Talk:Bard/@comment-4091261-20150531011308/@comment-5002589-20150601203744

I think I'm one of the few people in existence who actually thinks Bard is a really good support. His kit is amazing utility-wise, with it being relatively easy to land a 1.8 second stun with Cosmic Binding, though the 60% slow if you mess it up is still really good. His Shrines allow him to safely wander off for a few seconds to collect some chimes while keeping the ADC healthy. His E allows him and his team to navigate anywhere with ease, with it being the most mobile skill in the game, on par with abilities like Sivir's ult. His ult has the potential to shut down half the enemy team in a teamfight, guaranteeing a successful fight.

I think the main reason so many people think he's terrible is that he has to roam a bit and leave the ADC alone in order to gain power. Thing is, if the ADC is competent (and communicated to), then they can farm while being extra cautious, giving them solo xp while you still get some xp from any chimes in the area. You can get the benefit of having more ganks at mid without putting your ADC in significant danger (though they may lose some farm if the enemy is uber-aggressive). I personally love the idea that you can have two effective junglers on one team, with only one of them actually relying on jungle monsters for gold and xp. Bard fits into that perfectly. He's not the best support, but I still consider him to be top-tier material if played right.

Btw, AP Bard with a lich bane and luden's is hilarious. Try it. ;^)