Brand spankin' new

[Clg]

<p>I'm new to the game and Templar (but always up for a challenge ;p).  Few questions...</p><p>I've been doing A LOT of reading on AAs, when I should have been working, and how to spec.  I don't know how quick I can get, or if I can even afford, an AA mirror so my primary spec will probably be DPS/Soloing.  I've seen quite a few different responses on how to spec your AAs for leveling. </p><p>1. I've seen some people say go down STR first for the melee crit and others down INT for the spell crit.   I'm leaning towards INT because there is also the spell haste one. Does anyone have any advice on where to put points first and after that (I.E INT up to spell haste then over to STR)  I'll probably be running around with 50% lock on to earn a little more AA.</p><p>2. I'm guessing Int will be my main stat while soloing for DPS and then switch to a mixture when I'm finally healing.  This correct?</p><p>3. Forgot what I was going to ask because my boss came in and I had to alt+tab away.</p><p>Figured I'd ask the older and wiser Templar's out there.</p><p>Thanks!</p>

[nightwriter]

<p>Hello there, and welcome to EQ 2. I'm a long-time EQ player (been with EQ 1 in 1999 and this game for 3 years) - so, welcome to your new addiction. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /> Anyway, to answer this question my templar is level 23 with only about 16 or so AAs so far. My guild's templars and two other non-guild templars all told me the same thing for solo build - go with STA first and get the 100% melee crit. I did, and I'm a wrecking machine with a good high-damage two-hander. I've been advised to go down the INT line after getting the heal crits in that line as well for faster casting. Hope this helps</p>

[Clg]

<p>So first thing is to dump all my points to get 100% Crit then what?  Should I pick up any of the CAs in other tree?</p>

[deKoven]

<p>Hmm, I'm 'bout at the same stage as you are. I got some help from a guildie that has a Templar and made a world of difference. On the 3rd tab there's a couple items to put points in; they're a couple of spells that are way cool. I'm not in game now and don't remember the names but one has a huge red arrow for an icon. That one does some large damage and the other one (whose name and Icon I don't remember), when you activate it there's a big light that comes down from above and KILLS. I'm guessing that if you put enough points in those yer gonna be awesome. Not a whole lot of help I know, but like I said, I'm just a newb on Templar myself.</p><p><img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" /></p>

[KingofDarkness79]

<p>First thing you want to do is going into the Templar tab and go down the Smites line until you can get the end ability Smite Wrath. After that go down the INT line for spell crit and spell haste. After that go for the melee stuff.</p>

[MoonSorceror]

<p>Actually the reasoning behind going Cleric Str is not melee crit (which is from Sta branch btw.) but the interrupt and stiffle immunity from the end ability. Since templars get hit a lot (they wear plate and so have low base avoidance and do not get so many other avoidance buffs like the plate tanks) getting interrupted all the time is a major pita. When you have enough points to get the Str end ability, you might want to reskill into that (best is Str 48822) if interrupts are an issue.</p><p>Other than that Cleric Int and Templar Smites are both very cool for soloing with Int being a bit more universal since cast haste is also great for healing groups and Smites (5 each in the first 4 nukes plus the end ability) is probably more DPS.</p><p>Also going melee DPS is imho not a valid option for starters since it's hard to obtain the necessary slow two handed hammer while leveling up and the absence of a shield makes interrupts even worse when you try to heal yourself.</p>

[Clg]

<p>I respec'd from STA to Smite tree and notice a huge improvement.  I'm a few points away from the +25% spell damage 21 point ability. It is me and a buddy (swash) leveling so I didn't go for Steadfast (I think that is the casting immunity?).</p><p>I will probably work on the INT next line then move over to STR.  But so far I've really noticed an improvement going straight down smite.</p>

[KingofDarkness79]

<p>Just remember that the immunity to being interuppted and everything from that end line ability comes after you have been stationary for 2 seconds. If you move or get knocked back it starts the timer over again. I am using the Steadfast ability for my group AA spec, not solo DPS. The other thing I would recommend is take a look at getting a customUI, one that has a melee auto attack timer built into it so that you can time your spells with your melee to maximize your damage. I use the FetishNightfall one at <a href="http://www.eq2interface.com/downloads/cat130.html" target="_blank">http://www.eq2interface.com/downloads/cat130.html</a>.</p>

[mafoe]

<p>Betray to inquisitor for solo leveling, then betray back at 80.</p>