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Overview
Bards in Dark and Darker are multifaceted performers who wield the power of music, narrative, and magic to bolster their allies and destabilize their foes. Their toolkit includes an array of spells, healing, shielding, and enchanting allowing them to adapt fluidly to changing battlefield dynamics. With rousing melodies and stirring words, they uplift the morale of their companions, granting them temporary advantages in combat. While they are capable melee combatants, particularly with weapons like the rapier, a Bard’s true strength lies in their ability to manipulate opponents through charm, cunning, and unpredictable battlefield control. Their presence can turn the tide of battle, making them a wildcard threat that enemies underestimate at their peril.
The Bard is a master of rhythm and lore, crafting magical tales and enchanting harmonies to navigate both peril and opportunity. Through subtle manipulation of emotion and tone, Bards can escape deadly scenarios and take command of chaotic encounters. Their uncanny influence over both creatures and crowds makes them a unique and dangerous presence on the field.
Music Minigame Mechanics
Songs function based on performance accuracy. Notes must be hit with timing precision, and outcomes scale based on performance tiers:
- Good Hit: +70 points (hit the white zone)
- Perfect Hit: +100 points (gold zone)
The total score is calculated by multiplying the number of notes by 100. This score determines the quality of the effect:
- Bad Performance: 50%
- Good Performance: 65%
- Perfect Performance: 90%
See the Persuasiveness stat for more details on base song durations.
Strengths & Weakness
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Skilled Duelist: Proficient in swordplay with decent melee capability. | Underwhelming Base Damage: Relies heavily on buffs to stay competitive. |
| Potent Buffing Repertoire: Can enhance allies with powerful musical effects. | Easily Located: Their songs draw attention—sound can reveal their position. |
| Top-Tier Luck Potential: Gains the highest possible Luck stat via the Wanderer’s LuckWanderer’s Luck perk. | Buff-Dependent: Without preparation, they’re vulnerable and fragile. |
Perks & Skill
- Dual Song Memory: Always consider taking both Song Memory perks to broaden your tactical options.
- Solo Buffs Only: Not every song supports your party. For example, Beats of AlacrityBeats of Alacrity, Aria of AlacrityAria of Alacrity, and Ballad of CourageBallad of Courage only enhance the Bard.
- Chaotic DiscordChaotic Discord: Ideal for clearing mob-heavy rooms solo. Hostile creatures will attack each other, keeping the Bard out of harm’s way. This song also acts as a panic button if players ambush you among enemies.
- PeacemakingPeacemaking: Excellent for delaying engagement, especially when preparing before combat. However, it doesn’t affect casters and won’t stop ranged attackers outside its radius.
- AccelerandoAccelerando: Excellent for tactical retreats or sudden charges. Speed is survival, and this song delivers.
- TranquilityTranquility: Offers repeatable healing but is tied to Recoverable Health. Best used on tanks (e.g., Barbarians) or Warlocks, who generate Recoverable HP frequently.
- Shriek of WeaknessShriek of Weakness: A powerful debuff that amplifies physical damage dealt to enemies—especially effective versus high-armor classes like Fighters or Clerics.
- Unchained HarmonyUnchained Harmony: Opening chests while under this song grants experience. There’s speculation that your Luck stat influences chest loot when using this ability, though this remains unverified.
Class Guides Coming Soon
Our class guides are currently in development and will be released shortly. We’re working hard to deliver detailed, high-quality builds – stay tuned!
