Bard-type character (3.5)

[watchwood]

I'm rolling up a character in a game I'm in, and I could use some oppinions on my idea. I'd like to play a character who's able and willing to mess with people, in and out of combat. It occured to me that a Bard would be a fairly solid choice, and I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for PrCs/Feats/etc along those lines that'd be useful for such a character.

[Volos]

Master Manipulator from PHBII. Not only can you distract the guards by talking to them as your fellow party members sneak past, but if you ever need to interogate someone you are more effective than torture and can get the answer out of someone in just under a minute. It's your diplomacy (easily buffed skill, by both skill synergy and other means) versus the opponent's bluff. If you win, they reveal their lie and the reason why they were lying. Great way to mix things up outside of combat.

[gorfnab]

Human Bard 7/ Mindbender 1/ Virtuoso 2/ Sublime Chord 2/ Virtuoso 8
1. Nymph's Kiss, Melodic Casting
3. Wanderer's Diplomacy
6. Master Manipulator
9. Mindsight
12. Doomspeak
15. Captivating Melody
18. Lingering Spell, Lyric Spell, Versatile Spellcaster, Imperious Command, or some other feat possibly metamagic

I would also suggest reading through the Bard's Handbook.

[MeeposFire]

Bard is a great choice as is beguiler.

Do you want to buff by song and better weapon attacks or use more spells and skills?

[gorfnab]

Bard is a great choice as is beguiler.

A Beguiler build would be Whisper Gnome Beguiler 5/ Mindbender 1/ Beguiler 2/ Shadowcraft Mage 5/ Shadowcrafter 7 or Whisper Gnome Beguiler 5/ Mindbender 1/ Beguiler 2/ Shadowcraft Mage 5/ Shadowcrafter 2/ Nightmare Spinner 5

[Sdonourg]

You can also try Jester instead of Bard, if you want to focus more on debuffing.