[Jarkko]

As the bard can self-buff with Eagle eye, it would be natural to have him as a ranged thug.

However (never tried this, but its variation works with Sleepers), if you want him to go up close and personal, then I guess he would work against undead (say Ermor) with Wardens set to Guard Commander (and somebody behind doing the blessing and banishing). Give the Bard a Herald Lance (will pump the standard ability to a healthy 18) and some cheap armour+shield (shield of valor might be in order, in case there are some missiles flying around), script Eagle Eyes, Song of Bravery, Solar Rays x 3, Attack Rear. If you have three such bards each with 10 wardens as their guards in center, that center should never break against undeads (10 guards actually allow them to move forwards with the Attack Rear order).

Can't think of any other use of him up front. I'd place him right behind the front units with a bow fitting the oppositition (for example Bow of War agaisnt massed armies, or Thunderbow vs more tougher opponents). Script Eagle Eyers, Song of Bravery, Fire.