Article-At-A-Glance
- The Bard even in a singular form is renowned for being a Jack of All Trades
- Explores an application Pathfinder 1E Bard Builds for character creation and development.
- Focuses on optimizing skills and using class abilities strategically.
- Offers guidance on roleplay techniques to enhance narrative immersion.
Click on the level for more information
At level 1, this Base Bard build focuses on boosting Charisma for spellcasting and effective use of Bardic Music. The character supports the party with Lingering Performance and acts as a reliable ranged attacker with a light crossbow, enhanced by Point-Blank Shot. The build allows for many options in skill application due to Versatile Performance.
Stat Block Level 1:
Human Bard 1; Male; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8; hp 9; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk light crossbow (+1 ranged, 1d8/19-20) or dagger (+0 melee, 1d4/19-20); Full Atk light crossbow (+1 ranged, 1d8/19-20) or dagger (+0 melee, 1d4/19-20); SA Bardic Performance; SQ Bardic Knowledge, Versatile Performance, Well-Versed; AL CG; SV Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (Sing) +8, Stealth +7, Perception +4, Use Magic Device +8, Spellcraft +4; Lingering Performance, Point-Blank Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Bardic Performance provides various buffs using Perform skills.
Possessions: Light Crossbow, Chain Shirt, 20 bolts, dagger.
At Level 5, this Bard excels as a party support character, with effective battlefield control and buff capabilities. With precise use of a crossbow, they’re a competent contributor to combat and can serve secondary roles in scouting and social interaction. They bolster the party using Bardic Music and have chosen spells that enhance versatility and support potential.
Stat Block Level 5:
Bard: male, Human Bard 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8; hp 30; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk Light Crossbow +6 (1d8/19-20) or dagger +3 (1d4/19-20); Full Atk Light Crossbow +6 (1d8/19-20) or dagger +3 (1d4/19-20); SA Bardic Performance 14 rounds/day; SQ Bardic Knowledge, Versatile Performance (Sing, Dance), Well-Versed; AL CG; SV Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +5; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 19.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (Sing, Dance) +12, Stealth +10, Perception +8, Use Magic Device +12, Spellcraft +8; Lingering Performance, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload (Light Crossbow).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Bardic Performance, Lore Master 1/day.
Possessions: Light Crossbow, Chain Shirt, Dagger, basic adventuring gear.
The level 10 build focuses on enhancing Bard abilities and crossbow effectiveness. With a full array of support spells and performance based skills, this Bard excels in party buffing and minor healing. Their dexterity boosts initiative and ranged effectiveness, while Charisma powers spells and Bardic Music.
Stat Block Level 10:
Bard: Male, Human Bard 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d8; hp 70; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +7; Grp +7; Atk Heavy Crossbow +12 (1d10/19-20) or Light Crossbow; Full Atk Heavy Crossbow +12/+7 (1d10/19-20) or Light Crossbow; SA Bardic Music; SQ Bardic Knowledge, Inspire Courage +2, Inspire Competence, Suggestion, Disguise Self; AL NG; SV Fort +7, Ref +11, Will +9; Str 8, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (Sing) +18, Stealth +17, Perception +15, Use Magic Device +20, Spellcraft +15; Lingering Performance, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload (Light Crossbow), Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Bardic Knowledge grants a bonus on knowledge checks; Inspire Courage boosts allies’ combat abilities; Inspire Competence improves skill checks; Suggestion allows the Bard to cast Suggestion as a spell; Disguise Self for minor shape changes.
Possessions: Light Crossbow, Heavy Crossbow, Chain Shirt, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Cloak of Resistance +2.
At level 15, this Bard excels in buffing allies with Bardic Music while contributing to combat through skillful use of crossbow feats like Snap Shot and Crossbow Mastery. This character remains versatile in both magic and combat, effectively filling roles as a secondary healer, scout, and party face.
Stat Block Level 15:
Bard: male, human bard 15; CR 14; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8+24; hp 109; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +11; Grp +10; Atk Heavy Crossbow +19 (1d10+5/19-20 x2) or dagger +10; Full Atk Heavy Crossbow +19/+19/+14 (1d10+5/19-20 x2) or dagger +10/+5; SA Bardic Performance 25 rounds/day (move action), Snap Shot; SQ Versatile Performance (oratory, sing), Lore Master 2/day; AL CG; SV Fort +8, Ref +13, Will +10; Str 10, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (Sing) +25, Stealth +16, Perception +18, Use Magic Device +25, Spellcraft +18; Lingering Performance, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload (Light Crossbow), Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Crossbow Mastery, Weapon Focus (Heavy Crossbow), Snap Shot, Combat Reflexes.
Spells Recommended:
0th-Detect Magic, Ghost Sound; 1st-Cure Light Wounds, Grease; 2nd-Heroism, Invisibility; 3rd-Dispel Magic, Haste; 4th-Dimension Door, Shadow Conjuration; 5th-Greater Dispel Magic;
Possessions: +2 Chain Shirt, +3 Heavy Crossbow, Cloak of Resistance +2, Efficient Quiver.
A Level 20 Human Bard focused on support and ranged combat. Masters versatility with Bardic Music, offers battlefield control, healing, and acts as a party face and scout. Uses a Heavy Crossbow with Snap Shot feats for offensive contributions.
Stat Block Level 20:
Human Bard 20: male, human bard 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d8; hp 120; Init +11; Spd 30 ft.; AC 23, touch 16, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +15; Grp +15; Atk +23 melee or +24 ranged (1d10/19-20, heavy crossbow); Full Atk +23/+18/+13 or +24/+19/+14 ranged (1d10/19-20, heavy crossbow); SA Bardic Performance; SQ Versatile Performance, Well-Versed, Jack of All Trades; AL CG; SV Fort +12, Ref +17, Will +15; Str 10, Dex 21, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 24.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perform (sing) +32, Stealth +28, Perception +28, Use Magic Device +32, Spellcraft +28; Lingering Performance, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload (Light Crossbow), Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Crossbow Mastery, Weapon Focus (Heavy Crossbow), Snap Shot, Combat Reflexes, Improved Snap Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Bardic Performance for 40 rounds/day, Inspire Courage +5, Versatile Performance (dance, keyboard instrument, sing), Well-Versed, Jack of All Trades.
Possessions: Heavy Crossbow, Chain Shirt, Cloak of Resistance +5, Handy Haversack, various potions and scrolls for utility and healing.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Establish foundational abilities with Lingering Performance and Point-Blank Shot. Focus on enhancing performance durations and precise shooting capabilities. Rapid Reload improves crossbow speed, crucial in these early battles.
- Levels 6-10: Combat becomes more dynamic with Rapid Shot and Deadly Aim, boosting both attack rate and damage. Crossbow Mastery attained, shifting from Light to Heavy Crossbow, reflects growth in battle prowess.
- Levels 11-15: Snap Shot and Weapon Focus solidify your battlefield position. Combat Reflexes ensure swift responses during conflict. Spell repertoire expands, reinforcing your status as a debuffing and controlling spellcaster.
- Levels 16-20: Mastery reached through Improved Snap Shot, enhancing your threat range. Utilize full potential of Bard class with comprehensive spell and skills inventory. Thrive as a strategic supporter and offensive combatant.
Core Abilities & Features
The Jack of All Trade’s greatest strength lies in its blend of support roles and combat readiness. By focusing on Charisma, you amplify Bardic Performance and spellcasting prowess. Choosing Human as the race maximizes versatility with an extra feat and skill point. The Favored Class Bonus granting an extra spell known each level is crucial, expanding your utility.
Your build hinges on Bardic Performance. With the Maestro of the Society trait, you gain additional rounds of Bardic Music for boosting your team. Lingering Performance as a feat extends the duration of performances, making it essential to sustain the group’s morale in prolonged encounters. Precise Shot and Rapid Shot feats allow active participation in combat, turning you into a reliable combatant while hanging back with your ranged weapon.
Skills are where the Base Bard[1] shines as a jack-of-all-trades. Versatile Performance lets you use Perform in place of skills like Diplomacy or Bluff, freeing up skill points. With Stealth, Perception, Use Magic Device, and Spellcraft, you become the party’s eyes and ears, capable of handling magical items and identifying threats. This combination of singing, casting, and shooting ensures your party always benefits from your presence.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Light Crossbow, Chain Shirt | Basic starting gear offering decent defense and ranged attack capability. |
| L6-10 | +1 Light Crossbow, +1 Chain Shirt | Enhance your starting equipment for better offense and defense. Prioritize hit bonus for your crossbow for precise attack integration with feats. |
| L11-15 | +2 Heavy Crossbow, +2 Mithral Chain Shirt | The increase in crossbow damage and mithral’s light properties grants better movement and sneak capabilities, plus improved protection. |
| L16-20 | +3 Heavy Crossbow, +3 Mithral Chain Shirt, Cloak of Resistance +3 | Further enhance your weapon and armor for maximized combat efficiency; add a Cloak of Resistance for better saves against magical threats. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight corridors, this Bard capitalizes on Versatile Performance to navigate traps and hidden dangers. Use Bardic Music to boost allies’ perception, improving their ability to spot hidden foes. With a light crossbow in hand, precision shots can be taken in narrow spaces, while the chain shirt offers enough protection against ambushes.
- Open Fields:
- Here, the Bard uses the Rapid Shot and Deadly Aim feats to rain bolts on enemies from afar. Bardic Performances like Inspire Courage bolster the party’s effectiveness, while spells such as ‘Hideous Laughter’ can turn the tide against dangerous foes. With more space to maneuver, stealth becomes a powerful tool for setting ambushes.
- Ambushes:
- Reactionary trait aids in swift action, allowing the first strike in surprise encounters. Initiate combat with spells like ‘Grease’ to control the battlefield, followed by precise attacks with the crossbow. The Inspire Competence Bardic Performance further amplifies catching adversaries off-guard, enabling allies to capitalize on weakened enemy defenses.
- Defensive Stands:
- In defending positions, the Bard’s role as a battlefield controller shines. Utilize ‘Sound Burst’ to disrupt clustered attackers and maintain position. Crossbow attacks support this with steady pressure, while Inspire Courage maintains ally morale. With Combat Reflexes, punish any enemies breaching defensive lines with opportune crossbow shots.
- Urban Encounters:
- In cityscapes, the Bard’s adaptability is unparalleled. Engage crowds with spells such as ‘Charm Person’ for diplomatic resolutions, or escalate with ‘Silence’ for stealth operations. As the face of the party, negotiate confrontations, while the crossbow remains a constant deterrent. Performances subtly sway onlookers, turning public opinion in the party’s favor.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Strength | Focus on ranged attacks using feats like Point-Blank Shot and Rapid Shot to enhance damage. |
| Low HP | Utilize defensive spells such as Mirror Image and Displacement to avoid being hit. |
| Limited Spell Slots | Maximize spell effectiveness with Versatile Performance to use Perform skills instead of other skills when possible. |
| Initial slow combat influence | Early buffing with Bardic Music and defensive spells before combat begins. |
| Limited armor proficiency | Opt for Light Armor, such as a Mithral Chain Shirt (provides AC without hindering mobility). |
Roleplaying
As a Bard, embody the spirit of versatility and creativity both in roleplay and combat. Consider adopting a persona that highlights your skills as a socially adept character. Use your high Charisma to charm NPCs and sway hostile situations to a diplomatic resolution. In roleplay scenarios, think like a performer with flair, influencing others with your presence and motivation.
Seize opportunities for storytelling and performance, whether to lift morale or deceive opponents. Themes of music, art, and drama are central—intertwine them with your background. Perhaps your Bard originated as a performer in noble courts or a wandering minstrel seeking adventures. Inject humor and wit into interactions, reflecting a life of travel and cultural exposure. This can enrich the party dynamic, blending roleplaying with strategic play seamlessly.
FAQ
What makes the Jack of All Trades Bard build powerful?
The Base Bard[1]’s strength lies in its versatility. It can support allies, deal damage, and provide magical buffs. Charm Person and Inspire Courage are key features, making the Base-Bard flexible in combat. With the right spells, it can adjust to different situations. Additionally, its skills ensure the party thrives both inside and outside of battle.
How should I spend skill points as a Jack of All Trades Bard?
Diplomacy and Perform are your top priorities. Use skill points to boost these first. Next, consider skills like Bluff, Use Magic Device, and Spellcraft. These complement your Bardic abilities. Maximize skill diversity for unique problem-solving options. Having a broad skill set keeps your character useful.
What weapons should a Jack of All Trades Bard use?
A crossbow is an excellent choice for a Base Bard at early levels. It allows you to contribute to combat from a safe distance. At higher levels, consider tools like a mithral chain shirt for better defense. Focus on keeping your armor class high, while supplementing attacks with spells.
Which spells are crucial for Jack of All Trades Bards?
Focus on healing and support spells. Cure Light Wounds and Inspire Competence are essentials. Include offensive spells like Sound Burst for crowd control. Medium-level versatility comes with Heroism and Dispel Magic. Spell selection depends on your party’s needs. Adjust your spell list based on your current campaign challenges.
How do I optimize a Jack of All Trades Bard for roleplaying?
Create a rich backstory focusing on musical talent and diplomacy. Roleplay by using your charm to influence NPCs. Character development occurs through interactions and story progression. Base Bards excel in social encounters, often leading negotiations. Think about how your Bard’s goals align with the party’s. Encourage storytelling moments during gameplay.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Jack of All Trades Bard!
Try using the Base Bard[1] in your next Pathfinder game session. Join the conversation at the Stellar Dragons Discord server: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7. Share your thoughts
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Bard – The Base Bard – Pathfinder 1E ( the Base Bard )
Categories: Pathfinder 1E Bard Builds, Pathfinder 1E Character Builds
The Base Bard
As I previously mentioned, the Bard is often overlooked as a class in favor of others that have ironically more flashy abilities in terms of pure damage. Let us demonstrate how foolish they were to overlook the Bard.
Class
Bard 20
Race
We are going for Human. Put that floating +2 in Charisma. Extra Skill and Feat are useful.
Ability Scores
Throw everything into Charisma and do not look back.
15Point-Buy
Str 8/Dex 14/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 18
20Point-Buy
Str 8/Dex 15/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 19
25Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 14/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 20
Traits
Maestro of the Society gives us 3 extra Rounds of Bardic Music each day, Reactionary help our Initiative helping us buffing the party as rapidly as possible.
Favored Class Bonus
Humans have an alternative FCB giving us One Extra Spell Known per level. This.
Is. Crazy. Good.
It does need to be one spell level lower than our highest spell level but that’s fine.
Skills
So, with the Bard’s Versatile Performance, we can roll certain Perform instead of certain other skills.
With that in mind, our skills will be distributed between the following skills:
Perform (Dance, Keyboard Instrument, Sing), Stealth, Perception, Use Magic Devices and Spellcraft.
Feats by Level
1-Lingering Performance
Human Bonus-Point-Blank Shot
3-Precise Shot
5-Rapid Reload(Light Crossbow)
7-Rapid Shot
9-Deadly Aim
11-Crossbow Mastery
13-Weapon Focus(Heavy Crossbow)
15-Snap Shot
17-Combat Reflexes
19-Improved Snap Shot
Lingering Performance is so vital to the Bard that just like Power Attack for melee classes, this should be a class feature. As we are a buffer, we will stay on the rear, but it doesn’t mean we can’t contribute with the Precise Shot, Rapid Shot and Deady Aim feats. Early on we will be using mainly a Light Crossbow, therefore choosing it as our target for Rapid Reload, but as soon as we hit Crossbow Mastery, we can switch to a Heavy Crossbow.
From there, the Snap Shot line of feats allows us to threaten and do Attacks of Opportunity with our Crossbow, feeding into Combat Reflexes.
Spells gained by Level
As we are a spontaneous spellcaster, we have to choose our known spells carefully. Here is my list of recommendation gained through all levels:
- Ghost Sound, Read Magic, Lullaby, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand, Sleep, Cure Light Wounds
- Light, Summon Instrument–Abundant Ammunition
- Oath of Anonymity, Mending–Grease
- Silent Image, Allegro, Hold Person 5-Touch of Gracelessness, Invisibility 6-Vanish, Mirror Image
- Ventriloquism, Tactical Miscalculation, Glibness, Haste
- Suggestion, Jester’s Jaunt
- Urban Step, Invisibility Sphere
- Whispering Wind, Major Image, Song of Healing, Greater Invisibility
- Feather Fall, Remove Curse, Hold Monster
- See Invisibility, Freedom of Movement
- Witness, Dimension Door, Mass Suggestion, Mass Cure Light Wounds
- Shatter, Cure Critical Wounds, Seeming 15-Break Enchantment, Resonating Word 16-Amnesia, Mind Fog, Greater Shout
- Tiny Hut, Mirage Arcana, Project Image
- Persistent Image, Mass Cure Moderate Wounds
- Music of the Spheres, Greater Heroism
- Contagious Suggestion, Archon’s Trumpet, Pied Piping
Equipment
A Light Crossbow and a Chain Shirt, as your main Performance is Singing you won’t need an instrument.
Final Thoughts on the Build
We are a capable Support spellcaster, with a wide variety of buffs, debuffs, battlefield control spells, we can act as a secondary healer, and we are still contributing to combat via our Crossbow, our Bardic Music and we can readily act as both scout and face, making us a potent Jack of All Trades build!
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