Monk or bard?

[Worry]

Bard is harder to play but has more of a variety of things to do. They can pretty much do everything fairly well. When played perfect they are devastating solo or in a group. They also don't require a lot of gear.. some instruments, breath of harmony and some hp gear and you're set.

Monk can be very powerful but you would need some solid gear, just like any melee. For all intents and purposes, they are the strongest melee class in this era.

I have played both through the 50s several times.