My experiences so far as a 57 Warden on the Beta server

[Ravenmi]

<DIV>So level 57 now on Beta..  I'm posting this from work so sorry, no screenshots of spells, I'll try to remember to do that when I'm home but I never think to look at boards when I can actually play. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Also I'm still wearing my tier 5 armor...  so keep that in mind.  I haven't gotten anything better so far (my bad luck I suppose) then the rare/treasured armor i have in all my slots from t5.  (but keep in mind, lot of loot has been broken til recently and I haven't been able to do any real raiding so far, oh yeah, and my luck sucks when it comes to randoms, heh)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>At level 57, I have 3 Nukes, 2 Dots, 5 Regens, and 3 Heals on separate timers, not counting anything thats gray.  (hope I got that all right, just going from memory and counting on my fingers type stuff. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> )</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Solo, we're [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot] good still.  Have been since 50.  Any warden thats getting thier butt kicked soloing just hasn't figured out how to make good use of thier spells yet.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In a small group, we make a  good team member with solid healing ability, decent dps now (well sorta), and umm, well our buffs are sorta lame, but they aren't useless by any means.  (definately our weakest point imo right now tho)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In a full group, still good to have around, can keep up with the healing on most difficult encounters with fairly little trouble.  (agro can be difficult to mange however depending on who your tank is, but thats more due to mobs chain stunning/stifling the tanks then anything else)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In all its a little bit more work but I can still do the job as well as the next guy imo in most situations.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Now here is where we start to fall short, any situation where there is multiple high volumes of damage coming in.  Our regens fall Far short of reactives or wards.  They simply don't keep up with the higher influx of damage as well.  (the Devs don't seem to understand this either and base thier play tests off single strong opponents.. argh)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm assuming raiding situations will be similar, but we'll still be a strongly desired class imo if for nothing else then our new best friend.. The Tree. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  It is without a doubt my favorite spell right now, the Tree kicks [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot], lol.  We may not be able to heal as fast as a Templar or others (in some cases, but in most we're just as good)  but we're no slouches. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>(it does suck being more towards the back of the pecking order for healers opposed to the top tho. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  )  But the difference is so small now between them all I can't see most noticing.  Actually if you really want to get into it, Templars aren't as good as Mystics..  doubt that means people will skip the Templars tho.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Let me try my best to describe the spells I'm using right now.  I appologize for not having exact numbers, i'll work on that I promise!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hoar Frost (think thats how ya spell it) a Nuke that does roughly 500-600 dmg and double that against anything of elemental nature.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Sylvan Streams - upgrade to Sylvan Waters, heals for 600ish at adept 1. (i think, its about 200 more then Sylvan Waters heals for at adept3.)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Upgrade to chloroplast (forgot name, argh) heals for about 195ish a tick at adept 1.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Upgrade to chlorostorm (heals for about 140ish a tick at adept 1)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Still have our tier 5 DD, doesn't share timer with Hoar Frost so you can cycle between the two.  (Yay)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Upgrade to our DoT, does 200ish a tick i think..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Our Friend, da Tree <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Heals everyone around it for about 130 a tick (at app1) (can't find this [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot] spell higher then app1 so far, which sucks because I personally feel its the best [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot] spell i have.. Even at app1 ! )  The ticks are fast, seems like once a second but maybe slightly slower.  And it lasts for a minute and doesn't seem to cause much or any agro.  This spell plain rocks..  (hugs da tree)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Yeah, you'll all be huggin yer tree too so don look at me like that. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Our pack of wolves DoT (the only other spell I sitll have at app1) and probably one of my favorite spells still)  The dogs do some damage, at app 1, depending on your target they range anywhere from 30ish dmg a hit to 80 dmg a hit.  Theres 4 dogs hitting at about once a second. (maybe slightly less)  They add up fast, I want an adept3 of this spell sooo bad. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Them and my durn Tree.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Got an upgrade to our dmg shield... umm..  only one upgrade to a buff so far.. (yeah i know.. i'm worried too, and its not even a good one. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />)  Oh, but I guess I should count the upgrades to our breath water (YES, ANOTHER /cries)  and an upgrade to our Instinct line. (raises skills by 21 at adept1)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Upgrade to our group heal also, forget the numbers on it, its pretty decent tho.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I know i'm forgetting stuff, but I'll try and remember later.  I'm so bad at remembering to do this stuff once I get home tho. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

[Ravenmi]

Hope some of this helps.. and if you have any questions feel free to ask and i'll try to answer.

[Aladiah]

<P>Thanks for theses informations !</P> <P>I have a few questions:</P> <P>Do you still use Duststorm ? In what situations ?</P> <P>Wich spells would make us still be wanted in raids ? (except the Tree wich will be our best spell in raid if it is really a zone heal)</P> <P>Is there enough people to raid on the beta server ?</P> <P>How many wardens can you see on the beta server  ? </P> <P>Have you ever group with a fury or discuss with a fury about the changes of our classes ?</P> <P> </P> <P>In advance thank you very much for your answers.</P> <P> </P>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Aladiah wrote:<BR> <P>Thanks for theses informations !</P> <P>I have a few questions:</P> <P>Do you still use Duststorm ? In what situations ?</P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>Pretty much.. No.  In its current form its not very helpful.</FONT></P> <P>Wich spells would make us still be wanted in raids ? (except the Tree wich will be our best spell in raid if it is really a zone heal)</P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>Some good healing output still when all is said and done, good elemental resist buffs and good buffing of magic resist in general.  And of course our tree that kicks major butt.  To be honest tho I haven't had a chance to really test what spells work the best or are worth using in a real raid type situation.</FONT></P> <P>Is there enough people to raid on the beta server ?</P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>Yes, but pretty much only if you belong to one of the Uber Guilds that got a Guild wide transfer to the Beta server (like FoH)  I haven't had much luck myself so far.</FONT></P> <P>How many wardens can you see on the beta server?</P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>A few.. we're not running all over the place but there's a few of us.  Enough that more should be posting but if they are at least giving /feedback we should be getting our issues across hopefully.</FONT></P> <P>Have you ever group with a fury or discuss with a fury about the changes of our classes ?</P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>Just once, thier situation is pretty similar to ours.. they are jealous of the Tree, but they got some stuff I wish I had too.  Heh</FONT></P> <P>In advance thank you very much for your answers.</P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>Remembered another spell I forgot (yeah and i'm sure theres more I forgot too)</P> <P>We get another upgrade to our "Save on Death" line.  this one scales up to the point where you pretty much never have to worry about that person dying.  I used it 3 times yesterday and 3 times the person was saved.  (Yeah I know, we where over our heads a little testing out a new zone.. but hey.. nobody actually died died. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />)<BR></P> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>(remembers someone saying how useless that spell is. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  )</DIV><p>Message Edited by Ravenmist on <span class=date_text>08-24-2005</span> <span class=time_text>08:23 AM</span>

[Zel]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Ravenmist wrote:<BR> <DIV>So level 57 now on Beta..  I'm posting this from work so sorry, no screenshots of spells, I'll try to remember to do that when I'm home but I never think to look at boards when I can actually play. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Also I'm still wearing my tier 5 armor...  so keep that in mind.  I haven't gotten anything better so far (my bad luck I suppose) then the rare/treasured armor i have in all my slots from t5.  (but keep in mind, lot of loot has been broken til recently and I haven't been able to do any real raiding so far, oh yeah, and my luck sucks when it comes to randoms, heh)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>At level 57, I have 3 Nukes, 2 Dots, 5 Regens, and 3 Heals on separate timers, not counting anything thats gray.  (hope I got that all right, just going from memory and counting on my fingers type stuff. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> )</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Solo, we're [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot] good still.  Have been since 50.  Any warden thats getting thier butt kicked soloing just hasn't figured out how to make good use of thier spells yet.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In a small group, we make a  good team member with solid healing ability, decent dps now (well sorta), and umm, well our buffs are sorta lame, but they aren't useless by any means.  (definately our weakest point imo right now tho)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In a full group, still good to have around, can keep up with the healing on most difficult encounters with fairly little trouble.  (agro can be difficult to mange however depending on who your tank is, but thats more due to mobs chain stunning/stifling the tanks then anything else)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In all its a little bit more work but I can still do the job as well as the next guy imo in most situations.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Now here is where we start to fall short, any situation where there is multiple high volumes of damage coming in.  Our regens fall Far short of reactives or wards.  They simply don't keep up with the higher influx of damage as well.  (the Devs don't seem to understand this either and base thier play tests off single strong opponents.. argh)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm assuming raiding situations will be similar, but we'll still be a strongly desired class imo if for nothing else then our new best friend.. The Tree. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  It is without a doubt my favorite spell right now, the Tree kicks [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot], lol.  We may not be able to heal as fast as a Templar or others (in some cases, but in most we're just as good)  but we're no slouches. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>(it does suck being more towards the back of the pecking order for healers opposed to the top tho. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  )  But the difference is so small now between them all I can't see most noticing.  Actually if you really want to get into it, Templars aren't as good as Mystics..  doubt that means people will skip the Templars tho.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Let me try my best to describe the spells I'm using right now.  I appologize for not having exact numbers, i'll work on that I promise!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hoar Frost (think thats how ya spell it) a Nuke that does roughly 500-600 dmg and double that against anything of elemental nature.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Sylvan Streams - upgrade to Sylvan Waters, heals for 600ish at adept 1. (i think, its about 200 more then Sylvan Waters heals for at adept3.)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Upgrade to chloroplast (forgot name, argh) heals for about 195ish a tick at adept 1.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Upgrade to chlorostorm (heals for about 140ish a tick at adept 1)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Still have our tier 5 DD, doesn't share timer with Hoar Frost so you can cycle between the two.  (Yay)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Upgrade to our DoT, does 200ish a tick i think..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Our Friend, da Tree <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Heals everyone around it for about 130 a tick (at app1) (can't find this [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot] spell higher then app1 so far, which sucks because I personally feel its the best [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot] spell i have.. Even at app1 ! )  The ticks are fast, seems like once a second but maybe slightly slower.  And it lasts for a minute and doesn't seem to cause much or any agro.  This spell plain rocks..  (hugs da tree)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Yeah, you'll all be huggin yer tree too so don look at me like that. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Our pack of wolves DoT (the only other spell I sitll have at app1) and probably one of my favorite spells still)  The dogs do some damage, at app 1, depending on your target they range anywhere from 30ish dmg a hit to 80 dmg a hit.  Theres 4 dogs hitting at about once a second. (maybe slightly less)  They add up fast, I want an adept3 of this spell sooo bad. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Them and my durn Tree.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Got an upgrade to our dmg shield... umm..  only one upgrade to a buff so far.. (yeah i know.. i'm worried too, and its not even a good one. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />)  Oh, but I guess I should count the upgrades to our breath water (YES, ANOTHER /cries)  and an upgrade to our Instinct line. (raises skills by 21 at adept1)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Upgrade to our group heal also, forget the numbers on it, its pretty decent tho.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I know i'm forgetting stuff, but I'll try and remember later.  I'm so bad at remembering to do this stuff once I get home tho. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <DIV>Thx Ravenmist )</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hmm... Nobody tested Protecting grove in a Raid configuration ? It is intented to be a Raid heal over time or just a simple group hot ? hmm It's certainly a spell lv 60 for warden (after beta) imo so a Raid Hot seems normal. No ?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Buffs : Do you think ours Wis buffs (100+) improve greatly resists btw ? 1int = +2 damage... 1 wis = +2 resistance on all resists ?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Damages :</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>3 Nukes, 2 Dots, 5 Regens, and 3 Heals on separate timers</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>I'm talking in T5 for simplify :</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>3 Nukes : Cold DD, Cold DD + DD Elemental, Cold AE.</DIV> <DIV>2 Dots : Cold Dot and a Stinging Swarn upgrade.</DIV> <DIV>5 Regen : Chloroplaste, Hiero Gene, Protecting Grove, Chlorostorm and ?</DIV> <DIV>3 Heal : Sylvan water, Verdant Rapture, Group Instant Heal</DIV><p>Message Edited by Zelya on <span class=date_text>08-24-2005</span> <span class=time_text>05:41 PM</span>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Zelya wrote:<BR><BR> <DIV>Thx Ravenmist )</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hmm... Nobody tested Protecting grove in a Raid configuration ? It is intented to be a Raid heal over time or just a simple group hot ? hmm It's certainly a spell lv 60 for warden (after beta) imo so a Raid Hot seems normal. No ?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#ffff00>Where did you hear its a level 60 spell after Beta?  I haven't seen anything about that for sure.  But yeah, it seems to heal Everyone around it.  (was even healing the mobs at one point. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  But that seems to be fixed now.&nbsp<img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  In theory someone random could run up under your tree during a fight and get benefit from it.. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#ffff00></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#ffff00>No locking anymore also means mobs AoE's and such will nail you if your in range, even if your not in the group etc.. so I guess the way the Tree works now makes sense as well.  Who is or isn't in your group only seems to determine xp rewards and group specific spells now.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Buffs : Do you think ours Wis buffs (100+) improve greatly resists btw ? 1int = +2 damage... 1 wis = +2 resistance on all resists ?</DIV> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>It helps, not sure I'd say Greatly.. I think the ratio is higher for resist per wis then damage per int tho.  I'll have to run the numbers and see exactly.  Should have done that already.</FONT><BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Zelya wrote:<BR> <BR><BR> <DIV>Thx Ravenmist )</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Damages :</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>3 Nukes, 2 Dots, 5 Regens, and 3 Heals on separate timers</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>I'm talking in T5 for simplify :</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>3 Nukes : Cold DD, Cold DD + DD Elemental, Cold AE.</DIV> <DIV>2 Dots : Cold Dot and a Stinging Swarn upgrade.</DIV> <DIV>5 Regen : Chloroplaste, Hiero Gene, Protecting Grove, Chlorostorm and ?</DIV> <DIV>3 Heal : Sylvan water, Verdant Rapture, Group Instant Heal</DIV> <P>Message Edited by Zelya on <SPAN class=date_text>08-24-2005</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>05:41 PM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>Note that I said I was listing spells are not gray, stinging swarm is gray.  The Dots are the Cold DoT and the Wolf Pack.  Could still cast stinging swarm if you want tho.  <BR> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Gotta run, will try and finish answering stuff when I get back.</DIV>

[Zel]

<HR> <FONT color=#ffff00>In theory someone random could run up under your tree during a fight and get benefit from it.. </FONT> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>Amazing if its true in Live :smileysurprised: :smileysurprised: :smileywink:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>THE spell : <EM><FONT color=#33cc33>Protecting Grove</FONT>, <FONT size=1>trademark Warden (C)</FONT></EM> :smileyvery-happy:</DIV><p>Message Edited by Zelya on <span class=date_text>08-24-2005</span> <span class=time_text>06:16 PM</span>

[Knarfst]

<DIV>Is the experience gain increased in beta?  How long do you think it will take an average player to get from 50 to 60?  One that has a job and doesnt play 24x7.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks</DIV>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Knarfster wrote:<BR> <DIV>Is the experience gain increased in beta?  How long do you think it will take an average player to get from 50 to 60?  One that has a job and doesnt play 24x7.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>There is an increase on Beta so I really can't say, I can say 50-51 flew by (could do it in one night probably on beta) and i expect it will go fairly quickly for all on live, probably faster then 49-50 went, slows down tho atfter that even with the gain, 57 is at a crawl even with the bonus..  soloing a small group encounter barely makes my xp bar flinch.<BR> <p>Message Edited by Ravenmist on <span class=date_text>08-24-2005</span> <span class=time_text>12:05 PM</span>

[3cho]

<DIV>This is very encouraging.  Thanks so much for posting.  I've been playing a toon on test for the past couple of weeks, and I've been worried about high things get at the higher levels.  It's good to see that we still have a lot of stackable regens and what not.  At 20, not a whole let stacks (cause you haven't gotten a whole lot to stack yet) <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

[Gladen Stormcall]

<P>Thanks alot for all that awesome info Ravenmist!</P> <P> </P> <P>This really gives me - and other Wardens, I bet - a good idea about the game post lvl 50 <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P> </P> <P>And I must say, that I'm looking forward to DoF, even more so after reading your post <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[Rykairn]

<DIV>First Ravenmist, thank you so much for taking the time to post this.  I only have one question:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>It comes off that wardens have been moved way down in the pecking order of heal ability (maybe to the last spot even) albeit the differences may not be too great.  What I've read thus far from beta wardens is that they love their tree and wolves.  That's great and all and I also look forward to these cool spells, but what has been done to supplement the losses to healing etc for those who aren't 50 yet?  It appears, for example, that furies get a 1k DD spell around level 38 which adds to the offensive nature of their druid abilities.  Do wardens have a certain "flavor" of spells that are new to add to our losses?  What are the new spell pre-50?  While my warden is my main, I'm only 36 at the moment.  I don't want to keep investing more time into him if I it turns out there are much better advantages healing + "flavor' wise in another priest class. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>thanks again for you insights---</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Croa]

<P>I think the Fury's huge DD spell is misleading, because from what I read a Warden's 500damage spell can be cast three times during the same time period. I guess it would mean that Fury's are more capable doing damage and healing at the same time.</P> <P>Anyway.. thanks for finally some actual beta playtime comments. It sounds like my enjoyment of the class won't change much and actually I'm anxious to try out the doggies. I hope all of those spells don't get bumped up to lvl51-60 when the changes go live.   Doesn't "The Tree" cause vision issues in the middle of combat. Or is the range of effect big enough to allow it to be placed further away than the tank's back pocket?</P> <P>How long does power last in a battle compared to live servers? From what little I've played on test, it seems to last a lot longer. On Live,  Warden DPS seems to be quite power efficient especially if doing solo HOs. I hope it's still similar on test and beta.</P>

[Rykairn]

<DIV>Thanks for the reply Croake (though it wasn't the point of my post) but are you saying its misleading in that it isn't in fact a good example of how the fury is a more offensive druid class?  I thought it was beefed up and reflected that exact purpose (at least that seems to be the consensus on the fury boards).  What warden spell are you comparing it to?  Frostbite?  It's listed (at least where I can find it) at 15secs on live (dunno the damage since I'm not able to use it yet).  I haven't seen a post of it from Beta, so I dunno if it has been shortened to 5secs or really does 500dmg.  <EM><STRONG>This is exactly the type of info I requested though and was the original point of the post....</STRONG></EM></DIV> <DIV><STRONG><EM></EM></STRONG> </DIV> <DIV>So I still ask, what is the unique flavor supposed to be with wardens after the revamp?  And, would anyone be able to post the major spell changes pre-50 please that would help us that aren't 50 understand some of the upcoming changes <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>thanks---</DIV>

[Travdawg]

Thank you so much Ravenmist, this is just the kind of thing I needed to see after sony changed us around so much.  Would you be able to post screenshots of the new lvl 51-57 spells?  Or perhaps e-mail them to me, and I'd be glad to post them.  Thanks again! <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/teaerwen/legacysig.gif"> <div></div>

[Sorano]

Thanks Ravemnist for posting. Just a question though. While doing those tests, did you have your tree out? What happens if the tree is indeed a level 60 spell. Will wardens still be able to cope with group healing all the way to level 60 without it?

[Lopan13]

Dat nice, tankies fer da werk joo doin. Me'z only qwestshun be, does joo tink dis gunna be as bad as all da folks keep sayin? Me'z been luukin ta fat halfie side o tings... but afta drudgin tru da boards 'ere me'z startin ta feel like da bonez be picked clean. <div></div>

[EQWaimz]

<div></div>Thanks allot Ravenmist! After reading your post, I'm pretty excited about DoF and looking forward to exping again. It does look like we wont be at the top of the ladder as far as healers go, But that truly wasnt my intention when i created a Druid on November 9th. It will just take some getting used to seeing as how I've been at the top of the ladder for healers since the game was released. Im curious though, the Tree spell, What is the name of it and what lvl did you get it on Beta? Is it an actual tree that sprouts out of the ground? Does it move with you or stay stationary? And how big is it?  (Lol sorry, This just sounds like a really cool Druid-like spell.) It sounds like that spell will be one of the outstanding points of a Warden post DoF release, and it sounds amazing! (= Also curious about the wolves. What lvl do you get this spell? Are they pets that come out to fight full time or is it just a spell you cast and it last about a minute or so? And if it's a spell, what is the recast on it? I dont even need like.. exsact numbers just like.. 10 seconds or 10 minutes. <div></div><p>Message Edited by EQWaimzey on <span class=date_text>08-25-2005</span> <span class=time_text>12:50 AM</span>

[Ravenmi]

Lot of posts and questions to answer so I'll try and get started, will go through them 1 by 1, heh, so sorry for the spam. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Rykairn wrote:<BR> <DIV>First Ravenmist, thank you so much for taking the time to post this.  I only have one question:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>It comes off that wardens have been moved way down in the pecking order of heal ability (maybe to the last spot even) albeit the differences may not be too great.  What I've read thus far from beta wardens is that they love their tree and wolves.  That's great and all and I also look forward to these cool spells, but what has been done to supplement the losses to healing etc for those who aren't 50 yet?  It appears, for example, that furies get a 1k DD spell around level 38 which adds to the offensive nature of their druid abilities.  Do wardens have a certain "flavor" of spells that are new to add to our losses?  What are the new spell pre-50?  While my warden is my main, I'm only 36 at the moment.  I don't want to keep investing more time into him if I it turns out there are much better advantages healing + "flavor' wise in another priest class. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>thanks again for you insights---</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>To be honest I haven't even taken a glance at my pre 40ish spells.  My experiences really only start at 50 and go from there. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Maybe a lower level Warden on beta would be nice enough to post thier experiences so far.<BR>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Croake wrote:<BR> <P>Doesn't "The Tree" cause vision issues in the middle of combat. Or is the range of effect big enough to allow it to be placed further away than the tank's back pocket?</P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>The tree isn't that big and it does have a pretty darn nice range of effect.  You don't have to stand all that close to it.  I usually cast it, run up a few steps and pull what I'm after, or in a group situation run a bit off to the side, cast it and go back.  But even right next to me it doesn't bother me much.</FONT></P> <P>How long does power last in a battle compared to live servers? From what little I've played on test, it seems to last a lot longer. On Live,  Warden DPS seems to be quite power efficient especially if doing solo HOs. I hope it's still similar on test and beta.</P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>Our dps is much more power effecient now.  My power pool (tho significantly smaller now) can last a pretty long time.</FONT></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Sorano wrote:<BR>Thanks Ravemnist for posting. Just a question though. While doing those tests, did you have your tree out? What happens if the tree is indeed a level 60 spell. Will wardens still be able to cope with group healing all the way to level 60 without it? <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>If my tree got moved from 50 to 60 (and i'm still not sure where that person heard that)  I would cry.. and cry some more.  And yeah, it would hurt us to loose it, but if ours gets moved to 60 that means the others loose a really nice healing ability too and we're all worse off but still pretty even, heh.<BR>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Lopan13 wrote:<BR>Dat nice, tankies fer da werk joo doin.<BR><BR>Me'z only qwestshun be, does joo tink dis gunna be as bad as all da folks keep sayin?<BR><BR>Me'z been luukin ta fat halfie side o tings... but afta drudgin tru da boards 'ere me'z startin ta feel like da bonez be picked clean.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>What about halfies tasting gud? <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  </P> <P>Seriously tho, I don't think its that bad.  We need some work, mostly in the buff department, but after that and some few general fixes that have things screwed up for most people on beta right now, I think we'll be okay.  Maybe not the top of the food chain anymore, but other people would need a telescope to see it in most situations.  Are times it becomes more obvious, but thats not usually the case.<BR></P>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> EQWaimzey wrote:<BR> <P><BR>Im curious though, the Tree spell, What is the name of it and what lvl did you get it on Beta? Is it an actual tree that sprouts out of the ground? Does it move with you or stay stationary? And how big is it?  (Lol sorry, This just sounds like a really cool Druid-like spell.)<BR>It sounds like that spell will be one of the outstanding points of a Warden post DoF release, and it sounds amazing! (=</P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>The tree is Protecting Grove, on beta its a level 50 spell.  I heard some rumor it would be a 60 spell on live but far as i know thats just a rumor (prays)  It sprouts out of the ground and stays put.  Its decent size but not that big.. about 2 or 3 ogres standing on top of each other, but trunk is thin so its easy to see around.</FONT><BR><BR>Also curious about the wolves. What lvl do you get this spell? Are they pets that come out to fight full time or is it just a spell you cast and it last about a minute or so?<BR>And if it's a spell, what is the recast on it? I dont even need like.. exsact numbers just like.. 10 seconds or 10 minutes.<BR><BR><FONT color=#ffff00>Wolves are a level 50 spell also right now, they last about 20-30 seconds if nothing kills them, then ya have to wait about another 20-30 seconds to cast em again.  The tree lasts a minute and you can cast a new one as soon as the old one is gone. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></FONT></P> <P>Message Edited by EQWaimzey on <SPAN class=date_text>08-25-2005</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>12:50 AM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>

[Ravenmi]

Almost forgot, sorry about not getting those spells posted last night.  Someone else posted a bunch of app1 versions of things.  I'm still going to try and get my Adept1's posted from 50-57 since those will give you a much better idea of what a spell does then an app1 does.  I tried to get the screenshots this morning but the beta server didn't feel like cooperating. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[SniperKitty]

Sounds good, but I'd like to see the tree made into a treant that follows us around.  The tree is only going to push people into camping in a single spot outdoors and chain pulling to that spot.   Which is a bad thing. <div></div>

[Shennr]

<P>The duration of the tree is only 1 min so I doubt that I would be camping while using it. It should only take 1 min to kill an encounter while in a group and the recast timer is 1 min as well so you can still be very manuverable. </P> <P>I try to think of this spell more as a group HoT that lasts for 1 min then a stationary boosted HP regen.</P>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Shennron wrote:<BR> <P>The duration of the tree is only 1 min so I doubt that I would be camping while using it. It should only take 1 min to kill an encounter while in a group and the recast timer is 1 min as well so you can still be very manuverable.</P> <P>I try to think of this spell more as a group HoT that lasts for 1 min then a stationary boosted HP regen.</P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>Yeah, thats pretty accurate.  I use them all the time while dungeon crawling even.  Most fights against a tough mob last close to a minute, some very tough mobs may last more obviously.  So its pretty easy to cast this once per fight, move to next fight, cast again etc.<BR>

[yesmyhubby'sagamer]

<P>Raven, I gotta say thanks.  I really am glad to see someone posting good stuff about the expansion.  All I keep hearing on these boards is "our heals are getting nerfed! our heals are getting nerfed!"  But you bring up a great point when you mention everyone else's heals are that way too pretty much (cept maybe furies, who needed a boost lol).  I'm confident now that we'll have our spot in groups and raids, thanks.  </P> <P>BTW since you brought it up a couple of times, what do you see as the biggest problems with our buffs?  Thanks for your time.</P>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> yesmyhubby'sagamer wrote: <P>BTW since you brought it up a couple of times, what do you see as the biggest problems with our buffs?  Thanks for your time.</P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>Concentration issues, the fact that you can only have 3 group buffs up at a time and no wolf form now.  Buffs that have no business using concentration do now so you can't even use them (the instinct line, water breathing, etc)  Wolf form using 3 concentration is insane considering its our trademark spell for the most part and its not even a very good buff now.</P> <P>Duststorm is almost worthless...  basically in general the buffing situation is complete crap.  Every time i look at my buffs i get depressed again. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><BR></P>

[missconstrue]

i am a 50 warden on beta and agree for the most part. i do think they need to increase our regen time on the lower level spells. they are 14 sec and with the lower healing amounts and loss of hot's wardens should have longer regen times. also agree that the buffs are weak and need work. i really want them to let me be a wolf and if it takes three spots no warden will use it. also thorns and primal and tq on only one player not good. for the most part the tree and the wolves are the best part. the group cures look like they are going to be nerfed to. we will get the choice of upgrades to master level but at the expense of group cures. we are still a viable class but looks like not the best healer. as for raids i have done a couple and we get hurt more than the other healers. i think due to lowered avoidance and our light armor. we go into battle in armor that gives little protection.. i am hoping for improvrments in buffs and if we are lucky avoidance increased to help with stuns qnd getting hit so often. <div></div>

[Kyralis]

Just for some random facts: A beta-buffed (insta-50 with handcrafted gear) character casting Duststorm while in combat and remaining in combat casting no other spells expends 47% power on duststorm alone over 3 minutes. That's approximately 750 power lost solely to maintaining that single buff (in addition to power that would have been regenerated during those 3 minutes), which also roots the caster in place and has a range of an amazing 7.5 meters. Yeah, Duststorm has been nerfed. Hard. <div></div>

[ThePhoni]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Caerwyn wrote:<BR>Just for some random facts:<BR><BR>A beta-buffed (insta-50 with handcrafted gear) character casting Duststorm while in combat and remaining in combat casting no other spells expends 47% power on duststorm alone over 3 minutes. That's approximately 750 power lost solely to maintaining that single buff (in addition to power that would have been regenerated during those 3 minutes), which also roots the caster in place and has a range of an amazing 7.5 meters.<BR><BR>Yeah, Duststorm has been nerfed. Hard.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Exacally, and defense is no longer the primary determining factor of being hit so... dust storm really is useless.  I guess it will go on my 9th hotbar along with the first 9 water breathing spells we got <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Arathon]

<P>One piece of bad news about the tree is that it got nerfed pretty hard with the latest priest changes.  Besides the fact that its broken now and doesnt heal after the initial heal ( i assume this is a bug), the amount healed has been decreased significantly.  Prior to the latest changes it did in the 120-130 range per tick, after an initial heal of 120-130.  With the revamp it gives an INITIAL tick now of only 49 health.  I would assume that all subsequent ticks are supposed to be the same, but currently thats the only heal you get from it.  Ive bugged it.   So basically its been cut by about a third from pre priest update yesterday.</P> <P> </P> <P>Arathania</P>

[JDragon]

And that is what happens when other Priests whine... <span>:smileysad:</span> <div></div>

[ThePhoni]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Arathon wrote:<BR> <P>One piece of bad news about the tree is that it got nerfed pretty hard with the latest priest changes.  Besides the fact that its broken now and doesnt heal after the initial heal ( i assume this is a bug), the amount healed has been decreased significantly.  Prior to the latest changes it did in the 120-130 range per tick, after an initial heal of 120-130.  With the revamp it gives an INITIAL tick now of only 49 health.  I would assume that all subsequent ticks are supposed to be the same, but currently thats the only heal you get from it.  Ive bugged it.   So basically its been cut by about a third from pre priest update yesterday.</P> <P> </P> <P>Arathania</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>Called it, and it was just far too easy to call, out by a mile as it were.  I really don't understand why developers can't put out SUCKY spells and then empower them.  Why they think that priests healing for 5 million hitpoints might be balanced, so lets try that.  Then they realize, nope not balanced when your next highest heal is about 1k.  Start small work up, this leaves you space to UPGRADE the spell in the furture if its too weak and not used.  And it stops nerfs!  I mean its perfectly reasonable to say this month/live update we are looking at "these" spells for "these" archtypes to try to make sure they are balanced.  I mean for all the big bold letters saying "these changes are not final".  Just giving us a heads-up at what is being looked at, seems oh so simple.<BR>

[Code2501]

<DIV>Given that: (Ravenmist)</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>If my tree got moved from 50 to 60 (and i'm still not sure where that person heard that)  I would cry.. and cry some more.  And yeah, it would hurt us to loose it, but if ours gets moved to 60 that means the others loose a really nice healing ability too and we're all worse off but still pretty even, heh.<BR> <HR> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>and: (Arathon)</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>One piece of bad news about the tree is that it got nerfed pretty hard with the latest priest changes.  Besides the fact that its broken now and doesnt heal after the initial heal ( i assume this is a bug), the amount healed has been decreased significantly.  Prior to the latest changes it did in the 120-130 range per tick, after an initial heal of 120-130.  With the revamp it gives an INITIAL tick now of only 49 health.  I would assume that all subsequent ticks are supposed to be the same, but currently thats the only heal you get from it.  Ive bugged it.   So basically its been cut by about a third from pre priest update yesterday.</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <P> </P> <P>Would it be fair to say that yes, we will hurt a bit, and yet the other priests still get to keep there super nice lvl 50 heals?</P> <P>/sigh</P> <P>Im resigned to acepting that this thing is simply not gunna end up good for my lil warden. whatever hope they give us the'll stealth nerf on the night of the live update and let us find out ourselves.</P>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Code2501 wrote:<BR> <DIV>Given that: (Ravenmist)</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>If my tree got moved from 50 to 60 (and i'm still not sure where that person heard that)  I would cry.. and cry some more.  And yeah, it would hurt us to loose it, but if ours gets moved to 60 that means the others loose a really nice healing ability too and we're all worse off but still pretty even, heh.<BR> <HR> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>and: (Arathon)</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <DIV>One piece of bad news about the tree is that it got nerfed pretty hard with the latest priest changes.  Besides the fact that its broken now and doesnt heal after the initial heal ( i assume this is a bug), the amount healed has been decreased significantly.  Prior to the latest changes it did in the 120-130 range per tick, after an initial heal of 120-130.  With the revamp it gives an INITIAL tick now of only 49 health.  I would assume that all subsequent ticks are supposed to be the same, but currently thats the only heal you get from it.  Ive bugged it.   So basically its been cut by about a third from pre priest update yesterday.</DIV> <DIV> <HR> </DIV> <P> </P> <P>Would it be fair to say that yes, we will hurt a bit, and yet the other priests still get to keep there super nice lvl 50 heals?</P> <P>/sigh</P> <P>Im resigned to acepting that this thing is simply not gunna end up good for my lil warden. whatever hope they give us the'll stealth nerf on the night of the live update and let us find out ourselves.</P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>If our healing abilities hadn't just gotten a nice boost a few days ago then yeah, we'd be in serious pain right now without the tree.  49 health at app1 is a huge hit to our tree, but get that up to adept 3 and your probably in the 100ish range again. </P> <P>The tree is by far the most powerful new spell among the priests or at least it was.  (and to think we had people badmouthing it, lol)  Well in the condition we where in pre-tree nerf we needed that extra power from the tree pretty bad.  But at the same time our tree got broken and nerfed, we got our other heals improved.  So overall we're in better shape now in most ways.</P> <P>Still hopin they'll fix our tree and it won't be nerfed as bad as its lookin it is..  but even if it is, these babies stack and work raid Wide.. even at 50 hp a tick per second they would still be [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot] nice to have around. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><BR></P>

[Khale]

<P>If it hasn't been said so already, though I'm sure it has, thank you Ravenmist and Caerwyn for posting here and looking out for our class in beta. You guys are fantastic <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Hopefully if you and any other warden's in beta are /bugging the broken tree every day then it gets fixed before release. I dont mind a tree that is balanced healing wise, but one that doesn't work - well not so good <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>K</P> <P>Marwan, Freeport Based 50 Warden, <Enlightened Dark>, Unrest</P>

[Ravenmi]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Khaleel wrote:<BR> <P>If it hasn't been said so already, though I'm sure it has, thank you Ravenmist and Caerwyn for posting here and looking out for our class in beta. You guys are fantastic <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Hopefully if you and any other warden's in beta are /bugging the broken tree every day then it gets fixed before release. I dont mind a tree that is balanced healing wise, but one that doesn't work - well not so good <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>K</P> <P>Marwan, Freeport Based 50 Warden, , Unrest</P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>I sent in about 22 bug reports and /feedbacks yesterday alone.. lol <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I'll keep pesterin, don worry. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><BR>

[Iglind]

*hugs* the Tree! <span>:smileyhappy:</span><span></span><span></span> <div></div>

[Unmask]

With us being dogs I think we're going to get a lot of bathroom humor with the tree. :p