Question about Pets-- when do we get them and what do they do?

[TheMacAttack]

Sorry if this is a repeat of another question that was out there, but I searched the forum and cound not find the answer.I just dinged level 20 and got a new pet -- 'Grim Spellbinder' the zombie.  I had been using 'Summon Server' the spider and I do not understand when to use which one when.  I have seen several posts about a tank pet (I am assuming the 'Summon' line of spells since I think it was a tank <span>:smileytongue:</span> ) but could some one break down the lines/typoes of pets and when to use them (in what situations).  Also do the 'summon rats' spell, etc.  count as a pet or is it just a spell?Thanks!***********'Summon' (lvl 1) line - Tank - to be used as a tank of course... <span>:smileymad:</span>'Grim'  (lvl 20) line - ?'Shadowy' (lvl 32 ) line - ?Any others?<div></div>

[bluegod]

<blockquote><hr>cfwarde wrote:Sorry if this is a repeat of another question that was out there, but I searched the forum and cound not find the answer.I just dinged level 20 and got a new pet -- 'Grim Spellbinder' the zombie.  I had been using 'Summon Server' the spider and I do not understand when to use which one when.  I have seen several posts about a tank pet (I am assuming the 'Summon' line of spells since I think it was a tank <span>:smileytongue:</span> ) but could some one break down the lines/typoes of pets and when to use them (in what situations).  Also do the 'summon rats' spell, etc.  count as a pet or is it just a spell?Thanks!***********'Summon' (lvl 1) line - Tank - to be used as a tank of course... <span>:smileymad:</span>'Grim'  (lvl 20) line - ?'Shadowy' (lvl 32 ) line - ?Any others?<div></div><hr></blockquote>I think this is in the faq, but in a nutshell it breaks down like this: tank pet (the spider at your level) for soloing, the caster pet (which you just got) for groups when there is more than one mob in an encounter, the scout pet (which you've yet to get) for groups v single mobs. Of course, some people use the caster when soloing, or the scout... so your mileage may vary. But that's the basic breakdown of when to use what pet where. Tank pet has the most hit points, but doesn't do a lot of dps. Scout pet has good single-target dps and ok hp. Caster pet has good dps versus groups, but has the worst hp.The summon rats and gastly stench, which you'll get later, are both count as spells and not pets Anodoeledit: added info about rats<p>Message Edited by bluegod on <span class=date_text>09-10-2006</span> <span class=time_text>08:15 PM</span>

[Deila]

<P> </P> <P>Pretty good summary above. A few things to add:</P> <P>You're correct that the first two pets are tank pets, but it's best not to think of the pets by the name prefix as that changes as you go up in tiers. Think of them in terms of tank (berserker), caster (warlock) and scout (assassin) pets. In general, the tank is used when you want to use your pet defensively (holding aggro and tanking for you or your group, or for off-tanking adds, etc.), the warlock when you want to deal damage against groups, and the assassin when you're after stronger single-target damage. Many Necromancers out there have been plenty creative in using different pets in different ways though, so don't let the 'general use' descriptions there hold you back. There's a ton of flexibility in the class.</P> <P>Once you're into your 20's, the pet progression stabilizes - and each pet will upgrade every 14 levels. You got your first warlock pet at 20, you'll get your next tank pet at 24 (Undying Adherent), and your first assassin pet at 32 (Shadowy Stalker). With every upgrade, your pet will gain another CA or spell in addition to the ones previous pet versions had. Regardless of the pet name, upgraded pet spell icons will stay consistent within type - so if you're not immediately sure which pet has just been upgraded by name, take a look at the icon.</P> <P>Hope that's of some help.</P> <P> </P>

[Boran]

The Rats/Dogs/Pigs spells are classed as dumbfire pets and not "spells". We have no control over them but they are affected by AoE so therefore should be classed as pets and not DoTs.

[Deila]

<P> </P> <P>Heheh... the Pet vs. DoT question again.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>I've come to the personal decision to classify swarms and dumbfires as 'Temporary Pets'. Neither truly pet nor DoT, but a classification all their own. What pet can be 'cured'? Swarms and dumbfires can. What DoT can 'die' to AE? Again - temp pets. So, they share elements of both pet and DoT, but aren't truly either one. Rather than sweat it too much, let them be their own thing as they really seem to be, says I.</P> <P> </P>

[TheMacAttack]

<div><blockquote><hr>Deila wrote:<div></div> <p>Pretty good summary above. A few things to add:</p> <p>You're correct that the first two pets are tank pets, but it's best not to think of the pets by the name prefix as that changes as you go up in tiers. Think of them in terms of tank (berserker), caster (warlock) and scout (assassin) pets. In general, the tank is used when you want to use your pet defensively (holding aggro and tanking for you or your group, or for off-tanking adds, etc.), the warlock when you want to deal damage against groups, and the assassin when you're after stronger single-target damage. Many Necromancers out there have been plenty creative in using different pets in different ways though, so don't let the 'general use' descriptions there hold you back. There's a ton of flexibility in the class.</p> <p>Once you're into your 20's, the pet progression stabilizes - and each pet will upgrade every 14 levels. You got your first warlock pet at 20, you'll get your next tank pet at 24 (Undying Adherent), and your first assassin pet at 32 (Shadowy Stalker). With every upgrade, your pet will gain another CA or spell in addition to the ones previous pet versions had. Regardless of the pet name, upgraded pet spell icons will stay consistent within type - so if you're not immediately sure which pet has just been upgraded by name, take a look at the icon.</p> <p>Hope that's of some help.</p> <hr></blockquote>That helps a great deal and the pother posts on this site are a lot more understandable.  Thanks.  <span>:smileyvery-happy:</span></div>