Classes: The Number Game

[Cobalt Katze]

Or how to be a really hardcore swimmer

[Nil]

Don't forget that they're doing it last and it could very well suffer from "Hibernia Syndrome". Here's hoping it doesn't, because it's clearly going to be a popular place to play.

The real question, though, is "Why can't Raki be bards?"

[Foxeye]

But...they can be bards. Or is that a trick question? *pokes the question with a stick to see if it is hiding some greater Truth*

[Nabren]

Nil, same reason Thestra has no monks!

[Cobalt Katze]

There is no lute.

[Nil]

Originally Posted by Foxeye

But...they can be bards. Or is that a trick question? *pokes the question with a stick to see if it is hiding some greater Truth*

I've seen write-ups on other sites that do not list them as bards. I noticed after I posted this that the one you looked at does. It's welcome, though. They just seemed to be a good fit for the class (not that I really know anything about the class - I still have a hard time imagining a bard as a primary damage dealer).

[froma]

Originally Posted by Nil

not that I really know anything about the class - I still have a hard time imagining a bard as a primary damage dealer.

It should be kept in mind that this is purely speculation, I have found very little info on the Bard as a class...

I would wager that the Bard's classification in Vanguard is a result of the same mentality that it is in many other fantasy games. It is a class that depends on dexterity/agility as one of their main stats (with charisma being another major one), just like many of the melee DPS classes. They are competent sword slingers, can handle ranged weapons with a decent amount of skill and are, quite obviously, users of magic that derive from their musical abilities.

Bards are commonly referred to as the "jack of all trades" and I can only hope that this remains the case in Vanguard.

With this in mind, it would be hard to place the weapon wielding, leather wearing, magic using Bard as a pure caster (healer or arcane) or heavy fighter; its categorization as an offensive fighter is truly the best fit. My vision of a Bard in any game is that of the "ultimate 5th." A player who rolls a Bard should expect to be taking on a very technical profession, where one should be ready to adjust their play style depending on the needs of the current group situation that they are in. A lazy bard will soon find himself or herself overwhelmed and, most likely, in a corner. Expect to heal, expect to buff and expect to fight. In short, expect to be in five places at once.

[Attrus]

It'll be interesting to see which players have a tendency to group with each other. Like, are we going to see more fighters hanging around with fighters? Or are they going to use the system to their advantage and use each class to an advantage?

[Greymain]

It would be nice for players to be recognised not just by their class or gear but as personalities within the game world. After all that is the normal for real heros

[froma]

I have never encountered a situation within an MMO where personality/skill was not considered with the same esteem as the equipment or role of a player. Earning a reputation is inevitable. The quality of the name you make for yourself is what matters.