Everquest 2 Beginner Class Guide – Bard

The class system of Everquest 2 is divided into 4 arch-types, and then further divided into alignment specific classes. This makes a total of twenty-four different classes available in Everquest 2. Bards are in the Scout sub-class, and focus on dealing melee damage to enemies. The two Bard sub-classes are Dirge and Troubadour and are available to all races.

Dirges are a member of the Scout arch-type and are a melee oriented damage dealer. Unlike other Scouts though, the Dirge has a wide variety of songs (spells) available to them that deal damage, augment melee attacks and cripple their foes. Their primary stats are Agility and Intelligence.

Dirges are able to wear chain armor and can survive for a fair amount of time while being attacked. They are able to use Sword, Axes, Spears, Rapiers, Bows, Throwing Weapons and Daggers for weapons. They are also able to wear Buckler and Round Shields for shields. Most Dirges opt not to wear a shield so that they are able to Dual Wield, as this greatly increases their DPS (Damage Per Second).

Dirges have one of the widest varieties of spells in Everquest 2. Not only do they have spells that reduce threat and deal damage, they also have a Battle Rez. A Battle Rez is an ability that may be used during combat to bring a nearby party member back to life after they have fallen. This is a very useful ability and can save most parties for sure death.

While Dirges are more focused on using songs to damage enemies and enhance their physical attacks, Troubadours focus on spells that enhance their party members in a plethora of ways. Troubadours have one of the largest arrays of group offensive and defensive buffs. They have a fair amount of damage dealing abilities, but this is mainly for soloing purposes.

The Troubadour was made to group, and most groups will welcome a Troubadour with open arms. Troubadours not only have spells that increase the stats and resistances of their groups, they also have songs that shorten the recast time of spells of party members, increase the power regeneration of party members and even songs that increase their movement speed out of combat.

The Troubadour is also able to wear chain armor, but is much less able to take damage than their Dirge brothers. Most of their physical abilities also debuff the target, granting them increased survivability. In groups, Troubadours dealing damage should always be mindful of their threat, as they have only one spell that allows them to decrease their threat.