Current state of the class for a returning player

[Grimlott]

<p>Hi,</p><p>I'm a player that is returning after an extended abscence. I'm back into the swing of things, but I was wondering about any small nuances that may have changed, pro tips and the like. For instance someone told me the other day that the defensive stance is jacked up and that I should use offensive stance even when tanking. I don't know if that's true or not since I've been gone so long.</p><p>Please share any such advice.</p><p>Thanks.</p>

[DwarvesR]

<p>I can't remember the last time I used defensive stance.  It used to be worse, but they did (finally) add some INT to the defense stance, so the dps loss from using it isn't *quite* as bad.</p><p>Even so, it's still worthless.  Offense stance only is the way to go.</p><p>Beyond that, pretty much it's a matter of getting your AA's spec'd out and maximizing your dps output.  Time your spells and CA's between your auto-attacks, get your fabled epic at the very least..... not too much to it <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Grimlott]

<p>What are the thoughts on AA progression? I'm heavy in the str tree, with some in the int, and a little in the sta tree. For the SK tree I've gone all hate.</p>

[Uggli]

<p>INT > Reaver > STR > everything else.   Once you are over 120 AA's, training up the TSO crusader line is suggested.   Aura of the Crusader and the shield and melee mods are sweet.</p><p>INT only 4-4-8 though.  go no further.</p><p>STR for end line.  4-4-8-6-2 or how ever you like to get the end line.</p><p>Reaver, again what ever you like, just get Reaver</p>

[Akilles]

<p>sword and shield vs 2 handers for leveling?</p>

[DwarvesR]

<p>2H = teh suxx0rz.</p><p>Always go sword and board.  The *slight* dps increase from the 2H is not worth the loss of defense.  Plus after you get enough AA's, you actually do more damage with the sowrd and board anyway.</p>

[zerfall]

<p><cite>Jonna@Befallen wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>2H = teh suxx0rz.</p><p>Always go sword and board.  The *slight* dps increase from the 2H is not worth the loss of defense.  Plus after you get enough AA's, you actually do more damage with the sowrd and board anyway.</p></blockquote><p>This is really too bad, because I personally loved the look of a 2h sword swinging SK from EQ1, particularly an Ogre SK with the Epic 1.0, and I rather like the (similar) look of a big Ogre SK swinging a 2h here in EQ2 as well. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>While the Epic weapon looks really nice (both Fabled and Mythical), it would be even cooler imo if it were 2h.</p><p>But... seems most weapons/items are designed to be better as 1h.  Take a look at any caster primary/offhand compared to 2h staves.</p>

[CHIMPNOODLE.]

<p>Luckily, there are some 1 handed items that appear to be 2 handers graphically...and we now have weapon appearance slots! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>I know that the Wyrmslayer is one of them, I'd have to poke around for the names of some others (but I have seen more than 1).</p><p>I use the Wrymslayer in my appearance slot. Huge flaming "2 hander graphic", even though it can be used in the 1 hander slot. Shield is still visible, but the weapon is prominent. Looks nifty <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p><p>....and I'm an Ogre too! lol</p>