Hit 24, couple questions

[ozbe]

<DIV>1. Any recommendations on the lvl 24 training choice? All of them seem like a good idea, but can't have it that way hehe <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>2. Reading some of the test info, I was seeing that 2handed weapons might be making a come back DPS wise... any opinions or stats on weither to go 2h or DW?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

[Edyil]

<P>1) Choose whatever you think is going to help you the most.  The way that everything is replaced at some point makes the choice pretty moot.  I wish there was something unique where our choices early actually had an impact later, but there isn't.</P> <P> </P> <P>2) I've been using the Crook for the last 4 levels.  I have the cash to buy whatever I want for the most part.  I've been wanting to change to dual wield for the stat buffs.  But in reality with the way the game "feels" right now, that extra 20agi and 10str (two cudgels) won't affect my abilities one bit.  Of course I already have over 200 agi and close to that in STA and STR.  I'm fairly certain that for my level (45) and without any fabled gear, it won't make any difference if I use a 2H vs dual wielding.  I think the new mechanics eliminate any decernable differences when your stats reach a certain level.  60.6 avoidance (current) vs a 61.9 avoidance (dual wielding guess) won't matter.  My guess is probably fairly accurate since my GFs warden can easily buff me for more than the cudgels would equal and I see the effects.  Also, the crook has a 48.1 damage rating for me right now.  The cudgels rate 24 each.  For some reason I get more out of the staff <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>In the end I don't know what I'm going to do.  I like dual wielding.  But it doesn't seem worth the cash to pull the trigger and buy a couple pristine rares when the crook is performing so well.  I suppose if I wasn't a tight [Removed for Content] with my money, I'd just do both....</P> <P>:smileytongue:</P>

[RumpleMan5000]

I'll respond to the first question, cause that was the one that I was wondering about aswell. At lvl 24, I chose Grappling Bear over Wisdom of Zephyl. This was a hard decision for me, as I didn't want to screw it up. But I have loved the choice I made. My reasoning. Grappling Bear Master II, does up to 233 dmg per hit, and reduces defence by 5.9. Where as Zephyl would have only added a few more % of haste. I'm guessing the master would have added 3 or 4 more precentage of haste. Not really noticeable. But when my Grappling Bear hits for 230, the mob notices it, and it reduces the defence of the mob a considerable amount aswell, increasing the effectiveness of my other offensive CA's. The only downside is Zephyl is an AE buff, so if you group alot, it may be a good choice. But... the -defense of grappling bear, helps the entire group aswell. If others chose something else, let us know, and give us your reasoning behind it. Cheers, Rumple 25, Monk

[MadBarman]

For the lvl24 choice I'd suggest Wisodn of Zephyl. Its is better than adept 1 lvl37 skill (forgot the name) In fact from what i can see it is exactly equal to the lvl51 upgrade Calm tranquility. So you will use it for a while. And the haste qpllies to you even if you just solo. <div></div>

[Rukar]

<P>I guess I'll answer the second question first. I'm a level 41 monk, and probably average I'd say. Mostly crafted gear in terms of armor with 2 rare crafted pieces (chest/legs), and whatever semi-inexpensive accessories I could find. I used to dual wield all the time, but then I started using 2h weps again a number of levels ago, and maybe I'm crazy, but I find I do more damage with the 2h than with the dual wields (which are T5 crafted right now, not rares). Maybe it just seems that way because one hit from that does more damage than one hit from a DW weapon, but that's just me. Right now I'm using The Staff of Kyrtoxx. Picked it up on the broker for like 2 gp and change.</P> <P>In answer to the first question, I think I chose Grappling Bear, but only because I was already past Zephyl and using Quiet Purity which is at Adept 1. If I remember correctly, I didn't see all that much benefit from taking Zephyl Master II and what I already have. If I was your level, I'd probably still go with Grappling Bear, especially because it's actually a useful spell now. The upgrade for that, Striking Cobra, is quite nice. I've got it at Adept 1 right now. I did have the training option for it but they changed it totally. At first I was kind of mad because it had a nice DoT on it, but I'd rather have the defense debuff and around 300 dmg it hits for. Besides, at 34 you can take Everburning Fire (or is it Flame at that level?) Master II, which bumps it to 30% haste from 22% from Adept 1 (I think that's right).</P>