3 Bard Questions

[FF_Solarwind]

i was just wondering about a few things with a bard, first of all, is it better than a red mage? and if it is what is the best class? is there anything good BESIDES whitemage? and does bard play an important role in the group which would make them desireable? thnx for the input.

[Ripersnifle]

Well, good/better/best all depends on what you want to do, and so thus there is no *best* class. In theory, if all you wanted to do was become frustrated and die a whole lot, I would reccomend WHM/WAR

It seems that you're pretty much concentrating on the "support" jobs, and again it doesn't seem like you're too fond of the idea of playing a WHM, so I will try to answer with those things in consideration.

The bard is useful to the party because its songs can produce a wide array of useful effects (MP regen, HP regen, attack up, etc.)

A WHM is the typical "healer" type. If something bad can happen to you, a WHM can make it better.

RDM has a good array of spells, some attack, some heal, and a good pick of support and enfeebling spells. These are popular in parties too because they can perform a wide array of functions as the party requires.

Basically, if you want to heal all-out, go WHM. If you want to do more of a support-type deal, go RDM or BRD.

I would reccomend BRD for a player that enjoys a more passive approach. You belt out the appropriate songs, and pretty much work just to keep your party working well and inflict a nasty but not directly damaging song on the baddies or put them to sleep in a pinch. Songs require no MP to cast, but require a considerable 8 seconds to cast for most of them.

The RDM's spells are more direct and more immediate, if not necessarily more powerful. A RDM is better for pulling a party member's hiney out of the fire or delivering a coup de grace to a weakened foe (especially considering "fast cast"), but lacks the kind of "endurance" that a Bard has because the mage has to rely on a finite pool of mana.

Hope that helps somewhat.

[Niland]

i'd say red mage is the more 'complete' class.

both are valued in exp groups tho. often you hear the comment that its better to have a rdm or a brd etc etc. truth is i think the two classes complement each other fantastically =)

[SyNapSe]

Red Mage is definately the most "complete" job in the game, as they are an incredible support job.

The difference to me between RDM, WHM, and BRD.. They are all "support" jobs by classification, but RDM's can go out and solo considerably better.

Oh, on another note RDM can be quite expensive.. some of the scrolls that they specialize in are pricey due to rareness. Phalanx is an absurd amount.

[FF_Solarwind]

K, thnx for the input, i made a mistake earlier BTW, i meant best SUBJOB for a bard, if theres any besides whitemage, but the input still helped, im just trying to decide what i like more, im into the support classes though, cant decide between RDM and BRD, thnx for input.