is creating Ele worth deleting a 55 monk?

Maria The Princess

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

I've read a few Stickies, got a little more familiar with th Eles...

i'm sharing an account with my brother so we get 2 characters each... i have a Ranger (my baby) and a 55 monk... i'm not using it anymore.. so i've been thinking to delete it and create an Ele. i've never had one and i dont want to delete a perfect with all the skills monk for a character that i will not find use of. now my questions:

->can Ele provide same profit as a 55 monk? (or is it a "just for fun" character?)
->what is the most fun things to do with ele?
->can Ele solo and how effective is that? (anywhere....not in pre searing)
->how hard is it to find farming groups? (how long you need to spam LFG in FOW, SF (if they actually take eles), Tombs, other areas)
->what is best second proffession to start with (until i learn how to use the Ele)
->when too many people in the group and a badly needed monk wants to join is the Ele being first to get kiked (lol after the underestimated ranger or the 4th wammo)
->how much (everage) it costs to have a good ele?
(for me money is not a VERY big issue, cuz ill sell the 55 runes to get the ele things, but would be nice to know the average price tag on a new ele, Droks armor+weps) i've been playing for a while and i know prices for doffrent ele things, but i never payed attention to what ele weps are the most efficient, ive been selling em or givin away to guildies

is it worth to delete a complete 55 monk to crteate ele?

i figured the Ele forum is the best place for this question
thank for your time to reply

pegasux

pegasux

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2005

New Mexico < PUKE >

Elite Rogues Inc. [ER]

IMO I love playing my ele over my W,N,Mo. The reason why is because of the versatility that it offers. I can go fire - AoE, Air - Huge single target damage, Water - Crowd control, or my favorite Earth - do everything.

Yes an Ele can solo as either a geomancer or a 55 ele. You are prone to being stripped just like a 55 monk is. I farm very fast and very effectively the same areas a 55 can but faster IMO.

The fun things are to play a non-typical ele...come up with different builds that blow people away =) esp. in PvP.

Farming groups are not hard to find as long as your willing to do the cookie cutter meteor shower builds, it seems that most ele's love doing this but i find it very BORING!

For farming /mo is the way to go and for PvE Mesmer is the popular choice for archane echo. Physical resistance is also nice for mele areas.

Never been kicked out of a group when i was the only ele...as long as I was a cookie cutter nuker =(. Now if you play the other 3 elements you will be kicked...esp earth and water since people simply do not understand the benefits of those 2 skill lines.

Cost is cheap...droks is 10k-11k for armor and materials. Skills are free unless you get runs then you have to buy them. Making a 55ele cost about 3k not including the -50 offhand (3-5k).

The best weapons in the game IMO are as follows:
Fire - Ragos (30-40K)
Water - Flints Fleshcheaver (1k)
Air - Collectors Air Staff with 18%-20% ench mod and +5 armor or energy mod (10K)
Earth - FFS and a -2 DMG +45 Health Crimson Carapice Collectors Shield. (2k)

I use the FFS and the shield almost exclusively now cause of the -2 DMG and +45 health. I switch to another weapon set if I need emergency energy.

I do enjoy monking but not as a 55 at all. 55 builds to me are the most boring builds in the game. Whether or not it's worth it is up to you. Ask yourself is healing more fun then killing. Therein lies your answer to you own question.

Hope this helps =)

Maria The Princess

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

thank you for helpful post. you realy answered all the questions i had in mind, and since i hardly use my monk... im happy 55 ele can work

Francis Crawford

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

Hi!

First of all, if you delete the character, make sure to keep the runes and so on and sell them!! You probably could do very well selling the whole thing as a complete set.

Second, there are a lot of gripe threads about playing an elementalist these days, in multiple forums here. You might want to check them out.

Third, the opinion that solo farming with an elementalist is as fast as with a 55 HP monk is a decidely minority view. I have no personal experience, never having played a 55 HP anything, but playing the elementalist is definitely less automatic, and it's not clear you'll really be doing damage as quickly as Shield of Judgment does, and there's rarely room in the build for any warrior running skills (and Armor of Mist only wanders into the build occasionally). But certainly you can farm trolls, ice imps, ettins, hydras, sand elementals, griffons, and just about any other kind of single-profession mob.

In a group I just do fire AoE damage, but I do not find that echo nuking is demanded. I'm more likely just to play with henchies and maybe my wife than to find a pickup group, but when I want a PUG there's rarely a problem (unless I'm in an area where there's a general monk shortage). Well, SF has 5-person templates that don't include an elementalist, and so on.

Uh, have you considering playing a real monk -- healing or protection -- and joining groups that way?

Maria The Princess

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

Quote:
Originally Posted by Francis Crawford
Uh, have you considering playing a real monk -- healing or protection -- and joining groups that way? i was playing the "real monk" thing all the way to fire islands through the whole story line. the only time i jumped forward was to get my droks armor, but then i went back to ascalon... so yes i ve done ALOT of monking and even now sometimes i re-build to help guildies farm or do missions when they got monk shortage. as matter of fact i find 55 solo more fun then staring at red bars all long the game...

the only thing i havent realy done yet is bonding, but from my 1st and only try i found it SO boring that i hardly finished the mission cuz i was fallling asleep ( )

so i doubt theres is a monking cocept that i missed...

LightningHell

LightningHell

(????????????)???

Join Date: Aug 2005

Hong Kong

Guildless

Mo/

Smiting.

gameshoes3003

gameshoes3003

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2006

Yeah, In the UW, it is not hard to find a group there if one has even organized yet because most of the gorups there would like to have an ele, but when I go there, there doesn't seem to be many of them there, so it's an easy competition if you want to get into a gorup, unless if you're chosen over a monk that is.

Ira Blinks

Banned

Join Date: Feb 2006

on american server ele can only find group as nuker to fow or missions, thats it. You can also solo farm titans or trolls, but really anyone can do that

CKaz

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Feb 2005

Quote:
Originally Posted by pegasux
The best weapons in the game IMO are as follows:
Fire - Ragos (30-40K)
Water - Flints Fleshcheaver (1k)
Air - Collectors Air Staff with 18%-20% ench mod and +5 armor or energy mod (10K)
Earth - FFS and a -2 DMG +45 Health Crimson Carapice Collectors Shield. (2k)

I use the FFS and the shield almost exclusively now cause of the -2 DMG and +45 health. I switch to another weapon set if I need emergency energy. Mostly in alignment there/done similiar/same kind of things however I have to ask how you have the FFS modded, 20% enchant? Anything else?

Your Collector Shield when enchanted (maguuma), specific build (stance), or specific enemy (hex)?
You bother going E/W for this or just work with the armor it grants sans tactics?

I only ask because I also like the bizarre/different challenges and as many configurations I have I haven't tried that/had the need, it interests though...

one fun bit, I have a refined solo build that owns Zaishen Mesmers, in fact I generally kill the lot of them with 2 skills for 1k faction a day for fun heh

cheers
CKaz

CKaz

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Feb 2005

Back to the OPs question though -

Well I deleted an up and coming monk to keep my Ele who's done it all because I like mixing it up - even though I'm not convinced ANet is interested in keeping the Ele viable. Quite frankly I see a lot of love in chapter 2 for other classes but not so much for the Ele. I have a lot of fun with my Necro and Warrior too, but I don't think I'll ever stop toying with Ele options.

In general I think you'd have a ton of fun, the eles weakeness is really long intense protracted fights - more to the tune of 8player pvp battles. And as mentioned as peoples eyes finally open a bit more to necro and ranger options they seem to shut a bit more to the fact Ele still works great in groups in the traditional ways as well as many more much less recognized ones. I did pretty much all the 'tough' stuff with ele and hench alone, including the majority of my UAS achievement (95+% capped alone unless taking someone with me).

holden

holden

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2005

[NICE]

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maria The Princess
is it worth to delete a complete 55 monk to crteate ele? imo a necro or mesmer/necro would be more satisfying to play than an ele in pve.
i wouldn't even delete my warrior to make an ele.

Yanman.be

Yanman.be

Banned

Join Date: Dec 2005

Belgium

[ROSE]

A/

My ele can 55 for uw, so can yours xD.


Pm Frahma Yanman, and I'll show you what an ele can do...they farm OTHER, harder to get places, but they do farm

pegasux

pegasux

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2005

New Mexico < PUKE >

Elite Rogues Inc. [ER]

Quote:
Originally Posted by CKaz
Mostly in alignment there/done similiar/same kind of things however I have to ask how you have the FFS modded, 20% enchant? Anything else?

Your Collector Shield when enchanted (maguuma), specific build (stance), or specific enemy (hex)?
You bother going E/W for this or just work with the armor it grants sans tactics?

I only ask because I also like the bizarre/different challenges and as many configurations I have I haven't tried that/had the need, it interests though...

one fun bit, I have a refined solo build that owns Zaishen Mesmers, in fact I generally kill the lot of them with 2 skills for 1k faction a day for fun heh

cheers
CKaz Hey Ckaz, The shield is from the wilds...you will need 5 ancient eyes which are a pain to get cause you have to take on the riders in groups or 6-9. The Crimson Carapice Shield stats are +12 armor (req9 tactics) - doesn't benefit you, -2 DMG (While Enchanted) and +45 Health (While Enchanted). Since you are a geomancer you will always be enchanted and the +45 boost will get your health up to 500.

The FFS is modded with a 20% enchant grip, the other mod is a fiery haft which i use for PvP in conjunction with Mark of Rodgort =). The FFS with the 20% mod will give you a 10 sec kinetic which makes things a lot easier.

I have tried going E/W for balanced stance but found that going E/Me is easier using Obsidian Flesh. The PBAoE knockdowns still get me but no biggie though i just work through them. For a while i didn't use Obsidian Flesh and went with Ether Renewal instead for the healing <was using galigords staff at the time>.
With the shield and armor buffs you will take 0 dmg from mele attacks which is nice so Ether Renewal isn't needed any longer.

I use the E/Me build for foes that kd like hydras. For others that don't kd i use the e/mo build. I also use the e/me build to solo ember...real challenging though!

I also have a pretty strange e/n build that I use to PvP with...i call it my kill any target build...hehehe. there hasn't been a foe that i haven't been able to kill yet 1v1 but throw in 2v1 and i'm a gonner =(. The 1v1 PvP in factions will be a blast for ele's imo, esp for the geomancers.

milias

milias

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Nov 2005

Defected back to America

Me/E

Just buy Factions when it comes out. You'll get 2 or 4 more char slots depending on whether you merge or not. No need to delete a perfectly good char! Although I wouldn't call 55-monks "perfectly good chars"...

Maria The Princess

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

Quote:
Originally Posted by milias
Just buy Factions when it comes out. You'll get 2 or 4 more char slots depending on whether you merge or not. No need to delete a perfectly good char! Although I wouldn't call 55-monks "perfectly good chars"... i'm sharing the account with my brother.... since were gonna merge accounts, were gonna get only 1 extar char slot EACH (2 in total), and i really can't wait to make an Assassin

buy hey! thanks for advice evry1, i deleted my monk and now have a brand new ele. and its FUN! even in pre-searing i had fun
btw, the Ele girl dance is woth deleting 5 monks...lol

Eaimirth Etaivella

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

Seekers of the Apocalypse

E/

Eles just can't do the damage anymore; so get used to having ss necros, and even mesmers get the slots before you do.

Hella Good

Hella Good

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Oct 2005

None, free and clear

Don't delete your smiter... It's much more useful than an Ele.

LightningHell

LightningHell

(????????????)???

Join Date: Aug 2005

Hong Kong

Guildless

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hella Good
Don't delete your smiter... It's much more useful than an Ele. True for most of the populace, but not for some people. Including me.

I wouldn't delete my Elly for ANYTHING.

(Oh fine, I might delete her for Glint or a Mursaat, but then.... )

CKaz

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Feb 2005

Quote:
Originally Posted by pegasux
Hey Ckaz, The shield is from the wilds...you will need 5 ancient eyes which are a pain to get cause you have to take on the riders in groups or 6-9. The Crimson Carapice Shield stats are +12 armor (req9 tactics) - doesn't benefit you, -2 DMG (While Enchanted) and +45 Health (While Enchanted). Since you are a geomancer you will always be enchanted and the +45 boost will get your health up to 500.
Cool yeah thought it was more than likely you went for the enchanted/forest one but wanted to be sure you didn't have anything else up your sleeve. And thus the /W question, if you went tactics to 9 the enchanted green might be a little better but again that'd be a pretty specific build.

Quote: Originally Posted by pegasux The FFS is modded with a 20% enchant grip, the other mod is a fiery haft which i use for PvP in conjunction with Mark of Rodgort =). The FFS with the 20% mod will give you a 10 sec kinetic which makes things a lot easier. Yeah I use this too, can still be used for a monk or iw mesmer etc etc, like the thought on the axe haft though I'd normally switch to (fire) wanding unless your target is hanging around... like those warriors thinking they'll go toe to toe with you eh?

Quote:
Originally Posted by pegasux
I have tried going E/W for balanced stance but found that going E/Me is easier using Obsidian Flesh. The PBAoE knockdowns still get me but no biggie though i just work through them. For a while i didn't use Obsidian Flesh and went with Ether Renewal instead for the healing <was using galigords staff at the time>.
With the shield and armor buffs you will take 0 dmg from mele attacks which is nice so Ether Renewal isn't needed any longer. I'll have to give this a bit of a shot. And yeah the Factions anti-KD Earth Ward if it'll fit on the toolbar will even take quite a bit of the pain out of the hammer warriors, those slinging gale, etc, if it can be squeezed onto the bar.

good stuff

cheers
CKaz

CKaz

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Feb 2005

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maria The Princess
buy hey! thanks for advice evry1, i deleted my monk and now have a brand new ele. and its FUN! even in pre-searing i had fun
btw, the Ele girl dance is woth deleting 5 monks...lol Hey great, grats
Lots of us here more than willing to help - I certainly had a ton of fun, I'd say over Necro or Warr, going through the game with my Ele.

Also oddly enough as you're going to chapter2 you'll really enjoy Faction armor choices - much more functional, and IMO better looking to boot. Other classes have some nice looking armor as well but often might be a step back from the ideal chapter1 choices...

Archmage in particular rocks for the ele!

Cheers
CKaz

pegasux

pegasux

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2005

New Mexico < PUKE >

Elite Rogues Inc. [ER]

i love the tempest armor for PvE and battlemage for PvP. Cant wait to play with them =). And yes Ward of Stability will now be a staple in all decent PvP groups. Basically ANET killed the KD warriors and rangers running around. Looks like IMO geomancers got a HUGE amount of love from ANET in ch2. I think it's great since I play a geo as my primary. Ward of Stability + Ward against Mele + Ward Against Foes will do wonder's. Geomancers are gonna be one of the more sought after builds of any class in HA now. =) I can finally get enough fame now!

Fred Kiwi

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2005

[cola]

Wait and see

Maria The Princess

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

^_^ i'm happy to hear that not all hope is lost for eles after the "discovery" of necros power... now i just have to worry about finishing story like as fast as i can so i can go to Kanta (or Canta?..)

right now im equiped as Nuker (lol not enouth skill point and not enouth lv to be anything else) being lvl 3 is hard to ind a party so need power lvl.... (shouldhave stayed in pre-searing longuer lol)

LightningHell

LightningHell

(????????????)???

Join Date: Aug 2005

Hong Kong

Guildless

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maria The Princess
Kanta (or Canta?..) Cantha.

Francis Crawford

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

Yeah, should have stayed in Pre-Searing past Level 3.

Even so, I would think you'd be able to wander right outside Ascalon and kill things to level up just as you could have in Pre-

Better take Alesia with you at first, however.

And buy your armor from Corwen. Including the Flame's Eye. And minor runes of fire magic and energy storage.

Maria The Princess

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

Quote:
Originally Posted by Francis Crawford
Yeah, should have stayed in Pre-Searing past Level 3.

Even so, I would think you'd be able to wander right outside Ascalon and kill things to level up just as you could have in Pre-

Better take Alesia with you at first, however.

And buy your armor from Corwen. Including the Flame's Eye. And minor runes of fire magic and energy storage. actually i got a run to droks, so no more armor till i get to grotto or lvl up to 20 to make a 55... and aleisa was a good help at first...lol

then i got tired and asked for pwr level from my guidies

but thank you for the advice.

BTW, ele is soooo much more fun then monking

Francis Crawford

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

Well, if you have a female elementalist, I'm all in favor of you wearing no armor at all!

Fargin Scotchsman

Fargin Scotchsman

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2006

wudn't you like too know...

Noobs Of Steel

eles r fun jus to play around wit. specially when u have the eyes for all elements, as well as major runes. being an extremely versatile ele is EXTREMELY useful, much easier to find group when u say "ele lfg, can run any build needed" heheh. o btw, 15k earth armor is teh sweetness yo!

Francis Crawford

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

Major runes?

Fargin, there are people on this site who actually come here for advice, and may be rather new, and not recognize "obviously" bad advice for what it is.

Please be a little more careful about what you post.