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I have been a long time player of the Baldur's Gate series. I hail right back from BG 1, and have been brought up with the idea bards are sissys, weaklings and a waste of a party member space.

However, recently I have read many posts recommending bards and saying how good they are.

So what I propose is this, I want people to recommend a bard choice and also suggest strategies and the equipment loadout for that kind of bard.

I hope everyone has input, however I do not want to read posts saying how stupid I am for thinking bards are sissys, I will keep that attitude until I follow a strategy and learn the truth.

So post good strategies, and I will choose the one that suits me the most.

As a final note, do not post saying that I should not choose a bard, I am determined to go as one.

Good writing!

Have you taken a look at Keto? She's a modded party NPC that's a bard. Well worth checking out.

My own opinion is that bards in BG1/2 are more roleplayers than rollplayers. They lack for the most part action individuality, partaking of the abilities of others--and none of them, particularly well. Moving them to a different spell table in the next AD&D edition helped significantly, as did upgrading their songs. But in the BG series, I see bards are a fun challenge for a veteran player or an RPGer who enjoys great dialog (in the cases of Haer'dalis and Keto), rather than something I'd recommend to the new player.

I would say a Blade is easiest to solo, while the Skald can be the most useful within a larger team... my humble opinion...

Definitly Blade...

Offensive Spin is just too good : Basically, it's a mix between the kensai's Kai ability and a haste spell. Add to this bonus to attack, and you have a pretty good ability.

Defensive Spin can be good is used Correctly. -10 AC is great, but you can't move. If you're going toe-to-toe with a strong opponent, it can be useful.

You don't need lvl 7-8-9 spells to complete the game. Stoneskin, Mirror Image, Blur, Tenser's Transformation are exemples of (relatively) low level spells you can use.

Bards skills : Pickpocket can be useful to get items without purchasing them, but I don't use it ofter. Bard's song isn't really useful (unless you're a Skald), and doesn't have any use in Solo.

Profiencies : As a blade, I would go with dual-wielding ... any weapons that fit you! From swords to blunt, two handed or ranged, you can use everything!

HLA : You have a mix of semi-decent HLA, and there's UAI. After having purchased UAI, you're REALLY a Jack of All Trade.

Equipement : Whatever weapon suits you (Dak'kon Zerth katana is good, but that's youre choice), bards-specific armor (Melodic Chainmail?), Ring of Gaax, etc.

I'd second Fable's suggestion of Keto. I've been playing with her in my most recent run through the game. She's really an exceptional NPC by both BG and Modder standards. She's not a power house, but she is a lot of fun.

However, for player character purposes, I think the particular kit you chose is dependent on the role you want the bard to play. If you envision the bard as a sort of "secondary tank" then Blade is the obvious choice. Blades sacrifice some of the singing ability for defensive and offensive spin. These two abilities are very useful in preserving the bard, and giving them a little extra punch. Likewise, your bard of any class, will want to make extensive use of tenser's transformation and stone skin once they become available. With these tools, a bard can hold their own on the front lines of battle.

If you envision your bard as more of a support class, you may find Skald or Jester to be more useful. Skald has a very effective support song for allies. Meanwhile, the Jester's song causes confusion in opponents. Don't underestimate the potential benefits of either song. Used regularly, they can be very effective in combat situations.

Regardless of which kit you chose, you'll want to make sure that you optimize you bard's flexilibity. As such, making sure that the bard has proficiencies in both ranged and melee weapons is a must. Likewise, don't get into a rut with your spell casting. While its true they can make use of many of the physical augmentation spells, bards have access to a great many spells and can "play" wizard when need be. There will be times when this is much more advantageous than simply throwing stone skin on them and sticking them in the front line.

[QUOTE=Nimiety]I would say a Blade is easiest to solo, while the Skald can be the most useful within a larger team... my humble opinion...

[/QUOTE]

I'd second this. How many are use large parties, though, is to be determined.

Personally, I like the Jester. Don't get me wrong the Blade is fun and has the potential to be very powerful, I just like the Jester for one reason.

Invisibility+Jester Song = All enemies kill each other

Ha! It's just funny. On larger bosses it takes a while though. But if that's not a person's cup of tea I have to agree that the Blade is strong by himself and the Skald is strong in a party.

The Blade's abilities are better if your playing style uses more might than magic. If you like to cast a lot of spells, then I'ld recommend one of the other two specialist bards. The Skald is great fun to boost the rest of your party. I'm partial to the Blade, b/c I like having one dual weild short swords and/or daggers and having them fend off mighty enemies while missile attackers and mages take them down from afar. Offensive/Defensive Spin are very, VERY useful!

Although everyone seems to be saying that the Blade is the best, I think I will choose the Skald. Mainly for the reasons:

1. I like to play in a big party
2. Everyone says the Blade is easiest, I want a challenge
3. I just went through BG with a dual wielding figher, so I want something different
4. The Skald sounds more like the traditional bard, which was what I wanted to play with

Thanks for all your input and I hope the Bard is as good as everyone says.

A Skald is a good choice. If you need help with strategies and equip, I highly recomend reading the No deaths, no reloads thread by two. It gives the details his game as a solo Skald.

Thanks for directing me to the thread.

Although I am not soloing, it will still come in great handy.

Thanks again.