Took a break, need advice!

[JaeBe]

<DIV>I'm coming back to EQ after a break. I quit playing when the splitpaw expansion pack was released.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So I log on, and man have things changed. I was soloing rats in RiverVale when I logged. I got chewed up and spit out trying to do that!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I use entrench to pull, this time, I got rooted! So I started to read skill descriptions, and it seems that an awefull lot has changed. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My primary question for the Gaurdian community; At level 43, what defensive buffs should I be using? Which ones are permanent, and which should be cast at the start of a battle?</DIV>

[LadyDor]

<DIV>Best advice I can offer (as a 46 Guardian) is get someplace safe, sit down and read all you spell descriptions again. Seriously, ALOT has indeed changed. Some things work when you are against one type of mob and don't against a different mob, some things work only with a shield, etc. I myself took a break and had to do this (which is basically re-learn how to "play" my character by virtue of which buff in which situation) when I got back. It's basically a live and learn -get nerfed- die alot- and relearn situation.</DIV> <DIV>Sorry I can't offer any better advice than "re-read your spell/combat art descriptions"...but imho that would be the best approach. Best of luck to you in your future hunts.</DIV>

[sammythebull]

<P>I can't speak what works for others, but here's what I do. </P> <P>If soloing, i abandon the defensive mindset and don't cast any defensive CA's that take anything away from my offense. You've gotta be about killing as fast as possible when solo, if you're fighting stuff white +, the longer the fight goes on, the better advantage the mob has. I don't use my 30 seconds buffs at all when soloing. I use either my 2h or d/w (moreso since LU16). I pull with a hex doll (physical mit debuff), get off a shot w/ my bow, cast my highest dmg CA's first (minute timer, if its a long fight they'll be available for use again i the fight). Not much strategy behind it, if using 2h, try to time your CA's in between your normal swings. I also use the +49 sta/str potion and the +240 physical mit potion if i think i'll need them. I always stay in offensive stance when soloed. </P> <P>if you're primarily going to be a solo/duo or grouped in a non tanking role, i'd upgrade your offensive stance to adept III ASAP. </P> <P>I'm basically a completely different toon when soloed as opposed to grouped. </P>

[Dart]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> JaeBeam wrote:<BR> <DIV>I'm coming back to EQ after a break. I quit playing when the splitpaw expansion pack was released.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So I log on, and man have things changed. I was soloing rats in RiverVale when I logged. I got chewed up and spit out trying to do that!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I use entrench to pull, this time, I got rooted! So I started to read skill descriptions, and it seems that an awefull lot has changed. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>My primary question for the Gaurdian community; At level 43, what defensive buffs should I be using? Which ones are permanent, and which should be cast at the start of a battle?</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>You have been gone a while. One thing you might want to try is mentoring down and group with other folks at the 30 level range, 35 level range and then 40 level range. This might help you evolve your skills up to you char's current level. Allow you to progressively learn the changes to the guard. "And a lot of changes .. there are" once said a green man named Yoda.

[Landiin]

Really man best thing u can do is reroll. I tired, am trying but each day I draw closer and closer to quiting this game. The devs have a hard on for plate/guards and not in a good way.. I guess they found us sexually arousing and bringing out the [Removed for Content] tendancy in them they had to do somthing. lol<div></div>

[Raahl]

<P>Just a big FYI.  I'm not sure if you were fighting the Heroic rats, but you will get you behind handed to you from 99% of the heroics.  Even grey ones.</P> <P>And solo mobs above white can also kill you quickly.</P> <P>Good Luck.</P>

[Aven Elonis]

<P>No quitting allowed for you Toran. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>If I can hang in there so can you.</P> <P>There are so few of us 60 guardians on Steamfont now as it is.</P> <P>Aven Elonis</P> <P>60 Guardian, Steamfont</P>