Bards have no real lag protection, specifically bash/throw but other types as well to a lesser degree.

Bards are screwed by lag more than most classes, other classes have definite protection against bash/throw, and some don't but they do extremely well in melee even while lagged. Assassins, rangers, warriors, etc.

Bards pay for their versatility by playing by the rules of both warriors and spellcasters. That is to say, not only are the majority of their songs two rounds, but they can also be saved against, and to a large degree nearly negated, if you gear or prep correctly with what requires a mediocre degree of game knowledge, or even just playing a high int race.

The song is essential to survivability in the hero ranks, and the fact that it is room-wide is just a theme of the class, it has no targetable abilities and thus can't spam in the traditional sense either (another big disadvantage compared to both mages and melee classes that you probably didn't consider)

They need to be able to get this song off quickly for personal survival and retry it quickly because failing it even once with their dismal weapon knowledge, can just about almost kill them outright in many cases.

I might be exaggerating, but not by much. You change this song to two rounds, you pretty much limit bards to a gank class at hero and kick it's exploring capabilities in the pants.

Besides, this song shouldn't be your biggest worry, it's getting put to sleep, being forced to flee, or the fiend that should worry you.

The only reason why I didn't illustrate to Graatch the game balance reasons is because I figured he already knew, and was looking for a gimmie or something.

Other than that, a good post that people can reference for symphonic echoes.






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