In EverQuest, I was a Cleric. In Star Wars: Galaxies, I was a Doctor/Combat Medic. In Shadowbane, I was a Priest. In City of Heroes, I was an Empath. In World of Warcraft, I was a Priest. You can probably spot a trend.
I'd like to continue my habit of being a primary healer, but from what I've heard, Monk primaries tend to go down quickly. I've heard that an E/Mo is superior, due to Energy Storage. I was told that Me/Mo is better due to Fast Casting. Actually, in-game, people have advised me to choose just about every combo, because it's "better".
I'm not a Min-Maxer. I simply derive my fun from being useful to a group. I'm wondering... what combination would you recommend? It doesn't have to involve Monk-- I've played other classes in games, and can play anything effectively. If, for example, the world is short on Rangers, I could make one of those.
So, essentially, I'm asking-- what professions, or combinations thereof, would you like to see inhabit the world? When you think "Damn, we need more ___", what profession do you think of? Is it a Healer-base, as in most other games?
I apologize for my rambling post, and I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum. I appreciate your time, and thank you in-advance for any advice you can offer.
Profession choice. Advice appreciated.
TalonSlayer
Lasher Dragon
Really, I think the world could use more Monk primaries. I almost always use the NPC monk just because I know she can do her job.
In the end though, just play whatever you want. You have 4 characters, make a bunch of different ones and fiddle around to see what you like.
In the end though, just play whatever you want. You have 4 characters, make a bunch of different ones and fiddle around to see what you like.
Jaide
I think that if you enjoy being a healer, then any way you choose to go about it would be great. There tends to be a shortage of good healers; I mean, there are a lot more people out there who like to jump into the fray and "play the hero", and more healers that are good at being healers are always incredibly useful.
But really, it comes down to what you are comfortable/would enjoy playing. It's hard to have fun if the type of character you're playing really isn't your forte.
But really, it comes down to what you are comfortable/would enjoy playing. It's hard to have fun if the type of character you're playing really isn't your forte.
Soul Monarch
Monk primary has the Divine Prayers (name?) attribute. It passively adds to every single healing spell you cast.
Now, is this better than Fast Cast or Energy storage? That's up to you.
Now, is this better than Fast Cast or Energy storage? That's up to you.
TalonSlayer
Honestly, I can play any profession effectively, and enjoy it. I derive my enjoyment from being a useful member of a team. I loathe soloing, and enjoy grouping. Yes, I crave external validation. As such, I'm looking for whatever is most needed.
I apologize for not being clear initially, and thank you for your responses thus far. I am heartened that Healers are in high demand.
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Edited to include a quote--
I'm familiar with the various options, and have considered them carefully. Currently, I'm thinking that more energy is better than using it faster. To me, a Healer means "staying power", not "quick burn". However, I have no practical experience in how Monk abilities compliment those of a Mesmer, as opposed to those of an Elementalist.
I figured that asking here may save a little time, and suggest questions to ask in the profession-appropriate forums.
I apologize for not being clear initially, and thank you for your responses thus far. I am heartened that Healers are in high demand.
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Edited to include a quote--
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Originally Posted by Soul Monarch
Monk primary has the Divine Prayers (name?) attribute. It passively adds to every single healing spell you cast.
Now, is this better than Fast Cast or Energy storage? That's up to you. |
I figured that asking here may save a little time, and suggest questions to ask in the profession-appropriate forums.
Lasher Dragon
Well, also the monk primary's dance is really cool tai-chi, martial arts type stuff LOL.
Although, I laugh everytime I see the male Ele primary do the "Elaine" dance. I once payed a guy 50 gold so I could show my friend who did not believe the "Elaine" dance was in the game.
Mesmer primaries do the Riverdance.
Although, I laugh everytime I see the male Ele primary do the "Elaine" dance. I once payed a guy 50 gold so I could show my friend who did not believe the "Elaine" dance was in the game.
Mesmer primaries do the Riverdance.
Soul Monarch
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Originally Posted by Lasher Dragon
Mesmer primaries do the Riverdance.
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Lasher Dragon
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Originally Posted by Soul Monarch
Yes, and it is so far the only objectionable thing about the class that I've found.
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TalonSlayer
Mesmers, eh? I don't know much about them. I'll do some more research. Thank you.
...the Elaine dance? The one described as "a full-body dry-heave set to music"? Good Lord.
...the Elaine dance? The one described as "a full-body dry-heave set to music"? Good Lord.
Lasher Dragon
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Originally Posted by TalonSlayer
Mesmers, eh? I don't know much about them. I'll do some more research. Thank you.
...the Elaine dance? The one described as "a full-body dry-heave set to music"? Good Lord. |
PieXags
I have a quick question I'd like to add here in this thread, as it's hardly worth a thread of it's own. Four available characters, I'm assuming you can delete them once you make them right? Say you make a character and are well aware that it's absolute crap, you should be able to delete it and put another one there 'eh? I don't know of any games like this where you can't really do that, so just like to make sure as I plan out builds for when I go out and buy the game here soon.
Soul Monarch
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Originally Posted by Lasher Dragon
That, and their taste in clothing leaves a bit to be desired... elsewise they rock.
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And my word, have you seen the top level armor for the female Mesmer? Definitely not suitable for children! (Although I enjoy it.)
Lasher Dragon
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Originally Posted by PieXags
I have a quick question I'd like to add here in this thread, as it's hardly worth a thread of it's own. Four available characters, I'm assuming you can delete them once you make them right? Say you make a character and are well aware that it's absolute crap, you should be able to delete it and put another one there 'eh? I don't know of any games like this where you can't really do that, so just like to make sure as I plan out builds for when I go out and buy the game here soon.
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Julius Gaius
Talon,
If you like healers, then by all means, play one. There is a definitive need for healer types that know their jobs.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of monk types around, but I've seen many healer types do their own thing regardless of the group needs. I'll never forget that monk/elementalist burning all his mana on eruption just as the tanks were going down
I guess my point is, while there are many with healing skills, there are few healers.
I you enjoy external validation, a well played healer is the sure way to get it
Pie,
Yes, yuou can delete characters and use the slots to make new ones.
If you like healers, then by all means, play one. There is a definitive need for healer types that know their jobs.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of monk types around, but I've seen many healer types do their own thing regardless of the group needs. I'll never forget that monk/elementalist burning all his mana on eruption just as the tanks were going down
I guess my point is, while there are many with healing skills, there are few healers.
I you enjoy external validation, a well played healer is the sure way to get it
Pie,
Yes, yuou can delete characters and use the slots to make new ones.
TalonSlayer
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Originally Posted by Julius Gaius
Talon,
If you like healers, then by all means, play one. There is a definitive need for healer types that know their jobs. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of monk types around, but I've seen many healer types do their own thing regardless of the group needs. I'll never forget that monk/elementalist burning all his mana on eruption just as the tanks were going down I guess my point is, while there are many with healing skills, there are few healers. I you enjoy external validation, a well played healer is the sure way to get it |
Lasher Dragon
One thing a buddy of mine complained about being a primary healer in a party - he said all he ever gets to do in combat is watch the party window to keep tabs on people's health. He never really got to watch the action LOL.
TalonSlayer
To put it concisely, I get my jollies from the gratitude and adulation of my team. I couldn't really care less about the "action", at least that type. I get a rush from keeping everyone alive, which is far more interesting to me than trying to kill some critters.
Lasher Dragon
Then monk is definitely your cuppa tea. The choice of what primary/secondary really just gives you different edges depending on what you think is more important. Hell, try all the monk combos and you are sure to find the ones that suit you.
Xenobia
I haven't had the chance to get hard into the game yet, but it looks like rangers also offer some healing abilities to players that like being healers. I chose a ranger because the description makes them sound like a combination of a druid and an archer. I have a pattern of playing druid types. I like the healing but I don't want that to be all I do, so druid has always been a well-balanced character for me. It sounds like the monk would fit you best. The nice thing about this game is the secondary class you can take. You're never stuck just being one thing. 
Tyveil
You really can't go wrong as long as you have monk as one of your classes. I'd play as monk primary first and see where you want to go from there (you can always make a new character and be back with your friends in short time).
TalonSlayer
Alright, thanks guys. I'll look up some potential abilities for my other profession, and see what jumps out as a good complement.
Sir_Munroe
I suppose if you want direct healing and nothing but Healing E/Mo would be good.
TalonSlayer
E/Mo is my current inclination. Plus, think of all the emo jokes.
Omegatay
I am one of the weird builds. I play a priest/mesmer and love it. I am anything but a priest though. I can't heal worth a crap. I get invites for groups all the time. I just tell them I am not a healer and leave.
As lasher said, you spend most of your time as a true priest staring at the group health bars and you miss all the action going on. That is exactly why you don't see a lot of true priests/clerics in any game. It is a boring class to play, but can be very rewarding for the groups of people you are protecting. That is if that group appreciates you. Most of the time you just get hell if you let somone die. Some just don't understand that were not Gods and can't save them if they aggro half the zone/instance.
As lasher said, you spend most of your time as a true priest staring at the group health bars and you miss all the action going on. That is exactly why you don't see a lot of true priests/clerics in any game. It is a boring class to play, but can be very rewarding for the groups of people you are protecting. That is if that group appreciates you. Most of the time you just get hell if you let somone die. Some just don't understand that were not Gods and can't save them if they aggro half the zone/instance.
ChewieOz
I play as an El/Mo focusing on healing and it works quite well for me. 
I am probably slightly behind a primary monk in terms of healing power... but I avoid being targeted first in pvp, plus it opens up a whole lot of options (pure healer, half healer/half fire/water/earth etc.)
Probably don't get as many invites as a primary monk or recognized as a healer though because people don't realize that I'm a healer. El/Mo is certainly a really, really fun combination, but if it's group appreciation you're after, I'd recommend a primary monk.
I am probably slightly behind a primary monk in terms of healing power... but I avoid being targeted first in pvp, plus it opens up a whole lot of options (pure healer, half healer/half fire/water/earth etc.)Probably don't get as many invites as a primary monk or recognized as a healer though because people don't realize that I'm a healer. El/Mo is certainly a really, really fun combination, but if it's group appreciation you're after, I'd recommend a primary monk.
TalonSlayer
How does Monk/Warrior work out? Someone suggested "Monk primary, Tank secondary", but I didn't think the armor was sufficient to make that much of a difference, and it would have only added to my melee prowess.
PieXags
Since this has become a thread of multiple questions I'll add one that I'm pondering on most.
What are the most popular professions/profession combinations in the game as of right now? I'd like to choose something we're in shortage of, whilst keeping what I have a feel for. I'd like to either go R/E, R/Me, or R/N, depending on what I learn from now to then.
What are the most popular professions/profession combinations in the game as of right now? I'd like to choose something we're in shortage of, whilst keeping what I have a feel for. I'd like to either go R/E, R/Me, or R/N, depending on what I learn from now to then.
Iteicea Destroidium
well, from my experience a good MO/E is impossible to take down by yourself...or damn near it. The thing i would suggest most is do what you would enjoy playing most.
Julius Gaius
In my humble opinion, I think the best true support character is the Mo/Me.
While the El/Mo will get extra enery storage because of it's class ability, it will be using that energy quicker because of all the nice damage spells they get. It'll be futile to resist the temptation to use energy on them.
On the other hand, the Mo/Me can better their Mo spells by putting points on their divine favor skill. It adds a heal component to every spell they cast, so it can be very powerfull.
Now, you'll be casting up a storm with a support monk, so you'll run into energy problems rather soon. Well, that's where the Mesmer skills come in. The mesmer has energy taps to keep you casting for longer, while keeping the enemy from casting. They also are very good debuffers as well as having some ok nerfing spells.
In the balance you end up with a solid healer/buffer whose spells improve as you sink points in divine favor, as well as having the ability to replenish your energy, debuff and nerf your foes.
If you don't mind sitting in the back, this character will be a boon to any party.
my 2c
While the El/Mo will get extra enery storage because of it's class ability, it will be using that energy quicker because of all the nice damage spells they get. It'll be futile to resist the temptation to use energy on them.
On the other hand, the Mo/Me can better their Mo spells by putting points on their divine favor skill. It adds a heal component to every spell they cast, so it can be very powerfull.
Now, you'll be casting up a storm with a support monk, so you'll run into energy problems rather soon. Well, that's where the Mesmer skills come in. The mesmer has energy taps to keep you casting for longer, while keeping the enemy from casting. They also are very good debuffers as well as having some ok nerfing spells.
In the balance you end up with a solid healer/buffer whose spells improve as you sink points in divine favor, as well as having the ability to replenish your energy, debuff and nerf your foes.
If you don't mind sitting in the back, this character will be a boon to any party.
my 2c
mox_panda
A Mo/Ra would be neet
You could heal up a storm, and deal some nice damage from a distance. I guess if you use some of the Rangers dissabling abilities alongside of your healing abilities you could have a blast.
You could heal up a storm, and deal some nice damage from a distance. I guess if you use some of the Rangers dissabling abilities alongside of your healing abilities you could have a blast.
TalonSlayer
Julius Gaius's post matched my thoughts on the matter. I made a Monk/Mesmer. I wouldn't have had a problem resisting the urge to damage if playing an E/Mo, as I've played classes in other games with damage potential and easily ignored it to heal my team. While E/Mo gains the storage gig, that's really all he gets to aid my build (except for Earth Magic, which was a potential component). The Mesmer aspect provides me with myriad little tricks and misdirections, which match my playstyle better than a hybrid healer/nuker.
However, once this guy Ascends, I'll restart my E/Mo. =)
Thank you all for your advice.
However, once this guy Ascends, I'll restart my E/Mo. =)
Thank you all for your advice.
Sideways
As for the more popular combos, I do see a heck of a lot of Necro/Mesmers, and Warrior/Monks.
Those are the two I encounter the most.
Those are the two I encounter the most.
Zfactor
Despite all the testimony about E/Mo being really good and whatnot, I have yet to come across a E/Mo who works well as a primary healer. Every E/Mo, M/Mo, W/Mo, you name it, has always wound up being a flop. Esepcially towards the end of the game.
First of all, the Divine Favor is pretty much a must for healing a party and not just yourself. Getting in that extra 20-30 health is incredibly useful, the difference (sometimes) between one heal and two. Even if you had all the evergy in the world having to cast more than you should is a major hinderance. IMO every E/Mo or any other XX/Mo combination is entirely self serving. I am an E/Mo but when I made it I had no intention on being a healer. I have res to keep my party alive (I need tanks as an E), heal area to give me 130 health when I am in trouble, and Infuse health to keep the tanks alive since I am on the fringe. None of these skills are useful for healing my whole party. Even if I took all my healing skills and sat there healing everybody else, IMO doing so as a monk primary is much more beneficial, if only because of the divine favor.
Maybe there is somebody out there who is a Me/Mo or E/Mo who is really good at it, but the general pattern I have seen throught the whole game is that they usually are useless. I have had to kick more of these out of my parties when we die in a mission than any other kind of player.
anyway that is just my 2 cents
First of all, the Divine Favor is pretty much a must for healing a party and not just yourself. Getting in that extra 20-30 health is incredibly useful, the difference (sometimes) between one heal and two. Even if you had all the evergy in the world having to cast more than you should is a major hinderance. IMO every E/Mo or any other XX/Mo combination is entirely self serving. I am an E/Mo but when I made it I had no intention on being a healer. I have res to keep my party alive (I need tanks as an E), heal area to give me 130 health when I am in trouble, and Infuse health to keep the tanks alive since I am on the fringe. None of these skills are useful for healing my whole party. Even if I took all my healing skills and sat there healing everybody else, IMO doing so as a monk primary is much more beneficial, if only because of the divine favor.
Maybe there is somebody out there who is a Me/Mo or E/Mo who is really good at it, but the general pattern I have seen throught the whole game is that they usually are useless. I have had to kick more of these out of my parties when we die in a mission than any other kind of player.
anyway that is just my 2 cents
Sideways
Meh, I didn't make my W/Mo to be a healer... I made him to be a tank. I can cast my enchantments on myself, instead of party members, and just ensure I'm the one taking the hits. That way, if I do need healing, I can handle it myself... and our 'healer' can worry about other group members.
I've seen a few W/Mo builds that are trying to focus on healing allies, and Zfactor is totally right... without that Divine Favour you simply are NOT a truly effective healer... ever.
Taking Monk secondary means using the monk heals/buffs primarily on yourself.
I've seen a few W/Mo builds that are trying to focus on healing allies, and Zfactor is totally right... without that Divine Favour you simply are NOT a truly effective healer... ever.
Taking Monk secondary means using the monk heals/buffs primarily on yourself.
Kha
Moved to Riverside Inn.
mostro
I second Zfactor's comment regarding primary monk being a better healer than xx/mo. Primary monks (properly specced in Divine Favor and Healing Prayer of course) heals faster and more efficient because of the divine favor bonus. And if you ever decide to bring some protection spells like reversal of fortune or guardian DF acts like a mini heal so it is a nice bonus.
TalonSlayer
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Originally Posted by Kha
Moved to Riverside Inn.
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