Bard? and Black Mage?

[Merryl]

I have this crazy idea just don't know if its possible. Technically it is possible I just don't know if its practical.
So help me pick...
What's the benefits of being a Bard vs Black Mage

[Fayo]

Bard is more a support class(song , silence ) and black mage are more AOE version of the damage

[Merryl]

Hmm so Bard is more involved in battle (closer to the fight) is what your saying while the mages can stay away and still assist. Well my other options at this point is Monk.
I did start this character out as pugilist so perhaps its like marauder and developes after level 15 and just requires better gear. I still have time yet. I plan on going back to pugilist duties after I level archer to 15 and open the crystal cutscene.

I'm still really undecide though. I'm not real thrilled with the black shroud area...guess its wait and see. Meanwhile still have 4 leveles on pugilist ti figure it out lol.

[Estellios]

Bards are ranged attackers too. Why don't you just try both out and see how you like it? You can play as many classes as you like one one character.

Your profile says you are an Archer and Bard still plays mostly like an Archer since it comes off of Archer, just that you get songs to support your party and need to learn when to use them (such as learning to watch your healers' MP). Bard gets the healer limit break which is useful but occasionally you will really want the DPS or Caster limit breaks in some situations.

Black Mages center around their MP and stance mechanics (Fire stance does more damage but you don't recover MP, Blizzard stance does low damage but you recover MP rapidly) and opportunity combos which Bard has as well. One of the biggest boons Black Mage offers over Bard is that it has the Caster limit breaks which do large AOE damage and can make some fights a lot easier to manage. Black Mage can't move while attacking, though.

[Merryl]

Yes I'm working as archer at the moment. Back in Ul'Dah killing the giant tortoise...and workingv up to level 15. My hang up is Gridania, if I stay as bard my guild will be there.
I've played another character on THM black mage, she was able to handle some battles on her own better than the classes I'm running on this character. And yah it sucks that the timing has to be perfect between casting and moving, or the spell won't work.

My free company already has a black mage or a few. Hmm...perhaps I should level the pugilist to 15 and then go for bard after all. It would most likely help my group out more at end game.

[Merryl]

I will have to go in the opposite of what I first thought. Going to keep pugilist and start conjurer.

Now ..question

Do I have to level lancer to 15 for monk? I saw a in a guide that the crossskill was level 10..with next one being in the upper 20's.
I don't wanna waste time on lancer if I don't have to.

[Estellios]

You will want to get lancer to 34 for Blood for Blood. 22 is the bare minimum as Invigorate is incredibly useful.

[Merryl]

Thanks. I think I already have a similar cast as pugilist? I'll check on that later.

Still disappointing news =_= I hadn't planned on putting that much effort into gridania.
I was just starting to open up the story again

[Mecan]

Bard is more a support class(song , silence ) and black mage are more AOE version of the damage

Just an FYI. Bard as many more AoEs than BLM. BLM is much more single-target focused. I think you have these two backwards.