Skill Ranks

[JonnyBraFro]

I'm Bard at 32 trains who has been using OHE/Shield and am wondering if there comes a point when you can stop training 2x/level OHE and 1x/level shield? What I mean is in those areas does the training ever stop making a difference? How about for armor? Currently I'm at 34 ranks for armor & shield, and 62 for OHE.

I like the defense benefits of using a shield, I can usually hunt things my level or a little higher by myself, with only my own spells and not worry TOO much about stance-dancing...but it's pretty boring. When looking at the skill costs I'm wondering how Bards can afford to train 2x/level in polearms--which would seem much more interesting, unique and more fun overall?

Do any OHE/shield or perhaps polearm using Bards have any suggestions, or training tips? Maybe I'm wasting points on other things I could recover because I don't need them.

Thanks!

[Bhuryn]

You have to 1x dodge with a polearm as well (if you don't already). You'll never stop doubling your weapon and 1x shield/dodge or both depending on what weapon type you use. My bard is 2x OHe, 1x shield and 1x dodge.

[Lumi]

You have to 1x dodge with a polearm as well (if you don't already). You'll never stop doubling your weapon and 1x shield/dodge or both depending on what weapon type you use. My bard is 2x OHe, 1x shield and 1x dodge.

This. You never stop training your primary method of offense, or defense.

If you're looking for something "more interesting" than sword and board, there are plenty of other options for bards. Poles, ranged, TWC, pure, etc. There are also ways to make sword and board more exciting, too.

If you're looking for direction, let us know what you want out of your bard and maybe we can help. If you just want to know about training cutoffs, Bhuryn basically answered it dead on for you (never stop training OHE/Shield).

[Bhuryn]

I was actually thinking about changing by bard from ohe/shield to ranged. I wish you could sing up sonic bows =P

[MrTastyHead]

Ranged picking bard. I think it's fun.

[Lumi]

I was actually thinking about changing by bard from ohe/shield to ranged. I wish you could sing up sonic bows =P

Yeah, that's the big rain cloud hanging over the bardic archer parade =\

But still, they have the awesome self-cast haste float, which makes for a pretty bitchin' party :)