Minstrel

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:

• Major Ballad (Dissonance)
• Major Ballad (Melody)
• Major Ballad (Resonance) heals the group, while in Dissonance it damages enemies.

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:

• In The Watcher of Resolve trait tree,  Anthem of the Third Age - Resonance increases your healing and reduces your inductions.
• In The Warrior-Skald trait tree,  Lesser Anthem II - Dissonance (previously named 'Anthem of the Third Age - Dissonance') increases your call damage.
• In The Protector of Song trait tree,  Anthem of the Third Age - Melody increases your Fellowship's damage and incoming healing.

(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:

• Minstrel Items Index for instruments available at various levels.
• Instruments

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
0/5 0/5 ↓ (3) 0/5 0/4 0/3 0/5 ↓ (3) 0/1 0/4 0/2 0/2 0/5 0/4 0/3 0/3 0/1 0/1	0/5 0/1 0/5 ↓ (3) 0/5 0/5 0/1 ↓ (1) 0/3 0/2 0/5 0/1 0/5 0/3 0/6 0/1 0/3 0/1 0/1	0/5 0/5 0/5 0/1 0/5 ← (1) 0/5 0/3 0/5 0/6 0/1 0/1 0/3 0/5 ← (3) 0/5 0/5 0/3 ↓ (1) ↓ (3) ↓ (1) 0/1 0/3 0/1 0/1 ↓ (3) 0/1 0/1

See Also

• Class Guides
• Minstrel Deeds
• Minstrel Legendary Legacies