How do I flank? (/blushes profusely)

[smphillips]

<p>Hello,</p><p>I'm returning to the game after almost 3 years of not playing and am so glad that I came back.  I've always rolled a caster in the past (my last main was a mystic) and decided to try something new so I rolled a Trouby (I'm at level 22 now).  I'm having fun with her but I'm having to relearn how to do the basic stuff let alone all the new up close stuff that my trouby does.  I've been trying to do a lot of research on how to play her because I don't want to be just a button pusher.  I want to have some method to my madness and try to be the best that I can.  On a side note, thanks to everyone who posted their casting orders although they were more geared towards much higher levels.  They've helped me a lot.  I haven't even thought about grouping yet because I don't feel comfortable with what I'm supposed to be doing and don't want to make a mistake and look like an idiot.  So I'm trying to do a lot of practice with some sort of method while I'm still soloing.</p><p>Anyhow, here's my problem and I hope it's not a totally stupid question.  How can I get around the mob to flank while I'm in combat?  If they're agro, they see me before I can get close enough to start with a flanking hit and once I'm in combat, I'm always face to face with the mob and can't get behind them to do anything.</p><p>Well, I think that's it for now.  I'm sure that I'll have a ton more questions down the line.  TIA for all tips <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Bloodfa]

<p>Cheap Shot once you're up close.</p>

[smphillips]

<p>Thanks <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" />  I actually found this information on my own with some further digging but it's always good to have confirmation.</p>

[Chulanowa]

<dl><dd><strong>Marcus Vindictus</strong> - Don't you know your left flank from your right flank?</dd><dd><strong>Captain Mucus</strong> - I'm sorry sir, I flunked flank.</dd><dd><strong>Marcus Vindictus</strong> - You flunked flank? Get the flunk out of here!</dd></dl>

[Thorindil]

<p>Don't worry about grouping. As a troub your main role will be a passive one, with other group members having their powers enhanced by your buffs, and as the DPS you do will be marginal compared to other classes you are grouped with, you should have no problem in making sure you don't get aggro.</p>

[Asif]

<p><cite>Thorindil@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Don't worry about grouping. As a troub your main role will be a passive one, with other group members having their powers enhanced by your buffs, and as the DPS you do will be marginal compared to other classes you are grouped with, you should have no problem in making sure you don't get aggro.</p></blockquote><p>Hmm i tend not to agree with this i always try and push my dps when in group or raid just sitting back is really boring.</p><p>But you are right we will never have the big dps its just the way bards are.  <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Deadlemming]

<p>we can do plenty of dps...I'm easily breaking 7k dps in instances and more than that in raids. The top troub right now averaged 17k on palace trash, but it might be slightly inflated.</p>

[smphillips]

<p>Well, I'm proud to say that I've solo'd my way to level 34 (with some minimal mentoring from a guildmate or 2). <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  One of my guildmates who has a lvl 80 Troubador has also given me some wonderful advice and I think I've finally got my head together on what I'm doing.</p><p>But here's my question.  At this level, is it really worth it for me to spend a lot of money on Master spells and high-end gear?  Or should I just wait til I'm a bit higher.  If it is worth it, which spells should I concentrate on trying to get the masters for?</p><p>Thanks</p>

[Smackus]

<p>The game can be played at a lot of different speeds these days.</p><p>If you have high level guildies mentoring you and do a lot of instances and grinding xp then you will fly through the levels pretty quickly.  In that case I probably wouldn't spend much money at all on spells and gear.  The occasional Adept or two and maybe a weapon upgrade if yours is really grey.</p><p>If, on the other hand, you are soloing a lot or playing only with other folks of your level, then gear and spells are more important.  I would probably still not waste a ton of money on spells or gear, especially masters which are probably overpriced for how much money you're going to have.</p><p>If you want to really play through all the quests and content you can turn off combat xp and level solely off of quests.  In this case gear and spells are a lot more important since you'll be at the same level for a comparatively longer amount of time.  This is not how most people play, but some folks enjoy really taking in all the content and this can help.</p><p>Hope this helps.</p>

[Wilderbeast25]

<p><cite>Thorindil@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Don't worry about grouping. As a troub your main role will be a passive one, with other group members having their powers enhanced by your buffs, and as the DPS you do will be marginal compared to other classes you are grouped with, you should have no problem in making sure you don't get aggro.</p></blockquote><p>TBH this is bad advice.  Sure Troubs are a utility class, but they can also dish out the DPS.  To be a good Troub you need to be anything but passive.  You should be using J-Cap, PoTM, getting your debuffs in, and DPS hard using a good Spell/CA order.</p><p>If you don't know what I'm talking about in the previous sentance then search and look it up.  Go to eq2flames and see information there as well.  (Don't post though if you haven't done your homework or you will regret it.)</p><p>When you are a good bard you don't have much if any downtime.  You are always doing something in a fight.  If you want to sit back and do nothing then go play a ranger. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  (/range /afk)</p><p>LvL 80 Troubador</p>