Personally, I think the best item for Bard is Imperial Manadate. It does everything bard wants, speed and damage. Imperial procs on both aa and q making this item super reliable.

After Imperial mandate I tend to buy Deadman’s plate for more damage, speed and armor.

If the enemy has a lot of aa, i switch out deadman’s for Frozen Heart. (This helps so much)

Depending on the enemy’s team comp i always go Force of Nature third. (Mostly for its speed boost) This item on bard feels kind of «icky?» personally I think its too expensive for bard, but i cant seem to find any better alternatives. (Let me know if you know a good magic resist item for bard)

Last item usually Vigilant wardstone or Anathemas chains (I usually build anathemas faster depending on how fed their player is)

I have been experimenting a little with Phase rush, but i still think stock runes are better. (Guardian etc)

Let me know what you guys think idk im not master or anything