Profession choice. Advice appreciated.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, and it is so far the only objectionable thing about the class that I've found.

That, and their taste in clothing leaves a bit to be desired... elsewise they rock.

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.

You got it!!! It is hilarious

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.

There are a few clothing choices I try to stay away from. But most of their clothes are cool. Like the Rogue's set, pure awesome.

And my word, have you seen the top level armor for the female Mesmer? Definitely not suitable for children! (Although I enjoy it.)

Yep, you can delete characters and make new anytime. Also, anything you unlocked in the story mode for PvP will be there regardless if you erase all your characters and start over. I would suggest if you are curious about different builds, make PvP characters first - that way you'll be able to make level 20 characters right off the bat and see what they will be like with their skills.

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.

Awesome, thank you. I'm leaning heavily toward a Monk/Mesmer, or an Elementalist/Monk-- the Mo/Me would have good utility supplement spells for grouping, and if I did E/Mo, it'd be heavy healing with some Earth magic for group use. I'll give both a run, see how they work for me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).