Minstrel

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The Minstrel is the heart of a fellowship, a herald of hope, inspiration, and renewal. His knowledge of ancient songs and lore not only enable him to bolster fellowship morale, but also to provide motivation against the forces of darkness. When the Minstrel is alone, he becomes an intimidating opponent capable of demoralizing foes through an assortment of ballads, cries, and calls.

Available to Races: Dwarf, Elf, High Elf, Hobbit, Man


A female Human Minstrel
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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

Healer: The Minstrel is the master of maintaining the survivability of the heroes of Middle-earth. A Minstrel traited in The Warrior-Skald (red) tree can also provide respectable damage output when needed (or soloing) via light-based attacks in the forms of songs of power. A minstrel can perform excellently whether grouped or alone, however be advised that most groups will expect you to heal them.

Stances

A Minstrel has three stances:  Dissonance - Stance,  Melody - Stance, and  Resonance - Stance. These are toggle buffs that remain active indefinitely. You may freely switch between stances at any time.


Each Minstrel stance emphasizes a different role (Dissonance for DPS, Resonance for Healing, and Melody for a compromise mixing both damage and healing). Many of the Minstrel's abilities will change based on the current Stance. For example, in Resonance Major Ballad has three versions depending on the current stance of the Minstrel:

  • While in  Resonance, the skill will heal the Minstrel's fellows.
  • While in  Dissonance or  Melody, the skill will damage a single target.

For specific information see the individual article for each version:

Ballads, Anthems, and Codas

A Minstrel has 3 distinct types of abilities that interact with each other to form a core part of the Minstrel playstyle: Ballads, Anthems, and Codas.

Ballads

A Ballad buff is applied by using any of the Minstrel's three Ballad skills:  Minor Ballad, Major Ballad has three versions depending on the current stance of the Minstrel:

  • While in  Resonance, the skill will heal the Minstrel's fellows.
  • While in  Dissonance or  Melody, the skill will damage a single target.

For specific information see the individual article for each version:

  • Major Ballad (Dissonance)
  • Major Ballad (Melody)
  • Major Ballad (Resonance), or  Perfect Ballad. Each Ballad applies a different buff to the Minstrel, and each buff can stack up to 3 times. You may mix the three buffs freely based on your preferred stat bonuses — for example, you can stack 3x Minor Ballad (for a total of +9% damage, +3% healing, -3% power costs) or 1 Minor + 1 Major + 1 Perfect (+5% damage, +5% healing, -5% power costs), and so forth. 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

Anthems are powerful buffs that cannot be used until a Minstrel has 3 Ballad buffs active. Once a Minstrel has used 3 Ballads, she can (and should!) activate an Anthem to enhance herself (and possibly the group, too). By default, a Minstrel can choose between two anthems:

Each of the Minstrel's specializations give access to a different Anthem skill:

(which changes its effect based on your current Stance) and  Greater Anthem II - War. Additional Anthems can be obtained in The Protector of Song (yellow) trait tree.

Codas

Coda is the Minstrel's "finisher" ability — it consumes your Ballad and Anthem buffs for a powerful final effect (then you can re-apply your Ballads and begin the process again). The effects of Coda will change depending on the Minstrel's current Stance:  Coda of Fury (Dissonance),  Coda of Resonance (Resonance), or  Coda of Melody (Melody). Like Anthems, you must have 3 Ballad buffs active to use Coda. If you also have an Anthem active, then Coda will gain even more powerful effects (which will change based on which Anthem is consumed).

Skills

Default Skills

These skills are granted automatically as you gain levels. Some skills have an improved version that can be obtained by leveling further or by equipping certain traits, traceries, or armour sets.

Stance Skills

Based on your current Stance, these skills change into one of three different versions.

Stance Skills Category CD Level
Stance
 Dissonance - Stance Stance 5s 1
 Melody - Stance Stance 5s 1
 Resonance - Stance Stance 5s 1
Minor Ballad
 Minor Ballad - Dissonance Damage + Buff 1s 1
 Minor Ballad Damage + Buff 1s 1
Major Ballad
 Major Ballad Damage + Buff 1s 1
 Major Ballad (Resonance) AoE Heal + Power + Buff 1s 1
Coda
 Coda of Fury Damage + AoE Buff 1s 1
 Coda of Melody AoE Damage + AoE Heal + Buff 1s 1
 Coda of Resonance Heal + AoE Buff 1s 1
Strike
 Dissonant Strike Melee + Buff + Corruption 5s 1
 Hero's Strike Melee + Heal + Buff + Corruption 5s 1
 Healer's Strike Melee + AoE Heal + Buff + Corruption 5s 1
Cry
 Dissonant Piercing Cry Damage + Interrupt 10s 4
 Piercing Cry Damage + Interrupt + Corruption + Stun 10s 4
 Resonant Piercing Cry Damage + Interrupt 10s 4
Perfect Ballad
 Perfect Ballad Damage + Buff 1s 6
 Perfect Ballad - Melody Damage + Heal + Buff 1s 6
Theme of Battle
 Timeless Echoes of Battle DoT + Debuff 2s 8
 Echoes of Battle DoT + Debuff 2s 8
 The Melody of Battle Buff 2s 8
Chorus
 Cry of the Chorus (Dissonance) Buff 1m15s 26
 Cry of the Chorus (Melody) Buff 1m15s 26
 Cry of the Chorus (Resonance) Buff 1m15s 26
 Improved Cry of the Chorus (Dissonance) Buff 1m 15s 54
 Improved Cry of the Chorus (Melody) Buff 1m 15s 54
 Improved Cry of the Chorus (Resonance) Buff 1m 15s 54

Normal Skills

These skills are usable in all Stances (unless the Stance column denotes otherwise), and have the same effect in all Stances. Most healing skills are self-only while in Dissonance stance.

Skills Category CD Level
 Raise the Spirit Heal 1s 1
 Invocation of Elbereth Fear 30s 12
 Enlivening Grace Revive - 14
 Bolster Courage Heal 3s 16
 Story of Courage AoE Cure + Buff 10s 16
 Inspire Fellows AoE Heal 6s 20
 Spirit of Freedom Buff 1m 20
 Fellowship's Heart AoE HoT + Cure + Buff 2m 30
 Call of the Second Age AoE Damage + Buff 30s 34
 Song of Distraction CC 3m 34
 Chord of Salvation Heal 12s 38
 Still As Death Threat 2m 30s 38
 Story of the Hammerhand Bubble 1m 42
 Rally! Combat Revive 12m 30s 45
 Gift of the Hammerhand Bubble 2m 48
 Irresistible Melody Force Emote 2m 30s 50
 Song of the Hammerhand Bubble 1m 64
 Improved Enlivening Grace AoE Revive - 68
 Improved Song of Distraction CC 3m 70


The Watcher of Resolve

These skills are acquired by spending trait points in the Watcher of Resolve (blue) trait tree. You can only obtain the Set skills if you specialize in this tree.

Skills Category CD Source
 Lesser Anthem I - Resonance Anthem 25s Specialization Skill
 Soliloquy of Spirit HoT 1.5s Specialization Skill
 Perfect Ending Heal 5s Set:  Snowball
 Triumphant Spirit AoE Heal 2m 45s Set:  Triumphant Spirit
 Greater Anthem I - Compassion Anthem 25s Trait:  Anthem of Compassion
 Call to Ioreth Buff 1m Set:  Call to Ioreth
 Legend of Helm Hammerhand AoE Bubble 2m Trait:  Legend of Helm Hammerhand


The Warrior-Skald

These skills are acquired by spending trait points in the Warrior-Skald (red) trait tree. You can only obtain the Set skills if you specialize in this tree.

Stance Skills Category CD Source
 Lesser Anthem II - Dissonance Anthem 25s Specialization Skill
 Call to Fate Damage 10s Specialization Skill
 Call of Oromë AoE Damage + Debuff 10s Trait:  Call of Oromë
 Call of Oromë - Melody AoE Damage + Debuff 10s Trait:  Call of Oromë
 Call of Eärendil AoE Damage + Debuff 10s Trait:  Call of Oromë
 Greater Anthem II - War Anthem 25s Trait:  Anthem of War
 Cry of the Valar AoE Damage + Corruption 30s Set:  Cry of the Valar
 Cry of the Wizards AoE Damage + Debuff 30s Trait:  Cry of the Wizards


The Protector of Song

These skills are acquired by spending trait points in the Protector of Song (yellow) trait tree. Minstrels cannot specialize in the yellow trait tree.

Active Skills Category CD Source
 Lesser Anthem III - Composure Anthem 25s Trait:  Anthem of Composure
 Greater Anthem III - Prowess Anthem 25s Trait:  Anthem of Prowess
 Song of Aid AoE Heal + Buff 3m 30s Trait:  Song of Aid
 Anthem of the Free Peoples Anthem 25s Trait:  Anthem of the Free Peoples
 Call to Greatness AoE Skill Reset 7m Set:  Call to Greatness


Mounted Combat Skills

These skills can be used only while riding a war-steed, and in regions where horses are allowed and where the enemies are above level 75.


Mentoring Skills

Ability Level Range Description Acquired from
 Scribe Stance 30 25m Used with a mentor skill, creates a manual to teach instrument use
 Mentor : Clarinet 30 25m Instruct someone how to play the clarinet.
 Mentor : Horn 30 25m Instruct someone how to play the horn.
 Mentor : Pibgorn 30 25m Instruct someone how to play the pibgorn.
 Mentor : Cowbell 36 25m Instruct someone how to play the cowbell.
 Mentor : Bagpipes 48 25m Instruct someone how to play the bagpipes. Item
 Mentor : Drums 42 25m Instruct someone how to play the drum. Item
 Mentor : Flute 46 25m Instruct someone how to play the flute. Item
 Mentor : Harp 25m Instruct someone how to play the harp. Item
 Mentor : Moor Cowbell 50 25m Instruct someone how to play Moor cowbell. Item
 Mentor : Theorbo 44 25m Instruct someone how to play theorbo. Item
  • In  Scribe Stance these skills allow the Minstrel to create Instruction manuals for other players.
These manuals do not require the Minstrel and the trainee to be in proximity of each other, as Mentoring does.
For example,  Mentor : Horn becomes  Scribe Manual : Horn, which allows you to create a Manual of the Horn.

The cooldown also extends to 10 days.


Passive Skills

Base Passive Skills

For details see Dwarf, Elf, High Elf, Hobbit, River Hobbit, Man, or Stout-axe

Armour Proficiencies

Proficiency Level
 Light Armour 1
 Shields 20

Weapon Proficiencies

Proficiency Level
 Daggers 1
 One-handed Clubs 1
 One-handed Maces 1
 One-handed Swords 1

Musical Instruments

Ability Requires Category Description
 Bassoon Use Level 5 Instrument
 Basic Cowbell Use Level 1 Instrument
 Clarinet Use Level 1 Instrument
 Flute Use Level 1 Instrument
 Harp Use Level 1 Instrument
 Horn Use Level 1 Instrument
 Lute Use Level 1 Instrument
 Pibgorn Use Level 25 Instrument
 Specialized Equipment Level 1 Instrument
 Fiddle Use Level 5 Instrument
 Drum Use Level 10 Instrument
 Theorbo Use Level 15 Instrument
 Bagpipe Use Level 15
 Manual of the Bagpipes
Instrument
 Moor Cowbell Use Level 20
 Manual of the Moor Cowbell
Instrument

See also:

Trait Trees

The Watcher of Resolve

The Watcher of Resolve
Shields and heals your allies with Song.
Powerful healers, offering buffs to healing potency and frequency. These Minstrels heal the Morale of the Fellowship and themselves.
Skills Earned:
 Lesser Anthem I - Resonance
 Soliloquy of Spirit
Watcher of Resolve:
Scoring a Critical Hit increases Outgoing Healing by 10% for 10s. You cannot gain this effect more than once every 25s.
+10% Outgoing Healing Modifier
Duration: 10s
Set Traits Description Source
 Resonant Ballads Buff 5+ total ranks
 Snowball Gain skill Perfect Ending 10+ total ranks
 Bolster Our Courage Improves skill Bolster Courage 15+ total ranks
 Triumphant Spirit Gain skill Triumphant Spirit 20+ total ranks
 Call to Ioreth Gain skill Call to Ioreth 25+ total ranks
 Rally! Improves skill Rally! 30+ total ranks
 Chord of Legend Improves skill Chord of Salvation 35+ total ranks
Tree Traits Description Source
 Poignant Phrases Buff Row 1 (0+ ranks)
 Soothing Voice Buff Row 1 (0+ ranks)
 Strong Appeal Buff Row 2 (5+ ranks),
Poignant Phrases (3)
 Raise Our Spirits Improves skill Raise the Spirit Row 2 (5+ ranks)
 Pause for Breath Improves skill Major Ballad (Resonance) Row 2 (5+ ranks)
 Improved Bolster Courage Improves skill Bolster Courage Row 3 (10+ ranks)
 Resonant Piercing Cry Improves skill Resonant Piercing Cry Row 4 (15+ ranks)
 Improved Chord of Salvation Improves skill Chord of Salvation Row 4 (15+ ranks)
 Improved Song of the Hammerhand Improves skill Song of the Hammerhand Row 4 (15+ ranks)
 Follow Up Buff Row 5 (20+ ranks),
Strong Appeal (3)
 Quick Melody Buff Row 5 (20+ ranks)
 Anthem of Compassion Gain skill Greater Anthem I - Compassion Row 5 (20+ ranks)
 Improved Coda of Resonance Improves skill Coda of Resonance Row 6 (25+ ranks)
 Inspiring Finish Buff Row 6 (25+ ranks)
 Inner Strength Buff Capstone (30+ ranks)
 Legend of Helm Hammerhand Gain skill Legend of Helm Hammerhand Capstone (30+ ranks)


The Warrior-Skald

The Warrior-Skald
Uses harsh words to damage foes.
The damage line for Minstrels, inflicting heavy damage and moving quickly through battles.
Skills Earned:
 Lesser Anthem II - Dissonance
 Call to Fate
+20% Light-type Damage
+5m Range to Ballads and Cries
Set Traits Description Source
 Discordant Ballads Buff 5+ total ranks
 Piercing Calls Buff 10+ total ranks
 Concentration Buff 15+ total ranks
 Haste Buff 20+ total ranks
 Freedom Buff 25+ total ranks
 Cry of the Valar Gain skill Cry of the Valar. 30+ total ranks
 Encore Improves skills: Coda of Fury, Coda of Melody, Coda of Resonance 35+ total ranks
Tree Traits Description Source
 The Fundamentals Buff Row 1 (0+ ranks)
 Concussive Shout Improves skills: Dissonant Piercing Cry, Piercing Cry, Resonant Piercing Cry Row 1 (0+ ranks)
 Critical Strikes Buff Row 1 (0+ ranks)
 Piercing Ballads Buff Row 2 (5+ ranks),
The Fundamentals (3)
 Discordant Cries Buff Row 2 (5+ ranks)
 Call of Oromë Gains skills: Call of Oromë, Call of Oromë - Melody, Call of Eärendil Row 2 (5+ ranks)
 Emboldening Finish Buff Row 3 (10+ ranks)
 Improved Call of Oromë Improves skills: Call of Oromë, Call of Oromë - Melody, Call of Eärendil Row 3 (10+ ranks),
Call of Oromë (1)
 Enduring Morale Buff; Improves skill Call of the Second Age Row 3 (10+ ranks)
 Anthem of War Gain skill Greater Anthem II - War. Row 4 (15+ ranks)
 Song of Arda Buff Row 4 (15+ ranks)
 Cacophonous Echoes Buff Row 5 (20+ ranks)
 Herald's Strength Improves skill Dissonant Strike Row 5 (20+ ranks)
 Fierce Cries Buff Row 6 (25+ ranks)
 Improved Coda of Fury Improves skill Coda of Fury Row 6 (25+ ranks)
 Echoes Buff Capstone (30+ ranks)
 Cry of the Wizards Gain skill Cry of the Wizards. Capstone (30+ ranks)


The Protector of Song

The Protector of Song
Spins tales to motivate allies to great feats.
Though the Minstrel can not specialize in The Protector of Song, it supports allies with powerful buffs, using Anthem skills with great effectiveness


Note: Some traits in this tree have an increased cost in Trait Points in order to acquire and/or rank up, regardless of specialization.

Tree Traits Description Source Cost per Rank
 Improved Strikes Improves skills: Dissonant Strike, Hero's Strike, Healer's Strike Row 1 (0+ ranks) 1 Point
 Memories of Battle Improves skills: Timeless Echoes of Battle, Echoes of Battle, The Melody of Battle Row 1 (0+ ranks) 1 Point
 Improved Inspire Fellows Improves skill Inspire Fellows Row 1 (0+ ranks) 1 Point
 Anthem of Composure Gain skill Lesser Anthem III - Composure Row 1 (0+ ranks) 2 Points
 Change of Pace! Buff Row 2 (5+ ranks),
Of All Trades (1)
1 Point
 Of All Trades Buff Row 2 (5+ ranks) 1 Point
 Gripped by Fear Improves skill Invocation of Elbereth Row 2 (5+ ranks) 1 Point
 Thunderous Codas Improves skills: Coda of Fury, Coda of Melody, Coda of Resonance Row 2 (5+ ranks) 2 Points (1)
1 Point (2-5)
 Tactical Mastery Buff Row 3 (10+ ranks) 1 Point
 Anthem of Prowess Gain skill Greater Anthem III - Prowess Row 3 (10+ ranks) 2 Points
 Song of Restoration Improves skill Story of Courage Row 3 (10+ ranks) 2 Points
 Word Spreads Improves skills: Song of the Hammerhand, Gift of the Hammerhand, Legend of Helm Hammerhand Row 3 (10+ ranks) 1 Point
 Invigourating Anthems Buff; Improves skill Cry of the Chorus Row 4 (15+ ranks),
Extended Anthems (3)
2 Points (1)
1 Point (2-5)
 Extended Anthems Buff Row 4 (15+ ranks) 1 Point
 Songs of Woe Buff Row 4 (15+ ranks) 1 Point
 Perfect Performance Buff Row 4 (15+ ranks) 2 Points (1)
1 Point (2-3)
 Song of Aid Gain skill Song of Aid. Row 5 (20+ ranks) 2 Points
 Anthem of the Free Peoples Gain skill Anthem of the Free Peoples. Row 5 (20+ ranks),
Extended Anthems (1)
2 Points (1)
1 Point (2-3)
 Sharing a Story Buff Row 5 (20+ ranks),
Songs of Woe (3)
2 Points
 Strike a Chord Buff Row 5 (20+ ranks),
Perfect Performance (1)
2 Points
 Tale of Tales Buff Row 6 (25+ ranks),
Anthem of the Free Peoples (3)
3 Points
 Call to Greatness Gain skill Call to Greatness. Row 7 (30+ ranks) 3 Points


Trait Tree

The Watcher of Resolve
Shields and heals your allies with Song.
Powerful healers, offering buffs to healing potency and frequency. These Minstrels heal the Morale of the Fellowship and themselves.
Skills Earned:
 Lesser Anthem I - Resonance
 Soliloquy of Spirit
Watcher of Resolve:
Scoring a Critical Hit increases Outgoing Healing by 10% for 10s. You cannot gain this effect more than once every 25s.
+10% Outgoing Healing Modifier
Duration: 10s
The Warrior-Skald
Uses harsh words to damage foes.
The damage line for Minstrels, inflicting heavy damage and moving quickly through battles.
Skills Earned:
 Lesser Anthem II - Dissonance
 Call to Fate
+20% Light-type Damage
+5m Range to Ballads and Cries
The Protector of Song
Spins tales to motivate allies to great feats.
Though the Minstrel can not specialize in The Protector of Song, it supports allies with powerful buffs, using Anthem skills with great effectiveness



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See Also