What is the point of a bard?

[Sarius]

Then you're not reading, what are you trying to accomplish with your character?

[lecompte]

... I like bards in groups too -- they can be great pulls and decent cc.

[Getsmurfed]

Has nothing to do with the impression you've given, you've all confirmed what I thought to be true. A bard main can only truly solo by swarming which can be a reputation killer, it tends to be a pain in the ass to obtain groups because you pick such a niche role, and in raids you're around for dragons, a random fight here, and mana song.

[Deuces]

People prefer them over rangers and paladins at least [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[BiscuitBandito]

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

Has nothing to do with the impression you've given, you've all confirmed what I thought to be true. A bard main can only truly solo by swarming which can be a reputation killer, it tends to be a pain in the ass to obtain groups because you pick such a niche role, and in raids you're around for dragons, a random fight here, and mana song.

Bards on live were pretty rare in the Kunark and Velious eras, based on what I saw. They seemed to be played by people who truly enjoyed playing them, ups and downs included. There seems to be a large amount of bards on p99 who discover they're really easy to level and/or twink, but dismayed when they can't always find a spot.

Not saying you're one of them, but the added competition probably doesn't help.

If you want a "always have a spot, regardless of situation" you are better off with another class.

If you just love the hell out of bard, flaws and all, then keep playing. Things get better with the epic, and you'll eventually find some people to love you.

[indiscriminate_hater]

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

I rolled a class that is completely useless to solo with and only useful in the rare raid scenario

I don't mean to sound condescending, but have you actually tried soloing something with your bard, or given a decent effort in a group? Or have you just been AOE kiting your way up through the levels?

If you have looked at every single bard song available to you and still can't find a way to be useful in any solo or group situation, in any zone, then perhaps you should re-roll. During the lower levels I was able to take down mobs 12 levels higher than me by finding clever ways to use my songs (hint: you don't need to cast a single song on the mob you're trying to kill).

A competent bard is pretty damn useful in groups. However, it does take a bit of effort to be truly efficient as a bard, something which most people on this server didn't sign up for. If you're not pulling via snare, lull, mesmerize, charm, etc., then you're hanging back with your group and absolutely blasting your casters with mana regen (1 cantana, 4x cassindra's, rinse and repeat).

Switch in niv's melody via a clicky BoH proc for extra hp regen as well. During the fight, spam slow, haste, attack/str, and even cantata to keep the mana flowing. Resists if necessary. Spam mesmerize and brusco's/denon's bereavement while whacking away with your Melodious Truncheon's to interrupt casters. Mesmerize adds or charm them to whack at your target. Dispel. Fear. Mana Drain. Throw in your AOE DD nuke if shit gets ugly, or drop your group invincibility song to give you time to bail in event of emergencies.

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

A bard main can only truly solo by swarming which can be a reputation killer, it tends to be a pain in the ass to obtain groups because you pick such a niche role, and in raids you're around for dragons, a random fight here, and mana song.

Playing a niche role could not be farther from the truth, as evidenced by my previous paragraph.

If you haven't discovered charm killing by now -- which I confirmed at level 59 is the fastest exp for a bard at the level, including BW kites -- then I don't believe you've ever actually played your character the way it was meant to be played. Take a break from the AOE killing and go experience the fascinating life of a bard.

/rant

[Valere]

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

I don't mean to sound condescending, but
If you haven't discovered charm killing by now -- which I confirmed at level 59 is the fastest exp for a bard at the level, including BW kites -- then I don't believe you've ever actually played your character the way it was meant to be played. Take a break from the AOE killing and go experience the fascinating life of a bard.

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[Bantam 1]

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

Has nothing to do with the impression you've given, you've all confirmed what I thought to be true. A bard main can only truly solo by swarming which can be a reputation killer, it tends to be a pain in the ass to obtain groups because you pick such a niche role, and in raids you're around for dragons, a random fight here, and mana song.

Then you're not understanding.... it could be your personality as the issue to obtain groups.


Why wouldn't a group want a bard? You mean everyone gets to have the perfect group every time with everything covered?


Monk, Warrior, Rogue, Rogue, Cleric, Enchanter? Is that what goes through your mind when looking for groups?



PS - Hitting on the note Nirgon brought up.... I really don't get why people would think a bard or ranger is useless; maybe people's IQ has dropped since EQ originally came out. Being able to function in various roles is a thing of beauty when done right. I'm not going to beat around the bush here... if you honestly think a bard is useless the majority of the time... it's due to ignorance or stupidity.

[Ajkuhuun]

To be awesome. Observe the bards in the picture below;

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[SCB]

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

To be awesome. Observe the bards in the picture below;

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I have this poster on my wall.

On the subject - bards are the best possible class to add to any situation. I would add a bard over any other class in any situation. Downside is, I'd only want one bard.