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I've been taking a run at rolling up and playing guilds that I haven't played before, and the empath guild is one that intrigues me, but if I make an empath character, I'd like to make one that basically does no PC healing whatsoever. Is this feasible at all?
Yes. You can learn manipulate at 50 effective ranks, this counts CJs, buff from linking other empaths and spells. You can learn this pretty easy if you go for it. From then out just manipulate things and profit. Perceive health is available shortly before this option.
The problem is getting to that point, which you will either need classes or to do some PC healing.
Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.
The problem is getting to that point, which you will either need classes or to do some PC healing.
Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.
Mockerjb: I've been taking a run at rolling up and playing guilds that I haven't played before, and the empath guild is one that intrigues me, but if I make an empath character, I'd like to make one that basically does no PC healing whatsoever.
If you run across Sarkranis, she would be interested in meeting your non-healing Empath.
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
If you run across Sarkranis, she would be interested in meeting your non-healing Empath.
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
Follow up question, as I try and plan out this character (and sorry if it's a really broad terrible request):
Any advice on spell/feat progression for a character that is aimed entirely at hunting/non-PC healing? From my reading, it seems like my primary concerns would be empathy and TM learning early on.
Stat advice would be helpful too. I probably know the least about empaths of any guild in the game, so I'm seriously running totally blind. Any suggestions are welcome!
Any advice on spell/feat progression for a character that is aimed entirely at hunting/non-PC healing? From my reading, it seems like my primary concerns would be empathy and TM learning early on.
Stat advice would be helpful too. I probably know the least about empaths of any guild in the game, so I'm seriously running totally blind. Any suggestions are welcome!
>>Any advice on spell/feat progression for a character that is aimed entirely at hunting/non-PC healing? From my reading, it seems like my primary concerns would be empathy and TM learning early on.
Which race did you choose? I like to keep my stats fairly balanced, but for hunting, make sure you keep training reflex and stamina. Agility is good if you hunt constructs (and aren't just dancing).
I am working on a suggested spell/feat progression for combat Empaths, taking into account spell slot costs and expected magic ranks at that circle. I'll post it here when I am done.
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
Which race did you choose? I like to keep my stats fairly balanced, but for hunting, make sure you keep training reflex and stamina. Agility is good if you hunt constructs (and aren't just dancing).
I am working on a suggested spell/feat progression for combat Empaths, taking into account spell slot costs and expected magic ranks at that circle. I'll post it here when I am done.
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
>>Sarkranis: I am working on a suggested spell/feat progression for combat Empaths, taking into account spell slot costs and expected magic ranks at that circle. I'll post it here when I am done.
https://elanthipedia.play.net/mediawiki/index.php/Sarkranis%27s_Combat_Empath_Guide
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
https://elanthipedia.play.net/mediawiki/index.php/Sarkranis%27s_Combat_Empath_Guide
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
Helpful list, but I'd like to make a few suggestions -
IC is 100% useless to young empaths. They can't put enough mana in to get it to proc for any hit that isn't going to kill them anyway. I've stopped using it entirely, and have ~250 warding.
I'd place GS in front of BS and any healing spells after it, since GS will let you kill which will let you train skinning. I'd place PoP before Innocence or Compel.
To that end, I think Utility Mastery is something worth prioritizing, so you can get more mana into GS faster. I'd also place Regenerate much higher on the priority list, since it will let you get back to hunting ASAP.
FWIW, I gain the vast bulk of my Empathy from hunting. Here is my spell list:
In the chapter entitled "Healing", you have notes on the Vitality Healing [vh], Heal Wounds [hw], Heal Scars [hs], Heal, and Regenerate spells.
In the chapter entitled "Life Force Manipulation", you have notes on the Refresh, Gift of Life [gol], Vigor, Paralysis, and Lethargy spells.
In the chapter entitled "Protection", you have notes on the Innocence, Aesandry Darlaeth [ad], Guardian Spirit [gs], Iron Constitution [ic], Aggressive Stance [ags], and Perseverance of Peri'el [pop] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Mental Preparation", you have notes on the Mental Focus [mef] and Tranquility spells.
You recall proficiency with the magic feats of Improvised Rituals, Injured Casting, Deep Attunement, Raw Channeling and Efficient Channeling.
I find AD to be useful for hunting with people, but admittedly don't use it all that often otherwise.
>>Sarkranis: I am working on a suggested spell/feat progression for combat Empaths, taking into account spell slot costs and expected magic ranks at that circle. I'll post it here when I am done.
I looked that over and I have a few suggestions. LW and MAF would probably be better off just memorized in scroll slots at the cost of 1 slot for the imp. memory feat. Lets you pick up Nissa 2 circle's sooner. 100 scholarship and 100 arcana shouldn't be that tricky to have by then. They are cheap enough to keep a small stock in your vault in case you are far from Crossing and die and lose them.
I'd switch Iron Constitution with GoL. I'm not sure how much benefit IC will have to a new Empath and placing it just before you need it as a prereq is probably a better idea.
I'd move the 3 special prep feats to the same area as you are picking up the mastery feats. With perception being seeming to have more weight in stealth contests lately I'm not sure how worth it those feats are in general, at the very least you may want to make a note that those are mostly for pvp and you need to train in hiding to get much benefit out of them.
Since you have a slight PvP skew to your recommendations I'd also suggest looking at the faster x prep feats. Getting a disable off before the other person is nice and it puts you back on even footing against those who do have those feats. Also, technically, gives faster learning in PvE.
GS is a cool spell, but I think AD is a MUCH better combat spell. Because of the way Empaths hunt defense will almost always be above weapons(I actually think this is true for most guilds) and that balance boost can make a real difference in actually hitting stuff. You can also pick it up as a scroll which is nice. Regen is also amazing in what it does and may be of far greater use after the barrier review(I don't expect MaF to survive in it's current state for all that much longer). I'd also not pull out GS until after the bug that makes it a target of Nissa's is resolved or until after I've locked debil. I may be biased but I've just always felt GS was a bit underwhelming.
The only other issue I see is that learning Utility may be an issue at early circles. I don't think you learn off the healing spells unless they actually fix something. At least that's how they used to work before Magic 3.0 that may have changed. If so you may want to move up Blood Staunch which I think does teach on every cast. That or GAF and just research it.
I looked that over and I have a few suggestions. LW and MAF would probably be better off just memorized in scroll slots at the cost of 1 slot for the imp. memory feat. Lets you pick up Nissa 2 circle's sooner. 100 scholarship and 100 arcana shouldn't be that tricky to have by then. They are cheap enough to keep a small stock in your vault in case you are far from Crossing and die and lose them.
I'd switch Iron Constitution with GoL. I'm not sure how much benefit IC will have to a new Empath and placing it just before you need it as a prereq is probably a better idea.
I'd move the 3 special prep feats to the same area as you are picking up the mastery feats. With perception being seeming to have more weight in stealth contests lately I'm not sure how worth it those feats are in general, at the very least you may want to make a note that those are mostly for pvp and you need to train in hiding to get much benefit out of them.
Since you have a slight PvP skew to your recommendations I'd also suggest looking at the faster x prep feats. Getting a disable off before the other person is nice and it puts you back on even footing against those who do have those feats. Also, technically, gives faster learning in PvE.
GS is a cool spell, but I think AD is a MUCH better combat spell. Because of the way Empaths hunt defense will almost always be above weapons(I actually think this is true for most guilds) and that balance boost can make a real difference in actually hitting stuff. You can also pick it up as a scroll which is nice. Regen is also amazing in what it does and may be of far greater use after the barrier review(I don't expect MaF to survive in it's current state for all that much longer). I'd also not pull out GS until after the bug that makes it a target of Nissa's is resolved or until after I've locked debil. I may be biased but I've just always felt GS was a bit underwhelming.
The only other issue I see is that learning Utility may be an issue at early circles. I don't think you learn off the healing spells unless they actually fix something. At least that's how they used to work before Magic 3.0 that may have changed. If so you may want to move up Blood Staunch which I think does teach on every cast. That or GAF and just research it.
Yeah, for clarity purposes, I should also state that I don't train weapons on my empath. No sense hunting constructs when you can't manipulate them!
If you don't care about killing (which means not training skinning), then AD + paralysis/lethargy is a fine routine to work through. I still feel GS should be advanced instead of esoteric to make it more readily available to young Empaths.
If you don't care about killing (which means not training skinning), then AD + paralysis/lethargy is a fine routine to work through. I still feel GS should be advanced instead of esoteric to make it more readily available to young Empaths.
I wish I could better advice for new empath, but things have changed so much from when I started this one that I'd be afraid a lot would be outdated or just plain wrong. However, I can tell you what works for my empath. At ~100th, I haven't picked up Heart Link, and I chose Regen, but not FoC. Stats-wise, I'm stamina heavy and strength light, but I'm not sure I'd go that route again with today's mechanics. I'd still say you can prioritize strength less than other stats, with the caveat that I don't do a lot of construct hunting. The rest of my stats are roughly equal, with a slight emphasis on my reflex and agility.
Spells I personally consider mandatory: Regen, AD, GS, NB, Paralysis, MaF, STRA, and AGS though not necessarily in that order.
Here's the strange thing about empaths...I've used almost every spell in our toolbox, more so than any other class I've puttered around on. Spells not on that list that I use often: Vigor, Lethargy, and Compel. A spell I have but have never used: MeF, although I imagine for lower level empaths, this could be very helpful when manipulating.
TBH, you can skip the body purification spellbook, but just be aware FP and CD are handy to have if you open boxes or hunt creatures with certain special attacks. I also have no ritual spells, although I'll probably pick up PoP eventually.
Once you get HW and HS, you may as well focus on the Life Force Manipulation Spellbook. Grab Refresh and Lethargy to get you to Paralysis. Pick up MaF for a warding spell. You'll have utility, augmentation, debil, TM and warding, with those. You'll have a couple of decisions to make here. First, decide whether to get NB or one of the esoteric cyclics first. I'd start working on NB first, because it's a lower rank spell, a fantastic debil trainer, and will require no feats to use effectively. Pick up Heal when you can, though, as it's a better utility trainer and a pre-req for Regen. It can be cast when not wounded (as can HW and HS).
When gunning for NB, pick up MeF, then pick between Awaken and Compel. I use Compel more, but only when either hunting in areas where there is intense competition for mobs and I'm feeling nice, or when I'm somewhere I can't handle four creatures and I need to get one off me. It's a debilitation spell and it does teach quite well, but you can't use it to train as it requires sending creatures away. On the other hand, Awaken is great spell, uses warding and utility, and will last for 5 minutes self-cast. The only reason I don't recommend this spell outright is that you don't want to heal at all, while most of my usage is to wake up unconscious people. It will be completely your preference. Neither spell is a bad choice.
Next, decide between Regen and GS. I have always loved AD -- even when it had the vitality hit -- but you can wait for that. Personally, if you're not healing other people, then I'd pick GS first, but aim for Regen soon after. You'll need IC and Innocence first -- neither of which I use regularly. Since you should already have Paralysis by this point that should take care of all spell pre-reqs.
A word about GS: Camb is your friend. The higher you cast, the better, which means your mana will drain quickly. I can keep a good GS going, but I can't cast much else with it up. Grab the usual cyclical feats, but also grab dedicated cambrinth. (Not all of this is needed right at the start. Just be aware you'll want to start looking at picking them up when you have spare spell slots.) Using camb gives you plenty of time to use debil and TM to help your avenger kill things for you.
If you find yourself doing a lot of construct hunting and brawling, you might want to pick up AGS when you can, since it can help bridge some of the gaps in the construct ladder. However, that's really going to be up to your play-style.
Anyway, sorry this is long, and I hope it was semi-helpful.
Spells I personally consider mandatory: Regen, AD, GS, NB, Paralysis, MaF, STRA, and AGS though not necessarily in that order.
Here's the strange thing about empaths...I've used almost every spell in our toolbox, more so than any other class I've puttered around on. Spells not on that list that I use often: Vigor, Lethargy, and Compel. A spell I have but have never used: MeF, although I imagine for lower level empaths, this could be very helpful when manipulating.
TBH, you can skip the body purification spellbook, but just be aware FP and CD are handy to have if you open boxes or hunt creatures with certain special attacks. I also have no ritual spells, although I'll probably pick up PoP eventually.
Once you get HW and HS, you may as well focus on the Life Force Manipulation Spellbook. Grab Refresh and Lethargy to get you to Paralysis. Pick up MaF for a warding spell. You'll have utility, augmentation, debil, TM and warding, with those. You'll have a couple of decisions to make here. First, decide whether to get NB or one of the esoteric cyclics first. I'd start working on NB first, because it's a lower rank spell, a fantastic debil trainer, and will require no feats to use effectively. Pick up Heal when you can, though, as it's a better utility trainer and a pre-req for Regen. It can be cast when not wounded (as can HW and HS).
When gunning for NB, pick up MeF, then pick between Awaken and Compel. I use Compel more, but only when either hunting in areas where there is intense competition for mobs and I'm feeling nice, or when I'm somewhere I can't handle four creatures and I need to get one off me. It's a debilitation spell and it does teach quite well, but you can't use it to train as it requires sending creatures away. On the other hand, Awaken is great spell, uses warding and utility, and will last for 5 minutes self-cast. The only reason I don't recommend this spell outright is that you don't want to heal at all, while most of my usage is to wake up unconscious people. It will be completely your preference. Neither spell is a bad choice.
Next, decide between Regen and GS. I have always loved AD -- even when it had the vitality hit -- but you can wait for that. Personally, if you're not healing other people, then I'd pick GS first, but aim for Regen soon after. You'll need IC and Innocence first -- neither of which I use regularly. Since you should already have Paralysis by this point that should take care of all spell pre-reqs.
A word about GS: Camb is your friend. The higher you cast, the better, which means your mana will drain quickly. I can keep a good GS going, but I can't cast much else with it up. Grab the usual cyclical feats, but also grab dedicated cambrinth. (Not all of this is needed right at the start. Just be aware you'll want to start looking at picking them up when you have spare spell slots.) Using camb gives you plenty of time to use debil and TM to help your avenger kill things for you.
If you find yourself doing a lot of construct hunting and brawling, you might want to pick up AGS when you can, since it can help bridge some of the gaps in the construct ladder. However, that's really going to be up to your play-style.
Anyway, sorry this is long, and I hope it was semi-helpful.
I may continue to tweak the order.
>>Jhaliascleric: IC is 100% useless to young empaths. They can't put enough mana in to get it to proc for any hit that isn't going to kill them anyway. I've stopped using it entirely, and have ~250 warding.
I realize that, but Iron Constitution is a prerequisite for more useful spells, such as Aggressive Stance. I could potentially bump it down the list a bit to after Gift of Life, but unfortunately, I think you need this spell before you can effectively use it. That being said, it is a pretty cool spell at high levels.
>>Jhaliascleric: I'd place GS in front of BS and any healing spells after it, since GS will let you kill which will let you train skinning. I'd place PoP before Innocence or Compel.
The reason that some less useful spells are placed earlier in the progression is that 1) they are prerequisites for other spells and 2) if you have only the magic ranks required for that circle, you won't be able to cast those spells yet. For example, Guardian Spirit is an esoteric spell requiring 200 effective ranks to start using. Perseverance of Peri'el requires 250 effective ranks. (The mastery feats can let you cast those spells a little earlier.) Of course, if you already have the ranks, it would be better to learn Guardian Spirit earlier.
>>View: Since you have a slight PvP skew to your recommendations I'd also suggest looking at the faster x prep feats. Getting a disable off before the other person is nice and it puts you back on even footing against those who do have those feats. Also, technically, gives faster learning in PvE.
I originally planned on learning some of the faster prep techs, myself, but I have heard that the faster prep feats only decrease prep time by a second. If that's true, they don't seem like a great use of spell slots to me.
>>View: GS is a cool spell, but I think AD is a MUCH better combat spell. Because of the way Empaths hunt defense will almost always be above weapons(I actually think this is true for most guilds) and that balance boost can make a real difference in actually hitting stuff.
I love Aesandry Darlaeth as well, but I like having an early option to kill non-constructs. I guess some of that gap is now covered by manipulate, which can be learned earlier (50 ranks instead of 100), but if you're manipulating and using a Guardian Spirit, you're making more kills (for skins, boxes, and loot).
Also, Regenerate, Perseverance of Peri'el, and Iron Constitution are a great combination. I just don't use Regenerate as much while hunting, because I tend to be using Guardian Spirit or Aesandry Darlaeth. (You can only have one cyclic spell up at a time.)
>>View: That or GAF and just research it.
Is utility research available right out of the box? I thought it was intended for more advanced characters.
Here is how I've spent 74 of my expected 77 spell slots. (I plan on learning Adaptive Curing when I can find a scroll.)
In the chapter entitled "Analogous Patterns", you have notes on the Strange Arrow [stra], Lay Ward [lw], Manifest Force [maf], Dispel, Burden, and Gauge Flow [gaf] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Healing", you have notes on the Vitality Healing [vh], Heal Wounds [hw], Heal Scars [hs], Heal, Regenerate, and Fountain of Creation [foc] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Body Purification", you have notes on the Blood Staunching [bs], Flush Poisons [fp], and Cure Disease [cd] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Life Force Manipulation", you have notes on the Refresh, Gift of Life [gol], Vigor, Paralysis, and Lethargy spells.
In the chapter entitled "Protection", you have notes on the Innocence, Aesandry Darlaeth [ad], Guardian Spirit [gs], Iron Constitution [ic], Aggressive Stance [ags], and Perseverance of Peri'el [pop] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Mental Preparation", you have notes on the Nissa's Binding [nb], Mental Focus [mef], Compel, Tranquility, and Awaken spells.
You recall proficiency with the magic feats of Sorcerous Patterns, Basic Preparation Recognition, Advanced Lunar Recognition, Advanced Holy Recognition, Advanced Elemental Recognition, Advanced Life Recognition, Advanced Arcane Recognition, Augmentation Mastery, Debilitation Mastery, Utility Mastery, Warding Mastery, Improvised Rituals, Injured Casting, Deep Attunement, Raw Channeling, Efficient Channeling, Efficient Harnessing and Magic Theorist.
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
>>Jhaliascleric: IC is 100% useless to young empaths. They can't put enough mana in to get it to proc for any hit that isn't going to kill them anyway. I've stopped using it entirely, and have ~250 warding.
I realize that, but Iron Constitution is a prerequisite for more useful spells, such as Aggressive Stance. I could potentially bump it down the list a bit to after Gift of Life, but unfortunately, I think you need this spell before you can effectively use it. That being said, it is a pretty cool spell at high levels.
>>Jhaliascleric: I'd place GS in front of BS and any healing spells after it, since GS will let you kill which will let you train skinning. I'd place PoP before Innocence or Compel.
The reason that some less useful spells are placed earlier in the progression is that 1) they are prerequisites for other spells and 2) if you have only the magic ranks required for that circle, you won't be able to cast those spells yet. For example, Guardian Spirit is an esoteric spell requiring 200 effective ranks to start using. Perseverance of Peri'el requires 250 effective ranks. (The mastery feats can let you cast those spells a little earlier.) Of course, if you already have the ranks, it would be better to learn Guardian Spirit earlier.
>>View: Since you have a slight PvP skew to your recommendations I'd also suggest looking at the faster x prep feats. Getting a disable off before the other person is nice and it puts you back on even footing against those who do have those feats. Also, technically, gives faster learning in PvE.
I originally planned on learning some of the faster prep techs, myself, but I have heard that the faster prep feats only decrease prep time by a second. If that's true, they don't seem like a great use of spell slots to me.
>>View: GS is a cool spell, but I think AD is a MUCH better combat spell. Because of the way Empaths hunt defense will almost always be above weapons(I actually think this is true for most guilds) and that balance boost can make a real difference in actually hitting stuff.
I love Aesandry Darlaeth as well, but I like having an early option to kill non-constructs. I guess some of that gap is now covered by manipulate, which can be learned earlier (50 ranks instead of 100), but if you're manipulating and using a Guardian Spirit, you're making more kills (for skins, boxes, and loot).
Also, Regenerate, Perseverance of Peri'el, and Iron Constitution are a great combination. I just don't use Regenerate as much while hunting, because I tend to be using Guardian Spirit or Aesandry Darlaeth. (You can only have one cyclic spell up at a time.)
>>View: That or GAF and just research it.
Is utility research available right out of the box? I thought it was intended for more advanced characters.
Here is how I've spent 74 of my expected 77 spell slots. (I plan on learning Adaptive Curing when I can find a scroll.)
In the chapter entitled "Analogous Patterns", you have notes on the Strange Arrow [stra], Lay Ward [lw], Manifest Force [maf], Dispel, Burden, and Gauge Flow [gaf] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Healing", you have notes on the Vitality Healing [vh], Heal Wounds [hw], Heal Scars [hs], Heal, Regenerate, and Fountain of Creation [foc] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Body Purification", you have notes on the Blood Staunching [bs], Flush Poisons [fp], and Cure Disease [cd] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Life Force Manipulation", you have notes on the Refresh, Gift of Life [gol], Vigor, Paralysis, and Lethargy spells.
In the chapter entitled "Protection", you have notes on the Innocence, Aesandry Darlaeth [ad], Guardian Spirit [gs], Iron Constitution [ic], Aggressive Stance [ags], and Perseverance of Peri'el [pop] spells.
In the chapter entitled "Mental Preparation", you have notes on the Nissa's Binding [nb], Mental Focus [mef], Compel, Tranquility, and Awaken spells.
You recall proficiency with the magic feats of Sorcerous Patterns, Basic Preparation Recognition, Advanced Lunar Recognition, Advanced Holy Recognition, Advanced Elemental Recognition, Advanced Life Recognition, Advanced Arcane Recognition, Augmentation Mastery, Debilitation Mastery, Utility Mastery, Warding Mastery, Improvised Rituals, Injured Casting, Deep Attunement, Raw Channeling, Efficient Channeling, Efficient Harnessing and Magic Theorist.
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
https://elanthipedia.play.net/mediawiki/index.php/Sarkranis%27s_Empath_Guide: I am expanding this to include other aspects of being an Empath. I have tweaked the order of the combat spell progression.
"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
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"Empathy doesn't make people nice." --GM Armifer
Vote for DragonRealms on Top MUD Sites: http://www.topmudsites.com/vote-DragonRealms.html
>>I originally planned on learning some of the faster prep techs, myself, but I have heard that the faster prep feats only decrease prep time by a second. If that's true, they don't seem like a great use of spell slots to me.
I've never played around with them myself, but I agree if 1 second is all the reduction it gives it isn't enough of a change to make them worth it.
>>I love Aesandry Darlaeth as well, but I like having an early option to kill non-constructs. I guess some of that gap is now covered by manipulate, which can be learned earlier (50 ranks instead of 100), but if you're manipulating and using a Guardian Spirit, you're making more kills (for skins, boxes, and loot)
Well, like I said I'm probably a bit biased as I've always found GS a bit underwhelming. I'll have to try 'em with more mana or something. I should also probably point out that my Empath has "issues" when it comes to hunting. I hate doing it manually and every combat script I've seen uses the Face Next command, which causes me to face myself if nothing is in the room. I even show up under assess at range distance to myself. It used to be funny. Now it's just annoying. I also vaguely remember my GS advancing on me 'cause I was in combat with myself.
>>Also, Regenerate, Perseverance of Peri'el, and Iron Constitution are a great combination. I just don't use Regenerate as much while hunting, because I tend to be using Guardian Spirit or Aesandry Darlaeth. (You can only have one cyclic spell up at a time.)
I feel like after the barrier review we'll end up wanting to swap over to regen every so often as a less mana intensive way to clean up the little scuffs before they grow big as opposed to using say heal to do the same job. I can't imagine that MaF will stay the way it is now making you pretty much immune to those little lucky hits that should leave a mark but MaF is kicking down to a minor vit hit.
>>Is utility research available right out of the box? I thought it was intended for more advanced characters.
Yes, Fundamental, Stream, Warding, and Utility are all open as soon as you can cast GaF. Or, at least I had those options on a 5th cleric before the 3.1 spell preview ended. Low circle character's can't read the GaF scroll until they have a bit of arcana under their belts though. It's harder to read then the other scrolls in the shop. As a side note I'd spend the spell slot to learn STA(as the only real TM spell we have access to as well as the only low circle one) but I wouldn't for MaF and just keep it in the scroll slot until I wanted something else in there. Saves 2 spell slots that way.
I've never played around with them myself, but I agree if 1 second is all the reduction it gives it isn't enough of a change to make them worth it.
>>I love Aesandry Darlaeth as well, but I like having an early option to kill non-constructs. I guess some of that gap is now covered by manipulate, which can be learned earlier (50 ranks instead of 100), but if you're manipulating and using a Guardian Spirit, you're making more kills (for skins, boxes, and loot)
Well, like I said I'm probably a bit biased as I've always found GS a bit underwhelming. I'll have to try 'em with more mana or something. I should also probably point out that my Empath has "issues" when it comes to hunting. I hate doing it manually and every combat script I've seen uses the Face Next command, which causes me to face myself if nothing is in the room. I even show up under assess at range distance to myself. It used to be funny. Now it's just annoying. I also vaguely remember my GS advancing on me 'cause I was in combat with myself.
>>Also, Regenerate, Perseverance of Peri'el, and Iron Constitution are a great combination. I just don't use Regenerate as much while hunting, because I tend to be using Guardian Spirit or Aesandry Darlaeth. (You can only have one cyclic spell up at a time.)
I feel like after the barrier review we'll end up wanting to swap over to regen every so often as a less mana intensive way to clean up the little scuffs before they grow big as opposed to using say heal to do the same job. I can't imagine that MaF will stay the way it is now making you pretty much immune to those little lucky hits that should leave a mark but MaF is kicking down to a minor vit hit.
>>Is utility research available right out of the box? I thought it was intended for more advanced characters.
Yes, Fundamental, Stream, Warding, and Utility are all open as soon as you can cast GaF. Or, at least I had those options on a 5th cleric before the 3.1 spell preview ended. Low circle character's can't read the GaF scroll until they have a bit of arcana under their belts though. It's harder to read then the other scrolls in the shop. As a side note I'd spend the spell slot to learn STA(as the only real TM spell we have access to as well as the only low circle one) but I wouldn't for MaF and just keep it in the scroll slot until I wanted something else in there. Saves 2 spell slots that way.
Doh, forgot about the IC prereq. My mistake.
Personally, I would put the first seven spell choices for the first 13 spell slots selected as thus;
HW -> HS -> IC (2) -> AGS (2) -> REF (2) -> Leth (3) [incidentally, damn, 3 slots? Really?]-> Paralyze (2)
That gives you one Warding trainer, one defensive buff, one debil, and one TM. After that, you have some flexibility with ways you can head. If you don't pick up GS, Faster Targeting will be helpful. Battle Prep will be useful. Once you go for AD/Regen/GS, you'll want the feats associated with cyclics and mana use.
But yeah, I'd start with those seven for combat.
Personally, I would put the first seven spell choices for the first 13 spell slots selected as thus;
HW -> HS -> IC (2) -> AGS (2) -> REF (2) -> Leth (3) [incidentally, damn, 3 slots? Really?]-> Paralyze (2)
That gives you one Warding trainer, one defensive buff, one debil, and one TM. After that, you have some flexibility with ways you can head. If you don't pick up GS, Faster Targeting will be helpful. Battle Prep will be useful. Once you go for AD/Regen/GS, you'll want the feats associated with cyclics and mana use.
But yeah, I'd start with those seven for combat.
Sorry for the belated response. Thank you for the suggestions and info.
<<Traim, whats the vision for the PC? Why zero healing?>>
It's not a new vision. There's several others that have taken their empath characters down similar tracks. I personally think the approach is intriguing because I think it's a neat RP challenge to try and play a nuanced character that runs against guild stereotypes a bit, and I think it would be a fun mechanics/training challenge to see what kind of PvP empath I can make. They have some beast spells and with the sorcery options out there, I think there's some serious potential for tanking while the fae annihilates people.
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Moon Mages are totally Jedi. -Raesh
<<Traim, whats the vision for the PC? Why zero healing?>>
It's not a new vision. There's several others that have taken their empath characters down similar tracks. I personally think the approach is intriguing because I think it's a neat RP challenge to try and play a nuanced character that runs against guild stereotypes a bit, and I think it would be a fun mechanics/training challenge to see what kind of PvP empath I can make. They have some beast spells and with the sorcery options out there, I think there's some serious potential for tanking while the fae annihilates people.
____________________
Moon Mages are totally Jedi. -Raesh
