> I was wondering, is there any trick to keeping those inventory slots open
> (i.e. free of random loot) without manually having to put every item into
> a bag? I bought a mandolin and horn to fill 2 more slots, but there's
> still 1 empty slot (which needs to stay empty, so when I swap out 1
> instrument, there's room for a shield + weapon). Anytime I look anything
> it gets automatically dropped into that slot, which is very annoying when
> trying to switch weapons later.

The one tip I can give, which I posted before:

If one of your weapons can be thrown (Mino Axe, Draggon Dirk, etc), put
the Ranged Weapon slot in place of the open inventory space. This of
course assumes you don't use ranged weapons (most Bards don't bother,
especially after getting Bellow at 12th).

To switch weapons and instruments, simply move the Axe/Dagger/whatever
from the primary or secondary hand slot to the ranged weapon slot.
Now do the normal item shuffling till everything is where it needs to be.

This also lets you get any magical stat or resist bonuses of the weapon
(ie the +DEX and +MR of the Dirk) while it's in your ranged slot...

I do this. Works quite nicely. :)

- Luvas of Fennin Ro.