AA's . . .

[Banditman]

Featuring The Return of DogDog . . . .Need I say more?  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />No, seriously, NDA has been lifted.  I'll shoot you guys some info ASAP.<div></div>

[Banditman]

<div>First off, let me say that a LOT of things are still not working properly.  There are a LOT of fixes in the pipeline as well, so expect some revision and balancing going forward from now until release.Now, let me preface the Shaman AA's by explaining in general how EQ2 AA's work.  It's not really like EQLive . . . at all.In EQ2, you get a maximum potential of 50 AA points.  There is no possible way to gain maximum rank in every AA.  None.Each class starts off with one AA that must be purchased, it's like the starter.  Purchasing this AA gives you an ability and further opens up five potential paths of advancement.  This "starter AA" has only one rank and cannot be upgraded further.Once your five paths are open, you can then begin investing points in ANY of them you wish.  The paths each represent one stat:  STR, STA, AGI, WIS, INT.The first ability down the path does nothing more than increase that stat.  In order to unlock the next ability in that path, you must achieve rank 4 - which is to say invest 4 AA's.  For example, I choose STR.  My first AA point past the starter puts me at Rank 1 in STR, increasing my STR.  The next ability in the STR path is Leg Bite.  In order to be able to purchase Leg Bite, I must first get my initial STR up to rank 4.  Upon achieving rank 4 in STR, the ability Leg Bite opens up for me to invest in.There are no limits to how many paths you can invest in.  The only limit is the total of 50 AA's.Finally, the last ability down any of the 5 paths has only one rank, and costs 8 points to purchase.When reading through the Shaman tree you'll see some commentary.  It's usually about things not working right or whatever.  As I said, there are still a lot of problems and a lot of fixes in the works.  It's definitely beta right now.  They are working on it, and I'll keep you updated.All that said, I'll try to answer any questions you have.Path 1</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Might of Conviction</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>Increases strength of caster by 5.0</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Leg Bite</u></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div>Pet will interrupt the casting of any enemies it hits</div><div> </div><div>                       *on successful melee attck, has a 50% chance to case leg bite on target of attack</div><div>                                          *interru pts target</div><div>                        *If one-handed weapon is equipped in Primary</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Aura of Haste</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>Group receives an increase in combat attack speed by 36%</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Aura of Warding</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>group receives a chance to generate protective wards during combat.</div><div> </div><div>                   *when target is damaged in combat this spell has a 3-16% chance to cast Aura of warding on caster. Lasts for 180 seconds</div><div> </div><div><font color="#cc0033">***** note, should read on group and not on caster, or at least it sounds like it should***********</font></div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Foresight</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>Grants immunity to many AOE spells</div><div> </div><div>      * prevents AOE except when directional</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong>PATH 2</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong><u>Mystic dexterity</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>increases agility by 5.0</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Crippling Bash</u></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div>Melee attack that snares your target</div><div> </div><div>     *inflicts 59-89 crushing damage on target</div><div>      *casts snare on target that lasts 24 seconds</div><div>     * slows target down by 37%</div><div>     *If buckler is equpped in secondary</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Aura of Lethargy</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>Enemies near your pet have their casting times and refreshing times increased.</div><div> </div><div>    *Decreases spell casting and recovery times of pet by 4.4-13.2</div><div> </div><div><font color="#cc0000">************* note should say increases of target i believe***********</font></div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Aura of Avoidance</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>Allies near pet have enhanced avoidance</div><div>              *increases defense, parry and deflection of pet by 15.8</div><div>              *increases mitigation of pet vs. heat, cold, magic, mental and divine by 528</div><div> </div><div><font color="#cc0000">*****************note.... should read of group not pet i believe***********************</font></div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Tribal Cure</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>casting cure spells also wards the receipent from further damage</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong>PATH 3</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong><u>no name</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>increases stamina by 5.0</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Phalanx</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>melee attack that roots target</div><div>                 *inflicts 89-207 piercing damage</div><div>                 *roots target</div><div>                 *if greatspear or spear equipped in primary</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Ancestral Authority</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>melee attack that has a high chance of doing crit damage</div><div>                *increases melee crit chance of caster by 17.6</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Ancestral Spirits</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>healing spells have a high chance of healing crit amounts of damage</div><div>        *increases heal crit chance by 13.2</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Ancestral Recall</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>Greatly increases the degree to which the target can bleed before death. if the target falls too low on health , a ward is automatically applied.</div><div>       *decreases unconscious health of target by 281</div><div>       *when target is damaged this spell will cast ancestral ward on caster. lasts for 30 seconds.</div><div>                                  *wards caster against 976 of all damage</div><div>       *if under 2% health</div><div> </div><div><strong>PATH 4</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong><u>Ritualistic Sight</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>increases wisdom of caster by 5.0</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Mystic Boon</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>targets casters pet</div><div> </div><div>              *increases damage per second of target by 26%</div><div>              *increases max health of pet by 366</div><div>              *if symbol is equipped in Secondary</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Ritualistic Agression</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>pet has chance to do increased damage during combat</div><div>         *on successful melee attack this spell has a 7-16% chance to cast ritualistic aggression</div><div>                          *inflicts 139 slashing damage</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Ritual of Absolution</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>hate transferred to pet</div><div> </div><div>             *causes 35% threat to transfer to target when in combat</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Ritual of Alacrity</u></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div>decreases casting, recovery and reuse timers for an ally</div><div> </div><div>            *increase spell casting time of target by 29</div><div>            *increase spell recovery time of target by 29</div><div>            *increase spell reuse time of target by 29</div><div> </div><div><font color="#cc0000">***************note********** should decrease the target by 29 not increase i think**********</font></div><div> </div><div><strong>PATH 5</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong><u>Insight</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>increases int by 5.0</div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Rabies</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>enemies near pet infected with rabies</div><div>          * inflicts 56-83 disease damage on pet</div><div>           *inflicts 18-27 disease damage on pet every 5.3 secs.</div><div>           *if staff is equipped in Primary</div><div> </div><div><font color="#cc0033">***********note********** should do damage on target i believe, not the pet*******</font></div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Virulence</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>enemies near pet have reduced attributes.</div><div> </div><div>      *decreases agi, int, stam, str, and wis of pet by 41</div><div> </div><div><font color="#cc0000">****************note should decrease the target not pet??????********</font></div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Immunities</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>allies near pet have increased resistance to damage</div><div>       *increase mitigation of pet vs. all magical damage by 676</div><div> </div><div><font color="#cc0000">*********note, should increase the mitigation of allies, not pet??????******</font></div><div> </div><div><strong><u>Scourge</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>sacrafices pet. All enemies near pet have benefical spells removed and may suffer damage</div><div> </div><div>                  *When target dies will cast scourge</div><div>                  *dispels 73 levels of magic, mental, pierce, crush, poison, heat, and</div><div>                  disease effects of targets in AOE</div><div>                  *inflicts 50-117 disease damage in AOE</div><div>                  *casts sacrafice</div><div>                      *inflicts 6512001 divine damage on pet</div><div></div>

[Owlbe]

<div></div><div>Mystics get the dog pet as their "starter" AA?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

[Saramina1]

<div>Thank you for this post!!</div><div> </div><div>I am excited about a few things but namely this:</div><div> </div><div><div><strong><u>Ancestral Spirits</u></strong></div><div> </div><div>healing spells have a high chance of healing crit amounts of damage</div><div>        *increases heal crit chance by 13.2</div><div> </div><div>!!!</div><div> </div><div>Saramina</div><div>60 Mystic</div><div> </div></div>

[Banditman]

<div></div>Correct.  DogDog is the starter AA.

[MalkorGodchyld]

<div><font size="2">Nice...thks Banditman!     :smileywink:    Is it possible to get screenies so that we can see the spell durations & cast times etc.  ?</font></div><div><font size="2"></font> </div><div><font size="2"></font> </div><div><font size="2"></font> </div><div><font size="2"> ~ Retired 60 Defiler ~</font></div>

[Geilt]

[expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] a pet, is it own? Does this mean we can solo well now! i love these trrees!!!!!!!!yaaarrrrrr!!!<div></div>

[dcgam]

<div></div><div>Can we get some pics plz</div>

[jbah]

<div></div>here for you all pics for AA mystic some are bug some are nice they work again<span><span><span>Path 1: Might of Conviction</span></span></span> :*If one-handed weapon is equipped in Primary<img src="http://img499.imageshack.us/img499/3447/shamfor8vt.jpg"><span><span><span><span>PATH 2 : Mystic dexterity</span></span></span></span>*If buckler is equpped in secondary <span><span><span><span></span></span></span> </span><img src="http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/1629/shamagi6tx.jpg"><span><span><span><span>PATH 3 :</span></span></span></span>*If greatspear or spear equipped in primary<img src="http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5051/shamsta8so.jpg"><span><span><span><span>PATH 4 : Ritualistic Sight</span></span></span></span>*If symbol is equipped in Secondary <span><span><span><span></span> </span></span></span><img src="http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/8238/shamsag8zu.jpg"><span><span><span><span>PATH 5 : Insight</span></span></span></span> *If staff is equipped in Primary<img src="http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/9550/shamint6rz.jpg">ENJOY<div></div><p>Message Edited by jbahri on <span class="date_text">02-09-2006</span><span class="time_text">01:18 AM</span></p><p>Message Edited by jbahri on <span class="date_text">02-09-2006</span><span class="time_text">01:18 AM</span></p>

[Banditman]

<div></div><p>I'm sorry guys, I'm not much of a screen shot person.  Besides, balancing is still going on and any information that we talk about now most likely will change between now and release.  I'd like to stress again that this is still a very "beta" experience.</p><p>The pet is "nice" though currently still a little buggy.  The good news is that it has noticeable DPS.  It won't tank for you very well (it's a triple down arrow), but if you are tanking it does a nice job of supplementing your DPS.  Solo players will like it I think.</p><p>Don't expect to go solo'ing Heroics any time soon, but solo'ing will not be quite as tedious as previously.</p><p>Will it be ready on the day they have set?  I honestly don't know.  I hope so.  I know they are working on it, fixing, tweaking, balancing . . . but there is still a LOT left to do.  Cross your fingers.</p><p>I can safely assure you that the POTENTIAL for this to be a great expansion exists.  Whether or not it lives up to that potential rests heavily on the Dev team to complete, de-bug and balance the pieces they have put in place.</p><p>Watch out for Gorenaire.  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[sostrows]

Is the cost based on the Apprentice level?  Seems the screenies show 1 cost for an Apprentice 1 etc.<div></div>

[Geilt]

Can we get [Removed for Content] of the pet? =P<div></div>

[dcgam]

<div></div>yeah a Screen shot of the pets we get through the lvls and some shots of the spells we get would be nice

[jbah]

erf i delete the last screen my bad here the dog it's just a white wolf ghost<img src="http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8382/eq20000536fs.jpg"><div></div>

[jbah]

goodnight all (shaman roxx in KoS)<div></div>

[Owlbe]

<div>Thanks for the info guys.</div><div> </div><div>One more question.... do all shamans get the same aa list?  As in do defilers get a pet ghost wolf also now?</div><div> </div><div> </div>

[Dragonreal]

<div></div>All the achievements are class-based not subclass-based so yes defilers get the exact same achievements mystics do.. same for warden/fury temp/inq wiz/warlock etc etc etc

[MalkorGodchyld]

<div></div><p><font size="2">Good deal...   Thks a million for the shots jbarhi !   =)</font></p><p><font size="2"></font> </p><p><font size="2">~ Retired 60 Defiler ~</font></p>

[jbah]

it was a pleasure to help my communauty<span>:smileyhappy:</span><div></div>

[Cyrikk]

<div>Can someone please elaborate on the equipment restrictions stated on the second stage of all paths (i.e. if 1 hander is equiped,if greatspear is equiped.....etc.etc). The way it was described on the templar page was that it was necessary to have a specific item type equipped in order to utalize the AA. In a way it would be cool to farm specific items for specific combat scenario's but i can also see that getting unessecarily confusing quick. Any light that can be shed will be much appreciated :smileyhappy: .</div>

[Laromor]

<div>Sorry to derail a bit...</div><div> </div><div>In the pic of the wolf.... there is a PC or NPC in the top right corner.  I immediately noticed the color/pattern of the armor being worn.</div><div>Could anyone give an answer to whether that armor is how we can expect chain armor to look in KoS?</div>

[icetower]

<div></div><p>Some useful stuff there.</p><p>Can I just ask one thing</p><p>Do whatever you can beta players to get rid of this</p><div><strong><u><font color="#ffcc00">Crippling Bash</font></u></strong></div><div><strong><font color="#ffcc00"></font></strong> </div><div><font color="#ffcc00">Melee attack that snares your target</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00"></font> </div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     *inflicts 59-89 crushing damage on target</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">      *casts snare on target that lasts 24 seconds</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     * slows target down by 37%</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     *If buckler is equpped in secondary</font></div><div> </div><div>Worst AA ever. Snare has never had any use whatsoever in eq2, and as we will often equip a buckler with any 1hander, it is likely one of the most common melee AA that will be available.</div><div> </div><div>I have to add that other AA, root with a % break chance on damage is pretty useless too for a class that does most of its damage by   D O T S.   :smileysad:</div><div> </div><div>I mean could we maybe have just one useful self melee proc like a stun??</div><div> </div>

[zonedbob]

<div></div><p>That is such a cool post. Thankyou so much.</p><p> </p><p>We're gonna get a pet ... We're gonna get a pet ... We're gonna get a pet. Yay! Yay! Yay! That'll teach the scouts with their sucky pickpocketing ability.</p><p> </p><p>Lvl 52 here very excited about the expansion.</p><p> </p>

[Tins]

<div></div>What I would like to know is can  you spend additional points on the initial ability to summon a stronger dog dog?  The screenshot has it as app I, which would make me think you could spend more points to upgrade it...

[Terq]

<div></div>I am guessing that "foresight" (the aoe immunity) is a self-buff only?  A group version of that would likely eliminate the need for resist gear for everyone except the MT

[Owlbe]

<div>So let me get one thing straight......</div><div> </div><div>With KoS you can theoretically get the dog pet at or near lvl 20?  You don't have to wait to lvl 60+ to get it?</div><div> </div><div> </div>

[Banditman]

<div></div>The initial AA, the starter, is not upgradeable.  We're all hoping for some cosmetic cleanup on things like that.I don't think anyone has yet tried to gain AA experience at low levels, so specifically when you might have enough AA experience to gain the starter (pet) ability is a little fuzzy.You are ELIGIBLE at L20 to gain AA experience.  Each real level gain also nets you about 33% of an AA point, so by L23 I'd assume that one would have enough AA experience to purchase the starter.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Banditman on <span class="date_text">02-09-2006</span><span class="time_text">11:00 AM</span></p>

[Kyin]

<div></div><p>Banditman, great posts as always.  Questions, Can you get some screen shots of the final spells in AA, for instance is there a duration on the AoE Dodge?  can you have the reduced casting times on more than one target? (like does it take a concenctration point)   Does any of these spells take concentration points. </p><p> </p><p>So far I am in love with these spells the group reactive ward, AoE dodge, reduced casting times, group haste just to name a few.  I am having a hard time trying to decide a path, (being a raid mystic).  I know I am going str for that group reactive ward, faster casting times would be great, so would aoe dodge, so many others though are just as good.  It really just is so great that all these spells are options, not only are they all great, there isnt just one path you want to go so we wont see that many cookie cutter mystics just yet.</p><p>Also bandit, are there any new spells like we had 50-60?  and does torpor get upgraded? Oberon?</p>

[Erage]

<div></div><div>Some of the AA's have changed since those screenshots.  For instance there is no longer a Tribal Cure AA (last one in the Agility Line), instead it's calle Tribal Rage and increases melee critical chance for Spears/Greatspears.  Here is a screenshot of Foresight, the last one in the Strength line. </div><div><img src="http://www.boomspeed.com/levity5/foresight.jpg"></div><div> </div><div>36 second duration with a 15 min recast and can only be used on another person in the group, not yourself.</div><p>Message Edited by Erage on <span class="date_text">02-09-2006</span><span class="time_text">12:40 PM</span></p>

[Kyin]

<div></div>Thanks Erage, any chance you can get a Screen shot of the last ones in the other  lines?  the 15 min recast is a paint, if it was a 3 min recast or 2 min it would be an amazing spell for raids, it would be much like the clerics sanctuary spell that you could have targeted on a DPS after it wore off.  I would though like to see it be a perm. self and pet only spell that too would be very nice.  Oh well I guess you can not have everything.

[Banditman]

Mystique made a comment about Foresight along the lines of "I'll be (*@#ed if I'm spending 8 AA's to get AE immunity for someone else.  Nobody got me anything!" which I found quite amusing.I'm not aware of any AA that costs concentration for any player.  Not saying it isn't there, just saying that I'm not aware of it if it exists.<div></div>

[Erage]

<div></div><div></div><p>The other final ones in the lines ATM are:</p><p><img src="http://www.boomspeed.com/levity5/arecall.jpg"><img src="http://www.boomspeed.com/levity5/trage.jpg"></p><p><img src="http://www.boomspeed.com/levity5/scourge.jpg"><img src="http://www.boomspeed.com/levity5/ralacrity.jpg"></p><p>Message Edited by Erage on <span class="date_text">02-09-2006</span><span class="time_text">01:43 PM</span></p>

[Kyin]

<div></div><p>The AoE dodge would only be good on a shorter timer so it can be used more often, the spell haste buff is useful for raids though as you can place that on another healer, or tank to speed up there heal spells and taunts.  Limited use, would be nice if it was group or if you could target yourself.  The pet one sounds fun for the soloer sense it sounds like it does 200 damge AoE and then 200% of pets max health, so for alot of damage do the following...</p><p>Buff pet, (about 2k hp buffs from our spells) cast all your heals on your pet (add alittle over 1K to pets health) then cast bolster on pet (25% more hp +25% more sta so now your pet has some nice max hp)  Cast this spell it does 200 damage to aoe then 200% max hp which COULD be over 10k.  now that would be INSANE, so if any of you mystics want to test that please do and let us know if that is true, because if it is. We mystics and defilers might be in the area of AoE dps!</p>

[Kyin]

<div></div>Rereading the spell though mad me sad.  Remembering other kill pet spells the target is the pet not your actual target.  So basically just useless text saying how your going to kill your pet.  Would have been nice though,... would have been nice

[Eepop]

Just wanted to add that some of those buffs may be becoming permanent buffs or until death/cancelled buffs.  It looks like there is one guy working on the entire achievement system, so he probably relied heavily on copy/paste for the first draft.He has said that some of the achievements will be made permanent buffs or until death/cancelled buffs.  No word on specifics though, or if shaman achievements are included.<div></div>

[Kyin]

<div></div><p>Now that I am less interested in any of the final spells minus the casting speed one for a friend I then am tring to plan 50 points.  I know I want 8 in the group reactive ward.  I like the immunites if It is group and if the resistance goes up with level.  I like the +15 to deflection parry and so forth that the agil line offers and I like the hase.</p><p> </p><p>For me I know I will at least put 20 into the str line if not 24. </p><p>Now the question is do I waist the rest in wisdom for the spell casting speed (which does sound way to nice) or do I focuse on trying to get another skill to 8</p><p>Str agil sounds like for the debuff spell times (would be great for raid mobs where you want them casting those nasty AoE slowly, and less often, gives more time to interupt)  and the group buff to give your tanks more chance not to get hurt (our job!)</p><p>I could max those 4 skills out for a nice raid MT build, this though does leave out immunities though that is only useful if it raises your resistances to an insane amount when maxed out.  (going off the other progressions it looks like it could max out around +6k to everthing for 36 secs.)  And of course this build leaves out the crit heals which are nice if your not in MT group and lets face it even then we mostly cast wards and debuffs =P.</p><p>I do like that stat debuff in int. which is also on the line to immunites.  Well I am still not sure, but I think I just made up my mind =)</p><p> </p><p>Gustave of Nek!</p>

[Kyin]

<div></div><p>Also would like to see the recast timer of Aura of Warding droped from 10min to 5 min.  (really would like to see 2-3 min recast though I know that is just not going to happen)I know its a crazy insane spell (cheer) but the down time for it is very long. </p><p>Thats good news about the spells, I hope some of them get perm. durations.  Though I am sure I can guess which ones would. =P</p>

[Kyin]

<div></div>Oh, Bandit or Erage can you post some pics of eash skill maxed out with 8 points in them?  I know bandits list had what there max was for most of them but it seemed some where off.  Like the melee crit is listed as 17.6 but the spell itself with just 4 points in it says 20%. I know its a tall order but you guys always do surpise me!

[TRapp17]

<div></div><p>Oh, so you *can* go higher than 4 points on a path, just it requires 4 to unlock the next step?</p><p>If I've done my math right, it looks like you could max out 2 paths and still have 1 point left over?  Or you could pump all 50 AA into one path and have an uber-path?</p><p>This sounds fantastic, though I really wish that timer one (decreasing cast times) would work on yourself. <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>I'm so excited about getting a pet!!</p>

[Geohi]

Besides the fact that the end of the line abilites are worse than 90% of the beginning line abilities, I AM SO PUMPED!!I've been playing WoW a while now, having mostly quit my 60 Defiler (2nd to 60 Serverwide...I was quite upset to leave)  But now, I am fully restored in the class and am going to start raiding again in prep for this pet.HURRAYYYY DOGDOG-Geo<div></div>

[Eepop]

<span><blockquote><hr>TRapp1700 wrote:<div></div>This sounds fantastic, though I really wish that timer one (decreasing cast times) would work on yourself. <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><hr></blockquote>I wouldnt count out that possibility.  As said before these are very much BETA, we're talking like they were put in and have been patched once or twice.Throughout the AAs, there is a great deal of pronoun confusion. So this is very possibly a case of that.</span><div></div>

[Erage]

<div>Those that say (not yourself) use to not say that in the spell desciption (though they actually have always functioned that way).  There have been changes made throughout the lines, some of the effects have already been made permanent and some of them were changed altogether (Tribal Cure was removed just recently).  We are in crunch time now, so they need to get on the ball if they intend on changing anything else.  Testing the AAs is already limited to the people who got buffed by a GM or used a new char's 15 AAs, as copied chars start off with 0 AAs.</div>

[Banditman]

Aye - it's still very beta, which most certainly concerns me.  I was honestly shocked when I heard that NDA had been lifted.  I certainly can't give this expansion an unrestricted thumbs up right now.AA's are the main feature of this expansion for a lot of people, and the fact that most of them are still in a very unpolished / unbalanced / non-functional state is not the best way to sell me (or anyone) on them.<div></div>

[Kyin]

<div></div><p>Yes there are 8 ranks to each AA, the way it looks like in these pictures and the way I am sure Bandit would tell you is that each rank is a spell level rank.  So for the first point in Group ward you have App 1 of that spell recieved.  Now, for the rest of the points you get app 2, app3, app 4, adep 1, adep 2, adept 3, master 1.  This is why it seems the first 4 points in a spell do very little, (case in point group haste) but the last 4 do alot. </p><p> </p><p>Hope that helps.</p>

[Eepop]

There are alot of really cool concepts in KoS, but I think we are in for an amount of completion equal to what we got from DoF when it was released.<div></div>

[thedu]

<div></div><div>From the way it's sounds, I would not rather put points into anything for a few months...</div><p>Message Edited by thedump on <span class="date_text">02-09-2006</span><span class="time_text">09:00 PM</span></p>

[Banditman]

That would be like saying you don't want to cast your new spells . . .<div></div>

[youkielkani]

<div></div><p>just one little question, are AA removable or are they definitive?</p><p>and if they are removable, do you lose the AA point or does it go back to your pool?</p>

[Kyin]

<div></div><p>From the ones we have now I see 2 paths that are great for Raid mystics and 3-4 paths that are great for solo and group mystics. </p><p>Of course there can be more and any variation of the paths, but STR Agil, and INT and Wis are great paths for raids (and solo)</p><p>Bandit can you post what Immunites (int skill 4) is when it is maxed out?  You have the number posted for rank 1 in it.  I have a feeling it is going to go over 6k in all resistances</p><p>Thanks</p><p>Gustave</p>

[Banditman]

I will have to check it out, perhaps I'll have time this weekend.<div></div>

[GidionSWE]

<div></div><p>So have ppl given any thought as to what skills they will pick yet? To me as a defiler that frequents the MT group i think im gonna go with the Agi line and max the group defense/parry/deflection thing... then i was either going to pick the str or sta line. Sta line for teh group haste and but only if the aura of warding procs if anyone gets hit as u can be lead to believe in the description or if its only if teh pets get hurt like i think it is (cause it says target is casters pet and then it says when target is dmg in combat which makes it pretty sucky) then i wont get it...then ill go with the sta line for the crit. healing and the save death thing.</p><p>anyway would be interesting to find out what other ppl think, and yes i know it can still change <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Thatdumbg]

I'm still waiting on last minute changes in effects before making my build, especially with casts and recasts.Some of the following might appear useful to me, as a MT mystic:Aura of Avoidance (AGI4) (Aura of Lethargy (AGI3) might also be decent, and Tribal Cure (AGI5) could potentially be nice if tweaked)Aura of Warding (STR4) (has an added bonus of Aura of Haste (STR3) and Leg Bite (STR2), both nice abilities to have. Foresight COULD be nice, but if you hinge winning on a MT avoiding 1 AE/fight you probably can't win anyways)Immunities (INT4) (added bonus of Virulence (INT3) for extra debuffing if the mobs don't have an AE or you can get it in/out)Of course, as Bandit said above they are not polished at all. I expect changes.<div></div>

[Owlbe]

<div>As posted above Tribal Cure is already gone and has been replaced with Tribal Rage. </div><div> </div><div>I'm sure there will be a ton of changes as well but I think I'll be hitting the WIS line hard my self for the pet buffs specifically.  After that who knows.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

[Geohi]

I wish there was a GodKing Spear, the spear root ability looks nice for soloing.In addition, if I get an ability down a certain weapon line, like the stat increase, do I have to be using that weapon to get it?-Geo (60 Defiler)<div></div>

[bouhh]

<div></div><p>this also raises the question of what is meant in the aa description by 'greatspear'...</p><p>is this a 2-hander? or, dare i say, an epic?</p><p><img alt="Your Signature" src="http://www.eqsig.com/sig/2560.png"></p>

[paisan]

<div></div><p>Greatspear is exactly that... a 2-handed spear or Polearm type weapon.</p><p>What they need is cookie cutter class stats on a weapon of your choice for prismatic. But thats off topic =P</p>

[Ishnar]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>icetower wrote:<div></div><p>Some useful stuff there.</p><p>Can I just ask one thing</p><p>Do whatever you can beta players to get rid of this</p><div><strong><u><font color="#ffcc00">Crippling Bash</font></u></strong></div><div><strong><font color="#ffcc00"></font></strong> </div><div><font color="#ffcc00">Melee attack that snares your target</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00"></font> </div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     *inflicts 59-89 crushing damage on target</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">      *casts snare on target that lasts 24 seconds</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     * slows target down by 37%</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     *If buckler is equpped in secondary</font></div><div> </div><div>Worst AA ever. Snare has never had any use whatsoever in eq2, and as we will often equip a buckler with any 1hander, it is likely one of the most common melee AA that will be available.</div><div> </div><div>I have to add that other AA, root with a % break chance on damage is pretty useless too for a class that does most of its damage by   D O T S.   :smileysad:</div><div> </div><div>I mean could we maybe have just one useful self melee proc like a stun??</div><div> </div><hr></blockquote>I've never found snare useless.  It is just situational.  You snare something right before you turn tail and flee.  I use it alot with my scout and I used to use grey wind for this before it was taken away.  It isn't a strong AA but it isn't the most useless ever either.

[Varl]

<div></div><div></div><div></div>I know Bandit said that a lot of these things are in transition, but if you have any pull (that is Bandit or ANYONE), or can convince someone that does, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try and get the endline STR path reward turned into a permanent selfbuff.   Brigands have had it for a long time and, since no one has said that they are overpowered, I would doubt that they would say that about us getting it as well.  A 15 min timer on a 36 sec buff is just too long for raiding, small group, or soloing (since we can't use it on us currently anyway), as are the timers on ALL of the dps rewards (5/10/15 min? seriously?).  But, I digress.  The AoE immunity would be a truly class defining addition and something that would be worthy of all of those points.  So, if you can, please talk to whomever you can talk to, or tell whomever you have to tell whatever you have to tell them (I will gladly wash their car and do their laundry for a year),  to try and get the effect turned into a permanent selfbuff.  It is not that big a change, but the devil is in the details.  This is one detail that could make all the difference.<p>Message Edited by Varlet on <span class="date_text">02-13-2006</span><span class="time_text">03:43 AM</span></p><p>Message Edited by Varlet on <span class="date_text">02-13-2006</span><span class="time_text">03:45 AM</span></p>

[Owlbe]

<div></div><p>Well, I think I might just dust of my old Mystic!</p><p> </p><p>I started playing a Mystic 'cause I wanted to as close to the old EQ1 shaman as much as possible.  The more I played him the less he felt like the old EQ1 shaman I loved. Then the haze nerf happened with the wonky wards/bad heals it was just to much to handle so I started my Fury.  The Fury is a great class, don't get me wrong and I have alot of time invested in him as well but I think I'm a shaman at heart. </p><p>Now that wards and heals are fixed, we will be getting a pet to help with DPS (I'm a solo/small group shaman o YES DPS is needed/wanted)  and a seemingly good AA set,desent 60+ spell set so  things seem to be looking up for Mystics or at least from my perspective anyways.  Do some others see it this way as well?</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

[Banditman]

All Priests are fine choices in single group content.<div></div>

[icetower]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>Ishnar wrote:<div></div><blockquote><hr>icetower wrote:<div></div><p>Some useful stuff there.</p><p>Can I just ask one thing</p><p>Do whatever you can beta players to get rid of this</p><div><strong><u><font color="#ffcc00">Crippling Bash</font></u></strong></div><div><strong><font color="#ffcc00"></font></strong> </div><div><font color="#ffcc00">Melee attack that snares your target</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00"></font> </div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     *inflicts 59-89 crushing damage on target</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">      *casts snare on target that lasts 24 seconds</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     * slows target down by 37%</font></div><div><font color="#ffcc00">     *If buckler is equpped in secondary</font></div><div> </div><div>Worst AA ever. Snare has never had any use whatsoever in eq2, and as we will often equip a buckler with any 1hander, it is likely one of the most common melee AA that will be available.</div><div> </div><div>I have to add that other AA, root with a % break chance on damage is pretty useless too for a class that does most of its damage by   D O T S.   :smileysad:</div><div> </div><div>I mean could we maybe have just one useful self melee proc like a stun??</div><div> </div><hr></blockquote>I've never found snare useless.  It is just situational.  You snare something right before you turn tail and flee.  I use it alot with my scout and I used to use grey wind for this before it was taken away.  It isn't a strong AA but it isn't the most useless ever either.<hr></blockquote><p>Firstly, if you are in the position where you need to turn tail and run, you aren't going to want to wait for a chance proc.</p><p>Secondly, the root proc would be sufficient for this purpose, so why do we need 2 different AA trees that help us to bravely run away.</p><p>I don't want to have "run away" as my specialty when I am trying to kill mobs, I want abilities to help me stop the mob beating on me so I don't have to run away. We have received precious little in terms of offensive spells in out T7 lineup and have to now rely on our AA to help out in this regard.</p><p>Change this redundant snare to something worthwhile, like a bash.</p><p>I also love the way they took our melee damage proc off us in T6, so they could then turn around and sell it back to us as a "feature" of T7.</p><p> </p>

[Varl]

<div></div>Any talk yet about weather the AoE immunity at the end of the STR AA line is going to be turned into a permanent self buff like Brigs have?  I have heard that that is a a possibility.  GAWD that would be awesome!  If any of you have any pull, with anyone that can get that on, please try.  I have heard that there is only one totally swamped guy sweating away in a closet somewhere at SOE doing all of the  AA lines by himself, so I can imagine how many changes are being made, and remade, and reremade.  But having the AoE immunity as a permanent self buff would be a great class defining addition to Shamen.  And for those that say it would be overpowering, Brigands have had it forever and they still get hit, and they still use resist gear.  But seriously, do you know anything about the validity of that rumor?

[tebion]

<div><span><blockquote><hr>Varlet wrote:<div></div>Any talk yet about weather the AoE immunity at the end of the STR AA line is going to be turned into a permanent self buff like Brigs have?  I have heard that that is a a possibility.  GAWD that would be awesome!  If any of you have any pull, with anyone that can get that on, please try.  I have heard that there is only one totally swamped guy sweating away in a closet somewhere at SOE doing all of the  AA lines by himself, so I can imagine how many changes are being made, and remade, and reremade.  But having the AoE immunity as a permanent self buff would be a great class defining addition to Shamen.  And for those that say it would be overpowering, Brigands have had it forever and they still get hit, and they still use resist gear.  But seriously, do you know anything about the validity of that rumor?<hr></blockquote>copy/pasting the very same text into almost every related thread will definitely NOT help your cause, i am quite sure most will just be as annoyed as i am ~</span></div>

[icetower]

<div></div>Since brigands just got their aoe immunity nerfed to hell, I would focus on getting our recast timer reduced, because theres no way it will be a permanent ability.

[Melio]

<div>I'm confused about that "Aura of Warding" (STR4). The spell description in the screenshot on page one of this thread says</div><div><em>"When target is damaged in combat this spell has a % chance to cast Aura of Warding on target. ... "</em></div><div>but</div><div><em>"Target       Caster's pet"</em></div><div> </div><div>So, I can't cast that Aura on anyone in my group/raid but just on my pet? Hoping for an AoE that damages my pet so the ward has a chance to trigger?</div><div> </div><div>I hope I'm wrong with that <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></div>

[Owlbe]

<div>I think the aura radiates from the pet or thats how I take it anyways.  No pet, no aura.</div><div> </div><div> </div>

[thedu]

Will it be possible to ever do a /respec on these in future? Are choices permanent right now, or can change paths at whim?<div></div>

[Banditman]

There is intended to be a way to change your AA's.  It will not be free, and it will not be cheap.This mechanism does not yet exist, but it has been promised.<div></div>

[Korpo]

<div><span><blockquote><hr>Varlet wrote:<div></div>Any talk yet about weather the AoE immunity at the end of the STR AA line is going to be turned into a permanent self buff like Brigs have?  I have heard that that is a a possibility.  GAWD that would be awesome!  If any of you have any pull, with anyone that can get that on, please try.  I have heard that there is only one totally swamped guy sweating away in a closet somewhere at SOE doing all of the  AA lines by himself, so I can imagine how many changes are being made, and remade, and reremade.  But having the AoE immunity as a permanent self buff would be a great class defining addition to Shamen.  And for those that say it would be overpowering, Brigands have had it forever and they still get hit, and they still use resist gear.  But seriously, do you know anything about the validity of that rumor?<hr></blockquote>Amazing Reflexes, the brigand AE immunity, is their level 52 ancient spell. They have not, as you say, "had it forever". It's getting nerfed btw.</span></div>

[Jerana]

<div></div><p>And so I am guessing the points won't be awarded retroactively? So is this targeted more towards PvP because we all have to start new toons there...or what is the line of thinking? Maybe a stupid question so thanks for humoring me.</p><p> </p><p>Jerana</p>

[Eepop]

When you are  at the level cap, all adventure xp you would be earning is rolled into Achievement xp.  So its still better to stick with your current character.<div></div>

[drayhe]

Will Aura of Haste stack with Exhilirating Opus or other forms of haste?<div></div>

[thedu]

Even if it does stack there is cap as to how much some can be hasted...<div></div>

[Tycho]

<div></div><div></div>Bandit,Was thinking this morning (I know.... dangerous...).How about a quick revision of the AA list (your second post in this thread), followed by a request to sticky it?I'm frequently looking for AA info - your summary was great, however it seemed to have slipped a few pages down the forum.  I would revise/re-summarize myself, but wouldn't want to plagiarize your work.On the other hand, if you want your work plagiarized.....Tycho (no wait, that was another game - why can't I change my name here -- and why won't my post count carry over -- d*mn you SOE).Javax, Nektulos nee Lavastorm*****************By the way, I'm taking suggestions for a new last name.  Folks I play with thought 'ClassLibrary' was a little geeky.<p>Message Edited by Tycho on <span class="date_text">05-16-2006</span> <span class="time_text">05:56 AM</span></p><p>Message Edited by Tycho on <span class=date_text>05-16-2006</span> <span class=time_text>05:57 AM</span>

[Banditman]

I don't think you'd want to plagarize that post . . . it's almost completely wrong now.That was what existed in beta, and wow I didn't realize it had changed so much.<div></div>

[paisan]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Tycho wrote:<BR> <BR>Tycho (no wait, that was another game - why can't I change my name here -- and why won't my post count carry over -- d*mn you SOE).<BR><BR>Javax, Nektulos nee Lavastorm<BR><BR>*****************<BR><BR>By the way, I'm taking suggestions for a new last name.  Folks I play with thought 'ClassLibrary' was a little geeky.<BR> <P> <HR> <P>  <P>How about "Paisansthememusic" <P>wait was that another game too... =P</P></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>