GameBanshee Forums

I just started playing this game. I have a party with a bard in it (lvl 2 or 3 can't recall) and I can't really see the use of them. Aren't they supposed sing magical songs or something? I can't find any spells that they will learn. Tell me how you use a bard please.

Bards are singers and can cast spells.
If your bard doesn't have the icons (maybe because you started as another class) you have to customize the buttons. See manual page 12 for details.

Okay, so they can cast spells like mages and sing songs? How do I teach them songs? Do they learn the same spells as mages?

They will learn songs as they level. They can't learn spells right away. In IWD1 they learn spells from scrolls, just like mages.

Bards start with 1 song at level 1 and gain a different song every 2 levels.
They get spells like sorcerers, at level ups you can make your choice.
You need (10+spell level) charisma to be able to cast spells.

This is IWD1; Bards don't use Charisma for their spells.
They work exactly as Wizards, with fewer spells per day, but they level faster. They also have more HP and better THAC0 and can use most weapons and armour.
Anyway, like already pointed out: you learn songs automaticly, just click on the icon to activate it. (See the manual.)
You can let them learn spell scrolls, just as a Wizard, starting from lvl 1. They can cast their first spells at lvl 2.

OK, thanks. I got her to learn magic missile but it's grayed out when you try to cast it. Why is that? She's level 3.

Pretty sure that's because she's wearing armour. Use Mage Armour instead, or Bracers. Hope that you find some Elven Chainmail in the game. (There are three suits possible, IIRC.)
Overall, Bards can be very useful and powerful.

I'm in the Vale of Shadows, is there anyplace I can get mage armor yet? The blacksmith in kuldahar doesn't seem to have it. Thanks again.

The mage in Kuldahar probably sells it. Enseric the Grey, he's called, IIRC. I might just as well be confusing him with someone else's name, but there's definitly a mage in that tower in the NW corner.
My personal advice: simply give your bard a bow and keep her away from the melee.

Mage Armor is a spell. You can also get various protection items such as bracers, rings, cloaks, etc. My advice? Keep the bard out of combat, and keep a Mirror Image spell handy just in case the bard gets attacked.

The mage in Kuldahar is Orrick.

Enserric is the sword-bound wizard in NWN: HotU.

Ah, yes, true that. Thanks for the reminder.

As a musician, the Bard appeals to me. I don't think anyone is stating just how sweet the bard truly is. The combat bonus song is always nice. You automatically receive a new song every 2 levels or so. Even better than the combat song is the song that increases luck and skills. Tired of hearing your fatigued party complain about how sleepy they are? Can't get that lock open? Need to boost your Bard's already super-high lore score even higher? Having trouble memorizing a new spell? Just turn on Tymora's Melody (the luck song). There are numerous occasions when this comes in handy. When you reach 11th-level there is a song that slowly regenerates all your party members.

The Bard's pickpocket ability is out of control. You can pilfer some amazing items with great success. I swiped a Ring of Free Action, turned on Tymora's Melody (maybe cast Friends also) and sold it to Orrick the Wizard for something ridiculous like 10,000 gp.

Also, the Bard has the coolest items in the game. Lyre of Progression helps get your Bard more spells early in the game and Horn Of Valhalla can really help out in a pinch. Try casting Haste, Bless, etc. after you've summoned your berserkers with the horn. I haven't seen it on the boards yet, but I think if you use the Horn to summon the berserkers, quick-save (Q), and then auto-load (press L), you'll have control of the berserkers just like they were members of your party. I think this is a glitch in the game. Anybody else experienced this?

Thanks. I'm having a blast playing IWD again.

Personally I never play with Bards, because the War Chant of the Sith is way overpowered and breaks the game. Not only does it regenerate the whole party, but it does is so *fast*.
If you like an easy game, use Bards.
If you like tactical challenges, avoid Bards like the plague.