Quote Originally Posted by Shurrikhan View Post
My point is merely that I like that it has a bow because I like for my Bard to be armed and, since we're only allowed a single weapon type, I like that it uses the weapon that makes the most sense.
Though, exactly how much sense does it make?

Given that in the same setting, we have a class/job that uses a BOOK in order to inflict plagues or summon an icon of a world shattering Dragon.

Where we have a job that DANCES to infuse allies with additional power.

That includes a job that makes hand gestures to create Fireballs, Lightning Strikes or summon Shuriken.

We even have a job that uses a purely theatrical rod but is capable of conjuring missiles, earthquakes, fireballs, laser beams, tsunami's, lightning strikes, ice bows, explosions etc.

At what point does a weapon make more sense for a Bard than an instrument? Given that literally, magic exists allowing for something innocuous like an actual harp or flute to be a bringer of destruction if it happened to channel aether in a relevant way.

Bard in of itself, can offer a number of ways of providing offense via magical words and songs. Be it in the form of incredibly depressing music that actually drains the life of your foes in much the opposite way your music can revitalize your allies. Or be it in the form of having mastery over your voice/music to be able to utilize deafening blasts of sound (Which would be akin to a Wind spell like Aero, given how sound can manipulate the air)

It doesn't inherently need a weapon in order to deal damage to things, especially in a setting where magic exists in abundance. One merely helps expand options. Though the main difference is a Bard doesn't need to necessarily rely upon weapons entirely for their combat, nor even for a majority of it.

Quote Originally Posted by Shurrikhan View Post
But that leaves you with the same problem. What part of Rogue or dagger-wielding shouts Music? Is Music just an eclectic weapon set?
Rogues are often charismatic and adept at using misdirection and alternate fighting methods. As well as being notable for being able to coerce and persuade people using mere words.

Though, part of it could also relate back to how D&D Bards are Rogues, using shortswords/rapiers alongside their songs. Which they can enhance using magic via their songs.

However, the "Issue" is avoided because they're not primarily Rogues with Bard stuck on top, but Bards through and through. With attack rotations that include songs/shouts that deal damage or otherwise enhance their attacks.

Since the "Issue" is not "Does this weapon fit a Bard?" but merely, how much said "Bard" relies upon weapons as opposed to utilizing music or their voice (Either via shouts, magical words or chants) given that due to the versatility of Bardic magics, you can theoretically justify nearly every weapon for a Bard. It really just depends on what kind of ways the magics are utilized.

In XIV, most of how Bardic magic is used is via a passive effect, while you just shoot arrows at people. While for some reason, your songs allow you to shoot people with arrows more often (MB/AP) or shoot a aether infused arrow at people (WP). Meaning that you have all of 3 Bardic infused attacks, the arrow from WP, Iron Jaws (I think? It's hard to tell exactly what that attack is doing. I just know it isn't shooting an arrow at the target though) and Apex Arrow (Which uses Soul Voice gauge)