Mystic/Defiler pets...

[Kaelmyth]

<div>Coming back to EQ2 after a very long time - played for about 3 months at release and just now coming back. I see that Mysics and Defilers both receive Spirit Pets via the Achievement...err...thingy.</div><div> </div><div>Curious on how this pet works, exactly? Is it a non-combat pet that you use to vicariously cast spells through? Does it have some combat abilities, or is it not worth summoning up at all?</div><div> </div><div>I'm looking to play a decent Hybrid class with healing potential that isn't a Paladin/Shadowknight, and wondering if a Mystic or Defiler could fill this roll. While I like the more offensive status of the Defiler, I'm more inclined to live in Qeynos.</div><div> </div><div>Basically looking for a rundown of the Shaman classes in general, and whether their pets (I like pets [have a Necromancer already, though]) are worth anything.</div><div> </div><div>Thanks in advance!</div>

[Jas]

Defilers are not a hybrid - as a matter of fact, we are the strongest healers in many circumstances.  As far as offense, we are actually on the lower end of the scale as far as damage, our utility comes in the form of massive debuffs for mobs and buffs for our group.  Defile, the level 65 spell, is really the only strong damage spell we ever get, and while helpful it doesn't change our definition as a low damage class.As far as the pet - it is <i>controlled </i>just like a necro pet, except it has a very low amount of hit points - the pet is built as a triple arrow DOWN, and it gets no buffs from hit point buffs, etc.  Because of this, the pet is very very fragile and susceptible to dying from regular AOE damage while grouping.  Many of the AA abilities require the pet to be out - some are buffs for the group, but the buff isn't cast on the group, it is cast on the pet (for example, the group haste in the Str line).  About half the AA are procs for the pet - from just normal damage procs, to a proc that lowers <i>your </i>threat, or even a proc that casts a ward on the group.  There are a few abilities that are a button you click, just like casting a spell, and the pet will put a DoT on the mobJust let there be no illusions about the pet - it can't tank, it doesn't do massive or even moderate damage, and many people, myself included, think that you need to get the AOE immunity in the Strength line to make the pet viable long term.  It is a nice bonus, and the pet abilities are always welcome, but like Defile I don't believe it redefines our class.What it sounds like you are looking for, is something like a Fury.  Furies are kind of a flavor-of-the-month now, but for good reason.  They get a few really high damage spells, and can heal quite well also.  Furies can solo heal in a strong group, make perfect backup healers (especially for Defilers!), and generally get to mix up their damage and healing much more that Defilers do.  I have a Fury almost to 50 - I was very surprised at how differently they played from a Shaman, while still being adequate healing and being able to contribute to damage.<div></div>