Bard optimization for aberration campaign

[HarrisonRicardo]

((Sorry for my bad English))

I've been playing DnD for a while. Right now, my new DM is crazy :frown:. He got my friends into super deadly fights (mindflayers), fulled with aberrations. I'm joining the campaign in next session, starting at lvl 9 with 36k gp (my character wealth)

I need help with level builds. I've decided I'll become a bard and to become a support for my party. I've investigated and found this page (http://dictummortuum.blogspot.com/2011/08/bards-handbook.html) were it has very good ideas (like many types of string instruments to buff my party and heal them). Also I've checked mixed classes (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243367) by optimizating my bard.
I want my bard to become support, no real damage dealer nor dancing fighter or anything weird like that x.x

Any ideas? :smallsmile:

((Thanks in advance)) :tongue:

[tuesdayscoming]

There are a good number of different paths you could take for an optimized bard build.

One of the most widely recognized is through Dragonfire Inspiration. It turns your Inspire Courage bonus into nd6 bonus damage for all affected allies. A great primer on the tactic can be found here (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=8334.0).

Another solid tactic is going crossclass bard/warblade or bard/crusader, if Tome of Battle is on the table. This might be a bit more martial than you want, but you could always focus on the White Raven school of maneuvers to boost your allies even further. The Leader (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=6497.0) bard is a good example of the potential of this tactic.

edit: you might also consider going for Sublime Chord (for better spellcasting) into War Weaver (the undisputed king of party buffing spellcasters). Add in Dragonfire Inspiration to taste, and you've got a real beast of a character.

[Socratov]

if you want to be able to heal effectively, grab Healing Hymn from Complete divine (or champion), to double the heal effectws you sling around (you have heal spells) or to heal the party up in 1 night's rest...

[Shaynythyryas]

There's a feat entirely dedicated for bards to fight aberrants : Music of the Outer Spheres. (http://dndtools.eu/feats/lords-of-madness--72/music-of-the-outer-spheres--2023/)

It's not that good, but it can help.