I have noticed something that rather bothers me. I am currently a level
11 bard hanging out around the Freeport area. This is my 3rd character
since the commercial release, and also the highest level I have reached.
Previously I have played a Wizard and a Shadow Knight. I abandoned both
at 5th level because they are too "high level". By this I mean that they
achieve their greatest "power" at higher levels. A wizard with no pet is
not even a match for a magician of similar level until somewhere in the
teens, root notwithstanding. The SK was a nice choice, but not even close
to a warrior's skill, and with only minor spells until the mid-teens as
well.

Bards, however, struck me as powerful from the beginning. It seemed like
my ability to mow through things whether alone or in a party would
dramatically increase with each new song. Up until 6th level, each new
song was fantastic, with the exception of the Jig of Vigor.

However, now it seems the good songs and skills are few and far between.
The Whistling Warsong was an OK buff, but since it was only personal I
used it rarely. At 8th, it was hardly worth the boat ride to get the
Lullaby, and Elemental Rhythms at level 9 was rather pointless. Then the
magic 10 hit, and I learned Dodge and the awesome Anthem de Arms. AT 11,
though, I get the USELESS brass skill and the buggy or just plain weak
Charisma booster. Not exactly songs to light my fire. 12th, or course,
yields the Bellow, a much sought after song. Then I have to look forward
to another "don't memorize me, ever" song or two, another Rhythm and the
Magic Identifier (absolutely useless). Honstly, the only 2 things I
really look forward to at all in the near future are the Sleep Song at 15,
Dual Wield at 17th, and the group invisibility song at 19th, I think.

Has anyone else noticed these "bum" levels, like 9th, 11th, and I am sure
others to come? Are hih level bards even worth it? I hate seeing posts
like "I am 19th level and I still use Anthem de Arms and Hymn of
Restoration almost exclusively". It will be a long and boring wait until
the better abilities come, I am afraid.

What say you high level bards? Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Pistov of Cazic-Thule

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| Tyger, Tyger, burning bright |
| In the forests of the night, Marc Allie |
| What immortal hand or eye |
| Could frame thy fearful symmetry? mallie@... |
| |
| -William Blake- |
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