Class balance - 23 shami / 25 wiz / 30 gard.

[Blaster-Cast]

<DIV>I must say I love playing this game, and I love the big bangs of my wiz.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>After playing these three chars I must say; The shami seems about right, the wiz is a wimp and the guardian is god like as far as power and solo goes.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I was just playing my Gaurdian today in TS. I was hunting Skelly vets (which at 30 are blue two up group rated mob). I killed 25 for some quest or another. I had a healer friend along as backup. However the guard was able to almost solo these things. Most mods did not require the healer to heal me at all. And more than once the guard got hit only once the whole fight for about 150 damage (he as about 2300 hp unbuffed).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>When the guard was 28 he want to Zek and started soloing the orcs out front (yellow con). At 29 he was soloing the sharks by the docks (orange con) and after 15 fish bits (part of another quest) he never once died soloing orange level stuff (he never got below 25% health). </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The guard is only using his L20 AQ stuff (some of which is green now), the rest of his armor is yellow/orange and using a common wep/shield combo. - his spells (moves) are all app2, 3, 4 and two adept 1 level. (ie: he has average armor, and poor to average spells).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>---------------------</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>By contrast my wiz got chased out of TS by two gray con gnolls near TS1 (group level gray with one up arrow).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I have dumped all my $$$ into my wiz (all his armor is orange, every bit). His spells are all adept1 (saving up for adept3 ball of fire - but at 30g+ it maybe a bit). </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I can solo even and blue cons ok with root/bof/... </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I have never been able to solo a yellow con solo mob (it would be iffy but if everything went just right maybe).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I have found only one group level greens I can solo, skells seem to be one type.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My highest damage with BoF so far is nearly 400 damage (at L25)  (my L30 war average hit with a fast 1hb is about 50, up to about 150 with slam and some combos). My wizzy damage at 25 seems ok but not really great considering what my war does with poor spells and cheep weps (war gets about 3 or 4 hits for every spell I cast).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>--------------------------------</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My shami seems ok. As long as the power lasts he is near impossible to kill, and when things go bad he has sow.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>He has never had problems soloing even cons, some groups, and the odd yellow stuff. (again he has poor spells and average armor).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>--------------------------------</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Overall the guard has far too much power (soloing oranges are no problems, and blue con two up arrows group level mobs  (skell vets) are soloable to him with average/poor equip and poor spells).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Wiz needs more somthing at 25 to be able to kill gray one arrow up mobs (there was only two and one was rooted).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Wiz damage at 25 seems ok but not outstanding when compared to malee (Im maybe doing twice the damage of the tank but can't last one 10th the time when hit.). </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>----------------------------------</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I love my wiz but of the three chars (and he is the best equipted and best spells) he is by far the weekest at solo and only marginally higher DPS when compard to the others.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>---------------------------------</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Suggestion???? - more dps at 25 (maybe), higher ac (maybe), higher agi (harder to hit - maybe)... but he does need somthing.. and now I hear it's downhill after 35 too.. - oh well..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Ennis]

I suggest you play your Guardian and Shammy and shelf the Wizzy. Make the Wizzy your bank/merchant character.Even when they get around to "fixing" Wizards I will guarantee you those "fixes" will not be enough to make the class desired in groups nor solo as efficiently as the other two. Why? Because the members of the EQ Holy Trinity(TM) will scream bloody murder and SoE doesn't want to tick them off.SoE does not understand casting classes nor wants to do anything to assist them. I really do not understand why they put any other caster besides Chanters in the game. Why do I say this? The religion at SoE is EQ Holy Trinity(TM). Their devs and CSR's do not play casting classes so have absolutely no understanding of them. They believe that all battles revolve around Melee players with the Priests and Chanters only there to assist the Melee player with heals and crowd control. They gave us no utility that any group can't live easily without, our DPS SUCKS, our armor class means we die with one hit racking up XP debt for all which makes wizards/warlocks/conjurors very unpopular with groups.

[Megloman]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Ennis wrote:<BR>I suggest you play your Guardian and Shammy and shelf the Wizzy. Make the Wizzy your bank/merchant character.<BR><BR>Even when they get around to "fixing" Wizards I will guarantee you those "fixes" will not be enough to make the class desired in groups nor solo as efficiently as the other two. Why? Because the members of the EQ Holy Trinity(TM) will scream bloody murder and SoE doesn't want to tick them off.<BR><BR>SoE does not understand casting classes nor wants to do anything to assist them. I really do not understand why they put any other caster besides Chanters in the game. Why do I say this? The religion at SoE is EQ Holy Trinity(TM). Their devs and CSR's do not play casting classes so have absolutely no understanding of them. They believe that all battles revolve around Melee players with the Priests and Chanters only there to assist the Melee player with heals and crowd control. They gave us no utility that any group can't live easily without, our DPS SUCKS, our armor class means we die with one hit racking up XP debt for all which makes wizards/warlocks/conjurors very unpopular with groups.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV>I hate to say it but I have to agree. It is so blatantly obvious that a lot of loving is needed to the wizard classes and that the game is very heavily "balanced" towards the melee classes that it's not funny. Given that I am assuming that the developers and CSR's are not completely stupid, it is obviously a "design decision" or just plain old selfishness that "i want my class to be the best" as those are the classes that they are playing. They were not even subtle about it either, it runs all the way through the game even into the tradeskills, where the obvious mage class trade is by far the most gimped also. I am guessing that they don't think that spell casting classes have much use in a fantasy game, and as it's their game who are we to argue!</FONT></DIV><p>Message Edited by Meglomania on <span class=date_text>02-03-2005</span> <span class=time_text>05:22 AM</span>

[Darien al'Staff]

<DIV>...I'm an optomistic person.  My main (a wizzy) is named BEEGLIN for all's sake.  Through the entire debate, I've been supportive of SoE in that they'll fix things for wizards.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>To be honest, I have to agree now with the above two posters.  *sigh*</DIV>

[Ennis]

<blockquote><hr>Meglomania wrote:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE><HR>I hate to say it but I have to agree. It is so blatantly obvious that a lot of loving is needed to the wizard classes and that the game is very heavily "balanced" towards the melee classes that it's not funny. Given that I am assuming that all the developers and CRS's are not completely stupid, it is obviously a "design decision" or just plain old selfishness that "i want my class to be the best" as those are the classes that they are playing. They were not even subtle about it either, it runs all the way through the game even into the tradeskills, where the obvious mage class trade is by far the most gimped also. I am guessing that they don't think that spell casting classes have much use in a fantasy game, and as it's their game who are we to argue!</FONT></DIV><hr></blockquote>And now you understand why Blizzard stopped making anymore game disks for WoW and you can trip over the stacks of EQ2 at the store.EQ2 is made to be really enjoyable for those who play The Holy Trinity. The other classes they couldn't give a flying "F" about.

[Keraphin]

<DIV>i dont agree. if wizard dps sucks so much, why does chain nuking always, always cause the target to come off a fully taunting warrior and kick my [FaarNerfed!]? that's with a few adept I spells, and even some app Is. also, a wizards buffs are nothing to laugh at. they are a lot better then anything the scout/warrior classes have with the exception of bards. one thing i do agree with though is wizards have paper armor, no hps and two hits they die. wizards should get something like an ice shield or something.. that could absorb a certain amount or percentage or damage.. i mean cmon..</DIV>

[LohanGalt]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Ennis wrote:<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Meglomania wrote:<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> I hate to say it but I have to agree. It is so blatantly obvious that a lot of loving is needed to the wizard classes and that the game is very heavily "balanced" towards the melee classes that it's not funny. Given that I am assuming that all the developers and CRS's are not completely stupid, it is obviously a "design decision" or just plain old selfishness that "i want my class to be the best" as those are the classes that they are playing. They were not even subtle about it either, it runs all the way through the game even into the tradeskills, where the obvious mage class trade is by far the most gimped also. I am guessing that they don't think that spell casting classes have much use in a fantasy game, and as it's their game who are we to argue!</FONT> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR><BR>And now you understand why Blizzard stopped making anymore game disks for WoW and you can trip over the stacks of EQ2 at the store.<BR><BR>EQ2 is made to be really enjoyable for those who play The Holy Trinity. The other classes they couldn't give a flying "F" about.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <DIV>Wow!  bitter much?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm sure you're right.  The Devs are out to get Wizards!  They get their jollies from it!</DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Keraphin]

<DIV>one thing i forgot to mention.. mabye scouts can chain attack with a bunch of big numbers.. but what are we doing while their 10-30+second timers are recharging? still nuking. numbers might be lower, but when do we have to stop? only when our power runs out.</DIV>

[Graffix_75]

I recently started a scout - Im just blown away by the class !!Comparing my level 15 Rogue to my Mage at level 15 - DPS and general effectivness between the 2, the Scout blows the mage out of the water ! With Combat arts, HO's, poisons and melee = DPS King !(Most CA are APP IV's and couple Adept 1) I also notice scout adepts drop more often than Mage's.Dont know the scout at higher levels thoI still like my Wizard a lot - and I pretty much only group with guildies and the most important aspect of the game for me is having a good time, which I am. Mind you my Wizard is only level 28, might be different come 35+ if things are still the same.<p>Message Edited by Graffix_75 on <span class=date_text>02-03-2005</span> <span class=time_text>07:17 AM</span>

[MiniMe102]

<DIV>at lvl 30 i can take groups of the grey gnolls in ts.</DIV> <DIV>at zek i can solo the lvl 30-32 orcs, which cone white and yellow to me regularly. at el i can solo the orange/white sand snappers near docks and the solo lvl wasps (including that wasp of darkness thing. dnno if thats supposed to be a named or what) i havent tried the group wasps. most of my gear is orange or yellow with a few blues and greens mixed in, and my bof hits for around 500. throw that into an ho and i got about 600 + damage from app3 bof.</DIV>

[Kamuj]

<DIV>Sad but true. I started a priest which I eventually took the templar route. My healer has very good spells and armour as does my wizzy.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Its just not close. My temp can even nuke decently when using HO's. </DIV>

[~Mercu]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Blaster-Caster wrote:<BR> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Suggestion???? - more dps at 25 (maybe), higher ac (maybe), higher agi (harder to hit - maybe)... but he does need somthing.. and now I hear it's downhill after 35 too.. - oh well..</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV>*edit</DIV> <DIV>my bad... I read your post as saying you couldn't solo blue and white con mobs...</DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> </DIV><p>Message Edited by ~Mercuic on <span class=date_text>02-03-2005</span> <span class=time_text>10:58 AM</span>

[TheC]

<DIV>I don't understand how wizzies under level 30 can complain about DPS, I out DPS everyone at my level. I have screens of parsers with me dealing over double the dmg of an assassin a level above me and double the DPS of a level 35 pally.  LOL come on guys! Stop jumping on the bandwagon.  The high hit of an assassin at my level (27) is 500-600 with a 300 second recast, compared to my 450-550 BoF with a 12 second recast plus we have AoEs.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm not saying 35+ wizzies aren't broke but I am saying that wizzies under 30 kick [FaarNerfed!].</DIV>

[Kamuj]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> TheCoZ wrote:<BR> <DIV>I don't understand how wizzies under level 30 can complain about DPS, I out DPS everyone at my level. I have screens of parsers with me dealing over double the dmg of an assassin a level above me and double the DPS of a level 35 pally.  LOL come on guys! Stop jumping on the bandwagon.  The high hit of an assassin at my level (27) is 500-600 with a 300 second recast, compared to my 450-550 BoF with a 12 second recast plus we have AoEs.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm not saying 35+ wizzies aren't broke but I am saying that wizzies under 30 kick [FaarNerfed!].</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>Thats not what the OP said. Wizzy DPS is good in groups in the 20's. He's talking about his experience with 3 alts as a whole, not just DPS.</P>

[Nuuk Sforte]

<DIV>I'm not sure what tactic the OP is using to solo with his Wizard, but I can assure him it is not the best way.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As a 27 wizard in TS I (and I assume almost all of us) can very very easily chain pull yellow and even con solo cents in the centaur encampment. My only problem is that there's not enough yellow cons to support my own killing.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Granted, I do have adept 3 BoF but adept 1 would work too</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Open at max casting range with BoF</DIV> <DIV>stun, then root......</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>at this point you're still at max health (against non-casters) and the mob is just over half life, maybe 2/3 if you're BoF didn't hit well</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Then I dot/debuff and complete a HO with another BoF. It's usually not even necessary to reapply stun/root.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Voila! dead mob.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I hope that helps you with soloing. I'm not trying to belittle you, I just don't find soloing yellows hard at all.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hopefully with a little tweaking of your strategy, you'll have an easier time of it.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Good Luck!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Nuuk Sfortenk</DIV> <DIV>Champions in Arms</DIV> <DIV>Permafrost</DIV>

[TheC]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Kamujin wrote:<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> TheCoZ wrote:<BR> <DIV>I don't understand how wizzies under level 30 can complain about DPS, I out DPS everyone at my level. I have screens of parsers with me dealing over double the dmg of an assassin a level above me and double the DPS of a level 35 pally.  LOL come on guys! Stop jumping on the bandwagon.  The high hit of an assassin at my level (27) is 500-600 with a 300 second recast, compared to my 450-550 BoF with a 12 second recast plus we have AoEs.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm not saying 35+ wizzies aren't broke but I am saying that wizzies under 30 kick [FaarNerfed!].</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>Thats not what the OP said. Wizzy DPS is good in groups in the 20's. He's talking about his experience with 3 alts as a whole, not just DPS.</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>I know, im wan't talking about the OP, I'm just saying then whenever there are threads like this, wizzies under 30 come in and complain, like the guy saying his lvl 15 scout is soo much better than his mage. I've out dmged all other classes up to my level.<BR>

[Tarkadal]

<DIV>I'm a lvl 28 Wizard, and already I can see the problems coming. In the last couple of levels I have moved to number2 on the DPS front behind well-equipped scouts. Group combat has now become how fast can I hit the keys in order to max my DPS. I've only pulled aggro in one group (with a Pally MT 3 levels below me who relied solely on his taunt to hold aggro).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The only thing I have left to say is:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>154362343234325436234</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>This is the key sequence I hit as soon as the mob arrives at the pull spot. It doesn't change very often. Since I am no longer top in DPS, I never have to worry about getting aggro. Since I have good gear and food, I never have to worry about running out of power. In short, playing a wizard is becoming less and less of a challenge. There is no thinking, any pause to consider your situation is pointless as all it does is lower your DPS.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Yes, I am one of those pre-30 wizards who gets aggrivated when players our level hop on the bandwagon and say how gimped they are (they're not). But it is very clear at this level that the DPS problem looms quite large on the horizon, in fact from a challenge and class balance point of view, it 's already here. </DIV>

[Megloman]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV>Wow!  bitter much?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm sure you're right.  The Devs are out to get Wizards!  They get their jollies from it!</DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <DIV>Of cource they are, were only in the game for our stylish designer wear <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Ok, maybe my comment was rather harsh and bitter, but it all stems from the fact that I do love this game and unfortunately have a weakness for always playing wizard type classes, it's in my blood from the DND days of old, and any other class just doesn't seem right. It's just that it is pretty clear that in the development process the mage classes were not priority as shown by the content that is available to us, which does seem to suggest that there was more thought and consideration given to the melee classes first, and that the mages were left behind in the push to get the game out of the door, simple logic.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>From a traditional RP point of view, Mage classes tended to be the hardest to level, weakest for a lot of levels, have to be carried by the stronger classes etc until they can support themselves and be a contributor to the group. Have started a few alts to compare the differences, we certainly have the toughest time getting through the initial phases of the game, but unfortunately are rewarded for our persistence of using a weaker class by doing less damage than the easier classes in the end game (further throwing the balance out of whack), which just seems very biased to me.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>A very simple comparision to do is just examine a fighter type of the same level with same equipment, add up the hp and power (just on a 1 point basis) and see what you come up with, a gross difference. Shouldn't the two totals reached be fairly similar (fighter with hp, wiz with power), its not even close! This is simpliflying the issues massively, but does show the trend that has been made at the start of the development process, which then has to be corrected by changing power usages etc (which is definitely not the ideal way of dealing with it).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I do hope that a correct balance is reached, that every class is equally desireable and there is no so called "flavour of the month or year". I personally would not want the pendulum to swing completely the other way when everyone is rolling wizard's because they are too powerful either (thus destroying any uniqueness and collecting all the power gamers). Having knowledge of development processes and the marketing / commercial decisions that drive them (I am not a dev btw), I realise this is a difficult business and there is no chance of keeping everyone happy, but some kind of initial bone would have be welcome (though definitely not at the expense of a quick fix that does not correctly balance the classes and then the devs moving onto the next issue assuming that all wizards are now content with the minor improvement).</DIV><p>Message Edited by Meglomania on <span class=date_text>02-03-2005</span> <span class=time_text>02:15 PM</span>

[Graffix_75]

<b>wizzies under 30 come in and complain, like the guy saying his lvl 15 scout is soo much better than his mage. I've out dmged all other classes up to my level.</b>How exactly did you interpret my post as a complaint? It's my observation and Im commenting on my experience between playing the 2. I also did mentioned the general effectiveness of the 2 and not just DPS. No need for snide remarks, I treat everyone on the forums with respect, thought this was suppose to be a "friendly" community.Maybe I might have a different opinion once my scout is in the 20s, as you said in another post, BoF linked with Arcane fury = Uber damage. I too outdamage everyone at the moment with my Wizard.but, in the teensI notice that I outdamage mages (not by far, sometimes less or on par with them) when I group with smimlar (not below, same and above) level sorcerers, granted some might be a complete newbie and not know how to play the class properly, etc, I've also been backup tank as well (I bring spare shield and a one hander when out adventuring), I can solo things that I couldnt with my mage, etc etc etc Yesterday, grouped with a level 18 sorceror that nuked right from the start, but if I went full on from the start, guess who got agro? Yes the level 15 Rogue. My scout can tank if needed, he has arts that can increase/decrease hate, group invis, tracking, pathfinding, disarming chests, controlling HO's, etc - Mage only 1 purpose, esp in the teens - DPS. Having said all that, and also mentioned it in my previous post, I still like my Wizzie, A LOT.Again, not a complaint, just commenting on my experience. Big difference - There is more to the game than just numbers above mobs.<p>Message Edited by Graffix_75 on <span class=date_text>02-04-2005</span> <span class=time_text>04:41 AM</span>

[roarfrost]

<DIV>I'd have to disagree with the OP saying that Wizard can't kill yellows and oranges at that level.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>At lvl 24, I was soloing the yellow and orange skeletons by RoV in TS.</DIV> <DIV>At 26 or 27, I was doing the orange solo orcs outside the fort in Zek.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Like the OP, I usually have on orange con gear. Spells are mostly Adept I. BoF is AppIV.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Here's one way to do it:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Open with a BoF from far away, then root with Frozen Manacles, back up, debuffs, HO, BoF. etc.</DIV> <DIV>When he breaks loose, do a quick Freeze, then Manacles again.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>One thing I notice other wizards do is stay too close to the mob. After the first root, back up as far as you can and still be in range. That way you can get the next Freeze and Manacles off w/o being hit. (every hit counts when they take away 1/4 of your health). Some fights where the manacles hold well, I will never be hit. Granted, this is a <STRONG>terrible </STRONG>way to level. Your mana (and often your health) will be low after every fight. Long downtimes. If there is more than one mob, forget it. My wizard usually gets destroyed taking on two green cons.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>All that being said, this is where the Rant begins:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Wizard must group in order to level in a reasonable amount of time. OK. That would be fine if Wizards actually had anything worthwhile to bring to a group. DPS? Nope, other classes are better than Wizard and much more sturdy. Utility? Not at my level. Ghetto mez notwithstanding. Buffs? Meh. AOE damage? Nerfed. Throw us a bone Devs, we're drowning...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Ennis]

<blockquote><hr>MiniMe10203 wrote:<DIV>at lvl 30 i can take groups of the grey gnolls in ts.</DIV><DIV>at zek i can solo the lvl 30-32 orcs, which cone white and yellow to me regularly. at el i can solo the orange/white sand snappers near docks and the solo lvl wasps (including that wasp of darkness thing. dnno if thats supposed to be a named or what) i havent tried the group wasps. most of my gear is orange or yellow with a few blues and greens mixed in, and my bof hits for around 500. throw that into an ho and i got about 600 + damage from app3 bof.</DIV><hr></blockquote>Just wait until you get past level 35 and you see Rangers, Bards and even Clerics outdamage you.Just wait until you are running around LFG for hours on end because no one wants a gimped, broken class that will die in one hit in their groups. You will see /ooc's that specifically say "/ooc Group looking for SCOUT DPS, PST. No Wizards/Warlocks need apply."

[Za'Had]

Ive only been playing fighter/scout untill level 15 or so.The main conclusion is : its much easier and predictable (on solo) for the fighter/scout.Being a Wiz you depend on your root to stick : 1 root break and 1 resist and you are running.As for priests : i only had one on the Isle. What surprised me is that its nuke (Smite) is as (or more) powerull than the wiz's one. And a priest has armor and healing !

[Blaster-Cast]

<DIV>What I was tring to say was:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>at 25 I solo evens and below solo level mobs with wiz ok.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>at 30 my gaurd solos orange level mob just as easy as the wiz does evens.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>at 25 my wiz gets run off by two gray one up group level gnolls.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>at 30 my gaurd solos two up dark blue group level skells with no problem.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>at 30 my guard solos most (green group level mods) and named gray 2 up group mods.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My wiz is treaked to the max (just about).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My gaurd is poorly armors (at least 3 or 4 key armor bits are green now), and poorly spell equipt.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>------------------------</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>All this would me ok if the wiz dps was outstanding and needed in groups, or some untility that made up for other short commings - but sadly it's only ok (maybe twice that of a war - which is not a dps class by any means).  - and it only gets worse from what I have been told 35+.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In some groups I can pull agro chain casting or casting early - other no way (with a tank 2 or 3 levels above me, no way I can pull agro no matter what I try - outside of casting an ae early and even then one ae taunt later there all off me - if I live that long, which I don't).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>------------------------</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Also, unrelated to this topic is anyone else noticed the differances in AQ5 between caster and war/priests.</DIV> <DIV>(ie: Fay Rocks group level supper rares - what gives with that... ).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I think maybe I should give the wiz a break and try the shami for a bit. (war I cant level too fast as I play with a friend that is a cleric and the war is the best partner for her).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Dam, I so much wanted my wizzy to be a blaze of glory type caster, not a fizzlier.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Draw4wi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Keraphin wrote:<BR> <DIV>i dont agree. if wizard dps sucks so much, why does chain nuking always, always cause the target to come off a fully taunting warrior and kick my [FaarNerfed!]? that's with a few adept I spells, and even some app Is. also, a wizards buffs are nothing to laugh at. they are a lot better then anything the scout/warrior classes have with the exception of bards. one thing i do agree with though is wizards have paper armor, no hps and two hits they die. wizards should get something like an ice shield or something.. that could absorb a certain amount or percentage or damage.. i mean cmon..</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <DIV>Actually at 43 we get an instant cast spell called Mail of Frost which is a small ward and a deaggro, the ward is only for about 500dmg tho imo altho I never tested it completly out(its not muchmore or less tho) and I dont know if I lose aggro cause of tank tauntin or the deaggro, However the spell is on a either 9 or 15min timer, cant rememebr so it does have a downside, however I still found a spot for it on my hotbar<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>