While we're working on finishing up the spell list for Arcane and Divine casters, I'm going to start my Bard retool. I'll post more info later, but here's the quick rundown: Bards are going to lose MP and will have sing re-written.

Songs will no longer be on a 2 minute timer, and will now be something a bard continues to do to keep the effect active. For example: To heal, a bard might sing Melkor's Melody of Healing. To fight, he might sing Johny's Fighting Jingle. Each song he sings will "pulse" an effect that stays active for 10-15 seconds, and is refreshed every 5 seconds or so while singing. Some songs will be boosted by certain instruments, and others will require one! (Disaron's Divine Drumbeat!)

Targets for songs will include 1) Self, 2) Party, 3) Room, 4) Players, 5) Monsters, 6) Enemies, etc. Songs will be learned through the bard college and questing.


I'll post more information when I've finalized my planning!

-Bane

I like it, but losing MP is a bit harsh. Would it make sense to keep their MP and just not be able to cast while singing? That would allow them to not lose out on spells like know aura, D-I, D-M, bless and pro, and most importantly infravision.

Could a party of bards sing the same song together and have the effects stack? Could they sing different songs and have the effects stack? I know it's early, but that's a pretty basic question as for the dynamics of the new ability.

I also think that bards should parry, since they're scoundrels, jesters, and gypsies after all. A song that helped dodge and parry would also be more appropriate if they could parry.

All non casting classes are losing mp eventually. Bards are not a casting class, thus they are losing mp. You said yourself they're scoundrels :P (roguish)

Yes, bards could group and the effects would stack (Not the same song mind you -- the more powerful one would take hold and not ht lesser one, but different songs would stack)

I'd have to check...I think I gave bards parry already...