Switching from NIN for slaughter -- WHM or BRD more needed?

Hi all,
Given the state of melee in slaughter, I'm thinking of changing the job I usually play to either WHM or BRD. However, I am wondering which of these jobs people think would be a bigger benefit to the alliance. Being able to heal without constantly being focused down in minutes seems fun, while also helping to try to interrupt enemy BLMs and such is helpful, as well. Just not sure which seems to contribute more in slaughter mode. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Cliche answer, but go with what you enjoy more, as they both have good use. If you end up doing an 8v8v8 Slaughter, then your melee (which I assume is your main) will be much more viable.

EDIT: a teammate of mine who plays bard says it isn't all it's cracked up to be there. Remember you need to maintain 15 yalms to do your full damage, and that isn't always possible without being singled out and killed.

bards got screwed the most out of all the new LBs added... seriously why do they keep givin bards silly heal lbs?? = =''''''

Either... Bards can get high/fever sometimes, not as easy as BLM but still not too hard. extra healing lb is useful too.

WHM is always needed.

Only one bard per party is enough.
Their main purpose in Slaugther is to interrupt enemy BLM who get too close from your party.

The only way for them to get some kills would be to finish a damaged enemy before they get healed.

On the other hand, a WHM is always welcome if you have less than 2 healers in the team.
The number of heal needed in the party varies with the number of melee DPS you have, since they need more care than ranged characters.

You could also play both and using WHM when your group lacks on healing power. Normally, in slaughter, 2 heals should be fine, while 3 heals are safer but still ok. Groups with 4 heals in slaughter seriously are going for 3rd place. In case your in group B and your groups does have multiple whitemages, i would suggest going for bard, because healing in B in mana intensive so you could really contribute something to your group with mana song here and there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Atreus

Remember you need to maintain 15 yalms to do your full damage.

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Why?
There is a dmg penalty for attacking your too far (or it is too close?)? Its just for pvp, or pve too? How much dmg penalty?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DSaint

Why?
There is a dmg penalty for attacking your too far (or it is too close?)? Its just for pvp, or pve too? How much dmg penalty?

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It's strictly for PvP. Yes there is a damage penalty for being closer or farther than 15 yalms.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DSaint

Why?
There is a dmg penalty for attacking your too far (or it is too close?)? Its just for pvp, or pve too? How much dmg penalty?

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I believe its like a 50% damage reduction from being max/min range of the target, gradually increasing as you hit that 15y sweet spot. There was a JP post about it, don't know where though.

Everyone should have a healer class on reserve in case you get stuck in a no-healer pt where no one wants to switch.

Imo you don't need more than 2 healers per party in slaughter 72man. If 2 healers aren't enough then your dps jobs are not retreating when focused, are not stacking for aoe heals, and/or are over-extending/feeding.

Thanks for the responses, all. I'm thinking I will go on WHM and if there are too many, switch to bard (or if ballad is needed, like Zeniba mentioned). I'm thinking I won't be as heavily focused as I would be in Secure as long as I stick with my group and have people around who can protect me if anyone happens to get too close ^^