**DISCLAIMER** I did not play a bard until luclin came out. Playing a bard on this server through the original world has been a very different and in many ways, harder experience. Almost to the point of requiring that I relearn how to play the entire class. Having said that, it's very possible that the information below is based on experiences that aren't relevant to the "classic" world because many of the bard's defining abilities that I experienced, weren't available then. ***DISCLAIMER***
After playing a bard for the better part of 5 years, one thing is clear. Bards are NOT a DPS class. Yes, they can do damage in a per second fashion, but the end result is laughable compared to almost any other class. The strength of the bard class is its ability to "cast" while moving, twisting multiple song effects, CC, overhaste, and mana regen that stacks with spell regen. Not to mention harmony songs and of course, nobody does resists or speed like a bard can.
Even though bards are "generalists," they almost always end up as CC or pullers. In general, dex and cha are your friends. These stats reduce the "fizzle" rate of your songs, allowing you to twist more consistently. Considering that starting stats are more important in the classic world, I'd suggest maxing dex and putting the rest into charisma.
Again, as a bard, you are not the Tasmanian Devil of DPS, you never will be. Yes, I know bards can stack chants, yes I know they can charm other mobs, yes I know (insert generic bard DPS rant here). It doesn't matter. Bards just don't have the abilities or damage bonuses of other classes and weren't meant to in the first place. If you want an argument that you have a real shot of winning, get into a fight with a monk about who's the better pulling class.
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