Post by nodwyck on Feb 4, 2004 9:10:09 GMT -5
As a regular player and DM with FR setting, I've always wondered why the Bard class is so unpopular. Even those who "want to do everything" usually prefer multiclassing over the unique abilities of the bard. In other settings, bards seem to be uncommon, but the Realms give so much more for a bard... why is the class seen as wimpy, or waste of good EXP? Is it because of the slower spell progression, or the limited weapon selection combined with the 'normal' BAB progression and d6 for hit die? How come people dismiss the power that lurks within the songs of a skilled bard?
Bard has several good points:
High number of skill points and class skills, only Ranger and Rogue come even close to the list of Bard's skills,
The music - inspire courage is perhaps The best example,
Good spell selection - of the non damage inflicting kind (suggestion as class ability and 2nd level spell, confusion as 3rd lvl spell, arcane healing spells throughout the list and many spiffy sonic and divination effects.
Bardic knowledge - this ability can make nearly any situation easier
With his abilities, a bard can act as a secondary arcane caster, party booster and healer of any crew, can act as a sage-on-the-run, and still have superior leaderhip qualities. Sure, he's not the front line warrior, or the heavy artillery of the posse, but still...
In Realms, the Bard's abilities are augmented by a truckload of FR specific spells, and if your bard isn't the kindest soul of the posse, you can add the Shadow Weave Magic feat to the roster (IMO the Bard gets so much mileage out of that 'dark hero' attitude that comes with Shadow Magic).
So, all this good stuff doesn't cost you any? Sure it does.
Cons:
Low HD. (can't help with this one - Improved Toughness, anyone?)
Few spells per level. (no preparation though)
Poor weapon selection (it's still better than cleric's)
Commitment to a single skill (perform) throughout the career.
Light Armor only (but can cast arcane spells in it).
Bard has several good points:
High number of skill points and class skills, only Ranger and Rogue come even close to the list of Bard's skills,
The music - inspire courage is perhaps The best example,
Good spell selection - of the non damage inflicting kind (suggestion as class ability and 2nd level spell, confusion as 3rd lvl spell, arcane healing spells throughout the list and many spiffy sonic and divination effects.
Bardic knowledge - this ability can make nearly any situation easier
With his abilities, a bard can act as a secondary arcane caster, party booster and healer of any crew, can act as a sage-on-the-run, and still have superior leaderhip qualities. Sure, he's not the front line warrior, or the heavy artillery of the posse, but still...
In Realms, the Bard's abilities are augmented by a truckload of FR specific spells, and if your bard isn't the kindest soul of the posse, you can add the Shadow Weave Magic feat to the roster (IMO the Bard gets so much mileage out of that 'dark hero' attitude that comes with Shadow Magic).
So, all this good stuff doesn't cost you any? Sure it does.
Cons:
Low HD. (can't help with this one - Improved Toughness, anyone?)
Few spells per level. (no preparation though)
Poor weapon selection (it's still better than cleric's)
Commitment to a single skill (perform) throughout the career.
Light Armor only (but can cast arcane spells in it).