instead of Bard spells, Ritual songs?

[Falling Icicle]

I could certainly picture Bard-only "ritual" songs that enable them to do very powerful or lasting enchantments on their target audience. This could include things like the Pied Piper song, that causes all of the rats (or other targets) to follow you mindlessly to wherever you lead them.

 

[MarauderX]

IMHO they are not a class that should be focusing on combat. The Bard should be out of his element with a tactical strike team.

Unless you play D&D Online. Then the bard IS the tactical strike team.

 

[cr0m]

To me the big question becomes, if wizards and clerics get all of these rituals out of combat, what about the rest of the classes?

Martial classes have their own rituals. Also known as the Montage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xBSfY01nMk