View source for Community Bard Guide

{{Collaborative Guide}}
{{stub}}
[[File:Shairmanteelconceptart.jpg|right|link=]]

==General Information==

Bard is one of the premier support classes in FFXI, providing a wide variety of powerful buffs and - when well geared and armed with a {{ItemIcon|Naegling|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}} or other fancy weapon - a reasonable melee damage dealer as well.

Capable of singlehandedly capping a party's [[Magic Haste]] and/or granting hundreds of [[Attack]] or [[Accuracy]] - with the option to use niche defensive buffs like [[Elemental Resistance]] or [[Defense]] instead - a [[Bard]] is basically mandatory for any serious endgame content. They also have [[Lullaby]] (AoE Sleep) for big packs and a mediocre movement speed buff in [[Raptor Mazurka]] that hopefully you will never have to use.

===Job Abilities and Traits===

'''Abilities'''
*[[Soul Voice]]: 1-hour ability. Doubles either the potency (for most buffs and debuffs) or the Magic Accuracy and/or Duration (for things like [[Lullaby]], [[Finale]], [[Virelai]], [[Hymnus]], [[Mazurka]], and [[Scherzo]]) of your songs.
*[[Clarion Call]]: 1-hour ability. Allows you to sing an additional song. (Providing a fifth total song when used with "two additional song" instruments.)
*[[Pianissimo]]: Limits the area of effect of the next song you sing to a single target. (Also reduces base song casting time.)
*[[Tenuto]]: Makes the next song you sing on yourself impossible to overwrite with other songs. (Just for yourself.)
*[[Marcato]]: Increases the potency or Magic Accuracy and Duration (same list as [[Soul Voice]]) of your next song.
*[[Nightingale]]: Merited ability. Reduces the casting and recast time of songs. Typically used in tandem with [[Troubadour]].
*[[Troubadour]]: Merited ability. Increases the song casting time and doubles song duration. Typically used in tandem with [[Nightingale]].
  
'''Traits'''
*[[Con Anima]]: Merited trait. Reduces physical damage taken beyond PDT cap by up to 10% while under the effect of a song. (Don't merit this.)
*[[Con Brio]]: Merited trait. Reduces magical damage taken beyond MDT cap by up to 10% while under the effects of a song. (Don't merit this.)
*[[Resist Silence]]: Increases your resistance to [[silence]]. Caps at 30% at levels 81+.
*[[Critical Defense Bonus]]: Reduces the chances that an enemy will critically strike you. Caps at 8% at levels 91+.
*[[Fencer]]: Grants [[TP Bonus]] and [[critical hit]] chance when wielding a single one-handed weapon. (A [[Shield]] is also allowed.) Caps at 300 TP bonus and +5% Critical Hit Rate at levels 95+.

===Merits===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Group I !! Effect
|-
| [[Lullaby|Lullaby Recast]] || Reduces recast time of Lullaby spells by 1 second per merit level.
|-
| [[Finale|Finale Recast]] || Reduces recast time of Magic Finale by 1 second per merit level.
|-
| [[Minne|Minne Effect]] || Increases defense granted by Minne spells by 2 per merit level.
|-
| [[Minuet|Minuet Effect]] || Increases attack granted by Minuet spells by 1 per merit level.
|-
| [[Madrigal|Madrigal Effect]]|| Increases melee accuracy granted by Madrigal spells by 1 per merit level.
|}

'''Group I Merit Recommendations:'''

* 5/5 [[Minuet|Minuet Effect]] - You will often have 2 to 3 [[Minuet]]s on a DD party.  This translates to 10-15 additional attack for your party, which becomes 20-40 after [[COR]] and [[GEO]] buffs.
* 5/5 [[Madrigal|Madrigal Effect]] - When you need accuracy, you ''need'' accuracy. And [[Madrigal]] is the way to get it.
* '''Alternate''': 5/5 [[Minne|Minne Effect]] - [[Minne]] merits with [[COR]] and [[GEO]] buffs can result in around a hundred extra Defense.  Situations where you're using Defense buffs are incredibly rare, so default to [[Madrigal]] and respec when needed.

'''Note''': [[Lullaby]] and [[Finale]] recast merits are deceptively bad, because you already have other sources of significant recast reduction. <br/>
Unmerited, they have a 24 second recast. With capped recast speed gear in your midcast set, the recast is cut to '''4.8 seconds'''.<br/>
With 5/5 merits, that reduces the base recast time to 19 seconds.  With capped recast speed gear in your midcast this is reduced to '''3.8 seconds'''.<br/>
Using 5/5 merit slots for 1 second of recast speed is almost completely ineffective when considering casting times and animation locks.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Group II !! Effect
|-
| [[Nightingale]] || 10 minute recast - Reduces the casting time and recast time of songs. Offsets the negative aspects of [[Troubadour]].
|-
| [[Troubadour]] || 10 minute recast - Increases the casting time of songs, but doubles their duration after additive bonuses. 
|-
| [[Con Anima]] || Reduces physical damage taken after PDT calculations when under the effects of songs.
|-
| [[Con Brio]] || Reduces magical damage taken after MDT calculations when under the effects of songs.
|}

'''Group II Merits Recommendations:'''

* 5/5 [[Nightingale]]
* 5/5 [[Troubadour]]

'''Note''': [[Nightingale]] reduces the penalties of [[Troubadour]] - the combintion of both abilities is typically referred to as "NiTro".<br/>
{{ItemIcon|Bihu_Just._+4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bihu Justaucorps +4|Relic armor]]|tooltip=[[File:Bihu Just. +4 description.png]]}}, when worn during ability activation, increases the duration of each ability by 4 seconds per merit rank. With best-in-slot duration gear, your song durations exceed the recast timer of NiTro by over one minute, meaning you only need to stop and sing every 10 minutes. This allows the bard more freedom to contribute in other ways, like off-healing with /[[WHM]], /[[SCH]], or /[[DNC]] or spending more time meleeing as /[[NIN]] with less singing downtime.<br/>
Song duration exceeding 10 minutes and proper NiTro timing lets you maintain a full-time [[Marcato]] song, too.
  
'''NiTro is the bread and butter of Bard contributions to parties.'''

==Support Jobs==

* '''White Mage''' - Excellent support option, particularly when the party has a SCH to sustain HP with [[Regen]]. When done right, BRD/WHM can main heal a party for most lower-end content. In addition to [[Cure]]s and status ailment removal, having [[Raise]] and [[Reraise]] can be valuable in situations where getting multiple people up quickly is more important than maintaining their [[Master Level]]s. (Hopefully, this will never happen to you, but never say never.)
* '''Scholar''' - Like White Mage, but with the ability to make some spells AoE through [[Accession]], like [[Sneak]] or [[Paralyna]]. SCH is also an excellent subjob for any content where you want access to Tier 1 Elemental spells (usually to help {{Red!}} proc an enemy) while still keeping access to White Magic spells that remove debuffs like [[Erase]], [[Poisona]], or [[Cursna]]. If you want it, you'll know - or at least someone in your party will!
* '''Dancer''' - Kind of like White Mage, but you get to [[Dual Wield]], and in return [[Curing_Waltz_III|your healing options]] require spending TP. Gives access to useful abilities like [[Haste Samba]] and [[Box Step]] that benefit a Dancer-less party. [[Job Ability Haste]] is capped separately from [[Magic Haste]], so you can stack [[Haste Samba]] on top of the capped [[Magic Haste]] you provide for your party via [[March]]es.
* '''Ninja''' - The subjob of choice for a well-geared damage-dealing Bard. [[Dual Wield]] lets you offhand a [[Centovente]] for 1,000 [[TP Bonus]] and deal respectable damage with [[Savage Blade]], [[Mordant Rime]], or [[Rudra's Storm]]. Ninja gives more DW than Dancer, hitting the cap with two items easily thanks to your own capped [[Magic Haste]] from Marches. [[Dual Wield]] also lets you put a weapon with +song duration in your offhand, which is helpful whether or not you have {{ItemIcon|Carnwenhan_(Level_119_III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Carnwenhan]]|tooltip=[[File:Carnwenhan (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}'s massive +50%. (Also, you get [[Utsusemi]] for those rare situations where something's hitting you in the face. Don't laugh, it works.)
* '''Warrior''' - You could do this for extra ranks in [[Fencer]], but Dual Wielding instead lets you offhand [[Centovente]]. Its 1,000 [[TP Bonus]] augment results in far more total damage dealt. Don't bother.

==Job Points==

Obviously, if you're serious about playing Bard (or any job), you'll end up mastering it. Even if you don't explicitly farm [[Capacity Points]], they add up over time and never decrease! <br/>
This means you're going to have all of these eventually, it's just a question of when. A rough priority order isn't particularly helpful, but also can't hurt, so:

<div style="display:flex; flex-flow: row wrap; gap: 1em; align-items: flex-start; margin: 1em 0; width:1100px;">
{| style="text-align: center; flex: 1 0 20em; margin: 0;" class="wikitable" cellpadding="2"
|-
! colspan="1" width="20%"|Job Point Category 
! colspan="1" width="60%"|Effect
! colspan="1" width="10%"|Total Value
! colspan="1" width="10%"|Priority
|-
!| [[Soul Voice]] Effect
| Reduces the casting time of songs while under the effects of Soul Voice. 
| 40%
| 6
|-
!| [[Clarion Call]] Effect
| Increases the effect duration of songs while under the effects of Clarion Call. 
| 40 sec
| 3
|-
!| [[Minne]] Effect
| Increases physical defense granted by Minne. 
| 20
| 5
|-
!| [[Minuet]] Effect
| Increases physical attack while under the effects of Minuet. 
| 20
| 1
|-
!| [[Pianissimo]] Effect
| Reduces the casting time of songs while under the effects of Pianissimo. 
| 40%
| 9
|-
!| [[Song]] Accuracy Bonus
| Increases song accuracy. 
| 20
| 2
|-
!| [[Tenuto]] Effect
| Increases the effect duration of songs while under the effects of Tenuto. 
| 40 sec
| 10
|-
!| [[Lullaby]] Duration
| Increases the effect duration of Lullaby. 
| 20 sec
| 4
|-
!| [[Marcato]] Effect
| Increases effect duration of songs while under the effects of Marcato. 
| 20 sec
| 7
|-
!| [[Requiem]] Effect
| Increases damage over time of Requiem. 
| 60
| 8
|}
</div>

==Songs==

This section to be populated eventually!
* Duration
* Potency
* Re-singing

===Maximizing Impact===

==Instruments==

===Starter===

;[[File:Terpander icon.png|link=Terpander]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Terpander]]|tooltip=[[File:Terpander description.png]]}}'''
''"Daurdabla Zero"''
* This harp is available from [[Oboro#JSE_iLevel_119_Weapons|Oboro]] for 150 {{ItemIcon|Pluton|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Pluton]]|tooltip=[[File:Pluton description.png]]}}s, along with a {{ItemIcon|Cehuetzi_Pelt|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Cehuetzi Pelt]]|tooltip=[[File:Cehuetzi Pelt description.png]]}}, an {{ItemIcon|Ebony_Harp|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ebony Harp]]|tooltip=[[File:Ebony Harp description.png]]}}, and a {{ItemIcon|Shofar|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Shofar]]|tooltip=[[File:Shofar description.png]]}}.
** An additional 300 {{ItemIcon|Pluton|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Pluton]]|tooltip=[[File:Pluton description.png]]}}s are required to augment the Terpander. While not ''necessary'', the stats are useful for avoiding damage while singing.
** Don't use {{ItemIcon|Beitetsu|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Beitetsu]]|tooltip=[[File:Beitetsu description.png]]}}, which are much more expensive. Check the price on {{ItemIcon|Riftborn_Boulder|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Riftborn Boulder]]|tooltip=[[File:Riftborn Boulder description.png]]}}s, but they're probably still more expensive than {{ItemIcon|Pluton|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Pluton]]|tooltip=[[File:Pluton description.png]]}}s.
* This expansion of song slots is immensely important for Bard. The value of 3 songs over 2 can't be overstated... but if you already have a level 99 job, just use the more-gil-less-effort alternative:

;[[File:Blurred Harp +1 icon.png|link=Blurred Harp +1]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Blurred Harp +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Blurred Harp +1 description.png]]}}'''
''"Diet Daurdabla"''
* This crafted harp is available from the [[Auction House]] for probably around single-digit millions of gil.
** Since it's a [[:Category:Superior Equipment|Superior Item]] - specifically Su2 - you need 100 [[Job Points]] invested on [[Bard]] to be able to equip it.
** It also gives Song +2 to the song in the third song slot.
** But it's only +2 for the ''third'' song, because you'll spend far less gil to get All Songs +3 for your two "normal" song slots with...

;[[File:Linos icon.png|link=Linos]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}}'''
''The Swiss Army Knife''
* This flute drops in the [[Cirdas Caverns (U)]] [[Alluvion Skirmish]].
**More commonly, you can also purchase it from [[Waypoint#Augural_Conveyors|Lorissa]] with {{ItemIcon|Mellidopt_Wing|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Mellidopt Wing]]|tooltip=[[File:Mellidopt Wing description.png]]}}s, either obtained as a reward from [[:Category:Alluvion_Skirmish#Yorcia_Alluvion_Skirmish|Yorcia Alluvion Skirmish]] or from other random places like the [[:Category:Adventurer_Campaigns#Adoulin_Dial_Campaign|Adoulin Dial Campaign]].
* The augment you want on your first Linos is '''All Songs +2''' from {{ItemIcon|Snowdim_Stone|22}} [[Snowdim Stone]]s - regular, +1, or +2 as you can afford - to bring the total bonus to All Songs +3, only 1 behind the beloved {{ItemIcon|Gjallarhorn|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Gjallarhorn (Level 99)|Gjallarhorn]]|tooltip=[[File:Gjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png]]}}. (It's not a Rare item, so you can hold more than one.)
* Even long after making {{ItemIcon|Gjallarhorn|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Gjallarhorn (Level 99)|Gjallarhorn]]|tooltip=[[File:Gjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png]]}}, you'll be carrying around multiple Linos (at least 3, if not more) for their [[:Category:Alluvion_Skirmish_Weapons|useful augments]], currently unique in the [[Instrument]] slot.
** Expect to make at least one Linos for idling and casting ([[Magic Evasion]], [[Fast Cast]])...
** ...one for TPing ([[Accuracy]]/[[Attack]], [[Quadruple Attack]], [[Store TP]]/[[Double Attack]])...
** ...and one or more for [[Weapon Skill]]s ([[Attack]], [[Weapon Skill Damage]], [[STR]] or other primary stat).

===REMAP===
;[[File:Gjallarhorn_icon.png|link=Gjallarhorn (Level 99)]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Gjallarhorn (Level 99)|Gjallarhorn]]|tooltip=[[File:Gjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png]]}}'''
''Relic: We're Number Four!''

Bard is one of the few jobs that actually wants to use its [[Relic Weapon]] in the modern day. (Partially because it's ''not'' a weapon, so you can swap it in and out freely.) <br/>
{{ItemIcon|Gjallarhorn|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Gjallarhorn (Level 99)|Gjallarhorn]]|tooltip=[[File:Gjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png]]}} has a whopping "All Songs +4", the highest in the game. <br/>
This grants a large boost to every song - typically +40% duration and +40% potency, though it varies by song - and is an essential part of every Bard's toolkit. (But see {{ItemIcon|Loughnashade_(Level_119_III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Level 119 III) description.png]]}} below.)


;[[File:Daurdabla_icon.png|link=Daurdabla (Level 99)]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Daurdabla (Level 99)|Daurdabla]]|tooltip=[[File:Daurdabla (Level 99) description.png]]}}'''
''Empyrean: Bla Bla Bla Bla''

Bard's [[Empyrean Weapon]] is another [[Instrument]], because SE figured out what we really wanted. (Well, okay, ''one'' of Bard's Empyrean Weapons...)<br/>
{{ItemIcon|Daurdabla|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daurdabla (Level 99)|Daurdabla]]|tooltip=[[File:Daurdabla (Level 99) description.png]]}} allows you to sing an additional ''two'' songs, one more than the {{ItemIcon|Terpander|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Terpander]]|tooltip=[[File:Terpander description.png]]}} / {{ItemIcon|Blurred Harp +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Blurred Harp +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Blurred Harp +1 description.png]]}}. <br/>
A staple of any bard's arsenal, literally making them 33% more powerful. (But see {{ItemIcon|Loughnashade_(Level_119_III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Level 119 III) description.png]]}} below... again.)


;[[File:Marsyas_icon.png|link=Marsyas]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Marsyas]]|tooltip=[[File:Marsyas description.png]]}}'''
''Aeonic: It Does One Thing''

The whole point of {{ItemIcon|Marsyas|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Marsyas]]|tooltip=[[File:Marsyas description.png]]}} is [[Honor March]]. <br/>
Luckily for it, [[Honor March]] is one of the two best [[Song]]s in the entire game. (Probably the best, but [[Aria of Passion]] is similarly unique and valuable.) <br/>
Unlike the other two [[March]]es, [[Honor March]] gives [[Magic Haste]] '''and also''' boosts [[Attack]], [[Ranged Attack]], [[Accuracy]], and [[Ranged Accuracy]]. <br/>
Marsyas also gives +50% Song Duration, useful in niche cases (like [[Foe Lullaby]]) where you don't care about potency.


;[[File:Loughnashade_(Level_119_III)_icon.png|link=Loughnashade (Level 119 III)]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}'''
''Prime Cut Miggity-Mo' Macdaddy Gizzabang Doggy Dog Dog (voiced by Cee Lo)''

Much like [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iJS-NxDFN4#t=0m40s no MC has ever survived that went up against Prime], the newest fancy Instrument {{ItemIcon|Loughnashade_(Level_119_III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Level 119 III) description.png]]}} carves a swath through the previous options. <br/>
When fully upgraded - at a cost of 8.5 million [[Gallimaufry]] - it gives +4 to all songs like {{ItemIcon|Gjallarhorn|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Gjallarhorn (Level 99)|Gjallarhorn]]|tooltip=[[File:Gjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png]]}}, +2 additional songs like {{ItemIcon|Daurdabla|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daurdabla (Level 99)|Daurdabla]]|tooltip=[[File:Daurdabla (Level 99) description.png]]}}, ''and'' access to its own unique song, [[Aria of Passion]].

[[Aria of Passion]] is great in any situation where your party is highly buffed and running into the [[Physical Damage Limit]] - for example, when they have a [[Bard]] with a fully upgraded {{ItemIcon|Loughnashade_(Level_119_III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}.

{{ItemIcon|Loughnashade_(Level_119_III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Level 119 III) description.png]]}} nearly obsoletes two of the above instruments:
*{{ItemIcon|Gjallarhorn|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Gjallarhorn (Level 99)|Gjallarhorn]]|tooltip=[[File:Gjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png]]}} still has maximum [[Wind Instrument Skill]] for debuff songs, but that's it.
*{{ItemIcon|Daurdabla|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daurdabla (Level 99)|Daurdabla]]|tooltip=[[File:Daurdabla (Level 99) description.png]]}} still has 20 [[String Instrument]] skill, solely useful for [[Horde Lullaby II]] AoE (see the gearset below), but that's it.

===Special Note===
;[[File:Miracle_Cheer_icon.png|link=Daybreak]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Miracle Cheer]]|tooltip=[[File:Miracle Cheer description.png]]}}'''
''A Very Good Place to Start''

For those with an unused {{ItemIcon|Kupon_W-MOGB|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kupon W-MOGB]]|tooltip=[[File:Kupon W-MOGB description.png]]}}, the {{ItemIcon|Miracle_Cheer|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Miracle Cheer]]|tooltip=[[File:Miracle Cheer description.png]]}} is an interesting one. <br/>
It sets song duration to 15 minutes, overriding literally everything else - both gear and [[Troubadour]] - which means it's actually a ''downgrade'' for a fully geared best-in-slot Bard, but a significant upgrade for for a new Bard.<br/>
It "only" gives All Songs +3 (like {{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}}) and "only" gives one additional song (like {{ItemIcon|Terpander|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Terpander]]|tooltip=[[File:Terpander description.png]]}})... but it does all that simultaneously, and if you still have a Kupon you probably don't care about a {{ItemIcon|Diamond Aspis|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Diamond Aspis]]|tooltip=[[File:Diamond Aspis description.png]]}} or whatever instead.<br/>

Highly recommended for a second or third character that wants to hit the ground running and be an acceptable pocket Bard. Not so much for a main character that actively wants to play Bard long-term.

==Weapons==
===Starter===
;[[File:Homestead Dagger_icon.png|link=Homestead Dagger]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Homestead Dagger]]|tooltip=[[File:Homestead Dagger description.png]]}}'''
''"Gotta Start Somewhere"''
*When you hit level 99, purchase this from [[Craggy Bluff]] inside the Peacekeepers' Coalition at [[Eastern Adoulin]] (F-7) ([[Waypoint]] #1) for 3,000 [[Bayld]].
**Next, go to a [[Domain Invasion]], hit at least one thing or sing at least one song, and get 100 DI points.
**Tomorrow (IRL), do it again to get another 100, then upgrade to {{ItemIcon|Kali|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kali]]|tooltip=[[File:Kali description.png]]}} and throw this in the garbage.


;[[File:Kali_icon.png|link=Kali]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Kali]]|tooltip=[[File:Kali description.png]]}}'''
''"Carnwenhan Lite"''
* Brand new players can purchase this from [[Zurim]] in [[Norg]] for 200 [[Domain Invasion]] points.
** That's 2 days at the maximum 100 points per day cap.
* Normally drops from [[Kammavaca]], a level 125 [[Geas Fete]] fight in [[Escha - Ru'Aun]].
** This fight can be relatively easily farmed with one (or more) friends who are already geared, or on another geared job you already have.
* Not a melee weapon to write home about, but far better than the {{ItemIcon|Homestead Dagger|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Homestead Dagger]]|tooltip=[[File:Homestead Dagger description.png]]}}.
* The main attraction here is the [[Song duration]] +5, but the Path D augments are also useful.
** Specifically, those augments are [[Magic Accuracy]] +15, [[String Instrument]] Skill +10, and [[Wind Instrument]] Skill +10.
** Keep one of these '''forever''', because it's the best offhand source of song duration when [[Dual Wield]]ing.

===REMAP===
;[[File:Carnwenhan icon.png|link=Carnwenhan (Level 119 III)]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Carnwenhan (Level 119 III)|Carnwenhan]]|tooltip=[[File:Carnwenhan (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}'''
''Mythic: It Just Keeps Going...''

Bard's [[Mythic Weapon]] - and it ''is'' a proper weapon, not an [[Instrument]] - gives a whopping +50% [[Song duration]]. It should be equipped whenever you're singing.<br/>
Also, [[Mordant Rime]] is competitive with Bard's other [[Weapon Skill]] options. Having a WS that no other job can use is great when you want [[WS_Wall|unique WSes for each member of the party]], like in [[Dynamis - Divergence]], [[Sheol]], and [[Sortie]].


;[[File:Twashtar icon.png|link=Twashtar (Level 119 III)]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Twashtar (Level 119 III)|Twashtar]]|tooltip=[[File:Twashtar (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}'''
''Empyrean Two: The Squeakquel''

Bard actually gets two [[Empyrean Weapon]]s! Make {{ItemIcon|Daurdabla (Level 99)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daurdabla (Level 99)|Daurdabla]]|tooltip=[[File:Daurdabla (Level 99) description.png]]}} first. And possibly only.<br/>
If you already have this because you made this for [[Thief]] or [[Dancer]], or if you really want to be able to make a solo [[Darkness]] [[Skillchain]], go for it. <br/>
Otherwise, you can just bring {{ItemIcon|Carnwenhan (Level 119 III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Carnwenhan]]|tooltip=[[File:Carnwenhan (Level 119 III) description.png]]}} and/or {{ItemIcon|Naegling|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}} and no one will ever notice, much less complain. <br/>
Your total damage might end up marginally higher with this, but only marginally, and it requires farming [[Glavoid]], one of the least fun [[Abyssea]] [[Notorious Monster|NM]]s.


;[[File:Mpu Gandring (Level 119 III) icon.png|link=Mpu Gandring (Level 119 III)]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Mpu Gandring (Level 119 III)|Mpu Gandring]]|tooltip=[[File:Mpu Gandring (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}'''
''Prime Two: Big Numbers, But...''

For Bards, this is absolutely [[Prime Weapon]] ''Two''. Much like {{ItemIcon|Twashtar (Level 119 III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Twashtar]]|tooltip=[[File:Twashtar (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}, make the Prime Instrument, {{ItemIcon|Loughnashade (Level 119 III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade (Level 119 III)|Loughnashade]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}, long before making the actual weapon. (If you ever bother.) <br/>
I don't have any firsthand experience with [[Ruthless Stroke]]. It's probably very good, like all the other [[Prime Weapon]] WSes, and this probably obsoletes every weapon other than {{ItemIcon|Naegling|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}} once you get it. <br/>
If you're a serious full-time Bard, here's where you put your second 8.5 million [[Gallimaufry]]. If not, don't grind this out just for your Bard, though obviously use it if you made it. <br/> <br/>
'''Special Note For New Players: If you don't have another levelled combat job, spend your first 20,000 [[Gallimaufry]] to make {{ItemIcon|Mpu Gandring (Incomplete)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Mpu Gandring (Incomplete)]]|tooltip=[[File:Mpu Gandring (Incomplete) description.png]]}}'''! <br/>
You can't enter the final fight of [[:Category:The Voracious Resurgence Missions|The Voracious Resurgence]] without a Prime Weapon of that stage or higher equipped. And it's ''only'' a "Weapon" - neither {{ItemIcon|Loughnashade (Incomplete)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade (Incomplete)]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Incomplete) description.png]]}} nor {{ItemIcon|Duban (Incomplete)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Duban (Incomplete)]]|tooltip=[[File:Duban (Incomplete) description.png]]}} qualify! <br/>
It isn't fun to waste "two {{ItemIcon|Fili_Calot_+2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Attire Set|Fili Attire Set +2]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Calot +2 description.png]]}} pieces" worth of [[Gallimaufry]], but in return you get {{ItemIcon|Cornelia's Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Cornelia's Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Cornelia's Ring description.png]]}}. Think of it as buying a best-in-slot ring for 20k [[Gallimaufry]] to lessen the blow.

===Other===
;[[File:Naegling_icon.png|link=Naegling]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}}'''
''The Elephant in The Room''

Bard can wear {{ItemIcon|Naegling|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}}. Easier to make than a "real" REMA, and more useful than some of them too. <br/>
There's very few enemies you can't handle with enough [[Savage Blade]]s, even if you'll often prefer Piercing damage or WS variety.

New players who don't already know about {{ItemIcon|Naegling|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}}: Make it, use it, love it. You'll see a huge damage increase immediately.<br/>


;[[File:Daybreak_icon.png|link=Daybreak]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Daybreak]]|tooltip=[[File:Daybreak description.png]]}}'''
''Sing Softly and Carry a Big Stick''

Since BRD isn't on {{ItemIcon|Maxentius|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Maxentius]]|tooltip=[[File:Maxentius description.png]]}}, this is the best blunt weapon option available. Fortunately, it's a very good one. <br/>
Dropping from [[:Category:High-Tier_Mission_Battlefields#LadyLilith|Maiden of the Dusk II]] at a relatively generous rate (far better than the armor, at least), it's not too difficult to acquire once you have {{ItemIcon|Naegling|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}} and corresponding engaged/WS sets.

{{ItemIcon|Daybreak|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daybreak]]|tooltip=[[File:Daybreak description.png]]}} provides 30% [[Cure]] potency and 1 [[Refresh]] for situations where you're healing, along with access to [[Dispelga]] for situations where the single-target [[Magic Finale]] won't get it done. <br/>
Also, sometimes you need blunt damage for [[Sheol]] or [[A Shantotto Ascension]] or whatever.

===Offhands ([[Shield]]s and [[Dual Wield]]s)===
'''Disclosure:''' Frankly, I don't know how to rank all the offhand weapons. So go with what works for you, or find someone smarter than me (easy), get their advice, and then edit it in here so I look less stupid. Thanks!

====[[Shield]]s====
;[[File:Culminus icon.png|link=Culminus]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Culminus]]|tooltip=[[File:Culminus description.png]]}}'''
* This is a [[Shield]]. Bard can equip it. Since there are a total of ''three'' item level 119 Shields that Bard can equip, that's actually noteworthy.
* The [[Spell Interruption Rate]] -10% is nearly useless for Bard because [[Song]]s can't be interrupted by physical attacks.
* You can spam [[One to be Feared II]] at a low difficulty with [[Trust]]s until this drops - which could take a while - or team up with friends and do a higher difficulty to hopefully get it faster.
** If {{ItemIcon|Cessance Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Cessance Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Cessance Earring description.png]]}} doesn't drop before this, consider continuing the farm session until you've got both. There are better TPing earrings, but not many, and none this easily acquired.


;[[File:Genmei Shield icon.png|link=Genmei Shield]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Genmei Shield]]|tooltip=[[File:Genmei Shield description.png]]}}'''
* -10% Physical [[Damage Taken]] is very nice if you're not PDT capped (-50%) from other gear.
** This also has a higher shield block rate and more [[Shield]] skill than the other options, so it's the best idle defensive shield in general by a slim margin.
* Drops from the level 140 [[Genbu]] [[Geas Fete]] fight in [[Escha - Ru'Aun]].
** Bring friends. It's a sturdy one.


;[[File:Ammurapi Shield icon.png|link=Ammurapi Shield]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Ammurapi Shield]]|tooltip=[[File:Ammurapi Shield description.png]]}}'''
* [[Enhancing Magic]] duration +10% does not apply to bard songs, sadly.
** ...but the [[Magic Accuracy]] does! (I personally prefer this to {{ItemIcon|Genmei Shield|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Genmei Shield]]|tooltip=[[File:Genmei Shield description.png]]}} and only bother to carry one. It's good enough when you're PDT capped from your other idle set gear.)
* Drops off [[Kei]] in [[Omen]].
** Please don't die to Dancing Fullers.

====[[Dual Wield]] - Offhand Weapons====
;[[File:Kali_icon.png|link=Kali]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Kali]]|tooltip=[[File:Kali description.png]]}}'''
* Until you get something better, just [[Dual Wield]] another good old reliable {{ItemIcon|Kali|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kali]]|tooltip=[[File:Kali description.png]]}}.
** The mainhand one should use Path A or B augments for another 15 base damage.


;[[File:Centovente_icon.png|link=Centovente]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Centovente]]|tooltip=[[File:Centovente description.png]]}}'''
* Don't be fooled by the base stats. Completing the [[:Category:Trial_of_the_Magians_Daggers#Damage-focused|Magian Dagger Trials]] on the "[[TP Bonus]] Path" (ending with [[Trial 3201]]) creates a {{ItemIcon|Centovente|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Centovente]]|tooltip=[[File:Centovente description.png]]}} with a [[TP Bonus]] +1000 augment.
** Unlike all other augments, [[Magian Trial]] weapon augments and [[Sheol Gaol]] weapon augments work '''in the offhand'''.
* This has no native accuracy (as opposed to, for example, 242 from the Dagger Skill on the {{ItemIcon|Kaja Knife|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaja Knife]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaja Knife description.png]]}} + 35 more from its actual [[Accuracy]] stat)
** This means it's best-in-slot for a huge increase in [[Savage Blade]] damage on any content where you're not worried about [[Accuracy]]...
** ...but leave it in your Wardrobe, not your offhand, when you're doing high-end content.


;'''[[File:Kaja Knife_icon.png|link=Kaja Knife]] {{tooltip|text=[[Kaja Knife]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaja Knife description.png]]}} and [[File:Tauret_icon.png|link=Tauret]] {{tooltip|text=[[Tauret]]|tooltip=[[File:Tauret description.png]]}}'''
* For when you need more accuracy than {{ItemIcon|Centovente|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Centovente]]|tooltip=[[File:Centovente description.png]]}} and don't have anything better. There's no shame in a good old {{ItemIcon|Kaja Knife|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaja Knife]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaja Knife description.png]]}}.
** I wouldn't bother upgrading this to {{ItemIcon|Tauret|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Tauret]]|tooltip=[[File:Tauret description.png]]}} solely for Bard, but if you already have it you'll obviously be fine using it.
** To be crystal clear: '''Your first [[:Category:Pulse_Panoplia#Weapons|Pulse Weapon]] goes to {{ItemIcon|Naegling|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}}.''' You can live with {{ItemIcon|Kaja Knife|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaja Knife]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaja Knife description.png]]}} until you have another Pulse to spare, at which point you will likely have one of the below options instead.


;[[File:Barfawc_icon.png|link=Barfawc]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Barfawc]]|tooltip=[[File:Barfawc description.png]]}}'''
* You can't spell {{ItemIcon|Barfawc|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Barfawc]]|tooltip=[[File:Barfawc description.png]]}} without "barf". For a ~60 million gil crafted Su5 weapon, this thing's laughably useless.
** The "Song effects: damage taken -3%" only applies to you, and only when it's in the mainhand. If it worked on your party members, I'd at least be a little interested.
** Same goes for the Path C "Song effects: [[Double Attack]] +4%". Since it won't work offhand, you're definitely not interested in this.


;[[File:Blurred_Knife_+1_icon.png|link=Blurred Knife +1]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Blurred Knife +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Blurred Knife +1 description.png]]}}'''
*Unlike {{ItemIcon|Barfawc|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Barfawc]]|tooltip=[[File:Barfawc description.png]]}}, ''this'' crafted weapon is actually good. (And much cheaper - a few million gil on Asura, your price may vary.)
**Note that this is [[Superior Level]] 2, so you need '''100 [[Job Points]] invested in [[Bard]]''' to be able to equip it!
*You're not here for the [[Haste]] proc, but rather the [[Occasionally Attacks Twice]]. It's good enough for now.
**...okay, you might be here for the [[Haste]] proc if you're in the vanishingly rare no-Trusts, no-other-players situation. Maybe you can swap a [[March]] for a [[Madrigal]] or something at those times.


;[[File:Gleti's_Knife_icon.png|link=Gleti's Knife]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Gleti's Knife]]|tooltip=[[File:Gleti's Knife description.png]]}}'''
*Buyable for somewhere between 450,000 and 4,500,000 gil after defeating [[Ngai]]. (Probably the low end. Asura's definitely maxed out the discount.)
**You'll have to unlock [[Sheol Gaol]] and then either pay someone to kill it for you or climb your way up to Tier 3 with friends.
*Even at Rank 0 (no augments), this has 6 [[Triple Attack]], plus 2% [[Gear Haste]] that sometimes comes up, given Bard's lack of TP gear options.
**At R30, it gains 11 base damage, 45 [[Attack]], 15 [[Accuracy]] and 10 [[Subtle Blow II]].
**You probably don't want to farm RP on this solely for Bard, but if you're using it for [[Thief]] or something you'll benefit from the investment here too.


;[[File:Crepuscular_Knife_icon.png|link=Crepuscular Knife]] '''{{tooltip|text=[[Crepuscular Knife]]|tooltip=[[File:Crepuscular Knife description.png]]}}'''
*A vanishingly rare drop (like all the Crepuscular weapons and armor) from [[The Wyrm God II]].
*Don't go out of your way to farm this for Bard alone - {{ItemIcon|Gleti's Knife|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Gleti's Knife]]|tooltip=[[File:Gleti's Knife description.png]]}} is more than good enough - but if you've got it, flaunt it.
*[[Quadruple Attack]] +5% is obviously great. The stealthier nice part of this pointy friend is the [[Weapon Skill]] [[CHR]] +3% mod. This adds 3% of your [[CHR]] as base WS damage, just like the other stats the WS uses.
**See [[Weapon_Skill_Damage#Weapon_Skill_Secondary_Attribute_Modifier|Weapon Skill Secondary Attribute Modifier]] for more information, but to oversimplify, just expect +3% damage, ish.
**It's actually more for [[Mordant Rime]], because your MR set is already stacking CHR for its preexisting modifier and that's what you're getting +3% of. (You go from 70% to 73%.)

==JSE Equipment==
===Ambuscade Sets===
Relatively easy to get from [[Ambuscade]], and containing at least one piece you'll use literally forever. <br/>
This should be your first stop after hitting level 99 and completing some of the [[Fresh_99/RoE_Intermediate_Quest/119_Gear_Guide#Achieve_Level_99|Fresh 99 Guide]] and/or [[Endgame_Progression_Guide#Fresh_99_&_Initial_Gearing|Endgame Progression Guide]]'s recommended tasks.

Bard has two options for Ambuscade armor sets: the [[Inyanga Armor Set]] and the [[Ayanmo Armor Set]]. The former is mage-focused, while the latter is melee-focused.

{| class="wikitable R-Highlight-WikiBlue mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" cellpadding="3" style="text-align: center; margin:auto; width: 80%"
|-
! colspan=4 style="text-align: center;" width="400px"| [[Inyanga Armor Set]] +2
|-
! width="10%" class=unsortable|Worth Buying?
! width="40%" class=unsortable|Item Image
! width="50%" class=unsortable|Main Uses and Reasoning
|-
|No
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Inyanga Tiara +2 description.png|link=Inyanga Tiara +2]]
| align="left" | Better than wearing nothing, but it doesn't have any bonuses a Bard truly cares about. Its best use is activating the Refresh set bonus for an idle set on a BRD/WHM. You can do better.
|-
|Yes
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Inyanga Jubbah +2 description.png|link=Inyanga Jubbah +2]]
|align="left"|The highest [[Fast Cast]] Bard gets in the body slot. You will use this basically forever - there are very rare options ({{ItemIcon|Zendik_Robe|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Zendik Robe]]|tooltip=[[File:Zendik Robe description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Volte_Doublet|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Volte Doublet]]|tooltip=[[File:Volte Doublet description.png]]}}) that sacrifice a few points for other stats, but the Jubbah is unmatched in raw FC. (I personally prefer the raw FC, and make up the defensive stats elsewhere.)
|-
|Yes
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Inyan. Dastanas +2 description.png|link=Inyanga Dastanas +2]]
|align="left"|Don't be fooled by the phrase "All ''magic'' skills" - it includes all three of your '''Singing, String Instrument, and Wind Instrument''' skills. These eventually lose out to {{ItemIcon|Fili_Manchettes_+3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Manchettes +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Manchettes +3 description.png]]}} and/or {{ItemIcon|Brioso_Cuffs_+4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Brioso Cuffs +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Brioso Cuffs +4 description.png]]}}, but you'll use them until then.
|-
|Yes
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Inyanga Shalwar +2 description.png|link=Inyanga Shalwar +2]]
|align="left"|One of the earliest, and one of the '''best''', song duration pieces you'll ever get. You will use these literally forever. If you're '''not''' wearing these, it's because you either made a conscious decision to change your song durations to control what gets overwritten first or you're wearing {{ItemIcon|Fili Rhingrave +3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Rhingrave +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Rhingrave +3 description.png]]}} for [[Ballad]] potency.
|-
|No
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Inyan. Crackows +2 description.png|link=Inyanga Crackows +2]]
|align="left"|These aren't for you. They're not really for [[Summoner]]s either, but they're ''even less'' for you. Much like the Tiara, the best use of these is the set bonus. You can do ''much'' better.
|-
|No
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Inyanga Ring description.png|link=Inyanga Ring]]
|align="left"|A resounding "meh". 6 [[Magic Accuracy]] is as good as anything else you can get the instant you hit 99, but the {{ItemIcon|Ayanmo_Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ayanmo Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Ayanmo Ring description.png]]}} from the next set below this should be your first ring, and the other can be a {{ItemIcon|Perception Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Perception Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Perception Ring description.png]]}} that you just buy with sparks.
|}
{| class="wikitable R-Highlight-WikiBlue mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" cellpadding="3" style="text-align: center; margin:auto; width: 80%"
|-
! colspan=4 style="text-align: center;" width="400px"| [[Ayanmo Armor Set]] +2
|-
! width="10%" class=unsortable|Worth Buying?
! width="40%" class=unsortable|Description Image
! width="50%" class=unsortable|Priority + Reasoning
|-
|Yes
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Aya. Zucchetto +2 description.png|link=Ayanmo Zucchetto +2]]
| align="left" |A reasonable meleeing hat until you get something better. For a new player, that will likely be a while - TP sets are thin on the ground for Bard! For an established player, if you happen to have a {{ItemIcon|Volte_Tiara|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Volte Tiara]]|tooltip=[[File:Volte Tiara description.png]]}} or an augmented {{ItemIcon|Bunzi's_Hat|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bunzi's Hat]]|tooltip=[[File:Bunzi's Hat description.png]]}}, you can jump straight to that... but that's a big if, and I know it.
|-
|Yes
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Ayanmo Corazza +2 description.png|link=Ayanmo Corazza +2]]
|align="left"|Much like the Zucchetto immediately above this, the Corazza is a perfectly functional meleeing piece until you get something better. New players, don't hesitate to make and upgrade this, it'll last you a long time! Established players, your three options to surpass this are {{ItemIcon|Revelation Plate.|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Revelation Plate.|Revelation Platemail]]|tooltip=[[File:Revelation Plate. description.png]]}}, {{ItemIcon|Ashera_Harness|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ashera Harness]]|tooltip=[[File:Ashera Harness description.png]]}}, or  {{ItemIcon|Volte_Harness|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Volte Harness]]|tooltip=[[File:Volte Harness description.png]]}}... like I said, DD Bard is a real investment.
|-
|No
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Aya. Manopolas +2 description.png|link=Ayanmo Manopolas +2]]
|align="left"|This one's for the [[Red Mage]]s who want to maximize [[Enspell]] damage output. Not for you.
|-
|Yes
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Aya. Cosciales +2 description.png|link=Ayanmo Cosciales +2]]
|align="left"|6% [[Fast Cast]] is only beaten by a few leg pieces, all of which are much harder to get. The less time you spend singing, the more time you can spend doing other things!
|-
|No
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Aya. Gambieras +2 description.png|link=Ayanmo Gambieras +2]]
|align="left"|[[Critical hit rate]] can be a useful thing for some [[Weapon Skill]]s, but not any of the ones Bard focuses on using. This doesn't really have any other appeal to it.
|-
|Yes
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Ayanmo Ring description.png|link=Ayanmo Ring]]
|align="left"|Better than the {{ItemIcon|Inyanga_Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Inyanga Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Inyanga Ring description.png]]}} - for the -[[Damage Taken]] for an idle set, if nothing else - and will suffice as a second [[Magic Accuracy]] ring when you're just starting out.
|}

===Artifact===
Reforging your [[Artifact Armor]] to +3 requires [[Omen]] cards, most easily farmed during the [[:Category:Adventurer_Campaigns#Omen|Omen Job Card Campaigns]]... but don't let that stop you. <br/>
Going from nothing to a full set of +3 requires 76 {{ItemIcon|P._BRD_Card|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[P. BRD Card]]|tooltip=[[File:P. BRD Card description.png]]}} and 5 {{ItemIcon|Kyou's_Scale|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kyou's Scale]]|tooltip=[[File:Kyou's Scale description.png]]}} (which can drop off any trash mob in [[Omen]], along with [[Kyou]], the obvious source.) <br/>
It's always better to get some when you're nearing the {{KI}} [[Mystical canteen]] cap (1 held on the player and 3 in reserve at [[Incantrix]]) rather than waiting for the Campaign and getting none.

From there, a full set of +4 reforges costs 100,000 [[Apollyon]] Units from [[Limbus]]. (This can't be done in less than two weeks, thanks to the 50,000 Units per area per week cap.)<br/>
When fully reforged, 4/5 of the AF +4 is best-in-slot for Magic Accuracy, so you definitely care about upgrading those four pieces. You're not much use as a Bard if your enemy can't hear your debilitating singing! <br/>
The set bonus for these items is '''+15 Accuracy, Ranged Accuracy, and Magic Accuracy''' per piece equipped from 2 to a maximum of 5. This set bonus also counts the {{ItemIcon|Regal_Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Regal Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Regal Earring description.png]]}} from [[Ou]]. <br/>
This lets you get away with not reforging the legs, which don't have as much to offer as the other four pieces - though they're still the best [[Magic Accuracy]] piece in the slot, so think about it.

While this set is only best-in-slot for MAcc at +4, it's perfectly usable at +3, only losing 10 [[Magic Accuracy]] per piece. <br/>
The +2s continue that downward trend of -10 per piece, so I wouldn't want to swap these in until +3, but if they're the best piece you have, go for it!

{| class="wikitable R-Highlight-WikiBlue mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" cellpadding="3" style="text-align: center; margin:auto; width: 80%"
|-
! colspan=3 style="text-align: center;" width="400px"| [[Brioso Attire Set +4]]
|-
! width="50%" class=unsortable|Item Image
! width="50%" class=unsortable|Additional Notes
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Brioso Roundlet +4 description.png|link=Brioso Roundlet +4]]
| align="left" | Also best-in-slot for [[String Instrument]] skill for [[Horde Lullaby II]] AoE.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Brioso Just. +4 description.png|link=Brioso Justaucorps +4]]
|align="left"| Also best-in-slot for [[String Instrument]] skill for [[Horde Lullaby II]] AoE.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Brioso Cuffs +4 description.png|link=Brioso Cuffs +4]]
|align="left"| This has [[Lullaby]] +2 even if it lacks [[String Instrument]] skill, so it's best in slot for [[Horde Lullaby II]] as well for a much more obvious reason.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Brios. Cann. +4 description.png|link=Brioso Cannions +4]]
|align="left"| 8% is good [[Damage Taken]] for the leg slot, tying {{ItemIcon|Nyame_Flanchard|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nyame Flanchard]]|tooltip=[[File:Nyame Flanchard description.png]]}}! <br/>
...Unfortunately for these, their ''real'' competition is {{ItemIcon|Fili_Rhingrave_+3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Rhingrave +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Rhingrave +3 description.png]]}} with -13% DT. <br/>
Strictly a [[Magic Accuracy]] piece, sacrificing {{ItemIcon|Inyanga_Shalwar_+2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Inyanga Shalwar +2]]|tooltip=[[File:Inyanga Shalwar +2 description.png]]}}'s Song Duration buff against enemies with very high [[Magic Evasion]].<br/>

'''Think about whether or not to reforge these''' - while they're best-in-slot for [[Magic Accuracy]], you lose a Wardrobe slot to have them available. In return, you gain 13 MAcc by swapping from {{ItemIcon|Fili_Rhingrave_+3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Rhingrave +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Rhingrave +3 description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Regal_Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Regal Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Regal Earring description.png]]}} to this and {{ItemIcon|Crep._Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Crepuscular Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Crep. Earring description.png]]}}. The choice is yours!
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Brioso Slippers +4 description.png|link=Brioso Slippers +4]]
|align="left"|This is the only foot slot item with '''song duration'''. I'd make this first for that reason.
|}

===Relic===
Reforging your [[Relic Armor]] to +3 requires either killing 100 trash mobs in each of the four zones of [[Dynamis - Divergence]] or killing each zone's corresponding Wave 1 boss.

From there, a full set of +4 costs 100,000 [[Temenos]] Units from [[Limbus]]. (This can't be done in less than two weeks thanks to the 50,000 Units per area per week cap.)<br/>
However, the only piece truly worth taking to +4 is the excellent {{ItemIcon|Bihu_Just._+4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bihu Justaucorps +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Bihu Just. +4 description.png]]}}, Bard's strongest [[Weapon Skill]] body.
So you really only need 30,000 [[Temenos]] Units.

Since these pieces get the relevant [[Job Ability]]-boosting augments when reforged to item level 109, and those don't change with higher reforges, feel free to leave the legs (and possibly also the feet) at +1. <br/>
'''Note:''' You should definitely upgrade the good-augment pieces to +1 (item level 119) for the increased base stats and evasion. You can never rule out getting hit with a nasty AoE at the worst time.

{| class="wikitable R-Highlight-WikiBlue mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" cellpadding="3" style="text-align: center; margin:auto; width: 80%"
|-
! colspan=3 style="text-align: center;" width="400px"| [[Bihu Attire Set +4]]
|-
! width="50%" class=unsortable|Item Image
! width="50%" class=unsortable|Additional Notes
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Bihu Roundlet +4 description.png|link=Bihu Roundlet +4]]
| align="left" | '''Don't even bother reforging your original {{tooltip|text=[[Bard's Roundlet]]|tooltip=[[File:Bard's Roundlet description.png]]}}.'''<br/>
This has a lot of raw stats at +4, and might beat a {{ItemIcon|Nyame_Helm|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nyame Helm]]|tooltip=[[File:Nyame Helm description.png]]}} with low augment levels for [[Weapon Skill]] sets. Once you have augmented your Nyame Helm, this is useless.<br/>
Since you should never merit [[Con Anima]], you don't care about the augment.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Bihu Just. +4 description.png|link=Bihu Justaucorps +4]]
|align="left"| A '''fantastic''' weaponskill piece. 12 [[Weapon Skill Damage]] nearly matches {{ItemIcon|Nyame_Mail|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nyame Mail]]|tooltip=[[File:Nyame Mail description.png]]}}'s maximum of 13, but this also has substantially more attack and slightly higher base stats. Upgrade this ASAP and use it for every (nonmagical) [[Weapon Skill]]. <br/>
Also, the augment extends the duration of [[Troubadour]], combining well with the feet extending [[Nightingale]].
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Bihu Cuffs +4 description.png|link=Bihu Cuffs +4]]
|align="left"| '''Don't even bother reforging your original {{tooltip|text=[[Bard's Cuffs]]|tooltip=[[File:Bard's Cuffs description.png]]}}.'''<br/>
Since you should never merit [[Con Brio]], you don't care about the augment. <br/>
Since the stats are [[Enmity]]- and [[Wind Instrument]] skill, you don't care about them either. <br/>
{{ItemIcon|Nyame_Gauntlets|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nyame Gauntlets]]|tooltip=[[File:Nyame Gauntlets description.png]]}} beats this in [[Damage Taken]] and [[Magic Evasion]], making it fully useless.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Bihu Cann. +4 description.png|link=Bihu Cannions +4]]
|align="left"| Augment grants an extra 30 seconds of duration to [[Soul Voice]]. Reforge this to i119 (+1) for the great augment, but don't waste further resources on it.<br/>
Empyrean legs may have 10 less [[Magic Evasion]] (this ''is'' best-in-slot for that single stat), but they also have -13% [[Damage Taken]]. Easy choice for idle sets.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Bihu Slippers +4 description.png|link=Bihu Slippers +4]]
|align="left"|Best-in-slot for string skill for [[Horde Lullaby II]] AoE. If you don't need the points here or care about that at all, you can leave this at +1 for the augment.<br/>
Augment extends the duration of [[Nightingale]] to match the body enhancing [[Troubadour]] duration. Don't let your bird finish early!
|}

===Empyrean===
The first step of reforging your [[Empyrean Armor]] to +1 is best done through the use of {{ItemIcon|Kupon I-Seal|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kupon I-Seal]]s|tooltip=[[File:Kupon I-Seal description.png]]}} from the [[:Category:Adventurer_Campaigns#Additional_Seal_Battlefield_Spoils_Campaign|Additional Seal Battlefield Spoils Campaign]].<br/>
Trust me, it's significantly better than farming [[Abyssea]] - which you'll still need to do go from +1 to i109 barring a lot of {{ItemIcon|S._Kindred_Crest|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Sacred Kindred's Crest]]|tooltip=[[File:S. Kindred Crest description.png]]}}s spent during the [[:Category:Adventurer_Campaigns#Macrocosmic_Orb_Campaign|Macrocosmic Orb Campaign]].

From there, reforging a full set of +3 costs 400,000 [[Gallimaufry]], 5 {{ItemIcon|Ra'Kaz._Sapphire|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ra'Kaznar Sapphire]]|tooltip=[[File:Ra'Kaz. Sapphire description.png]]}}s, and 5 {{ItemIcon|Ra'Kaz._Starstone|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ra'Kaznar Starstone]]|tooltip=[[File:Ra'Kaz. Starstone description.png]]}}s, all from [[Sortie]].

When fully reforged, Bard Empyrean +3 (like most jobs' Empyrean +3 sets) is great. All five pieces are useful, though some more so than others.<br/>
Highlights include bonuses to [[Madrigal]], [[Minuet]], and [[March]], and a whopping -35% [[Damage Taken]] across three pieces.<br/>
The set bonus, cryptically written as "Augments Songs", makes your buffing songs also give a base stat boost determined by the song's element. It's nice, but not what you're here for.

{| class="wikitable R-Highlight-WikiBlue mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" cellpadding="3" style="text-align: center; margin:auto; width: 80%"
|-
! colspan=3 style="text-align: center;" width="400px"| [[Fili Attire Set +3]]
|-
! width="50%" class=unsortable|Item Image
! width="50%" class=unsortable|Additional Notes
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Fili Calot +3 description.png|link=Fili Calot +3]]
| align="left" | [[Madrigal]] bonus is excellent, and the highest -[[Damage Taken]] you can get in this slot is just as good. <br/>
While you may prefer {{ItemIcon|Null_Masque|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Null Masque]]|tooltip=[[File:Null Masque description.png]]}} for the idle [[Regen]]/[[Regain]], an additional 30 [[Magic Evasion]] (and -1% DT) is a powerful argument in favor of this specific silly hat.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Fili Hongreline +3 description.png|link=Fili Hongreline +3]]
|align="left"| [[Minuet]] bonus is great. <br/>
[[Song duration]] bonus in the body slot is even better, and unique to this piece.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Fili Manchettes +3 description.png|link=Fili Manchettes +3]]
|align="left"| The [[March]] bonus on this enables a single Bard to cap [[Magic Haste]] with {{ItemIcon|Mnbw._Whistle_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonbow Whistle +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mnbw. Whistle +1 description.png]]}}, {{ItemIcon|Marsyas|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Marsyas]]|tooltip=[[File:Marsyas description.png]]}} for [[Honor March]], and {{ItemIcon|Gjallarhorn|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Gjallarhorn (Level 99)|Gjallarhorn]]|tooltip=[[File:Gjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png]]}} for [[Victory March]]. <br/>
These also have the highest [[Damage Taken]] in this slot, by quite a lot. <br/>
{{ItemIcon|Nyame Gauntlets|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nyame Gauntlets]]|tooltip=[[File:Nyame Gauntlets description.png]]}} has only -7%, though it does have higher [[Magic Evasion]].
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Fili Rhingrave +3 description.png|link=Fili Rhingrave +3]]
|align="left"| [[Ballad]] bonus is nice, but costs you the song duration from {{ItemIcon|Inyanga_Shalwar_+2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Inyanga Shalwar +2]]|tooltip=[[File:Inyanga Shalwar +2 description.png]]}}. Watch your duration gear carefully, or you'll overwrite a different song than you expect!<br/>
Not to sound like a broken record, but these have the highest [[Damage Taken]] in ''their'' slot, too, beating {{ItemIcon|Nyame Flanchard|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nyame Flanchard]]|tooltip=[[File:Nyame Flanchard description.png]]}} by -5% DT and 7 MEva.
|-
|BGCOLOR="#ebebeb"|[[File:Fili Cothurnes +3 description.png|link=Fili Cothurnes +3]]
|align="left"| [[Scherzo]] bonus is meh and [[Movement Speed]] can come from {{ItemIcon|Shneddick_Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Shneddick Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Shneddick Ring description.png]]}}. <br/>
You may think I'm going to say, "they can't all be gems", but these absolutely blow every other [[Fast Cast]] option in the foot slot out of the water. They have more than ''double'' the next best option ({{ItemIcon|Volte_Gaiters|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Volte Gaiters]]|tooltip=[[File:Volte Gaiters description.png]]}} at 6%) - and for Bard specifically, a job that lives and dies by its casting, that's more than enough to justify the Wardrobe slot.
|}

===Accessories===
The old [[Abyssea]] sub-level-99 accessories are functional but quickly outclassed by "real" [[Fast Cast]] gear. Grab them if you want them, but don't expect to use them forever:<br/>
[[File:Aoidos'_Earring_description.png|link=Aoidos' Earring]] [[File:Aoidos'_Matinee_description.png|link=Aoidos' Matinee]] [[File:Aoidos'_Belt_description.png|link=Aoidos' Belt]] <br/> <br/>

The [[Sortie]] earring for Bard looks like it has mediocre raw stats for an already-mastered Bard:<br/>
[[File:Fili_Earring_description.png|link=Fili Earring]]<br/>
But its guaranteed NQ augment is [[Magic Accuracy]] - making it best-in-slot for debuff songs even at the minimum value of +6 - and its +1 augment is -[[Damage Taken]]. Hang onto the best one you manage to open.

The real winner for this section, as for every job, is '''Ambuscade Capes''' (plural):<br/>
[[File:Intarabus's_Cape_description.png|link=:Category:JSE_Capes#Capes_and_Augments|Intarabus's Cape]]<br/>
While the base stats are unexciting, the [[:Category:JSE_Capes#Capes_and_Augments|various augments]] make a properly customized cape the best in slot for basically any purpose. Note that, while "Ex" (untradable), they are ''not'' rare - you can have as many as you want! And you'll want many. In roughly this order:

1) A cape to wear while '''engaged for dealing damage'''.
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Thread|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Thread]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Thread description.png]]}}: 20 [[DEX]] (1 point of [[Dexterity]] translates directly to 0.75 [[Accuracy]], which is the main thing a BRD tends to lack thanks to +Attack songs.)
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Dust|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Dust]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Dust description.png]]}}: 20 [[Accuracy]] + [[Attack]]
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Sap|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Sap]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Sap description.png]]}}: 10 [[Dual Wield]] (For most jobs, this is 10 [[Store TP]] or 10 [[Double Attack]]. Bard is not most jobs - you don't have a huge selection of DW gear without giving up the [[Store TP]] or [[Double Attack]] you need in other slots. So just put DW here and don't sweat it.)
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Dye|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Dye]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Dye description.png]]}}: 10 [[DEX]] (More Accuracy.)
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Resin|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Resin]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Resin description.png]]}}: 5 [[Damage Taken]] (or 10 Physical Damage Taken, which is more valuable than MDT thanks to [[Shell]] giving direct MDT, unlike [[Protect]] which does not give PDT)

2) A cape to wear while using your preferred '''Weapon Skill'''. <br/>
First, pick your favorite [[Weapon Skill]], and go to its page on this wiki. Using [[Wasp Sting]] as an example: its "Stat Modifier" is "100% [[DEX]]". This stat modifier is one of the strongest determinants of weaponskill damage. You should always pump the appropriate stat as high as possible for maximum damage! Therefore, a "Wasp Sting cape" should look something like this:
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Thread|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Thread]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Thread description.png]]}}: 20 [[DEX]] (This does give accuracy, but the goal here is solely to boost damage.)
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Dust|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Dust]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Dust description.png]]}}: 20 [[Accuracy]] + [[Attack]]
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Sap|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Sap]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Sap description.png]]}}: 10 [[Weapon Skill Damage]]
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Dye|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Dye]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Dye description.png]]}}: 10 [[DEX]] (More damage!)
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Resin|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Resin]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Resin description.png]]}}: 5 [[Damage Taken]] (or 10 PDT, as above. It's not uncommon to get hit while in your weaponskill set, and Resin doesn't give offensive stats so there's no tradeoff here.)

3) A cape to wear while singing. You can use this as your [[Fast Cast]] cape as well, without sacrificing anything else available in that slot:
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Thread|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Thread]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Thread description.png]]}}: 20 [[CHR]] (This affects [[Magic Accuracy]] for songs.)
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Dust|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Dust]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Dust description.png]]}}: 20 [[Magic Accuracy]] + [[Magic Damage]]
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Sap|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Sap]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Sap description.png]]}}: 10 [[Fast Cast]]
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Dye|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Dye]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Dye description.png]]}}: 10 [[Magic Accuracy]]
*{{ItemIcon|Abdhaljs_Resin|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Abdhaljs Resin]]|tooltip=[[File:Abdhaljs Resin description.png]]}}: 5 [[Damage Taken]] (see above notes again.)

4) A cape to wear while idle, if it's not your singing cape. This can be a place to tweak your [[Damage Taken]] to hit 50% PDT/MDT, or for more [[Magic Evasion]]... or, honestly, I just use my singing cape. Inventory space is too precious!<br/>

5) Any number of additional '''weapon skill''' capes as desired.
*Typically [[Savage Blade]], [[Rudra's Storm]], [[Mordant Rime]], and/or [[Exenterator]].
*These are similar to the previous WS cape, but with different primary stats on them.

You can completely ignore the [[Reive]]-dropped {{ItemIcon|Rhapsode's_Cape|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[:Category:JSE_Capes#Reive_and_Incursion_Capes|Rhapsode's Cape]]|tooltip=[[File:Rhapsode's Cape description.png]]}}.<br/>
It loses in every augment to just making another {{ItemIcon|Intarabus's_Cape|22}} [[:Category:JSE_Capes#Capes_and_Augments|Intarabus's Cape]]. <br/> <br/>

==Equipment Sets==
===Engaged (TP)===

Well-established Bards can have a TP set to put them on par with other support/damage dealer hybrid jobs, making them a valuable contributor to total party damage. <br/>
Brand new Bards... won't. Without the top end options, Bard is not much of a damage dealer. That said, there are options that will at least let you solo the occasional NM for drops, and you do bring your own powerful buffs.

Generally, Bard's biggest problem is getting to 1,000 [[TP]]. With [[Madrigal]] you'll have reasonable [[Attack]]. With [[March]], you'll be capped on [[Magic Haste]]. But unlike COR's [[Samurai Roll]] and [[Fighter's Roll]], Bards can't increase TP gained per autoattack. Bard melee gear should focus on [[Double Attack]]/[[Triple Attack]]/[[Quadruple Attack]] and [[Store TP]] to try to remedy this.

For new Bards, it's the {{ItemIcon|Aya. Zucchetto +2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ayanmo Armor Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Aya. Zucchetto +2 description.png]]}} plus some augment-based workarounds:
*The customizable augments on the {{ItemIcon|Telchine_Cap|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Telchine Attire Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Telchine Cap description.png]]}} puts melee stats onto not-very-melee-focused gear, outdoing 3/5 of the Ayanmo set.
*Our old friend {{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}} can take even better melee augments, and is best in slot for that purpose forever.
*Also existing, though far too random to include in these gearsets, are the random daily {{ItemIcon|Dark_Matter|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[:Category:Escha_Rewards/Arcane_Glyptics_Inscription|Dark Matter Augments]]|tooltip=[[File:Dark Matter description.png]]}} from [[Oseem]] in [[Norg]].
**These can theoretically turn the {{ItemIcon|Chironic_Hat|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[:Category:Escha_Rewards/Arcane_Glyptics_Inscription#Chironic_Armor_Set|Chironic Armor Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Chironic Hat description.png]]}} into very good melee pieces... but they're totally random, and I do mean [https://i.imgur.com/Y0xftAK.jpeg totally random].

After you've progressed somewhat, whether on Bard or another job, you can acquire {{ItemIcon|Bunzi's Hat|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bunzi's Hat]]|tooltip=[[File:Bunzi's Hat description.png]]}} and grind your way through truly miserable amounts of [[Limbus]] - even just level 119 clears - for the {{ItemIcon|Revelation Plate.|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Hope Armor Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Revelation Plate. description.png]]}}.
*There's likely not a lot of NQ or HQ1 supply on the AH for cheaper options, so save up for the HQ2 [[Revelation Armor Set]], which is at least 3/5 best in slot.
**Possibly 4/5 if you prefer {{ItemIcon|Revelation Gaunt.|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Revelation Gauntlets]]|tooltip=[[File:Revelation Gaunt. description.png]]}} over {{ItemIcon|Bunzi's Gloves|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bunzi's Gloves]]|tooltip=[[File:Bunzi's Gloves description.png]]}}.
**It's a choice between roughly 30 Accuracy + 4 Store TP with Revelation versus 30 Attack + 2 Double Attack with Bunzi's, so season to taste.
* High-end alternatives to Limbus - inferior, but formerly BiS before the Revelation set existed - are {{ItemIcon|Ashera Harness|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ashera Harness]]|tooltip=[[File:Ashera Harness description.png]]}}, {{ItemIcon|Volte Harness|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Volte Harness]]|tooltip=[[File:Volte Harness description.png]]}}, {{ItemIcon|Volte Tights|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Volte Tights]]|tooltip=[[File:Volte Tights description.png]]}}, and {{ItemIcon|Volte Spats|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Volte Spats]]|tooltip=[[File:Volte Spats description.png]]}}.
** Please note that even compared to zero-augment Revelation, you will be made of paper wearing the 0 DT Volte Pieces.
** {{ItemIcon|Ashera Harness|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ashera Harness]]|tooltip=[[File:Ashera Harness description.png]]}} will be better than the body piece until you have some substantial augments, but availability is the issue there.

{{Guide Equipment Set Table
|Header Notes=TPing Sets
|Guide Equipment Sets=
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Starter i119
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Solo Farmable
|CaptionBottom = [[Dual Wield]] optional
|Main = Kaja Knife
|Sub = Kaja Sword
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 15 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 4 [[Store TP]], 3 [[Quadruple Attack]]
|Ammo = 
|Head = Aya. Zucchetto +2
|Neck = Asperity Necklace
|Ear1 = Brutal Earring
|Ear2 = Neritic Earring
|Body = Ayanmo Corazza +2
|Hands = Telchine Gloves
|HandsAug = 15 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 6 [[Store TP]], 7 [[STR]]+[[DEX]]
|Ring1 = Rajas Ring
|Ring2 = Hoard Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20 [[DEX]], 20 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 10 [[Accuracy]], 10 [[Dual Wield]], -10% Physical [[Damage Taken]]
|Waist= Cetl Belt
|Legs = Telchine Braconi
|LegsAug = 15 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 6 [[Store TP]], 7 [[STR]]+[[DEX]]
|Feet = Telchine Pigaches
|FeetAug = 15 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 6 [[Store TP]], 7 [[STR]]+[[DEX]]
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*20 [[Accuracy]] or 20 [[Attack]] on the Telchine pieces is fine. The combined [[Accuracy]]+[[Attack]] augment is rare.
**The same is true for {{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}}.
*You don't have to ''literally'' dual wield Kaja weapons. But you can if you want to.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Midrange Set
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Mostly Soloable
|CaptionBottom = (Eventually)
|Main = Naegling
|Sub = Centovente
|SubAug = [[TP Bonus]] +1000
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 15 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 4 [[Store TP]], 3 [[Quadruple Attack]]
|Ammo = 
|Head = Aya. Zucchetto +2
|Neck = Lissome Necklace
|Ear1 = Brutal Earring
|Ear2 = Cessance Earring
|Body = Ayanmo Corazza +2
|Hands = Bunzi's Gloves
|Ring1 = Rajas Ring
|Ring2 = Petrov Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20 [[DEX]], 20 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 10 [[Accuracy]], 10 [[Dual Wield]], -10% Physical [[Damage Taken]]
|Waist = Sailfi Belt +1
|WaistAug = Rank 15
|Legs = Zoar Subligar +1
|LegsAug = Rank 15
|Feet = Telchine Pigaches
|FeetAug = 15 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 6 [[Store TP]], 7 [[STR]]+[[DEX]]
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*{{ItemIcon|Bunzi's_Gloves|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bunzi's Gloves]]|tooltip=[[File:Bunzi's Gloves description.png]]}} aren't soloable, but you don't need any RP for augments. They're best in slot even at R0 and worth specifically grouping up to get.
*If you can afford a {{ItemIcon|Bard's_Charm_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bard's Charm +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Bard's Charm +1 description.png]]}}, that's a great place to put your extra gil for now.
**After that, consider some {{ItemIcon|Chirich Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Chirich Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Chirich Ring description.png]]}}s or {{ItemIcon|Moonbeam Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonbeam Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Moonbeam Ring description.png]]}}s.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Best in Slot
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Approximately
|CaptionBottom = (Hands math above)
|Main = Naegling
|Sub = Centovente
|SubAug = [[TP Bonus]] +1000
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 15 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 4 [[Store TP]], 3 [[Quadruple Attack]]
|Ammo =
|Head = Bunzi's Hat
|HeadAug = Rank 30
|Neck = Bard's Charm +2
|NeckAug = Rank 25
|Ear1 = Telos Earring
|Ear2 = Cessance Earring
|Body = Revelation Plate.
|BodyAug = Rank 30
|Hands = Bunzi's Gloves
|HandsAug = Rank 30
|Ring1 = Moonlight Ring
|Ring2 = Moonlight Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20 [[DEX]], 20 [[Attack]]+[[Accuracy]], 10 [[Accuracy]], 10 [[Dual Wield]], -5% [[Damage Taken]]
|Waist = Sailfi Belt +1
|WaistAug = Rank 15
|Legs = Revelation Brais
|LegsAug = Rank 30
|Feet = Revelation Sab.
|FeetAug = Rank 30
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*Fully DT capped at exactly -50%. No need for {{ItemIcon|Alabaster Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Alabaster Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Alabaster Earring description.png]]}}.
*{{ItemIcon|Crep._Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Crepuscular Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Crep. Earring description.png]]}} is fine over Cessance.
}}
}}

===Weapon Skills===
Bard is in the same boat as most other light armor jobs for WS sets: the {{ItemIcon|Nyame Helm|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nyame Armor Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Nyame Helm description.png]]}} fixed everything, providing high [[Weapon Skill Damage]] augments and a bunch of raw stats. There's also the obligatory reforged piece, {{ItemIcon|Bihu Just. +4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bihu Justaucorps +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Bihu Just. +4 description.png]]}}, that's superior. (And like most similar jobs, there's only one of those pieces that beats Nyame.)

Before you have access to Nyame augments, there's not a lot of good Weaponskill gear, but there's a few things to farm up:
*The easiest win is a good {{ItemIcon|Intarabus's Cape|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[:Category:JSE_Capes#Capes_and_Augments|Ambuscade cape]]|tooltip=[[File:Intarabus's Cape description.png]]}}.
**See the notes in the "JSE Gear" section above for some details - generally, it's relevant primary stat, [[Attack]], and [[Weapon Skill Damage]] ("WSD").
*Pick up another set of {{ItemIcon|Telchine_Cap|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Telchine Attire Set|Telchine Attire]]|tooltip=[[File:Telchine Cap description.png]]}} and augment them with WSD, [[Attack]], and [[Double Attack]].
**Don't waste effort chasing WSD {{ItemIcon|Dark_Matter|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[:Category:Escha_Rewards/Arcane_Glyptics_Inscription|Dark Matter Augments]]|tooltip=[[File:Dark Matter description.png]]}} on the  {{ItemIcon|Chironic_Hat|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[:Category:Escha_Rewards/Arcane_Glyptics_Inscription#Chironic_Armor_Set|Chironic Armor Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Chironic Hat description.png]]}}. Nyame's not ''that'' hard to get.
*Completing the various [[:Category:Trial_of_the_Magians_Daggers#Damage-focused|Magian Dagger Trials]] on the "[[TP Bonus]] Path" (ending with [[Trial 3201]]) creates a {{ItemIcon|Centovente|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Centovente]]|tooltip=[[File:Centovente description.png]]}} with [[TP Bonus]] +1000.
**Unlike almost all other weapon augments, the augments on these Magian Trial weapons '''do function in the offhand'''
**[[Dual Wield]]ing this {{ItemIcon|Centovente|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Centovente]]|tooltip=[[File:Centovente description.png]]}} will be an enormous boost to [[Savage Blade]] damage, and thus your total DPS, in any content where you don't need to worry about [[Accuracy]].
***Even the humble {{ItemIcon|Kaja Knife|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaja Knife]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaja Knife description.png]]}} gains 242 accuracy from its "Dagger skill +242" that any {{ItemIcon|Centovente|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Centovente]]|tooltip=[[File:Centovente description.png]]}} is completely lacking. '''If you can't hit the enemy, use an item level offhand!'''
*While {{ItemIcon|Fotia Gorget|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fotia Gorget]]|tooltip=[[File:Fotia Gorget description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Fotia Belt|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fotia Belt]]|tooltip=[[File:Fotia Belt description.png]]}} are not relevant for every WS, they're never going to go out of style.
**Farm up the eight subcomponents of each, then shout for [[Synergy]] help (or learn this opaque subsystem yourself for this single purpose) to get them assembled.

{{Guide Equipment Set Table
|Header Notes=Weaponskill Sets
|Guide Equipment Sets=
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Starter i119
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Solo Farmable
|CaptionBottom = STR-Focused
|Main = Kaja Sword
|Sub = Centovente
|SubAug = 1000 [[TP Bonus]]
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 20 [[Attack]], 8 [[STR]], 3 WSD
|Ammo = 
|Head = Telchine Cap
|HeadAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|Neck = Fotia Gorget
|Ear1 = Kuwunga Earring
|Ear2 = Corybant Pearl
|Body = Telchine Chas.
|BodyAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|Hands = Telchine Gloves
|HandsAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|Ring1 = Ifrit Ring
|Ring2 = Gaiardas Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20+10 [[STR]], 20 [[Accuracy]] + [[Attack]], 10 WSD, -10% PDT
|Waist = Fotia Belt
|Legs = Telchine Braconi
|LegsAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|Feet = Telchine Pigaches
|FeetAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*{{ItemIcon|Ishvara Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ishvara Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Ishvara Earring description.png]]}} is likely not far out of reach.
*{{ItemIcon|Rufescent Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Rufescent Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Rufescent Ring description.png]]}} is a little farther, but still reasonably obtained with Trusts.
*You can just buy two {{ItemIcon|Ifrit Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ifrit Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Ifrit Ring description.png]]}}s instead of one. You don't have to do that much [[Legion]].
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Established i119
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Midrange [[Savage Blade]]
|CaptionBottom = Before Nyame Augments
|Main = Kaja Sword
|Sub = Centovente
|SubAug = 1000 [[TP Bonus]]
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 3 Weapon Skill Damage, 8 [[STR]], 20 [[Attack]]
|Ammo = 
|Head = Telchine Cap
|HeadAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|Neck = Rep. Plat. Medal
|Ear1 = Moonshade Earring
|Ear1Aug = 250 [[TP Bonus]], 4 [[Attack]]
|Ear2 = Ishvara Earring
|Body = Telchine Chas.
|BodyAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|Hands = Telchine Gloves
|HandsAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|Ring1 = Rufescent Ring
|Ring2 = Karieyh Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20+10 [[STR]], 20 [[Accuracy]] + [[Attack]], 10 WSD, -10% PDT
|Waist = Fotia Belt
|Legs = Telchine Braconi
|LegsAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|Feet = Telchine Pigaches
|FeetAug = 20 [[Attack]], 3 [[Double Attack]], 3 WSD
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*{{ItemIcon|Cornelia's Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Cornelia's Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Cornelia's Ring description.png]]}} is an obvious upgrade when you finish [[The Voracious Resurgence]].
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Savage Blade (BiS)
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = [[Savage Blade]]
|CaptionBottom = 50% [[STR]] / 50% [[MND]]
|Main = Naegling
|Sub = Centovente
|SubAug = 1000 [[TP Bonus]]
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 3 WSD, 8 [[STR]], 20 [[Attack]]
|Ammo = 
|Head = Nyame Helm
|HeadAug = R30
|Neck = Rep. Plat. Medal
|Ear1 = Moonshade Earring
|Ear1Aug = 250 [[TP Bonus]], 4 [[Attack]]
|Ear2 = Regal Earring
|Body = Bihu Just. +4
|Hands = Nyame Gauntlets
|HandsAug = R30
|Ring1 = Cornelia's Ring
|Ring2 = Epaminondas's Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20+10 [[STR]], 20 [[Accuracy]] + [[Attack]], 10 WSD, -10% PDT
|Waist = Sailfi Belt +1
|WaistAug = R15
|Legs = Nyame Flanchard
|LegsAug = R30
|Feet = Nyame Sollerets
|FeetAug = R30
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*{{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}} can roll 6 [[STR]]+[[DEX]] as an all-in-one for SB/MR/Rudra's to save Wardrobe space.
*If you need PDL, swap to {{ItemIcon|Bard's Charm +2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bard's Charm +2]]|tooltip=[[File:Bard's Charm +2 description.png]]}}.
*-46% PDT. To cap, use {{ItemIcon|Murky Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Murky Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Murky Ring description.png]]}} or {{ItemIcon|Alabaster Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Alabaster Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Alabaster Earring description.png]]}}
*{{ItemIcon|Moonshade Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonshade Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Moonshade Earring description.png]]}} stays forever, but the other jewelry slots change with your circumstances:
**{{ItemIcon|Sroda Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Sroda Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Sroda Ring description.png]]}} at very high Nyame ranks.
**{{ItemIcon|Alabaster Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Alabaster Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Alabaster Earring description.png]]}} at high enough augments is better and caps PDT.
**{{ItemIcon|Hoxne Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Hoxne Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Hoxne Earring description.png]]}} is BiS at [[Mastery Rank]] 7+, even over Alabaster.
**If you have {{ItemIcon|Ephramad's Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ephramad's Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Ephramad's Ring description.png]]}} over Cornelia's, update appropriately.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Mordant Rime (BiS)
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = [[Mordant Rime]]
|CaptionBottom = 70% [[CHR]] / 30% [[DEX]]
|Main = Carnwenhan (Level 119 III)
|Sub = Crepuscular Knife
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 3 WSD, 8 [[CHR]], 20 [[Attack]]
|Ammo = 
|Head = Nyame Helm
|HeadAug = R30
|Neck = Bard's Charm +2
|NeckAug = R25
|Ear1 = Regal Earring
|Ear2 = Ishvara Earring
|Body = Bihu Just. +4
|Hands = Nyame Gauntlets
|HandsAug = R30
|Ring1 = Cornelia's Ring
|Ring2 = Metamor. Ring +1
|Ring2Aug = R15
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20+10 [[CHR]], 20 [[Accuracy]] + [[Attack]], 10 WSD, -10% PDT
|Waist = Kentarch Belt +1
|WaistAug = R15
|Legs = Nyame Flanchard
|LegsAug = R30
|Feet = Nyame Sollerets
|FeetAug = R30
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*[[TP Bonus]] increases [[Movement Speed]] decrease :(
*Swap in {{ItemIcon|Hoxne Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Hoxne Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Hoxne Earring description.png]]}} at [[Mastery Rank]] 6+.
*I have '''no idea''' what the correct offhand here is.
}}
}}

===Fast Cast===
The [[Fast Cast]] cap is 80. Having it capped will give you 80% faster casts and 40% faster recast time. (Going over 80 does ''not'' further decrease recast times!)

Gear that gives "[[Song Spellcasting Time]]" reduction, like {{ItemIcon|Fili_Calot_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Calot +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Calot +1 description.png]]}}, gives you faster casts but ''not'' recast reduction.<br/>
Therefore, the optimal set has 80 actual "Fast Cast", but you can make up any shortfall with [[Song Spellcasting Time]].

{{Guide Equipment Set Table
|Header Notes=Fast Cast Sets
|Guide Equipment Sets=
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Starter i119 Set
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = 54 FC + 9 Song Spellcast
|CaptionBottom = Solo Farmable
|Main = Kali
|Sub = Kali
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 6 [[Fast Cast]]
|Ammo = 
|Head =
|Neck = Aoidos' Matinee
|Ear1 = Loquac. Earring
|Ear2 = 
|Body = Inyanga Jubbah +2
|Hands = 
|Ring1 = Prolix Ring
|Ring2 =
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 10 [[Fast Cast]]
|Waist= 
|Legs = Aya. Cosciales +2
|Feet = Telchine Pigaches
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*You can farm all this yourself.
*Without [[Dual Wield]], -7 FC from the second {{ItemIcon|Kali|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kali]]|tooltip=[[File:Kali description.png]]}}.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Starter -80% Cast Time Set
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = 55 FC + 25 Song Spellcast
|CaptionBottom = Mostly Soloable
|Main = Kali
|Sub = Kali
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 6 [[Fast Cast]]
|Ammo = 
|Head = Fili Calot +1
|Neck = Aoidos' Matinee
|Ear1 = Loquac. Earring
|Ear2 = 
|Body = Inyanga Jubbah +2
|Hands = Leyline Gloves
|HandsAug = 3 [[Fast Cast]]
|Ring1 = Prolix Ring
|Ring2 = Naji's Loop
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 10 [[Fast Cast]]
|Waist = Embla Sash
|Legs = Aya. Cosciales +2
|Feet = Bihu Slippers +1
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*Without [[Dual Wield]], you'll need higher reforges on the feet or head (or other pieces from the next set).
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=BiS Fast Cast
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Way Over 80 FC Cap
|CaptionBottom = Fill Slots With -DT
|Main = Grioavolr
|MainAug = 7 [[Fast Cast]]
|Sub = Clerisy Strap +1
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 6 [[Fast Cast]]
|Ammo =
|Head = Bunzi's Hat
|Neck = Orunmila's Torque
|Ear1 = Loquac. Earring
|Ear2 = Enchntr. Earring +1
|Body = Inyanga Jubbah +2
|Hands = Leyline Gloves
|HandsAug = 3 [[Fast Cast]]
|Ring1 = Prolix Ring
|Ring2 = Kishar Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 10 [[Fast Cast]]
|Waist = Embla Sash
|Legs = Volte Brais
|Feet = Fili Cothurnes +3
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*Neck = {{ItemIcon|Baetyl Pendant|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Baetyl Pendant]]|tooltip=[[File:Baetyl Pendant description.png]]}} or {{ItemIcon|Voltsurge Torque|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Voltsurge Torque]]|tooltip=[[File:Voltsurge Torque description.png]]}}, if you want to avoid grinding [[Meeble Burrows]].
*Legs = {{ItemIcon|Kaykaus Tights +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaykaus Tights +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaykaus Tights +1 description.png]]}}, if you don't have Volte.
*I think [[Grioavolr]] + [[Clerisy Strap +1]] is nothing but a waste of two inventory slots, but it is listed for completeness.
}}
}}

===Singing===
Bard is unique in having multiple [[Magic Skills]] that simultaneously apply to a single action. <br/>
Everything you sing is affected by [[Singing Skill]], and the type of instrument you have equipped determines whether you add your [[Wind Skill]] or your [[String Skill]] to that. <br/>
This means that Bard effectively benefits twice from some systems - receiving twice as many [[Merit Point]] skill boosts, 2 points per [[Master Level]] rather than 1, and so on. <br/>

The song with the highest skill cap is {{ItemIcon|Marsyas|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Honor March]]|tooltip=[[File:Marsyas description.png]]}}, which caps at a total skill of 900. <br/>
A Bard with 2100 Job Points and 8/8 skill merits has 425 in both [[Singing]] and [[Wind Instrument]] skills for a total of 850. <br/>
Add another 22+22 from {{ItemIcon|Fili_Manchettes_+3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Manchettes +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Manchettes +3 description.png]]}} (worn for the [[March]] +1 bonus anyway) to reach 894. <br/>
A [[Master Level]] 3 Bard will have 900 skill with those two items equipped and every other gear slot empty. <br/>
Once you have even 3 MLs, you never have to worry about wearing skill gear specifically to hit caps. (There's one special case - see the [[Horde Lullaby II]] sets below.)

Since skills are not a consideration when gearing, song sets look a little different than most casting jobs' sets. There are some general priorities:
*Song+ effects. These are the rarest and the highest-impact bonuses. If you ''can'' be wearing a song+ piece, you ''should'' be. This is why {{ItemIcon|Mnbw._Whistle_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonbow Whistle +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mnbw. Whistle +1 description.png]]}} is so good. (And so expensive.)
*Song effect duration. This may seem like just quality of life (less total time spent singing), but [[Soul Voice]] and [[Marcato]] buff songs in a way nothing else can duplicate. Extending the duration of those songs means you're getting more total benefit.
*Song accuracy. (For debuffs only.) Accuracy is determined by [[CHR]], [[Singing]] and [[Instrument]] skills, and [[Magic Accuracy]]. The relative values of these four are debated, but wear more of all four and your debuffs will land more often.
*The {{ItemIcon|Fili_Calot_+3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Attire Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Calot +3 description.png]]}} bonus makes your buff songs also give additional primary stats. (For buffs only.) While the buff is small, it's a tiebreaker in any slots that wouldn't otherwise be specifically occupied.

Beyond that, put -[[Damage Taken]] or [[Magic Evasion]] in unused slots, because you can always get caught in an AoE in midcast gear.


====Song+ Effects====

Generally, +1 to a [[Song]] type will give both +10% duration (additive) and either a boost to [[Magic Accuracy]] (for debuffs) or a boost to the stats granted (for buffs).
*Some songs only get one or the other - for example, the [[Reraise]] effect from [[Goddess's Hymnus]] can't really get a numeric boost, so it only gets duration.

Two equipment slots have "All Songs" equipment, which you want to wear for basically every song unless there's a specific reason you can't:
*{{ItemIcon|Gjallarhorn|22}}  {{tooltip|text=[[Gjallarhorn (Level 99)|Gjallarhorn]]|tooltip=[[File:Gjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Loughnashade_(Level_119_III)|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loughnashade]]|tooltip=[[File:Loughnashade (Level 119 III) description.png]]}} give +4 to all songs.
**Until you have either, use a {{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}} augmented with {{ItemIcon|Snowdim_Stone|22}} [[Snowdim Stone]]s for a total of +3 to all songs.
*{{ItemIcon|Mnbw. Whistle +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonbow Whistle +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mnbw. Whistle +1 description.png]]}} also gives +3 to all songs.
**The NQ {{ItemIcon|Moonbow Whistle|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonbow Whistle]]|tooltip=[[File:Moonbow Whistle description.png]]}} only gives +2, but is typically substantially cheaper. If you're short on gil, consider buying one and then reselling it when you buy a +1.

As of June 2026, there are currently no other "All Songs" items, but other pieces have boosts to specific song types:
*{{ItemIcon|Fili Calot +3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Calot +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Calot +3 description.png]]}} gives +1 to [[Madrigal]].
*{{ItemIcon|Fili Hongreline +3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Hongreline +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Hongreline +3 description.png]]}} gives +1 to [[Minuet]].
*{{ItemIcon|Fili Manchettes +3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Manchettes +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Manchettes +3 description.png]]}} gives +1 to [[March]].
*{{ItemIcon|Fili Rhingrave +3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Rhingrave +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Rhingrave +3 description.png]]}} gives +1 to [[Ballad]].
*{{ItemIcon|Fili Cothurnes +3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Cothurnes +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Cothurnes +3 description.png]]}} gives +1 to [[Scherzo]].
*{{ItemIcon|Brioso Cuffs +4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Brioso Cuffs +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Brioso Cuffs +4 description.png]]}} gives +2 to [[Lullaby]].
*{{ItemIcon|Mousai Turban +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Mousai Turban +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mousai Turban +1 description.png]]}} gives +2 to [[Etude]].
*{{ItemIcon|Mou. Manteel +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Mousai Manteel +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mou. Manteel +1 description.png]]}} gives +2 to [[Threnody]].
*{{ItemIcon|Mousai Gages +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Mousai Gages +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mousai Gages +1 description.png]]}} gives +2 to [[Carol]].
*{{ItemIcon|Mou. Seraweels +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Mousai Seraweels +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mou. Seraweels +1 description.png]]}} gives +2 to [[Minne]].
*{{ItemIcon|Mou. Crackows +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Mousai Crackows +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mou. Crackows +1 description.png]]}} gives +2 to [[Mambo]].
*{{ItemIcon|Intarabus's Cape|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Intarabus's Cape]]|tooltip=[[File:Intarabus's Cape description.png]]}} gives +1 to [[Madrigal]] and +1 to [[Prelude]].

'''Always''' wear these when casting the appropriate song.
*...except {{ItemIcon|Fili Rhingrave +3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Rhingrave +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Rhingrave +3 description.png]]}} / {{ItemIcon|Mou. Seraweels +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Mousai Seraweels +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mou. Seraweels +1 description.png]]}}, which require sacrificing the duration bonus from {{ItemIcon|Inyanga Shalwar +2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Inyanga Shalwar +2]]|tooltip=[[File:Inyanga Shalwar +2 description.png]]}}. Be careful when putting these in your sets.
**Absolutely still wear them, just be aware that your Ballads/Minnes will lose 17% duration relative to your other songs, so be careful with song overwriting! There may be situations where you don't want to wear them just to adjust your duration.

====Song Duration====

The second most relevant thing you can be doing for buffs. It's great for debuffs too, but it's more important to land the debuff in the first place than to have it last forever, so prioritize accordingly depending on your target's level and stats.

{{Guide Equipment Set Table
|Header Notes=Song Duration Set
|Guide Equipment Sets=
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Best in Slot
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = +151% Duration
|CaptionBottom =
|Main = Carnwenhan (Level 119 III)
|Sub = Kali
|Range = Marsyas
|Ammo =
|Head = 
|Neck = 
|Ear1 = 
|Ear2 = 
|Body = Fili Hongreline +3
|Hands = 
|Ring1 = 
|Ring2 = 
|Back = 
|Waist = 
|Legs = Inyanga Shalwar +2
|Feet = Brioso Slippers +4
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*{{ItemIcon|Aoidos'_Matinee|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Aoidos' Matinee]]|tooltip=[[File:Aoidos' Matinee description.png]]}} omitted, since you should always be wearing a {{ItemIcon|Mnbw._Whistle_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonbow Whistle +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mnbw. Whistle +1 description.png]]}} in that slot.
*Until {{ItemIcon|Carnwenhan|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Carnwenhan (Level 119 III)|Carnwenhan]]|tooltip=[[File:Carnwenhan (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}, use a second {{ItemIcon|Kali|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kali]]|tooltip=[[File:Kali description.png]]}} for 5%.
*Until {{ItemIcon|Marsyas|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Marsyas]]|tooltip=[[File:Marsyas description.png]]}}, use {{ItemIcon|Daurdabla|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daurdabla (Level 99)|Daurdabla]]|tooltip=[[File:Daurdabla (Level 99) description.png]]}} for 30%.
}}
}}

====Song Accuracy====

Song accuracy is determined by the singer's [[CHR]], [[Magic Accuracy]], [[Singing]] skill, and [[Instrument]] skill corresponding to the instrument they're playing. The relative value of these four is not entirely nailed down, but wear as much as possible of all of them and you can't go wrong.

{{Guide Equipment Set Table
|Header Notes=Song Accuracy Sets
|Guide Equipment Sets=
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name= Starter i119 Set
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Solo Farmable
|CaptionBottom = [[Dual Wield]] not required
|Main = Kaja Knife
|Sub = Kaja Sword
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = All Songs +2
|Ammo = 
|Head = Inyanga Tiara +2
|Neck = Sanctity Necklace
|Ear1 = Enchntr. Earring
|Ear2 = Saviesa Pearl 
|Body = Inyanga Jubbah +2
|Hands = Inyan. Dastanas +2
|Ring1 = Inyanga Ring
|Ring2 = Etana Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20 [[CHR]], 20+10 [[Magic Accuracy]]
|Waist= Ovate Rope
|Legs = Inyanga Shalwar +2
|Feet = Inyan. Crackows +2
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*Use {{ItemIcon|Kali|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kali]]|tooltip=[[File:Kali description.png]]}} until Kaja weapon(s).
*The "All Songs +2" on Linos affects debuff accuracy (by an unknown amount) and also duration.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Best in Slot
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = See Notes
|CaptionBottom = (about the legs)
|Main = Carnwenhan (Level 119 III)
|Sub = Ammurapi Shield
|Range = Gjallarhorn (Level 99)
|Ammo = 
|Head = Brioso Roundlet +4
|Neck = Mnbw. Whistle +1
|Ear1 = Regal Earring
|Ear2 = Fili Earring +2
|Ear2Aug = 16-20 [[Magic Accuracy]], 7-15 [[CHR]]
|Body = Brioso Just. +4
|Hands = Brioso Cuffs +4
|Ring1 = Stikini Ring +1
|Ring2 = Metamor. Ring +1
|Ring2Aug = 10 [[Magic Accuracy]], 10 [[CHR]]
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20 [[CHR]], 20+10 [[Magic Accuracy]]
|Waist = Null Belt
|Legs = Brios. Cann. +4
|Feet = Brioso Slippers +4
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*If you already have a second {{ItemIcon|Stikini_Ring_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Stikini Ring +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Stikini Ring +1 description.png]]}} for another job, that's good enough.
*Even minimum augment NQ {{ItemIcon|Fili_Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fili Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Fili Earring description.png]]}} is 6 MAcc + 10 Singing Skill, beating {{ItemIcon|Crep._Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Crepuscular Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Crep. Earring description.png]]}} / {{ItemIcon|Digni._Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Dignitary's Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Digni. Earring description.png]]}}.
*You're probably wearing {{ItemIcon|Inyanga Shalwar +2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Inyanga Shalwar +2]]|tooltip=[[File:Inyanga Shalwar +2 description.png]]}} for legs. (Thus the {{ItemIcon|Regal Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Regal Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Regal Earring description.png]]}} for the set bonus.)
}}
}}

====Horde Lullaby II====
[[Horde Lullaby II]] AoE is circular, centered around the target, with radius determined by the caster's '''String Instrument skill''' (but not Singing) at cast time. <br/>
Its radius increases by 1 yalm at fixed breakpoints of 405, 486, 567, and 648 String skill. <br/>

FFXI is a wonky game and I personally never want to rely on mobs being a specific distance from me. So I advocate aiming for the highest realistic breakpoint, the '''567 String skill''' breakpoint. <br/>
As of June 2026, 648 requires sacrificing both {{ItemIcon|Mnbw._Whistle_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonbow Whistle +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mnbw. Whistle +1 description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Brioso_Cuffs_+4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Brioso Cuffs +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Brioso Cuffs +4 description.png]]}}. <br/>
Even 567 requires a combination of giving up {{ItemIcon|Brioso_Cuffs_+4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Brioso Cuffs +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Brioso Cuffs +4 description.png]]}}, having high [[Mastery Levels]], or a few pieces of old gear that impact your overall [[Magic Accuracy]]. <br/>
Honestly, if you're not sweaty tryharding it, you won't notice the difference between 6 yalms and 7 yalms very often. Just wear your normal MAcc set, plus {{ItemIcon|Brioso_Cuffs_+4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Brioso Cuffs +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Brioso Cuffs +4 description.png]]}} for Lullaby +2, and call it a day. But if you care, here you go:

{{Guide Equipment Set Table
|Header Notes=Horde Lullaby 2 Sets
|Guide Equipment Sets=
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Max String Skill
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = +177 String Skill
|CaptionBottom = +0 Lullaby :(
|Main = Kali
|MainAug = 10 [[String Instrument]] Skill
|Sub = Kali
|SubAug = 10 [[String Instrument]] Skill
|Range = Daurdabla (Level 99)
|Ammo = 
|Head = Brioso Roundlet +4
|Neck = Hoxne Torque
|Ear1 = Gersemi Earring
|Ear2 = Darkside Earring
|Body = Brioso Just. +4
|Hands = Fili Manchettes +3
|Ring1 = Stikini Ring +1
|Ring2 = Stikini Ring +1
|Back = Erato's Cape
|Waist = Harfner's Sash
|Legs = 
|Feet = Bihu Slippers +4
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*There truly are no leg pieces with string skill.
*Yes, {{ItemIcon|Kali|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kali]]|tooltip=[[File:Kali description.png]]}}'s augment functions in the offhand.
*This does hit the 8' breakpoint (648 skill) at ML40, but it current can't ever fit either of the [[Lullaby]]+ pieces.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=ML 0, 567+ Skill (7' radius)
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = +137 String Skill
|CaptionBottom = +3 Lullaby, no [[Dual Wield]]
|Main = Kali
|MainAug = 10 [[String Instrument]] Skill
|Sub =
|Range = Daurdabla (Level 99)
|Ammo = 
|Head = Brioso Roundlet +4
|Neck = Mnbw. Whistle +1
|Ear1 = Gersemi Earring
|Ear2 = Darkside Earring
|Body = Brioso Just. +4
|Hands = Fili Manchettes +3
|Ring1 = Stikini Ring +1
|Ring2 = Stikini Ring +1
|Back = Erato's Cape
|Waist = Harfner's Sash
|Legs = 
|Feet = Bihu Slippers +4
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*Welcome back, {{ItemIcon|Mnbw._Whistle_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Moonbow Whistle +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Mnbw. Whistle +1 description.png]]}}.
*At ML0, you have 425 base String skill.
*The important missing piece here is {{ItemIcon|Brioso_Cuffs_+4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Brioso Cuffs +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Brioso Cuffs +4 description.png]]}}.
*With [[Dual Wield]], you can swap for better Back and Waist. But see the next set...
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=ML 18, 567 Skill (7' radius)
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = [[Dual Wield]] required
|CaptionBottom = +5 Lullaby :)
|Main = Kali
|MainAug = 10 [[String Instrument]] Skill
|Sub = Kali
|SubAug = 10 [[String Instrument]] Skill
|Range = Daurdabla (Level 99)
|Ammo = 
|Head = Brioso Roundlet +4
|Neck = Mnbw. Whistle +1
|Ear1 = Gersemi Earring
|Ear2 = Darkside Earring
|Body = Brioso Just. +4
|Hands = Brioso Cuffs +4
|Ring1 = Stikini Ring +1
|Ring2 = Stikini Ring +1
|Back = Erato's Cape
|Waist = Harfner's Sash
|Legs = 
|Feet = Bihu Slippers +4
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*Welcome back, {{ItemIcon|Brioso_Cuffs_+4|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Brioso Cuffs +4]]|tooltip=[[File:Brioso Cuffs +4 description.png]]}}.
*Improvements with more [[Master Level]]s:
**ML22: swap back to {{ItemIcon|Intarabus's_Cape|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[:Category:JSE_Capes#Capes_and_Augments|Intarabus's Cape]]|tooltip=[[File:Intarabus's Cape description.png]]}}.
**ML32: swap mainhand to {{ItemIcon|Carnwenhan|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Carnwenhan (Level 119 III)|Carnwenhan]]|tooltip=[[File:Carnwenhan (Level 119 III) description.png]]}}.
**ML37: swap waist to {{ItemIcon|Acuity_Belt_+1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Acuity Belt +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Acuity Belt +1 description.png]]}}.
**ML42: swap ear to {{ItemIcon|Alabaster_Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Alabaster Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Alabaster Earring description.png]]}}.
**ML50: swap ring to {{ItemIcon|Murky Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Murky Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Murky Ring description.png]]}}, if you want.
}}
}}

===Healing===
The potency of [[Cure]] spells is determined by the caster's [[MND]]/[[VIT]]/[[Healing Magic Skill]] and subject to both soft and hard caps. This doesn't leave a lot of room for player intervention (other than capping your Healing skill and wearing basically any i119 mage gear.) <br/>
What you do have control over are the multiplicative bonuses from the "Cure Potency" and "Cure Potency II" stats, which cap at 50%/30% respectively. (See [[:Category:Cure_Spell#Cure_Potency|Cure Potency]] and [[Cure Formula]] for full information.)

Bard has access to one of the best Cure Potency items in the game, {{ItemIcon|Daybreak|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daybreak]]|tooltip=[[File:Daybreak description.png]]}}. <br/>
Its only sources of Cure Potency II are the set bonus on the {{ItemIcon|Kaykaus Mitra +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaykaus Attire Set +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaykaus Mitra +1 description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Naji's Loop|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naji's Loop]]|tooltip=[[File:Naji's Loop description.png]]}}. <br/>
Conveniently, any two pieces of the {{ItemIcon|Kaykaus Mitra +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaykaus Attire Set +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaykaus Mitra +1 description.png]]}} combined with {{ItemIcon|Daybreak|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daybreak]]|tooltip=[[File:Daybreak description.png]]}} will cap Cure Potency.

The only other [[White Magic]] spell to gear for is [[Cursna]]. Since [[Doom]] puts a fast clock on someone's lifespan, boosting your success rate matters! <br/>
The success rate of Cursna increases with your [[Healing Magic Skill]], which is very low when it's only from your subjob. Therefore, multiplicative increases to Cursna sucess rate from gear aren't as helpful as for a main-job healer, but still good. <br/>
When [[Doom]]ed yourself, equip "[[Cursna]] received" or "Enhances [[Holy Water]]" gear.

{{Guide Equipment Set Table
|Header Notes=Healing Sets
|Guide Equipment Sets=
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name = Best in Slot
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = 11 Cure Potency II
|CaptionBottom = Cure Potency I capped
|Main = Daybreak
|Sub = 
|Range = 
|Ammo =
|Head = Kaykaus Mitra +1
|Neck = Nodens Gorget
|Ear1 = Mendi. Earring
|Ear2 = 
|Body = Kaykaus Bliaut +1
|Hands = Kaykaus Cuffs +1
|Ring1 = Naji's Loop
|Ring2 = Lebeche Ring
|Back = Solemnity Cape
|Waist = 
|Legs = Kaykaus Tights +1
|Feet = Kaykaus Boots +1
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*2 {{ItemIcon|Kaykaus Mitra +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaykaus Attire Set +1|Kaykaus +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaykaus Mitra +1 description.png]]}} pieces + {{ItemIcon|Daybreak|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Daybreak]]|tooltip=[[File:Daybreak description.png]]}} hits cap.
**Extra {{ItemIcon|Kaykaus Mitra +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaykaus Attire Set +1|Kaykaus +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaykaus Mitra +1 description.png]]}} pieces give 2 Cure Potency II each, so they likely aren't worth the inventory slot.
*The rest of this is things you may already have, in case you want to go even lower on {{ItemIcon|Kaykaus Mitra +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kaykaus Attire Set +1|Kaykaus +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Kaykaus Mitra +1 description.png]]}}.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Cursna (Targeting Others)
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = +75% Success Rate
|CaptionBottom = +35 Healing Magic Skill
|Main = Kaykaus Mitra +1
|Sub = 
|Range = 
|Ammo =
|Head = 
|Neck = Debilis Medallion
|Ear1 = Meili Earring
|Ear2 = Beatific Earring
|Body = 
|Hands = Hieros Mittens
|Ring1 = Menelaus's Ring
|Ring2 = Haoma's Ring
|Back = Oretan. Cape +1
|Waist = Bishop's Sash
|Legs = 
|Feet = Gende. Galosh. +1
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*ML0 BRD/WHM has 168 [[Healing Magic]] skill.
*Therefore, this set's success rate is (1.75) * (10+(168/30)) = '''27.3%''' without skill+ gear.
*With skill+, it's (1.75) * (10+(203/30)) = '''29.34%'''.
**Don't waste inventory slots on Healing Magic Skill gear if you aren't using it for another job.
**I didn't even bother ''listing'' {{ItemIcon|Nabu's Shalwar|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nabu's Shalwar]]|tooltip=[[File:Nabu's Shalwar description.png]]}}.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Doomed (Self-Removal)
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Holy Water/Cursna Received
|CaptionBottom = (...wear matching rings.)
|Main = 
|Sub = 
|Range = 
|Ammo =
|Head = 
|Neck = Nicander's Necklace
|Ear1 = 
|Ear2 = 
|Body = 
|Hands = 
|Ring1 = Eshmun's Ring
|Ring2 = Blenmot's Ring +1
|Back =
|Waist = Gishdubar Sash
|Legs = 
|Feet = 
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*"[[Cursna]] received" only works on actual [[Cursna]].
*"[[Holy Water]] effect" only works on [[Holy Water]].
**So wear a pair of correct matching rings.
*{{ItemIcon|Nicander's Necklace|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nicander's Necklace]]|tooltip=[[File:Nicander's Necklace description.png]]}} works for both.
}}
}}

===Pulling===

[[Foe_Requiem_VII|Requiem]] has a 20' range.

Pulling set should have -50 DT, then optimize [[Evasion]]/[[Magic Evasion]] after that.

===Idle===

In general, your idle set should first aim for -50% [[Damage Taken]], then some combination of [[Magic Evasion]]/[[Resist|Elemental Resistance]], [[:Category:Status_Effects|Status ailment]] resistance, and [[Regen]] or [[Refresh]].<br/>
Magic Evasion is more valuable than Physical Evasion, because the worst outcomes are getting slept, petrified, or one-shot - and that's usually via a magic AoE or conal.<br/>

A few things to know:
*There are two pieces with a chance to outright nullify magic damage ({{ItemIcon|Warder's Charm +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Warder's Charm +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Warder's Charm +1 description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Shadow Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Shadow Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Shadow Ring description.png]]}}). These are valuable once you've hit the DT cap, as an additional layer of protection.<br/>
**The Ring's twin for physical nullification is {{ItemIcon|Shadow Mantle|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Shadow Mantle]]|tooltip=[[File:Shadow Mantle description.png]]}}, which you should never wear because {{ItemIcon|Intarabus's Cape|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Intarabus's Cape]]|tooltip=[[File:Intarabus's Cape description.png]]}} exists.
*Having nonzero positive Elemental Resistance unlocks an additional beneficial [[Resist|"resist tier"]], giving you a chance to take 1/8 damage from an elementally aligned attack.
**With zero resistance, you can't take less than 1/4. With negative resistance, you can't take less than 1/2.
**This means the first point of resistance to each element is disproportionately valuable. Consider {{ItemIcon|Carrier's Sash|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Carrier's Sash]]|tooltip=[[File:Carrier's Sash description.png]]}} even if you're already wearing {{ItemIcon|Warder's Charm +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Warder's Charm +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Warder's Charm +1 description.png]]}}.
*Bard should avoid {{ItemIcon|Staunch Tathlum +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Staunch Tathlum +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Staunch Tathlum +1 description.png]]}}. Wear an inferior {{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}} instead to avoid losing TP on swaps.
*Bard's only idle [[Regain]] piece is {{ItemIcon|Null Masque|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Null Masque]]|tooltip=[[File:Null Masque description.png]]}}.
*[[Shell V]] provides -29% Magic [[Damage Taken]]. Since the caps are -50% Physical [[Damage Taken]] and -50% Magic [[Damage Taken]], you only "have" to wear -21% MDT to cap if you can rely on having Shell up.
**This is why you often see -10% PDT over -5% DT on {{ItemIcon|Intarabus's Cape|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Intarabus's Cape]]|tooltip=[[File:Intarabus's Cape description.png]]}}.
**As a coward and an inveterate min-maxer, I personally aim for 50 MDT as well, just in case. This is ''not'' necessary, but feel free to join me.

{{Guide Equipment Set Table
|Header Notes=Idle Sets
|Guide Equipment Sets=
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name = Starter i119 Idle
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Solo Farmable
|CaptionBottom = 34 PDT, 21 MDT
|Main = 
|Sub = 
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 15 [[Magic Evasion]], 5 Physical [[Damage Taken]] / 6 [[Fast Cast]], 8 [[VIT]]
|Ammo =
|Head = Aya. Zucchetto +2
|Neck = 
|Ear1 = Flashward Earring
|Ear2 = Eabani Earring
|Body = Ayanmo Corazza +2
|Hands = Inyan. Dastanas +2
|Ring1 = Ayanmo Ring
|Ring2 = 
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 20 [[INT]], 20 [[Evasion]]+[[Magic Evasion]], 10 [[Fast Cast]], 10 [[Physical Damage Taken]], 10 [[Magic Evasion]]
|Waist = Flume Belt
|Legs = Aya. Cosciales +2
|Feet = Bihu Slippers +1
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*Don't buy the other {{ItemIcon|Aya. Manopolas +2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Ayanmo Armor Set|Ambuscade pieces]]|tooltip=[[Aya._Manopolas_%2B2_description.png]]}} just to idle in. You're reforging more JSE soon enough.
*The {{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}} can just have [[Fast Cast]] forever. It's fine.
*You can farm a {{ItemIcon|Defending Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Defending Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Defending Ring description.png]]}} if you really want to, but time has ''finally'' passed it by.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Midrange Idle
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Not Solo Farmable
|CaptionBottom = 50 PDT, 38 MDT
|Main = 
|Sub = 
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 15 [[Magic Evasion]], 5 Physical [[Damage Taken]], 8 [[VIT]]
|Ammo =
|Head = Bunzi's Hat
|Neck = Warder's Charm +1
|Ear1 = Alabaster Earring
|Ear2 = Eabani Earring
|Body = 
|Hands = Bunzi's Gloves
|Ring1 = Murky Ring
|Ring2 = Shadow Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 10 PDT (same cape, really)
|Waist = Carrier's Sash
|Legs = Aya. Cosciales +2
|Feet = 
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*{{ItemIcon|Warder's Charm +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Warder's Charm +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Warder's Charm +1 description.png]]}} is easier to get than {{ItemIcon|Loricate Torque +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Loricate Torque +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Loricate Torque +1 description.png]]}}, and also more useful long-term.
*Your first two [[Limbus]] runs guarantee a Matter each for {{ItemIcon|Murky Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Murky Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Murky Ring description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Alabaster Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Alabaster Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Alabaster Earring description.png]]}}.
*If you want to fully cap MDT without [[Shell V]], add {{ItemIcon|Bunzi's Robe|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bunzi's Robe]]|tooltip=[[File:Bunzi's Robe description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Bunzi's Sabots|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bunzi's Sabots]]|tooltip=[[File:Bunzi's Sabots description.png]]}}.
**The {{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}} can also keep [[Fast Cast]] with that.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Endgame Idle
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = -50% DT
|CaptionBottom = (then MEva)
|Main = 
|Sub = 
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 15 [[Magic Evasion]], 6 [[Fast Cast]], 8 [[VIT]]
|Ammo =
|Head = Fili Calot +3
|Neck = Warder's Charm +1
|Ear1 = Eabani Earring
|Ear2 = Fili Earring +1
|Ear2Aug = 3-5 DT (unnecessary)
|Body = Nyame Mail
|Hands = Fili Manchettes +3
|Ring1 = Shneddick Ring +1
|Ring2 = Shadow Ring
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 5 [[Regen]]?!
|Waist = Carrier's Sash
|Legs = Fili Rhingrave +3
|Feet = Nyame Sollerets
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*This is -51% DT (capped) in the five main slots alone.
*{{ItemIcon|Adamantite Armor|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Adamantite Armor]]|tooltip=[[File:Adamantite Armor description.png]]}} exists, if you're lucky.
*I have ever seen someone wearing {{ItemIcon|Gurebu's Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Gurebu's Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Gurebu's Ring description.png]]}}.
*{{ItemIcon|Shneddick Ring +1|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Shneddick Ring +1]]|tooltip=[[File:Shneddick Ring +1 description.png]]}} doesn't need to be fulltime if you do fancy Gearswap things. I never have.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Idle Regen Options
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = 29 HP/tick
|CaptionBottom = (All i119)
|Main = 
|Sub = 
|Range = Linos
|RangeAug = 2 [[Regen]]
|Ammo =
|Head = Null Masque
|Neck = Bathy Choker +1
|Ear1 = Infused Earring
|Ear2 = Dawn Earring
|Body = Fili Hongreline +3
|Hands = 
|Ring1 = Paguroidea Ring
|Ring2 = Chirich Ring +1
|Back = Intarabus's Cape
|BackAug = 5 [[Regen]] (0 DT)
|Waist = Null Belt
|Legs = 
|Feet = Fili Cothurnes +3
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Idle Refresh Options
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = +9 MP/tick
|CaptionBottom = (+1 latent)
|Main = 
|Sub = 
|Ranged = 
|Ammo =
|Head = Null Masque
|Neck = Sibyl Scarf
|Ear1 = 
|Ear2 = 
|Body =  Kaykaus Bliaut +1
|Hands = Volte Gloves
|Ring1 = Stikini Ring +1
|Ring2 = Stikini Ring +1
|Back = 
|Waist = Fucho-no-Obi
|Legs = Assid. Pants +1
|Feet = Volte Gaiters
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*{{ItemIcon|Linos|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Linos]]|tooltip=[[File:Linos description.png]]}} doesn't get [[Refresh]], even though weapons and shields do.
*{{ItemIcon|Fucho-no-Obi|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fucho-no-Obi]]|tooltip=[[File:Fucho-no-Obi description.png]]}} latent is only active under 50% MP.
*Before Volte, use the {{ItemIcon|Inyanga Tiara +2|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Inyanga Armor Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Inyanga Tiara +2 description.png]]}}.
}}
{{Guide Equipment Set
|Set Name=Status Resistance Options
|Equipment Set=
{{Equipment Set
|CaptionTop = Some Pieces
|CaptionBottom = (Not Nearly All)
|Main = 
|Sub = 
|Ammo =
|Head = Volte Cap
|Neck = Warder's Charm +1
|Ear1 = Hearty Earring
|Ear2 = Etiolation Earring
|Body = Volte Jupon
|Hands = Volte Bracers
|Ring1 = Warden's Ring
|Ring2 = Shadow Ring
|Back = 
|Waist = Carrier's Sash
|Legs = Volte Hose
|Feet = Volte Boots
|List = Y
|Background = 
}}
|Collapse Notes = no
|Equipment Set Notes=*{{ItemIcon|Insomnia Earring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Insomnia Earring]]|tooltip=[[File:Insomnia Earring description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Shrieker's Cuffs|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Shrieker's Cuffs]]|tooltip=[[File:Shrieker's Cuffs description.png]]}} exist...
**But honestly, stack MEva. Anything beyond [[Death]] resistance / "all ailments" is going too far.
}}
}}

===Miscellaneous===
Don't be tricked into wasting precious Wardrobe space on gear aimed at any of:
* [[Waltz]] potency
* [[Elemental Magic]] damage
** If you need raw damage for low-end content, {{ItemIcon|Naegling|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Naegling]]|tooltip=[[File:Naegling description.png]]}} and the {{ItemIcon|Nyame Helm|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Nyame Armor Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Nyame Helm description.png]]}} or {{ItemIcon|Bunzi's Hat|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Bunzi's Attire Set]]|tooltip=[[File:Bunzi's Hat description.png]]}} you already have will do.
* [[Enfeebling Magic]] (non-[[Song]]) duration
**...okay, you want the {{ItemIcon|Kishar Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Kishar Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Kishar Ring description.png]]}} for [[Fast Cast]] anyway. Put that in.
* [[Dark Magic]]
** You literally don't get anything but [[Drain]], [[Aspir]], and [[Klimaform]] from /[[SCH]]. Don't bother.
** If /BLM or /DRK for [[Stun]], use [[Magic Accuracy]] to actually land it.
** '''Special note for /[[DRK]] strategies for [[Aminon]]/[[Sheol Gaol]]:''' [[Absorb-TP]] is unaffected by everything except {{ItemIcon|Erra Pendant|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Erra Pendant]]|tooltip=[[File:Erra Pendant description.png]]}} and {{ItemIcon|Heath. Gauntlets +3|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Heathen's Gauntlets +3]]|tooltip=[[File:Heath. Gauntlets +3 description.png]]}}, neither of which Bard can wear. Sorry!
* [[Divine Magic]]
** [[Banish II]] is great to cast every 30 seconds against [[Undead]] - especially in [[Apollyon]]! - but don't bother with {{ItemIcon|Fenian Ring|22}} {{tooltip|text=[[Fenian Ring]]|tooltip=[[File:Fenian Ring description.png]]}} and so on.

==Playability==

This section is not yet populated, beyond some sketchy notes:

The lowest-duration song gets overwritten. Once you "unlock" a song slot with a +song slots instrument, it stays unlocked until the recipient falls below that number of songs.
* In other words: You can replace the existing "third song" with a new "third song" without needing to wear a "gain a third song slot" instrument.
** This means that you want to equip your +song slots instrument and sing "dummy" songs with no +duration gear...
** ...then overwrite them with fully buffed +duration +potency songs...
** ...then keep overwriting before they fall off.
* Any time one of your song buffs actually times out and falls off, you will have to repeat this process again.
** Or if it's [[Dispel]]led, or if the recipient dies.

* [[Clarion Call]] grants another song slot.
** You can maintain the extra song the same way, letting you get up to 5 songs active at once with [[File:Daurdabla_icon.png|link=Daurdabla (Level 99)]] {{tooltip|text=[[Daurdabla (Level 99)|Daurdabla]]|tooltip=[[File:Daurdabla (Level 99) description.png]]}}.

==Gearswap notes==

Changing weapons sets your [[TP]] to zero. However, this is not always true with Instruments, and knowing the exact nuances will help you not shoot yourself in the foot:
*You ''keep'' your TP when you:
**Go from "nothing in either of the two Ranged/Ammo slots" to an [[Instrument]].
**Go from "nothing in either of the two Ranged/Ammo slots" to an [[Ammo]].
**Unequip an [[Ammo]].
*But you '''lose your TP''' when you:
**Unequip an [[Instrument]] (emptying out your "Ranged" slot)
**Equip a Ranged Weapon (like a [[Bow]])
**Unequip a Ranged Weapon (emptying out your "Ranged" slot)

* Macro examples
** To be populated eventually

==Summary==

"haha Bard go doot"

[[Category:Job Guides]]