Hello all.

I am breeding about a flavor build and could need some input (other than, ''reroll noob!''). This build is not from a max. dps point of view, instead it should provide versatile combat abilities, like switching between melee and ranged, while using Fascinate for cc and solo support. I post the general idea, if it turns out to be ee viable I can figure out the details.

Race: Elf

Class: 12 Brd/ 6 Rgr/ 2 FvS

Elf for racial weapon training. Rapier/Longsword/Longbow line.

12 Brd for Spellsinger core musics, to get Fascinate for all trash mob types possible in DDO.

6 Rgr for Manyshot + add. TWF, skill points and favored enemy, some spells.

2 FvS for Divine Might. I wanted to level up CHA, but I guess I could get Fascinate DC high enough without max. CHA to amke everything pick noses in ee. So, assuming CHA dumped, with tome + items + augments it might be enough STR bonus anyway. Or not?

The idea is to make everything fascinated, then trust on dodge + displacement + 2 freezing ice weapons (CiTW Longsword) to pick out enemies one by one. I decided against Evasion intentionally. Divine Might and switching between ranged/melee should be possible by playskill to make Evasion nice but not a must have.

With the Swashbuckler I kinda have troubles now, whether my idea (based on the old bard trees) is too much effort compared to the Swashbuckler now or not.

I know about fascinate and its problems with group dynamics but that shall not be any factor.

I just wonder if it was easier to have a 20 Bard Swashbuckler for example, who could do the very same combat style + full spellcasting + Evasion. I read about a 12 Brd/ 6 Ftr/ 2 Rog Stalwart based Swashbuckler as well, but I favor many skill points and versatility. Since I can push fascinate to 110+ without too much effort, I thought Stalwart defender splash will not be necessary. Or will it?

Usually I like to try out something till I hit the wall, but with the Bard I kind of feel overwhelmed by class split choices and all. Any input for or against my basic idea is appreciated.

Thanks in advance 

p. s.:
If I went Swashbuckler, racial weapons were limitted to Rapier, since I focused on DEX to dmg. and Weapon Finesse instead of Divine Might. bard spells were support only then and Fascinate + CdG the only insta kill/cc option.

Angry wrote on Jul 8^th, 2014 at 3:15am:

Spells: I will choose Extend Spell for Displacement on a multiclassed toon needs to be extended. So lvl. 12 buffs will be enough. Rgr spells are for teh lolz and early levels, depending on level order.

Dumped CHA: I wanted to use fascinate in all ee.s, though. With starting CHA of 8 I will reach 24 (+5 tome +1 exceptional + 2 insightful +8 augment). That's only + 7 STR bonus. Looks a bit meager.

Melee: this is essential. With Rgr I wanted to build up the TWF line since I got the 2st feat for free.