On Test: Bard Rhythmic Overture Change Misses Mark?

tfetterman noticed a change in the June 13 Test Update Notes affecting the description and behavior of the Bard ability Rhythmic Overture.

Bard

• Rhythmic Overture now applies as a buff to the bard. All damage inflicted by the bard will apply toward Victorious Concerto.

Lemilla of Permafrost described the change:

As it’s a buff on yourself instead of a debuff on the mob, it would mean that it will track damage inflicted upon multiple enemies instead of just one. This change makes it possible to charge a proper VC on fights where the mobs die within 10 seconds.

Same for the changes to Crusader’s Faith and Spirit Tap.

When asked if this would affect MultiAttack damage (which Dirges rely on), Spell Double Attack, Procs, etc., Xelgad dashed those hopes:

The same rules apply – so Multi Attacks, Spell Double Attacks, DoTs and Procs will not count toward the recorded damage.

In response to player reaction that this will not make Rhythmic Overture significantly more useful, Xelgad had this reply:

Clarification guys:

The functionality is exactly the same as it currently is except that Rhythmic Overture is cast on the bard instead of the target. It already does not read any proc, damage over time (besides the initial hit) or any form of multi-attack. This includes Flurry, Spell Multi Attack and regular Multi-Attack.

All of these abilities – Rhythmic Overture, Crusader’s Faith, Spirit Tap, Fiery Blast, Protective Instinct and Howling with the Pack – work the same way as a damage shield – if the attack cannot trigger a damage shield, it won’t be counted.

Offhand weapon attacks are counted.

This change only increases the effectiveness of Rhythmic Overture, as your area effect spells now count besides just the initial target.

Players also took issue to the idea that Bards have “area effect spells”. They don’t, except for one blue-background Knockback which doesn’t affect epics. Maybe what Bards really need is at least one blue AoE that does damage. After all, Predators got another combat art — Hilt Strike despite already having more than enough to be going on with.