Request info: Bard weapons/armor

[Sillyturtle]

A ladyfriend has decided to start EQ with me and we've rolled new characters. She's on a Bard and I'm on a Shaman. I know what gear I need to get for the Shammy, but I don't know anything about Bards.

We're not interested in Swarm kiting, so does anyone have any weapon suggestions for her? I understand bards can get Dual wield at 17. I've got some plat so looking for a couple decent items between the 500-1000p range that'd be good to level with for a while.

Also any other suggestions for Bard gear would be very welcome.

[Jauna]

go for raw ac/hp/sta items and ah fuck it no one ever listens just go with cha/dex already and learn why hp/ac/sta in your 50s like everyone else

[Galenbor]

The role of a *proper* bard (i.e. one that doesn't swarm kite) changes over levels, from 1-30ish they're quite decent melee classes, but from 20+ the lack of double attack starts to show a decline in damage output from weapons while other melee classes accelerate in theirs. Fortunately, that's also where Bards get very good options with songs, both for damage and support.

There are times where weapons are still useful, such as fear kiting and when using weapons with "tactical" procs like Journeyman Stick etc. As such, best early purchases for a bard include instruments from Mistmoore (MM drum and gypsy lute), perhaps a Conch Shell horn though that is of less use in lower levels. Cheap and cheerful weapons like Sionachie's Partisan will serve well, avoid overrated stuff like Breath of Harmony, and flesh out equipment with AC+HP+Resists as primary concerns, Charisma* and Strength as secondary useful stats.

Galenbor, 60 WoodyBard

* Ignore claims that charisma is useless and take a look at Bard's level 8 Lament song. This is a lull spell that has very high success rate compared to other classes' equivalent and makes Bards very effective pullers where Harmony won't work.

[Sillyturtle]

Thank you all for the info.

[Jauna]

cha only comes into play for the lull song only when it gets resisted, it has no effect on the actual resist rate itself

Lull, when you get a resist does two things, nothing or the mob agros you. higher cha means the mob will not agro you on a resist. thats it

after all these years i am starting to hate combating peoples with old wives tales mentality but if you want to be happy in the long run put starting stats into stamina and focus on hp/ac/sta gear. and mez/charms are based on the targets mr and level. a blue con is much easier to mez/charm over a white/yellow any day and cha wont make a big difference

[mefdinkins]

So if I was re-rolling a bard with limited plat I would get

As soon as possible: Sionache's Partisan - 9 damage 19 delay. - couple hundred plat
As soon as possible: Mistmoore Battle Drums - good modifier 50p
As soon as possible: Lute of the Gypsy Princess - good modifier 50p
As soon as possible: Conch Shell Horn - good modifier 50p
As soon as possible: Velium Fire Wedding Ring - 65 hp 6 ac rings, might have to get the platinum instead of velium version -- the 55 hp 5 ac rings first if you're tight on money - i think 2 vel rings around 1100
As soon as possible: Silver Chitin Hand Wraps - 22% haste gloves 1300 plat
For level 17: Crystalline Short Sword - 12 damage 24 delay and will keep up your 1 HS up for cheap.
For when you're rich: better versions of all that stuff and good gear

[GinnasP99]

http://wiki.project1999.com/Rare_Coins

This quest is pretty cool to do around level 30 or so to replace your MM battle drum. The quest isn't too hard to do and the coins aren't no drop so you can even do it on other characters if thats an option

[Tethler]

Show her the classic experience and quest Lambent armor together.