[3.5] Optimizing Bard

[Cazo]

I heard here (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?PHPSESSID=374a6c25e9d2328466d3460f3b52e4 36&topic=4890.0) that bards could be optimized to be quite powerful. However, I don't understand how. Can anyone point me to useful feats/spells from splatbooks that are great for bards?

[noiadodh]

get the prc sublime chord (complete arcane)

[Thrice Dead Cat]

Outside of core (and Sublime Chord getting 9th level spells), use Song of the White Raven and multiclass into Warblade (and/or Crusader) (Tome of Battle). Use Song of the Heart (Eberron Campaign Setting), Inspirational Boost (Spell Compendium), and Badge of Valor (Magic Item Compendium) to get Inspire Courage to silly levels.

Next, take Dragonfire Inspiration (Feat, Dragon Magic) to turn the +X to hit/damage into +Xd6 fire damage.

[Anonanimal]

Look here (http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19869994/Bard_Inspire_Courage_Optimization) and here (http://www.enworld.org/forum/d-d-3rd-edition-rules/185372-inspire-courage-optimization.html) for Inspire Courage optimization. It can get pretty ridiculous--somewhere around +12d6 elemental damage on each attack, for all of your allies.