[Midget Gems]

Don't get me wrong, I only said Bards are weak. The problem with someone like Garrick is that he is very vulnerable in the early part of the game and his magic doesn't develop until he reaches higher levels. Still 'Bard' is an interesting choice for your main character, that way you can give him/her good stats and avoid some of the early weaknesses.

Just for the record I checked through some of my saved games to see how successful my Bards had been. I found that the percentage of the total experience gained had been about 15%, which is more than I get from the Cleric, Mage and Thief classes. I guess this reflects the power of the longbow because this is the weapon I usually give to a Bard (or a cross-bow if you prefer).

To prove a point I picked a fight with a high level bard - and lost! The guy in question was Borda, the NPC who tries to sell you fake potions and scrolls, and I'm pretty sure he's a Bard (anyone confirm this?) Anyway my level 3 party couldn't get through his Mirror Image and Magic Resistance without someone getting zapped. It took me 5 or 6 reloads before I beat him and that was just luck. It shows you what a Bard can do once he has gained enough levels.

So don't jump to conclusions - you can play a Bard as long as you play smart. As for 'Brave Sir Garrick' he's not too brave until he has some magic protection to boost his courage.