I want my taunts to work please!

[Uumuuanu]

<DIV>Ok,  so I have long ago stated my opinions on the combat changes (I believe back in beta and prior), so I am not going to say that we got screwed blindsidedly (since we got it as a slap in the face), but Honestly, I WANT MY TAUNTS TO WORK since thats all I have left.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I can't tell you how many times last night I was getting completely frustrated because the taunts just don't cut it any more.  I was the highest person in the group by FAR (closest was a 48 SK) and I was having my aggo taken away like I was a level five MUTE IDIOT.   Uncountable times even after using 4 different taunts sequencially, I couldn't pull aggro off of a 47 bruiser.   And these are Adept 3 or better taunts.   Several times I had aggro taken away by a 43 brigand (hey it was a guild group) IMMEDIATELY after applying at least 2 taunts.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I look at my taunts, sure lotsa hates because they are adept3 uh huh.  I examine them, yeps lotsa hates by the numbers, uh huh.  I have NEVER used rescue so damned many times in my entire 50 levels of playing.  And even then at 1858 HATE, several times it didnt pull the mob off the person.  WHAT in the heck is that?  1858 HATE immediately after over 1200 more from other taunts and the mob ignores me over a bruiser 3 levels under me.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Several times the only way I got aggro back is to sit there and spam taunts and attacks until the mob was into the red (startting at green) before it would ignore someone else when I pulled it and taunted it multiple times before it was back to the group.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I have had it with groups of guildies and groups of exp pickups.  It's bad enough we are nothing more then a glorified steak now, but to be a worthless meatshield that can't hold aggro is completely insulting and just plain disgusting.   I used to be able to hold aggro against almost anyone just before the ~patch~ (from hell maybe), now its hard to hold it against a wizard in the background AFK blowing his nose that hasnt casted the entire fight.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Honestly,  am I the only one having this issue? </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Wenchly]

<div></div>I have been having similar problems. I am a bit lower level (35), but have had much of the same experience as described above. There is one other thing that I would like to add. I have had quite a few times now where a group has aggroed on us that i didn't pull with a taunt (various reasons for this: unexpected proximity pull, encounter pop, range pull with run back to group, etc.) where AoE encounter taunt has zero effect on half the mobs in the encounter (i.e. they do not attack me). I wonder if this was more intended then not. No longer can other classes go all out, espcially DPS classes, and expect prisitine aggro managment. With taunts like the new hold the line being percentage based or that Goading (can't remeber full name) taunt that has a percentage based chance to proc more hate, aggro management has become more of a chance then a definite. There are many battles where it is just like old times. Even a DPS class off-tanking a group mob that I am not currently attacking cannot pull it off me. This has become alot more rare though. I am not sure how I feel about all these changes. What I believe SoE is trying to do is make aggro a more group concious effort, where classses cannot just spam all there abilities and expect aggro to be maintained. I played WoW (60 Warrior)  for a bit and this is exactly how it is in that game. I got used to it there but I really loved the pure, locked down aggro management of the pre-13. <div></div>

[Tael]

<P>I just started playing EQ2.  I'm only level 18.  I played a warrior in EQ to level 66, and I have a warrior in WoW that is level 60 and #2 MT for an MC raiding guild.</P> <P>I cannot believe how hard it is to keep aggro in this game even at level 18.  I was playing with a level 19 rogue last night, and I could not hold aggro at all.  Maybe I am doing something wrong.  I was spamming anger, provoke, taunting blow, concussion, but no dice.  I have upgraded a few of those talents to Adept.  Am I missing something?  I was also trying DW and 1H/Shield and it seemed like DW was a little better, but in both cases I couldn't hold aggro, not only that but when I did get aggro I seemed to get beaten up as bad or worse than the rogue, even with a shield equipped?  Are shields as worthless for warriors in EQ2 as they were in EQ.</P> <P>In WoW I can hold aggro.  Sure I lose it occasionally, never on bosses, but on trash mobs I can lose aggro, but I can get aggro back np.  Admittedly I have little experience in EQ2, but it just seems terrible.</P> <P>Am I wasting my time starting a warrior?  I was going to go guardian, should I go with the other subclass (forget the name).  Should I be using DW or 2H even in groups?  Or should I be 2H solo, 1H/shield in groups?  I guess I have a ton of questions.  I just want to know, should I keep at it, or should I just start a mage?  Are there other classes in EQ2 that are really good?  In WoW every class is good in my opinion.  I'm really just playing EQ2 to play with my girlfriend since she hates WoW.  :p</P>

[Vandileir]

<P>I will be the first to say Guards took a hit with this "Update." And allthough aggro management, is harder, more frustrating, and more annoying now, all hope is not lost. After I adapted my style of play, I had less aggro issues.</P> <P> </P> <P>For starters...</P> <P>1. Make sure you get aggro first. This is so key now. If you dont get the aggro first, you will have issues the whole battle. Also, throw HTL on as soon as you are positioned where you wana be.</P> <P>2. The new HTL line is now our biggest tool for gaining hate IMO. I hope everyone that had the chance took the Master II version of Maddening Defense , it will make your life easier.</P> <P>3. Think of taunts as like little Aggro "Pick Me Ups." Since we cant really buff spam anymore, we have to rely on a blend of taunts and DPS. Our DPS is lame, but it is enough to keep aggro well enough when you mix it with HTL and our taunts.</P> <P>4. Assauge (spelling?) is really use full. I have a hard time keeping aggro from monks in my guild, but casting this bad boy on them seems to stop all problems. </P> <P>5. If you loose aggro, cancel HTL, get right behind the mob and pound it with attack skills and spam your taunts. I rather like to think of Blast as a 5th taunt. For added effect, cancel your defensive stance and switch to your offensive one until you get aggro back. Your offensive stance jacks your DPS tremendously. There easy to switch on and off, so its not to much of a headache.</P> <P>Aggro management is no longer your responsibilty alone as a tank. If you have trouble keeping aggro, don't sweat it. We are not the tanks we were anymore. When they die enough times, they will learn to go easy, so dont feel bad. Not like you share there debt anymore anyway.</P> <P>And thats my 2 cents. I dont know how right I am, but it works for me. </P><p>Message Edited by Vandileir on <span class=date_text>09-20-2005</span> <span class=time_text>03:29 PM</span>

[Shizzirri]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vandileir wrote:<BR> <P>2. The new HTL line is now our biggest tool for gaining hate IMO. I hope everyone that had the chance took the Master II version of Maddening Defense , it will make your life easier.</P> <P>Message Edited by Vandileir on <SPAN class=date_text>09-20-2005</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>03:29 PM</SPAN><BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>If you we're an NPC and you knew the person you we're slapping around rooted himself while the other people in the group we're doing 3-4x's the amount of damage you are would you attack that person???  I hope they don't give NPC's a common sense factor if they did we'd be screwed.<BR>

[Vandileir]

<DIV>I never said it made any sense..... I just know it works heh.... :smileyindifferent:</DIV>