Should I plan for the AoE blocker for raids?

[Oakleafe]

Hi, I've a fairly new and shiny troubador (level 27) that I'm trying out and have a few questions that I'm hoping you can help me with.  This is one of them ...I decided early on that I'd try and put my Achievement Points into the slots I'd expect to use when I hit 80 (a long, long way off), and used a <a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=419478" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">thread here</a> to aim for:<span class="postbody"><p><b><u>Bard Tree</u></b> (69 points) </p><p>Bard's Luck: 1 </p><p>WIS:  4/4/8/8/1 (Speed plus Don't Kill the Messenger) </p><p>STA:  4/4/8/7 (Double attack with Round shield equipped)</p><p>AGI:  4/4/4/8 (Poison Proc)</p></span>The idea of filling these slots now, was so I could see if these satisfied my solo playstyle (i.e. if they didn't and were the "recommended" for the end game, then I'm obviously not cut out to be a Troub!).On reflection I realised the above means NOT picking the AoE blocker.  On my Fury main, I re-specd to get the Tortoise Shell AoE blocker specifically because my guild wanted it for raiding, so was wondering what the thinking is out there on the need  for it on a Troub.Also, while on the subject of AAs & raid set-ups; any chance of people posting what they have set up via their mirrors and explaining why?  Just trying to get my education in early. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />Thanks.

[Mew]

I have seen a lot of debate on that issue.  I think it depends on the raid's makeup.  In my guild the bards are always expected to have Blade Dance available for the pull of named mobs. It helps.  But you are only lvl 27. You are not raiding yet.  So, stick with what you have.  I also solo most of the time and don't raid my 61 troub.  I use STA/WIS and a few points in AGI.  Now I am focusing on my mezz/charm and resist/regen lines.

[Banditman]

As a raid leader, I never count on AA's to block an AE from anyone.  Typically those abilities are on such long cast timers that it just isn't helpful.  There are times when it is "nice", but certainly there are other ways around it.

[RanmaBoyType]

<p>Not worth it IMO.  for the few fights where it might be useful, you still only get one shot every 10 min, and it only affects your group.  Countersong is better suited.</p><p>Lets the druids use their blocker, its better and recasts faster.</p>

[Faelgalad]

<p>The AA to gain the blockers is wasted- AOE are countered by tactic, healing and cure potions. </p><p>Benefit of Str-Line is to small to skill it for me. </p>

[Oakleafe]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

[Antipalad]

Bard Tree (69 points) Bard's Luck: 1 WIS: 4/4/8/8/1 (Speed plus Don't Kill the Messenger) < I'd drop the added boost to selo's here, it's so minimal it won't make a difference. STA: 4/4/8/7 (Double attack with Round shield equipped) < here, I'd put 8 points in allegretto, 4 in the round shield double attack. Round shield with maxed points will not outparse dualwields. AGI: 4/4/4/8 (Poison Proc) < I think everyone has this. In addition, you might want to put in 4-1 points in INT line for rhythm blade (added attack skills), or 4-1 in STR line for 10 sec personal ae immunity. Personally I go with rhythm blade due to lack of stances and the fact that melee is king these days. This should amount to 70 points in total unless I've overseen something. I also have a bladedance spec on my mirror, but I can honestly not remember when I took that build out for a spin.

[Asif]

<p>I too believe its a waste i do have it in a mirror but it is hardly used. ( Timer is way to long in my opion)</p><p>Bard Luck : 1</p><p>Wis: 4/4/6/8/1 - Best line we have</p><p>Sta : 4/4/4/8 - I dual fight  still +10 to DA</p><p>Agi: 4/4/4/8 - Poison 6-8 % of my damage ( Bump just makes backstabbing so much easier )</p><p>Int :4/1 - Because we have no stance it helps</p><p>Use to have int for haste song but have since got items to offset that line.</p>

[Mew]

Blade Dance is good on the pull.  After that I never see it used.  If you have enough mystic types with Tortise Shell then it is redundant.

[Natthan]

<cite>Mewse wrote:</cite><blockquote>Blade Dance is good on the pull. After that I never see it used. If you have enough <u><b>mystic</b></u> types with Tortise Shell then it is redundant.</blockquote>Its druids <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Ballads]

90% of all current content in game Blade dance is not needed and depending on it will only slow you down. The thing is the 10% it is needed for its pretty crucial and the raid can go horribly wrong with out it. Now i should note that i am in an end-game avatar killing guild. If you are not in such a guild I'd say the uses for BD are probably even less (tho if your not in such a guild I'd have to also say that maybe small advantages like BD might be needed on lower content as well, its debatable.) Mostly what I'd say is ask your raid leader, if he wants you to spec for AE immune, you better do it. The best alternative to BD is the poison proc from agi and grabbing the top CA in int line. Having that set up instead of BD can net you 200-300 more dps. Which is hardly enough to justify not having BD if you are struggling on pulls with heavy AE mobs. A note about druids version is it stuns them while they have it up and I highly doubt your raid will run with a druid in each group.1 side note I'd like to also piont out is the poison proc from agi line cant be tunred off. I will at times switch to BD simply to not have a dot on mob with a harsh on damage reactive. P.S. Dear SOE wtb a pocket mirror as a Raid dropped loot. PLZ PLZ PLZ.

[Bozidar]

comments on blade dance in pvp?

[Spelchek]

to get to bladedance, you waste alot of aa that can be put in better slots for pvp.  My two aa setups include a dps/pvp setup and a raid/magegroup setup.  PvP is all about doing as much damage as poissible while using your potions to counter what others are throwing at you.  Many players have survived my onslots with potions so we can do the same without wasting aa doing it.... but, that is just the opinion of someone that is just now seeing kills in pvp. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />