Bards - Why do so few people play them?

[Xilo]

Hi all.

I just started playing a hafling bard. And I have to say I'm loving it. she just has so many cool abilities (bardic knowladge rocks!!) and skills.

So I was wondering why it is that so few people play this class. I mean people are always rogues and fighters, but bards? Very rarely hear of them.

Also while we are on the topic of bards any one have any interesting suggestions on different perform types?

 

[EricNoah]

I think bards might fit into a smaller party better than a large one, simply because the concept of a Jack of All Trades isn't very useful when you've got a Wizard, Fighter, Rogue and Cleric in the party. So party size might have something to do with it. Also I think fewer people run urban/political campaigns that might help a bard better showcase his people and lore skills.

 

[HellHound]

Actually, we've pretty solidly proved that a bard's musical abilities are at their best in a larger party, where they can affect more people with their beneficial powers.

But yes, outside a political or social setting, the bard suffers.

 

[Xilo]

Also I think fewer people run urban/political campaigns that might help a bard better showcase his people and lore skills.

Thats true I guess. But its just as easy for your bard to go running round the country side, tell stories and singing/playing songs in small town inns finding out all the local gossip. Thats what my bard has been doing and it works a treat!

I was thinking that it may be because of they just aren't that clear cut.

 

[KB9JMQ]

I agree with Eric.
I have just four people in my group and no matter who DMs there is always a Bard. Seems to help to have someone who can do a bit of everything.
I think if we had one more player to round out the party even more there probably wouldnt be one though.

 

[Draxus the Tainted]

I would rather inspire the party with my sword than with my lute!

 

[Xilo]

I would rather inspire the party with my sword than with my lute!

perhaps but does your sword give +s to att and damage rolls?

 

[Olive]

IMC we've been doing a bit of political urban stuff lately, but the sorceror has been kicking the bard's butt in dealing with npc stuff... cha 19 vs cha 15.

 

[Victim]

I would rather inspire the party with my sword than with my lute!

You can still make attacks while inspiring the party.

 

[Olive]

there's a spell in MagoF which increases bardic music... nice buff.

i just can't spell today