I sorta thought they were ok till I played one. No spell progression past 6th level, if singing a bard song then you can't attack or cast spells. Basically you cast a few spells, do very little toe to toe battling and sometimes sing a song that no one hears. You can take his pickpocketing skill to 120% too. Obviously you can equip him/her up to your hearts content for strength etc. Of the times I've played, this was the least satisfying character.
If you go for a bard then you may need/want a proficiency in katana so that you can use the Dak'kon's Zerth Blade +2 (+1 AC bonus and able to memorize one extra 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th level mage spell.) You'll also need the bonus CD for this item to be available.
All in all a pretty shit PC in my opinion.
P.S. For me personally a multi-classed fighter/thief has been the most satisfying as you're always involved either scouting, thieving, stabbing etc. You also get some cool special abilities including spells and traps (which are effectively the most powerful weapon in the game) and the chance for 2 Strongholds.
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It's bleedin dark down here, slippery too.
Man, that's a pisser.
[This message has been edited by Cavern Sniffer (edited 07-07-2001).]