AA's thread to end all AA's thread :P

[radical_EDWARD]

<div>here it is boys and girls, Defiler AA's from all 5 line.</div><div> </div><div><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/emanji/AAbitches3.jpg"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/emanji/AAbitches4.jpg"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/emanji/AAbitches.jpg"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/emanji/AAbitches2.jpg"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/emanji/AAbitches5.jpg"></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>there u go, AA's from all 5 lines, u have a max of 50 AA points, all 5 line begin with our wolf pet, that takes an AA point, each of the first 4 AA spells in each line can get up till 8 rank (lvl) , (each rank cost an AA point). The last spell in each line cost 8 AA points and only have 1rank. When u spended 4 AA points in each line, it open up the option for the next spell in the line. So with 50 max AA points u can only max up 2 out of the 5 AA lines.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>here is the defiler AA tree.</div><div> </div><div><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/emanji/aa.jpg"></div><div> </div><div>DEbate away <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img src="http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6554/emanji015xy.jpg"></div><div> </div><div> </div>

[NimSul]

<div></div><div></div><p>First off thx for the update  :smileyvery-happy:</p><p>Next [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] is up with soe, our lvl 65 spell is a dps spell and all our AAs are pet buffs, did i miss the memo that made us a summoner dps class? :smileymad:</p><p>Now to the questions:</p><p>1: How does the group buffs on the pet work? ie "aura of haste" it says target is pet but its a group buff, does this mean the pet has to be alive for the buff to stay up? and if so whats the buff range from the pet?</p><p>2: the 4th spell in str line, is that 8% chance to proc on pet attack anything usefull at all in raids? i can imagine pet would splat instantly to damage shields/ae's being tripple down. And generally whats the survivability of the pet in a raid?</p><p>3: "Ritual of alacrity" does this include everything? taunts CA's spells heals ?</p><p>4: "aura of haste" and "immunities" are they up untill cancelled or do they havea  duration?5: Whats the recast time on "ritual"?</p><p>6: "infective" bites looks very interesting, is there any values or something that makes sence as to how big the slows are?</p><p>7: Does "infective" from 2 shammy pets stack?</p><p>thats all i can think off for now :smileyvery-happy:</p><p>edit: thought of nr 7</p><p>Message Edited by NimSul on <span class="date_text">02-17-2006</span><span class="time_text">03:07 PM</span></p>

[GidionSWE]

<div></div><p>Is it just me or do most of those look pretty useless compared to what we had before? Seems so focused on the pet</p><p> </p>

[His]

<div></div>I'm half interested and half dissapointed by these. Ritual of Alacrity looked well worth it until I noticed I can't cast it on myself.  And I don't understand why they don't just make Ritual a perm buff if you have a symbol in your secondary slot.  As it stands now you could cast it every heal if you wanted, you just have to hit an extra button. Crippling Bash looks fantastic, I've wanted a stun for so long.  Even if it is only 2 seconds, it's still enough to interupt the stupid caster mobs.  Infective Bites has me curious as well, I'd love to hear some numbers on that ... and if it works on raid mobs.  Why they'd think reducing the timer on the 1 sec cast / 5 sec recast basic cures is AA worthy is beyond me. Also, why is melee crit chance upped by 20% while heal crit chance is only upped by 3%?  I'm guessing at rank 8 our heal crit chance would be about 6%?  And while I'm asking questions, what does a critical heal actually do ... 50% more? 100% more? 200% more?I dunno, I've been staring at these for a while now and I just don't know what to think about them.  BTW, I saw mention of a coin cost to respecing AA's in another thread, is that just a beta thing or will it go live and how much does it cost? <div></div>

[kenji]

<div></div><p>so freaking good AA line.</p><p>Pet so many AA needed AND get choice to Prevent AoE (except being direct), and 30% heal add for FREE? usable while Casting??</p><p> </p>

[SunT]

<div></div><p>This is a good AA set.</p><p>I can easilly spend 50 there.</p><p>You guys should be happy, there are other classes without such a decent layout.</p><p>The spell sux but the AA are not too bad.</p>

[NimSul]

<div></div>Im not happy cos i dont wanna be a pet class :smileyindifferent:

[playat]

<div></div>can someone link the pet spell plz

[masoninc61]

Can I get my god-king priest hammer made into a god-king priest spear? <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[Deson]

Did they explain Ritual?It's a great spell but 1.5 sec duration and everything else instant? Is the annoyance factor intentional or is it just a typo? If not it should just be passive<div></div>

[GidionSWE]

<div></div><div></div><div>ok after lookin over these again, i come to the conclusion yet again that these suck for the most part. Id be interested in hearing what kind of builds ppl got in mind though for their ->raiding<- shaman.</div><div> </div><div>Im personally pretty positive ill go after coagulate besides that im quite unsure. </div><div>Nothing rly looks any good at all (certainly not enough to max any of em) xcept the end abilities with coagulate in the top.. i might just go after ritual alacrity or scourge after that..probably ritual al. but as i said im not sure and thats why i wanted to hear from some other shamans.</div><div> </div><div>edit: cant type hehe</div><p>Message Edited by GidionSWE on <span class="date_text">02-18-2006</span><span class="time_text">04:05 PM</span></p>

[NimSul]

<div></div><p>My choice as a raid defiler totally depends on the survability of the pet, if it is as i think and it gets slaughtered every time it even looks at a mob with a ae thats renders all the "pet" group buffs useless and ill have no choice but to go get "ritual of alacrity" and "ritual" if not some of the buffs looks fairly interesting.</p><p>Still having a hard time getting over that we all of a sudden are a pet class now - it sux</p>

[Ishnar]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>NimSul wrote:<div></div><p>My choice as a raid defiler totally depends on the survability of the pet, if it is as i think and it gets slaughtered every time it even looks at a mob with a ae thats renders all the "pet" group buffs useless and ill have no choice but to go get "ritual of alacrity" and "ritual" if not some of the buffs looks fairly interesting.</p><p>Still having a hard time getting over that we all of a sudden are a pet class now - it sux</p><hr></blockquote>Yes, I don't like pets really.   They are just another set of buttons to push.

[Zathrys]

Why all the H8 for dogdog?  I missed him so from eq1, and I'm not gonna turn my nose up at some extra dps, especially solo.  Also notice in the str line the final skill prevents pet from taking aoe damage unless it's directed at the pet.  If you are planning on using the pet for raids this line looks like a must.  I'll prolly go str/wis line.<div></div>

[Kyin]

<div></div><p>nice thought, and I thought the same till you look at the the AoE dodge spell.  It is a buff that would give your pet (or target) a 5% chance to proc a 5 sec bugg that lets you dodge AoE damge.  So no that would not be able to be a viable way to keep your target alive.  So the spell sucks.  If it was all aoes directed or not it would be an ok pick for the MT, gives him a small chance to dodge a huge spell but sadly the whole spell sucks.</p><p>What I would like to know is what the spells look like in 8 points</p>

[Lirnafel]

Spiritual Foresight gives your pet (and thats the only target you can cast it on) immunity against all AoE (if its not directed at the pet) AND has a chance to proc AoE immunity for the caster. I wouldnt call this spell useless if you think about using your pet in activities that include AoEs.And since its the fifth in the line it can only be on rank 1 (which costs 8 points)<div></div>

[Radutz]

well,never was really into carrying around all sorts of weapons, but besides being a pet class (which i cant tell is good or bad, since we dont know how good the pet is going to last),it even strikes me that i have to use different types of weapons in order to use some spells with the pet.hope they not trying to make up for the weird t7 spells.thyra/zoe<div></div>

[NimSul]

<div></div><div></div><p>Ill be damned if im gonna spend 24 ! points just to be able to get foresight for my pet so its not gonna insta die in raids. If the pet group buffs arent 50meters range like normal buffs so i can park it far far away from mobs and just leach the buffs im not gonna get a single pet buff and prolly never gonna use the pet.</p><p>Lastly, i still dont want a stupid pet, you eq1 fanatics might have liked being a pet class shammy back then but my game doesnt say eq1 on it and there has never been any indications that defilers would be pet classes. You could give me a conjuror pet and i would still unhappy because i dont wanna be a pet class. Dumbfire pets like the circle is fine, they are basically just a regaining ward that have a range and a center of placement.</p><p>Pets sux</p><p>edit:</p><p>I think the weapon thing is kinda cool, i usually carry 10ish weapons anyways for fun and some even have resists that are usefull. Then again im a gear fanatic and have 3 sets of armor and 2,5 sets of jewelery. not to mention 5 different fabled bracers /sigh yay for loottables.</p><p>hmm yes the pet still sux</p><p>Message Edited by NimSul on <span class="date_text">02-19-2006</span><span class="time_text">07:14 PM</span></p>

[kenji]

<div></div><p>hm...if u spend 24 pts to get foresight will be damned? u still have a 8% proc 450 group ward, and a 4% free haste for your melees...</p><p>if u spend the others 24 pts into Ritual line...get 4 pts wis, 8 pts into Ritual, 4 pts into Ritual Aggresion, 8 pts into Ritual Absolution.. u will get 16 wis, 30% extra heal in 1.5 sec, 8% 200-300 dmg pet melee proc, 4%  decrease 890 aggo for the Shaman...</p><p>isnt there enough pts to have all of them?</p>

[GidionSWE]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>kenjiso wrote:<div></div><p>hm...if u spend 24 pts to get foresight will be damned? u still have a 8% proc 450 group ward, and a 4% free haste for your melees...</p><p>if u spend the others 24 pts into Ritual line...get 4 pts wis, 8 pts into Ritual, 4 pts into Ritual Aggresion, 8 pts into Ritual Absolution.. u will get 16 wis, 30% extra heal in 1.5 sec, 8% 200-300 dmg pet melee proc, 4%  decrease 890 aggo for the Shaman...</p><p>isnt there enough pts to have all of them?</p><hr></blockquote><p>That ward procs when the pet gets hit...u have any idea how useless that is on our triple down arrow pet? he dies if he gets hit in a raid! not to mention 4% haste is so pathetic its not even funny.. *IF* that ward procced when the pet hit however i would definetly work on this line but right now it sux. So yes, u'll definetly be damned if u spend 24 points just so ure pet dont die.</p><p>Ritual could be allright, certainly better then a crit heal that might or might not trigger, but since i dont heal much and i doubt any shaman does it is pretty useless. For example last time we killed jura'nata i healed for 2k that whole fight, 5k vs zayakala and 5k vs lathena..The MT group cleric healed for 50-70k during those fights. Pet melee proc is also useless, cause the pet is dead. Another pet melee proc thats useless cause the pet is most likely dead if u send it in, not to mention a detaunt is doubly uselss cause the only time i might get hate is in the beginning of the fight and it wont have had a chance to proc b4 that anyway.</p><p>dont think i have to say it again, but these AAs dont impress me much</p>

[Zathrys]

Glass is half empty eh?<div></div>

[DresdenMalicaster]

The top blerb on the proc ward indicates that it is "when the pet is hit". However, the wording of the effect seems to indicate the opposite. So, from those in beta, is it when the pet attacks or when the pet <i>is</i> attacked?Honestly, you all need to realize what the intent of these AAs are. They were never meant to be class defining or altering. Personally, I think they have done a great job making a system that is not over-powering, but (with a few modificcations) could be useful contectually. These abilities may not be every mob type things or "must casts", but they certainly will add some interesting options for daily play.<div></div>

[NurseNam]

<div></div>Does anyone else find it kinda strange that 2 of the lines require greatspear or spear.  It's not that I don't like it but I would like a spear as an option for my pris 2.0 then.  Also, does anyone know approx. how long it will take to get your first AA? Will I be able to get my pet within the first couple days?

[Ultharion]

How does one gain AAs? I know starting at 20, by levelling (I've heard roughly 1/3 a point per level), but beyond that, how? I had heard questing as well. Really though, I have yet to see a concrete explanation of how one progresses along the paths. Could someone give me a quick explanation of the system, or point me to one?

[Owlbe]

<div></div><div></div><p>I am looking forward to the pet (yes, I'm one of those eq1 shaman) but I noticed some severe holes in the aa layout as far as I can see.....</p><p>-not able to boost wards in anyway (druids first tick of their regen can crit)(are wards considered a healing spell?  Don't think they are)</p><p>-no spell crit options (would'nt mind some crits maybe on the dots in the int line would have been nice)</p><p>-for those that solo they are pushing melee dps down our throats and not giving us the option of at least trying for some spell dps (makes you spec in str/dex and to a lesser degree sta as a much more "worthless" stat than say wis or int is to a shammy)</p><p>-no clear path to upgrade pet (they HAD a dps/hp buff in the wis line they took away now the few other pet dependant buffs are scattered too much about)</p><p>-to many pet dependant aa's for people who maybe don't like or don't want a pet (pet has to be hit for this to happen, pet must be out for that to happen etc etc)</p><p>-really hate the weapon dependancy thing.  Overly artifically complicates things for no reason.</p><p> </p><p>Just some thoguhs.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Message Edited by Omegarhino on <span class="date_text">02-20-2006</span><span class="time_text">11:45 AM</span></p>

[Kyin]

<div>Again most of these pics just show what the effects are with 4 or 5 points in them.  To decided what I am going to do I would love to see what the effects were with 8 points in them, or as many as i could see with 8 points.  the difference between 4 points and 8 is an app 4 spell and a master 1 spell.</div><div> </div><div>If anyone knows what these look like please let us know</div>

[kenji]

<div></div><p>if i read the spell correctly, the ward is <u>group</u> ward which helps your Group , not only your pet, so does haste. time will tell.</p><p>the Group Heal proc (Glory of Combat) for Templar in live , when it buffs on pet, it does heal the group.</p><p> </p><p>unless something nerfed again.</p>

[playat]

<div></div><div><font size="5" color="#ff0000"><strong>WHAT PET SPELL?</strong></font></div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff"></font></strong> </div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">I DONT RECALL SEEING ONE IN AA'S OR NEW SPELLS </font></strong></div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff"></font></strong> </div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">a</font></strong><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">nyone have a link?</font></strong></div>

[sostrows]

weapon dependency will go the way of the spirit shards cause folks like me doing /feedback for a prismatic 2.0 spear will drive SOE nutz.EQOA shaman were the only priest with pets, but they were the weakest of any pet class.  kids like doggies.  happy kids pay their SOE fees on time.  SOE makes pets.<div></div>

[Feanor Baugl]

<div><span><blockquote><hr>playatru wrote:<div></div><div><font size="5" color="#ff0000"><strong>WHAT PET SPELL?</strong></font></div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff"></font></strong> </div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">I DONT RECALL SEEING ONE IN AA'S OR NEW SPELLS </font></strong></div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff"></font></strong> </div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">a</font></strong><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">nyone have a link?</font></strong></div><hr></blockquote><span>To answer ur question. The below means that our AA starts will a wolf pet.....<blockquote><hr>radical_EDWARD wrote:....all 5 line begin with our wolf pet...<div></div><hr></blockquote></span></span></div>

[Ishnar]

<div></div><div></div><div></div><blockquote><hr>playatru wrote:<div></div><div><font size="5" color="#ff0000"><strong>WHAT PET SPELL?</strong></font></div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff"></font></strong> </div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">I DONT RECALL SEEING ONE IN AA'S OR NEW SPELLS </font></strong></div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff"></font></strong> </div><div><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">a</font></strong><strong><font size="4" color="#ffccff">nyone have a link?</font></strong></div><hr></blockquote><p>It is the very first AS you get to unlock all the other AS lines.</p><p>And yes, I don't want a frelling pet.  It's just more buttons to push and playing a defiler is already a button mashing frenzy.  I dan't want more spells, I want more passive abilities.  Looks like it is the AGI line for me.</p><p>Message Edited by Ishnar on <span class="date_text">02-21-2006</span><span class="time_text">12:01 AM</span></p>

[radical_EDWARD]

<div><blockquote><hr>Kyin wrote:<div>Again most of these pics just show what the effects are with 4 or 5 points in them.  To decided what I am going to do I would love to see what the effects were with 8 points in them, or as many as i could see with 8 points.  the difference between 4 points and 8 is an app 4 spell and a master 1 spell.</div><div> </div><div>If anyone knows what these look like please let us know</div><hr></blockquote>the problem with putting 8 points in an AA skill is that you wont be able to max out 2 lines, since you only get 50 AA points, u need to spread it evenly to reach the final 2 AA spells in the lines that u chose. Of course you dont have to reach the final AA spells of the lines, but since those are usually the best one i would think people would want to do that. Anyways, i have SS of all of the lines completely max with all adept3 of each spells, i will try post it as soon as i'm home<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> aditing all those pictures is suckzor <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> .</div>

[Wardyn]

<div>Wow, what a headache. I'll most likely concentrate on 2 lines. I don't see the benefit of spreading myself too thin. The Ritualist line looks promising. Outside of that, I think the Prophet line may be the best choice. Well, If they introduce some nicer one handed spears in KOS, that is. Still, what do I know? I'll more than likely sit back on 60 a few weeks. All the while letting someone else be the first to figure out this jumble.</div>

[Kyin]

<div></div><div><blockquote><hr>Kyin wrote:<div>Again most of these pics just show what the effects are with 4 or 5 points in them.  To decided what I am going to do I would love to see what the effects were with 8 points in them, or as many as i could see with 8 points.  the difference between 4 points and 8 is an app 4 spell and a master 1 spell.</div><div> </div><div>If anyone knows what these look like please let us know</div><hr></blockquote>the problem with putting 8 points in an AA skill is that you wont be able to max out 2 lines, since you only get 50 AA points, u need to spread it evenly to reach the final 2 AA spells in the lines that u chose. Of course you dont have to reach the final AA spells of the lines, but since those are usually the best one i would think people would want to do that. Anyways, i have SS of all of the lines completely max with all adept3 of each spells, i will try post it as soon as i'm home<img width="16" border="0" src="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/i/smilies/16x16_smiley-happy.gif" height="16"> aditing all those pictures is suckzor <img width="16" border="0" src="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/i/smilies/16x16_smiley-tongue.gif" height="16">.<p></p><div>npu.guildportal.com</div></div><div><hr></div><p> </p><p>Thanks, yea I could max out two but sadly I have no desire to max out two lines.  I see greater profit from maxing out spells (if there return is worth it) instead of working toward one of the useless endline spells.  I do like them and I will get 1 end line spell but I have no desire to get two end line spells.</p><p>Cant wait to see the post.  Thanks so much!</p><p>Gus</p>

[MalkorGodchyld]

<div></div><p><font size="2">     When i first saw our AA list i was excited but after letting things sink in & looking at the other priest AA's, i realize that we definately have a disadvantage.   Too many of our AA's are dependant on a triple down arrow pet to be alive...in range...etc.  When it dies...so does our well earned AA tree.     A pet "sounds" nice sure but it weakens the caster who is dependant on it...  thats the reason why summoners have formidable pets,  because when it's dead...they soon follow.     I'd rather not be depandant on anything other than myself.</font></p><p><font size="2">  Thinking along those lines alot of the AA's become useless or shoddy at best.    If anyone hasn't looked at the cleric & druid AA's....you should.        I would take self specific AA's over a pet any day of the week & twice on Sundays.    And  a triple down arrow pet?   Couldn't make it even con i guess?    Does it atleast benefit from our group HP buffs etc?       Hmm...i hope all you pet guru's are happy.     Im doubtful~              It sucks to be a die hard Defiler atm    ( yet again )</font></p><p><font size="2"> I think SOE will eventually revamp a few things but it'll take time for the imbalances to settle in...    the question is how long will it take.</font></p><p><font size="2">Oh & thks alot for all the info Emanji :smileywink:</font></p><p><font size="2"></font> </p><p><font size="2"> ~ Marius Darkchyld ~</font></p><p><font size="2">       </font></p><p>Message Edited by MalkorGodchyld on <span class="date_text">02-21-2006</span><span class="time_text">08:46 AM</span></p>

[playat]

<div></div><p>sorry i guess i am a n00b what the heck is AS?</p><p>do you mean its not a spell it just poof appears when we start our aa's?</p><p> </p>

[Owlbe]

<div></div><p>Yes, the cleric/druid aa's are much better (trying to be subjective not grass is greener guy) imo.  The druid str line lets you fire off a grp heal, you can spec in int for dps if ya want etc etc.  Much more options for all playstyles.</p><p>So what does a critical hit for a priest exactly mean?  Is it double damage or a "max" hit using the high weapon damage number or do we get to use the fighter damage table on weapons?</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

[Jas]

<div><span><blockquote><hr>playatru wrote:<div></div><p>sorry i guess i am a n00b what the heck is AS?</p><p>do you mean its not a spell it just poof appears when we start our aa's?</p><hr></blockquote>The pet is just like a conjuror or necro pet, except it is much weaker.  Instead of being a <i>spell</i>, it's an ability.  Spending the point in the AA tree (It is the first ability, the one you MUST buy to spend any other AA) will give you a button that you press to summon your pet.  Same with all the other non-passive AAs, just another button.</span></div>

[sostrows]

<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>I see 2 big debuffs for raids:STA-C "Infective Bites" to reduce a mob's casting timers.  I assume it works on EPICs.  Proc off pet.INT-E "Scourge" to remove all beneficial affects off a mob.  I assume it works on EPICs.  Proc off pet.  Sacrafice pet and lasts 3 min.With Bolster, I'm prob gonna be in the OT grp and since I rolled this toon as a raid debuffer, I'm thinking of:<u>Option A (raid debuff package - depends alot on the power of Scourge):</u>pet = 1INT-A = 4INT-B = 4INT-C = 4INT-D = 4<font color="#66ff00">INT-E = 8 (dispell all beneficial spell effects, heals caster)</font>STA-A = 8STA-B = 4<font color="#66ff00">STA-C = 8 (pet proc to slow mob casting)</font>WIS-A = 5Idea would be to kamakazi pet at start of fight to remove all beneficial effects.   Big ? is how useful is this??Another option would be sacrafice pet right before an ae to gain the 200% health for the ae.<u>Option B (raid protection package):</u>pet = 1STR-A = 4STR-B = 4STR-C = 4<font color="#66ff00">STR-D = 8 (grp ward off pet proc)</font><font color="#66ff00"></font><font color="#66ff00">STR-E = 8 (pet ae directed immunity and change to ae immune a grp member)</font>WIS-A = 8<font color="#66ff00">WIS-B = 8 (heal bonus)</font>STA-A = 4You could take points off STR-D and WIS-B to get to STA-C to get the pet spell casting slow proc also.<u>Option C (Soloers package - and requires spear + buckler):</u>STR-A = 4<font color="#66ff00">STR-B = 8 (pet interrupt + ae dot)</font>AGI-A = 5<font color="#66ff00">AGI-B = 4 (DD proc & root)</font><font color="#66ff00"></font><font color="#66ff00">AGI-C = 8 (melee crit % increase)</font><font color="#66ff00"></font><font color="#66ff00">AGI-D = 4 (Heal crit % increase)</font><font color="#66ff00"></font><font color="#66ff00">AGI-E = 8 (haste proc and revproc)</font>STA-A = 4<font color="#66ff00">STA-B = 4 (stun + debuff)</font>The WIS line ends with an uber buff for a caster during a raid.<div></div><p>Message Edited by sostrows on <span class="date_text">02-21-2006</span><span class="time_text">02:35 PM</span></p>

[Jas]

<div><span><blockquote><hr>sostrows wrote:I see 2 big debuffs for raids:STA-C "Infective Bites" to reduce a mob's casting timers.  I assume it works on EPICs.  Proc off pet.INT-E "Scourge" to remove all beneficial affects off a mob.  I assume it works on EPICs.  Proc off pet.With Bolster, I'm prob gonna be in the OT grp and since I rolled this toon as a raid debuffer, I'm thinking of:<u>Option A (raid debuff package - depends alot on the power of Scourge):</u>pet = 1INT-A = 4INT-B = 4INT-C = 4INT-D = 4<font color="#66ff00">INT-E = 8 (dispell all beneficial spell effects)</font>STA-A = 8STA-B = 4<font color="#66ff00">STA-C = 8 (pet proc to slow mob casting)</font>WIS-A = 5<u>Option B (raid protection package):</u>pet = 1STR-A = 4STR-B = 4STR-C = 4<font color="#66ff00">STR-D = 8 (grp ward off pet proc)</font><font color="#66ff00"></font><font color="#66ff00">STR-E = 8 (pet ae directed immunity and change to ae immune a grp member)</font>WIS-A = 8<font color="#66ff00">WIS-B = 8 (heal bonus)</font>STA-A = 4You could take points off STR-D and WIS-B to get to STA-C to get the pet spell casting slow proc also.The AGI line is definately great for soloing.The WIS line ends with an uber buff for a caster during a raid.<p>Message Edited by sostrows on <span class="date_text">02-21-2006</span><span class="time_text">01:08 PM</span></p><hr></blockquote>I'm planning on a Str/Wis setup, looking at raid settings.  As you said, some of it depends on the power of Scourge but generally speaking I find the buffs much more powerful than the debuffs.  My potential build is:Pet=1Str A = 4Str B = 4Str C = 4Str D = 4Str E = 8Wis A</span><span> = 4</span><span>Wis B</span><span> = 5 (Heal %)</span><span></span><span>Wis C</span><span> = 4</span><span>Wis D</span><span> = 4 (Small chance of proc -threat on the shaman when pet is attacking)</span><span>Wis E</span><span> = 8 (This seems to be the crazy one to me, especially for Scout classes that tend to have tons of mana but are limited by refreshes on timers.  Let alone the heal output someone can do with this active.  Pretty much any class can benefit from this in some situations, I look forward to this ability being the Shaman version of Zealotry)</span></div>

[sostrows]

<div></div><div></div>You thinking STR-E is a directed ae immunity for the whole grp for 5 seconds?  Spell indicates it is for the whole grp.It just seems so unreliable and I hate the idea of counting on a 5% proc on a pet attacking an orange mob in a raid.  It would not benefit the MT in your in MT grp as the MT is probably the target but it could save the day in a non-MT grp.  STR-D is real nice.  Coupled with Spiritual Circle and Bane, you might be able to go to sleep in an xp grp.WIS-E looks awesome but it also looks like guarenteed agro on a scout/mage/priest in a raid if you used it to it's max extent possible.I might end up saving alot of AAs until someone actually is brave enough to test each endline spell.<div></div><p>Message Edited by sostrows on <span class="date_text">02-21-2006</span><span class="time_text">02:53 PM</span></p>

[Wardyn]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>sostrows wrote:<div></div><div></div>I might end up saving alot of AAs until someone actually is brave enough to test each endline spell.<div></div><p>Message Edited by sostrows on <span class="date_text">02-21-2006</span><span class="time_text">02:53 PM</span></p><hr></blockquote>That's my plan. Finally i will benefit from the powergamers hitting 70 in a couple of weeks. I shall learn from their successes and mistakes. I guess, but what do I know?

[Wardyn]

<div></div><blockquote><div><span><blockquote><hr></blockquote>I'm planning on a Str/Wis setup, looking at raid settings.  As you said, some of it depends on the power of Scourge but generally speaking I find the buffs much more powerful than the debuffs.  My potential build is:Pet=1Str A = 4Str B = 4Str C = 4Str D = 4Str E = 8Wis A</span><span> = 4</span><span>Wis B</span><span> = 5 (Heal %)</span><span></span><span>Wis C</span><span> = 4</span><span>Wis D</span><span> = 4 (Small chance of proc -threat on the shaman when pet is attacking)</span><span>Wis E</span><span> = 8 (This seems to be the crazy one to me, especially for Scout classes that tend to have tons of mana but are limited by refreshes on timers.  Let alone the heal output someone can do with this active.  Pretty much any class can benefit from this in some situations, I look forward to this ability being the Shaman version of Zealotry)</span></div><hr></blockquote><p>That's exactly the setup I was thinking about using. Perhaps a little heavy on the pet benfitting side. However, as long as we have Dogdog, we may as well keep him effective. I really think WisE will be a good raid/group spell for us. At least, I hope it will be.</p><p>It will boil down to the Str/Int line. Much depends on Scourge.</p><p>Message Edited by Wardyn on <span class="date_text">02-22-2006</span><span class="time_text">07:17 AM</span></p>

[Ishnar]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>playatru wrote:<div></div><p>sorry i guess i am a n00b what the heck is AS?</p><p>do you mean its not a spell it just poof appears when we start our aa's?</p><p></p><hr></blockquote>AS = Achievement System.  There are no AAs.   Everyone from EQ1 is just calling the AS lines AAs because that is what the closest paralles was called in EQ1.  However, the AS line is a completely different animal so calling it by the same name is misleading, that is part of the reason so many people are dissapointed.   AAs were much stronger overall and there were no 50 point limits like in EQ2.

[Trailsm]

<div></div><p>[expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] does Coagulate do?  Haven't been able to figure it out; been grinding xp and I feel like I have been raid debuffed by a 50 pnt *AS Defiler.</p><p>I 2Box SK atm with my Defiler, so when in xp group with him I don't use my pet (if I can find a way to hotkey him I might).  The few times I have he is dead way before I noticed, and it is a pita to recast.  I am looking to spend my points in a line/lines that will benefit me primarily for raids.  Thanks for the great suggestions; best one I saw is to let them accumulate, then spend them when I am armed with more information-info that the rest of you will provide for me!!!  Muhahaha!</p><p>I WILL NEVER GIVE UP PLAYING MY DEFILER TYVM BECAUSE WE RULE!</p><p> </p><p>Sedona/61 SK and Taos/61 (MAIN!) Defiler on Permafrost</p><p> </p>

[TangBaBa]

<div></div><p>Sticky on this thread until they compile it into a FAQ with our spell abilities?</p><p>Also - if you can sticky it into the Mystic forum that would be a help for me as well =)</p>

[sostrows]

I wish for a sticky.Never seen SOE post here cept to keep a flame war in check.<div></div>

[Vincenzo]

I'm an EQ player, and was shocked at everyone referring to these as AA's in the channels on my server.It's totally misleading and silly to say that imo. These are NOT AA's. If you want to call them something from another game, call them talents imo. The system resembles the WOW talent system far more than the EQ AA system.--Good comments in this thread. The STR line looks very nice, as well as the WIS line. In fact all the lines have some really nice abilities in, it's a matter of prioritising and testing.One of the most exciting ones (to me) is called Aura of Warding i think. It's difficult to see the name from that screenshot, but it's STR-D.However it says:"Every time your pet is struck there is a chance that...."and"On a successful melee attack this spell has an 8% ...."These statements are a little ambiguous to me.If it triggers off the pet being hit, how much health does the pet have at level 60+, and how much damage do the mobs do in one round?If it triggers from the pet hitting the mob...how likely is that at level 60+?

[Ishnar]

<div></div>the pet has jack for HP so it can "maybe" take a hit of a like level mob.  But the pet always cons white to you, so it has the same chance of hitting a mob as you do.

[Kyin]

<div></div><p>Pet can not take a hit.  fighting heroic mobs he might take 2 hits if your lucky. </p><p>As for how often he hits, that depends on what classes you have in your group... BUT it is not the same chances you have. </p><p>Being a level 65 mystic I can mellee a heroic and hit him 95% of the time with my hammer.  My pet on the other hand hits about 30% of the time if that.  Now due to luck I have seen him go to town on a mob 1 time out of a 100.  But for the other 99 fights he would be lucky to hit it once or twice during the fight.</p><p>Last night I decided to play with him on the epics in courts.  He could hit them, but again not as often as I could.  The problem thoughe everything was blue-white so his chances of hitting that level 75 epic at level 70 does not look good. </p><p>In short though if you take any AA that needs the pet to hit a mob (aura of warding, infective bits) you will 100% want to go to the bottom of the STR line to make your pet live through any epic fight. </p><p>The infective bits build is a nice looking build for a raiding shaman if you dont try to go the healing builds.</p>

[Owlbe]

<div></div><p>Yeah, its debatable whether the pet is even getting our str buffs in order to help it hit things.  We know for sure its not getting alot or much benefit from buffs.  I was originally going to invest hard in the pet but after seeing how weak he is I've changed my mind and centered aa's on myself instead.  God forbid it takes a riposte or a aoe and thats the end of that dog.  Keeping in mind I either solo or small group so I'm trying for some kinda dps that I was hoping the pet would provide which it is not (or very, very little)</p><p> </p><p>pet-1</p><p>agi-4/8/8/8/8</p><p>int-8</p><p>wis-5</p><p>Going down the agi line to get as much melee as possible (since they won't let us do more magic damage), int to boost magic dps the best and the rest in wis for more power.  Best I can think of for my play style anyways.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

[Azeda]

<div></div><div></div><p>One Idea I had was the following</p><p>DogDog = 1</p><p>strA = 4</p><p>strB = 4</p><p>strC = 4 (group haste)</p><p>strD = 4 (group ward proc) - clarification on if this procs when pets <em>is</em> hit or <em>hits</em> would be nice</p><p>strE = 8 (to keep him alive during  raids and soloing since I tank)</p><p>STRtotal = 24</p><p>----------</p><p>staA = 4</p><p>staB = 4 (w/buckler - stun looks nice for soloing)</p><p>staC = 4 (slowing mobs cast timers etc. would be nice for solo and raid)</p><p>STAtotal = 12</p><p>----------</p><p>wisA = 4</p><p>wisB = 8 (heal + 30% w/ symbol for group/raid healer role)</p><p>WIStotal = 12</p><p>---------</p><p>which leaves 1 point to put wherever ( also  I would consider putting 8 in staC instead of wisB depending on which I use more ... could hold back those 4 points and see where they would be most effective)</p><p> </p><p>Just my thoughts. </p><p>Also, does anyone know what "Herbal expertise" really does ... is that for our basic effect cures (trauma, noxious, ... etc.) if so that is stupid ... those cost little power and cast fast anyway.  If that includes our group effect cure and VoA then it my be worthwhile.  (a faster recast on VoA would be great).  Or if the wording is wrong and that effects heals or wards ... it would be great too.  Just wondering what they meant by basic cures?</p><p> </p><p>Message Edited by Azeda on <span class="date_text">03-06-2006</span><span class="time_text">09:54 AM</span></p>

[Wardyn]

<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Here is what I'm doing. (Group/Raid set-up)</div><div> </div><div><div>Pet = 1</div><div> </div><div><div>STRA = 4</div><div>STRB = 4 (Will need to find a nice 1 handed spear...gulp)</div><div>STRC= 4</div><div>STRD = 5 (should be good in tandom with Spiritual circle)</div></div><div>STRE = 8 (Agreed, pivotal for a group/raiding set)</div><div> </div><div>Total = 26</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>WiSA = 4</div><div>WISB = 4 (Symbol replaces buckler for groups/raids. Be sure to grab another ranged item)</div><div>WISC = 4</div><div>WISD = 4 (Not crazy about this one)</div><div>WISE = 8 (Potentially our best ability. Imagine this on a DPS....wow.)</div><div> </div><div>Total = 50</div></div><div> </div><div>An alternative for soloers...(Solo set-up)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div>Pet = 1</div><div> </div><div><div>STRA = 4</div><div>STRB = 4 (Will need to find a nice 1 handed spear...gulp)</div><div>STRC= 4</div><div>STRD = 8 (should be good in tandom with Spiritual Circle)</div></div><div> </div><div>Total = 21</div><div> </div><div>STAA = 4</div><div>STAB = 5 (I always use a buckler, so)</div><div>STAC = 4</div><div>STAD = 4 (If this is eventually as worthwhile as it should be. Otherwise throw points to STAB - WISC)</div><div> </div><div>Total = 38</div><div> </div><div>WiSA = 4</div><div>WISB = 4 (Symbol replaces buckler for groups/raids. Be sure to grab another ranged item)</div><div>WISC = 4</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Total = 50</div><div> </div><div>Feel free to convince me otherwise. I'm still only around 20 AA.</div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div> </div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><p>Message Edited by Wardyn on <span class="date_text">03-06-2006</span><span class="time_text">01:14 PM</span></p><p>Message Edited by Wardyn on <span class="date_text">03-06-2006</span><span class="time_text">01:34 PM</span></p><p>Message Edited by Wardyn on <span class="date_text">03-06-2006</span><span class="time_text">01:39 PM</span></p><p>Message Edited by Wardyn on <span class="date_text">03-06-2006</span><span class="time_text">05:43 PM</span></p>

[Azeda]

<div></div>The one thing I agree with is that the abilities dependent on our pet being alive are useless without the AE immunity due to him being weaker than any squishy out there.  So if you want to raid and use his abilities ... STR-E is a must.

[Wardyn]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>Azeda wrote:<div></div>The one thing I agree with is that the abilities dependent on our pet being alive are useless without the AE immunity due to him being weaker than any squishy out there.  So if you want to raid and use his abilities ... STR-E is a must.<hr></blockquote>You're probably right. I misread the spell. My thinking was that it had a 5% chance to make the pet immune.

[At]

<div></div><p>The problem I'm having with STR-E is that, while it is nice that that pet will avoid the AoE, a riposte will knock it dead.  So the only way to keep the pet alive is to get STR-E and never send it in to attack, but then the only benifit you get is STR-C (Aura of Haste) and that's pretty worthless.</p><p>I *was* happy doing STR-E and WIS-E untill I watched the pet get killed 5 times or so off riposte.  Then thought about STA-D/WIS-E and dumping the other 8 points somewhere else, but then I actually read Herbal Expertise and realized it's cures that get the help there, not heals.</p><p>So now I'm thing STA-E/WIS-E.  The 484 HP buffer against MT dying seems nice and if you can get Ritual of Alacrity off on another healer if your tank gets in trouble, the combination of the two may save the tank.</p><p>Anyone have an opinion on this setup?  Am I off in my logic on STA-E/WIS-E?</p>

[Besual]

Currently my setup is strA x4, strB x4, strC x4, strD x2.My opinion so far: dogdog dies very fast. Even in a normal XP group you must have a close eye to doggy's HP-bar. If you have a good tank he will turn the mob so the group is in the back of the mob. Just send in dogdog. If you have a lazy one (90+% of the time) you should run behind the mob and send doggy from there. This way you can avoid reposits and our pet should last few fights.From the back of the mob doggy hits quite good. But with such low chance to proc the ward it's more an eye candy. I'm affraid same goes for strE (the AoE immunity proc). If the chance won't increase to 10-20% I will respec the str line.<div></div>

[Jazmynn]

<div></div><p>Since this wasnt stickied I decided to revive it ;P</p><p>Do you all stick with you strategies for AAs?  I am considering respecting...  I cant seem to be happy with any choice yet....</p>

[Kimage]

<div></div><p>Ok personally I agree that the whole pet thing is rubish. Like it has been said if I wanted a pet then I would be a summoner. That said I cast him anyways, along with my hoo luck just for some friends while soloing, cuz well I dont see any damage being done by 'Worthless' ( yes that is my puppies name) when he does decide to stop just barking at the mob and actually go in to help ( Yea I know I could send him in but while soloing usually forget hehe ).</p><p>As for my AA choises so far? Well I have maxed my wis and maxed the ritual ( dont seem to work on the wards :smileymad: ) and has really helped when I use my big single heal. Brought my tank back to life when we had a orange ^^^ pop on us. I have 8 other pts sitting there waiting to be used, and think I'm just gonna put them in sta, agi, str and int, just to give those stats a boost. Though reducing my casting time would be nice if it lasted longer or was a passive spell. Anyone know what the reuse timer on that is?  :smileyhappy:</p>

[MiaPage]

<div></div><div></div><p>Well, I have to agree, the pet is very weak at best.  I know sony attempts to keep an "even" playing field, not making any one class to superior to the next.  I know they try to balance it out by giving each class benefits.  But this pet line is just useless in almost all situations.  I am continually hearing how "useless my mangy mutt" is when I am in a raid.</p><p>The part that stinks is that some of the AA lines could actually be of <em><strong><font color="#66ff66">some</font></strong> </em>use if the darn pet did not die so fast.  I am not saying the pet should be able to tank like a caster pet, however, if they gave him some HP to withstand a hit, then we could actually use him, (or her) in some way.</p><p>If the pet had some meat on it, it would not change the way we play our class, but would however, give us the added benefit it was intended.  </p><p> </p><p>Message Edited by MiaPage on <span class="date_text">04-10-2006</span><span class="time_text">12:33 PM</span></p>

[sirmamabe]

<font face="sans-serif" size="2">At first I went straight down agi line.  It was the only line that did not depend on a 2k hp dog living.  </font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">Then my husband ( an inquisitor ) was in the mt group with a mystic that had gone down the str line.  He noticed that he did not have to hit the group heal button as much.  Basically that the ae was not hurting the group as much as usual.  Also that the dog lived through the encounter.  </font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">So I decided to redo my aa's, and also go down the strength line.  That was a couple of days ago.</font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">I am very happy.   Did some raiding in Lab, Tos, Ascent and a few contested over the weekend.  In lab he only died three times, once at my hand.  In tos he did not die unless it was a raid wipe, we had a few folks lag pull some mobs for us : ).  The only zone where he lived up to his name, Squishy, was the second floor of Ascent.  He barely lasted 10 secs of any fight, even on the trash mobs.   I even tried keeping him back with me at max heal range so he would be out of the ae.  To find out that an ae I was barely noticing on myself, was killing Squishy in a blink of the eye. The main thing I noticed is I was having to use my group heal less than normal when the dog was up.     </font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">The only thing I would suggest is to not even bother with the str line until you can get the last one, go down agi at first and then respect.   It is amazing the difference that avoidence aa maxes to the dogs life span.</font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">So once I get 50 aa this is what I plan on having</font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">str - 4-4-8-8-1</font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">agi - 4-4-4-6</font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">That way if I am in place where the pet is going to die, I still get some benefits from the aa lines. </font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">Now I speak from the mind of a raid healer.  If I was soloing or doing small quest groups I would go straight down the agi line.  I find that dog tends to die on pull to often when soloing, I would treat the dog as only back up dps.  </font> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">Doloris - 70 defiler of the guild Dark Horizon on the Bazaar Serverp.s and yes I agree with everyone else I would like Squishy to have just few more hp.</font> <div></div>

[Spangles]

<P>I am currently a 49 Defiler on Runnyeye and have been ploughing my AA points into the Str line, but there is something that I am a bit confused about.  If possible, I would like someone who has maxed the line out and has some practical experience of using the AAs to clear it up for me.</P> <P>We all know that the pet is softer than a very soft thing and dies as soon as someone sneezes on it, hence the desire to max out the Str line to try and give it a chance of staying alive, but how do STR-D and STR-E work together?  I notice from the ability description that the STR-D proc is based on the pet taking hits (ROFL), but if I have STR-E up and running does that mean that in a raid there is absolutely no chance whatsoever for STR-D to proc?  I ask because the dog is going to be immune to AoEs and there is no way it is going to get aggro for it to take a direct hit (or survive if it did).  Also, for those with the experience, how does this work in standard solo work?  From my experience when I 'tried to do a Necro' by warding the dog and sending it in I picked up aggro immediately I cast my next spell and we are back to the scenario above.  Looking at it like this, it seems to me that the STR-D spell is a waste of space.</P> <P>I just re-read the STR-D spell description and it has only made me more confused.  The description states that the proc may fire when the pet is struck, but the effect states 'on a successful melee attack'.  Which is it?</P>

[radical_EDWARD]

<DIV>After a long process of testing, analyzing, and talking about AAs with other shamans in game, ive come to a conclusion that there are no clear cut choices between the AAs. </DIV> <DIV>People playing styles, role in a raiding guild, AND personal preferences are all different from each other. There is no way to measure the amount of usefulness an AA have over</DIV> <DIV>another. So with that, i would like to share my current AA set up...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Agi 4/4/8/8, Sta 4/4/4/5/8, </DIV>

[Cragger]

<P>Str-D is on the pet being struck, its a successfull melee attack on the pet. And well to be honest Str-E isn't anything, the pet is not completely protected from AoEs, specifically barrage and conal types. Damage shields and suck will still cause issues. So far it hasn't seemed to pay off either for raids or casual. </P> <P>Ritual in the Wisdom line is nice, Wis-C is nice for soloing its far to frustrating in groups or raids to keep the pet alive/recast the pet rebuff the pet for the limited effects it has. Wis-D is pretty much the same thing and with Troubadours getting an equivalent to Wis-E and Inquisitors getting a 100% cast reduction (only works to 50%) again Wis-E is nothing special. </P> <P>I've found Sta to be the same issues so in the end I've actually respeced to take Wis 4/8/2 Agi 4/8/8/8/8</P> <P>Because the Agi line is the only line I can free myself from the aboslute aggrevating frustration that is that [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] triple down solo pet and actually in some way utilize my achievements for some meaninfull purpose in raids and casual groups with Ritual and the heal crit. Anything else of ours is like the lottery. Someday the stars and planets may aling for the one time it will be usual, but good luck finding it and enjoy the migrane.</P><p>Message Edited by Cragger on <span class=date_text>04-18-2006</span> <span class=time_text>06:32 PM</span>

[Cragger]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Kimage wrote:<BR> <P>Ok personally I agree that the whole pet thing is rubish. Like it has been said if I wanted a pet then I would be a summoner. That said I cast him anyways, along with my hoo luck just for some friends while soloing, cuz well I dont see any damage being done by 'Worthless' ( yes that is my puppies name) when he does decide to stop just barking at the mob and actually go in to help ( Yea I know I could send him in but while soloing usually forget hehe ).</P> <P>As for my AA choises so far? Well I have maxed my wis and maxed the ritual ( dont seem to work on the wards :smileymad: ) and has really helped when I use my big single heal. Brought my tank back to life when we had a orange ^^^ pop on us. I have 8 other pts sitting there waiting to be used, and think I'm just gonna put them in sta, agi, str and int, just to give those stats a boost. Though reducing my casting time would be nice if it lasted longer or was a passive spell. Anyone know what the reuse timer on that is?  :smileyhappy:</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>You can't use Wisdom - E the 33% reducer for 30 seconds on yourself. If your refering to Sta - D that only effects single target cures (nots heals) and it pointless above rank 4 as game mechanics don't allow casting times to be reduced more then 50%. (You have to love this, it greatly shows that who wrote these AAs did not have a good understanding of how the game itself worked). And Str D and E make me laugh every time, to get ward pet must be hit, but pet is now immune to AoEs (in theory) and cannot usually be hit..... slightly counterproductive.<BR>

[sostrows]

Right now I am going:STR 4/4/4/4/8 (pet immunity)INT 4/4/8/8/0INT-C (<img src="/smilies/b2eb59423fbf5fa39342041237025880.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> is a 12% stat debuff for 24 sec that is a 100% proc when the pet attacks.INT-D (<img src="/smilies/b2eb59423fbf5fa39342041237025880.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> is about a +800 all resists for whole grp (4k magic also for me but that part seems bugged)I will do INT-E but I doubt I will take it since losing pet will be counter productive for STR/INT abilities that hinge on pet being alive.<div></div>

[Ishnar]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> sostrows wrote:<BR>Right now I am going:<BR><BR>STR 4/4/4/4/8 (pet immunity)<BR>INT 4/4/8/8/0<BR><BR>INT-C (<img src="/smilies/b2eb59423fbf5fa39342041237025880.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> is a 12% stat debuff for 24 sec that is a 100% proc when the pet attacks.<BR>INT-D (<img src="/smilies/b2eb59423fbf5fa39342041237025880.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> is about a +800 all resists for whole grp (4k magic also for me but that part seems bugged)<BR><BR>I will do INT-E but I doubt I will take it since losing pet will be counter productive for STR/INT abilities that hinge on pet being alive.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>The 4k magic is for your pet not you.  IIRC

[Eileithia]

<P>There seems to be some mis-information here on the STR line..</P> <P>STR-D (Proc group ward) is when the pet attacks.. not when they are hit.. this goes off a LOT Check your buffs.. you'll see a little blue shield in there that's flashing .. looks like our single ward icon with a blue background.. that is the ward procing..<BR><BR>STR-E (Proc AOE Immunity / Pet AOE Immunity) again.. this is when the pet attacks.. and the AOE immunity is for any AOE that is not "Direct".. meaning the mob did not target you and cast the spell.. or it is not an Encounter AOE.. meaning the mob targeted a member of your group and cast the spell (Green background).. It's for True AE's.. which is about 90% of the AE's you will encounter in a raid setting.. This does not work on damage shields they will own your pet in a matter of seconds..</P> <P>Edit: What I'm planning for my AA's..</P> <P>STR 4/4/4/8/8 (AOE Immunity / Ward Proc)<BR>INT 4/4/4/8 (+800 to groups resists)</P> <P> </P><p>Message Edited by Duntzzzz on <span class=date_text>04-19-2006</span> <span class=time_text>09:52 AM</span>

[Cragger]

<DIV>That is good to know, very early on I took 4 points in the Str-D ability and just could not get it to proc enough or at the right time to determine if it was on the pet attacking or recieving damage, so assumed it was as the description said. </DIV>

[ZionXIII]

<P>Are you POSITIVE about STR-D procing when your pet attacks? I did a little testing, and it really looked like it was only when the pet was being attacked.</P> <P> </P> <P>I went solo and smaked around some grey mobs enough to keep aggro, then had my pet start attacking, but never saw the ward proc unless the pet pulled aggro off me and started getting hit. I would really someone else who had tested this to comment if possible.</P>

[sostrows]

Testing INT-E now on raid mobs.  About 450 damage per beneficial effect dispelled.  Got to do more testing but pet does not die every time as grp ward will absorb "Sacrificial Pet" strike as it appears in log.  Technique would be to time grp ward with pet attacking after an ae has gone off or early in fight.<div></div>

[TheBladesCaress]

Aura of Warding definitely works from the pet attacking.  At 8 points, it does a consistent 40 HPS during raids.  That can't be beaten for no power cost.  Also keeps a 450 point ward on the rest of the MT group, pretty much all the time.  Strength line is a must for raiding, in my opinion.<div></div>

[Eileithia]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> ZionXIII wrote:<BR> <P>Are you POSITIVE about STR-D procing when your pet attacks? I did a little testing, and it really looked like it was only when the pet was being attacked.</P> <P> </P> <P>I went solo and smaked around some grey mobs enough to keep aggro, then had my pet start attacking, but never saw the ward proc unless the pet pulled aggro off me and started getting hit. I would really someone else who had tested this to comment if possible.</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I'm absolutely positive that this is when the pet attacks.. I group / raid a lot, and every group I'm in the pet is not taking damage  (unless from a damage shield).. with it maxed, it will proc between 2-10 times in a regular fight.. It's a lot of free warding.. I wouldn't rely on it to save your group, but it definately helps.

[Barruk]

<div></div>If that's the case, wouldn't that be a bug based on the AA ability's description?  I'd hate to throw my AAs into something that's likely to change...<div></div><p>Message Edited by Barruk on <span class=date_text>06-05-2006</span> <span class=time_text>02:02 PM</span>

[Eileithia]

I believe in Beta it was originally when the pet took damage, but it was changed before release.. my only guess is that they never changed the actual description in the spell on how it works.. a lot of the testers complained that the spell was useless as it was in beta..

[Spangles]

<DIV>I have an update from my previous post above, and can now confirm certain things about the use of the Str line.  Over the last few weeks I have managed to get up to 40 AA points, I have maxed out the Str line and I can say it has been well worth it.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>- The STR-D warding proc definitely procs on a successful attack from the dog, and not when the dog gets hit.  This proc is so useful it hurts.  I have now ploughed 8 points into this and maxed the ability out, giving a 24% chance of this proc going off, and when I check the active spell icons there is almost always the ward icon on there.  It is like having a permanent ward up!  So much effect does this spell have that my dog almost always parsers as the second highest healing in our groups and sometimes even in raids (behind me naturally!), and he always out-DPSes me.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>- STR-E is an absolute must.  Get it as soon as you possibly can.  The fears that were expressed above about the dog dying all the time from ripostes and the like are very very rare in my experience.  My dog never seems to die.  Last night it even survived a complete raid through the Temple of Scale and all through the killing of Harla Dar, a not inconsiderable feat for little dogdog.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My current dilemna is what to do with the rest of my points.  I am currently playing with the Sta line as I picked up a nice buckler with 20+ Wis on it and a full set of decent resists, which makes it ideal for all purposes including raiding, and the shield bash and slowing down of enemy spell casting seem like useful additions to the armoury.</DIV>

[sostrows]

I'm still set for STR 4/4/4/8/1 and INT 4/4/4/8/0 though I might play with INT-E some more.The STA-C is the casting timer debuff which I don't know if anyone has any experience with yet.  I know brigands get like a 50% casting timer AA.The idea would be slow down the AE's on raid mobs.  Don't know what the cap on casting timer debuff is though?????Plus = slower mob ae'sNegative = almost impossible to time and joust ae'sAnyone have any experience with working with casting timer debuffs on raids yet?<div></div>

[Supa Mint Flava]

<DIV>I am in a high-end raiding guild and chose STR, and STA lines.  I maxed out haste on the STR line and so far have STA-C at 4 points (enemy spell timer slow).  So far seems as though my pet rarely dies, so I think it's a good choice.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Probably will not go any further down the STA line, and will use my remaining points to increase my WIS.</DIV>

[Eileithia]

<DIV>We've used the Rogue casting timer increase on a few mobs like Vyemm etc.. it does help if there's an AE that is unavoidable and you're not jousting.. If we're jousting a mob, we do not cast it as it will really messes with our timers..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[sostrows]

maxed out STA-C would be like 12 or 16% timer increase.  30 sec ae goes to 33-35 seconds.  any idea of if ours would stack with the brigand's?also, do you have the brigand wait until about 10 sec before ae for him to cast it? or does he cast it right after the fight stabilizes after the pull (5-10 sec after pull normally)?<div></div>

[Eileithia]

<P>We usually wait until a few seconds before the second or third AE (Depending on the Timer).. having them cast right before the mob Casts the AE will give you full benefit of the spell.. and will also keep the brigands from pulling aggro right off the pull.</P> <P>I have no clue if ours stacks with theirs?!?</P>

[Aandien]

<DIV>If whomever does your AE timing, uses ACT, then it automatically takes into account tramatic swipe (the rogue aa) and increases your timers.  It does not do this for the shammy AA yet, however, you can create a custom trigger that lets your AE timer person know its on and he can make the time adjustment on the fly.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If you have these abilities, its better to use them on the pull (and thus work for the first AE as well) and just teach whomever is timing the AE's how to use ACT and set up triggers to watch for them.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>And yes, the two abilities stack.</DIV>

[Novadarkst]

<DIV>anyone know where i can find updated pics of the aa?? or have a list of what they do?? cause i know right now the shield stun is on 45s recast.....</DIV>

[navas]

<P>my APs are :</P> <P>dog:1</P> <P>STR 4/4/4/4/8</P> <P>Wisdom 4/4/4/4/0</P> <P>with 5APs to allocate (was saving for Wis final)</P> <P>Ok, here is my question. Should i get the wisdom final or allocate more into Dog Ward, Haste or puppy DPS abilities?. i ocasionally raid but mosty just Duo with my hubby's SK.</P> <P>Suggestions? thanks</P> <P>Cinnz Izbad</P>

[VizP]

Well the dog DPS is 'huge' to be honest at 8 points - 25% chance to proc approx 400 damage on each hit combined with all your DOT DPS and in combo with your debuffs... it really means something in terms of cranking it out. I dont really think you need extra healing in terms of the ward proc if you are really going to be spending your time duoing and likewise the Wis-E alacrity looks really to be something of use with difficult encounters/raid encounters where you can buff someone to become super useful for a short time.While the dog haste would help your SK hit more often, I still would personally choose the dog proc damage - it means both of you crank out serious DPS, you keep him alive and have a great two person combo...<div></div>

[firewolf]

For grouping, ward is more useful. wis dps is more useful for soloing and duoing when dps is lacking. I had wis C at 8, works wonderfully when duoing with monk. The added dps helps in taking down even con ^^^ named when monk has to go into defensive stance. Have to watch out for agro when soloing though. The dog likes to proc 3 times in a row at the beginning of the fight doing around 1-1.5k damage  at level 55. <div></div>

[arieste]

<DIV>I have a full scale reply someplace on this board on my opinion as to how best duo with an SK. (look it up if you really want)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>but to answer your specific question:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If i were to just allocate those 5 points, i would put 1 into wis2 and 4 into wis3.  The extra DPS would be your best bet for DUOing (not groups or raids).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I also dont see any reason for you to take anything in Wis4.  Your SK should have no trouble keeping aggro off you.  And should you pull aggro you have a massive de-aggro spell you can use. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would instead throw those 4 points into group haste.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>While dog ward is awesome, i dont think it will make or break any fight duoing.  (once again, this differs for grouping and raiding).  Nor will haste, but when DUOing there is little chance that your SK is maxed out on haste (while on raids and even groups this is often the case).  Plus SKs do well with big swords that like hasting.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>cheers.</DIV>

[Siolenas]

Why would I want to focus on my pet when he gets owned buy a green ?

[Vandaria]

<P>Ok I am new as a defiler and looked over the AA's which one is teh DOT dog proc that you speak of being good for duoing?  Is it Ritualistic Agression?</P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P>Thanks!</P>

[daeneriez]

<DIV><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Siolenas wrote:<BR> Why would I want to focus on my pet when he gets owned buy a green ?<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Presumably your pet won't be cast in the role of main tank.  The final ability in the strength line will immune your pet (and your group) to most AE damage spells, save for the tank.  I raid and I admit there are a few zones where my pet is utterly useless, because the mobs have a special type of AE that considers everyone within range the target (and thus the pet repeatedly dies), but in a great many raid zones, this isn't the case.  The haste, the extra ward potential, and the AE immunity are all very handy.  Just my two cents, though. </DIV>

[Owlbe]

<div></div><div></div>There are 3 shaman aa's that will increase your dps using the dog...-The 2nd ability in the str line is a timered dog dot proc and interupt. (you have to have a 1h spear equipped to use this)-The 3rd ability in the wis line is a dog dd proc (passive).-The 2nd ability in the int line in a timered dog based blue aoe dot. (you have to have a 1h or 2h staff equipped to use it) Since most ppl go the str route since its just too good to ignore so they get the timered dog dot proc anyway. I would love the aoe dot but I HATE the weapon requirments so I'll probably go down the wis line for the dog dd proc which has no requirments to make things more compatible... well after I finish the decaying line in the EoF aa's anyways <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><p><span class="time_text"></span></p><p>Message Edited by Omegarhino on <span class=date_text>11-21-2006</span> <span class=time_text>09:32 AM</span>

[daeneriez]

<DIV>You can carry around extra weapons (such as a staff or spear) in your inventory containers and swap them in and out again if you feel it's worth it to maximize your pet's potential damage output.  </DIV>

[Raff]

One AA I maxed was the dog's grp haste. 16% haste isn't earth shatterig, but its a nice haste buff that you can easily afford points for if you aren't wanting to invest in weapon associated AA's. I know my MT loves any extra dps we can give him, the haste helps a little with that. Its also a usefull buff in non raid groups as well.<p>Message Edited by Raffta on <span class=date_text>11-21-2006</span> <span class=time_text>12:48 PM</span>

[Tangentr]

<div></div><div></div><div></div> <p>Okay, I think I'll be distributing a bit, I'm a 54 defiler so I'm definitely not up there with you 70s yet, but I have a feeling I'll be doing:</p> <ul> <li>STR: 4/4/4/5/8</li> <li>STA: 4/4/4/4</li> <li>WIS: 4/5</li></ul> <p>I don't know how this will work but I think it's not a bad combo. I get the raid line in STR, a few handies in STA going for the increase in cure timers (just in case), and a boost to heal with Ritual in the WIS line (another just in case). Obviously we defilers aren't in love with heals, we love our wards but really from what I can see that's the best assortment combo of AAs. I think going for INT-C could be useful too for a debuff but I'm kind of against relying too heavily on a tripledown lump of fur.</p><font size="2"> <ul> <li>STR-A Increases the STR of the caster</li> <li>STR-B PET - successful melee, DoT 64 dam / 4s, Interrupt. REQ Spear</li> <li>STR-C Increase Attack Speed by 5%</li> <li>STR-D PET - successful melee, 8% Ward Grp 445pt</li> <li>STR-E PET - prevent AoE, 5% prevent AoE Grp</li> <li></li> <li>STA-A Increases the STA of the caster</li> <li>STA-B Knockdown 2s, throws, blurs, stuns, 77-129 dam, decr Magic Mit 1102. REQ Buckler</li> <li>STA-C PET - successful melee, slows cast and refresh on enemy</li> <li>STA-D Increase speed, recast (and power?) of basic cures 50%</li> <li>STA-E Increase Unconscious Health 509</li> <li></li> <li>AGI-A Increases the AGI of the caster</li> <li>AGI-B Root (non-Epic), 239-399 dam. REQ Spear</li> <li>AGI-C Increase Melee Crit 20%</li> <li>AGI-D Increase Heal Crit 2.9%</li> <li>AGI-E Proc 10% for +35% Attack Speed, +35% Double Attack chance.</li> <li></li> <li>WIS-A Increases the WIS of the caster</li> <li>WIS-B Next spell heals +30%hp. REQ Symbol</li> <li>WIS-C PET - successful melee, 8% for 185-308 dam</li> <li>WIS-D PET - successful melee, 4% decrease threat 890</li> <li>WIS-E Increase Cast 50%, Recast 50%, Recovery 100%</li> <li></li> <li>INT-A Increases the INT of the caster</li> <li>INT-B PET - AoE DoT 74-124 dam / 4s. REQ Staff</li> <li>INT-C PET - is hit or successful melee, 4% debuff all attributes 24s</li> <li>INT-D Increase Mit 368 for 3 mins</li> <li>INT-E PET - Sacr pet for: heal me 200%, dispel 85 </li></ul></font><p>Message Edited by Tangentric on <span class="date_text">12-02-2006</span> <span class="time_text">09:13 PM - I was reading STA-D as an increase to heals, not cures.. may need a respec now.</span></p><p>Message Edited by Tangentric on <span class=date_text>12-02-2006</span> <span class=time_text>09:16 PM</span>

[uhewa]

<DIV>Don't forget that you get an automatical DPS increase by using INT-A, also haven't worked out how this compares to WIS-C.</DIV> <DIV>I assume it will be less but it opens up the important INT line, especially INT-D.</DIV> <DIV>Got 8 points in that - with the EOF resist revamp they are essential and they apply to the whole group.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>More resists = Less healing  = More DPS</DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[asdf3rsdf]

<P>The pet is useless even if you do go strength line, it still dies from special aoe attacks in raids which soak up wards/heals.  I'm sticking with agility and stamine line.</P> <P>-Apothic</P><p>Message Edited by asdf3rsdf on <span class=date_text>12-01-2006</span> <span class=time_text>01:45 PM</span>

[Eileithia]

<P>Placement plays a huge role in pet survivability.</P> <P>Things that will kill your pet.</P> <P>Riposte - Dead pet<BR>Encounter AE (Green background)  - Dead pet<BR>Damage Shield - Dead Pet<BR>Frontal cone AE - Dead Pet</P> <P>Thankfully there are only a handful of mobs that use Encounter AE's and Damage Shields.. Most Epic mobs use PBAE (Blue background) that the pet will avoid. the biggest issue is making sure you pet is behind the mob to avoid Ripost and frontal AE damage as they are targeted attacks.</P>

[sostrows]

<div></div>yeah, pay attention to where the dog is for riposte and STR-E is amazing.i've finalized my shaman AAs for raiding:STR 4/4/4/8/1STA 4/4/8INT 4/1<u>Benefits:</u>+ INT for DPS+ STA for HPSTA-B buckler knockdown is nice soloing and can equip spear for STR-B procpet ae immunitypet proc ae grp immunity (who knows value? too random for me not like bard grp ae immunity for 36 sec)pet proc 455 ward per grp member every 8 sec (STR-D) - this will parse very nicely with 8 pts in it8% grp haste16% mob ae reuse timer reduction (<b>massive named debuff! when coupled with Traumatic Swipe)</b>pbae INT-B good for grp/solo/duo DPS when coupled with defile/aphotic/maelstrom<u>Negative:</u>STR-D Aura of Warding will get pet killed by adds all the time on a fast moving grp because the 24 sec ward will be on each grp member.  As soon as an add tries to hit one of the mages/scouts, agro will transfer to dog.  I guess you could look at it as the dog buys you about 2-3 sec of time to identify and get tank on the add but some zones its freaking irritating to keep making dog so not casting STR-D is sometimes usefull in high add places.STR-A points are a wasteNo points for WIS line 8-(No points left over for INT-C stat debuff, INT-D grp resist buff or INT-E mob buff stripperI've noticed new EOF boss mobs tend to have more buff icons on them before pull.  Not sure how beneficial INT-E could be, but it was certainly [Removed for Content] in KOS.  If I ever went INT-E, it would kamakazi dog at start of fight, and spend rest of AAs on passive non-dog buffs.  INT-C proc automatically on dogs first hit so, I woudl send dog in, then once I see INT-C debuff proc, would explode dog.<div></div><p>Message Edited by sostrows on <span class=date_text>12-02-2006</span> <span class=time_text>09:28 AM</span>

[Tangentr]

<div></div>Does anyone think that not putting 8 points into STR-D is worthwhile? Does it proc enough on 4?I'm thinking of:STR: 4/4/4/4/8STA: 4/4/4INT: 5/4/4 ... but the figures don't seem high enough to warrant it. Obviously I'm trying to get a bit of everything but having a 4% debuff vs a 12% debuff on INT-C (4pts vs 8pts) seems a little low.I play more of a debuffer defiler and would love to have both INT-C and STA-C but there just aren't enough points to ramp them to high stats. Do you think having the above config is worthwhile or since the stats are low (all 4s) it's kind of not worth the bother?If not I'm probably looking at:STR 4/4/4/7/8INT 4/4/7WIS 4/3which gives me a higher chance of group ward and a larger debuff from Doggy, and the WIS's are just icing, tho I'm starting to think that those remaining points that people always end out with should be dumped into stat increases - WIS/STA/INT-A.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Tangentric on <span class=date_text>12-03-2006</span> <span class=time_text>07:20 PM</span>

[Ishnar]

Was it ever cleared if Ritual affected wards?

[sostrows]

STR-D with 8 pts is great for a grp or soloing.  Actually its good all around.  I guess if you were soloing very easy mobs, a concern might be that the wards would overlap and be inefficient.  Doubt it though. Dog hits 1/2 sec x 24% proc chance x 455 ward per grp member = ~56HPSIt's also kinda of a add protection feature.  If you get adds on a DPS, the mob will hit them, dog ward will absorb it, mob will transfer agro to dog and dog dies in one hit.  Saves caster from death, gives grp 3 seconds to respond to an add and means you get to recast dog for 40sec about a dozen times per instance.Dog wards stacks with single/grp/circle/bane/vultak eye and wards are absorbed FIFO.<div></div>