Soloing with bards in other games

Pokota

Specifically, I'm attempting a Bard Solo run in Icewind Dale. I have a practice character that I'm using (she's got Presio's dagger from one of my earlier parties and a nest egg of about 2000 gold, that's about it) in order to figure out strategies for the real deal. I think I've nailed down a good strategy for dealing with the Orc Cave in the prologue. It's the Vale of Shadows that has me majorly worried - the only really effective disabling spell for a long while is going to be Web, and I need those Lv. 2 spell slots for Mirror Image.

If only I could afford the Lyre of Progression and the Bardic Horn of Valhalla already...

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ZanathKariashi

I used ranged mainly, and just kited enemies to death. Once you start getting your hands on wands, it becomes A LOT easier.

ajwz

A solo character with piercing weapons like daggers isn't going to fare very well against all those skeletons.

I like the idea of this challenge though. Perhaps stock up on offensive potions?

Pokota

I've seen someone claim to get as far as beating Yxunomei with a bard and clever use of kiting.

Solo Bard in IWD is a lot more viable with Heart of Winter installed, by the way, due to the expanded song selection.

ajwz

Then they are way better than me. I have difficulty beating Yxumnomei with clever use of clua console.

Pokota

I beat Yxunomei after about six tries with a party of four (Fighter, Cleric, Thief, Illusionist); she's not too threatening once you remember that webs stack (and that bows get two attacks per round even on a thief) but you do still need to hold nothing back.

Moomintroll

Where is our farmer? He may have some advice on yeti cultivation and the pelt trade.

SCARY_WIZARD

Pokota said:

I beat Yxunomei after about six tries with a party of four (Fighter, Cleric, Thief, Illusionist); she's not too threatening once you remember that webs stack (and that bows get two attacks per round even on a thief) but you do still need to hold nothing back.

I soloed her with a Fighter/Mage/Thief, but that was about it. The sword that inflicts confusion came into play.

Pokota

F/Mu/T gets weapon specialization, which makes her more powerful in Melee than a Bard (theoretically, anyway), but at the cost of basically being three characters.

Which still levels faster than a party of four, but the XP spread always leaves a bad taste in my mouth in the FR setting.

ZanathKariashi

Bards are also stupidly ridiculously OP in Everquest.

BelgarathMTH

Bards are pretty good in NWN and NWN2, also. I've been playing the new BG Reloaded that uses 3rd edition rules, and I just recruited Garrick. He totally rocks as a 3rd edition bard - he can do all kinds of useful stuff- fight while having an inspiration active, sing songs that reverse spells on party members or stun enemies, cast charisma-based spells in medium armor, and even cast healing spells.

There are also several interesting prestige classes available for bards. I'm playing a cleric right now, but I may want to roll as a bard some time soon.