Want to powergame? Try this:

Bard 1/Red Dragon Disciple 10/Fighter 29

Okay, maybe not fighter 29, but just RDD with a good fighter build is enough. RDD gives insane bonuses to stats, as well as an immunity to knockdown, fear, and fire-based attacks. My character doesn't even need buffs; she can wade into any given battle and just hack away at everything. (Need good equipment, of course.)