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Old 12-31-2000, 06:32 PM   #1
Mordigan
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Okay, I'm kind of hoping somebody will diagree with me because it will make me feel better about playing this character and maybe make me realize I'm wrong.

Is it just me or does anybody else think that Bard's just aren't up to par?

I've got a Skald as my main character and I'm pretty disappointed with him. As a fighter, he's less than admirable (he can't hardly hit the broad side of a barn) and his hit points are lousy, as is his THACO and so he can't stand up in battle even if he could hit something. And he's a level 23.

As for his magic power. Ya right, as if I'm gonna take off his armor to use magic. Not with his AC.

As for his weapon proficiency. It's lousy. He can use lots of different weapons but he can't learn any of them beyond a basic proficiency.

I've read his description in the maual (about the benefits of his bard song etc) but truth be told, it doesn't come in that handy to me, mainly because I have to keep him out of harms way, way in the back where they can't spell cast on him.

He's got great "lore" but to tell you the truth, I don't even know what the hell that does. Somebody enlighten me on that.

As for his charasmatic nature, I guess that holds true. But couldn't I get as much info out of an NPC with a Paladin or even Anomen or Jaheria -- they've both got high charisma. Or am I supposed to apply his lore to his charisma level to understand the bard's true benefit?

I dunno, what's the role you guys think a skald should serve?
 
Old 12-31-2000, 09:36 PM   #2
Yorick
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Your post has predecessors in the part of the board now inhabiting the ether. Try a search on Bards.

Your post will invariably provoke response because there are those of us that love Bards and the roleplaying aspect, and those - who possibly don't understand how to use them properly - who can't stand them.

Your Skald is a people person. Don't expect him to smash into hobgoblins himself, he's a musician not a soldier. He'll inspire others to do the job, support with longbow/crossbow, and the odd spell, and of course his song. The Skalds song helps his allies the most, the Jesters confuses enemies.

Then of course there's their ability to IDENTIFY (the function of lore) most items in the game. Freeing up 1st level mage spells for magic missile etc. and saving bucketloads of cash.

True Bards and Jesters also pickpocket really well, often better than thieves who specialise in locks, traps and stealth. This can create an unbelieveable arsenal and a LOT of money if you re-sell stuff at the docks. With gloves of pickpocketing and a potion of master thievery you can achieve a rating of 200 early on with one of those two. Nothing is safe from you. Obviously the Skald and Blade perform this function a little worse, but they are stronger in other areas (unlike Blades, Jesters can't uses Halberds and Bastard swords for example).

It requires a different approach and the use of NPCs in a different manner.

As for hitpoints try giving him a familiar for a start. I never use them - I find them annoying - but they give you more hitpoints.

Hope things turn around for you as I find the Bardic classes - and their stronghold subquest - some of the most enjoyable in the game.

Oh and with magic/armour go for bracers until you find a very nice armour that lets you wear it while casting. I won't spoil because it's really not hard for a Bard to find.

Au'voir
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Old 12-31-2000, 11:48 PM   #3
Armisael
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My mate gave me his skald to take a look at. They're not so bad, but I also found he was having trouble hitting things in melee. Try sticking to long-range. Use a crossbow. Forget his armour; use mirror image and stoneskin in replacement, then you'll also have him freed up to cast spells. As the swashbuckler is a mixture between a fighter and a thief, think of the bard as a cross between a thief and a mage.
And finish Haer'Dalis' quest. You'll get the armour Yorick was talking about as well as the bard stronghold.
 
Old 01-01-2001, 12:31 AM   #4
G.W.
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A bard is pretty good. You just have to use yours in smart ways. He has more hit points than a mage and has about the same number of pre-level 7 spells. Make him the scout, give him some fire resistance, improved invisibity, and send him into a room and have him blast fireballs on top of himself. I learned that from watching d'jinnis and pit fiends. And you will get a spell at level 6, targor's transformation (or something like that) that lets you turn into a super warrior, possibilty the best in the game (for a blade at least). It's not the easiest path, but it can be rewarding.
 
Old 01-01-2001, 12:33 AM   #5
G.W.
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Actually I suspect the PC blade has no penalty to pickpocketing skills. A bit strange, mine started out as 115 or so. Not sure what's up with Haer D'aehlis, he's really an insult to bards.
 
Old 01-01-2001, 06:13 AM   #6
Rikard T'Aranaxz
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Bard a are truly roll playing character is you don't like them don't take them
I now have a Blade (i always forget the bard song so why focus on that right?)
and there's a lot of armor aloowing you to cast spells
If you have elven armor you can cast spells in them

This is the best elven chain i could find
Bladesingerchain+4

The lore of this suit is difficult to determine, either due to the exotic circumstances from which it sprang, or the wish of its previous owner to conceal its location. Secrecy would certainly be desirable, as even rumors of such a mail as this could provoke deadly interest. It is the pinnacle of elven craft, and a truly blessed item.

STATISTICS:

Armor Class: 1
Weight: 15
Requires: 5 Strength
Not Usable By:
Druid
Mage

or

Jester chain+4

Friends of Dekirh Fasthands, a bard who insisted on playing the rowdiest towns on the Sword Coast, gave him this suit of magical chain as a gift. The chain mail was given to protect Dekirh from the drunken spectators who often threw rotting produce, chairs and even knives at Dekirh. The bard appreciated the gift but painted it with wild colors to better fit into his show.

STATISTICS:

Armor Class: 1
Weight: 8
Requires: 8 Strength
Not Usable By:
Druid
Mage
Thief

one down side on that (or advantage depends on you)
you get JAN jansen colours
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