw, my int is also 15 so i could memorize some mage spells.

[Desuma Malevois]

Originally posted by Harkoliar: hmm, i have been playing with the bard blade class kit and somehow im a little disappointed with its fighting capabilities. it is now currently wielding two battle axes 3 stars on two handed fighting styles and 1 star for specialization on axes yet somehow when it comes to fighting (im currently wearing a +1 chainmail in chapter 2) i completly suck!! my bard only has a 48hp and im getting clobbered with that guy at copper coronet who challenges me for a duel and yes im also using offensive spin that time. my str and con is 15 and my dex is 12, is it somehow affecting my combat performance? i have another fighter who has a 19 str, 18con and 18 dex and he can handle 7 opponenets at the time.. sigh.. i think its my dexterity but i was hoping to wait for the "braces of dex" to equip my bard with. oh btw, my int is also 15 so i could memorize some mage spells.

Keep in mind that an unbuffed blade will not be as good as a fighter of the same level, although with the proper spells up (Stoneskin, Mirror Image, Tenser's Transformation) he is truly a force to be reckoned with! A high STR and DEX are just as important to a blade as to a fighter, although magic items can of course fix this. Perhaps a Draw Upon Holy Might if you have that as a Bhaalspawn power?

It would be better to use the defensive spin in the duel at the Copper Coronet - then Amalas will have a really hard time hitting you. It would be better if you could equip him with bracers or elven/bardic chainmail so he could cast spells. When I play a blade I generally like to have a heavily armored fighter in front to attract the enemy attacks, then I have the blade move in to help out.