Bard

Bards are the musicians and showmen of Britannia, though they do have many skills.

The Way of the Bard
The bards of Britain are known for their entertaining tales and wonderful ballads, but are also unopposed to performing deeds of valor and daring on their own right. Found throughout the land, they are often encountered in a pub or royal court, where they might entertain with a well-strung lute. Through their countless hours devoted to enlightening the souls of those who would hear their tales, the bards greatly further the cause of Compassion. The weapon of choice for bards has long been the sling or bow, although many a fine bard employs the crossbow.

The armour choice of those who follow the way of the bard has long been leather, for the harsh clang of metal offends their sensitive ears; although, many have been willing to make more practical choices when the situation requires. Their profession requires that they be skilled in almost every trade imaginable including, but not demanding: singing, playing musical instruments, fighting, and even casting spells. They make a fine companion on a long journey.

Statistics
In Ultima IV, bards get a "1" on the multiplicator for magic powers ( Formula: (INT × X = MP)). The best normal armour they can wear is leather and the best normal weapons they can wield are a sword and a crossbow. The best magical weapon they can wield is the magic wand.

In Ultima V, bards get half the amount of mana to their INT (meaning "0.5"). There are no more restrictions on armor and weapons, though the needed strength for many of these of course limits the selection to the bard, who generally has to develop STR further.

In Ultima VI, the bard's magic points are half of their INT rounded down.

In Ultima IX, the bard receives Level 3 DEX, +5 Karma, a target bow, and a map of Paws as a starting bonus.

Examples
Many bards made a name for themselves throughout the history of Britannia. Some of the more famous ones are:


 * Iolo Fitzowen and his wife Gwenno Fitzowen, the two most famous bards in Britannia, being Companions of the Avatar and having written the ballard Stones.
 * Mandrake, a famous bard who even has his own virtue system.
 * De Maria, a bard singing the song of Nastassia.
 * Culham, who has incorporated the mantra of Valor in a song.
 * Lazeena, a young bard singing of the ship Dutchman.

Lore




Trivia

 * Richard Garriott has stated in an interview that he initially wanted Ultima IV to have a thief, but that profession is in conflict with the virtuous theme of the game. He said that a bard is the closest thing, and if he had something better, he'd have used it.