More Newbie Illusionist questions. Includes Pvp questions!

[Tangogulf]

<div></div>Hi all; Not really a newbie, but rather a lowbie.  I am however, a brand new  Level 15 Illusionist on a Pvp server.  overall, I'm enjoying the CCC elements of the class.  I have some questions about the Illusionist class: <u><b>Pets:</b> </u> <ol> <li>Do our pets get taunt?</li> <li>If so, how well do these taunts work in PvP</li> <li>What are the main differences between the Apprentice, Adepts and Master pets?</li><li>Pets in PvP.  It seems to me that pet casts alot of very critical spells like paranoia.  Does this wreak havoc on the immunitiy timers?  Will a spell like paranoia still affect the power drain or does this get fried too.? </li> </ol> <u><b>Spells:</b> </u> <ol> <li>I have noticed alot of resists with spells like Trance and Paranoia.  Is this common? Can I do something to diminish the resists?</li> <li>Blink - what is the purpose of this spell.  I'm having a hard time understanding the nature of this spell. </li> </ol> <u><b>Groups: </b></u> <ol> <li>I have read a large number of posts primarily on these boards that indicate that the Illusionist class is an afterthought of SOE.  It seems to me with our ability to CC, we must have some great utility in groups especially ones that involve linked heroic mobs.  Is this true?</li> <li>Any comments on our groupability in Pvp?</li> <li>Any good Pvp stories out there?</li> </ol> Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer this post.  I realize I'm asking alot, but it appears the Illusionist is a class that perhaps requires a tad more thought to play then the average class in EQ2. <div></div><p>Message Edited by Tangogulf on <span class=date_text>05-02-2006</span> <span class=time_text>12:50 PM</span>

[Effie]

<P>I had a nice response typed up but the f'n board ate it.... and I don't have time to retype it. </P> <P>Sorry.</P>

[Barobra]

Other Illusionist's that are on the pvp will probably be able to handle this better but thought I would throw in a couple of suggestions.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Tangogulf wrote:<BR> Hi all;<BR><BR>Not really a newbie, but rather a lowbie.  I am however, a brand new  Level 15 Illusionist on a Pvp server.  overall, I'm enjoying the CCC elements of the class.  I have some questions about the Illusionist class:<BR><BR><BR><U><B>Pets:</B><BR><BR></U> <OL> <LI>Do our pets get taunt? <STRONG>No but they seem to hold agro very well due to their spells.</STRONG></LI> <LI>If so, how well do these taunts work in PvP</LI> <LI>What are the main differences between the Apprentice, Adepts and Master pets? <STRONG>Mainly the spells they cast, supposivley the spells have increased dmg output etc.</STRONG></LI> <LI>Pets in PvP.  It seems to me that pet casts alot of very critical spells like paranoia.  Does this wreak havoc on the immunitiy timers?  Will a spell like paranoia still affect the power drain or does this get fried too.? <STRONG>I have read many times that the pet is useless in pvp simply because it messes with your immunity timers. There stun may only stun them for 2 seconds while yours could work for 6 seconds.</STRONG><BR></LI></OL><BR><U><B>Spells:</B><BR><BR></U> <OL> <LI>I have noticed alot of resists with spells like Trance and Paranoia.  Is this common? Can I do something to diminish the resists? <STRONG>Lower their resist to mental with your dot.</STRONG></LI> <LI>Blink - what is the purpose of this spell.  I'm having a hard time understanding the nature of this spell. <STRONG>Basically good to confuse your opponent. In pvp it will cause them to lose you as their target (I have seen this in the arena at least).  Also it used to be a good way to get away from those pesky pets that conjurer/necros could summon on you.</STRONG><BR></LI></OL><BR><U><B>Groups:<BR><BR></B></U> <OL> <LI>I have read a large number of posts primarily on these boards that indicate that the Illusionist class is an afterthought of SOE.  It seems to me with our ability to CC, we must have some great utility in groups especially ones that involve linked heroic mobs.  Is this true? <STRONG>This is an on going debate and let me tell you its a tough one. I personally love mez and think we have really good potential if used properly in most heroic situations (you probably wont be running into the dreaded t7 immunites to mez/stun for a while).  If used properly we can save a group and remove the need for a second healer. In pvp we our really good in groups cause we are the ones that are "[Removed for Content]" people off by mezzing/stunning/rooting.</STRONG></LI> <LI>Any comments on our groupability in Pvp? <STRONG>I hear we are some of the best but you should let an Illusionist from a pvp server answer this.</STRONG></LI> <LI>Any good Pvp stories out there?</LI></OL><BR>Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer this post.  I realize I'm asking alot, but it appears the Illusionist is a class that perhaps requires a tad more thought to play then the average class in EQ2.<BR><BR><BR><BR> <P>Message Edited by Tangogulf on <SPAN class=date_text>05-02-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>12:50 PM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>

[Tangogulf]

Thanks for the replies.  Effie, I feel your pain.  I have lost many a response myself. Also an apology, I have checked through the boards and see that some of my questions have been answered, albeit the answers are scattered.  In my enthusiasm to learn....well you get the picture. I have to agree with some posters on this board that the class needs work...esp in Pvp.  I really count on my pet in Pve, but the thought that it casts CC spells before I can really messes things up.  If our stuns and mezzes are being affected, and it appears to me that CC is our only real defence in Pvp, then perhaps a taunt with the pet would be a good thing. Having said that, I have come across a coercer in Pvp and I must say, it is best described as a "confounding experience".  I could do nothing against the guy. <div></div>

[Colesonbob]

<u><b>Pets: Here are some answers from a 66 illusionist on a pvp server. </b> </u> <ol> <li>Do our pets get taunt? <b>No, but in soloing, they rarely lose aggro.  Even if they do, u can just root or stun it before it gets to you.</b> </li><li>If so, how well do these taunts work in PvP  </li><li>What are the main differences between the Apprentice, Adepts and Master pets?  <b>Spells land more I believe.</b> </li><li>Pets in PvP.  It seems to me that pet casts alot of very critical spells like paranoia.  Does this wreak havoc on the immunitiy timers?  Will a spell like paranoia still affect the power drain or does this get fried too.?  <b>In PVP, my pet dosn't really screw up the immunities too much.  I think they don't actually affect them.  In pvp, After i have rooted someone and it has worn off, my pet will root the guy and it will still affect him.</b></li> </ol> <u><b>Spells:</b> </u> <ol> <li>I have noticed alot of resists with spells like Trance and Paranoia.  Is this common? Can I do something to diminish the resists?<b> If your spells are App 1, you need to upgrade them to masters or adepts for less resists. </b></li><li>Blink - what is the purpose of this spell.  I'm having a hard time understanding the nature of this spell. <b>In pvp, it causes people around oyu to lose you as their target, which causes some confusion in pvp and keeps you alive longer.  In PVE, if you are to gain aggro off a mob, cast this and if the pet doesn't have too much aggro on you it will go to whoever has the most hate.</b></li> </ol> <u><b>Groups: </b></u> <ol> <li>I have read a large number of posts primarily on these boards that indicate that the Illusionist class is an afterthought of SOE.  It seems to me with our ability to CC, we must have some great utility in groups especially ones that involve linked heroic mobs.  Is this true?  <b>I would have to say HELL YES we are good in groups.  Our haste buffs, int buffs, dmg procs and most of all our power regen and CC are essential in most groups.  IMO, no group is complete without an Illusionist.  A lot of times I am in vent or TS listening to a group i'm not in, and I am hearing of many people dying due to adds, or just too many mobs in one pull.</b> </li><li>Any comments on our groupability in Pvp?  <b>In PVP we are awesome.  If you know who the healer is, you can keep them stunned/stifled/mezzed the whole fight preventing the other group from staying alive.  Also the group stuns/mezz are very helpful, but must be used wisely because of the stun immunities given to all of them when the affect wears off.</b> </li><li>Any good Pvp stories out there?  <b>I got a few.  Just recently, I was fighting a friend of mine in the arena.  He is 67 and I am 66, and I won with an 8 to 5 kill victory.  3 of those kills were so close, that I had gone unconsious and my pet finished him off.  Also, in TT, </b></li> </ol> Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer this post.  I realize I'm asking alot, but it appears the Illusionist is a class that perhaps requires a tad more thought to play then the average class in EQ2.<b>I would agree with you there.  Depending on how someone plays an illusionist, they can either be an uber killing machine, or a crappy buff bot. </b><div></div>

[Rayvne2]

<FONT color=#ff3300><STRONG>Some more comments on PvP by a 61 Illusionist</STRONG></FONT><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Colesonbob wrote:<BR><U><B>Pets:<BR><BR>Here are some answers from a 66 illusionist on a pvp server.<BR></B><BR></U> <OL> <LI>Do our pets get taunt? <STRONG>No, but in soloing, they rarely lose aggro.  Even if they do, u can just root or stun it before it gets to you. </STRONG><FONT color=#ff3300>I read in a post on another thread that the Illusionist pet force people to change targets like a taunt.  Not confirmed though<BR></FONT></LI> <LI>If so, how well do these taunts work in PvP <BR></LI> <LI>What are the main differences between the Apprentice, Adepts and Master pets?  <STRONG>Spells land more I believe.</STRONG>  <FONT color=#ff3300>Spells don't get resisted as much and way more survivability. <BR></FONT></LI> <LI>Pets in PvP.  It seems to me that pet casts alot of very critical spells like paranoia.  Does this wreak havoc on the immunitiy timers?  Will a spell like paranoia still affect the power drain or does this get fried too.?  <STRONG>In PVP, my pet dosn't really screw up the immunities too much.  I think they don't actually affect them.  In pvp, After i have rooted someone and it has worn off, my pet will root the guy and it will still affect him.</STRONG>  <FONT color=#ff3300>I need to test this more.  I think I noticed the same the other night but am always worried about the immunity timer so usually only send him in after I do the initial stun stifle.  I do know that people hate having the illusionist pet sent in on them.  If you leave it up on defend you when you are ganked by a scout it will often cast it's CC spells on the ganker and give you a few seconds to recover from the initial scout CA hits.  Careful though because it will also take away your zoning immunity timer if you are attacked and choose to run.</FONT></LI></OL><U><STRONG>Spells:</STRONG><BR><BR></U> <OL> <LI>I have noticed alot of resists with spells like Trance and Paranoia.  Is this common? Can I do something to diminish the resists?<STRONG> If your spells are App 1, you need to upgrade them to masters or adepts for less resists.</STRONG>  <FONT color=#ff3300>Even at low levels have App4 spells as minimum, App1 and 2 don't cut it in PvP.<BR></FONT></LI> <LI>Blink - what is the purpose of this spell.  I'm having a hard time understanding the nature of this spell. <B>In pvp, it causes people around oyu to lose you as their target, which causes some confusion in pvp and keeps you alive longer.  In PVE, if you are to gain aggro off a mob, cast this and if the pet doesn't have too much aggro on you it will go to whoever has the most hate.</B></LI></OL><U><B>Groups:<BR><BR></B></U> <OL> <LI>I have read a large number of posts primarily on these boards that indicate that the Illusionist class is an afterthought of SOE.  It seems to me with our ability to CC, we must have some great utility in groups especially ones that involve linked heroic mobs.  Is this true?  <STRONG>I would have to say HELL YES we are good in groups.  Our haste buffs, int buffs, dmg procs and most of all our power regen and CC are essential in most groups.  IMO, no group is complete without an Illusionist.  A lot of times I am in vent or TS listening to a group i'm not in, and I am hearing of many people dying due to adds, or just too many mobs in one pull.  </STRONG><FONT color=#ff3300>Groups can move into higher level PvE content with you in the group.  You can often trivialize named encounters by mezzing the named while the adds are killed, then they can kill the named.  If the content is difficult you can concentrate on mezzing and stuns to help the healer out as necessary.  If it isn't necessary just dps.  Level 50+ you start doing decent aoe damage and I try my damndest not to mezz encounters if possible.</FONT><BR></LI> <LI>Any comments on our groupability in Pvp?  <STRONG>In PVP we are awesome.  If you know who the healer is, you can keep them stunned/stifled/mezzed the whole fight preventing the other group from staying alive.  Also the group stuns/mezz are very helpful, but must be used wisely because of the stun immunities given to all of them when the affect wears off.  </STRONG><FONT color=#ff3300>In full PvP groups we are really effective.  As Colesonbob said you can concentrate on the healer and keep them stuned and stifled.  After level 50 you can also spam color shower, psycotic spectrum, and the group stun.  Those 3 spells combined really mess up the enemy since they stifle, interupt, stun, and cause decent damage.  Before level 50 I would still spam the group dot and the group stun for interupts and stuns.  I routinely group with 1 tank, one healer, me, and 3 wizards.  Normally we will drop a entire group (even yellow con) we encounter before they even really start hurting us.  The three Illusionist group aoe's that I cast confuse the group long enough for the wizards to pick them off one by one with ice comets.  I never cast group mezz on them unless we are currently enaged in a PvE fight when attacked because it really destroys the stun timers.</FONT><BR></LI> <LI>Any good Pvp stories out there?  <B>I got a few.  Just recently, I was fighting a friend of mine in the arena.  He is 67 and I am 66, and I won with an 8 to 5 kill victory.  3 of those kills were so close, that I had gone unconsious and my pet finished him off.  Also, in TT,<BR></B></LI></OL>Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer this post.  I realize I'm asking alot, but it appears the Illusionist is a class that perhaps requires a tad more thought to play then the average class in EQ2.<B>I would agree with you there.  Depending on how someone plays an illusionist, they can either be an uber killing machine, or a crappy buff bot.<BR></B> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><FONT color=#ff6600>Basically a illusionist is really good at group PvP but it takes a little getting used to since there are a lot of different decisions to make on the spell lines and tactics.  aoe, or concentrate on the healer, etc....  The immunity timers make our choice in spells difficult since nearly everything we cast has a negative timer result.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#ff6600>Basic advice.  Upgrade your spells, concentrate a little heavier on stats other than INT than you would on a PvE server, and choose gear with resists.  It is better to level a little bit slower and make sure that you have decent gear and spell upgrades as you go up through the tiers.  You can get away with leveling up through the early tiers with bad gear on PvE servers, you can't on PvP servers.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#ff6600>Lol, one final peice of advice.  Do the Harclaves quest in splitpaw whenever possible.  It will keep you defense skills maxed.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#ff6600>Dozey</FONT></P>

[Tangogulf]

My thanks to the two upper level Illusionists for posting their replies.  Funny, overnight I was thinking about this post.  I had decided to create a "I'm disappointed" post only to wake up and find these replies. I'm very encouraged to read about both your opinions on the pet.  Even at 15, I strongly rely on the pet to create a buffer between myself and the Pve mob.  I was less satisfied with the idea of an incompetent pet in pvp.  I'm quite encouraged to hear that they dont seem to affect the immunity timers and are useful in Pvp. Am currently working on upgrading my spells to App !V. I created a scholar as a crafter so the spells come easy.  Masters, Adept 1 and Adept 3 are all very lean on the server right now.  Rough Coral and Jasper are selling for out of this world prices so it will be a while before I either harvest/purchase one. any other tips out there? Really appreciate the feedback.  Thanks <div></div>

[Melmoth1820]

<DIV>I.  The pet blows our immunity timers and it's occaisionally severely problematic in solo/duo/sometimes trio pvp.  You can't solo effectively without a pet though, and I don't <EM>think</EM> that will change at 70.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>While it's annoying if the pet is wasting it's time casting junk the pc is immune to, It's only a major pita when it mezzes something, because if you have a pet sicced on something for extra dps, chances are the last thing you wanted was to mez it and give the target a really long stun immunity.  If you can avoid that, it's not so bad.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In group it's not as big a deal because I don't use my pet in the same way.  I sic it on an umezzed caster or healer (which means already mez/stun immune because if I saw someone spamming heals or w/e, I'd just put him to sleep and leave him alone till he wakes up)  to partially keep him locked down while I go deal with other people/problems.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The main problem in group is not being able to have your pet and all group buffs up.  I do very much prefer having my pet up to not having it though for the potential 0-to-1-player trade.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>II.  Blink is a pb aoe hate debuff that ports you to a random loc inside the pb aoe radius.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In pve, if you steal aggro from your pet or the tank, and nothing out-of-encounter is in the pb aoe radius, you can blink, lose some hate, and usually the pet/tank can regain aggro easily.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In pvp it causes a player to lose you as a target.  Since they can just hit "last target" or reclick you (sometimes easier to do than at other times tho) by itself it's not particularly useful unless the person is a bit slow and doesn't realize they've lost you as a target.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Used in combination with another spell,  it can be helpful in a pinch.  The .5s cast time is not too hard to squeeze through the wall of stun/interrupt/knockdown that a mez-immune brigand or bruiser will nail you with.  It should take about a second for them to start playing soccer with you again, which is enough time to follow blink with a root (that stifles them so they can't nail you with CAs that stun and will keep you from running oor), and regain your distance.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>III.  I've found mez/cc to be useful in day-to-day pve on pvp servers.  I hope to not bother with raiding at 60-70, and that pvp gear will be sufficient.  (I may just be naive tho!)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> Firstly, you often get jumped in the middle of pve encounters.  Mobs will need to get cced down so that you can focus on the players and not die.  If you have an illusionist, getting jumped in the middle of a pull isn't hat big a deal if everyone is awake and drops what they're doing on the mobs.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Secondly, so far only 25% of my pve on the pvp server has been fg type (hopefully our two friends catch up this week and other gets her computer repaired quickly).  There is a severe overabundance of scouts and a lack of plate tanks and warlocks for aoe, and of course less healers except for furies.  Sometimes, the 3-4 person groups you can form, works better than the fg you would have fleshed out due to what classes are available at the time...maybe I'm wrong, but I imagine on the pve servers there is more of a pool of solid pve support classes available.  Perhaps this will be less of a problem 50+, I don't know.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I've found that mixing ccs and aoe can work okay in eq2 pve, which is wierd/foreign to me, but fun--there's much less penalty for re-CCing the same mobs than in DAoC, and spells are on RUTs.  I xped last night with wizard/fury guildees last night for example.   Fury would master II aoe nuke for heavy dmg, wizard would pb aoe, I would aoe stun. Then while the 15s RUT on the Fury's aoe nuke was working down, I mezzed and wizard/fury single target assisted my pet and healed it.  When the big aoe was up again, we repeated aoe volleys and re-CCed, killing the mobs singley in-between timers.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>There's a few relatively small things (directly to our class and indirectly to the game overall) I wish they would alter for our sake<EM>, </EM>but over I'm enjoying the class very much, and feel that it's a reasonably powerful and necessary/mandatory class for a pvp group.  As I grind towards 40 I'm happy, looking foward to high level a lot.   I hear mages damage gets to suck at 70 because people have 6-7k resists, but since I don't really do damage anyways, I'm not overly worried.</DIV><p>Message Edited by Melmoth1820 on <span class=date_text>05-04-2006</span> <span class=time_text>08:43 AM</span>