Greetings!

I am Rhimshot, E'Ci bard of 19 songs. Since I got DDD, I have found
fighting with only songs to be very effective against blues. The only time
I pull out my weapons is when there are others in the area of effect that
wouldn't take to kindly to wincing.

However, most of the time, I can pull the critter in question to a safer
zone for AoEing.

I have found that when I'm in a group, the added effect to my songs from
using an instrument outweighs the damage I can do with my Obscidian
shard/Dragoon dirk.

However, from reading this board, it strikes me that many of you still use
weapons on a regular basis.

In what situations do you find it appropriate to use weapons instead of
getting the extra effects of instruments with songs? I understand when you
have to fight with friendlies about, but when else? Is it worth my time
and trouble to train up other weapon skills than piercing, or am I going to
be singing most of the time?

Thanks,
Rhimshot