'. . . in the midst of their merriment and tears the clear voice of the minstrel rose like silver and gold, and all men were hushed.' - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, "The Field of Cormallen"
With song and tale, a Minstrel brings hope to places thick with gloom. He can inspire those with desperate minds and heavy hearts to great deeds. In battle, he can turn the tide with songs that strengthen his allies and dirges which strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.
The Minstrel will be the class of choice for players who want to aid their friends, inspiring them to keep going through the darkest of times. With a vast repertoire of tales both fair and foul, a Minstrel restores the morale of his fellows, as well as causing his enemies to despair. Though able to wield weapons, he prefers to let his words, rather than his sword, speak for him. A Minstrel's style of combat is based on maintaining hope no matter what the odds.
Skills
Raise the Spirit: The Minstrel's words of encouragement renew the morale of a companion.
Clarion of the Valar: Calling upon the name of the Valar can send evil foes fleeing in terror for a short time.
Tale of Heroism: Increases the Will and Fate of the Minstrel's fellowship.
Inspire Fellows: Words of encouragement renew the morale of the Minstrel's fellowship and increase its vigour.
Soothing Song: Decreases the Minstrel's threat in the eyes of her enemy target and all adjacent enemies.
Noble Cause: The next three Herald's Strikes that the Minstrel executes do extra damage and return part of that as morale to her group.
Song of Aid: This song enables the Minstrel to reduce incoming morale damage by lightening the hearts of her fellows.
Enlivening Grace: Bring hope to those whose morale has been entirely depleted, reviving a defeated target.
Piercing Cry: A shout that does light damage to the Minstrel's enemies.
Traits
Life-singer: The Power costs for the Minstrel's morale-renewing skills are reduced.
Harmonious Melody: The Minstrel has a longer window of opportunity in which to perform her next tier of Ballads.
Equipment Affecting Skills/Traits: Level 5 opens all instrument skills Level 15 Class Quest reward is class trait Medium Armor Level 20 skill for shields