The Charmer

Overall the Bard is not the easiest class for a beginner to play and requires good knowledge of the Bard spells. At early levels use Master's Touch while wielding a greataxe/greatsword. At higher levels when you unlock Otto's Sphere of Dancing you should change to an item that increases your Spell Focus: Enchantment and your Spell Penetration.

Basic features:
 * Great buffs and supportive spells (Haste, Rage, Heroism, Blur)
 * Useful Spells (Dimension Door, Invisibility)
 * Access to Healing Spells (later in the game Heal spell through the Spellsinger enhancements)
 * Great Crowd Control Spells
 * Variety of Songs that provide unique effects (such as SP recovery)

Race:

Human (extra feat-Mental Toughness)

Drow Elf (+2 Dex, +2 Int, +2 Cha, -2 Con)

Alignment:

True Neutral

Stats:

28 point build (Human)
 * Str 10
 * Dex 8
 * Con 16
 * Int 8
 * Wis 8
 * Cha 18

Ability Increase:

CHA

Feats:
 * Level 1 - Extend Spell, Mental Toughness
 * Level 3 - Spell Focus: Enchantment
 * Level 6 - Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment
 * Level 9 - Quicken Spell
 * Level 12 - Heighten Spell
 * Level 15 - Spell Penetration
 * Level 18 - Greater Spell Penetration
 * Level 21 - Epic Spell Penetration
 * Level 24 - Inspire Excellence
 * Level 27 - Epic Spell Focus: Enchantment

Skills:
 * UMD
 * Perform
 * Balance
 * Heal
 * Concentration
 * Jump (remaining points here)

Spells: Note: Heal and Wail of the Banshee can only be acquired if the Maestro of Life and Death enhancement has been acquired.
 * Level 1 Spells: Master's Touch, Expeditious Retreat, Focusing Chant, Detect Secret Doors
 * Level 2 Spells: Soundburst, Rage, Blur, Invisibility, Heroism
 * Level 3 Spells: Haste, Displacement, Good Hope, Remove Curse
 * Level 4 Spells: Cure Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Otto's Sphere of Dancing, Dimension Door
 * Level 5 Spells: Greater Heroism, Suggestion-Mass, Summon Monster V (Earth Elemental)
 * Level 6 Spells: Otto's Irresistible Dance, Heal, Wail of the Banshee, Charm Monster-Mass