yeah, expertise is an investment at this level.  It will always suck, but suck less at higher levels.  And it allows some nifty combat maneuvers for a character that will never deal much combat damage.  Use spells first for combat control, then switch to the whip to continue.<br/><br/>Too bad the lethal-damage version of the whip isn't in core, because then you not only don't provoke AoO using it, but you threaten your 15' range and can trip or disarm with your opportunity attacks.<br/>The third-level feat for a combat-oriented bard would of course be Weapon Finesse.  But again, I'm considering more spellcasting or skill monkey options.<br/><br/>A lot will depend on how much straight-up adventuring and combat we'll be doing, and how much "medieval village life" simulation.<br/><br/>