Jerry the God Slaying Ninja Bard

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Jerry the God Slaying Ninja Bard





Disclaimer:  This Build is a Theoretical Optimization Build.  It is not to be taken seriously.  It is specifically and solely designed to FUKE out the nova potential at level 30 in regards to a dual wielding (Ranger), Death Dealing (PP), Multi-Classing, Minor Actioning, Eternal Seeking Engine of Doom.

3 words - 2400 point Nova

Why?  Because Jerry Can.

Enjoy.

NOTE: There will be those who will think the Death Dealer power Slaying Action does not work this way.  Rest assured I have done the research and according to the Rules Compendium it works as I plan to demonstrate.


Special Thanks:

obtusehobbit - 
for keeping it real
Koval - for listening to me expound till 2am even tho the build was initially broken
LDB - for obvious reasons.
 


Hi there.  My name is Jerry DrakeSong.  But you can call me Jerry.  My whole life I’ve never quite been able to decide just what it is I wanted to do.  I always had a knack for tunes and a quick comeback... so I thought hey, why not ply my trade as a Bard?  I suppose I was ok at it.  But I wasn’t great at it.  I’m an easy going guy, not hard on the eyes, clever in a pinch.  Maybe I’m just not that darn likeable.  But I tell you what I am good at, I’ve always been what you would call ambitious... so I figured hey, let’s try a bit of everything and see what happens!  Well one thing led to another and then I figured I could do all kinds of things.  Need an arcane script read?  Check.  Lock picked?  Check.  Tell if your lying, greet a king, or maybe strike up a vigorous religious debate?  Check¸check, check.  But what I’m really great at…  well let’s just say you wouldn’t want to make me angry.  You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.


 

Build Premise

Jerry DrakeSong is a Strength build Bard who will go on to Multi Class into Ranger, Rogue, Barbarian, and Monk.  Ranger is for the Powers and Dual Wielding, Rogue is for the Death Dealer PP, Monk is for qualifying for Bountiful Seconds, Barbarian just because.  Lastly Jerry is an Eternal Seeker.  This will allow him to obtain all the crucial Ranger attack powers necessary in Epic, as well as take advantage of the Master of Moments Epic Destiny Feature Bountiful Seconds which will lets him utilize an additional minor action per turn.  Whereas LDB’s excellent Time Bomb build is geared towards taking as many minor actions as possible, Jerry is more geared to optimizing his attacks, regaining important Encounter Standard action attacks, dishing out a fair amount of minor action attacks in a given round, and relying on using his Standard Action Encounter Powers to deal an impressive amount of damage. 



I used to have a level by level for Jerry back when I entertained thoughts of him being a viable character thru Heroic and Paragon.  Ah the noob is strong with this one.

Maybe someday.

Level  30 snapshot

Jerry DrakeSong, level 30
Human, Bard, Death Dealer, Eternal Seeker
Build: Valorous Bard
Bardic Virtue: Virtue of Valor
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Wand)
Seeking Destiny: Bountiful Seconds
Human Power Selection: Heroic Effort (HotFL)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 28, Con 17, Dex 17, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 14.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 20, Con 11, Dex 13, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.



AC: 45
Fort: 44
Reflex: 41
Will: 42
HP: 174
Surges: 10
Surge Value: 43


TRAINED SKILLS
Diplomacy +22
Arcana +20
Perception +21
Insight +24
Athletics +32
Bluff +22
Acrobatics +23
Thievery +23
Nature +21
Stealth +23


UNTRAINED SKILLS
Dungeoneering +17, Endurance +19, Heal +17, History +16, Intimidate +18, Religion +16, Streetwise +18


FEATS
Bard: Ritual Caster
Human: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard sword)
Level 1: Versatile Expertise
Level 2: Two-Blade Warrior
Level 4: Novice Power (retrained to Warrior of the Wild at Level 29)
Level 6: Sneak of Shadows
Level 8: Armor Proficiency: Scale
Level 10: Adept Power
Level 11: Improved Defenses
Level 12: Two-Weapon Fighting
Level 14: Two-Weapon Defense
Level 16: Improved Initiative (retrained to Superior Initiative at Level 21)
Level 18: Weapon Focus (Heavy Blade)
Level 20: Vistani Heritage
Multiclass Mastery: Monastic Disciple
Multiclass Mastery: Berserker's Fury
Level 21: Multiclass Mastery
Level 22: Martial Mastery
Level 24: Headsman's Chop
Level 26: Epic Will
Level 28: Rending Tempest
Level 30: Vistani Foresight


POWERS
Bard at-will 1: Cutting Words
Bard at-will 1: Vicious Mockery
Bonus At-Will Power: Heroic Effort
Monastic Disciple: Stone Fist Flurry of Blows
Seeker's Lore: Rune of the Hero's Resolve
Bard encounter 1: Inspiring Refrain (retrained to Precise Assault at Novice Power)
Bard daily 1: Slayer's Song
Bard utility 2: Concerted Effort
Bard encounter 3: Charger's Call
Bard daily 5: Word of Mystic Warding
Bard utility 6: Synchronicity
Bard encounter 7: Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade
Bard daily 9: Thunder Blade
Bard utility 10: Chant of Accuracy
Bard encounter 13: Earthquake Strike (replaces Charger's Call)
Bard daily 15: Whispers of the Dream King (retrained to Blade Cascade at Adept Power) (replaces Slayer's Song)
Bard utility 16: Haste
Bard encounter 17: Word of Vulnerability (retrained to Untamed Outburst at Novice Power) (replaces Inspiring Refrain)
Bard daily 19: Satire of Prowess (replaces Word of Mystic Warding)
Bard utility 22: Cherub's Song
Bard daily 25: Cruel Cage of Steel (replaces Thunder Blade)
Eternal Seeker Utility 26: Seeker's Lore (Rune of Hero's Resolve)
Bard encounter 27: Hurricane of Blades (replaces Earthquake Strike)
Bard daily 29: Ultimate Confrontation (replaces Satire of Prowess)


Magic Items (Expected GP = 14,625,000):

L30 (3,125,000 gp): +6 Torc of Power Preservation (AV2)
L29 (2,625,000 gp): +6 Battlecrazed Bastard Sword (AV)

L29 (2,625,000 gp): Ring of Free Time (AV2)
L29 (2,625,000 gp): Crown of Victory (AV )
L26 (1,125,000 gp): +6 Imposter’s Spirit Mail (AV)
L26 (1,125,000 gp): Iron Armbands of Power (Epic Tier) (AV)

L25 (625,000 gp):  Belt of Titan Strength (PHB)
L24 (525,000 gp): +5 Battlecrazed Bastard Sword (AV)
L18 (85,000 gp): Gauntlets of Destruction (PHB)
L16 (45,000 gp):  Javelin +4
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L15 (25,000 gp): Sapphire Scabbard (AV)
L12 (13,000 gp): Stone of Earth (AV)

L11 (9,000 gp): Dice of Auspicious Fortune (D 381)
L8 (3,400 gp): Boots of Quickness (Heroic Tier)
L3 (680 gp): +1 Blood Scimitar (AV 2)

TOTAL:  14,606,080

Discussion:
Time to Kill.






Level 30 God Slaying Ninja Nova

Level 30 Nova

Turn 1 (Setup):


 No Action – Synchronicity - +5 Initiative


+38 Initiative


Move Action – Approach the Target


Minor Action – Chant of Accuracy +2 Power Bonus to attacks till EONT


Minor Action -Hunter's Quarry 

Standard Action – Ultimate Confrontation (+28 with Lucklender Javelin +4/+26 if you use the charges/use your rolls in Dice of Auspicious Fortune)

Turn 2 (Action):

Free Action – Item Daily Power: Belt of Titan Strength


Free Action – Berserker’s Fury +2 damage till end of encounter


Free ActionRing of Free Time gain a minor action


Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+37 vs. Fort) ---------------------normal minor action
•    3d10+3d6+ 36 damage, reroll all 1’s


ACTION POINT – gain Standard Action - Regain Nonchalant Collapse via Martial Mastery - +2 Damage to each Damage Die via Death Dealer


ACTION POINT – gain Standard Action


Standard Action – Cruel Cage of Steel (+42/+41 vs. AC) --- Normal Standard Action
•    5d10+3d6+52 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    6d10+3d6+53 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    6d10+3d6+53 damage, reroll all 1’s


Ring of Free Time Minor Action – Rune of Hero’s Resolve


 Rune of Hero’s Resolve Standard ActionBlade Cascade (+40/+39 vs AC with CA)


•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+57 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+57 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+58damage, reroll all 1’s


 Minor Action – Nonchalant Collapse (+39 vs. Fort) ----------------Bountiful Seconds minor action
•    8d10+3d6+57 damage, reroll all 1’s


Move/Minor Action - Haste

Standard Action – Hurricane of Blades (+40 vs. AC with CA)--------------Action Point Standard Action 1
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s


 Free Action – Regain Hurricane of Blades via Torc of Power Preservation+5


 Standard Action – Hurricane of Blades (+40 vs. AC with CA) -------------Action Point Standard Action 2
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s


 Standard Action – Untamed Outburst (+42/+41 vs. AC) -------------Haste Standard Action
•    8d10+3d6+58 damage, reroll all 1’s
•    8d10+3d6+57 damage, reroll all 1’s


 Stone Fist Flurry of Blows - 12


Total Damage: 148d10+60d6 (+120 via Death dealer)+1131 damage, reroll all 1’s (2,379 average damage)


Damage Bonuses:
+10 power (Belt of Titan Strength)
+9 (Strength)
+6/+5 offhand enhancement (+6/+5 weapon)
+6 item (Iron Armbands of Power)
+3 feat (Weapon Focus)
+1 Two-Weapon Fighting
+2 Berserker’s Fury


 Situational Damage Bonuses

+5 Headman’s Chop – when prone after Nonchalant Collapse
+2 per Damage Die after Action Pointing  –so 8d10 = +16 damage to the rolls


58/57

 To Hit Breakdown
+36 Base
+2 Chant of Accuracy
+2 CA (when prone)
40 with CA

I like how you used expected GP for a campaign with a character that is completely unplayable before epic.
aww thats just mean.  Actually Jerry is quite playable and I will soon be posting his by level breakdown.  In fact Jerry is my character of choice for our online Character Optimization Testing Map tools Campaign.  Im sure my fellow adventurers will let me know if I'm not pulling my weight.  Thanks for the feedback!
I like how you used expected GP for a campaign with a character that is completely unplayable before epic.

He's definately playable at different levels. Just be patient for the level-by-level build. Contribute in a positive way, or just don't comment at all.

I like it MC. Was a little skeptical at first (a hybrid Ranger|Bard isn't the most common of builds) but it came together rather nicely. I'll post some actual analysis when I get the chance. Nice work though.
Nice MC, but what's with you and these damned MC'd Bards?! Lol!

See you on Skype!
RIP George! 4-21-11 RIP Abie! 1-2-13
Funny Forum Quotes
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The standard d4 is somewhat (SOMEWHAT) rounded on the top, the older models are even flat. The Lego is shaped in such a way that in an emergency, you can use one as a makeshift surgical knife.
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63797881 wrote:
82733368 wrote:
28.) Making a "Drunken Master" style character (Monk or otherwise) does not require my character to be completely shitfaced, no matter what the name (and fun interpretation) implies.
29.) Making a "Drunken Master" style character does not require ME to be completely tanked, no matter how "in-character" I want to be..
Nice MC, but what's with you and these damned MC'd Bards?! Lol!



They speak to me!  Thanks man :D

Nice - one problem though:  Martial Mastery cannot recharge Hurricane of Blades, as it is a Primal power, not a Martial Power.

For additional thoughts on this style of nova, you might want to check the quick build I did in the DPR king thread, page 91 or so; comes out to about 3300 damage on my nova round, although I use Vistani Foresight instead of using my PP on Adroit Explorer. 
Nice - one problem though:  Martial Mastery cannot recharge Hurricane of Blades, as it is a Primal power, not a Martial Power.

For additional thoughts on this style of nova, you might want to check the quick build I did in the DPR king thread, page 91 or so; comes out to about 3300 damage on my nova round, although I use Vistani Foresight instead of using my PP on Adroit Explorer. 



damn ah good point... will adjust accordingly

Bah this means I will have to pick Torc of power Preservation after all... Bye Bye Uber inititative sigh
Use Fast Hands to swap out gear in set up round?
I hate to rain on your parade but half-elves do not qualify for human-only paragon paths. Dual heritage only qualifies you for the purpose of racial feats, as per the PHB:

"Dual Heritage: You can take feats that have either elf or human as a prerequisite (as well as those specifically for half-elves), as long as you meet any other requirements." 

Bold emphasis mine. 

1) I do qualify for Adroit Explorer... is legal in CB

2) Switched out gear... Nova is legit...

3) Will need to figure out set up round for the javelin/Range attack... thoughts?

Wait... Isn't Adroit Explorer Human only? I thought Half-elves only qualified for human feats?
Wait... Isn't Adroit Explorer Human only? I thought Half-elves only qualified for human feats?

That is correct. Just a mistake on the CB.

1) I do qualify for Adroit Explorer... is legal in CB






No

1) I do qualify for Adroit Explorer... is legal in CB




No



Wonderful so what you mean is the character builder is incorrect.  Looks like Im switching to human... bye bye twin strike... sigh.  Oh well AB will be a point higher at least, and an extra feat.

I can't imagine how you plan on being competent on heroic. I hope you don't intend to just rely on Majestic Word, your Utility powers, and BMAs.

1) I do qualify for Adroit Explorer... is legal in CB




No



Wonderful so what you mean is the character builder is incorrect.  Looks like Im switching to human... bye bye twin strike... sigh.  Oh well AB will be a point higher at least, and an extra feat.


You could go with the hybrid Bard/Ranger you had before. Even though you wouldn't be able to MC that much, it still gives access to Twin Strike. I don't know, just a thought.
Ok changes made.  Thanks everyone for the comments/suggestions/critiques.  Build is legal now (I think).  I will be posting the Level breakdown soon.

Items Addressed

Obviously Jerry is now Human
Quick Draw Added for Nova switch out with Ultimate Confrontation
Heroic Levels more competent

Again thanks everybody!
Also keep in mind you will be critting on 17-20 range so that should open a slew(?) of Melee basic attacks via Two-Weapon Opening.


You only get 1 free action attack / round.
DPR King Candidates 3.0
How much damage should I shoot for?
You're fired : 1 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .2 KPR Fair Striker : 2 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .4 KPR Highly Optimized : 3 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .6 KPR Nerfbat please : 4 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .8 KPR It's OVER 9000!!!!!: 5 Kills Per 5 Rounds = 1+ KPR
DPR? KPR? KP4R? Bless you
DPR = Damage Per round ~= Chance to hit * damage on a hit KPR = Kills Per Round. 1 Kill = 8*Level+24 damage = DPR/(8*level+24) KPNR = Kills Per N Rounds. How many standards can you kill in N rounds?
I like how you used expected GP for a campaign with a character that is completely unplayable before epic.


He's not completely unplayable.  He's just as good as any other bard.  Think of the usefulness of elan, then apply that to him, only give him an 18 str instead of an 18 cha.

At least he has a good MBA thus in heroic he can take advantage of charging. 
DPR King Candidates 3.0
How much damage should I shoot for?
You're fired : 1 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .2 KPR Fair Striker : 2 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .4 KPR Highly Optimized : 3 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .6 KPR Nerfbat please : 4 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .8 KPR It's OVER 9000!!!!!: 5 Kills Per 5 Rounds = 1+ KPR
DPR? KPR? KP4R? Bless you
DPR = Damage Per round ~= Chance to hit * damage on a hit KPR = Kills Per Round. 1 Kill = 8*Level+24 damage = DPR/(8*level+24) KPNR = Kills Per N Rounds. How many standards can you kill in N rounds?
4E Bards are far from useless unlike 3.5 Bards like Elan. The only problem is that with a lowish CHA, most of the Bard powers will be unreliable, so you are stuck using MBAs and charging in heoric.

4E Bards are far from useless unlike 3.5 Bards like Elan. The only problem is that with a lowish CHA, most of the Bard powers will be unreliable, so you are stuck using MBAs and charging in heoric.



So charging in heroic, enough power swap feats to sustain you in paragon, and epic rechargeness.  All right, doable.
DPR King Candidates 3.0
How much damage should I shoot for?
You're fired : 1 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .2 KPR Fair Striker : 2 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .4 KPR Highly Optimized : 3 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .6 KPR Nerfbat please : 4 Kills Per 5 Rounds = .8 KPR It's OVER 9000!!!!!: 5 Kills Per 5 Rounds = 1+ KPR
DPR? KPR? KP4R? Bless you
DPR = Damage Per round ~= Chance to hit * damage on a hit KPR = Kills Per Round. 1 Kill = 8*Level+24 damage = DPR/(8*level+24) KPNR = Kills Per N Rounds. How many standards can you kill in N rounds?
Also keep in mind you will be critting on 17-20 range so that should open a slew(?) of Melee basic attacks via Two-Weapon Opening.


You only get 1 free action attack / round.



Darn that's right... freaking Errata, I thought it just couldn't spawn on itself... Might be worth dropping Two Weapon opening then? 

Thanks for the support Borg!  Means a lot.
Personaly, I don't see the character as being hopeless in heroic, if you could focus on charging or using a bow with Surprise/Double Arrows for hitting with a lower Cha...
@ Grey_Warden:  Thanks dude... I stuck with the single class option and it seems to be working out.  I have to admit this build was not easy.  I almost gave up several times, especially with the set backs due to my ignorance/faith in the Character Builder

@RavenQueenBlade: I have to agree with you.  Granted this is a Char OP experiment to the highest degree, but several posters are correct... If I'm going to actually play this build then I need to ensure that I am not dead weight in heroic (literally!).  I think most of the points regarding this character's legitmacy have already been aptly pointed out, so i will not be rendundant.  Thank you!
@ Grey_Warden:  Thanks dude... I stuck with the single class option and it seems to be working out.  I have to admit this build was not easy.  I almost gave up several times, especially with the set backs due to my ignorance/faith in the Character Builder

@RavenQueenBlade: I have to agree with you.  Granted this is a Char OP experiment to the highest degree, but several posters are correct... If I'm going to actually play this build then I need to ensure that I am not dead weight in heroic (literally!).  I think most of the points regarding this character's legitmacy have already been aptly pointed out, so i will not be rendundant.  Thank you!



Related. In late heroic my Rogue gave the Bard a +1 Targeting Hand Crossbow (edit: he may have transfered this to Greatbow) and kept its bowquiver resupplied with a couple of Surprise bolts  and a Double Bolt (painted in neon, glow it the dark paint ALPHA STRIKE) for use with Arrow of Warning or with a RBA/At-Will. It was always a party pleaser, esp. if he Action pointed and followed it with Focused Sound.
Personally, If I were going to do somethign like this in a real game, I'd max CHA, be a standard bard in heroic, then then take daring blade instead of adroit explorer so that all the ranger attacks key of CHA. You'd lose a big chung of nova potential, but it would be much less painful to level up.
Personally, If I were going to do somethign like this in a real game, I'd max CHA, be a standard bard in heroic, then then take daring blade instead of adroit explorer so that all the ranger attacks key of CHA. You'd lose a big chung of nova potential, but it would be much less painful to level up.



Originally that was the entire idea.  I started out as a DragonBorn Bard/Ranger Hybrid with the intent of daring Blade/Master of moments.  However problems kept arising that made the build less viable and more importantly less fun.  I have a high appreciation for the Bard in general as well as the Daring Blade PP.  However given what I was trying to do (generate a completely different approach to a Striker/Nova with an extremely unlikely class) I am happy with the way this one is turning out.  I think that this builds utility and average DPR/striker potential is being highly over shadowed by it's less than spectacular heroic career.  Things should start to happen in paragon.  Thanks for the input!
Ok well I dug up ole Jerry because I think I have an interesting concept to share.  Ya Ya hes a TO build but note the synergy between the Death Dealer PP and my standard Ranger Blood Cheese.  It is interesting enuff to merit a mention.

Besides being entirely 5th wheel in Heroic/Paragon the Cannon is legit (I think).
You're missing a level 23 encounter power and a level 26 utility power from your build. Also, your starting strength is 20, not 18.

You can't use Torc of Power +5 (Level 25) to reuse Hurricane of Blades (a level 27 power). You could use a Torc of Power +3 (level 15) to bring back Blade Cascade (level 15 power) though.

Just some things I noticed.
Don't believe everything you think Ranger.jpg
Thanks for the tips.  The Encounter Power I neglect to take in lieu of lower level powers.  The Utility Power is Seeker's Lore (Rune of Hero's Resolve).  Corrected the starting STR.  Replaced the Torc to a +6 weapon (Level 30) unfortunately Blade Cascade is a Daily.  Not sure how I missed that.  Thanks!

Oh nice horse!
I built this as described, but I get lower defenses than you indicate.

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Jerry DrakeSong, level 30
Human, Bard, Death Dealer, Eternal Seeker
Build: Valorous Bard
Bardic Virtue: Virtue of Valor
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Wand)
Seeking Destiny: Bountiful Seconds
Human Power Selection: Bonus At-Will Power

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 28, Con 17, Dex 17, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 14.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 11, Dex 13, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.


AC: 43 Fort: 42 Reflex: 38 Will: 40
HP: 174 Surges: 10 Surge Value: 43

TRAINED SKILLS
Bluff +22, Arcana +20, Insight +21, Athletics +31, Diplomacy +22, Perception +21, Nature +21, Thievery +22, Acrobatics +22, Stealth +22

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Dungeoneering +17, Endurance +18, Heal +17, History +16, Intimidate +18, Religion +16, Streetwise +18

FEATS
Bard: Ritual Caster
Human: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard sword)
Level 1: Versatile Expertise
Level 2: Two-Blade Warrior
Level 4: Novice Power
Level 6: Sneak of Shadows
Level 8: Armor Proficiency: Scale
Level 10: Adept Power
Level 11: Paragon Defenses
Level 12: Two-Weapon Fighting
Level 14: Two-Weapon Defense
Level 16: Improved Initiative
Level 18: Weapon Focus (Heavy Blade)
Level 20: Vistani Heritage
Multiclass Mastery: Monastic Disciple
Multiclass Mastery: Berserker's Fury
Level 21: Multiclass Mastery
Level 22: Martial Mastery
Level 24: Headsman's Chop
Level 26: Epic Will
Level 28: Rending Tempest
Level 30: Vistani Foresight

POWERS
Bard at-will 1: Cutting Words
Bard at-will 1: Vicious Mockery
Bonus At-Will Power: War Song Strike
Monastic Disciple: Stone Fist Flurry of Blows
Seeker's Lore: Note of Aggression
Bard encounter 1: Inspiring Refrain
Bard daily 1: Slayer's Song
Bard utility 2: Concerted Effort
Bard encounter 3: Charger's Call
Bard daily 5: Word of Mystic Warding
Bard utility 6: Synchronicity
Bard encounter 7: Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade
Bard daily 9: Thunder Blade
Bard utility 10: Chant of Accuracy
Bard encounter 13: Earthquake Strike (replaces Charger's Call)
Bard daily 15: Whispers of the Dream King (retrained to Blade Cascade at Adept Power) (replaces Slayer's Song)
Bard utility 16: Haste
Bard encounter 17: Word of Vulnerability (retrained to Untamed Outburst at Novice Power) (replaces Inspiring Refrain)
Bard daily 19: Satire of Prowess (replaces Word of Mystic Warding)
Bard utility 22: Cherub's Song
Bard encounter 23: Berserker's Shout (replaces Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade)
Bard daily 25: Cruel Cage of Steel (replaces Thunder Blade)
Bard encounter 27: Hurricane of Blades (replaces Earthquake Strike)
Bard daily 29: Ultimate Confrontation (replaces Satire of Prowess)

ITEMS
Ritual Book, Adventurer's Kit, Torc of Power Preservation +6, Ring of Free Time (epic tier), Battlecrazed Bastard sword +6, Belt of Titan Strength (epic tier), Gauntlets of Destruction (paragon tier), Magic Javelin +4, Boots of Quickness (heroic tier), Crown of Victory (epic tier), Iron Armbands of Power (epic tier), Sapphire Scabbard (paragon tier) (2), Stone of Earth (paragon tier), Dice of Auspicious Fortune (paragon tier), Imposter's Spiritmail +6, Battlecrazed Bastard sword +5, Blood Fury Scimitar +1
RITUALS
Glib Limerick, Traveler's Chant
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Don't believe everything you think Ranger.jpg
I cannot get the defences that high either. I think something is missing here, but I am not sure what.  Instead of paragon defenses you can take Improved Defences and end up with a +2 in paragon each and +3 in epic.

I also think you are miscalculating the damage you get from Death Dealer...

I count 202 (maybe up to 210 possible if you use sneak attack and quarry damage) damage die that will be rolled after the first AP (assuming everything hits).  At +2 per roll that is 404 (maybe up to 420) extra damage just from Death Dealer.  I am not sure if you are adding this in somewhere else or not.  You mention (+120 in your write up).

Also, heroic effort is in place of the extra at-will power. I do not think you can have both at the same time.
Ok a few things:

On your rewrite of the build you didn't retrain to Robust defenses, which I didn't have on the build... so this went into my initial defenses tally and then tacked one on for Improved Defenses.  So I changed the build to reflect Improved Defenses.  So Fortitude is correct.

Reflex is one higher than your getting because again Improved Defenses, and I don't believe the latest CB update is adding in Two Weapon Defense to either Reflex or AC.

The Will was a mistake because I still had the Eye of Awareness equipped as before I was using a Charm of Abundant action to spend the 2nd AP and undortunately I need it in my hand when I spend the second AP so it kinda messes with the nova as I need to regain a power via Martial Mastery (I'm attacking before I spend the second AP and I dont use Quick Draw and the Scabbards wont help Quci Draw the item) so I had to stick with the Crown of Victory strategy that was originally listed.  So long story short the Will was off by 2.  I fixed it. 
Here's my CB summary


Jhereg DrakeSong, level 30
Human, Bard, Death Dealer, Eternal Seeker
Build: Prescient Bard
Bardic Virtue: Virtue of Prescience
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Wand)
Seeking Destiny: Bountiful Seconds
Human Power Selection: Bonus At-Will Power


FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 28, Con 17, Dex 17, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 14.


STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 11, Dex 13, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.



AC: 44 Fort: 43 Reflex: 39 Will: 41
HP: 174 Surges: 10 Surge Value: 43


TRAINED SKILLS
Diplomacy +22, Arcana +20, Perception +21, Insight +24, Athletics +32, Bluff +22, Acrobatics +23, Thievery +23, Endurance +23, Stealth +23


UNTRAINED SKILLS
Dungeoneering +17, Heal +17, History +16, Intimidate +18, Nature +17, Religion +16, Streetwise +18


FEATS
Bard: Ritual Caster
Human: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard sword)
Level 1: Versatile Expertise
Level 2: Two-Blade Warrior
Level 4: Novice Power
Level 6: Sneak of Shadows
Level 8: Armor Proficiency: Scale
Level 10: Adept Power
Level 11: Paragon Defenses (retrained to Robust Defenses at Level 22)
Level 12: Two-Weapon Fighting
Level 14: Swift Footwork
Level 16: Improved Initiative (retrained to Superior Initiative at Level 21)
Level 18: Weapon Focus (Heavy Blade)
Level 20: Vistani Heritage
Multiclass Mastery: Monastic Disciple
Multiclass Mastery: Berserker's Fury
Level 21: Multiclass Mastery
Level 22: Martial Mastery
Level 24: Headsman's Chop
Level 26: Epic Will
Level 28: Rending Tempest
Level 30: Vistani Foresight


POWERS
Bard at-will 1: Cutting Words
Bard at-will 1: Vicious Mockery
Bonus At-Will Power: War Song Strike
Monastic Disciple: Stone Fist Flurry of Blows
Seeker's Lore: Rune of the Hero's Resolve
Bard encounter 1: Inspiring Refrain (retrained to Precise Assault at Novice Power)
Bard daily 1: Slayer's Song
Bard utility 2: Concerted Effort
Bard encounter 3: Charger's Call
Bard daily 5: Word of Mystic Warding
Bard utility 6: Synchronicity
Bard encounter 7: Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade
Bard daily 9: Thunder Blade
Bard utility 10: Chant of Accuracy
Bard encounter 13: Earthquake Strike (replaces Charger's Call)
Bard daily 15: Whispers of the Dream King (retrained to Blade Cascade at Adept Power) (replaces Slayer's Song)
Bard utility 16: Haste
Bard encounter 17: Word of Vulnerability (retrained to Untamed Outburst at Novice Power) (replaces Inspiring Refrain)
Bard daily 19: Satire of Prowess (replaces Word of Mystic Warding)
Bard utility 22: Cherub's Song
Bard daily 25: Cruel Cage of Steel (replaces Thunder Blade)
Bard encounter 27: Hurricane of Blades (replaces Earthquake Strike)
Bard daily 29: Ultimate Confrontation (replaces Satire of Prowess)


ITEMS
Ritual Book, Adventurer's Kit, Gauntlets of Destruction (paragon tier), Dice of Auspicious Fortune (paragon tier), Stone of Earth (paragon tier), Battlecrazed Bastard sword +6, Crown of Victory (epic tier), Belt of Titan Strength (epic tier), Ring of Free Time (epic tier), Boots of Quickness (heroic tier), Imposter's Elderscale Armor +6, Charm of Abundant Action (epic tier), Iron Armbands of Power (epic tier), Ring of Heroic Insight (epic tier), Torc of Power Preservation +6, Battlecrazed Bastard sword +5
RITUALS
Create Campsite, Comrades' Succor



Heroic Effort was meant to sub out War Song Strike - made that more clear on the sheet.

There was a small error in the damage count as i added the bonus for 8d10 attacks to the Cruel Cage of Steel attacks which were only 5d10/6d10/6d10 - so that's 14 damage off...  was my mistake for adding the weapon bonus damage that way instead of a whole number like the Battlecrazed die damage, a simpler breakdown would be as follows:

148d10 = 296 extra damage
60d6=120 extra damage

416 extra damage
You can only use one action point per encounter. It's in the rules compendium. Just thought I'd point this out.
You can only use one action point per encounter. It's in the rules compendium. Just thought I'd point this out.





And Charm of Abundant Action lets him spend another one.
You can only use one action point per encounter. It's in the rules compendium. Just thought I'd point this out.



And Charm of Abundant Action lets him spend another one.



Yup.  Have been off for a while didn't see Crowboy's post, thanks for the defend!

You can only use one action point per encounter. It's in the rules compendium. Just thought I'd point this out.



And Charm of Abundant Action lets him spend another one.



Yup.  Have been off for a while didn't see Crowboy's post, thanks for the defend!


I am jumping into an existing campaign that is level 29 (will be 30 by the middle of the session) and love the concept here. I had played in this campaign in heroic and paragon as a Valorous bard but had to take several months off due to life and am coming back in just for the last session or two. I am going give Jerry a whirl and see how it plays.

I do not have an encycolpedic knowledge of all the myriad of power/feat combo effects with any acharacter especially a level 30 guy.

Can anyone walk me through a couple rounds of this builds awesomeness just to ensure I can get max effect out of him and surprise my friends at the table?

Maybe a couple different scenarios based on whether we are against a BBEG or  some lesser battles?

I appreciate the help and I will definately post feedback about the build and how the **** went down.
Here is what I have...interesting to note that the CB would not allow me to take Armor Prof-Scale so I had to house-rule it in. Anyone know why that would be?

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
The Nowhere Man, level 30
Human, Bard, Death Dealer, Eternal Seeker
Build: Prescient Bard
Bardic Virtue: Virtue of Prescience
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Versatile Expertise: Versatile Expertise (Wand)
Seeking Destiny: Bountiful Seconds
Human Power Selection: Bonus At-Will Power

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 28, Con 17, Dex 17, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 14.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 11, Dex 13, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12.


AC: 44 Fort: 43 Reflex: 39 Will: 41
HP: 174 Surges: 10 Surge Value: 43

TRAINED SKILLS
Bluff +22, Arcana +20, Insight +24, Athletics +32, Diplomacy +22, Perception +21, Acrobatics +23, Thievery +23, Stealth +23, Endurance +23

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Dungeoneering +17, Heal +17, History +16, Intimidate +18, Nature +17, Religion +16, Streetwise +18

FEATS
Bard: Ritual Caster
Human: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard sword)
Level 1: Versatile Expertise
Level 2: Two-Blade Warrior
Level 4: Novice Power
Level 6: Sneak of Shadows
Level 8: Armor Proficiency: Scale
Level 10: Adept Power
Level 11: Paragon Defenses (retrained to Robust Defenses at Level 22)
Level 12: Two-Weapon Fighting
Level 14: Swift Footwork
Level 16: Improved Initiative (retrained to Superior Initiative at Level 21)
Level 18: Weapon Focus (Heavy Blade)
Level 20: Vistani Heritage
Multiclass Mastery: Berserker's Fury
Multiclass Mastery: Monastic Disciple
Level 21: Multiclass Mastery
Level 22: Martial Mastery
Level 24: Headsman's Chop
Level 26: Epic Will
Level 28: Rending Tempest
Level 30: Vistani Foresight

POWERS
Bard at-will 1: Vicious Mockery
Bard at-will 1: Cutting Words
Bonus At-Will Power: War Song Strike
Monastic Disciple: Stone Fist Flurry of Blows
Seeker's Lore: Rune of the Hero's Resolve
Bard encounter 1: Inspiring Refrain (retrained to Precise Assault at Novice Power)
Bard daily 1: Slayer's Song
Bard utility 2: Concerted Effort
Bard encounter 3: Charger's Call
Bard daily 5: Word of Mystic Warding
Bard utility 6: Synchronicity
Bard encounter 7: Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade
Bard daily 9: Thunder Blade
Bard utility 10: Chant of Accuracy
Bard encounter 13: Earthquake Strike (replaces Charger's Call)
Bard daily 15: Whispers of the Dream King (retrained to Blade Cascade at Adept Power) (replaces Slayer's Song)
Bard utility 16: Haste
Bard encounter 17: Word of Vulnerability (retrained to Untamed Outburst at Novice Power) (replaces Inspiring Refrain)
Bard daily 19: Satire of Prowess (replaces Word of Mystic Warding)
Bard utility 22: Cherub's Song
Bard encounter 23: Berserker's Shout (replaces Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade)
Bard daily 25: Cruel Cage of Steel (replaces Thunder Blade)
Bard encounter 27: Hurricane of Blades (replaces Earthquake Strike)
Bard daily 29: Ultimate Confrontation (replaces Satire of Prowess)

ITEMS
Ritual Book, Battlecrazed Bastard sword +6, Battlecrazed Bastard sword +5, Adventurer's Kit, Imposter's Elderscale Armor +6, Ring of Free Time (epic tier), Ring of Heroic Insight (epic tier), Belt of Titan Strength (epic tier), Torc of Power Preservation +6, Crown of Victory (epic tier), Gauntlets of Destruction (paragon tier), Boots of Quickness (heroic tier), Iron Armbands of Power (epic tier), Dice of Auspicious Fortune (paragon tier), Stone of Earth (paragon tier), Charm of Abundant Action (epic tier)
RITUALS
Create Campsite, Comrades' Succor
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now I need to make a lvl 29 version which will start the session before graduation to 30. feats and powers are easy enough to scale back but what about magic items? Anything I can't live without or definately will have to scale back at 29?
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