Bard
Introduction
“The word "bard" ordinarily puts folk in mind of those itinerant minstrels, fair of voice and nimble of finger, who earn their coin performing in taverns and the halls of great lords. Few know, however, that bards in fact trace their origins back to the bowmen of eld, who sang in the heat of battle to fortify the spirits of their companions. In time, their impassioned songs came to hold sway over the hearts of men, inspiring their comrades to great feats and granting peace unto those who lay upon the precipice of death.
Bard (BRD) is a job unlockable at level 30 as an upgrade from the archer class and is one of three physical ranged DPS jobs.
General information
Guild
The Archers' Guild is in New Gridania. Archers must specialize into bard once they reach level 30, and complete the quests Sylph-management and The One That Got Away. The job trainer is Jehantel, who is normally located in South Shroud (21.8, 21.3).
Equipment
The bard is a disciple of war and wears armor and accessories "of Aiming". They use bows as weapons.
Weapon | Armor | Accessories |
---|---|---|
Archer's Arms | Head Body Hands Legs Feet |
Bracelets Earrings Necklace Ring |
Quests
Bard Job Quests
Physical DPS Role Quests (Shadowbringers)
Quest | Type | Level | Quest Giver | Unlocks | Rewards |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No Greater Sport | 70 | Lue-Reeq | |||
Vengeance in Defeat | 72 | Lue-Reeq | |||
Freedom from Privilege | 74 | Lue-Reeq | |||
The Hunter's Legacy | 76 | Lue-Reeq | |||
Fellowship Restored | 78 | Olvara | 1 Risotto al Nero | ||
Courage Born of Fear | 80 | Lue-Reeq | Speaker for the Brave Physical DPS Role Quests (Shadowbringers) |
1 Heavens' Eye Materia VII 1 Savage Aim Materia VII 1 Savage Might Materia VII |
Physical Ranged DPS Role Quests (Endwalker)
Quest | Type | Level | Quest Giver | Unlocks |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seeds of Disquiet | 85 | Doman Delegate | ||
When the Kami Answer | 86 | Yugiri | ||
Home No Longer | 87 | Yugiri | ||
The Devoted Daughter | 88 | Yugiri | ||
A Singular Gift | 89 | Yugiri | ||
Laid to Rest | 90 | Yugiri | More than Loneliness Physical Ranged DPS Role Quests (Endwalker) |
Physical Ranged DPS Role Quests (Dawntrail)
Quest | Type | Level | Quest Giver | Unlocks | Rewards |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
To Steal a Steelhog | 90 | Raholl Ja | |||
Bandits Abound | 92 | Ceetol Ja | |||
Take Me to Your Leader | 94 | Ceetol Ja | |||
The Milk of Mamool Ja Kindness | 96 | Ceetol Ja | |||
Ally in the Alley | 98 | Ceetol Ja | 1 Driftwood Catfish Pie | ||
The Mightiest Shield | 100 | Ceetol Ja | Some Shields Are Made to Be Broken | 2 Savage Aim Materia XI 2 Savage Might Materia XI 2 Heavens' Eye Materia XI |
Actions
PvE actions
Action | Acquired | Level | Type | MP | Casting | Recast | Range Radius |
Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heavy Shot | ARC | 1 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 160. Additional Effect: 20% chance of granting Hawk's Eye Duration: 30s | ||
Straight Shot | ARC | 2 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 200. Can only be executed when under the effect of Hawk's Eye | ||
Raging Strikes | ARC | 4 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 0y |
Increases damage dealt by 15%. Duration: 20s | ||
Venomous Bite | ARC | 6 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 100. Additional Effect: Venom Potency: 15 Duration: 45s | ||
Bloodletter | ARC | 12 | Ability | Instant | 15s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 130. Maximum Charges: 3 Shares a recast timer with Rain of Death. | ||
Repelling Shot | ARC | 1 | 15 | Ability | Instant | 30s | 15y 0y |
Jump 10 yalms away from current target. Cannot be executed while bound. | |
Quick Nock | ARC | 18 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 12y 12y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 110 to all enemies in a cone before you. Additional Effect: 20% chance of granting Hawk's Eye Duration: 30s | ||
Wide Volley | ARC | 25 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 5y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 140 to target and enemies near it. Barrage Potency: 220 Can only be executed while under the effect of Hawk's Eye. | ||
Windbite | ARC | 1 | 30 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Deals wind damage with a potency of 60. Additional Effect: Wind damage over time Potency: 20 Duration: 45s | |
Mage's Ballad | BRD | 1 | 30 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 0y |
Grants Mage's Ballad to self and all party members within 50 yalms, increasing damage dealt by 1%. Duration: 45s Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire This effect can trigger repeatedly while singing the Mage's Ballad. Repertoire Effect: Reduces the recast time of both Heartbreak Shot and Rain of Death by 7.5s Additional Effect: Grants Mage's Coda Can only be executed while in combat. | |
The Warden's Paean | BRD | 1 | 35 | Ability | Instant | 45s | 30y 0y |
Removes one select detrimental effect from self or target party member. If the target is not enfeebled, a barrier is created nullifying the target's next detrimental effect suffered. Duration: 30s | |
Barrage | ARC | 38 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 0y |
Grants Barrage, allowing the use of Refulgent Arrow and Shadowbite. Upon execution, Refulgent Arrow will strike the selected target three times, while Shadowbite's potency will be increased to 270. Duration: 10s Additional Effect: Grants Resonant Arrow Ready Duration: 30s | ||
Army's Paeon | BRD | 1 | 40 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 0y |
Grants Army's Paeon to self and all party members within 50 yalms, increasing direct hit rate by 3% Duration: 45s Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire This effect can trigger repeatedly while singing the Army's Paeon. Repertoire Effect: Reduces weaponskill cast time and recast time, spell cast time and recast time, and auto-attack delay by 4% Can be stacked up to 4 times. Additional Effect: Grants Army's Coda Can only be executed while in combat. | |
Rain of Death | BRD | 1 | 45 | Ability | Instant | 15s | 25y 8y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 100 to target and all enemies nearby it. Maximum Charges: 3 Shares a recast timer with Heartbreak Shot. | |
Battle Voice | BRD | 1 | 50 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 30y |
Increases direct hit rate of self and all nearby party members by 20%. Duration: 20s | |
The Wanderer's Minuet | BRD | 1 | 52 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 0y |
Grants the Wanderer's Minuet to self and all party members within 50 yalms, increasing critical hit rate by 2% Duration: 45s This effect can trigger repeatedly while singing the Wanderer's Minuet. Additional Effect: 80% chance to grant Repertoire Repertoire Effect: Allows execution of Pitch Perfect Can be stacked up to 3 times. Additional Effect: Grants Wanderer's Coda Can only be executed while in combat. | |
Pitch Perfect | BRD | 52 | Ability | Instant | 1s | 25y 5y |
Delivers an attack to the target and all enemies nearby it. Potency varies with number of Repertoire stacks, dealing full damage for the first enemy, and 50% less for all remaining enemies. 1 Repertoire Stack: 100 2 Repertoire Stacks: 220 3 Repertoire Stacks: 360 Can only be executed when the Wanderer's Minuet is active and you have at least one stack of Repertoire. | ||
Empyreal Arrow | BRD | 1 | 54 | Ability | Instant | 15s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 260. | |
Iron Jaws | BRD | 1 | 56 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 100. Additional Effect: If the target is suffering from a Caustic Bite or Stormbite effect inflicted by you, the effect timer is reset. Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye Duration: 30s | |
Sidewinder | BRD | 1 | 60 | Ability | Instant | 60s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 400. | |
Troubadour | BRD | 62 | Ability | Instant | 90s | 0y 30y |
Reduces damage taken by self and nearby party members by 15%. Duration: 15s Effect cannot be stacked with machinist's Tactician or dancer's Shield Samba. | ||
Caustic Bite | BRD | 64 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 150. Additional Effect: Poison Potency: 20 Duration: 45s Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye Duration: 30s | ||
Stormbite | BRD | 64 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Deals wind damage with a potency of 100. Additional Effect: Wind damage over time Potency: 25 Duration: 45s Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye Duration: 30s | ||
Nature's Minne | BRD | 66 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 30y |
Increases HP recovery via healing actions by 15% for self and nearby party members. Duration: 15s | ||
Refulgent Arrow | BRD | 1 | 70 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 280. Can only be executed when the effect of Hawk's Eye. | |
Shadowbite | BRD | 72 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 5y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 170 to target and all enemies nearby it. Barrage Potency: 270 Can only be executed when under the effect of Hawk's Eye. | ||
Burst Shot | BRD | 76 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 220. Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye Duration: 30s | ||
Apex Arrow | BRD | 80 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 25y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 120 to all enemies in a straight line before you. Soul Voice Gauge Cost: 20 Potency increases up to 600 as Soul Voice Gauge exceeds minimum cost. Additional Effect: Grants Blast Arrow Ready upon execution while Soul Voice Gauge is 80 or higher Duration: 10s Consumes Soul Voice Gauge upon execution. ※Action changes to Blast Arrow while under the effect of Blast Arrow Ready. | ||
Ladonsbite | BRD | 82 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 12y 12y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 130 to all enemies in a cone before you. Additional Effect: 35% chance of granting Hawk's Eye Duration: 30s | ||
Blast Arrow | BRD | 86 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 25y |
Delivers an attack to all enemies in a straight line before you with a potency of 600 for the first enemy, and 60% less for all remaining enemies. Can only be executed while under the effect of Blast Arrow Ready. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. | ||
Radiant Finale | BRD | 90 | Ability | Instant | 110s | 0y 30y |
Increases damage dealt by self and nearby party members. Duration: 20s Effectiveness is determined by the number of different Coda active in the Song Gauge. 1 Coda: 2% 2 Coda: 4% 3 Coda: 6% Additional Effect: Grants Radiant Encore Ready Duration: 30s Can only be executed when at least 1 coda is active. | ||
Heartbreak Shot | BRD | 92 | Ability | Instant | 15s | 25y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 180. Maximum Charges: 3 Shares a recast timer with Rain of Death. | ||
Resonant Arrow | BRD | 96 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 5y |
Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby it with a potency of 600 for the first enemy, and 50% less for all remaining enemies. Can only be executed while under the effect of Resonant Arrow Ready. | ||
Radiant Encore | BRD | 100 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.5s | 25y 5y |
Delivers an attack to target and all enemies nearby it. Potency is determined by the number of different Coda consumed in the Radiant Finale executed prior, dealing full damage for the first enemy, and 50% less for all remaining enemies. 1 Coda: 500 2 Coda: 600 3 Coda: 900 Can only be executed while under the effect of Radiant Encore Ready. |
Limit Breaks (PvE)
- See also: Limit Break
Action | Acquired | Level | Type | MP | Casting | Recast | Range Radius |
Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Big Shot | Physical Ranged DPS | 1 | Limit Break Level 1 | 2s | Instant | 25y 30y |
Delivers an attack that deals 54% the damage of Braver to all targets in a straight line. | |
Desperado | Physical Ranged DPS | 1 | Limit Break Level 2 | 3s | Instant | 25y 30y |
Delivers an attack that deals 117% the damage of Braver to all targets in a straight line. | |
Sagittarius Arrow | BRD | 1 | Limit Break Level 3 | 4.5s | Instant | 25y 30y |
Delivers an attack that deals 189% the damage of Braver to all targets in a straight line. |
Physical Ranged DPS role actions (PvE)
- See also: Role actions
Action | Acquired | Level | Type | MP | Casting | Recast | Range Radius |
Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leg Graze | Physical Ranged DPS | 6 | Ability | Instant | 30s | 0y 0y |
Inflicts target with Heavy +40%. Duration: 10s | |
Second Wind | Melee DPS Physical Ranged DPS |
8 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 0y |
Instantly restores own HP. Cure Potency: 800 | |
Foot Graze | Physical Ranged DPS | 10 | Ability | Instant | 30s | 0y 0y |
Binds target. Duration: 10s Cancels auto-attack upon execution. Target unbound if damage taken. | |
Peloton | Physical Ranged DPS | 20 | Ability | Instant | 5s | 0y 30y |
Increases movement speed of self and nearby party members as long as they remain within distance. Duration: 30s Effect ends when enmity is generated. Cannot be used in battle. | |
Head Graze | Physical Ranged DPS | 24 | Ability | Instant | 30s | 25y 0y |
Interrupts the use of a target's action. | |
Arm's Length | Melee DPS Physical Ranged DPS Tank |
32 | Ability | Instant | 120s | 0y 0y |
Creates a barrier nullifying most knockback and draw-in effects. Duration: 6s Additional Effect: Slow +20% when barrier is struck Duration: 15s |
PvP actions
Action | Acquired | Level | Type | MP | Casting | Recast | Range Radius |
Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Powerful Shot (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Weaponskill | 1.44s | 2.4s | 25y 0y |
Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 4,000. Potency increases up to 6,000 the farther away you are from the target, reaching its maximum value when the target is 15 yalms away. Additional Effect: Reduces the recast time of Empyreal Arrow by 5s Requires casting time to execute. However, it is possible to walk while casting. ※Action changes to Pitch Perfect while under the effect of Repertoire. | ||
Apex Arrow (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Weaponskill | Instant | 20s | 25y 25y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 8,000 to all enemies in a straight line before you. Additional Effect: Grants Blast Arrow Ready Duration: 20s Additional Effect: Grants Frontliner's March Frontliner's March Effect: Reduces your weaponskill cast time and recast time by 10%, and increases damage dealt by self and all party members within a radius of 30 yalms by 5%. Duration: 30s This weaponskill does not share a recast timer with any other actions. ※Action changes to Blast Arrow while under the effect of Blast Arrow Ready. | ||
Silent Nocturne (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Ability | Instant | 30s | 15y 0y |
Silences target. Duration: 2s Additional Effect: Grants Repertoire Duration: 10s ※Powerful Shot changes to Pitch Perfect while under the effect of Repertoire. | ||
Empyreal Arrow (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Ability | Instant | 15s | 25y 0y |
Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 3,000. Consumes all charges upon execution, each charge adding an additional strike to the attack. Maximum Charges: 3 | ||
Repelling Shot (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Ability | Instant | 15s | 10y 0y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 4,000. Additional Effect: 10-yalm backstep. Additional Effect: Bind Duration: 3s Cannot be executed while bound. | ||
The Warden's Paean (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Ability | Instant | 25s | 30y 0y |
Removes one status affliction from self or target party member that can be removed by Purify. If a status affliction cannot be removed, creates a barrier that will nullify the next status affliction that can be removed by Purify. Duration: 8s Grants Warden's Grace upon successfully removing or nullifying a status affliction. Warden's Grace Effect: Reduces damage taken by 25% while increasing HP recovered by healing actions by 25% Duration: 5s Additional Effect: Grants Repertoire Duration: 10s ※Powerful Shot changes to Pitch Perfect while under the effect of Repertoire. | ||
Pitch Perfect (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.4s | 25y 0y |
Delivers a ranged attack with a potency of 4,000. Potency increases up to 8,000 the farther away you are from the target, reaching its maximum value when the target is 15 yalms away. Additional Effect: Reduces the recast time of Empyreal Arrow by 5s Can only be executed while under the effect of Repertoire. ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. | ||
Blast Arrow (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Weaponskill | Instant | 2.4s | 25y 25y |
Delivers an attack with a potency of 10,000 to all enemies in a straight line before you. Additional Effect: Grants Frontliner's Forte Frontliner's Forte Effect: Reduces your weaponskill cast time and recast time by 10%, and increases damage dealt by self and all party members within a radius of 30 yalms by 5%. Duration: 10s ※This action cannot be assigned to a hotbar. |
Limit Break (PvP)
Action | Acquired | Level | Type | MP | Casting | Recast | Range Radius |
Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Final Fantasia (PvP) | BRD | 30 | Limit Break | Instant | 10s | 0y 30y |
Reduces your weaponskill cast time and recast time by 10% while also increasing movement speed by 25%. Additional Effect: Increases damage dealt by self and all party members within a radius of 30 yalms by 10% while also gradually filling the limit gauge Duration: 30s Can only be executed when the limit gauge is full. Gauge Charge Time: 120s Effect can only be activated while target is in combat. |
Common actions (PvP)
Action | Acquired | Level | Type | MP | Casting | Recast | Range Radius |
Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard-issue Elixir (PvP) | ANY | 30 | Ability | 4.5s | 5s | 0y 0y |
Restores your HP and MP to maximum. Casting will be interrupted when damage is taken. | |
Recuperate (PvP) | ANY | 30 | Ability | 2,500 | Instant | 1s | 0y 0y |
Restores own HP. Cure Potency: 15,000 |
Purify (PvP) | ANY | 30 | Ability | Instant | 30s | 0y 0y |
Removes Stun, Heavy, Bind, Silence, Half-asleep, Sleep, and Deep Freeze. Additional Effect: Grants Resilience Resilience Effect: Nullifies status afflictions that can be removed by Purify Duration: 5s Can be used even when under the effect of certain status afflictions. | |
Guard (PvP) | ANY | 30 | Ability | Instant | 30s | 0y 0y |
Reduces damage taken by 90% and grants immunity to Stun, Heavy, Bind, Silence, Half-asleep, Sleep, Deep Freeze, and knockback and draw-in effects. Duration: 5s Movement speed is reduced by 50% for the duration of this effect. Effect ends upon reuse, using another action, or when the effect duration expires. | |
Sprint (PvP) | ANY | 30 | Ability | Instant | 1.5s | 0y 0y |
Increases movement speed. Effect ends upon reuse or execution of another action. |
Traits
PvE traits
Trait | Acquired | Level | Effect | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Heavier Shot | ARC | 2 | Adds to Heavy Shot a 20% chance to grant Hawk's Eye. Duration: 30s | |
Increased Action Damage | ARC | 20 | Increases base action damage by 10%. | |
Enhanced Quick Nock | ARC | 25 | Adds to Quick Nock a 20% chance to grant Hawk's Eye. Duration: 30s | |
Increased Action Damage II | ARC | 40 | Increases base action damage by 20%. | |
Bite Mastery | BRD | 64 | Upgrades Venomous Bite and Windbite to Caustic Bite and Stormbite respectively. | |
Enhanced Empyreal Arrow | BRD | 68 | Guarantees the trigger of the additional effects for Mage's Ballad, Army's Paeon, and the Wanderer's Minuet when Empyreal Arrow hits a target. | |
Straight Shot Mastery | BRD | 1 | 70 | Upgrades Straight Shot to Refulgent Arrow. |
Wide Volley Mastery | BRD | 72 | Upgrades Wide Volley to Shadowbite. | |
Bite Mastery II | BRD | 76 | Adds to Stormbite, Caustic Bite, and Iron Jaws a 35% chance to grant Hawk's Eye. Duration: 30s | |
Heavy Shot Mastery | BRD | 76 | Upgrades Heavy Shot to Burst Shot. | |
Enhanced Army's Paeon | BRD | 78 | While under the effect of Army's Paeon with at least one stack of Repertoire, singing Mage's Ballad or the Wanderer's Minuet will grant Army's Muse, reducing weaponskill cast time and recast time, spell cast time and recast time, and auto-attack delay. Duration: 10s Allowing the effect of Army's Paeon and accumulated stacks of Repertoire to expire without singing Mage's Ballad or the Wanderer's Minuet will grant Army's Ethos. Duration: 30s While under the effect of Army's Ethos, singing Mage's Ballad or the Wanderer's Minuet will grant Army's Muse. Both Army's Ethos and Army's Muse require stacks of Repertoire, the number of which will determine the potency of the latter. 1 Repertoire: 1% 2 Repertoire: 2% 3 Repertoire: 4% 4 Repertoire: 12% | |
Soul Voice | BRD | 80 | Increases Soul Voice Gauge by 5 each time Repertoire is granted. | |
Quick Nock Mastery | BRD | 82 | Upgrades Quick Nock to Ladonsbite. | |
Enhanced Bloodletter | BRD | 84 | Allows a third charge of Bloodletter and Rain of Death. | |
Enhanced Apex Arrow | BRD | 86 | Grants Blast Arrow Ready upon executing Apex Arrow after the Soul Voice Gauge has reached 80 or higher. Duration: 30s Apex Arrow becomes Blast Arrow while under this effect. | |
Enhanced Troubadour | BRD | 88 | Reduces Troubadour recast time to 90 seconds. | |
Minstrel's Coda | BRD | 90 | Grants Mage's Coda, Army's Coda, or Wanderer's Coda upon singing Mage's Ballad, Army's Paeon, or the Wanderer's Minuet respectively. | |
Bloodletter Mastery | BRD | 92 | Upgrades Bloodletter to Heartbreak Shot. | |
Enhanced Second Wind | Melee DPS Physical Ranged DPS |
94 | Increases the healing potency of Second Wind to 800. | |
Ranged Mastery | BRD | 94 | Increases the potency of Empyreal Arrow to 260, Sidewinder to 400, Refulgent Arrow to 280, Burst Shot to 220, and Apex Arrow to 120 up to 600. | |
Enhanced Barrage | BRD | 96 | Grants Resonant Arrow Ready upon executing Barrage. Duration: 30s | |
Enhanced Troubadour II | BRD | 98 | Improves Troubadour's damage reduction effect to 15%. | |
Enhanced Radiant Finale | BRD | 100 | Grants Radiant Encore Ready upon executing Radiant Finale. Duration: 30s |
Job mechanics
Singing Mage's Ballad will display its corresponding Song Gauge, which indicates the effect's remaining duration.
During a song, there is a chance you will be granted Repertoire, shortening the recast timer of Bloodletter (acquired at level 12) and Rain of Death (acquired at level 45).
Singing Army's Paeon will display its corresponding Song Gauge, which indicates the effect's remaining duration.
During a song, there is a chance you will be granted Repertoire, reducing weaponskill cast time and recast time, spell cast time and recast time, and auto-attack delay. This effect increases for each stack of Repertoire you accumulate up to a total of four.
Singing The Wanderer's Minuet will display its corresponding Song Gauge, which indicates the effect's remaining duration.
During a song, there is a chance you will be granted Repertoire, allowing the execution of Pitch Perfect. The Repertoire effect can be stacked up to three times.
Simple Mode
Official Lodestone Job Guide (Always up-to-date)
Soul Voice Gauge:
Upon learning the trait Soul Voice, the Soul Voice Gauge will be displayed. This gauge increases in tandem with Repertoire, and is depleted when using the action Apex Arrow (acquired at level 80).
Coda:
When you learn the trait Minstrel's Coda, the Coda will be displayed.
There are three types of Coda: Mage's Coda, Army's Coda, and Wanderer's Coda. Each is granted respectively by executing the actions Mage's Ballad, Army's Paeon, and The Wanderer's Minuet. You can execute the action Radiant Finale if you have at least one Coda.
Simple Mode:
Achievements
This job is associated with the following achievements:
Name | Points | Task | Reward | Patch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Just Talkin' 'bout Shafts IV | 5 | Achieve archer level 40. | - | 2.0 |
Just Talkin' 'bout Shafts V | 5 | Achieve archer level 50. | - | 2.0 |
Just Talkin' 'bout Shafts VI | 5 | Achieve archer level 60. | - | 3.0 |
Just Talkin' 'bout Shafts VII | 5 | Achieve archer level 70. | - | 4.0 |
Just Talkin' 'bout Shafts VIII | 5 | Achieve archer level 80. | - | 5.0 |
Just Talkin' 'bout Shafts IX | 5 | Achieve archer level 90. | - | 6.0 |
Just Talkin' 'bout Shafts X | 5 | Achieve archer level 100. | - | 7.0 |
Notable Bards
Gallery
Lore
The word “bard” ordinarily puts folk in mind of those itinerant minstrels, fair of voice and nimble of finger, who earn their coin performing in taverns and the halls of great lords. Few know, however, that bards in fact trace their origins back to the bowmen of eld, who sang in the heat of battle to fortify the spirits of their companions.
History
Five hundred years ago, in the time when the city-states engaged one another in bloody conflict, Gridanian hunters were often forced to take up their bows to defend their nascent nation from outside invaders. These reluctant archers would strum their bowstrings and sing songs for their comrades, and it was from those encouraging, aching tunes that the inspiring melodies of the bard were born. Their lilting notes stirred the spirit, lending their fellow soldiers a tangible strength that could turn the tide of battle.
Witnessing the effect of these “battlesongs,” each nation formed units of minstrels in an attempt to amplify the phenomenon, but these hollow, regimented choruses failed to produce the same mystical influence. The original performers, on the other hand, found themselves drowned out by ranks of military musicians, and one by one their voices grew quiet on the battlefield.
When not fighting in wars, bards would travel from tavern to tavern to share the tales of their experiences. As the periods of peace grew longer and longer, however, they began embellishing their stories to appeal to a wider audience, and what was once a true recounting of battle became a form of entertainment by which the bard made his living.
Equipment
Choral Attire
A minstrel’s raiments bequeathed by Jehantel the Godsbow. The archer-turned-bard may be a legend in his time, but he is not the first to be claimed by one calling, then the other. The garb is ancient in origin, and was fashioned by a minstrel of yore as an act of devotion to Althyk the Keeper. That it was fashioned for an archer’s use is clear from the telltale cut of the sleeves.
Aoidos Attire
A bard ensemble that first appeared around the thirteen hundredth year of the Sixth Astral Era, the original Aoidos attire is notable for adopting elements of the Near Eastern garb that began arriving on the continent after trade routes with the lands of the East became firmly established. A style proposed by the legendary minstrel, Santhelme, the attire garnered much attention amongst the courts and clothiers of the age, and Near Eastern fashion saw a sudden surge in popularity. Aside from enthralling audiences with his haunting voice and fashionable appearance, Santhelme was also famous for his extraordinary skill with the bow. Citing the dwindling numbers of performers with similar martial expertise, many historians consider Santhelme’s generation to be the last in which true battlesongs were sung.
Artemis Bow
A longbow beloved by Gilbert the Godsbow, he of much carnage. A mighty singer of songs as well as a slayer of Ixal, Gilbert dreamt of a bow whose form was sired by the noble harp, and set the finest smith in Gridania to the task of creating such a weapon. Keen ears claim that every arrow that flies true from the Artemis Bow sings a pure note as it charts its course.
Berimbau
A bard with a taste for the ostentatious, Santhelme ordered the construction of a bow with multiple strings that could be strummed in the manner of a harp. While the weapon thus created was perfectly pitched and the tightly bound strings propelled arrows with astonishing force, it was heavy, unwieldy, and impractical in battle for any but a master archer. Berimbau is now considered by most a curious ornament of a bygone era—in the hands of a bard with the requisite skill, however, it still holds the potential to dominate a battlefield with both melodious music and murderous mayhem.
Tricks of the Trade
- Sagittarius Arrow: The bard weaves the borrowed aether of her allies into an archer’s storm that bombards the battlefield with the rain of a thousand arrows. This technique was said to have been devised by the founding 1st Bow of the Quiver’s Centaurs.
- Mage's Ballad: A battlesong that celebrates the courageous deeds of a Padjal of eld. The lyrics sing of the sage’s exceptional healing arts as he braved the front line to tend to wounded soldiers.
- Army's Paeon: This battlesong praises the valor of Josselin, one of Gridania’s greatest war heroes. Josselin left her mark on history as the first captain of the Wood Wailers.
- The Wanderer's Minuet: An ode to Oschon, the god of travelers. Depicting the Wanderer as a carefree ranger wielding a bow of yew with consummate skill, this meandering tune is sung with great joy and gusto.
Guydelot Thildonnet
A bard native to Gridania who spent his youth learning the bow in the hunter’s trade. Like many a young archer before him, Guydelot aspired to join the Gods’ Quiver. Upon realizing his heart’s desire, however, he found that the strict rules and traditions of the organization were at odds with his carefree upbringing. Thus it was that he earned a reputation as the recruit with commendable skill but lamentable discipline. Seemingly fated to languish in the lower ranks of the Gods’ Quiver, he one day chanced to meet the roving minstrel, Jehantel. The romance of the old battlesongs captured Guydelot’s imagination, and it was not long before the young Elezen had embraced the mellifluous world of the bard.
Jehantel Fointeaume
Once captain of the Gods’ Quiver, this roving bard earned the name “Godsbow” for his almost preternatural skill in archery. It was several decades ago during an expedition to hunt down Ixal that Jehantel contradicted a direct order and ranged into enemy territory alone. While he was absent, however, his squad was attacked and slaughtered to the last. The gifted bowman spent the days following the ambush wracked by guilt, the mounting regret eventually driving him away from the Gods’ Quiver and into a life of aimless wandering. He returned to the Twelveswood many years later, claiming to have embraced the calling of a simple minstrel, and it is through his rebirth as a bard that the secrets of forgotten battlesongs have returned to the land.
Battlesongs
Sung by the archers of eld on the field of battle, these verses held the power to fortify the spirits of comrades, bringing blessings upon the victor and granting peace unto those on the precipice of death. But as the presence of bards faded, so too did the prevalence of battlesongs, and now it is only the musically inclined moogles who remember every melody and measure.
The Ballad of Oblivion
Its existence hinted at in ancient tomes and moogle tales, the Ballad of Oblivion is a legendary bard song said to hold the power to bring battles to a decisive end. Sanson, a captain in the Order of the Twin Adder, would set forth on a quest to resurrect the lost ballad that it might convince his superiors to allow the formation of a new unit structured around a core of bards. [1]
Bard's Panoply
Storyteller's Chapeau
This hat was designed with Elezen sensibilities in mind, as is apparent in the liberal use of feathers. Its wide brim provides nigh-unmatched defense against the sun’s blinding rays, enabling a hawk-eyed wearer to aim with total accuracy.
Storyteller's Coat
Cut to billow dramatically with movement, this lengthy coat adds flair to any musical performance, and is also equipped with a thick belt on which to hang one’s pipes, making it a practical choice for dedicated musicians.
Storyteller's Gloves
Robust protection is afforded to the second and third fingers of the right hand, on which rests the full force of the bow when drawn. Conversely, the thumb is uncovered, the better to extract arrows from the quiver sight unseen.
Form & Function
No sooner does a bard’s time on the front lines end than does his duty as a storyteller begin. His garb must, therefore, be suited to the vicissitudes of his role—resilient in combat, comfortable for travel, and dazzling during performances. Prominent theories also posit that some elements were originally incorporated to make it appropriately ceremonial for dedicating prayers to Althyk, god of time. The optimal balance among this plethora of functions is determined by the bard himself, and as a result, distinctive designs tailored to the wearer's preferences abound. For the devout, for instance, is the choral attire, replete with accoutrements—a style harkening back to the ceremonial aoidos attire designed by Santhelme, bard of legend. On the opposite end of the spectrum are sets that incorporate the leather armor commonly associated with light infantry, or even chainmail. Garments also differ in accordance with the bard’s instrument of choice, as designs that enable rousing performances on the flute do not necessarily facilitate those on the harp. [2]
See also
External links
- FinalFantasyXIV.com Bard on the official website.
- Comprehensive Job Guide provided by The Balance.
References
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Eorzea: Volume I, page 226-227
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Eorzea: Volume II, page 232