I'm considering bard/barbarian/prestige class. I really want to play with Sharwyn, but I like bard bit too much. So, I'm thinking, more barbarian than bard, but I like to be decents as caster/buffer, too. Maybe use wands and other items, but bard nonetheless.
Any suggestions? I was looking at http://home.comcast....wk/buildsearch/ which is epic character search engine, but I got lost.
If you want a Bard/Barbarian, you won't want a character that has racial penalties to strength or charisma. You don't really need a dexterity above 14, so an Elf with a -2 constitution modifier, effecting rage is not a desirable option. That leaves human or Half-Elf, I'd go Human.
Go Barbarian 1 at level 1, and Bard 1 at level 2. Save your skill points until level 2, where you can can take 5 ranks in many useful skills such as tumble and use magical device. Take 3 more levels of Barbarian, then 4 levels of Red Dragon Disciple. After that, Bard and Barbarian levels at your discretion.
One suggestion:
Human (S14 (22), D14, C14, I14, W8, Ch14).
01: Barbarian 1. Power attack, cleave.
02: Bard 1
03: Barbarian 2. Exotic weapon prof.
04: Barbarian 3. Str +1
05: Barbarian 4.
06: RDD 1. Weapon focus Katana.
07: RDD 2. Str +2
08: RDD 3. Str +1
09: RDD 4. Str +2. Great cleave.
10: Bard 2.
11: Barbarian 5.
12: Bard 3. Str +1, Lingering Song.
13: Barbarian 6
14: Barbarian 7
15: Barbarian 8. Improved initiative (or Barbarian 7 & Bard 4 if curse song and level 2 spells wanted).
16: Barbarian 9 (or 8 & 4 or 7 & 5). Str +1.
17: Barbarian 10 (or 7 & 6, or 8 & 5 or 9 & 4).
Personally, for the type of melee fighter I believe you are looking for, I think Barbarian 10, Bard 3, RDD 4 may be your best option.
The OC finishes at level 17.