> 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
After advice read on this list, I started using all songs, no weapons on an
occasional basis around level 28. There are a few reasons I use it only
occasionally.
Mainly it is a matter of control. It's difficult for me to twist songs,
switch intruments and move my character around at the same time. I fight in
first person view (I know I would have a better view in 3rd person, but it
takes away from the "immersive" experience for me...) and I have a hard time
"keeping up" with the battle when I can not have one hand on my movement
keys. I think a Bard requires you to be sharp and quick as a rule, but
never moreso than trying to play all songs. Sometimes, I'm just not up to
the challenge :) I also slide into the leader role in most groups, calling
out which mob to attack, evac orders, etc, which also get in the way....
Reason #2: Have been fighting with an enchanter in many groups lately, and
the "wince" wakes up their mez's. Where I would like to be softening up the
2nd or 3rd mob, I even have to remove Denon's from my repotoire when using
weapons too. As a side note, anyone ever tell you your mana song seems
slow? Call it too much of a good thing on a regular basis. : )
Reason #3: I also find myself grouped with mostly casters most of the time,
and being the main tank, it makes it that much more difficult to stay on top
of the battle. Plus, sometimes the mobs die so fast, my actual damage
doesn't count as much as getting in the mobs way long enuf for it to die.
Also, if we could get a dang message of how much damage we were "Wincing"
them for, I'd be much more comfortable. : )
No matter what you typically use, I would recommend training up all your
weapon skills. There's some very nice Bard only weapons at the top that
won't work so well with 1 in 1H slash. : ) I put a 1H Slash in my primary
hand and a 1H blunt in my secondary, and alternate in a piercing weapon just
to get the skills maxed every level.
Darkfox Reven'tsol
Xegony