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SixOfSpades · 04-15-2002, 10:13 PM

A few months ago, I posted a study comparing the best Bard I'd ever rolled with the best Mage/Thief (Elven, naturally) I'd rolled, both at the EXP cap for ToSC, and both with the best equipment that you would give to an NPC of each class. The Mage/Thief won by a mile. The Bard had about 15% more hitpoints, and had like 1 better THAC0 and maybe 2 better AC. Everything else was Mage/Thief all the way.

People say Bards are great for their versatility. Really? The Mage/Thief was able to reach 100% in Stealth, Pick Locks, AND Pick Pockets, not to mention being able to cast spells without stripping naked in the middle of a fight.

Thankfully, BG2 finally provides us with Elven Chain Mail, which allows the wearer to cast Wizard spells. Unfortunately, we also learn that Bards can't learn any spells past Spell Level 6, a handicap that does not apply to the Mage/Thief--who can also wear the Elven Chain Mail himself.

It's been my experience that when game designers give such a relatively weak ability as high Lore to a class, it's because they're trying to offset the class's obvious drawbacks.

I made my decision long ago:
Powergamers avoid Bards like the plague, if only to avoid their loser cooties.
Roleplayers don't mind taking on a Bard, but only if he or she's an interesting character--and even then they wouldn't have more than one at a time.

04-15-2002, 10:13 PM	#9
SixOfSpades Dracolisk Join Date: September 16, 2001 Location: Bellingham, WA, USA Age: 48 Posts: 6,901	A few months ago, I posted a study comparing the best Bard I'd ever rolled with the best Mage/Thief (Elven, naturally) I'd rolled, both at the EXP cap for ToSC, and both with the best equipment that you would give to an NPC of each class. The Mage/Thief won by a mile. The Bard had about 15% more hitpoints, and had like 1 better THAC0 and maybe 2 better AC. Everything else was Mage/Thief all the way. People say Bards are great for their versatility. Really? The Mage/Thief was able to reach 100% in Stealth, Pick Locks, AND Pick Pockets, not to mention being able to cast spells without stripping naked in the middle of a fight. Thankfully, BG2 finally provides us with Elven Chain Mail, which allows the wearer to cast Wizard spells. Unfortunately, we also learn that Bards can't learn any spells past Spell Level 6, a handicap that does not apply to the Mage/Thief--who can also wear the Elven Chain Mail himself. It's been my experience that when game designers give such a relatively weak ability as high Lore to a class, it's because they're trying to offset the class's obvious drawbacks. I made my decision long ago: Powergamers avoid Bards like the plague, if only to avoid their loser cooties. Roleplayers don't mind taking on a Bard, but only if he or she's an interesting character--and even then they wouldn't have more than one at a time. __________________ Volothamp's Comeuppance Everything you ever needed to know about the entire Baldur's Gate series......except spoilers.