Are we the best soloing fighter class?

[Michealt]

<DIV>I know I see a few monks soloing because there place have not been established yet in groups.  And I knwo watching a Pally solo is like watching paint dry.  But can anyone do it better with out the down time?  And Hey!!! We got our steed?   Any comments?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Stormdoor</DIV>

[jb-]

<DIV>Ermm...a warlock maybe.</DIV>

[Sin60]

<DIV>Personally I love soloing as a pally. And what do you mean like watching paint dry? do you solo by using no combat arts or spells? I think that soloing a pally is very fun. Especially with all the cool combat arts. I can take almost anything my level aside from double ups the same level as me, and I can take them as long as they are a couple levels lower than me. I think we are pretty darn good at soloing.</DIV>

[Michealt]

<DIV>The Paint dry joke was a catch phase from the old EQ........ because we could solo but in the time it took a monk to kill 3 creatures without healing we would kill one.  Giving our down time was gone becuase we would just heal and go after the next.  And also with our get out of Jail free card (LoH) , we were a lot safer.  But I must agree soloing with the paly is a lot easier especially since we all started out as fighters, so we got some real combat arts.   Someone said warlock.  My post was concerning the best of all the tank/fighter classes or even scout class AKA non casters!!!!!!!!!  Are we the best among those???</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Stormdoor</DIV>

[Vai]

<DIV>I think it's too soon to tell ... back in EQ, initially no one class did substantially more damage than the other, but once dual-wield set in, it was another story altogether.  Admittedly, almost every soloing monk had a fungi tunic so that took away the paladin's advantage of being able to heal ...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>... but with all that said, I'd speculate that perhaps out of the fighters, paladins could be the best soloer if the developers don't allow the other fighters to tread on the paladin's abilities to heal/ward him/herself.</DIV>

[Jedd]

<DIV>I love my paladin but once again I am in a class that excels in groups and I am a confirmed soloer(but I won't give up my steed). And he means by watching paint dry...  Ward, FC,(pick a move), HO and once more around the horn we go! Let's face it most of our attacking spells are poor damage dealers. Lately I have reduced my combat to  ward, an occassional HO while mostly just dealing damage with my Great hammer of Stormhold with a rare blessed aid. Kills any yellow steadily and leaves lots of power left over. Not too challenging.</DIV>

[Malad]

<DIV>I think we solo great.  Not sure how we compare with everybody else but I am really happy with my paladin.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>At level 25 though I have basically gone to using Blessed Aid in my fights and not my ward.  Blessed Aid heals for almost the same amount of damage absorbed by the ward for the same power.  The thing is though Ward absorption is prior to damage midication of armor where Blessed Aid is of course healing damage that is caused after damage midication of armor.  So I believe at this point ward is really not as power effcient and I only use it to buff myself prior to a pull and if I need to buy time to get another heal in.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I may kill slow like this but it is safe and there really is no downtime at all and I rather kill slow then kill fast and then wait.</DIV>

[Darchang]

This is my reply from the other thread "Why do you like playing a Paladin". I think it says it all concerning my feeling on this issue <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I like playing a Paladin for the mere fact that they are the "knights in shining armor" But as far as the physical play style, I like it a lot because you are a fighter, and starting around 22 when you get your first heal, you are also a light healer. This is especially great for soloing - less down time. Plus, the devs gave Paladins the ability to actually be a darn good tank in EQ2, unlike EQ1. They have many AOE melee and spell attacks, as well as good taunts and buffs, great defense save only to fighter as well as good melee damage, save only to fighters. They are an all-around great hybrid with a history of respect and admiration.And of course, the HOLY STEED! This benefit of the Paladin class is far and above the most significant of all the classes in my opinion. Not so much for the physical benefits of moving through the world a bit faster than others, but by the respect and awe that other folks have when they see us on our Holy Steeds. This brings back images of great knights and valiant kings and noble battles. This, along with a "Sir" title (which they haven't determined in their great wisdom needs to be a part of the game yet), that would complete the "persona".Bottom line is, EQ2 has finally done justice to the Paladin class, in my opinion. In EQ1, my paladin had to run from most "blue" mobs solo, and he was even "tweaked" with nice full plate armor and a nice magic sword. Pathetic. But finally, in EQ2, my Paladin can hold his head high, because he is one tough S.O.B.! I can take out most solo oranges by myself (very tough fight, but I usually win), yellows are great fights, but I will almost always win. Whites and below are barely a concern. Plus, it seems that I am a better tank many times than the fighters are! Just my own observation, not necessarrily a fact.Anyway, Paladins, in my opinion are the most respectible and honorable class to play in the game, and now, EQ2 has given them the power to live up to their legacy and not be just another worthless hybrid class!Valoric Soulseer - Level 22 Human Paladin - Permafrost Server

[TheTravell]

<DIV>I saw someone who had written he could solo blue^^ mobs but I'm not sure what class he was ... maybe guardian, yep I think so.</DIV> <DIV>As a paladin I'm <STRONG>far</STRONG> from soloing such a thing, I still have to run away from green^^ mobs sometimes <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

[loregaz]

<DIV>On certain mobs a mage can solo one in about 10 seconds whereas it takes me about a minute to do so-- so there is a huge discrepancy (and yes I use all combat arts, ho etc).   One example is the beetles or snakes in TS.  However, this same mage can barely solo in a dungeon or on 3 group mobs; here is where I think we excel, since most greens (and many blues) don't seem to be able to even hit us often.  It still takes a long time  to solo these mobs, but they are doable at least.  Makes writ work always an option on downtime. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

[RioR]

<DIV>I can solo yellow "solo" mobs and some green^^ "group" mobs. I really like finding the group mobs I can solo. They drop better stuff.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm more concern that we stay on equal ground as a group tank (as compared to a guardian). Unless this class will just be the same as it was when EQ1 first started. I did not pick a paladin to be the off-tank. If this ends up being the case then SOE has failed in it's archetype system. As they said all fighters will be able to fill an equal role in a group. The role of a fighter in a group is to be the tank.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[THX-11]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Sin6079 wrote:<BR> <DIV>Personally I love soloing as a pally. And what do you mean like watching paint dry? do you solo by using no combat arts or spells? I think that soloing a pally is very fun. Especially with all the cool combat arts. I can take almost anything my level aside from double ups the same level as me, and I can take them as long as they are a couple levels lower than me. <STRONG><FONT color=#ffff00>I think we are pretty darn good at soloing</FONT></STRONG>.</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <DIV>Hear Hear !</DIV>

[Jedd]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Michealton wrote:<BR> <DIV>I know I see a few monks soloing because there place have not been established yet in groups.  And I knwo watching a Pally solo is like watching paint dry.  But can anyone do it better with out the down time?  And Hey!!! We got our steed?   Any comments?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Stormdoor</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR> No way to know for me since all I mainly play is a pally. But I have no problem soloing and can kill nonstop if I am frugal in my attack choices.

[Renn]

Soloing has slowed down a ton for me now in the mid/upper 20's. I'm 27 now, and while 'Solo' mobs are not a problem, they give almost no noticable exp. Blue^^ mobs are out of the question, and so are the majority of greens. Green^^ mobs to a level 27 like to use specials that hit for up to 350+, so no matter if I'm going with my 2Hander (1400ac unbuffed) or my 1h + shield (1600ac) they end up beating the crap out of me once they get a couple specials off. My gear is pretty decent, all top end quest or crafted stuff, my sword is pristine steel, and my 1 hander is a Starfall, so I don't think gear is an issue. All my spells are Adept or higher (Adept 3 Blessed Aid/Faithful Zeal). And I know how to play my class.. Just looks like as the levels go up we really will be regulated to killing Solo mobs. I miss the days of being a Crusader in my teens killing blue/white^^ mobs or small groups of yellows.

[Sau]

<BR>Are we the best soloing fighter class? <BLOCKQUOTE>no</BLOCKQUOTE><BR>

[JarredDarque]

<DIV>I hear alot of people talking about saying they think we shouild be able to tank on par with a guardian.  I mean honestly come on now....guardian.....knight in shining armor....   tower shield.....kite shield....see what I am sayin?  granted perhaps they have given guardians the ability to do too much damage though,  but when the going gets tough, the solo guardian runs.    when the going gets tough,  I blessed aid/DoF and keep on killin, and use LoH when need be.  I never played EQ1,  so I cant caompare us to them, but I know I see us easily outdamaged.  I see scouts and casters doing 200+ damage,  and will take down in aobut 1-2 minutes whatit takes me 5 with my crappy iron one hander (10-33 o.O)  but then they get that add,  and they run away.   I get that add,  finish my target,  and kill the add.  these are green^^ or groups of 2-3 green^ and groups of 3-5 greens.  Tehy cant handle the large groups as easily.  At lvl 22, My AC is 1150+, and that is using an ashwood kite shield AC 150,  (ancient kite has over 200 AC at my lvl)  that is without having done AQ4 yes   another 15-20 AC I dont have, and without the helm from the baubleshire quest.  With those 3 thimgs,  I will have more AC than most guardians my lvl after I have done offering on them.  If you get yourself properly equipped,  you should have no problem out tanking a guardian.  Which is what matter.  You can do ALL the damage you want in a fight,  but if you cant stand the hits,  it wont matter.  The only reason I dont have the helm/AQ4 done is I am still camping mobs for barik sword of thunder...after a week.  And I cant locate a ancient kite shield for under 2gp,  but those items will have my AC near 1250, with a kickin one hander.</DIV>

[KariosKas]

<DIV>All mobs hit differently.  Don't assume that just because something is level 27 that it'll hit like all the other level 27's.  Try the l.27 griffons in TS and then the l.27 amazon hunters and see the difference.  At 29 I could easily solo level 26^^'s (they conned blue) if I picked the right ones with low accuracy and used a shield with KS.  The level 27^^ griffons are just a joke, you can leave your guy on autoattack and go to sleep, wake up, and not be scratched.  The mini-dings add one point in your defensive skills each time and they make a huge difference while soloing.  A 29.8 can wipe out mobs that would kick your $## at level 29.2.  Also watch out for magic-dealing mobs if you have high AC&deflection but crappy resists.  Some of them also silence and, though dumb as it may sound, it seems that while silenced you can't use combat arts like "kick" or "faithful zeal".  Don't remember the last time i'm required to SAY anything in order to kick, but this game is full of stupid little things like that.  Remember that you only get one skill to avoid magic attacks, but defense/parry/blocking to avoid physical attacks.  Find the blues that can't seem to hit you and whack away.</DIV>

[Michealt]

<DIV>At 32 we also get 6 attacks............. 2 dots, 2 range attacks, and 2 other divine attacks.......... rightous blow is still good there is no replacement for it, so it seems.  I did not even include the shield bash and the charge attacks that stun and knock down.  That is a heck of a lot of damage.  </DIV>

[AlleySpa]

<DIV>Don't know about anyone else but I'm impressed with our damage dealing abilities, earlier on in this class I resigned myself to just be a meatsheild but now at level 33 we have,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Oath Strike:             200-325 w. 40-60 dot.</DIV> <DIV>Implacable Wrath:   40-60 dot.</DIV> <DIV>Vengeance:             100-120.</DIV> <DIV>Plus our two DD's wich hit from 90-110.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Far from being considered DPS but with the right drink u can cast as you please i've even stolen aggro while offtanking before, that alone impressed me, before now I could use every special I had with no hope of stealing aggro.  Bottom line we are hybrids we can do almost anything another class can whether it's to ward, heal, tank, damage or a little crowd control it's all on us we won't be able to do this as well as any of the other individual classes but we bring a little of each to a group.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>                                                                                  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Sant]

<DIV>I have a 26th lvl Swashbuckler a 21 lvl monk a 12 lvl wizard and a 20th lvl paladin and by far the Paladin solos the best so far.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Swashbucklers are fun but they are a group class. They just  cant take the damage. Monks can solo well especially with Feign</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> Death but until the big patch they have an issue with hard hitting mobs since they are avoidance based they end up taking big</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> hits and that can take you down fast if your not carefull.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Now my Paladin takes a little longer to kill but hes much safer doing it plus with the steed I can ussually get away from mobs</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> even if im out of power. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>All in all I would say the paladin is one of the best soloers in the game.</DIV>

[Michealt]

<DIV>Bottom line we are hybrids we can do almost anything another class can whether it's to ward, heal, tank, damage or a little crowd control it's all on us we won't be able to do this as well as any of the other individual classes but we bring a little of each to a group. <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>How do we have crowd control????</DIV></DIV>

[HeraklesMolt]

<DIV>I think we are by far the best soloing class.  We can dish the damage, have the AC, and have the back up healing and LOH when it hits the fan.  Pennitent sacrament is probably our best fight self healing spell.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I am still soloing orange conned solo mobs at level 39.  Taking out wolves, nightbloods, bramblers, and the water things in Rivervale.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If you can't solo blue mobs, you are definitely doing something very wrong in my book.  Check your gear and make sure it cons even or up.  Also check your skills, they should all be adepts or at least apprentice III's.  Also, make sure you have all your skills available to you in a fight.  Even outdated ones.  Completing HO's with old skills can save a lot of energy.  If you wear your pre-bought jboots while fighting, yes you do deserve to die.  It makes a huge difference.  You should also be using a kite shield.  Using a round shield or a weak [expletive ninja'd by Faarbot] buckler will make a huge difference too.  I can take out green grouped level 35 goblin mercenaries in EL solo, but it is a rather tough fight.  I have to burn energy quick to get rid of the first two to avoid their hits.  The 4th and 5th mobs drop very slowly on melee with HO's using older skills.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I chose to be a Barbarian Paladin.  I also chose skills that would increase my defense.  If someone chose tradeskills as their buff, yea, of course there might be a problem.  I honestly doubt race can make that much difference though.</DIV>

[AlleySpa]

<DIV>Do u not think being able to engage 5 creatures hold aggro and still put a taunt on a wondering add or two and have them all pummel u while the group picks them off as a form of crowd control?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>There's a crowd of mobs u are controling them seemed simple enough......guess not.</DIV>

[Seomon]

<DIV>I see what you're sayin, but crowd control is used to define mezzers, not tanks.</DIV>

[Talbot]

<DIV>On the topic of a gaurdian being able to tank better than us...  They can, in a group setting.  You slap a pally and a guardian in the same group, a guardian can tank some hellish stuff.  A pally enhances other tanks.  Slapping our ac buff onto them, along with our str buffs and use our demo and heals.  They will easily out tank a pally.  People need to understand a pally makes a great solo player but they will enhance a group in way no other tank can.  Being able to solo is not the only thing in the game.  This is a WORLD, sure you can solo, but even in RL A team will always beat out a single person.  That is the point of TEAM based games.  Yes you can solo in eq2 but it is geared for group play.  So please quit with the solo crap.  It is lame and tedious.  Focus on making yourself a better team player and you will help yourself in game as well as in the RW.  </DIV>

[Sant]

<DIV>Thats true talbot but we are talking about soloing. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Personally I think questions like who tanks the best are't all that interesting nor do they ussually take into account all variables.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Different fights call for different measures. Making blanket statements about this class or that class isnt really usefull, nor are</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> they  always the case. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As for soloing I still feel paladins are good soloers that of course doesnt mean they arent very usefull in groups as well.</DIV>

[HeraklesMolt]

<DIV>Don't start crying Talbot.  Sounds like you need some sleep.  Of course grouping is better.  No question.  And no experience is better than fighting orange grouped mobs with players within 1 level of yours.  Nothing beats it.  If there is difficulty fighting orange mobs, its a sign your group is poorly balanced.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Of course, we aren't always lucky to have a group the minute we log on.  Its nice to solo and its nice to be able to hack out some lame quests when a group isn't available.  Its also a great way to monitor your skills and test the way your spells work.  If you get owned by green/blue/white solo mobs, its definitely upgrade time.  Either buy spells skill upgrades or make sure your armor cons even or above.  If this doesn't work, try adjusting the order in which you deliver damage.  Stuns and bashes at the correct times can make all the difference in the world.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Herak Stonefinger</DIV> <DIV>40 Paladin</DIV> <DIV>Unrest</DIV>

[HeraklesMolt]

<DIV>And I think having a guardian and a paladin in a group together is counter-productive.  I prefer more DPS.  My favorite group makeup has been:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Templar</DIV> <DIV>Paladin</DIV> <DIV>Wizard</DIV> <DIV>Wizard</DIV> <DIV>Warlock</DIV> <DIV>Scout (assasin or swash)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If you cant get the 2nd wizard in there, a bard of some sort, always is nice.</DIV>

[Karlen]

>>>I'm more concern that we stay on equal ground as a group tank (as compared to a guardian). Unless this class will just be the same as it was when EQ1 first started. I did not pick a paladin to be the off-tank. If this ends up being the case then SOE has failed in it's archetype system. As they said all fighters will be able to fill an equal role in a group. The role of a fighter in a group is to be the tank.<<<The problem isn't that Pally can't tank. It's that guardians aren't very good off-tanks compared to us. So if you have a pally and a guardian, and the pally tanks, there isn't much for the guardian to do. But the other way around, I have a ton of buff spells to cast on the guardian and I can heal and ward as well (especially if the group has no healer).