Greetings all!
I am known as Fflewdeur on the Cazic-Thule server. I signed on to the list
a few days ago and I've read many interesting topics. I decided to respond
to this one with my introduction though.d
Should Bards specialize? There are good points brought up to support this.
However, I believe that the Bard class is intended to be able to fill
multiple roles in a party. Bards are not supposed to specialize. Our role
is to enhance parties' effectivness, be that as a tank in some situations or
as a minstrel in others. We are unique in that we can change roles to fit a
party. Bards are truly underrated in my opinion. The Bard can stay in one
party while others come and go, and the party won't fall apart! We are the
focal point even though others in the party don't realize it. For example:
I played for 10 hours one day and had party members come and go. Because of
the different roles a Bard can fulfill the party was strong whether we had 4
tanks and an enchanter (and me) or if we had one tank (me) and 3 clerics and
two magicians. The fighting style was obviously different, but it is my
thought that because of the diversity of a Bard, we can hold parties
together that might otherwise be unbalanced.
I am interested to see where this thought goes eventually. Perhaps there
may be a specialization for 50+ level Bards, but how to choose? I don't
think I would like to trade my diversity to specialize. In fact, that is
one of my chief reasons for choosing the Bard class in the first place.
Fflewdeur level 18 Bard on Cazic-Thule
P.S. I would like to send a greeting to all Bards on Cazic-Thule!
>
>I still find it hard to believe that a bard will ever make a better tank
>than a warrior, rogue, or ranger. Perhaps with enough plate armor and
>buffs,
>you might be equal to them but the best one? ehh, maybe (haven't seen it
>yet) but I will try to keep an open mind ;]
>
>I will emphasize that a bard MUST be in a forceful (and I mean full party
>of
>strong fighters) to simply play instruments. If the party has only 3
>members, a lot of casters, it is important to whip out the weapons and
>fight. However if you have rogues backstabbing and warriors taunting ,
>rangers, monks . . . . basically a coordinated group somewhat evenly taking
>damage, I stand strong in my position that a lute healing 60 points (10
>points per group member) of damage per pulse (and remember this will
>increase in levels) is quite helpful and an efficient battle tactic (I have
>TONS of personal examples).
>
>However the topic makes me ask, do you think EQ should allow bards to
>specialize? For example Mr Tank Bard gets to have a better attack skill
>where Ms Luteplaying Bard gets a better string skill.
>
>I for some reason have this strange image of a 250+pd tank who is
>constantly
>getting knocked in the head, his fingers broken, with a lot of burly muscle
>around his neck decked out in plate being a tad bit weaker in the musical
>talent. Whereas the little fragile bard who does nothing but play songs and
>try to avoid being hit, could just play masterpieces but fight wimpier? To
>the best of my knowledge it is "fairly easy" to max out your skills in
>instruments and attack, no matter what your play style. I DON'T want to
>TAKE
>AWAY the BARD's SKILLS. I just think that specialization might allow one to
>roleplay and create the type of bard they want to be, therefore making a
>more rewarding game experience. Possibly the specialization could come out
>in a year or so with the expansion pack when the bard is already 50th
>level,
>something to look forward to?
>
>Just a thought, yea or nay comments welcome 8)