On Fri, 17 Sep 1999, Kimes, Dean W. wrote:

> Bards do get dual wield at 17th level. The increased damage in minimal in
> most group combats as you get one extra attack occassionally instead of 20
> extra AC versus all the attackers beating on you. I doubt I will dual wield
> if I am facing multiple mobs as an 8% AC increase vs multiple opponents is
> better than a 10-15% increase in damage vs one opponent. Just like our
> healing song on a full group is a whopping 48 pts per pulse, with lute
> seated at 16th level. Against more than one attacker a shield quickly
> becomes better for someone who dual wields, but doesnt dual wield well.

But as we've been discussing in another thread, if your group
does happen upon a Shimmering Orb (15 AC, 0.2 wt, shield
slot), it'll go to the enchanter, wizard, mage, or necro
before anyone ever thinks about giving it to the bard.

Anyways, you can't use a shield with an instrument. Given a
tough situation, I think I'd rather have the 100% increase in
effectiveness an instrument gives most of our songs, than an
8% increase in AC.

--
John H. Kim
kim@...