Please help a frustrated Swashy

[AFBi]

<DIV><FONT size=2> <P>Ok, I need some advice about poisons. I just read you can use three types of poisons at once, but so far I can’t see it when I’m checking my “buff/poison’ bar. I’m level 35 and I don’t know what combination would be best to use. I’ve read a couple poison guides, but I’m still lost. Any advice on which posions to use would be appreciated. </P> <P>I’m at the point that I’m dying too much and getting frustrated. I’m at a level that my gear does not fit my level, but if I spend the money I have now then I’ll continue to have this problem. I have decided to save my gold and buy rares for when I turn level 40. I’m trying to kill 3xcritters at once in hopes to have something drop that I can sell. What I’m finding is that nothing in this game has a value. Everything costs 1 gold/silver/copper less than the last person who posted. </P> <P>Honestly, I hate the working on trade skills, but I’m feeling this is the only way I’ll be able to finance my way to new gear. I guess it would be more accurate to say I hate trying to find the items needed to put together the stuff. I’m still trying to find out where to get trinoid as an example. I’ll be reading some guides in a second, but I wanted some opinions on raising funds. I don’t mind harvesting and being a house merchant. Does anyone else feel this is viable or is going to the workshops the best way to make money? My goal is not to be rich, but to be able to support my levels.</P> <P>Ok, maybe I rambled more than asked questions, however if you can decipher and advise I would appreciate it.</P></FONT></DIV>

[A 12 Gauge 007]

Ok, first you are not alone in your problem. Level 30s to low 40s were the hardest time for my swash too. Really, in terms of the money issue, you will most likely be at the bottom end since you have to buy poisons while most others do not, and since the majority of poisons on the market are for much higher levels than you, your level ones will be expensive. Your best bet is to get npc sold ones for the time being. Your damage will go down, but hey, at least you have posions while many lower-mid level scouts dont. In terms of how many poisons you can use its 3, 1 damage proc, 1 debuff, and 1 ultility. Damages are red, utility blue-i think, and debuff purple. I may be wrong on the colors so check that out at a broker. As for armor, yes if you outfit yourself now you will need to refit in about 5 levels, so saving your gold might be a good idea. Remeber HQs, though, especially those with good scout items. I think I was still using the Polished Tomahawk at that level, and the Fishbone earing is great. Also, if you have an armorer in the guild, or a tailor for leather armor, see what kind of crafted armor they can make for t4 and if any fits your stat desires. Especially if you dont mind harvesting for the rare, rare TS armor will be fine to get your through a tough grind until the next teir or a nice class specific drops. A final word, check the broker, alot of people sell dropped "crap" on the broker for slightly more that they would sell to an npc to make some profit. It may not be legendary quality but it will get you through the grind, which is what you need. Just realize you are at the most frustrating stage for your swash, at least it was for me, push through and you will see that it is well worth it. Good Luck. <div></div>

[Geero]

<DIV>I too had hard time during mid 30 - low 40...  Key is to harvest and harvest often.</DIV> <DIV>At 40 you should be able to do quests in Feerrott(I owe so much to this zone) and quest reward from this zone is pretty good for its level.  Also, you can harvest Ebon from Feerrott so harvest as you do quests.  Ebon is used to crafted level 40 armor and you should be able to find an armorer to craft it for you for around 30g, if you have the materials.  Also, I know this could be tough, but HQ rewards usually sells for quite a bit to NPC.  I know it can take quite a long time to finish it but its another way to make decent $$.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As for poison...  You can use apply 3 poisons, 1 damage, 1 utility and 1 debuff.</DIV> <DIV>I usually use heat/cold resist debuff, attack skill debuff, or melee mitigation debuff.  It all depands on what I'm fighting and who is in the group.  As utility goes, I use stun poison for named mobs and sometimes this works out really good.</DIV> <DIV>Main issue I had with low level poison was that most of them are DoT and this could make things ugly with mezzors.</DIV>

[SmCaudata]

<div></div>At 48 now and I find myself still in the low cash boat, but I do have about 4 masters, so I don't save all my cash and I have spent probably 3p total on collection quests for the quick exp bonuses.  That said, I actually have more STR and AGI than the other swashies my level who are wearing full ebon.  My bracers are +12 STR, AGI, and INT and they were half the price of ebon and are only TREASURED.  My helm is +agi and str and more mit...and again half the price because it is LEGENDARY this one comes from CT.  Watch the market for deals on pieces with the stats that you want instead of waiting for rares.  Gorehorn gloves usually go cheap on my server and they are awesome.  If you notice I don't care about matching right now.  I did just pick up a cobalt coat and throw it in the bank.  And this is the only piece of crafted armor I would recommend because the stats are perfect for the scouts.  When you hit 40 head to RV and get the quest for a nice pair of chain boots.  I currently use serrated bone dirk and SSOY.  The PGT as someone suggested above was in my offhand until got the sword and I had a runny eye mines motivator I picked up for 25g with that before the dirk.  My current weapons are better damage rating than imbued ebon.  The sword has a better proc but the dirk has no proc.  I don't sell my HQs though, I keep them in my room.Here are some things that have helped me though.  Head to RoV and get in a group running through the workshops.  The melee specific armor of the chain wearer is nice. I plan on keeping mine around forever to throw one when I want that extra damage.  It is really nice when out of power after a number of adds and it has allowed me to toe to toe with named green^^^ and finish with full health, I haven't had the need to try out blue^^^ but I have taken on blue heroic pairs with this armor and good use of mez and stun.  50% chance to proc 200 damage and heal for 70 is awesome always, and the decreased mit and stats won't matter that much in most circumstances as you only have it on while the buff is up.  So that is weapons and chest armor.For the rest of the money get in a good group and run through a dungeon.  One night in RoV I saw 8 masters drop...unfortunately the group wasn't on a rotation and I ended up with zero...so it is best to go with people you know or set up something that will even loot out ahead of time.  NBG and the rotate on the rest seems to be a good way to go.  Also, that same night in Varsoon I walked away with 2 rare harvests because they can drop from chests.  Sadly, unless you can farm named greens (tough if you aren't twinked as a swash) you will probably have to rely on groups, crafting, or rare harvests to make the cash.  Grouping is fun anyway even with only 2-3 hours you can get a full level done at 35 and walk away with quite a bit of cash.As for poisons, use them if you need them.  In most groups I have been in, the extra damage is nice but not necessary.  If you are doing epic mobs then you should have 3 up.  If you are just running a dungeon in a group, well it depends on the group.  I played for a couple weeks without using any potions and in that time got told I played my class great by a number of people.  If you are pulling aggro off of healers, saving the group when the tank goes down, mezing adds before the paper wearing wizard gets pummelled and generally doing everything right, the poisons matter very little.  When soloing I do always keep a poison up though.I quit the game for about a year and when I came back at level 30 I had 40g to my name...the economy was a bit different then.  You don't need cash to be an awesome swashy...unless you want to tank.  <font color="#ff0000">Don't fret about money</font>.  Go have fun, make some friends and get in a good guild.  That is what they game is about.  Had some of the most fun so far in EQ2 the other night when I ran DFC with guidies and some others and finished 2 heritage quests at the same time.<div></div><p>Message Edited by SmCaudata on <span class=date_text>04-24-2006</span> <span class=time_text>06:42 PM</span>

[AFBi]

<DIV><FONT size=2> <P>Thanks for the words of wisdom. I have a couple more questions…</P> <P>1) What does HQ rewards mean?</P> <P>2) I mostly solo. What would be a good AA line(s). I know there are threads already, but I’ve not really read something that says “If you solo mostly this line….”</P> <P>Again, any assistance would be appreciated.</P></FONT></DIV>

[SmCaudata]

HQ = Herritage Quest.  More involved quests that yield you a legendary item from EQ1 days.The template thread has at least one person who says they picked an AA line for soloing.  I think it was wis/int with a enough Agi for walk the plank.  Check out that thread for specifics and reasoning.<div></div>

[Luk]

<P>Frustrated?</P> <P>there is nothing that a good evening of wenching won't fix <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[AFBi]

<DIV>:smileyvery-happy:</DIV>

[Debunkt]

<P>You can find walkthroughs and help with heritage quests here:</P> <P><A href="http://eq2.ogaming.com/db/search/quests_results.php?perpage=300&p=1&heritage=1&s=recommended_level" target=_blank>http://eq2.ogaming.com/db/search/quests_results.php?perpage=300&p=1&heritage=1&s=recommended_level</A></P> <P>Also, you may want to ask in your level range chat or raid chat if there is heritage channel where folks gather to work on these HQ's together. Most require a group to work through and complete.</P>

[Sadaen]

<DIV>Here is the guide I use for Poisons..Hope it helps.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><A href="http://eq2.eqtraders.com/articles/article_page.php?article=g74&menustr=040000000000" target=_blank>http://eq2.eqtraders.com/articles/article_page.php?article=g74&menustr=040000000000</A></DIV>

[Geero]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> SmCaudata wrote:<BR> At 48 now and I find myself still in the low cash boat, but I do have about 4 masters, so I don't save all my cash and I have spent probably 3p total on collection quests for the quick exp bonuses.  That said, I actually have more STR and AGI than the other swashies my level who are wearing full ebon.  My bracers are +12 STR, AGI, and INT and they were half the price of ebon and are only TREASURED.  My helm is +agi and str and more mit...and again half the price because it is LEGENDARY this one comes from CT.  Watch the market for deals on pieces with the stats that you want instead of waiting for rares.  Gorehorn gloves usually go cheap on my server and they are awesome.  If you notice I don't care about matching right now.  I did just pick up a cobalt coat and throw it in the bank.  And this is the only piece of crafted armor I would recommend because the stats are perfect for the scouts.  When you hit 40 head to RV and get the quest for a nice pair of chain boots.  I currently use serrated bone dirk and SSOY.  The PGT as someone suggested above was in my offhand until got the sword and I had a runny eye mines motivator I picked up for 25g with that before the dirk.  My current weapons are better damage rating than imbued ebon.  The sword has a better proc but the dirk has no proc.  I don't sell my HQs though, I keep them in my room.<BR><BR>As for poisons, use them if you need them.  In most groups I have been in, the extra damage is nice but not necessary.  If you are doing epic mobs then you should have 3 up.  If you are just running a dungeon in a group, well it depends on the group.  I played for a couple weeks without using any potions and in that time got told I played my class great by a number of people.  If you are pulling aggro off of healers, saving the group when the tank goes down, mezing adds before the paper wearing wizard gets pummelled and generally doing everything right, the poisons matter very little.  When soloing I do always keep a poison up though.<BR><BR> <P>Message Edited by SmCaudata on <SPAN class=date_text>04-24-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>06:42 PM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Sm, good points... But he wanted Soloing advice...  If you group  a lot yes I agree that your main stat should be str but if you solo, try to look for +def, agi, parry, deflection and high mitigation gear then str gear.  And if you are really set on soloing a lot, I would say Sta line with either agi or str.  You might not be doing a lot of dps, but you will still do more then enough to kill mobs.  And try to get adept 3/master 1 defensive stand, it helps quite a bit.</P> <P>P.S. Also if you want to do HQ, you will most likely need to group...</P>

[Crono1321]

<blockquote><hr>Geero wrote:<p>Sm, good points... But he wanted Soloing advice...  If you group  a lot yes I agree that your main stat should be str but if you solo, try to look for +def, agi, parry, deflection and high mitigation gear then str gear.  And if you are really set on soloing a lot, I would say Sta line with either agi or str.  You might not be doing a lot of dps, but you will still do more then enough to kill mobs.  And try to get adept 3/master 1 defensive stand, it helps quite a bit.</p> <p>P.S. Also if you want to do HQ, you will most likely need to group...</p><hr></blockquote> The main problem with defensive stance while soloing is the fact that, with decreased melee skills, mobs are going to parry, avoid, and block your attacks MUCH more frequently than if you are in offensive stance.  You are losing A TON of piercing/slashing skill, probably as much as 60-70.  The added defense will be nice, but make the battle much longer.  I always solo in offensive stance.  The only time I'm using defensive stance is when I'm tanking in a group (which we do VERY well with just def. stance and round shield!) <div></div>

[Kirico]

<P>Another advantage of the offensive stance is the chance to interupt.  That has saved my bacon several times.  Although I mostly duo with a warden <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>Andas</P>

[SageGaspar]

<div><blockquote><hr>Crono1321 wrote:<blockquote><hr>Geero wrote:<p>Sm, good points... But he wanted Soloing advice...  If you group  a lot yes I agree that your main stat should be str but if you solo, try to look for +def, agi, parry, deflection and high mitigation gear then str gear.  And if you are really set on soloing a lot, I would say Sta line with either agi or str.  You might not be doing a lot of dps, but you will still do more then enough to kill mobs.  And try to get adept 3/master 1 defensive stand, it helps quite a bit.</p> <p>P.S. Also if you want to do HQ, you will most likely need to group...</p><hr></blockquote> The main problem with defensive stance while soloing is the fact that, with decreased melee skills, mobs are going to parry, avoid, and block your attacks MUCH more frequently than if you are in offensive stance.  You are losing A TON of piercing/slashing skill, probably as much as 60-70.  The added defense will be nice, but make the battle much longer.  I always solo in offensive stance.  The only time I'm using defensive stance is when I'm tanking in a group (which we do VERY well with just def. stance and round shield!) <div></div><hr></blockquote>You lose about 20 off no-stance, I think? In Kingdom of Sky you can easily get your hands on +piercing mod gear, I actually still have a piercing mod over neutral when I use defensive stance. When I'm tanking for a group in defensive I make sure I equip my (somewhat inferior) +piercing gear and piercing weapon.Think about not using any stance at all if you want a nice middle ground. It's almost counter-intuitive since we're so used to putting on buffs but it can work well.</div>

[Galn]

<P>First thing that comes to mind reading this thread... Swashbucklers have a hard time in the late 30's soloing? Um, they should have told me that 10 levels ago :smileytongue: </P> <P>One thing to do, go to the broker and put in your level for max and your lvl -5 in the min, class, and then pick a slot like head... search for all items that work on your head, go to the last page (read lowest prices) and find something that has a good STR bonus. Repeat this for every slot in your inventory. If you dont see a STR item pick STA or AGI. Since I hit lvl 30 I've focused on STR and have had no problems soloing, have decent power and rarely miss the mobs. Keep in mind a lot of the STR gear has AGI and STA for stats too. </P>

[Geero]

<DIV>There is a HO(swinder's adept?) you can get +27 to all melee skills.  With HO and items I am about 10 over no stance when I'm in defensive stance.  Granted if my mitigation was higher I would be on offensive stance, but with def stance + items + HO I can take up to 3 blue multi mob groups.</DIV>

[SageGaspar]

<div><blockquote><hr>Geero wrote:<div>There is a HO(swinder's adept?) you can get +27 to all melee skills.  With HO and items I am about 10 over no stance when I'm in defensive stance.  Granted if my mitigation was higher I would be on offensive stance, but with def stance + items + HO I can take up to 3 blue multi mob groups.</div><hr></blockquote>Swindler's Luck or something actually I think, and you're right, I forgot about that. That buff should be permanently up on you whenever you're in defensive stance (or really, whenever, but sometimes I forget HOs, hehe).</div>

[Geero]

<DIV>Hehe I'm a HO adict...  I chain HO all the time.  There is another HO(bravo's dance) which gives 40% haste and 20% dps buff I believe.  With those 2 HO buffs I can kill non-heroic mobs so fast its not even funny.  Most of times I actually have to wait for invis cool time to run down. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

[Luk]

THe bonus from these HO's will be smaller at lower level, but still well worth getting up.

[Terron]

My lvl 38 swashie seems to solo very well, but my main is a guardian so maybe my expectations are low. She has mostly AQ armour with a dropped feysteel vest, DWB and some gloves my main found. She has several Masters, one from main the rest from guildees. I just wish she could find the last totem for the giant language, so she could start the PGT quest. Last time I went to try to get it there were already three groups killing giants. <div></div>

[Galn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Geero wrote:<BR> <DIV>Hehe I'm a HO adict...  I chain HO all the time.  There is another HO(bravo's dance) which gives 40% haste and 20% dps buff I believe.  With those 2 HO buffs I can kill non-heroic mobs so fast its not even funny.  Most of times I actually have to wait for invis cool time to run down. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Yeah, dont you just hate that, mowing mobs down and having to wait 20 seconds for stealth to refresh! :smileytongue:

[Galn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> pjackson wrote:<BR>My lvl 38 swashie seems to solo very well, but my main is a guardian so maybe my expectations are low.<BR>She has mostly AQ armour with a dropped feysteel vest, DWB and some gloves my main found. <BR>She has several Masters, one from main the rest from guildees.<BR><BR>I just wish she could find the last totem for the giant language, so she could start the PGT quest.<BR>Last time I went to try to get it there were already three groups killing giants.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Saw this after doing my other reply... Your equipment is in need of updating if you are still in AQ armor at lvl 38. Remember that armor is granted at lvl 20-24, its not even close to being as good as you can get at level 30. Might as well wait til lvl 40 though now, get a good set of Augemented since its cheap and better than Fulginate.