Hardships with same level questing as a Bard

[HeavenDenies]

Perhaps it’s just me, but I’m finding it kinda difficult to do same level solo questing with my bard. I find I’m not doing enough damage to the mob(s) by the time they close the distance and then start dealing damage to me. I usually come out with 1/3rd or 2/5ths of my health from a 1:1 encounter with a same level or slightly lower (1-2) level mob.

I’m wondering if anyone else had this issue with Bards? I’m in the process of leveling a Tank class from which I plan to do quest with and just save the Bard for raiding. But perhaps I’m totally missing something I should be doing that you all can point out.

P.S. – I really wish Bards had a snare of sorts. That would help immensely.

[FunkyBunch]

You're supposed to keep running around... but do it in a circle so they don't reset.
They will get less hits on you than if you stand still.

[FunkYeahDragons]

Kiting is what I did until Wanderer's Minuet, but I wan't too bothered by questing with Bard. Dragoon was a lot more comfortable, though.

Using buffs (including cross-class ones from Pugilist and Lancer), both Venomous Bite and Windbite (used while buffed), and Barrage + Empyreal Arrow or Heavy Shot killed mobs fast enough. If you're still taking too much damage to be comfortable, Second Wind (from Pugilist) can recover some HP.

[HeavenDenies]

Kiting is what I did until Wanderer's Minuet, but I wan't too bothered by questing with Bard. Dragoon was a lot more comfortable, though.

Yea, I'm going to level my Dark Knight and quest as that class to see how much more (if any) the ease of life is with that class-type. Again, I still want to raid with my Bard, I'm just planning to use the DK for solo content.

[RiceisNice]

It's going to be the case for any non-tank role.

[HeavenDenies]

It's going to be the case for any non-tank role.

Ah, ok... so is it a common practice that you have a class for doing solo quests (tank or melee) and whatever you preferred class/role to be for group play?

[RiceisNice]

Ah, ok... so is it a common practice that you have a class for doing solo quests (tank or melee) and whatever you preferred class/role to be for group play?

Not particularly, considering people (me included) leveled the likes of MCH first through 3.0, whom probably has the worse solo survivability beyond single mob pulls.

...and had no damage increase from their new skills throughout the entire journey.

[HeavenDenies]

Not particularly, considering people (me included) leveled the likes of MCH first through 3.0, whom probably has the worse solo survivability beyond single mob pulls.

...and had no damage increase from their new skills throughout the entire journey.

Ouch... that's rough. I don't remember mobs being this strong pre-expansion, however, before the expansion I was in mostly raid gear before going back and doing the Main Scenario quests.

I will say, thus far, it is therapeutic coming from a Bard to play a Marauder and just just smash things. And instance dungeon queues are ALWAYS welcomed.

[PenelopeWinn]

They actually made it a point to make the mobs stronger. They stated that if you took on more than one at a time, chances are you're a goner.

[HeavenDenies]

They actually made it a point to make the mobs stronger. They stated that if you took on more than one at a time, chances are you're a goner.

I'm glad you mentioned that. That explains the beatings. I'll still try the tank though. I can't see it being squishier than a Bard by any means.