Lane first, then roam on a crash or stable window

0:00–14:00, especially each wave crash and the 60–90 seconds before an early objective spawn

Start by protecting the bot lane's first level and wave state. If your duo can push safely, pressure the enemy with Meeps and hold Q for a wall or a second target; if the enemy has the stronger level-2 threat, preserve health and give up risky last hits rather than forcing a trade. Place Caretaker's Shrines where your ADC can use them while retreating. Collect nearby Chimes after a crash or when the lane is stable enough for the ADC to collect safely, then return before the next wave creates a 2v1. At the first objective cycle, move through river only after the relevant wave is pushed or a safe conversion is visible.

Lane

Leave behind wave state or a safe conversion

If the first three waves are pushing toward the enemy turret and your ADC can safely collect the next wave, then take a short Chime route or establish a river angle; if the wave is coming toward your turret or the ADC is low, stay in lane until the wave is stabilized. Your movement must buy pressure rather than donate a 2v1 window.

With Bard

• If Bard has a wave crashed and is missing from lane, let him work through river rather than forcing a fight without him; his value comes from arriving from an unexpected angle. Keep the next visible play close enough that he can reach it, and do not demand a roam while your wave is under pressure.
• If Bard places a Caretaker's Shrine behind or beside you, use it as part of your retreat when the enemy engages, but do not step onto it casually while full health if that exposes you. The shrine disappears after the first ally touches it, so its placement is a planned resource.
• If Bard opens Magical Journey, follow only when the exit is safe and your team can arrive together. He can create a fast flank or escape, but the enemy can also use the portal; wait for the arrival angle rather than treating every portal as an automatic engage.
• If Bard casts Tempered Fate on an objective or a key target, stop attacking the frozen unit and prepare the next action: move around the stasis, set your spacing, or secure the objective when the enemy cannot contest. If the spell catches an ally, use the pause to peel and reset instead of blaming the cast.
• If Bard is playing for a late carry, protect his movement between waves and objectives rather than asking him to stand in lane permanently. His Chimes and portals matter most when the team turns his time away from lane into a pick, vision line, or safe reset.