1.0 - Dirge Basics

Why choose Dirge?

Dirges are scouts, and as such they come with a lot of nifty
abilities, such as sneak, safe fall, the ability to disarm chests, and the
utility of group evacuation.  Beyond that, they can resurrect fallen
allies, and at higher levels, an entire group of allies.  Their versatility in groups
is amazing, and their ability to solo is decent.  This may be a silly
point, but since dirges are bards, they have really pretty effects on their
spells.  Nothing like seeing song notes waft up from a players rear!  And with the
novelty of being able to start out in in any of Norrath's fine cities, good or evil, a dirge
may just fit your style!

Can Dirges solo?

Yes, though to be honest they aren't the best soloers out
there.  While solo you'll really want to focus on your damage combat arts,
and you're offensive buffs.  Obviously, soloing skills and experience are going to
be paramount to
how well one solos, but as you learn your class, and its limits, you'll become
better at running sans group.

What is a Dirge's role in a group?

Dirges shine in groups.  They are amazing buffers and bring
a decent amount of DPS to the table.  For raids, you will want this class
in the main tank group to take advantage of all those buffs.  And even
though dirges are not a healing class, they can resurrect a fallen group
members,
or the entire group at once if need be.  The dirges are one
of the hardest working supporting classes in game, and if you are looking to be
a must have group member, this is definitely the class for you!

What's the best race for Dirge?

I have always said that race doesn't matter enough to be a
concern.  You need to choose whatever race that you will enjoy
playing!  After all, you are the one that will be looking at that
characters skin for months, if not years.  With that said, for early
on stats the more lithe and moderately sturdy races (elves, humans, etc) are
well suited to dirges.  But once again, PLEASE remember that stats make
very little difference with race choice.  As you grow in levels, your stats
will likely end up being maxed out by gear and jewelry, and it will become a
complete non issue.

How should I equip my Dirge?

Dirges wear chain armor.  You'll want to pick armor that
boosts your agility, strength, and stamina stats.  I happen to be okay with
crafted and quested armor, mostly because I'm a casual player, and don't really have good
access to fabled gear, and crafted gear does the trick just fine for casual
play.  If you are in your lower levels, we have guides for Freeport
and Qeynos
newbie armor and the level 20 armor quests for both Qeynos
and Freeport
that are definitely worth checking out!

Player Tip:

You say (above) Dirges need agility, strength and stamina. While there is some debate about this, dirges either equip the way you suggest or with Agility, Intelligence, Stamina. Both have some advantages, though I am partial to the late. The stats give the following advantages:

Agility: Helps your mitigation as well as your power pool. Scout power pools are based off Agility.

Intelligence: Increases your damage with songs… this is tremendous in raids.

Stamina: Hit points and some resists

Strength: Melee damage.


Your specification of Agi, Str, Sta has some advantages in terms of soloing, especially the HP (though intelligence is very good for soloing as well, I have soloed mobs with no weapons equipped), but more importantly it stresses the melee side of the dirge. Agi, Int, Str (or stamina) is more of a group orientation, focusing on your buffs and damage songs.

Thank you Ereon Patchwork of Antonia Bayle for sharing his wisdom with us!

For weapons, Duel wield is generally the way to go, as scouts
are all about doing the damage.  A few dirges may choose to use a one
handed weapon and a shield, but I don't believe this to be the best choice
unless you spend a lot of time duoing with a healer or mage and need to play
main tank frequently.

Have questions or comments? Something to add to this guide?  Feel free
to let me know!