Lol Caster Shields
Fleur De Lyss
What the hell is a caster shield ? Im tired of going on DoA runs and getting whiped because our monks just HAD to show off their torment shields, Thus running out of energy too soon. And during a run once some ele and I argued over it. She Insisted a caster shield was MUCH MUCH better than an offhand, because you don't always have the att req. and some mesmer skills lower your reqs and that makes them useless. and I know out there, some monk is going to read this and petition full throttle against me, defending his precious shield, But Im actually just posting this for a reasonable answer as to what a Caster shield is - Why you use it - and what its mods are.
Cale Roughstar
Caster shields are for the +8 armour, and then +10 armour from the inscription (any armour +10 vs.) Suddenly... VOILA! Your Squishies now have 78 armour. Plus, if they are worth their salt, they can switch to offhands when they need the energy.
gigahertz205
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Originally Posted by Cale Roughstar
Plus, if they are worth their salt, they can switch to offhands when they need the energy.
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Fleur De Lyss
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Originally Posted by Cale Roughstar
Caster shields are for the +8 armour, and then +10 armour from the inscription (any armour +10 vs.) Suddenly... VOILA! Your Squishies now have 78 armour. Plus, if they are worth their salt, they can switch to offhands when they need the energy.
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darkdreamr
shields are obviously the best choice for preventing as much damage as possible on any profession. +30 hp, +10 armor vs. x. /doh
If a monk runs out of energy too soon that's what a +30/-2 energy set is for. So stop the rage.
And for a 60 armor base that +18 makes a difference.
If a monk runs out of energy too soon that's what a +30/-2 energy set is for. So stop the rage.
And for a 60 armor base that +18 makes a difference.
The Arching Healer
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Originally Posted by Fleur De Lyss
Hmm, even though it still seems pointless - since 18 extra armour is only like >_> 3 points of damage, thank you for telling me. =O
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makosi
The OP is right. Perhaps the shields are beneficial in PvP but in PvE (which is a spam-fest with Ursan teams) you're better off using staves or wands + focus items.
Arrogance prevails though and the black-dyed FoW, chaos-ninja monks can't possibly remove their purple shiney shield of doom at the risk of looking cheap.
Arrogance prevails though and the black-dyed FoW, chaos-ninja monks can't possibly remove their purple shiney shield of doom at the risk of looking cheap.
EPO Bot
I dunno, i prefer a focus and a +5 weapon for pvp. The more blue juice the better.
Tyla
Are you delusional? PuG Monks are actually using shield sets?!
Oh, and shields are worth alot to every profession on Guild Wars.
If they're switching to their 40/40 set for casting, and 40/20/20 staff for casting enchantments and switching to high when they need the energy I'll be even more impressed.
Oh, and extra defense > extra energy.
It's simple really though. You can have four weaponsets. Utilise them all for maximum benefit, be it defense extra energy and so on.
The common mods for the shields are already said above. +30HP, +10AL vs. Type.
Oh, and shields are worth alot to every profession on Guild Wars.
If they're switching to their 40/40 set for casting, and 40/20/20 staff for casting enchantments and switching to high when they need the energy I'll be even more impressed.
Oh, and extra defense > extra energy.
It's simple really though. You can have four weaponsets. Utilise them all for maximum benefit, be it defense extra energy and so on.
The common mods for the shields are already said above. +30HP, +10AL vs. Type.
Shaz
You have 4 weapon slots for a reason, learn to weapon swap. Take every advantage you can get, 18 more armor is still 18 more armor.
Grunntar
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Originally Posted by Fleur De Lyss
since 18 extra armour is only like >_> 3 points of damage
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)An increase in 18 armor is a decrease of 26.8% of damage. So it you get hit by a 100 point Earthquake, you only take 73 damage. See the Armor Tables for more information:
http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Armor...g#Armor_tables
(Something has to hit you for 11 points of damage to only reduce it by 3 points. I'm not sure if there is even anything in DoA there that only does 11 points of damage!)
makosi
Consider the diversity of damage in a DoA run. There are SF nukers, Mind Freezers, EQ + Aftershock titans, Choking Gas rangers, hammer minions and dervish bugs... to name a few. Is it really all that efficient for a monk to be switching to the most appropriate shield in such a fast-paced environment where it makes little difference anyway? If your monks are dying it is because the Ursan-wall wasn't good or the team overextended and not because of a weapon set.
Let's face it; we know they're all using -5 [20%] inscriptions anyway.
Also, the extra health makes no little difference to mob behaviour because Ursans will have more health than the monks so the monsters will be more inclined to target the backline if the monks are wielding a shield or not.
Let's face it; we know they're all using -5 [20%] inscriptions anyway.
Also, the extra health makes no little difference to mob behaviour because Ursans will have more health than the monks so the monsters will be more inclined to target the backline if the monks are wielding a shield or not.
Gregslot
Seriously, armor are for the ones who need.
Playing as a Mesmer, Ritualist or Elementalist, i usually use a Staff for the Halves Casting Time/Recharge. Not giving up that for some 18 armor. I keep myself away from beeing targeted and VOILA! I dont need armor.
Keeping yourself from danger: thats what i recommend you people.
Some people just have the bad habit of standing still, so they need the armor and think the others play as they do... silly.
Playing as a Mesmer, Ritualist or Elementalist, i usually use a Staff for the Halves Casting Time/Recharge. Not giving up that for some 18 armor. I keep myself away from beeing targeted and VOILA! I dont need armor.
Keeping yourself from danger: thats what i recommend you people.
Some people just have the bad habit of standing still, so they need the armor and think the others play as they do... silly.
Yichi
the problem is that most pug monks don't know that negating damage through well placed prots > out healing damage
Sir Seifus Halbred
I find that caster shields are much more needed in PvP.
Also this probably goes in the Q & A section of the forum
Also this probably goes in the Q & A section of the forum
The Arching Healer
staff on ele is quit bad actually. 40/40 sets are all the way.
Shakti
PvP caster shields = good
PvE caster shields= unnecessary
In PvE I'd rather have extra energy HCT HSR etc. Extra armor is only more beneficial than those in very rare instances.
Just my couple pennies.
PvE caster shields= unnecessary
In PvE I'd rather have extra energy HCT HSR etc. Extra armor is only more beneficial than those in very rare instances.
Just my couple pennies.
MisterB
You only need the extra energy , 20% enchantment and half cast/recharge from a wand/offhand or staff when you actually cast a spell. Equipping a shield and swapping weapons gives you more armor and health to ensure you are alive to cast those spells. If you aren't casting, why wouldn't you use a shield?
Cale Roughstar
I would agree that caster shields in PvE are not quite as necessary, whereas in PvP that 18 armour can make all the difference in a spike.
As for more blue juice in PvP, e-denial anyone?
As for more blue juice in PvP, e-denial anyone?
hurric
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Originally Posted by Yichi
the problem is that most pug monks don't know that negating damage through well placed prots > out healing damage
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I thought you just stand there and try to out damage level 28 monsters with ursan. I don't think ursan groups use any form of prot. It's just out damage and out heal button smash.
Ursan: "Seed Me you n00b. Seed me!!!"
OP: I think those monks use the shield for looks because it obviously looks cooler. But if you want to use it properly, you would have at least 2 or 3 weapon sets and swap out of shield when necessary which in PvE most people don't do.
forc
Wep-switching anyone?
Gregslot
Woah!
Shield and sword DO NOT look cooler on casters, seriouly. They use it just to show up their "uber leet rare" itens (because sword and shields usually cost much much more than any caster weapon).
Just like staffs dont look cool on a warrior.
Shield and sword DO NOT look cooler on casters, seriouly. They use it just to show up their "uber leet rare" itens (because sword and shields usually cost much much more than any caster weapon).
Just like staffs dont look cool on a warrior.
Mouse at Large
Lets be honest - if you really need to swap outside of of an aggro holding RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GO-up in a PvE elite area, there is something seriously wrong with the team setup 
PvP is a whole different ballgame.
*edit* OOOOOOH - first time ever I've fallen foul of the profanity filter - yeah to me!!!!
PvP is a whole different ballgame.
*edit* OOOOOOH - first time ever I've fallen foul of the profanity filter - yeah to me!!!!
Yichi
alright fine since no one else will say it I will. In PvP, a shield/sword combo actualyl has a purpose. If you really need anything other than a 40/40 set or an occasional 40/20/20 staff, and still run out of energy, you're pretty god damned terrible at this game. (pve wise that is )
Tyla
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Originally Posted by Gregslot
Woah!
Shield and sword DO NOT look cooler on casters, seriouly. They use it just to show up their "uber leet rare" itens (because sword and shields usually cost much much more than any caster weapon). Just like staffs dont look cool on a warrior. |
mr_stealth
For the most part, its going to be +8 armor, not +18. Unless you want to carry a shield for each element/species in the game. You would need at least a few for any given zone. I'd rather have HSR/HCT bonuses than +8AL 99% of the time. When I'm playing a caster, I am usually not being hit enough to justify the loss of casting bonuses/energy. I know I could swap weapon sets, but even that would still mean holding the offhand during the vast majority of a fight. For me, this is even more true for my monk. If I am taking enough damage that I feel I need 8AL to save my life, the situation is most likely to point where the casting/energy bonus of an offhand will do more good(for both myself, and everyone else).
I recall questioning a monk's reason for holding a shield once, and he/she gave a quite valid response of it being for energy hiding. Unfortunately, the area we were in had absolutely no energy denial, so they were just wasting the offhand item. Those are basically the only situations where I swap away from a staff or wand/caster martial+offhand set. And even then, its not to a shield. In PvE those situations are rather limited, and certainly do not justify the need for 30 different shields just to be able to have +18al is any given foe.
I recall questioning a monk's reason for holding a shield once, and he/she gave a quite valid response of it being for energy hiding. Unfortunately, the area we were in had absolutely no energy denial, so they were just wasting the offhand item. Those are basically the only situations where I swap away from a staff or wand/caster martial+offhand set. And even then, its not to a shield. In PvE those situations are rather limited, and certainly do not justify the need for 30 different shields just to be able to have +18al is any given foe.
obsidian ectoplasm
Using defensive sets is fine.
But as long as yoiu have other wepon sets, otherwise its pretty stupid
But as long as yoiu have other wepon sets, otherwise its pretty stupid
Guillaume De Sonoma
I think in pve elite areas you should be weapon swapping often and effectively. If you know the damage you will encounter in each area you can easily pull out the necessary shield to prevent significant amounts of damage. Not using your 40/40 wand offhand set is just crippling you. Shield sets are also very helpful in avoiding energy denial from enemies.
Weapon swapping goes a long way to make you a more aware and better player.
Weapon swapping goes a long way to make you a more aware and better player.
Kanyatta
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Originally Posted by Cale Roughstar
Caster shields are for the +8 armour, and then +10 armour from the inscription (any armour +10 vs.) Suddenly... VOILA! Your Squishies now have 78 armour. Plus, if they are worth their salt, they can switch to offhands when they need the energy.
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Use your shield for if you are taking damage and need armor, or if you're just hanging around and aren't having energy issues. If you start having energy issues, switch to an off-hand.
Although the average PvE-er is bad at the game and doesn't know this.
Snow Bunny
My tormented e-peen set makes me awesome.
True story.
True story.
Kamakazi112
It's called energy mangement or weapon switching???...cept its pve dont really need if u run out of energy...gg
Tearz1993
As said in lots of other threads...
More energy =/= energy management.
More energy =/= energy management.
Guillaume De Sonoma
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Originally Posted by Kanyatta
This guy ^^
Use your shield for if you are taking damage and need armor, or if you're just hanging around and aren't having energy issues. If you start having energy issues, switch to an off-hand. Although the average PvE-er is bad at the game and doesn't know this. |
Kusandaa
I use a caster shield and really, I have no energy problems unless the team is horrible in a out-of-this-world manner, and it happens every now and then. I run with different energy, health and casting/recharge sets outside my usually shield+caster weapon settings.
It's amusing seeing people make a big deal outta that though...
It's amusing seeing people make a big deal outta that though...
Gun Pierson
Ok I'm not gonna ponder you OP, I'll just explain what I bring as a monk in DoA going with Ursans. Such groups use consets so you'll have +10 energy.
1) a + 10 armor vs demons shield to get + 18 armor for close encounters of the annoying kind
2) I also bring a high energy set (+30/-2) for emergencies so I have a reserve in my pool. And to train weapon switching, which can always be better.
3) And ofcourse my normal set which is an offhand and a sword or axe with 20% longer ench, cause 'seed of life' is really a group saver and I want that one extra sec it lasts longer that way.
4) A 40/40 set is nice, but HB does a good job on itself most of the time. So I often take a staff with longer ench. with me.
Imo Aegis of terror, Aegis of Augh etc. > tormented shields in DoA
My favourite bears in a fr hm: r10/8 warriors or paragons with +10 armor vs demons shields.
1) a + 10 armor vs demons shield to get + 18 armor for close encounters of the annoying kind
2) I also bring a high energy set (+30/-2) for emergencies so I have a reserve in my pool. And to train weapon switching, which can always be better.
3) And ofcourse my normal set which is an offhand and a sword or axe with 20% longer ench, cause 'seed of life' is really a group saver and I want that one extra sec it lasts longer that way.
4) A 40/40 set is nice, but HB does a good job on itself most of the time. So I often take a staff with longer ench. with me.
Imo Aegis of terror, Aegis of Augh etc. > tormented shields in DoA
My favourite bears in a fr hm: r10/8 warriors or paragons with +10 armor vs demons shields.
Buster
Shields mainly used in pvp for casters but sometimes I even question that. I've seen warriors with over 600+ hp including a shield get beat down in a heartbeat. I don't see how a shield is majorly beneficial to any caster other than looks.
R.Shayne
Even in PvE switching weapon is something that should be done by ever profession just because it helps. What bugs the heck out of me is seeing a warrior running between mobs with their vampiric weapon still equipped. If you are given 4 weapon slots and changing out involves pressing one button, what is so hard about it? I do have to shake my head when I see a monk that is carry some over price equipment and never switches out because then they would loose the e-pen.
A caster shield has its place in pve because when trying to keep a group alive you just don’t have the flexibility to run away at an instant. When you get a break you should be kitting and pinging for help.
I run 40/40 when trying to heal multiply targets, and a shield with "Soundness of Mind" and a +45 while enchant for when trying to shake an agro and a caster weapon with a focus item with a “Live for Today” when an extra bit of energy is needed. I also bring a staff with an enchanting mod if I am running an enchant build.
F1 – F4 for the win!!!
Two words, [protective spirit] and keep it on the tanks and that means reapply as needed.
A caster shield has its place in pve because when trying to keep a group alive you just don’t have the flexibility to run away at an instant. When you get a break you should be kitting and pinging for help.
I run 40/40 when trying to heal multiply targets, and a shield with "Soundness of Mind" and a +45 while enchant for when trying to shake an agro and a caster weapon with a focus item with a “Live for Today” when an extra bit of energy is needed. I also bring a staff with an enchanting mod if I am running an enchant build.
F1 – F4 for the win!!!
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Originally Posted by Buster
I've seen warriors with over 600+ hp including a shield get beat down in a heartbeat.
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Jenn
I sit on my defensive set.
I don't sit on my 40/40 sets for two reasons... a) I only use my monk in areas like FoW/UW/DoA where there's always consets up b) sometimes I leave them on heroes and forget xD.
If I have enchantments in my bar, I bring enchanting swaps, etc.
I have a +30/-2e swap if I need it... I don't think I have at all in the recent past.
I get that each swap has its purpose... but if you're trying to say a shield swap is near useless, you need to either get better at the game or find a new profession. If you're going to do something, aren't you going to want to try and be as good at it as you can? Which means learning how to e-man and maybe staying on your low set a little bit longer?
There are four weapon slots... and only a small handful of common weapon combos:
~ defensive
~ 40/40
~ enchanting
~ low energy
~ high energy
Some of those swaps are more critical than others, and like I said before, if I'm running with celerities, I usually opt out of the 40/40 set and just carry the others. It depends on me bar.
//Edit// Another reason I like my low/defensive set is because it forces me to think before and with each cast. I have 25 energy on my low set, and in my mind, that is my "max" energy. I rarely swap up to my mid-set (40e?), and almost never see my high set (73e). It makes me a better player because I'm not a button-mashing monkey. When I monk with others in groups, I hear them 20 seconds into battle that they're almost out of energy, and I can't help but snicker... but then I see them PS-ing someone with degen, and using SoA-ing someone taking hex damage, or using Remove Hex on Conjure Phantasm when a caster has migraine.
I don't sit on my 40/40 sets for two reasons... a) I only use my monk in areas like FoW/UW/DoA where there's always consets up b) sometimes I leave them on heroes and forget xD.
If I have enchantments in my bar, I bring enchanting swaps, etc.
I have a +30/-2e swap if I need it... I don't think I have at all in the recent past.
I get that each swap has its purpose... but if you're trying to say a shield swap is near useless, you need to either get better at the game or find a new profession. If you're going to do something, aren't you going to want to try and be as good at it as you can? Which means learning how to e-man and maybe staying on your low set a little bit longer?
There are four weapon slots... and only a small handful of common weapon combos:
~ defensive
~ 40/40
~ enchanting
~ low energy
~ high energy
Some of those swaps are more critical than others, and like I said before, if I'm running with celerities, I usually opt out of the 40/40 set and just carry the others. It depends on me bar.
//Edit// Another reason I like my low/defensive set is because it forces me to think before and with each cast. I have 25 energy on my low set, and in my mind, that is my "max" energy. I rarely swap up to my mid-set (40e?), and almost never see my high set (73e). It makes me a better player because I'm not a button-mashing monkey. When I monk with others in groups, I hear them 20 seconds into battle that they're almost out of energy, and I can't help but snicker... but then I see them PS-ing someone with degen, and using SoA-ing someone taking hex damage, or using Remove Hex on Conjure Phantasm when a caster has migraine.
Shadowmoon
U know they are doin just for looks, if they were doin it for fuction they be sporting the Aegis of Terror or Aegis of Augh, but DoA greens are so last year....
You know they are just using luck of the draw
not +lighting vs margo, + fire vs terror webs, or + earth vs titans
You know they are just using luck of the draw
not +lighting vs margo, + fire vs terror webs, or + earth vs titans
Tyla
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Originally Posted by Buster
Shields mainly used in pvp for casters but sometimes I even question that. I've seen warriors with over 600+ hp including a shield get beat down in a heartbeat. I don't see how a shield is majorly beneficial to any caster other than looks.
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As for spiking, that Warrior was probably in Frenzy and was in an unlucky moment due to an error in choice and got spiked down within the duration of Frenzy.