Obamiwannabuffya: A Bard Guide by Funkworkz

From FFXI Wiki

Last Updated: September 9th, 2018. Now with better idle set options for Ashera Harness/Volte Bracers!



Job Abilities

32x32.png 32x32.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
32x32.png 32x32.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
Brd. Jstcorps +2 icon.pngBrd. Jstcorps +2 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
32x32.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
32x32.png 32x32.png Brd. Cannions +2 icon.pngBrd. Cannions +2 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Brd. Slippers +2 icon.pngBrd. Slippers +2 description.png
Augment-Icon.png

For survivability, it is best to use iLevel 119 items. They are only on for a couple seconds though, so it is not a huge priority.

Whether your using the +2 augmented piece or the +3 Item Level 119 piece, there is no difference in the strength of the augments.

Soul Voice - Bard's Cannions +2 AugRank.png / Bihu Cannions / Bihu Cannions +1 / Bihu Cannions +2 / Bihu Cannions +3

  • Extends Soul Voice duration by 30 seconds

Troubadour - Bard's Justaucorps +2 AugRank.png / Bihu Justaucorps / Bihu Justaucorps +1 / Bihu Justaucorps +2 / Bihu Justaucorps +3

  • Extends Troubadour duration by 4 seconds per merit level, for a maximum of 20 additional seconds

Nightingale - Bard's Slippers +2 AugRank.png / Bihu Slippers / Bihu Slippers +1 / Bihu Slippers +2 / Bihu Slippers +3

  • Extends Nightingale duration by 4 seconds per merit level, for a maximum of 20 additional seconds

Precast - Songs

BiS  
Kali icon.pngKali description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Genmei Shield icon.pngGenmei Shield description.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
Fili Calot +1 icon.pngFili Calot +1 description.png Loricate Torque +1 icon.pngLoricate Torque +1 description.png Ethereal Earring icon.pngEthereal Earring description.png Etiolation Earring icon.pngEtiolation Earring description.png
Inyanga Jubbah +2 icon.pngInyanga Jubbah +2 description.png Gende. Gages +1 icon.pngGende. Gages +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Defending Ring icon.pngDefending Ring description.png Kishar Ring icon.pngKishar Ring description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Flume Belt +1 icon.pngFlume Belt +1 description.png Aya. Cosciales +2 icon.pngAya. Cosciales +2 description.png Telchine Pigaches icon.pngTelchine Pigaches description.png
Augment-Icon.png
  Total: 81%

Song Spellcasting Time -30%

Fast Cast +51%

Combined Fast Cast+Song Spellcasting Time cap at 80%.

With near perfect augments on Gendewitha Spats +1 instead of Ayanmo Cosciales +2, you can switch out Enchanter Earring +1 for something else like Ethereal Earring or Genmei Earring. Without perfect augs, you can use Ayanmo Cosciales +2+Voltsurge Torque instead of spending money on Gendewitha Spats +1. Gendewitha Gages +1 are still necessary.


Beginner/Returning  
Kali icon.pngKali description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Genbu's Shield icon.pngGenbu's Shield description.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
Fili Calot icon.pngFili Calot description.png Aoidos' Matinee icon.pngAoidos' Matinee description.png Loquac. Earring icon.pngLoquac. Earring description.png 32x32.png
Inyanga Jubbah icon.pngInyanga Jubbah description.png Gende. Gages +1 icon.pngGende. Gages +1 description.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Aoidos' Belt icon.pngAoidos' Belt description.png Ayanmo Cosciales icon.pngAyanmo Cosciales description.png Bihu Slippers icon.pngBihu Slippers description.png
  Total: 65%

Song Spellcasting Time -26%

Fast Cast +39%

Complete the RoE Intermediate Objectives to earn a Kupon A-SYW, and exchange it for Gende. Gages +1. Try augmenting it for Song Spellcasting Time -1~5%. Augmenting can be expensive, and is not necessarily required. You still have 65% Fast Cast without an augment.

Midcast - Song Buff

This set, along with proper slot swaps, gives the longest durations possible. On top of that, you also grant the highest potency buffs.

BiS  
Carnwenhan (Level 119 III) icon.pngCarnwenhan (Level 119 III) description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Genmei Shield icon.pngGenmei Shield description.png Gjallarhorn (Level 99) icon.pngGjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png 32x32.png
Fili Calot +1 icon.pngFili Calot +1 description.png Mnbw. Whistle +1 icon.pngMnbw. Whistle +1 description.png Etiolation Earring icon.pngEtiolation Earring description.png Genmei Earring icon.pngGenmei Earring description.png
Fili Hongreline +1 icon.pngFili Hongreline +1 description.png Fili Manchettes +1 icon.pngFili Manchettes +1 description.png Defending Ring icon.pngDefending Ring description.png Gelatinous Ring +1 icon.pngGelatinous Ring +1 description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Flume Belt +1 icon.pngFlume Belt +1 description.png Inyanga Shalwar +2 icon.pngInyanga Shalwar +2 description.png Brioso Slippers +3 icon.pngBrioso Slippers +3 description.png
  All pieces Song based

With Job Master and capped Wind/Singing magic merits, Honor March is capped with this set.

Ballad, swap in Fili Rhingrave +1

Scherzo, swap in Fili Cothurnes +1

Paeon, swap in Brioso Roundlet +2/3

Etude, swap in Mousai Turban/+1

Threnody, swap in Mousai Manteel/+1

Carol, swap in Mousai Gages/+1

Minne, swap in Mousai Seraweels/+1

Mambo, swap in Mousai Crackows/+1

Dirge, swap in Bard's Cuffs +2 AugRank.png/Bihu Cuffs/Bihu Cuffs +1/Bihu Cuffs +2/Bihu Cuffs +3

Sirvente, swap in Bard's Roundlet +2 AugRank.png/Bihu Roundlet/Bihu Roundlet +1


Beginner/Returning  
Legato Dagger icon.pngLegato Dagger description.png Kali icon.pngKali description.png
Augment-Icon.png
32x32.png 32x32.png
Fili Calot icon.pngFili Calot description.png Moonbow Whistle icon.pngMoonbow Whistle description.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
Fili Hongreline icon.pngFili Hongreline description.png Fili Manchettes icon.pngFili Manchettes description.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
32x32.png Inyanga Shalwar +1 icon.pngInyanga Shalwar +1 description.png Brioso Slippers +1 icon.pngBrioso Slippers +1 description.png

Do not dual wield the daggers, just pick one you can access easily.

Beginner instrument, pick up a Eminent Flute. Work towards a Linos with All Songs +2 Augment resulting in All Songs +3.

  • Ballad, swap in Fili Rhingrave
  • Scherzo, swap in Fili Cothurnes

The equipment below is optional, as you probably will not use these songs much.

  • Paeon, swap in Brioso Roundlet/+1/2/3
  • Etude, swap in Mousai Turban/+1
  • Threnody, swap in Mousai Manteel/+1
  • Carol, swap in Mousai Gages/+1
  • Minne, swap in Mousai Seraweels/+1
  • Mambo, swap in Mousai Crackows/+1

Midcast - Song Debuff

BiS  
Carnwenhan (Level 119 III) icon.pngCarnwenhan (Level 119 III) description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Ammurapi Shield icon.pngAmmurapi Shield description.png Gjallarhorn (Level 99) icon.pngGjallarhorn (Level 99) description.png 32x32.png
Brioso Roundlet +3 icon.pngBrioso Roundlet +3 description.png Mnbw. Whistle +1 icon.pngMnbw. Whistle +1 description.png Digni. Earring icon.pngDigni. Earring description.png Regal Earring icon.pngRegal Earring description.png
Brioso Justau. +3 icon.pngBrioso Justau. +3 description.png Brioso Cuffs +3 icon.pngBrioso Cuffs +3 description.png Stikini Ring +1 icon.pngStikini Ring +1 description.png Stikini Ring +1 icon.pngStikini Ring +1 description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Luminary Sash icon.pngLuminary Sash description.png Brioso Cannions +3 icon.pngBrioso Cannions +3 description.png Brioso Slippers +3 icon.pngBrioso Slippers +3 description.png

We have recently learned (although we would have been able to tell all along, but noone bothered testing...) that "set" bonuses only stack to 5. This being said, 5/5 AF+3 + Regal Earring does not offer x6 set bonuses.

There are alternative earrings out there, including:

  • Regal Earring - Continue using this earring if you wish, its CHR +10.
  • Enchntr. Earring +1 - CHR +5, and 6 Magic Accuracy. (2% Fast Cast for Song Recast, but that is very insignificant.)
  • Gwati Earring - 8 Magic Accuracy
  • Darkside Earring - CHR +3, Singing skill +5, Wind instrument skill +5, String instrument skill +5

Replacing a piece of armor might be a better choice. Here are two options to consider:


Mid-Tier  
Kali icon.pngKali description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Ammurapi Shield icon.pngAmmurapi Shield description.png Linos icon.pngLinos description.png
Augment-Icon.png
32x32.png
Brioso Roundlet +2 icon.pngBrioso Roundlet +2 description.png Moonbow Whistle icon.pngMoonbow Whistle description.png Digni. Earring icon.pngDigni. Earring description.png Gwati Earring icon.pngGwati Earring description.png
Brioso Justau. +2 icon.pngBrioso Justau. +2 description.png Brioso Cuffs +2 icon.pngBrioso Cuffs +2 description.png Stikini Ring icon.pngStikini Ring description.png Stikini Ring icon.pngStikini Ring description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Porous Rope icon.pngPorous Rope description.png Brioso Cannions +2 icon.pngBrioso Cannions +2 description.png Brioso Slippers +2 icon.pngBrioso Slippers +2 description.png

Mid-Tier set, while you work to afford and earn cards for +3 AF pieces.

The debate is still out on the ratio of CHR:Magic Accuracy:Wind/Singing Skill and which is better. An alternative rings could be Carbuncle Ring +1, but I recommend Stikini NQ. Porous Rope is a good alternative to Ovate Rope, but both are good mid tier choices.


Beginner/Returning  
Kali icon.pngKali description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Genbu's Shield icon.pngGenbu's Shield description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Eminent Flute icon.pngEminent Flute description.png 32x32.png
Aya. Zucchetto icon.pngAya. Zucchetto description.png Moonbow Whistle icon.pngMoonbow Whistle description.png Gwati Earring icon.pngGwati Earring description.png Enchntr. Earring icon.pngEnchntr. Earring description.png
Ayanmo Corazza icon.pngAyanmo Corazza description.png Aya. Manopolas icon.pngAya. Manopolas description.png Kishar Ring icon.pngKishar Ring description.png Inyanga Ring icon.pngInyanga Ring description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Ovate Rope icon.pngOvate Rope description.png Ayanmo Cosciales icon.pngAyanmo Cosciales description.png Aya. Gambieras icon.pngAya. Gambieras description.png

Complete the RoE Intermediate Objectives to earn a Kupon W-ASCC, and exchange it for a Linos. Try augmenting it for All Songs +2. Until then, use an Eminent Flute.

Try getting a Kali and augmenting it with Path A. Use a Legato Dagger until then.

Midcast - Lullaby

It is not too important for beginners to have a Lullaby set, unless a certain Ambuscade requires long sleeps.

BiS  
Carnwenhan (Level 119 III) icon.pngCarnwenhan (Level 119 III) description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Ammurapi Shield icon.pngAmmurapi Shield description.png Marsyas icon.pngMarsyas description.png 32x32.png
Brioso Roundlet +3 icon.pngBrioso Roundlet +3 description.png Mnbw. Whistle +1 icon.pngMnbw. Whistle +1 description.png Digni. Earring icon.pngDigni. Earring description.png Regal Earring icon.pngRegal Earring description.png
Fili Hongreline +1 icon.pngFili Hongreline +1 description.png Brioso Cuffs +3 icon.pngBrioso Cuffs +3 description.png Stikini Ring +1 icon.pngStikini Ring +1 description.png Stikini Ring +1 icon.pngStikini Ring +1 description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Luminary Sash icon.pngLuminary Sash description.png Inyanga Shalwar +2 icon.pngInyanga Shalwar +2 description.png Brioso Slippers +3 icon.pngBrioso Slippers +3 description.png
  Job Points give longer durations:

NiTro - Troubadour should be 5/5

Clarion Call Effect

Marcato Effect

Lullaby Duration

5% gift at 1200 JP

Note: This set simply gives you the longest possible duration. In ordinary circumstances, I recommend Gjallarhorn instead of Marsyas. Using a string instrument grants a larger area of effect. That might prove useful for events such as Dynamis - Divergence where mass sleeps are used.

Idle

Note: With lockstyle, you will not blink by swapping Linos in/out except for Daurdabla or other additional song harps.

  • Ambuscade Cape Discussion: With the defensive stat on Ambuscade Capes added, some very interesting combinations can be made now. The Moonlight Cape offers extra HP, but with an Ashera Harness you really need to switch to an Ambuscade Cape for additional MDT. You ultimately lose 118 HP from switching Ashera and the Moonlight. There are also a few other earring choices (Odnowa Earring, etc) to lower this even more to a negligible amount. A lot of Magic Evasion is gained, though.

Veteran (Access to a lot of content and gil resources)

No Ashera Harness  
Daybreak icon.pngDaybreak description.png Genmei Shield icon.pngGenmei Shield description.png Linos icon.pngLinos description.png
Augment-Icon.png
32x32.png
Inyanga Tiara +2 icon.pngInyanga Tiara +2 description.png Loricate Torque +1 icon.pngLoricate Torque +1 description.png Etiolation Earring icon.pngEtiolation Earring description.png Genmei Earring icon.pngGenmei Earring description.png
Inyanga Jubbah +2 icon.pngInyanga Jubbah +2 description.png Inyan. Dastanas +2 icon.pngInyan. Dastanas +2 description.png Defending Ring icon.pngDefending Ring description.png Inyanga Ring icon.pngInyanga Ring description.png
Moonlight Cape icon.pngMoonlight Cape description.png Flume Belt +1 icon.pngFlume Belt +1 description.png Brioso Cannions +3 icon.pngBrioso Cannions +3 description.png Fili Cothurnes +1 icon.pngFili Cothurnes +1 description.png
  Refresh+4 Regen+3
Stats for the above set:
HP+577
Damage Taken -30%
Physical Dmg. Taken -20-21% (-4~5% from Linos)
Magical Dmg. Taken -22%
Magic Evasion +597~602 (+10~15 from Linos)
Notes on slots:
Feet: Can switch to Inyan. Crackows +2 if you do not care about movement speed. You gain 40 Magic Evasion and 1 Refresh 
and you can also switch out Etiolation Earring or Inyanga Ring as the feet will cap your MDT.
Alternate Earrings if you use Inyanga Feet: Moonshade Earring (Refresh AugRank.png), Eabani Earring, Ethereal Earring, Hearty Earring
Alternate Rings if you use Inyanga Feet: Moonlight Ring (Can then also swap Neck), Vocane Ring/+1, etc

Ashera Harness - Movement Speed+

Daybreak icon.pngDaybreak description.png Genmei Shield icon.pngGenmei Shield description.png Linos icon.pngLinos description.png
Augment-Icon.png
32x32.png
Inyanga Tiara +2 icon.pngInyanga Tiara +2 description.png Loricate Torque +1 icon.pngLoricate Torque +1 description.png Etiolation Earring icon.pngEtiolation Earring description.png 32x32.png
Ashera Harness icon.pngAshera Harness description.png Mousai Gages +1 icon.pngMousai Gages +1 description.png Defending Ring icon.pngDefending Ring description.png Inyanga Ring icon.pngInyanga Ring description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Flume Belt +1 icon.pngFlume Belt +1 description.png Brioso Cannions +3 icon.pngBrioso Cannions +3 description.png Fili Cothurnes +1 icon.pngFili Cothurnes +1 description.png
  Refresh+1 Regen+2

Mov. Speed +18%

Stats for the above set:
HP+512 or more depending on second earring choice
Damage Taken -31%
Physical Dmg. Taken -19% (-5% from Linos)
Magical Dmg. Taken -20%
Magic Evasion +632 (+15 from Linos)
Notes on slots:
Main: Access to Dispelga with the club. Odium is also a choice for your mainhand idle dagger. It offers a Death resistance for slightly less MEva.
Hands: You do not need to go with Mousai +1. It does, however, offer significantly more evasion and HP over Inyanga. If you 
want to stay with Inyanga (I would if I didnt have the +1 Mousai version), you can instead switch out the Inyanga Ring for an 
alternative.
Feet: Can switch to Inyan. Crackows +2 if you do not care about movement speed. You gain 40 Magic Evasion and 1 Refresh 
on top of the stats above, and you can also switch out Etiolation Earring as the feet will cap your MDT.
Options for second earring: Ethereal Earring (To make up for losing some auto refresh), Hearty Earring, 
Moonshade Earring (Refresh AugRank.png), or Eabani Earring

Ashera Harness + Volte Bracers

Daybreak icon.pngDaybreak description.png Genmei Shield icon.pngGenmei Shield description.png Linos icon.pngLinos description.png
Augment-Icon.png
32x32.png
Inyanga Tiara +2 icon.pngInyanga Tiara +2 description.png Loricate Torque +1 icon.pngLoricate Torque +1 description.png Hearty Earring icon.pngHearty Earring description.png Ethereal Earring icon.pngEthereal Earring description.png
Ashera Harness icon.pngAshera Harness description.png Volte Bracers icon.pngVolte Bracers description.png Defending Ring icon.pngDefending Ring description.png Inyanga Ring icon.pngInyanga Ring description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Flume Belt +1 icon.pngFlume Belt +1 description.png Brioso Cannions +3 icon.pngBrioso Cannions +3 description.png Inyan. Crackows +2 icon.pngInyan. Crackows +2 description.png
  Refresh+1
Stats for the above set:
HP+458
Damage Taken -31%
Physical Dmg. Taken -19% (-5 from Linos)
Magical Dmg. Taken -20% (-10 from Back)
Magic Evasion +673 (+15 from Linos, +30 from back)
Resistance to all status ailments +15
Notes on slots:
Main: Can continue to use Sangoma if you prefer the additional Refresh and Regen. It is safe if you want to lose some MEVA here.
Feet: Can continue to use Fili Cothurnes +1 for movement speed. You lose 40 Magic Evasion and 1 Refresh, and you'll have to switch 
back to Etiolation Earring as one earring to keep MDT capped.
Alternate Earrings: Moonshade Earring (Refresh AugRank.png), or Eabani Earring

Next Best/Alternative Slot Options

Kali icon.pngKali description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Genbu's Shield icon.pngGenbu's Shield description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Nibiru Harp icon.pngNibiru Harp description.png
Augment-Icon.png
32x32.png
Chironic Hat icon.pngChironic Hat description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Twilight Torque icon.pngTwilight Torque description.png 32x32.png 32x32.png
Gende. Bliaut +1 icon.pngGende. Bliaut +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Gende. Gages +1 icon.pngGende. Gages +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Gelatinous Ring +1 icon.pngGelatinous Ring +1 description.png Moonbeam Ring icon.pngMoonbeam Ring description.png
Moonbeam Cape icon.pngMoonbeam Cape description.png Flume Belt icon.pngFlume Belt description.png Aya. Cosciales +2 icon.pngAya. Cosciales +2 description.png Gende. Galosh. +1 icon.pngGende. Galosh. +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Beginner's Idle Set Focus:
Importance of your idle set should be: Damage Taken => Magic Evasion  => Physical Damage Taken => Magic Damage Taken => All else
Remember that DT/PDT/MDT all cap at 50%, DT+PDT / DT+MDT are added together to reach this 50% for each stat. Magic Evasion helps negate all magic 
damage and status ailments.

Precast - Cure

Kali icon.pngKali description.png Genmei Shield icon.pngGenmei Shield description.png 32x32.png Impatiens icon.pngImpatiens description.png
Nahtirah Hat icon.pngNahtirah Hat description.png Loricate Torque +1 icon.pngLoricate Torque +1 description.png Moonshade Earring icon.pngMoonshade Earring description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Mendi. Earring icon.pngMendi. Earring description.png
Inyanga Jubbah +2 icon.pngInyanga Jubbah +2 description.png Gende. Gages +1 icon.pngGende. Gages +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Lebeche Ring icon.pngLebeche Ring description.png Veneficium Ring icon.pngVeneficium Ring description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Witful Belt icon.pngWitful Belt description.png Doyen Pants icon.pngDoyen Pants description.png Vanya Clogs icon.pngVanya Clogs description.png
Augment-Icon.png
  Total: 86%

Cure Spellcasting Time -35%

Fast Cast +51%

Midcast - Cure

Sangoma icon.pngSangoma description.png Genmei Shield icon.pngGenmei Shield description.png 32x32.png Oreiad's Tathlum icon.pngOreiad's Tathlum description.png
Kaykaus Mitra +1 icon.pngKaykaus Mitra +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Incanter's Torque icon.pngIncanter's Torque description.png Beatific Earring icon.pngBeatific Earring description.png Healing Earring icon.pngHealing Earring description.png
Kaykaus Bliaut +1 icon.pngKaykaus Bliaut +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Kaykaus Cuffs +1 icon.pngKaykaus Cuffs +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Jann. Ring +1 icon.pngJann. Ring +1 description.png Sirona's Ring icon.pngSirona's Ring description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Bishop's Sash icon.pngBishop's Sash description.png Kaykaus Tights +1 icon.pngKaykaus Tights +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Kaykaus Boots +1 icon.pngKaykaus Boots +1 description.png
Augment-Icon.png

Midcast - Cure (Realistic)

Daybreak icon.pngDaybreak description.png Ammurapi Shield icon.pngAmmurapi Shield description.png 32x32.png Oreiad's Tathlum icon.pngOreiad's Tathlum description.png
Vanya Hood icon.pngVanya Hood description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Incanter's Torque icon.pngIncanter's Torque description.png Mendi. Earring icon.pngMendi. Earring description.png Beatific Earring icon.pngBeatific Earring description.png
Kaykaus Bliaut icon.pngKaykaus Bliaut description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Inyan. Dastanas +2 icon.pngInyan. Dastanas +2 description.png Sirona's Ring icon.pngSirona's Ring description.png Haoma's Ring icon.pngHaoma's Ring description.png
Intarabus's Cape icon.pngIntarabus's Cape description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Bishop's Sash icon.pngBishop's Sash description.png Kaykaus Tights icon.pngKaykaus Tights description.png
Augment-Icon.png
Vanya Clogs icon.pngVanya Clogs description.png
Augment-Icon.png

Cure Potency +50%

Cure Potency II +3

If you have the Janniston Ring/+1, replace Haoma's with it.