Bard Songs?

bipbap · Post by **bipbap** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 7:41 am

I have just started another run through and am using a skald for the first time. I know it has a good bard song, but I am finding it hard to leave him just using his song. I usually end up having him firing spells and arrows. Am I missing out? Do most people use the bard song or not?

Nimiety · Post by **Nimiety** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 11:12 am

When I played with one, I'd have him sing long enough to see the little musical note on all my characters, and then I'd get him to shoot or cast, or what ever. I'd still get the benefit that way.

bipbap · Post by **bipbap** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:22 pm

Perhaps I am missing something. When I do that, the notes disappear almost right away, so it doesn't seem like I can do both. Or is it that I have to constantly restart the song?

stramoski · Post by **stramoski** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:51 am

I usually wait until I have Mislead, or Project Image. That way you can do both...

I don't think I ever used the non-hla song, though. The scald one does look promising, though.

Nimiety · Post by **Nimiety** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:12 am

As I recall, you don't have much time (it's not like casting a bless or chant or anything). I do recall that it would be enough to get one thing done - a hit, a spell, an arrow, etc. Simmy's or images are definately the way to go (but I think my next solo may be a bard).

Thrifalas · Post by **Thrifalas** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:43 am

I heard that someone used the Scald to solo Demogorgon by confusing him untill he killed himself

I almost never use bard songs, mostly cause I don't often use bards. In BG1, a whole party consisting of 1-2 level chars could benefit a lot from a few extra thac0 and damage, but in bg 2 and ToB things are different.

The enhanced bard song is another story and is pretty decent as it gives you +10 ac and your allies immunity to stun, fear and confusion, a bit of MR and some fighting bonuses... it's pretty valuable. :]

It's just nice of you have a big party, but I've gotten the feeling that everyone except me prefer to play with 4 or more characters.

Nimiety · Post by **Nimiety** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:24 pm

[QUOTE=Thrifalas]I heard that someone used the Scald to solo Demogorgon by confusing him untill he killed himself

[/QUOTE]

I'll have to try that one!!!

Luis Antonio · Post by **Luis Antonio** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:54 pm

the Jester song confuses, not the skald one. That's the first point.

Next, Bards are weak - you cant kill demogorgon without help using a Bard. Not without ubber cheese, and I mean ubber cheese like 5 spells per round and tons of scrolls. They are good, but when they're soloing you MUST not sing, or sing only if you're exactly sure of what you're doing because either a) the song wont have effect (unless you're a Jester) b) the enemies will catch you easier or c) demogorgon wouldnt even notice bard song.

In parties you may use two or three skalds to raise the AC and thac0 from the other fighters, and with the project image and simulacrum spells, you can make this cumulative, with very very sweet bonuses, making your mages good frontliners if you wish.

Now, Bard songs are the least commendable bard hability. They have UAI on ToB. They have spells, they can cheese, they have a rather decent Thac0, they can pickpocket. So, BS is not the big deal on Bards. Roleplayability is nice on them as well

bipbap · Post by **bipbap** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 8:03 am

Good Replies, thanks.

I love the Simmy/image idea, thanks. I always forget about those.

This is the first time I used a bard for any length of time, so its been interesting to find what works and doesn't work. That's why I usually do have a full party, there's just too many things I want to try out!

But it does sound like I am on the right track that the BS is more a special circumstances kind of ability rather than a 'always use' one.

I might have to look into Jester after all. I thought the skald's attack bonuses would be nice, but I have been keeping him in the back anyway, so perhaps the Jester's effects on enemies would be better. Are Jester's BS easily saved from?