Is it Possible to Beat Turn 8 Without a Bard?

[Donjo]

While plugging at Turn 8 last night, I couldn't help but wonder: Is it really a completely lost cause if you don't bring a Bard to Turn 8? It really feels like it's absolutely necessary from what I've experienced, and I'm not sure if there's any other encounter in the game where the presence of a single class is so important.

So, here's the question: Has anyone successfully defeated the boss without using a Bard at all or by using a Bard who sung zero songs through the whole fight?

[Starkbeaumont]

maybe with just BLMs and SMNs (which sacrifice some dmg to keep their mp up)?

[jwilliams133]

I'm sure it's possible, but it would just make it harder for the healers.

[KitanaiKoneko]

In recent weeks, the only reasons we've had a bard sing for us is because of having monks in the party, and because as SMN I manage to run out of mana way faster than our healers do. I'm sure if you had a caster heavy team you could get away with not having a bard (although then you'd want one for foe requiem), but having the bard there in case you need it is probably worth it.

[Xellos2099]

Well Bard is also the ideal dps for the tether for the homing missile.

[Alise]

SMN can do the same kite missile and stuffs as bard. However, the hard part is that you need to find a SMN who learn those mechanic before which is hard. Usually the party only let BRD learn it.

[Gamex]

Yes you can do it without BRD but why would you want to? You absolutely need BRD for Peon and Foe Requiem (no need to sing Ballad but if your going to then sing it when your killing Dreadnoughts)

[Sapphic]

SMN can do the same kite missile and stuffs as bard. However, the hard part is that you need to find a SMN who learn those mechanic before which is hard. Usually the party only let BRD learn it.

Well you still have brainjack to deal with.

[Grotesque]

Well you still have brainjack to deal with.

SMN can do this as well. Everything done by a bard, can be done by SMN in this fight except songs.