Bard vs Enchanter vs Cleric for Dungeon Crawling PUGs

[jumpercables]

Looking for opinions on class choice from people who've played on this server for awhile.

Basically, I kind of want to play a bard because it's unique to EQ1. But, more importantly, I want to actually level in groups. I have no real desire into get into the raid scene or swarm kite my way to 50+ (don't care that it's faster). I want to spend time in old world dungeons like Najena, Mistmoore, Cazic, U/L Guk, Permafrost & Sol A/B.

I have heard people complain about the hybrid exp penalty and refuse to group them (similar with rangers). Am I wasting my time? Should I just play an Ench or Cleric instead? I know a lot of people would just say play what you want, but I'd be happier playing an ench or cleric in old world dungeons than a bard who's stuck kiting solo. Is PUGing easy to begin with, or am I wasting my time in general?

My highest level character is a lv23 necro, so I'm starting with a rusty weapon and guild tunic/robe on any class I play if that makes a difference. Also, for playtime I'll be able to do 9pm-12am most week nights EST, which seems like primetime for the server, but I could be wrong.

Thanks

[Clark]

I would strongly suggest doing enchanter or sticking with necro, and getting them to 60.

Then by the time Velious comes out you'll have a lvl 60 (hopefully), hybrid xp penalty will be removed, and you can gear the character well. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[Burrito]

A bard in the group that know how to play a bard is amazing. A bard who just swarm kited and afk mana song sucks. They have the best mana regen in the game, really good CC, charm dps, haste, and can pull/lull.

However, the enchanter is known to do these things as well outside of pulling for the group and people will even take enchanters who don't charm- since their class is more well known, and their slow wont super draw hate compared to the bards.

Cleric soloing is boring, cleric grouping is boring, cleric duo/trio groups are pretty fun.

IMO Bard/Enchanter out of those is going to be more fun. You can push the classes boundaries further understanding more about the game and the mechanics of the class- and they both have powerful soloing mechanics that aren't as ZzzzzZzz as undead soloing.

Yeah swarm kiting is pretty boring, but with the amount of exp you get you can't really complain.

[Getsmurfed]

Enchanter is a strong first main, and can really make a bad group into a good one. Especially if you're pulling an enchanter really shines at splitting zones and if you get a crit resist on lull you can handle the CC.

Want a unique, interesting journey to 60? Roll a bard and be a man. You can solo via charm @32, you can swarm, you can save small children from burning barns, you enhance a group, you can split almost every zone in the game. You make a good group better, but you have to be willing to put in work. An AFK bard brings like a tenth of the potential an active bard brings. BUT it will be a LONG journey, ridden with a lot of soloing to fill gaps when groups won't have you. it isn't all pretty but ROLL A BARD OMGODS.

[Lopretni]

exp penalty doesn't reduce the incoming exp values, it just means that class needs X% more exp to level than a non-hybrid class.

[webrunner5]

I can tell you a Bard and a Enchanter are two of the hardest classes to play WELL on here.

There is NO Melody on here so you really have to Twist to play a Bard. Most people can not twist for hours on end, me included, or walk and chew gum at the same time. It is a hard class period. But IF you can it is a killer class.

Enchanter requires a lot of thought and timing to pull off what they do, and add a charmed pet into the mix and you are one busy person. IF you can do that they are probably hands down the best looters in the game solo or grouped. They will suffer some in Velious, more resists, being summoned more, means dying, harder to Charm etc.

But you have to learn somehow lol, so don't feel like you can't do well with them until you try them. Practice makes perfect. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[thewrush]

Keep in mind Bards are also coded to cast while moving. Once Velious hits there is a Dwarf quest which gives you a 1x charge Gate to Thurgadin(Vial of Velium Vapors). If you ever need to run away from something, you can can click this potion and still successfully cast it while running. Same goes for any item clickies with cast time.

I'm sure some already know this but additional cool Bard info. Acquire Singing Steel helm(eye of zomm clicky). F9 to get 3rd person view to target your summoned eye and then whack it with OT hammer to port there [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Random information, I know.

[webrunner5]

Originally Posted by thewrush [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Keep in mind Bards are also coded to cast while moving. Once Velious hits there is a Dwarf quest which gives you a 1x charge Gate to Thurgadin(Vial of Velium Vapors). If you ever need to run away from something, you can can click this potion and still successfully cast it while running. Same goes for any item clickies with cast time.

I'm sure some already know this but additional cool Bard info. Acquire Singing Steel helm(eye of zomm clicky). F9 to get 3rd person view to target your summoned eye and then whack it with OT hammer to port there [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Random information, I know.

But damned good information. Well done. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]