Master 2 choices ... and general advice about wards

[VerianDarkstar]

<p>I'm a mystic newb, and I just hit level 14 and have my first choice of Master II spells.  I'm trying to decide between the single target ward and the group ward.  I haven't been playing the character very long (obviously) so I haven't yet developed a feel for the relative importance of those two spells.  If anyone has advice about which to master, I'd appreciate it.  More generally, as I am levelling up and have opportunities to get Adepts or Master I spell upgrades, which is generally the more important spell type to upgrade:  single target wards or the group wards?  If it matters, I solo about half the time, and am in a static group about half the time -- the static group is well-balanced in terms of classes (tank, 2 healers, 3 dps).  Thanks!</p>

[Seelie]

Within my own experience, I preferred to upgrade my group ward first.  It does take a bit longer to cast than the single, but there's a whoooole lot of ward to have there in comparison.  You can use it when soloing as well, before a pull.  I consider the single target ward more of a "quick patch".  In groups, cast the group ward, and as long as your tank keeps the aggro, then the tank actually uses the entirety of the ward himself.  Basically, the group ward is a "ward pool" that anyone in the group can take advantage of if they get struck.  They don't get hit, they don't take from the pool.  If that makes any sense. I also upgrade my debuffs as *soon* as possible, in addition the the wards.

[Finora]

<cite>VerianDarkstar wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I'm a mystic newb, and I just hit level 14 and have my first choice of Master II spells.  I'm trying to decide between the single target ward and the group ward.  I haven't been playing the character very long (obviously) so I haven't yet developed a feel for the relative importance of those two spells.  If anyone has advice about which to master, I'd appreciate it.  More generally, as I am levelling up and have opportunities to get Adepts or Master I spell upgrades, which is generally the more important spell type to upgrade:  single target wards or the group wards?  If it matters, I solo about half the time, and am in a static group about half the time -- the static group is well-balanced in terms of classes (tank, 2 healers, 3 dps).  Thanks!</p></blockquote><p>For the level 14 one, upgrade the group ward because the level 12 single target ward gets replaced at lvl 19 and the group ward doesn't get replaced until 28. For the level 24 one I likewise wouldn't upgrade your lvl 19 st ward to master 2 as it is replaced at level 26 (and I believe getting ad3 of the 26 is superior to the master 2 of the level 19, that sometimes happens with the lower level ones). </p><p>For general upgrading, I typically do ST first and then the group one. Debuffs and buffs after that, then direct heals and damage (least likely to bother with particularly if you go the melee lines). Your 2 wards are by far the most important things for you to get upgrades ASAP. </p>

[VerianDarkstar]

<p>Great, thanks for your advice.  I've upgraded my group ward.</p>

[Karlen]

For future choices, one of the most important things to consider is the availability of Master I versions of the Master II choices.  If you can get a reasonably priced master 1 of particular spell, it is usually better to Master II one of the other choices, where the Master I availability might be less.

[Finora]

<p>That's true as well. Also want to look at the actual upgrade you get for doing master 2 over master 1 and ad3. </p><p>Some spells you get far more increase from than others. </p>

[xandez]

<p>also keep in mind that the group ward is SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW, while the single tgt ward is faster... because of that, i very rarely even use the group ward (besides before battle that is)</p><p>eh... just noticed this had been mentioned already... well, QFE then <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>++Xan</p>

[kpaq91]

Personally I almost never use my group ward, it takes too long to cast. I Master II'd my wards both chances I got. Once I got Ancestral Ward, my M2 Ghostly Ward was far better than it until a guildie made me an Ad3.

[Nolim]

First off, apologies for bumping, but I just started a mystic alt I'd like to be my co-main at some point (i play all day when I can play EQ2) so i'll have both being productive soon enough, and I wanted something similar to the monk thread on masters.. Anybody wanna start one of those? =) it could even go to eq2wikia...