Bard 50+ Questions

[Scaramuccia]

So im leveling up my bard, currently at 32. I tend to set up my own groups and not invite enchanters since im able to handle the CC on my own. Therefore I might as well get an extra DPS in that slot.

I have no experience of the 50+ game so my question is: are Bards still able to perform this role as effectively as chanters?

I ask this question as I have seen various posts to the effect that: "I would never go down into Sebilis without an enchanter". Now is this just because many people don't fully understand the capabilities of Bards or is there a issue with the game mechanics which means a chanter is required?

On a more general note, are there any other changes to Bards group role and abilities that I should be aware of 50+?

And a slightly unrelated question, ive just got manasong. Is this a pulsed song in that it has to be played all the time (can't be twisted) for full effect?

Thank you very much !

Scara

[Pescador]

Yes, bards are viable CC through 60

Yes, manasong is pulsed, so twisting it is less effective than repeating it over and over.

[falkun]

To be fair though, enchanter's clarity bonus is supplied on a "per-tick" basis, which is once every 6seconds. If a bard force-sang Cassindra's (http://wiki.project1999.org/index.php/Cassindra%27s_Chorus_of_Clarity), it would be ticking every 3sec (twice as often) for virtually the same amount as clarity (http://wiki.project1999.org/index.php/Clarity) (5 [@32] to 7 [@48] is ~= 4 [@29] to 9 [@64]). To match clarity regen, wouldn't a bard just need to twist 1-2-1-3 (repeat) where 1 is Cassindra's and 2 & 3 are two other songs the bard wishes to twist? Wouldn't this lead to a 3 song twist that provides near-constant uptime on all buffs provided and nearly identical regen to clarity?

Please let me know if this is accurate. I am 46 now so I can tone down the solo grinding and I'm looking to fine-tune my grouping strategies. I'm as interested in reading responses as I am in providing them.

PS: Its times like these I wish we had class forums.

[baalzy]

Keep in mind, Clarity II becomes available at 54 and is 11/tick.

If you're in a good group with a shaman who isn't as dependent on outside mana regen & have a good tank that doesn't drain your clerics mana then you'd get by just fine.

[Pescador]

If you are in a group with a shaman, twist in Niv's or click breath of harmony before the shaman canni's - he will appreciate it!

[Lazortag]

So im leveling up my bard, currently at 32. I tend to set up my own groups and not invite enchanters since im able to handle the CC on my own. Therefore I might as well get an extra DPS in that slot.

I have no experience of the 50+ game so my question is: are Bards still able to perform this role as effectively as chanters?

I ask this question as I have seen various posts to the effect that: "I would never go down into Sebilis without an enchanter". Now is this just because many people don't fully understand the capabilities of Bards or is there a issue with the game mechanics which means a chanter is required?

On a more general note, are there any other changes to Bards group role and abilities that I should be aware of 50+?

And a slightly unrelated question, ive just got manasong. Is this a pulsed song in that it has to be played all the time (can't be twisted) for full effect?

Thank you very much !

Scara

Enchanters are necessary for camps like King in seb, or other very high level camps. However you'll find though that your CC abilities are better in most normal exp groups, even at level 60. See this post for a detailed explanation as to why: http://www.project1999.org/forums/showpost.php?p=280479&postcount=27