Skald

AVAILABLE ON: Eden, Blackthorn, Live

When the Valkyries come to judge the dead of Midgard for their allotted afterlife, it is the Skalds who record their decisions and compose the dirges which immortalize these warrior. The carry songs they compose with them out into the battlefield, inspiring friends and allies to fight with all their might, knowing that the glories they earn in life will earn them a spot at Odin’s side in Valhalla.

Skalds are Midgard’s equivalent to the instrument-wielding Bards and Minstrels of Hibernia and Albion respectively. However, unlike their counterparts, Skalds do not require the use of instruments to perform their songs, using instead only their voice and leaving their hands free to swing their weapon of choice on the frontline.

PvE:

Skalds perform decent enough while soloing in PvE. Their regeneration songs, both health and power, keep their rests short in between fights. Just bear in mind that Skalds are not as tough as Warriors even if they do wear Chain Armour as well, nor are they as strong as Berserkers.

In groups, Skalds provide a wide variety of buffs which are all easy to maintain, with the only risk of them disappearing being if the Skald runs out of power. Simply avoid that while doing as much damage as possible and you’ll do fine.

RvR:

Skalds are among the strongest duellists. They have access to the highest movement speed buffs, meaning they will outrun all other solo players, while still being able to wield their two-handed weapons, crowd control, instant direct damage and strong support songs.

In groups, Skalds bring a multitude of support songs and operate as frontline disruptors with their instant direct damage spells, snare and mesmerization. Cycling between targets and applying the most appropriate spell to disrupt the enemy will become a crucial skill in organized play, allowing a single Skald to potentially shutdown 3 or more enemy spellcasters or healers. Keep in mind though that Skalds do not have access to the Shield skill line, nor do they have high health pools, meaning that melee engagements can quickly prove perilous and caution should be exercised.

Character planners:

Eden: https://eden-daoc.net/charplan?c=Skald

Blackthorn: https://blackthorn-daoc.com/class/Skald

Live: https://daoc.gg/charplanner/overview#c=SKALD

Suggested starting stat point distribution:

10 Constitution / 10 Strength / 10 Quickness

10 Strength / 15 Quickness

Suggested class skills:

50 Battlesongs, 39 Hammer, 18 Parry (Standard / Solo)

46 Battlesongs, 44 Hammer, 17 Parry (Variant which trades support for higher attack style)

Suggested realm skills:

Purge