Bard Weight
 

So, I'm feeling really dumb. I started a Half-Elf bard and got him some banded armor only to find my weak elfness makes me encumbered just from equipment and a couple of bags and instruments. Is this a common problem for bards? Are there any easy/cheap str items I might look for to help?

bard just needs a drum, lute, and horn 1-50ish.

This is just my experience, but I have never seen a bard tank unless something went very wrong. Even a solo bard is more of a kiter than a tank, so plate is just for show until you hit class-armour like Lambent. Bards and clerics both get plate despite not really needing it as far as I can tell.

ive tanked freeti group at 54 and 55 on red. i was slower puller tank and cc. aint no thang if you are slowing singles. but ya tanking isnt optimal. i wasnt even wearing tank gear when i did that since i pretty much run around with all resist gear.

I stand corrected; I have played with bards, but never played one myself.

bards tank fine with a slower and cleric around, but good luck getting any groups to let you do it

also yes it is a problem, half elves have low base str (despite being high for bard races) and banded/bronze is heavy

I have been known to Tank every once in a while. I slap on chains psalms and clerity and throw on my proc weapons and go to town.