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GROBNAR, M CG ROCK GNOME BARD 9
Grobnar is not an obviously overpowering character. He's definitely a weaker archer than Bishop, and definitely the weakest spellcaster amongst the joinable companions. Grobnar's real power lies in his Bardic music, some of which can tip combat well in the party's favour in a dramatic way. That's not to say you can't mix in a bit of archery or spellcasting as the occasion warrants. It's just that it is Grobnar's ability to buff party members, and de-buff the opposition at the same time that provides his signature. Some of the details for that will be provided just below.
Stats
Skills
Grobnar's skill development emphasizes Concentration, Craft Alchemy, Craft Armor, Lore, Perform, Tumble and Use Magic Device.
The Curse Song is arguably the most potent ability that Grobnar brings to the table. The power of the Curse Song will be directly proportionate to Grobnar's Perform rank. There's a limit on some of the debuffs inflicted by the Curse Song, but continuing to pump up the Perform rank will continue to increase the sonic damage that the song causes when it's first activated. It therefore goes without saying that the Perform skill is the linchpin for Grobnar, and that items that provide a bonus to Perform (the bonuses will stack) are of the utmost priority for Grobnar.
Feats
Starting Feats: Combat Casting, Curse Song, Extra Song, Lingering Song.
Grobnar already has two of what he needs. The maximum debuffs of the Curse Song on all enemies within 30 feet are -3 attack, -3 damage, -3 saving throws and -5 armor class. Lingering Song will make the debuff effects of the Curse Song, and the effects of any other Bard song Grobnar elects to throw in, last 15 rounds. The Curse Song will also inflict sonic damage on all enemies within 30 feet when it is first used, with the damage increasing in proportion to the Perform skill rank.
12th level: Armor Proficiency (Medium) - This feat, in combination with Battle Caster, allows Grobnar to wear medium armor without ever having to worry about arcane spell failure.
15th level: Battle Caster - This is to enable Grobnar to cast arcane spells while wearing medium armor without any chance of arcane spell failure. There is a scale armor that I have in mind for him.
18th level: Craft Magic Arms and Armor - Grobnar might be able to enchant armors and weapons with spells of his own (e.g. Silence).
Spells
Starting Spells:
10th level: Greater Invisibility - A handy defensive resource for Grobnar as it will temporarily give him 50% concealment against physical attacks. This spell is particularly potent in the hands of a Bard, as the Bard songs do not count as hostile actions that will end invisibility, Curse Song included. It is entirely possible for Grobnar to let loose with several Bard songs without the enemies ever being aware of him.
Cure Critical Wounds - Adds to Grobnar's versatility by providing an option to revive his own hit points, or a comrade's.
Confusion - Very often has enemies either wandering around witless or attacking each other. A good strategy is for Grobnar to prime everyone up with his Curse Song, and then let loose with spells like this after their saving throws have been lowered.
11th level: Neutralize Poison - Grobnar is not a damage caster. He's at his best when he's a buffer and a de-buffer. I don't feel compelled to take damaging spells, but I also like to round things out with spells that are normally available only to Clerics (or Druids) in order to add to his versatility.
13th level: Song of Discord - The same as Confusion in its area of effect and impact. It is nonetheless another option as it comes with a higher saving throw DC than Confusion.
Mind Fog - This spell opens up a theoretical possibility. If the monsters aren't going to use any mind-affecting abilities, it may be safe to cast this over yourself and the monsters at the same time. This action will then prime the monsters up for a follow up like Confusion.
Greater Resistance - It's hard to object to a spell that provides the option of raising saving throws.
14th level: Ethereal Visage - A handy defensive resource for Grobnar for when things get intense. It bestows damage reduction 20/adamantine, immunity to 1st and 2nd level spells, and 20% concealment.
16th level: Energy Immunity - Similar to Qara, Grobnar now has the option of immunizing multiple party members against a specific form of energy in anticipation of a particular battle if he so chooses.
Dirge - A massive debuff that drains all enemies in its area of effect of 2 Strength and 2 Dexterity each round. Keep in mind that the effect ends the moment an enemy leaves the affected area.
Greater Heroism - Will give Grobnar immunity to fear, extra hit points (20 maximum), as well as hefty +4 bonuses to saving throws, skill checks, and attack rolls. Quite a useful buff.
Remove Fear - An option that gives Grobnar a little more versatility with how he can use his first level spells.
17th level: Greater Heroism - A nifty buff spell that confers party members with immunity to fear, increase hit points, and +4 bonuses to attack bonus, saving throws, and skill checks.
Mirror Image - Always a great defensive resource for anybody who can cast it, especially as it's an otherwise lowly 2nd-level spell. I wish I could have gotten this sooner for Grobnar, or that the developers had chosen it for him earlier.
18th level: See Invisibility - More of a utility power than anything else.
19th level: Greater Shout - Giving Grobnar an offensive option, assuming that the monsters' placement allows it.
Legend Lore - I pretty much have what I want for Grobnar, so this is more of a filler than anything else.
20th level: Greater Dispel Magic - Likewise a filler.
Inventory
