Newb Question on Auto-Attack
 

Coming back after a very long absence. Played a Ranger (dear God, why?!) and eventually a Cleric up through I think LDoN was my last expansion on live.

Anywho, contemplating restarting and I can't recall if your character will still auto-attack while casting (mostly for hybrids like Bard/Pally/SK/Ranger)?

Thinking about rolling a bard and wondering if I'll ever really do any melee or if it's pretty much just non-stop song twisting.

You will not swing while casting, but auto-attack will not turn off.

Bards can attack while singing. And you will melee if you are in a group.

Bards can definitely auto attack while playing songs. Two weapons that I think are probably the best bang for their buck:

http://wiki.project1999.com/Sainy%27s_Claw
http://wiki.project1999.com/Sionachie%27s_Partisan

Then start saving up for:
http://wiki.project1999.com/index.php/Breath_of_Harmony
which I think is the best primary weapon minus the epic at the moment.

I actually have an extra Sainy's Claw at the moment if you want it.

So, do Bards continue to attack even during the 3s cast time to start up a new song, or only after a song is in effect? Because if you're twisting 3-4 songs that's very little time when you're not casting a new one.

Yes they can Melee but they really don't do much damage doing it. With no double attack it is pretty mediocre. But every bit helps lol. :p

I have enough trouble twisting, let alone moving and attacking. :o

Also in an ideal world, you will just be using nothing but your drums as you chain pull with selos trying to keep up with your groups awesome dps (if you prefer grouping over kiting a bunch of mobs like me). ;)