>

But more specifically - the fact that the item's Haste effect added to spell
haste effects was fundamental to the way that item worked. Players have
expected that - and more importantly - as Rokenn pointed out - balancing by
players (and probably even the final Kunark betas) were done by players
using these items. Previously Verant would NEVER change an item
after-the-fact like this.

>

I guess we're going to have to wait until this afternoon (evening for some)
to see what effect this 'nerf' has on us. There's a lot of concern on
Whineplay and Concert Hall that Bards will be relegated down the list as far
as haste-providers go. I don't think this will happen. In fact, I think
we'll be called on more to provide haste in group situations, even with an
Enchanter in the group.

If the tanks are hitting less often (and we're talking, what, a couple of
hits per round less?) then the Enchanters will be called on to provide more
crowd control, since it's taking longer to take down the mobs. Since we
Bards are even less renowned for overall crowd control, the group haste
aspect becomes more important.

I agree that the balance issue is a concern - to tune Kunark mobs to melee
based on the average attack speed of a 100% haste-enhanced group and then
reduce our attack speed will potentially tip the scales in favour of the
mobs.

We may be making a big fuss about nothing; we may be singing a death
dirge... we'll just have to wait and see.

Kyrisha