Kali's Bard Swashbuckler HYBRID SWF CHA Melee/Caster build

[Urashima Taro]

So, I was thinking about giving this build a try and was thinking about going Rune Arm over Buckler. Would going Human for the bonus feat and swapping out Insightful Reflexes and Shield Specialty to grab the metamagics impact the playability of this build at all?

 

[Kalibano]

So, I was thinking about giving this build a try and was thinking about going Rune Arm over Buckler. Would going Human for the bonus feat and swapping out Insightful Reflexes and Shield Specialty to grab the metamagics impact the playability of this build at all?

Hey there,

Happy to share some thoughts

- Insightful reflexes is integral to make the 'trapper' aspect of the build work. Without it, your reflex saves and evasion would not be effective without considerable investment in DEX. This build needs CHA, CON, and INT (search and disable device), so that would be a real challenge to achieve

- Rune arm is indeed a possibility, and perhaps a bit more DPS (not done maths). I still prefer bucklers because of:

> the defensiveness it grants​

- in swash T3 = 10% dodge​

- via Shield Mastery Spec feat (PRR)​

> the CC attack it grants in swash T4: Low Blow​

> the doublestrike it grants via the Shield Mastery Spec feat​

- Ref the metamagics: I would personally not swap those 2 feats for spell power metamagics (assuming those are the ones you have in mind?). Despite being a hybrid build, melee DPS is used far more frequently than offensive spellcasting. My focus for the metamagics were quick casting and DC boosting, mainly.

- The racial choice I made is very synergistic. I suppose the 2 things I prize the most are the imbue toggle and Ash Imprisonment. I would personally not swap them for an extra feat, via the human race, to be spent on metamagics.

Hope this is helpful!

Note: I am planning to transform this build into a Dragon Lord T5/Swash using handaxes, for the strong weapon crit profile it can reach. It will take a me a good while to get all going, but it looks like it will make a fun variation with a similar playstyle to the one I have with this build.

 

[Urashima Taro]

Hey there,

Happy to share some thoughts

- Insightful reflexes is integral to make the 'trapper' aspect of the build work. Without it, your reflex saves and evasion would not be effective without considerable investment in DEX. This build needs CHA, CON, and INT (search and disable device), so that would be a real challenge to achieve

- Rune arm is indeed a possibility, and perhaps a bit more DPS (not done maths). I still prefer bucklers because of:

> the defensiveness it grants​

- in swash T3 = 10% dodge​

- via Shield Mastery Spec feat (PRR)​

> the CC attack it grants in swash T4: Low Blow​

> the doublestrike it grants via the Shield Mastery Spec feat​

- Ref the metamagics: I would personally not swap those 2 feats for spell power metamagics (assuming those are the ones you have in mind?). Despite being a hybrid build, melee DPS is used far more frequently than offensive spellcasting. My focus for the metas were quick casting and DC boosting, mainly.

- The racial choice I made is very synergistic. I suppose the 2 things I prize the most are the imbue toggle and Ash Imprisonment. I would personally not swap them for an extra feat, via the human race, to be spent on metamagics.

Hope this is helpful!

Note: I am planning to transform this build into a Dragon Lord T5/Swash using handaxes, for the strong weapon crit profile it can reach. It will take a me a good while to get all going, but it looks like it will make a fun variation with a similar playstyle to the one I have with this build.

That all makes sense. I was looking at the Spellpower Metamagics since they apply to the Rune Arms via Macrotechnic. Thanks for the in depth response.

 

[Grimstad]

I have several lives behind me and wanted to try a bard for the first time. Could you tell me how many points go into each skill at character creation, and at subsequent levels? Thanks!

 

[Kalibano]

I have several lives behind me and wanted to try a bard for the first time. Could you tell me how many points go into each skill at character creation, and at subsequent levels? Thanks!

Hey there

Hope you enjoy your first time as a bard with this build.

Below is a screenshot of the skills per level as I planned them (for the same exact numbers, you'll need a +4 INT tome, as per the build):

You can see this more closely and adapt/change if you access the DDOBuilder file for this build. You can find and download Maetrim's DDOBuilder here.

Hope this is helpful!

 

[Grimstad]

Hey there

Hope you enjoy your first time as a bard with this build.

Below is a screenshot of the skills per level as I planned them (for the same exact numbers, wou'll need a +4 INT tome, as per the build):


You can see this more closely and adapt/change if you access the DDOBuilder file for this build. You can find and download Maetrim's DDOBuilder here.

Hope this is helpful!

Awesome! Thank you so much!

 

[Kalibano]

Note:
I am contemplating the possibility of transforming this build into a Dragon Lord T5/Swashbuckler using hand axes, for the strong weapon crit profile it can reach:

15-20/x5 ​

→ Critical threat range​

Base​

> 20: Hand Axes​

Feats​

> +1 feat bonus: 'Improved Critical: Slashing' (feat)​

Heroic enhancements/spells​

> +2 competence bonus: Bard's 'Swashbuckling* [C3]' {base bonus}​

> +2 competence bonus: Bard's 'Swashbuckling* [C3]' {*doubled bonus if you have the IC feat}​

= 15-20​

​

→ Critical damage multiplier​

Base​

> x3: Hand Axes​

Heroic enhancements/spells​

> +2 competence bonus: Dragon Lord's 'Conqueror [T5]'​

= x5​

→ Crit damage multiplier boosts = +1​

Epic Destinies​

> +1 on 19-20 rolls: Fatesinger's 'Blade Song [T5]'​

= x6​

​

→ Expanded Vorpal threat range = +1 (19-20)​

Feats​

> +1: 'Perfect Single Weapon Fighting' (feat)​

​

I have not done any detailed planning, just brainstorming some possibilities:
> Bard 15/Dragon Lord 5?
> Bard 14/Dragon Lord 6?
Either option would remove the trapping aspect of the build.

> Bard 12/Dragon Lord 6/Rogue 2?

Perhaps removing the bard + the caster hybrid aspects completely, and being fully melee focused?
> Dragon Lord 15/Bard 3/Rogue 2?

Perhaps leave this build as is, since it's great fun to play, and make a new alt?

Whichever choice I take, it would take a me a while to get this properly planned + at endgame in the live game, but it looks like it will make a fun variation with a slightly similar playstyle to the one I have now.

In the meantime, below are notes ref U66 changes for the build as it currently is:

---

U66 changes (updated in the forums and DDOBuilder file)
Basically no active changes required for this build.

> The key passive changes all seem positive:

• Fatesinger
  • Core abilities now grant +15 HP
  • DC for Discord abilities (melee/ranged) is now 20 + highest mod + stun DC
  • DC for Discord (spell) is now 20 + highest of int/wis/cha + evocation DC
  • Little bit of Music and Master the Acoustics have swapped places in the tree

• Shadowdancer
  • Core abilities now grant +15 HP and +25 SP.

• Machrotechnic
  • The cooldowns of the Hammer Time spells and the damaging Epic Strikes have swapped places - leaving the Sonic and Electric Epic Strikes at 10 seconds and the Hammer spells at 15 seconds.

All in all, the build is good to go as is Enjoy!

 

[droid327]

> Bard 12/Dragon Lord 6/Rogue 2?

Think that's the way to go. No need to reinvent the wheel, a 12/6/2 is still optimal. Bard has great spells in L4, junk in L5, but you cant get to L6 (16 Bard) without giving up T5 Dlord, which defeats the purpose, so no reason to push to Bard 13-14-15

So might as well keep trapping and Core 4 Swash/Core 3 Dlord + Rav, while still getting 3 L4 Bard spells (FOM, CCW, DDoor, Disco)

 

[Frantik]

With all due respect (to you and your many interesting builds) I think I would set up the Trees differently as I see the build as being a support role, a cc and non-aggro damage dealer:

I'd also go 18/1/1 with Bard/Rogue/Clr or FvS
Heroic: Spellsinger (40 AP) all the way for Mass Hold Monsters, the spell DCs and all the nice adds. At least 16 AP into Feydark for +2 CHA, CHA to hit, YGMB and +3 Spell Pen. I would dump TA. 4 AP into War Priest/Soul. 18 AP min. into SB for first 3 cores, doublestrike Action Boost, movement speed and deflect arrows etc. The rest is up to you. You'll get a lot of your melee damage from Epics. I'd even go as far to suggest to go Chaotic Neutral and I think I'd try and fit in Arcane Insight somehow.

I used 65 ED points as per your build... I swapped Machro for Draconic as I like Coalescence a LOT combined with Harmonic Resonance and I'd be using Horn of Thunder SLA and Greater Shout on CD. Pianissimo and Cover of Darkness provide -65% Threat from all sources which I think is what Bards need. And to top it all an enlarged Mass Hold Monsters

Fatesinger (38)
Core 1
Tier 1 (4) - Epic Strike, Harmonic Resonance,
Core 2
Tier 2 (7) - Pianissimo III, Mantle, Discord
Core 3
Tier 3 (9) - Rhythm to Reign III, Magic of Music III (Evocation), Masquerade III
Core 4
Tier 4 (7) - Majesty, Arcane Resonance, Very Very Vocal, Enlarge
Tier 5 (7) - all of them

Shadowdancer (17)
Core 1
Tier 1 (6) - cover of darkness III, Technician III,
Core 2
Tier 2 (3) - Lithe III
Core 3
Tier 3 (5) - Shadowstriker, Enchantment DCs III

DI (10)
Core 1
Tier 1 (5) - Perception II, Dragonhide III
Core 2
Tier 2 (3) - Coalescence III

Anyway thats my 5 cents, and did me some good taking a break from reading the Servers are Down doom page.

Thanks for the ideas!

 

[Kalibano]

With all due respect (to you and your many interesting builds) I think I would set up the Trees differently as I see the build as being a support role, a cc and non-aggro damage dealer:

I'd also go 18/1/1 with Bard/Rogue/Clr or FvS
Heroic: Spellsinger (40 AP) all the way for Mass Hold Monsters, the spell DCs and all the nice adds. At least 16 AP into Feydark for +2 CHA, CHA to hit, YGMB and +3 Spell Pen. I would dump TA. 4 AP into War Priest/Soul. 18 AP min. into SB for first 3 cores, doublestrike Action Boost, movement speed and deflect arrows etc. The rest is up to you. You'll get a lot of your melee damage from Epics. I'd even go as far to suggest to go Chaotic Neutral and I think I'd try and fit in Arcane Insight somehow.

I used 65 ED points as per your build... I swapped Machro for Draconic as I like Coalescence a LOT combined with Harmonic Resonance and I'd be using Horn of Thunder SLA and Greater Shout on CD. Pianissimo and Cover of Darkness provide -65% Threat from all sources which I think is what Bards need. And to top it all an enlarged Mass Hold Monsters

Fatesinger (38)
Core 1
Tier 1 (4) - Epic Strike, Harmonic Resonance,
Core 2
Tier 2 (7) - Pianissimo III, Mantle, Discord
Core 3
Tier 3 (9) - Rhythm to Reign III, Magic of Music III (Evocation), Masquerade III
Core 4
Tier 4 (7) - Majesty, Arcane Resonance, Very Very Vocal, Enlarge
Tier 5 (7) - all of them

Shadowdancer (17)
Core 1
Tier 1 (6) - cover of darkness III, Technician III,
Core 2
Tier 2 (3) - Lithe III
Core 3
Tier 3 (5) - Shadowstriker, Enchantment DCs III

DI (10)
Core 1
Tier 1 (5) - Perception II, Dragonhide III
Core 2
Tier 2 (3) - Coalescence III

Anyway thats my 5 cents, and did me some good taking a break from reading the Servers are Down doom page.

Thanks for the ideas!

Thanks a bunch for sharing your variant of this build: This is most welcome indeed

It's not quite the playstyle I am going for, but nevertheless very interesting too!

A version I really enjoy of a spellsinger bard is this build in my repository. I'm close to updating the post and images with the U66 changes. build is now fully updated.

 

[HighLordPudding]

Thank you for including the download file and the detailed notes on your build. Just what I am looking a Melee bard. thanks again

 

[HighLordPudding]

also a suggestion for trapping. If you ahve the ingredients, make a Legendary Green Steel Intelligence skills item. With all 3 tiers it is a +39 to search and disable.

It can be difficult to make these days as Legendary Shroud is not run as much, but if you can make it, it is a great swap item for trapping

 

[Kalibano]

Update: Magic of Myth Drannor Ultimate Bundle
An additional racial tome has been added to the build, bringing the total number of heroic action points to 84.
Images updated: Heroic trees

• Spellsinger (-1 point spent, new total 23):
  • T4: 1 rank of Arcane Aid (1 AP) removed
• Swashbuckler (+2 points spent, new total 39):
  • T5: Thread the Needle (2 APs) added

---

This seems the perfect opportunity to migrate my DDOBuilder files from version 1 to the new version 2, because:

• I will have to update every single build in my repository to include 1 extra racial action point
• Maetrim has indicated in this thread he is planning to discontinue support for V1 in the near future.

Links for this build updated in the original post (also below for ease of access).

*DDOBuilder (v2) file for this build. You can find and download Maetrim's DDOBuilder (v2) here.
* I've found some errors with v2, so keeping the v1 file ? for a bit longer, even though it seems to be lagging behind the live game.
DDOBuilder (v1) file for this build. You can find and download Maetrim's DDOBuilder (v1) here.

Enjoy!
.

 

[Jasparius]

Note:
I am contemplating the possibility of transforming this build into a Dragon Lord T5/Swashbuckler using hand axes, for the strong weapon crit profile it can reach:

15-20/x5 ​

→ Critical threat range​

Base​

> 20: Hand Axes​

Feats​

> +1 feat bonus: 'Improved Critical: Slashing' (feat)​

Heroic enhancements/spells​

> +2 competence bonus: Bard's 'Swashbuckling* [C3]' {base bonus}​

> +2 competence bonus: Bard's 'Swashbuckling* [C3]' {*doubled bonus if you have the IC feat}​

= 15-20​

​

→ Critical damage multiplier​

Base​

> x3: Hand Axes​

Heroic enhancements/spells​

> +2 competence bonus: Dragon Lord's 'Conqueror [T5]'​

= x5​

→ Crit damage multiplier boosts = +1​

Epic Destinies​

> +1 on 19-20 rolls: Fatesinger's 'Blade Song [T5]'​

= x6​

​

→ Expanded Vorpal threat range = +1 (19-20)​

Feats​

> +1: 'Perfect Single Weapon Fighting' (feat)​

​

I have not done any detailed planning, just brainstorming some possibilities:
> Bard 15/Dragon Lord 5?
> Bard 14/Dragon Lord 6?
Either option would remove the trapping aspect of the build.

> Bard 12/Dragon Lord 6/Rogue 2?

Perhaps removing the bard + the caster hybrid aspects completely, and being fully melee focused?
> Dragon Lord 15/Bard 3/Rogue 2?

Perhaps leave this build as is, since it's great fun to play, and make a new alt?

Whichever choice I take, it would take a me a while to get this properly planned + at endgame in the live game, but it looks like it will make a fun variation with a slightly similar playstyle to the one I have now.

In the meantime, below are notes ref U66 changes for the build as it currently is:

---

U66 changes (updated in the forums and DDOBuilder file)
Basically no active changes required for this build.

> The key passive changes all seem positive:

• Fatesinger
  • Core abilities now grant +15 HP
  • DC for Discord abilities (melee/ranged) is now 20 + highest mod + stun DC
  • DC for Discord (spell) is now 20 + highest of int/wis/cha + evocation DC
  • Little bit of Music and Master the Acoustics have swapped places in the tree

• Shadowdancer
  • Core abilities now grant +15 HP and +25 SP.

• Machrotechnic
  • The cooldowns of the Hammer Time spells and the damaging Epic Strikes have swapped places - leaving the Sonic and Electric Epic Strikes at 10 seconds and the Hammer spells at 15 seconds.

All in all, the build is good to go as is Enjoy!

If you were going 14 Bard, 6 DL do you go for a Str based build? I assume its very different because CC is out of the question and the spells would be more buff/heal focussed ?

 

[Kalibano]

If you were going 14 Bard, 6 DL do you go for a Str based build? I assume its very different because CC is out of the question and the spells would be more buff/heal focussed ?

Hey Jasparius,

Not done proper planning for this at all, and likely to be a while until I can because of MD + updating several builds with destiny points and feats + a recent Warlock TR.

Having said so, what I really want to achieve is a build as similar as possible to what I have now: CHA-based but using Handaxes rather than shortswords.

My current build is a hybrid: melee combat + enchantment DCs, in very broad/basic terms. With MD, there might be a possibility of squeezing more evocation DCs, but won't know for sure until all the planning is done.
Cut The Strings alone makes investment in enchantment well worth it, it's super cool, but there is also Otto's sphere, Mind Fog, Crushing Despair, and single-target Hold monster.
Evocation is not mandatory, but since the build invests in Sonic spell power because of the imbue toggle, might as well throw a few sonic spells here and there. Fatesinger made this aspect more attractive with the healing upon casting Shout / G Shout / Echoes of Discord (even if the spells end up only doing half-damage to mobs).

Bard 14/15 can cast all spells up to level 5, and basically only miss out on level 6 spells. The biggest loss is Otto's Irresistible and Greater Shout, but this can be somewhat mitigated with Greatest Shout SLA from Fatesinger.

I would really miss not being a trapper. Will definitely consider the possibility of Bard14/DL5/Rogue 1 (or Dark Hunter, or Artificer)

What's looking rather tricky are the heroic enhancements:

• T5 needs to be Dragon Lord for the crit multi for Handaxes: that's bye bye to Coup de Grace, which is a shame
• points spent in Acrobat can be taken fully away, since haste boost will be in DL
• ideally, I'd like to try and grab Swash up to T4 Low Blow, but min T3 for 'Skirmisher' (to be able to use buckler + SWF) and CHA to dmg
• Spellsinger needs to stay, for the spell DCs, but might need to sacrifice the HP regen song and some DCs and spend a bit less points
• Tiefling Scoundrel provides the imbue and Ash Imprisonment, but if needed, can be reduced to just a few points spent (until more racial lives). Swashbuckler also offers a sonic imbue, and without all the upgrades from the Scoundrel cores, it might be stronger than the Scoundrel imbue.

The above is literally off the top of my head, no deep planning, simply what I am likely to aim for. Hope it's somewhat useful

 

[WielderofGigantus]

Hey Kali, you mention in your build that you use Bloodsong, is there a reason why you use that instead Resonant Arms, considering Resonant Arms deals more consistent damage and only loses out when the enemy is less than 25% HP?

 

[Kalibano]

Hey Kali, you mention in your build that you use Bloodsong, is there a reason why you use that instead Resonant Arms, considering Resonant Arms deals more consistent damage and only loses out when the enemy is less than 25% HP?

Hey there.

I've not done the maths for this, quite likely your observation is accurate.

I suppose my reasoning is as follows:

• This alt has been a swash bard for ages. If my memory serves me well (and I could be wrong ofc) , prior to the imbue toggle revamp, I believe Bloodsong used to grant extra dmg at those three % hit point stages, and they would stack with the previous stage, so at 25% or less, you'd be doing 3 separate sonic damage ticks.
• I spend 11 APs in the racial tree to get Ash Imprisonment, and on the way to get there, I find the cores worth taking because of the nice spell power bonuses. So I end up with the fully upgraded imbue toggle 'for free'
• Since the imbue revamp, I've thought about swapping to Resonant Arms, but AP are quite tight on this build
• maybe the main reason (at least for my gaming experience), is that mobs die so fast that I end up benefiting from the 50% and 25% imbue die very often, to potentially not notice the difference as much
• I don't solo endgame often: for those who solo often, I'd also say Resonant Arms is likely to be a stronger option.

That's it really

 

[Asterphen]

I have run swashbuckler on my last three lives over the past few months. All with hand axe and buckler to get the 15-50 X5 grit profile. I have run:
half elf 13 bard/5 barbarian/2 rogue
SDK 12 rogue/ 5 DL/3 bard
SDK 9 rogue/8 DL/3bard

I feel the SDK 9/8/3 version has been the strongest out of the three. With dragon roars for CC, effects on the hand axes for more CC, guard breaking on the buckler, 3 x second wind and unquenchable rage for the heals, and Quick cutter and chains for the dmg I have been impressed with the character. I have run with full trap skills, and I have not missed the bard levels at all. I needed the rogue lives, but now that I have completed heroic completionism, I can move on to some racial lives. Unfortunately I will miss the chains especially in heroics before I get quick cutter. The chains have such a wide and effective are especially against passive foes. I was thinking about running a swashbuckler build for some racial lives too. Again, I will miss the chains, but I was thinking about 15DL/3bard/2rogue. I worry even with the full trap skills and roar it will be very back loaded. Without the chains, the AOE attacks don't come online till quick cutter. I can't imagine it levels like a dog without chains, but I don't think it will be the bees knees either. I really like the swashbuckler build as an endgame/raid melee focused build. For my racial past live journey, I might rotate through the past life inquisitive build, the R.O.B.O.T build, and a swashbuckling variant. All are a bit self sufficient with heals, traps, damage, and cc.

I am certainly elite, but I found this to be a very fun progression. It also isn't a meta build, but I don;t think I have the time or energy to squeeze out a meta build. I am just happy to solo r3 and hold my own in raids.

Dragon roar and or other CC + quick cutter & chains + fully upgraded char (DC 110 paralyze from unleash the lightning) with 15-20 X x 6 is quite a crowd cleanser. I feel like I clear a room just like a nuking sorcerer.

FWIW, the biggest problem I found having more bard levels than anything else was in raids. Other players saw my bard icon asking for songs. I passed out my wimpy songs, but they were expecting songs with bigger bonuses. My swashbuckling bard did not sing major buffs.

 

[Frantik]

You have deviated from the OP by quite a lot

I find Kalibano's builds extremely detailed and well-thought out. You could try a version for one life run (just to shake things up)... if you love chains (and who doesn't?) maybe go more as the OP and SDK bard 18 rogue 2. Yes, SDK can only start on CHA 16 which isn't ideal, but for somebody who may have a lot of end gear those 2 DCs will limit you only on high reaper end game. Depending on the number of racial AP you have, 18 into SDK, 11 min into Feydark, 40 into Spellsinger and the rest into Swash... its even doable on a first life with 80 AP. Scion of Feywild. Mass Hold Monsters makes life soooo easy, and you have so much more cc as a Spellsinger its crazy good.

 

[Asterphen]

Yes, I did deviate. You are correct in that Kalibano has very detailed builds. So... this is kind of a narrative my journey which can prove to be a confirmation of Kalibano's build. I didn't feel like I had to the time or energy to follow his plan. I did not do it justice. I thought I could be in for a penny, in for a pound, but it did not prove to be the case. Kalibano reminds frequently that he has details and specifics that compromise the effectiveness if the plan is not followed. My results were compromised and I feel to lowest common denominator of melee swashbuckler. I didn't see enough success with the insta-kill part of my bard, so I just focused on melee insta-kill and never looked back. I have never run a full bard for probably 10 or so years. I went the lazy route, and feel ok about it. Yes, I could complete quests just fine, even solo'd a bit, but I never reached lofty heights. The good news is for Kalibano is that my experience is but evidence of his builds. I have fun running R1, but with strategies like Mass Hold Monsters and the CC in Spellsinger, I could have pushed higher reaper skulls. Perhaps one day, I will keep my naive hubris uncheck and run the build as suggested and then I will learn how much I should have regretted my mistakes. I am not planning on hitting bard or anything bard adjacent for a bit, so I have time to think about it. I appreciate Kalibano's insights, and as well as the conversations as a result of his build posts. Even though I deviated, I do feel like I have benefited from the knowledge and experience shared in this thread which is why I chose to throw my two cents in.