View source for Minstrel

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[[Category:Class]]
[[Category:Minstrel|*]]
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{{Class Description
|class=minstrel
|difficulty=Moderate
|role=Healer/Damage
|races=[[Race#Dwarf|Dwarf]], [[Race#Elf|Elf]], [[Race#High_Elf|High Elf]], [[Race#Hobbit|Hobbit]], [[Race#Race_of_Man|Man]], [[Race#River_Hobbit|River Hobbit]], [[Race#Stout-axe|Stout-axe]]
|cost=
|gameplay=Minstrels channel the power of music to either heal their allies or Damage their foes. Ballad skills allow the Minstrel to use their Codas and Anthems, which grant the Fellowship powerful bonuses. They have powerful skills like [[Call to Greatness]] that empower all of their allies. As a damage dealer, Minstrels deal light damage to their foes and use [[Piercing Cry]] to harm their target. As a Healer, Minstrels use powerful heals like [[Bolster Courage]] and [[Inspire Fellows]] to quickly restore their allies' morale.
|lore=Middle-earth is a land deeply infused with music, and true Minstrels are skilled at tapping into that power. They weave songs and tales so stirring that their companions' morale will not fail, and they will be driven to perform greater feats of prowess. They can even utter words of true power, and ward against the forces of darkness with their Anthems.
|inspiration=This class was inspired by Lúthien Tinúviel, whose Elven voice beguiled friend and foe alike.
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:::''For details see [[Minstrel]]''</includeonly></onlyinclude>
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{|
|- valign="top"
| width=200px | [[File:Minstrel.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A female Human Minstrel]]
| {{class-infobox}}
|}
== Lore ==
In Tolkien's writings music has great power. The universe is created by spiritual beings called the Ainur. The Ainur compose a Great Musical Theme: "The Music of the Ainur" and this music is what brings the universe into being. The music of Minstrels goes beyond mere sound to tap into this great power.

== Role ==
Minstrels of valuable members of the [[Fellowship]], buffing their allies through their Codas and Anthems. [[Tale of Tales]] provides bonus stats, and [[Call to Greatness]] instantly readies all major abilities of the Fellowship.

Minstrel healers excel at quickly healing up targeted Fellowship members. They can also heal the entire [[Fellowship]] through the usage of several [[AoE]] heals.

Minstrels can deal significant damage through the use of their Ballads, Cries and Calls, and [[Piercing Cry]]. They deal light damage to their enemies from afar, and are highly mobile, albeit more fragile.

== Stances ==
A Minstrel has three stances: {{:Dissonance - Stance|mode=imlink}}, {{:Melody - Stance|mode=imlink}}, and {{:Resonance - Stance|mode=imlink}}. These are toggle skills that remain active indefinitely until you switch to another stance (and you may freely do so at any time).

Each Minstrel stance emphasizes a different role (Dissonance for damage, Resonance for Healing, and Melody for a compromise between both). They provide a healing and/or damage buff and change some of the Minstrel's skills. For instance, in Resonance {{:Major Ballad (Resonance)|mode=imlink}} heals the group, while in Dissonance, {{:Major Ballad (Dissonance)|mode=imlink}} damages enemies.

== Ballads, Anthems, and Codas ==
There are 3 types of skills that interact with each other to form a core part of the Minstrel's playstyle: Ballads, Anthems, and Codas.

=== Ballads ===
A '''[[Ballad]]''' buff is applied by using any of the Minstrel's three Ballad skills: {{:Minor Ballad|mode=imlink}}, [[Major Ballad]] and {{:Perfect Ballad|mode=imlink}}. Each Ballad applies a different buff to the Minstrel and up to three buffs can be active on the Minstrel. If you already have 3 Ballad buffs active, then the oldest buff will be replaced by the new one when you use your next Ballad ability.

=== Anthems ===
'''[[Anthem]]s''' are powerful buffs that cannot be used until a Minstrel has a certain number of Ballad buffs active. {{:Anthem of the Free Peoples|mode=imlink}} is the most powerful Anthem, and can only be used with 3 Ballad buffs. All other Anthems are separated into three groups, each with a Lesser and Greater ability. Lesser Anthems require 1 Ballad buffs, while Greater Anthems require 2 Ballad buffs. All Minstrels can gain {{:Greater Anthem III - Prowess|mode=imlink}} and {{:Lesser Anthem III - Composure|mode=imlink}}. Damage Minstrels have access to {{:Greater Anthem II - War|mode=imlink}} and {{:Lesser Anthem II - Dissonance|mode=imlink}}. Healing Minstrels have access to {{:Greater Anthem I - Compassion|mode=imlink}} and {{:Lesser Anthem I - Resonance|mode=imlink}}. All Anthems share the same skill cooldown, and the effects of Lesser and Greater Anthems of the same group stack into a singular buff that can be refreshed by using either Anthem. While Anthems' primary bonus is to the group, they also grant the Minstrel a small buff.

=== Codas ===
The '''[[Coda]]''' is the Minstrel's "finisher" ability — it consumes 3 Ballad buffs for a powerful final effect (then you can re-apply your Ballads and begin the process again). The effects of the Coda will change depending on the Minstrel's current Stance: {{:Coda of Fury|mode=imlink}} (Dissonance), {{:Coda of Resonance|mode=imlink}} (Resonance), or {{:Coda of Melody|mode=imlink}} (Melody).

== Skills ==
{{:Minstrel Skills}}

== [[Traits|Trait]] Trees ==
{{:Minstrel Traits}}

== Class Quests ==
{{Questbox| Minstrel Class Quests | collapsed | 
<categorytree mode=pages style="width:300px; margin:5px; border:1px solid; background:transparent; padding:0.7ex;">Category:Minstrel Quests</categorytree>
}}

== See Also ==
* [[Social:List of Guides#Class Guides|Class Guides]]
* [[Minstrel Deeds]]
* [[Minstrel Legendary Legacies]]
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