Description

The Blade is an expert fighter and adventurer whose bardic acting abilities make him appear more intimidating and fearsome. His fighting style is flashy and entertaining, but is also quite deadly

Advantages:
- May use 'Offensive Spin' and 'Defensive Spin' abilities once per day per 4 levels
- Offensive Spin: lasts 24 seconds, granting the Blade +2 to hit, +2 to damage, and an extra attack. As well, all of his attacks do maximum damage for the duration. Offensive spin cannot be used in conjunction with haste or improved haste.
- Defensive Spin: lasts 24 seconds, roots him to the spot but gives -1 AC per level of experience. This armor class bonus does not go over -10.

Disadvantages:
- Only has one-half normal Lore value
- Only has one-half Pick Pockets percentage
- Bard Song does not become better with levels.

Opinions

Bardan says : Haer'dalis is a Blade, which is enough to put people off to start with. Lacking in the major Bard areas of Bardsong and Lore, this is not such a good kit. Defensive spin is nice, but you're stuck to the spot and can't do much else. Offensive spin is a nice way to get your Blade squished by trying to do what a tank should be doing - front-line work. I would avoid this one.

Sir Exxon says : Blades aren’t to be underestimated. IMHO, they are by far the best Bards. Perhaps not the best ‘true’ Bard, but definetly the most powerful. First of all, they have almost just as good Rogue/Bard-abilities as the pure Bard, except the Battle Song. They can still cast a few Mage-spells, too. But the main reason why I prefer the Blade over the Jester, Skald and pure Bard, is because of the lovely two abilities Offensive and Defensive Spin. You see, the Blade is more of a warrior than the other kits, and therefore gets fighting-abilities.
While in any of these ‘modes’, the Blade has a flashing and effective type of fighting, getting more attacks per round, doing higher Damage, has a greater chance of hitting the target, and will get a very good AC-bonus.

Stats? Hard to say. Because he is part warrior, he should be strong, but his true nature as a Bard tells him to be Charismatic and Dexterous. If you get a good roll, these will suffice:
16 Str
17 Dex
13 Con
14 Int
12 Wis
17 Cha
Alternatively, you can run with less Wisdom.

For weapon proficiencies, I advice dualing Short Swords and Katanas, meaing that you should start with:
** Katana
* Short Sword
* Two-weapon style
There are many good Short Swords spread around, but none of them deals out tons of damage. Therefore I suggest you look for a Short Sword that gives you good immunities and has good abilities. Katanas, 1d10, single-handed... Enough said.;) Be on the look for the Celestial Fury.

This is atleast how I like them best. Enjoy!