>
> Personally, I'd consider it an affront if all of a sudden our various
> excellent *real* instruments; Selo's Drums, Kelin's Lute et al, were
> suddenly relegated by a sword! I tend to be a bit of a battle Bard,
> whipping out my claws and Kilij when the opportunity arises, but I'd much
> rather kill with my songs.
>
>

You actually do have a good point there. I sometimes get too
engrossed in the "technical" aspects of the game! Now that I think about
it, some of the most enjoyable hunts I have participated in are those that I
sit back and be a bard, just sing, play my instruments and get comments like
"Damn! You were doing so much damage I couldn't taunt him off you!" or
"Wow! Look at my resistances! I am resisting everything cast at me!".

When I play my bard in a "pure" manner...i.e. no weapons just
instruments..it is extrememly satisfying. However, I am not saying give us
an "uber-weapon" with an "uber-instrument" combined. A weapon with a "base"
instrument magnification...for example a "percussion" hammer that does 1hb
plus same magnification of a hand drum...would allow those who like to be
battle-bards to wade in with a weapon and still have instrument effects.
This would not take away from the awesome power of a "Selos Drum of the
March" at all..since by far the selos drum would be better.

Just my two copper pieces.