Runescape Gold: The Taru race has got top stats to go with the job

Bard's Role in an FFXI Party: The Bards keep the party going in good shape, heal them with their songs, increase their Runescape Gold spirits, and more importantly, keep the downtimes to a minimum. They also affect the damage dealing abilities of both the opposition and the comrades, decreasing one and hyping the other.

The bards are really team oriented characters, so they just don't cut it outside a party.

Part-time FFXI Bards: Some good MP boost is always useful for FFXI Bards so going for a White Mage isn't a bad option at all. This option adds more diversity to your character and makes you the ultimate support guy no party would want to do without.

Another Mage option is that of the Red Mage, it gives you fast cast which is major cool stuff. FFXI Bard/Summoner is also a fun option, though not very practical.

Good FFXI Bard Races: As a Final Fantasy XI Bard you should look to get more on Charm. The Taru race has got top stats to go with the job. Elvaans and Humes wouldn't make bad FFXI Bards as well, as they have great Charm as well.

Just don't get your big Galka to play a flute; it is more likely to put you in a sanatorium than put a monster to sleep!