The Basics

In addition to delivering enemies a healthy portion of melee DPS, Bards use the power of song to provide a variety of powerful buffs which can a groups increase damage output and accuracy, slow and weaken enemies and speed travel from one location to another. Read more about Bard song composition below.

Bard Attribute Information

Strength /Constitution/ Dexterity /Vitality /Intelligence /Wisdom
40 40 45 35 25 25
Suggested Attribute Investment Priority - Melee Bard

Strength/ Constitution /Dexterity/ Vitality /Intelligence/ Wisdom
B B A C D D

Suggested Attribute Investment Priority - Buff Bard

Strength /Constitution /Dexterity /Vitality /Intelligence/ Wisdom
C D C B B A


Bard Song Composition
The major focus of the Bard is song composition. Songs provide the backbone of the Bard’s power. Bards can only sing one song at a time. Songs are composed using several different component types. As you level you will gain access to new types of components and will be able to create more powerful songs.
Check out this basic review on Bard song composing in Vanguard

Song Component types:

Melody
There is always a melody in a song. A song must have a melody to be played. The Melody is the backbone of the song and provides the theme. There is only ever 1 melody slot.

Example Melody: Mellarien's Anthem of War

This melody inspires you and allies in battle.
- Component type: Melody
- Instrument type: Wind
- Increases strength
- Increases armor class
- Adds damage to all attacks and spells

Embellishment
Embellishments are minor additions. Small resistance buffs, debuffs and other minor buffs. There are potentially 5 embellishment slots.

Example Embellishment: Illestine's Harmony of Warmth

This embellishment protects your and your allies from the ravages of the cold.
- Component type: Embellishment
- Instrument type: Wind
- Increases cold resistance
- 2 pt damage shield

Lyrics
Lyrics provide unique low power buffs for all occasions, including improved group run speed & levitation, and creating enemy weaknesses and slowing their attack speed.
Example Lyric: Gamael's Blades of Flame

This lyric adds additional fire damage to the attacks of you and your allies.
- Component type: Lyric
- Instrument type: Brass
- Instrument modifiers alter proc chance

Chorus
Like lyrics only more powerful. Various effects as with lyrics, but with stronger& more effective effects.
Example chorus: Irion's Chorus of Shields

This chorus causes a curtain of sound to protect you and your allies.
- Component Type: Chorus
- Instrument Type: String
- Increases armor class
- Increases block skill
- Small amount of damage is absorbed each pulse

Verse
These are the highest power song components, providing DoTs, improved energy & health regeneration, and AOE snares.
Example verse: Cirel's Phrase of Renewal

This verse rejuvenates the bodies all nearby allies
- Component Type: Verse
- Instrument Type: String
- Increased health regeneration

Bridge
Very powerful components, providing various strong effects.
Example bridge: Naman's Ruinous Revolution

This bridge strips your opponent of arcane and elemental resistance.
- Component Type: Bridge
- Instrument Type: Brass
- Reduces fire, cold and arcane resistances

Coda
Quite powerful components providing miscellaneous effects.
Example coda : Mellarien's Victorious Finale

This coda adds a small amount of damage to all attacks made by you or your allies.
- Component Type: Coda
- Instrument Type: Wind
- Increased damage

Rests
Each song requires a certain amount of energy to play and maintain it's effects. The energy required depends on which components you have used to develop your song. A coda might require 8 energy per second, while a melody only requires 2 per second. Togather these energy requirements can really add up. Rests allow you to trim down the energy consumption of a song. Rests reduce the amount of eneregy a song needs per second. Rests can fit into any slot in your songbook.