BARD 2.1 change [requesting letter from the producer explanation]

[Max_Damade]

Easy or difficult, some of us just like playing range DPS.
At this point, Bard is our only option.
Most parties, don't really need or want my songs.
I play them anyway because I feel they do help, but nobody seems to care.
I have never heard "Thank you so much Bard, your foe requiem really saved the day!"

[Awrini]

bards tend to take away from other jobs that could be used in certain instances. This is due to their ability to deal steady damage in addition to supporting using job abilities. As such, we will be making adjustments to their cross-class abilities. There will be no changes made to archer or bard themselves. Please also rest assured that we will not be removing their ability to silence enemies.

From reading this quote it seems that there is no problem with our damage cross class abilities. From what I can see the true problem is out support abilities (IE: Mantra Haymaker Feint). Admittedly maybe not so much haymaker because of the dodge requirement. But the healing bonus from mantra or 20% slowing effect from Feint may be what they are saying is too much and causing monks/dragoons to be overlooked since a bard can bring those support abilities instead.

[MPNZ]

I've never really been fond of nerfs, but I don't mind losing a crossclass skill like B4B since I don't use it (everyone should have invigorate). If anything I think it would be better to bring other classes up through advanced skills for lv.50 available through quests with equipment level requirements or through phil/myth/seal purchases like:
MNK: Wave fist (ranged MNK-tech from FFT), advanced second wind (all classes, increased heal version of Second Wind), and maybe Feather foot 2, a way to restore second wind instantly (20-30% chance), or an advanced FoE (greater def increase), a tech to cut down on cooldown times

[MPNZ]

BLM: Make cast time uninterruptable except by status effects (passive), W-Magic (the ability to cast two spells at once on the same target for no extra cost, cool down)
SMN: W-Summon (the ability to summon two pets)
DRG: Sound Barrier (passive, greatly reduces damage received during jump techs, possible weakness to magic) with maybe an increased damage output
BRD: Regen song, and maybe some crossclass support skills like sleep
SCH: an ability to reduce TP and MP costs (10-20%) for the entire party for a duration of time. Possible LB.

All or most of those would probably break the game, but I think it's better to break everything to some degree if balancing proves to only create more problems.

[glen7187]

Hmmm....

If support is "NEEDED", why are there Coil groups where Bards never even use their songs at all? Seems like support "helps" but I'm not sure if you want to say it's "needed".

If Bards are so easy to play, what can you say about Black Mages? I'm pretty sure they have the same easy rotation, their only difficulty is when they have to move. I think all the DPS jobs have it easy. The only "difficult" part is moving/dodging while keeping your rotation up. Now that I think about it, I would think SMN is the only difficult one as it's hard to keep track of all the DoTs and renew them. But all the other DPS classes only need to worry about themselves and their own buffs.

Bards can move and keep their damage consistent, I think they should keep that cause that's kind of our niche or mechanic. What I think Yoshi-p is saying is that in the puzzle, instead of Bard fitting it's own piece, you can kind of fit many pieces. We can silence, we can AoE, we can refresh MP/TP, we can sort of "tank" by kiting, and we have good DPS. From some of the interviews and letters and stuff I've read from Yoshi, it seems that he's really trying to make the classes different to a sense where every class brings something to the table. That will discourage class stacking. But currently, it just seems like Bards are bringing a lot to the table. I was afraid they were going to take Raging Strikes from us but thankfully they won't. I really feel like they are just going to reduce our Burst damage. Let's just see how it turns out.

[ReplicaX]

snip

You can make all the assumptions you like. I'm not.

• I am actively playing and gearing my BRD/PLD/DRG in coil each week and go the role I'm needed.
• I play jobs I enjoy, regardless of difficulty.
• I am in no rush getting all 9 jobs to 50.
• Current coil lockouts/myth caps restrict ppl from gearing all 9 jobs effectively.
• Focusing on my 3 jobs with the current state of the game makes more sense.

People's opinions are opinions. If it effects the game, I've already stated numerous times. Whatever direction Bard goes, I will go.

Bard is currently a DPS that can apply one song at a time.

Nothing stat/gear wise for BRD effects those songs but Piety (MP = Length of Song) and there is zero non-slotted endgame gear for Bard with Piety. Battle Voice is an ability, not a stat. Bard is all DPS focused gear.

I am done arguing with someone that thinks the Job should be this, but it is infact nothing like it. Argue with the Devs.

[LunarEmerald]

Bard won't lose one of its abilities but I bet it loses blood for blood.

[Awrini]

They stated that they are unhappy with additionals they can bring that dissuades people from taking another damage class. Bards as it stand are already on the lower end of the potential damage spectrum and melee classes are confirmed to be getting an approximated 10% potential damage increase to balance out their risk/reward situation. So nerfng bard damage seems rather redundant. That is why I feel bards will lose one or both of the SUPPORT abilities that a Monk/Lancer bring. IE: Feint and Mantra

[Luso]

I like using mantra on bard. Sure its crazy weak outside of monk, but it makes me feel more of a support role when I toss it up along with songs.

[Allyrion]

I like using mantra on bard. Sure its crazy weak outside of monk, but it makes me feel more of a support role when I toss it up along with songs.

This game could use more raid-wide support/buff abilities across the board.
Mantra, Songs, Selene. I think we could use more stuff like this, even if Bard still leads the support.

It really makes the raid feel more connected when dps are all affecting the general group, stacking buffs or spacing them out.
You're making the raid a fluid sort of force, rather than just doing your own thing.

Magic users do have some degree of this with keeping Virus and Eye for an Eye up.
Really much more interesting experience when you have to manage yourself and the group at the same time.