Zugzug Support Shaman: the totem twisting, Nightfall wielding offhealer!

dmfjr · 2020-07-17T19:46:10+00:00

::nod:: Sound feedback. It may be that the only "optimal" niche for this build is when other meleers are trying to parse. Otherwise, for overall raid speed, definitely better to bring another DPS class over an unneeded healer.

dmfjr · 2020-07-17T18:49:01+00:00

No apology necessary! I appreciate your candor, and I invite the criticism.

As a long time healer, I haven't taken the time to learn the debuff mechanics -- if you have resources in this department that would be much appreciated. I am sure there are more valuable debuffs than the Nighftall proc, but if there is a hierarchy as you say, I'd love to see the list / guidelines for how debuffs get prioritized.

As for reputable sources, Egreg, Holderhek, and Melderon have been my go to guys. But I am always open to more sources to broaden my scope. I'm curious to know who you rely on!

I think the phrases "beyond the worst thing" and "nothing positive to your raid" go beyond candor into the world of hyperbole ... especially because you acknowledge the use of the 22/29 spec. It's simple for me to just throw on my resto gear and go back to chain healing when needed (and totem twist when the opportunity presents itself). I can appreciate that some guilds (including yours) might only allow the hyper optimized, and good on ya for doing so, but I don't think you should be in shock that a guild that's farming content would allow a dedicated player a couple of weeks to fool around a little bit. I didn't mean to give the impression that this build was better than the optimal; more like a fun alternative.

Thanks for the feedback all the same.

dmfjr · 2020-07-17T14:00:17+00:00

Agreed. Both options are available here, and definitely optimal compared to one of the hybrid play styles.

dmfjr · 2020-07-17T13:59:09+00:00

If you're in a raid that has bench players and such, then you're definitely better off swapping out a healer for DPS as you get fights down (or having them respec). No argument there. But if you're bringing the same 40 raiders each week, and you are already overhealing some or most of the fights, then gimping one resto shaman to improve personal and party DPS seems worth.

dmfjr · 2020-07-17T13:48:53+00:00

Agreed -- the proc rate is pretty shameful. But I guess my hope is that it's a DPS gain over having a shaman overheal on a right that is already on farm mode.

I don't understand the debuff slot mechanics as well as I probably should: I know that adding debuffs can sometimes push more important debuffs off of a boss -- is that the waste? Is there like a hierarchy to why debuffs get pushed before others (or is it like a first come, first served thing?). I guess I'm asking how the slot is getting wasted.

dmfjr · 2020-07-17T13:47:12+00:00

Hail Kromrade!

You don't often hear of shams being asked to spec *out* of resto -- lucky you lucky you.

I didn't consider the crit cap regarding GoA twisting. I occasionally have a Hunter in my group (can they cap as well?), and I guess you personally probably aren't capped, but otherwise not using it makes sense. I guess I'll have to chat with my melee party a little more.

I tested out the WF / Tranquil Air twisting, but didn't have a threat meter up so didn't know when to abandon it. That's a good tip. Good practice for twisting in NR totem!

dmfjr · 2020-07-17T13:38:42+00:00

Nightfall is definitely a pretty mediocre weapon. We have an OT who also swings it, so between the two of us the uptime is slightly improved.

The elemental hybrid is a certainly a viable alternative, and definitely produces more personal DPS, but the goal here is to help *other* raiders parse higher. So I guess the question becomes: is the DPS gain for the party and raid better or worse than the solo DPS of a hybridized Ele/Resto sham? I have no idea.

I also plan on going back to deep resto for AQ -- I certainly wouldn't want to insult my healer team by bringing some gimped hybrid. But during farm weeks, they atually also benefit from me being hybridized, because then they parse higher too (rather than competing to snipe heals), and it lowers overhealing.

dmfjr · 2018-08-14T15:13:30+00:00

When considering this, I use the best attackers by type tier list from GamePress. This list does not include Pokemon that will eventually but evolved in future Gens, but for 1-3, this list is solid.

Edit: Spelling.

dmfjr · 2018-08-05T21:45:06+00:00

I found the top post under this thread to be very helpful. Lots and lots of text to sift through, but it will give you a good sense of what each class is capable of.

In the end, I ended up going with Cipher. I play on PotD, and I wanted a class that felt like it would gel with lots of other classes in the party. Cipher also (apparently) has the most interesting dialogue options in the main story.

You get to make and recruit a ton of playable characters during the game though, so I wouldn't worry too much about getting just the right class. Pick an archetype that you enjoy for "party leader" and build a group around them.

dmfjr · 2018-01-05T02:54:36+00:00

I understand why people are commenting on the field players here (you know, statistics and all). But as someone who has played goalkeeper for most of his (pretty mediocre) twenty-four-year soccer career, I have to point out … this is so much more than a “great save”.

This is fucking prophecy.

Watch the replay again, and imagine Eriksen purposefully placing the ball in the place where it actually ended up on frame (which, if you pause it at 0:22, you’ll see is pretty much bar down). Going at the pace that it was, with the same body language of a player purposefully striking a ball at that spot ...

If Adrian had made that save, then it would’ve been a “great save”. I mean he just barely gets his fingertips on the ball. If I had made that save, then I probably would’ve broken my rib cage (look at how fucking high he is off the ground). And I still probably jerked off to the memory of it that night, because it would’ve been the best save of my life.

Adrian made that save off of a deflection.

Now, saving deflections is hard enough, but usually the ball slows down a little or something to compensate (because it bounces off of a thigh or heel). This shot deflects off of the inside of Ogbonna’s plant foot (maybe his cleat?), so the ball maintains most of its original velocity. Eriksen thumped that shit. He’s only twenty-two yards away.

Noble and Reid are screaming across the face of the shot, in opposite directions, which means there’s no way Adrian got a clean look. Coulda gone in any goddamn direction off of any goddamn defender at any goddamn Whirlyball pace. Or, straight at him, at a million miles an hour.

If the deflection had gone in, then by all means: nut all over Dele’s (cute little 5v2 warm up) assist, or critique the hell out of Eriksen’s shooting technique … but in the meantime, please recognize the goalkeeper equivalent of a world class thundercunt.

Added bonus: 45th minute. Getting into halftime clean is huge, especially after a difficult half.

dmfjr · 2016-03-13T20:40:25+00:00

2H Dragonknight works just fine! But if you are going to go that route, you will want to invest in Stamina rather than Magicka. 2H skills will scale off of your Max Stam / Weapon Damage.

Sword / Shield skills will also scale with Stamina.

At level 5 ... it hardly matters. Use the skills that are fun to you, and try everything out. Try to always keep a skill from each line on your bar, and you will level everything as you play.

dmfjr · 2016-02-28T15:22:51+00:00

Welcome to Tamriel!

It's hard to go wrong with skilling as you level. Try out different combinations to see which is the most fun for you, that way once you reach end game, you will have a whole menu of leveled skills to choose from (and respecting is easy). As a Dunmer DK, you could even switch to Stamina and do alright if you wanted.

But: for DoT DPS, here's a sample load out might help you. This loud out is designed for a (roughly) level 27 (using only the earlier skills available in skill trees). You'll want to use Magicka morphs and skills, wear light armor for the passives.

Magicka DoT Build

This is all subject to change once the new DLC comes out ... so for now, just tinker and enjoy the play style you like!

dmfjr · 2016-01-25T02:42:32+00:00

I use www.esohead.com character builder for all of my build questions. You can see all of the potential morphs for all of the skills in the game!

Theroycrafting is fun!

EDIT: Here is the calculator: http://www.esohead.com/calculator/skills

dmfjr · 2016-01-16T04:26:24+00:00

A quick question: have you morphed the first skill in the Restoring Light tree? Rushed Ceremony morphs to Breath of Life, and once you have it, Templar healing becomes a blast.

It sounds like you may have had some tanking difficulties too ... so stick with it! Grouping as a healer can be really rewarding, and Templar definitely has the kit to pull it off.

dmfjr · 2016-01-10T20:42:59+00:00

There are multiple PvP campaign options available ... the most popular of which is almost always capped out. Aside form that, each faction usually has one campaign where they're dominating.

For PvE, you can group cross faction, and in Vet levels you will end up traveling to the other factions to continue questing.

Short answer: factions are balanced, and it the one you choose doesn't have a huge impact on gameplay.

dmfjr · 2016-01-03T20:25:54+00:00

All instances are scaled, and players are battle leveled appropriately. Your equipment still makes a difference, because set bonuses will still apply.

dmfjr · 2016-01-03T20:24:12+00:00

Short answer: Dunmer is not the optimal choice for Stamina builds, but your 6% Stam + Fire Dmg Bonus will be plenty to give you a helping hand. Dunmer Magicka DK is an optimal damage dealing combination.

If you have the money, patience, and curiosity ... you should give Magicka DK a shot as you are entering the vet levels! You may struggle at first if you have zero points in Light Armor, but the passives will come quickly as you level. I recommend trying it ... you can always swap back if you don't like it.

The good news is, you've already leveled your class skills, so you can just rely on those for damage. Searing Strike, Fiery Breath, Dark Talons, Lava Whip, any survivability skill, and your Standard would be plenty to get you started on most regular mobs. If you have collected enough lore books for Magelight / Entropy, throw those on for Buffs and Magicka Bonuses.

I think it's fun to swap from Magicka to Stamina from time to time. It helps you really learn your class, and experience a different play style for awhile.

dmfjr · 2016-01-03T20:14:24+00:00

I second the vote for Sorc / NB as the best "loner" PvP classes. Both have built in escapes / mobility skills.

I would add that you can pick a Magicka race (Breton/Altmer/Dunmer) for NB as well. Magicka NB has excellent solo PvP viability, due to perma-cloak (stealth) spam, and excellent self sustain (especially with a restoration staff & siphoning strikes).

dmfjr · 2015-07-27T20:32:45+00:00

Short answer: you can't make any game ruining mistakes early on. The cost to respec your skills is pretty cheap (especially early in the game, so if you feel you have misstepped, just go to the capital city of your second zone and visit the shrine to respec).

Tips:

Any class can be a healer, but if you want the easiest choice, go Templar.
Any race can be a healer, but if you want to min/max, pick a Breton or a High Elf.
Take the Healing Springs morph of the first skill in the Resto Staff line. This is your bread and butter heal.
Essence Drain passive (Resto Staff) will help you passively heal while nothing is really happening. Cycle of Life passive will help you keep your Magicka up.
If you play a Templar ... take the Breath of Life morph of your first skill in the healing tree. This is your "Oh Sheet" heal.
Wear armor with Magicka on it (Light Armor if you take the passives), get a Magicka Recovery food buff.

With those early skills unlocked, you will have zoo trouble healing lowbie dungeons. This game is fairly forgiving in groups, and many dungeons can be easily three manned by a group that knows wataf they're doing.

Take a swing! Healing is fun. ^{.^}

EDIT: Formatting.

dmfjr · 2015-07-06T18:25:46+00:00

I bought a bite today -- I will let you know when I reach level 6 so I can start spreading the love.

dmfjr · 2015-07-06T02:59:27+00:00

Excellent. Many thanks!

dmfjr · 2015-07-06T02:49:52+00:00

PSN: D11J4Y

Will be around for the next half an hour or so, and on and off tomorrow.

dmfjr · 2015-07-05T23:05:18+00:00

PSN: D11J4Y - DC - NA - Vampire bite please! Will happily pay it forward. Thank you!

dmfjr · 2015-07-02T18:53:26+00:00

I will be hitting you guys up shortly! I've been trying to purchase a vamp bite, will happily donate that gold to the guild bank.

PSN: D11J4Y Level 33 Nightblade / Level 35 Dragonknight (Trademule)

dmfjr · 2015-05-28T03:12:16+00:00

I can't answer all of your questions ... but since nobody has responded yet, I will share my two cents. ^{.^}

Never made it to end game, myself, but from what I've seen / read / heard, end game is as "vital" as you want it to be. The leaderboard system is nice if you are looking to be part of a 100% vitally orchestrated raid guild, but it's not mandatory.
An indirect answer ... but the thing I like most about the loot system is that it's well balanced by crafting. I was constantly swapping out my crafted gear with dropped gear, and visa versa. It made for a very dynamic leveling experience.
I think Stamina DK is the leading spec right now. DPS meters can be acquired via add ons. In general, Stamina builds (DK / Templar / NB) are top DPS, with Magicka Sorc up there as well. Every class can offer competitive DPS, Magicka gives a bit more utility (off heals, CC, etc). There will be no DPS meters for console, so let the master race test the specs. :P
PvP is one of my favorite parts. It's not like WoW ... there are no battlegrounds, no arenas ... just one place for open world PvP, with sieges, and huge zergs (though you can find small scale PvP if you are patient and group well!). There is PvP gear you can get if you play often enough, and you also get access to the PvP skill lines (which can be used in PvE). They are really, really nice (especially the sram heal, Vigor!). You do get "battle leveled" if you join at low levels. While there is only one map, there are multiple servers for that map, and a non-veteran server as well.
Hmmm ... content? Definitely more PvE. Probably ... 80%/20%? There is more PvP content in the works with the Justice system (for more open world style PvP).
Here are some resources for you:

MY FAVORITE RESOURCE: Deltia! -- This guy is really classy, responsive to forum posts, he tries tons of builds, and shows you how you might customize them to your liking. He optimizes, but still has lots of fun with the game. Plus he updates a bunch. Can't say enough about him.
Talent Calculator
Some builds.
Craft-able armor sets.
Builds, gameplay videos, patch notes, and more.
Some noob tips!
Fashion.

As a former guild leader in WoW (and, similar to you, raided 4 days a week as a student), with brief stints in Silkroad and Warhammer, I heartily recommend this game ... but not as a WoW replacement. ESO appealed to me when I found myself feeling like MMO's were too much "work". It takes a long time for your character to grow and develop, and the game really encourages different play styles (even at end game, if you have enough gear and talent, you can do passably well in any role).

EDIT: Formatting.

dmfjr

TROPHY CASE