Thundercallers are not meant to be melee combatants; yet here we are. Though I frown upon using 8’s on starting attributes, in order to make this unorthodox concept work one needs min-maxing to assign at least 14 points towards Constitution. Any lesser amount would be early level hit point suicide and the exceptional baseline skill points and Will saves of a Bard makes sacrificing Intelligence and Wisdom tolerable concessions. Strength 11 to comfortably wear armor and gear without weight penalty.

This build goes hard for longsword optimization in anticipation for endgame acquisition of Perfection, which adds much needed Inherent +2 to multiple stats while equipped. Piranha Strike is obtained at level 5 for the requisite damage of a would-be warrior. Completing the Crane Style feat chain, along side medium armor proficiency, then becomes a focal point for survivability afterwards. Spell selection includes melee favorites such as greater heroism and haste; however various support magics such as communal delay poison and mass cacophonous call are also included to maintain the Bard’s trademark flexibility.