Epic support.

[Krag]

Looking for best way to equip my bard for epic content.

Which weapon set would contribute more to the overall party performance:
1. Weighted 5%/Weighted 5%
2. Weighted 5%/Improved Destruction
3. Radiance/???

Discuss.

[KingOfCheese]

#2 is a great option. Consider having another set that is weighted/improved curse as well to follow up with once the improved destruction hits.

[Sir_Chonas]

If you're specced for bludgeoning then yes, otherwise you may not have the to hit needed to bypass the epic mobs dr.

IF YOU CAN hit with 5%s, everyone will greatly appreciate it (though monks are better for this as bards are better with the piercers usually, and monks hit more often).

[maddmatt70]

hmm. There are other options as well
1: weighted 5% and lightning strike or other dps weapon.
2: dual wield Tripple earth shroud weapons.

The radiance weapon set in a close to full group of rogues is actually one of the better weapon styles in epic, but you need pretty much 3 rogues to really make it work.
To me its generally either dual wield the weighted 5% weapons or wield one weighted 5% and one dps weapon although if the mobs have terrible saves the earthgrab set can be the best.

[Sir_Chonas]

Of the combos you posted above, I'd put #2 as my favorite on a bard. Switching to radiance or weighted after the improved destruction hits.

[Krag]

#2 is a great option. Consider having another set that is weighted/improved curse as well to follow up with once the improved destruction hits.

Does improved cursespewing beats the saves more often than weighted goes off?
Anyway, without Quick Draw swapping sets back and forth isn't too appealing

[Krag]

If you're specced for bludgeoning then yes, otherwise you may not have the to hit needed to bypass the epic mobs dr.

IF YOU CAN hit with 5%s, everyone will greatly appreciate it (though monks are better for this as bards are better with the piercers usually, and monks hit more often).

Do you mean DR or AC?
To-hit is a serious issue in epic quests.
However, with Inspire Courage, Focusing Chant, Divine Power clickie, Haste, Rage, Destruction (armor), Improved Destruction (weapon), flank and SA even the gimpiest gimp would have little trouble hitting things.

[moorewr]

Do you mean DR or AC?
To-hit is a serious issue in epic quests.
However, with Inspire Courage, Focusing Chant, Divine Power clickie, Haste, Rage, Destruction (armor), Improved Destruction (weapon), flank and SA even the gimpiest gimp would have little trouble hitting things.

What target ACs are we talking about here, in general?

[ViolentEnd]

60-70 iirc

Although many mobs have much lower

[moorewr]

60-70 iirc

Although many mobs have much lower

Thanks... uh.. guess my bard will turn off PA.

15 BAB, +11 (32 STR w/ rage), +4 (GH), +5 weapon.. bard songs, focusing chant, uh... profit!

[Krag]

Thanks... uh.. guess my bard will turn off PA.

15 BAB, +11 (32 STR w/ rage), +4 (GH), +5 weapon.. bard songs, focusing chant, uh... profit!

GH doesn't stack with songs.