Arianah
02-19-2008, 08:55 PM
<i>Note: I've posted this in each of the related class forums, since not many people read class forums not pertaining to the class they play, and in hopes that I can gather as much information possible.</i> <b>Background:</b> I play a Bard on EverQuest, and on Vanguard, I love playing the versatile jack-of-all-trades Bard <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" /> Currently, I play a Swashbuckler on EverQuest II, I really enjoy the class, but every now and then I have a weak moment and start wishing I was a bard on EQ2 as well. I've read up on Troubadors and Dirges, Swashbucklers and the vs. comparisons, as well as taking into consideration that if I remade, I'd have to level up again, buy new gear, do the HQ's and L&L's all over again, and re-decorate my house. I keep choosing Swashbuckler (because I enjoy the class, and it means not having to re-do all the work I've done), but I still have trouble putting that final nail in the coffin so to speak when it comes to finally being totally happy with my decision. I know that neither the Troubador or the Dirge are the same as their predecessor, the Bard from EQ. When I was choosing a class for EQ/VG I wrote down the role, gear, weapons etc that I would choose if we really lived in this world. Here's what I came up with: <u> Preferred:</u> Armor: Light and Medium (Chain & Leather) Weapons: Dual Wielding, 1 Handed (Prefer slashers, but being able to use blunts and piercers is a bonus) Role: Melee DPS; focused on dealing the damage, not taking it I would probably have a bow for ranged attacks, two 1 hand slashers, and two daggers hidden in my boots (always be prepared <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" />). And, since I've taken up an interest in instruments in real life because of my love for Bards in the games, I'd probably carry a couple instruments around with me too. <u>Game-wise, what I like:</u> A jack-of-all-trades, but melee focused class. I like to be dealing the damage, I'm not too concerned about taking it (though not dieing in 1 hit is always nice lol) I like being able to back-up tank if the tank goes down, but it's not a be-all-end-all. I like being able to put out some decent dps, doesn't have to be the best, but I'd prefer it not being the worst <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" /> <u> Game-wise, what I don't like:</u> Generally, being the buffer, tank, healer, or a caster. For example, I've tried a lot of classes on EQ, I hated having to cast so many buffs as a shaman, healing as a cleric was too boring, and even nuking as a caster was too boring, and I'm just not a tank at heart <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" /> Being asked for buffs all the time, having to heal instead of melee (first EQ2 toon was a Fury), having to stand back and nuke instead of run up and be there in the fight... Throwing items as a ranged attack <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /> From what I've read, Troubadors are better for grouping with casters, not bad with melees though, and Dirges are better for grouping with melees. I may have read it wrong, but it seemed that Troubadors also casted more than they meleed, and Dirges melee more than they cast. Dirges and Troubadors are usually wanted and liked on raids and in groups. Dirges and Troubadors do okay dps if geared/set up right, but are usually either at the middle or near the bottom of the totem poll of dps output. Swashbucklers do good dps, they're not at the top, but they're close to the top. I'm not really sure if they're desired in groups or raids. Soloing isn't really a concern of mine (unless I end up going with a bard in the end and have to re-level up), because I only play with my fiance, so am usually in a small group. I group with: A Berserker and Inquisitor Other information: I don't raid a lot, and I'm on a PvE server. I have only played a Dirge up into the 20's or so, but a level 20 dirge with armor quest gear and apprentices doesn't really compare to the higher level Dirge with adepts/masters and decent gear. I have a Swashbuckler, level 67 with level 62 crafted gear (and I have mostly apprentices), I like the way I play her, she's fun, but as far as knowing the role for a Swashbuckler in raids, or in full groups, or what they're like with better gear *shrugs* ... And since I don't know any high level Dirges, Troubadors or Swashbucklers that I can borrow to get a feel for the class to help make my decision... I'm hoping those with the experience can help me <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" /> <b>So here are my questions:</b> <ul><li>How do you like playing your class (Swashbuckler)? What do you like/dislike about it?</li><li>How do you like grouping with the other two classes (Dirge / Troubador)? What do you like/dislike about it?</li><li>What do you think would be best for a Berserker + Inquisitor + (scout) combo with what I've explained above?</li><li>Does anyone have some good parsing info for Dirge, Troubador and/or Swashbuckler (group or raid)?</li></ul> <i>I know this was a long post, my apologies, but I hope some of you can help me out here and I'm hoping to make my decision firm and final in my heart and mind, to finally "put that nail in the coffin." <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" /> </i>