Bard Build

rhymere

Trying to build a support build. Mostly a team buffer, passive healer, passive shielder that can do middling damage but is mostly just there to play tunes. Any critique to my build would be appreciated.

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Ranged Damage)
v3.44:36

Super Stats
Level 6: Presence (Primary)
Level 10: Recovery (Secondary)
Level 15: Constitution (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Witch (Con: 10, Int: 8, Pre: 10, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Lasting Impression (Pre: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 9: Showmanship (Ego: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 12: Negotiator (Int: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Diplomatic (Int: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 18: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 21: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Power Bolts
Level 1: Rebuke (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Overdrive
Level 8: Medical Nanites (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Imbue
Level 14: Hyper Voice (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 17: Iniquity (Rank 2, Justice)
Level 20: Sonic Device (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 23: Expulse (Rank 2, Expel)
Level 26: Inertial Dampening Field
Level 29: Force Shield (Rank 2, Force Sheathe)
Level 32: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 35: Thundering Return
Level 38: Power Chord (Rank 2, Rock Concert)
Adv. Points: 35/36

Travel Powers
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations
Presence: Repurpose (3/3)
Presence: Selfless Ally (2/2)
Presence: Brilliance (3/3)
Presence: Moment of Glory (2/3)
Sentinel: Eternal Spring (2/2)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (3/3)
Sentinel: Rejuvenated (2/3)
Sentry: Precise (3/3)
Sentry: Sentry Aura (3/3)
Sentry: Persevere (2/2)
Sentry: Reinforce (2/2)
Mastery: Presence Mastery (1/1)

Devices

flowcyto

Yea, I'd prob replace IDF as the form/toggle- maybe just w/ Compassion. I may also replace the AO w/ something like Illumination or Infernal's Wisp w/ the Guide adv. I'd prob also include an ally res in there. Also, Overdrive scales more w/ End than Rec. I also assume you'll be playing this in the Support role (though you could use Hybrid if solo, to help make up for the build's low personal dps), and not the Ranged dps role. If using the Wisp, you could also change to Conjuring as the EU (and to Int SS), since the Wisp (or Illumination's debuff form) roll it pretty easily. Here's a quick edit to it:

(Unnamed Build) - Freeform (Support)
v3.44:36

Super Stats
Level 6: Presence (Primary)
Level 10: Intelligence (Secondary)
Level 15: Constitution (Secondary)

Talents
Level 1: The Witch (Con: 10, Int: 8, Pre: 10, Rec: 10)
Level 6: Lasting Impression (Pre: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 9: Negotiator (Int: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 12: Quick Recovery (Con: 5, Rec: 5)
Level 15: Diplomatic (Int: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 18: Shrug It Off (Con: 5, Pre: 5)
Level 21: Healthy Mind (Con: 5, Int: 5)

Powers
Level 1: Power Bolts
Level 1: Rebuke (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Compassion
Level 8: Medical Nanites (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Iniquity (Rank 2, Justice)
Level 14: Will-o'-the-Wisp (Guide, Ghost Fire)
Level 17: Conjuring
Level 20: Hyper Voice (Rank 2, Rattle)
Level 23: Expulse (Rank 2)
Level 26: Redemption (Rank 2, Salvation)
Level 29: Force Shield (Rank 2)
Level 32: Resurgence (Rank 2)
Level 35: Thundering Return
Level 38: Power Chord (Rank 2, Rock Concert)
Adv. Points: 34/36

Travel Powers
Level 6:
Level 35:

Specializations
Presence: Repurpose (3/3)
Presence: Selfless Ally (2/2)
Presence: Moment of Glory (3/3)
Presence: Force of Will (2/2)
Sentinel: Eternal Spring (2/2)
Sentinel: Caregiver (3/3)
Sentinel: Sentinel Aura (3/3)
Sentinel: Moment of Need (2/3)
Sentry: Precise (3/3)
Sentry: Sentry Aura (3/3)
Sentry: Fortify (2/2)
Sentry: Reinforce (2/2)
Mastery: Presence Mastery (1/1)

The Wisp can proc Conjuring and buff/debuff, while Rebuke can be a basic long-ranged nuke and heal, Iniquity can burst heal allies and heal groups, Hyper Voice can AoE and debuff, and you also have Expulse's healing rune and the Ult for buffing. Gears mostly for Pres, w/ some Con and Int.

rhymere

thanks flow, I'll try this out as soon as some stuff sells and I can rebuild

flowcyto

Alright; hope the build works well for you 8)

rhymere

flowcyto wrote: »

Alright; hope the build works well for you 8)

So far its the most fun ive ever had playing support and I'm looking forward to powerchord!

flowcyto

Cool! Yea, it should be even more fun once you get the Ult and you can rock out while buffing your allies.

superalfgorn

Just note that if you wish to keep IDF, you need to put full ranks into it since it's not a form that stacks.

Most are not fans of it for its relatively small effects, its energy cost, and the cost in ranks, but I personally find it cool.

flowcyto

Yeah, IDF does have a nice visual, and it can be okay in more niche stuff like defensive pet builds, I guess. But its poor scaling, not returning energy, not boosting dmg_healing, and taking ranks all really hurt it compared to a normal toggle/form.