Mistwell
Crusty Old Meatwad
Evilhalfling said:When I first read the echoblade I Thought it was incredible +1/2 lvl in sonic damage for multiple rounds? every time you are singing to buff your friends in combat? Sweet.
Looking at it more carefully I think it means you have to use bardic music only to get the sword to work - so its either you or the party. To me this screws up the primary bard role, and makes the rest of the optimizing inspire courage useless, unless he spend 2 rounds buffing (one song for allies, one song for self. And even then one effect is limited to 5 rounds, unless you picked up harmonizing or the lingering music feat.
Thoughts?
I disagree. "If you use your bardic music ability while wielding the weapon...". It doesn't say you use a bardic music attempt, like all other "charge this ability with a bardic music attempt" abilities. It says if you use your bardic music ability while wielding. Seems pretty clear to me you just have to use bardic music as normal while wielding the weapon, and in addition to your normal benefits from using bardic music you get an additional benefit to yourself.
I don't think it is out of line. WOTC knows people think the bard is way underpowered, and I think this is one more way to bring them into line with the other classes. They are STILL weak compared to other classes, but this and some of the other items and feats and prestige classes are bringing them closer to being equal.