Greetings, folks!

So, two questions here:

1) HYH + Malediction or HYH + CoZ? Which will be most effective for combat training?

2) I've recently returned and, while I have a general comprehension of cyclic spells, is there a thread or post that really explains how they're a) used, b) used effectively, and c) explains any pitfalls to avoid?

against cinder beast which are geared with weapons and heavy plate I feel COZ might be slightly more effective but not a whole a lot. against everything else i use mal offense if i am working defenses and mal def if i am working weapons that low to hit them, mal def is great for back training weapons. Mal off basically is I am going to stand here and smack ye guys around and you can't hit me... COZ just says your gear turned to crap and i am going to own own you.... really is dependent on what your hunting and what your needs are. LOVE THE HYDRA

Just a feeble old swamp shaman

That's a good point about their stacking. Though I have no idea what reducing gear quality does to the rolls compared to reducing OF/DF

Clerics have a LOT of room to deal with that gap and be okay.

MALE OFF + COZ means you're giving a general offensive debuff to everything and a weapons debuff to a few things. You'll be killing quickly enough that Multi Opponents aren't a problem, but you have MAPP for the defending buff (+ evasion) if they are. Benediction will give you agility, reflex, and strength which are the primary defensive stats and almost double dip with SOL. Couple this with three stack-able damage absorption shields (MAF, MPP, and PFE [undead/cursed]). Add to this GHS for ranged, centering for balance, TM as a primary weapon, and lore secondary (tactics) for position. If things get rough, you can always sick/soul bond and kill one in peace.

So definitely look into stacking spells. It'll make your life much easier.