Officially back, currently in decent order. Reserved for for all things Neverwinter (because I game a lot) and gaming concepts.
Credit for the image: sandara
http://sandara.deviantart.com/
(copy and paste pls)
Famous (?) words
“You cannot hide from danger. Death floats on the air, creeps through the window, comes with the handshake of a stranger. If we stop living because we fear death, then we have already died."
From the look of it, the new artifact gear may well be every build's choice. The increase in outgoing dps can go as high as 10%, the same goes for the outgoing healing. The former is good for tanks and dps, the latter is good for healers. As a combat HR player, I find the new set to be very attractive because I'm one to mix dps with Oak Skin. In fact, it should be a no-brainer that combat HRs should be going for either buff-dps or CC-dps. Ofc you can opt for pure dps, but you'll definitely lose out.
One thing I'm interested to know is how to purchase the new set after 3 am SG timezone. There are two possibilities if you're to ask me. The first is copying the Underdark format where you fight through the latest epic trial to get the currency needed. Another possibility would be using the new Omurice currency obtainable via the quest together with the existent totems and/or riches. Ask me and I'm gonna hope for the latter.
One thing I realised about the professional crafted Chultan gear currently is this: There is indeed a market for such gear. The reason why being that getting a level 460 gear requires quite a bit of grinding. A recipe costs 2400 riches. If you wanna gear your alts, this should be a good investment stopping short of using trade bars to get the pilgrim gear. However, this means you'll most likely need to have a gondhammer since 4 epic professional assets added together would only give you 60% success rate (that is if you want to have a lvl 430 gear instead of a lvl 420 version).
Why I'm stating this is very simple. I won't be surprised if purchasing the new artifact gear requires a combination of old and new Chultan currencies. Maybe even the professional materials as well if there's anything to go by via Mod 10.5 and 11 (read: gear restoration).
RIP Lightning Bolt?
I assume transcendent lightning is officially nerfed if my interpretation of this post is correct. Let me copy and paste the vital statement if you're too lazy to read through the whole thing (because it's really that long).
[Classes and Balance
Weapon Enchantments and Multi-Proccing
Various powers, across many classes, have been adjusted to trigger one weapon enchantment proc per target, per activation. (Example: A single activation against 5 enemies can proc up to 5 times.)
Various powers that previously did not proc weapon enchantments at all have been updated to properly proc them.]
I assume that if we're talking about transcendent lightning enchantment, it means a single activation against 5 enemies can chain up to 3 times for 5 times. Going by this example, it means the number of times you can trigger shock chaining should be 5. This would have effectively nerfed lightning very badly when it comes to any rank below transcendent. For transcendent and unparalleled ranks, this becomes a matter of whether you're an AoE dps build or a single target dps build. Traditionally, the latter case deals better dps. In other words, the control wizard thaumaturge is effectively screwed here unless we're talking about a class features synergy of Evocation and Eye of the Storm (for Spellstorm Mage). For Master of Flame, the dps should be much better because the MoF is your standard AoE Harry Potter blowing up Molotov cocktails right into Professor Snape's face. The problem is, MoF isn't exactly the most dps'y CW available in-game. Slotting in the lightning means better dps, but it will most likely still lose out to a Spellstorm dps build with a vorpal (don't get me started on Eye of the Storm when it comes to vorpal of any rank).
The great weapon fighter is most likely effectively shafted here. This class isn't exactly known for an effective AoE game, so the nerf to shock chaining means a nerf to damage. And any great weapon fighter should know what damage does for this class. The damage return doesn't look like a buff, no matter how I see it.
For the combat HR, this is where the best part comes. For pathfinders, you can forget about using it. Pathfinders are not exactly the sharpest nukers. But stormwardens are. In fact, stormwardens have one of, if not the best AoE dps game. Like ever. You have Twin-Blade Storm doing a constant dps proc. If you prefer an all-rounder approach at the expense of crowd clearing dps, you can opt for Blade-Storm and Aspect of the Pack. The damage will still be more than decent. Just that the latter class feature would result in dps giveaway (something which works very well in any party raiding, so it's actually your call). I have no intent to switch down Clear the Ground, so what this means is that the changes to transcendent lightning won't affect Arylos. In fact, the non-proc version should result in a better dps game overall wise. This is not to mention the presence of Skirmisher's Gambit (read: constant dps versus crit hit proc where lightning versus vorpal is concerned).
Ultimately, the major catch lies in Blade Hurricane no longer spammable under this circumstances. Because the shock-chaining got nerfed, it also means the encounter power cooldown got nerfed as well. So yeah, better stock up on the rank 9 silver enchantments in case you wanna do a trial and error. On the flip side, however, it means I can up the AoE damage for Clear the Ground this way. Because weapon enchants tend to proc upon encounter power usage, it remains to be seen whether transcendent lightning is really that useless.
Note: Transcendent Lightning may still favor single target dps builds who are less reliant on encounter power procs. In other words, archery HR.
Add note: Justice oathbound paladins may also benefit in terms of the dps. But that's provided we're talking about a maxed out Purifying Fire feat.
Class (re)balance: What this means for you
It's official. Perma stealth TR is officially dead. At least that how I see it. The saboteur dps has always been about going stealth modal. A non-perma stealth saboteur can still deal good damage. Just that not as much as a perma stealth build because the TR dps tends to be maxed during stealth mode.
[Shadowborn: This feat has been changed to the following effect: Whenever you enter stealth, your next encounter or daily power deals an additional 5/10/15/20/25% damage as physical damage.]
If above statement isn't an obituary written for perma-stealth TRs, then Kelemvor would like to be your friend. No matter how I see it, saboteurs are officially nerfed. Note that this is taking into consideration the fact that the stealth meter now refills at a slower speed unless you decide to do a Lurker's Assault.
[Tenacious Concealment: This power now grants 20% Stealth Loss reduction and 5% Stealth Regeneration at each rank.
Tenacious Concealment: This power no longer grants Stealth Regeneration while taking damage.]
^ Further bad news for TRs. ^
[Smoke Bomb now deals an extra tick of damage. Damage for each tick has been reduced to compensate for the extra tick.]
^ Quite likely Smoke Bomb will be nerfed overall wise ^
So what this means is very simple: Chances are that the TR is now in a stage of transition. Stealth mode is still a vital part of the dps. But it seems that TRs are now less dependent on stealth dps. Which makes this class easier to use, but harder to master.
For the DC changes, they don't affect Cyrea. The reason why being that they're either bug fixes or acts of rebalancing where anointed champions are concerned. If you're running the DO, you're not gonna be affected. At least not that much. Also, Hallowed Ground is officially nerfed. From 40% damage buff to 35% damage buff. Apparently, there are plenty of DC players learning (?) from yours truly by using the typical sun elf Chosen of Corellon.
As for scourge warlocks, this has to be the greatest buff job I've ever seen. Not since what anema did to the HR have the relevant players ever display this face below.
Trust me, SW got buffed. Big time. However, it seems that most of the buffs are focused on the temptation tree and hellbringer. Below are the more notable ones. In my opinion, that is.
[Aura of Despair: Now also causes enemies to take 5% increased damage.
Darkness: Now causes enemies to take 10% increased damage from you.
Soul Bonding: Allies now deal 20% increased damage to targets affected by your Warlock's Curse.
Soul Bonding: Now passively grants 10% Life Steal Chance.
Soul Bonding: Now causes Warlock's Bargain to heal nearby allies for the full amount.]
This is for temptation.
[Pillar of Power can now critically strike.
Pillar of Power: This now grants 75% of its normal buff value to allies who stand in it.]
This for hellbringer.
I can foresee more hellbringer templocks in the future.
Stacked? Dream on!
This has got nothing to do with Playboy and the Sun's Page 3 girls. I'm referring to same effects stacking during any given raid. Previously, you can run two DCs and stack 2 Weapons of Light effect. The same goes for any feats related to the relevant righteous feats. In other words, too much righteousness can break the game. In fact, there were moments where I wondered whether stacking 2 Weapons of Light would break the game.
It's not just the righteousness of the DC though. Even the underhanded TRs were guilty of the same thing.
[Shadow of Demise: This effect now only takes into account the damage dealt by the Trickster Rogue who applied it, even when several are applied at once.]
Which is a good thing. I mean the change above. Can you imagine using Shadow Strike to stealth refresh? Power rating bonus of 100% plus armor penetration bonus of 25% upon stealth mode. Let that sink into your head (minus the dying part ofc).
However, it seems that the stacking ban only applies to the offensive end. As for the identical defensive buff stacking (i.e. two virtuous DCs instead of one), it seems that only the assault firearms got banned (read: nothing is said on the identical defensive buff stacking).
Which now comes to what manner of offensive buffing can be used as substitutes. For starters, renegade CWs would be more in demand. Then you have Hawkeye, the best offensive buff any HR can give you. Aspect of the Pack is decent, but it's not exactly the best dps giveaway welfare in-game (but it does give plenty of muscle to any hdps teammate within range, though) As for Dark Revelry, I guess the current change is only there to slightly offset whatever inconvenience caused by the "chance to proc upon lifesteal" proc. Doesn't mean it has stopped being the dps orgy feat every templock would like to have, though.
Misc changes
[Campaign tasks to create keys now award a key instantly, then go on cooldown.
Cloaked Ascendancy: The "Secure the District" and "Resist the Rituals" tasks no longer consume all of the player's excess currency.
Genie's Gifts can now purchase currencies for the Maze Engine and Storm King's Thunder.]
The first part is a much-welcomed change. Who'd be so masochistic to enjoy waiting for 10-12 hrs just to get a key? The second part is even more welcomed. Currency burn in the TCA campaign has to be one of the most annoying things you get in the game. As for the third part, I can only hope Genie's Gifts can purchase voninblod. Seriously, that thing is the reason why Storm King's Thunder has to be the worst grind in the game. Like ever. And don't get me started on the poor reward system ala the next Icewind Dale.
At the same time, loadouts now apply to mounts and active companions as well. It's about time. Now I can afford to use Ferocity in open PvE and Ruthless Efficiency for raiding where Arylos is concerned. Or whatever.
[Hunt trophies and lures have been adjusted in the following ways:
These items are no longer unique, as such more than one can be held in your inventory at a time.
These items may no longer be mailed.
Please note:
Hunt trophies and lures do not stack, as such in order to hold on to two of the same lure, you must have two free inventory spaces.]
In Port Nyanzaru, you can be guaranteed people in the trade channel would always offer like 1 greater mark of potency for any tier 1 or 2 hunt trophies with the tier 3 ones going for 1 superior mark of potency each iirc. If you still don't know what this means, it means more GMOPs and SMOPs offers in the trade channel. At least that's how I see it.
[New Masterwork Profession Recipes
Additional quests and recipes have been added for Masterwork Professions! Grab some new Explorer's Charts and pick up a quest from your Stronghold, which will give you access to Volumes IV and V of your recipe books.]
I don't like the sound of this. Not after those twenty pieces of hard aberrant leather.
Before I get started, let me just say that I've started doing this post like 2-3 weeks ago with some of my Omurice views here and there. However, I decided that maybe I should have a hand in video analysis. It's not exactly a case of VAR. But still, video analysis is fun. Or at least I guess so.
Before I start, however...
I realised something... well, weird. As a monocultural nation, you don't expect Japan and/or South Korea to have anyone saying "hi" to my website. Yes, I did include the Google translate option (just don't ask me how efficient because I can't be bothered to find that out). But when it's monocultural, you can be very sure it's really monocultural.
This was last week.
This was yesterday
I don't want to speculate why (let alone whether the likes of BoA and Park "why always Park?" Shin-hye does consider themselves gamers like Jaedong).
Spoiler: Both Flash and Jaedong share the same surname as that Samsung guy.
I still find it amusing, though. I mean, you don't expect South Koreans to speak English instead of their native Korean tongue. If you don't know what this means, go understand a wee bit of sociology.
A couple of days ago or so, I went for another round of epic Spellplague. This time around, I failed to clear the second boss.
The people in NWO did an article on Spellplague N ages ago, so I just need to list down my observations Basically, my analysis will focus on four aspects. Namely, the mob, Kabal, the steiner, and Nostura. At the same time, please ignore whatever relevant stuff you read here.
Mob tactics in this game tend to be very one dimensional. The close combat ones would play zerg while the ranged ones would stay behind. As a result, it's very easy to deal with any given mob under the standard 1 tank, 1 healer, and 3 dps standard format. However, it also means any mob can maximise the damage dealt in the shortest way possible. At the same time, taking out the artillery first isn't that easy since any epic raid instance would involve the AI having very high defensive stats (Grey Wolf Den, in particular, involves physical hard hitters with stormcallers being the most annoying artillery one can get in end-game). Which makes taking out the archers a viable aspect of the gameplay since the damage stacking would be reduced. Not to mention as well archers tend to die the fastest. In any party without a TR, taking out archers can be tricky since dealing with any mob requires the dps to be concentrated in one area. TRs tend to excel in single target damage with AoE attacks as support. As such, all you need is to throw in an AoE attack or two to soften the mob, after which you can just take a short detour to take out the archers. Two things done in a go. If we're talking about stormcallers, then Cloud of Steel plus either Smoke Bomb or Path of Blades.
In Spellplague, it's the same. However, the fight would most likely be littered with AoE minefields, no matter whose army your party gets to fight. This is a raid where you'd need two buffers and a tank to perform well. This is not to say the standard 1 tank, 1 healer, and 3 dps party format won't work. Rather, the standard format would pose a challenge in staying alive due to an insanely high mob damage. In fact, any raids of the highest end would most likely require more buffers and less dps (Fangbreaker is another classic example of this end-game logic). So long you have a DO pulling off Terrifying Insight with Hallowed Ground spam, the raid would be made easier. Trust me when I say while HG is now less spammable, it remains as the most spammable move in any DC's arsenal. Ofc you can try the raid with an AC as your party cleric. AC clerics tend to have better survival game and survival is very important to any DC in the party. Anointed Armor goes well with either Anointed Action (survival and dps), Light of Divinity (mass heal), and Hastening Light (less cooldown=better party damage). Blessing of Battle is also good, but DO remains one of, if not the best, party buffer with the major drawback being DOs having a higher risk of death than the AC (unless the AC is dumb enough not to use a rank 4 Anointed Armor).
For melee dps (apart from great weapon fighters), Spellplague presents a great challenge. The presence of multiple AoE bombing means one thing: You can't just go in there, whack the opposition, and hope to survive by not getting out. Ranged dps characters won't have it hard so long the tank is good enough and their attack range is long enough, but TRs and combat HRs would end up with a massive handicap as such players would have to get out of the way more often than not. GWFs have Unstoppable, but you don't get to see an unstoppable TR or HR in the same way you don't expect Gambit, Nightcrawler, or even Deadpool for that matter to fight like Juggernaut. If you're wanting to raid Spellplague as a TR, please make sure you have either Smoke Bomb (for CC) or Path of Blades (for AoE support damage) together with Cloud of Steel. If you're a combat HR, please come up with either an effective buff-dps game or an equally effective CC-dps approach. If possible at all, try including all three. Unlike any TR, combat HRs are able to hold their own when it comes to the triple approach strategy. Go with Oak Skin as it boosts both your survival chances and that of the entire party. Even if there is an effective tank-healing in your party, there's a need to keep the healer alive so that the tank can stay alive. This is especially important given that DCs now have their defense stat nerfed (basically the same story as the TR nerf). If the DC is a DO, then that's even more important. If you're a trapper, however, go with Hawkeye in order to create an effective stance switch game (i.e. stance switch>Hawkeye>Disruptive Shot bazooka>go back to ranged mode and keep opening fire). A dps based Aspect of the Serpent build is also viable, but the fact remains that the HR does have the worst dodge game. Like ever.
I personally find Fox's Shift to be quite effective. However, CC from this move is not enough as the combat HR is still primarily a dps build. Which now comes to Seeker's Vengeance. I know a lot of gamers may say this is a useless class feature, but that's because a consistent attack-from-behind game is needed to make this class feature worth its 4 ranks. No other move can do this job nicely like Fox's Shift. This is because whenever this move hits twice on any target, one hit can easily land at the front and the other hit landing from behind. In fact, the cooldown of this move is an indication of successful proc per every X seconds where X refers to the cooldown. By itself, it's not a big deal. If you can unlock the off-hand artifact weapon power for SV, the damage over time can go a long way. Not just in any epic raid, but more importantly raids like Spellplague where only great weapon fighters are able to stand their ground and fight as the melee dps. If you're a pathfinder, set your off-hand artifact weapon power to Aspect of the Pack instead as the PF doesn't have many options in terms of damage dealing. If you're a stormwarden, then the equation should be easy: Twin-Blade Storm with your artifact weapon power set at Seeker's Vengeance.
At this point in time, let me give an advice to any TR or combat HR crazy enough to run epic Spellplague: Damage over time is your BFF here. Without an effective DoT, your dps is as good as zero due to the cluster bombing preventing you from sustaining the damage dealing. For any TR, it should be Cloud of Steel due to its accumulative damage. Also, please engage whoever is the one behind in charge of the artillery while pulling off AoE attacks on the mobs.
Against Kabal, I realised one thing: To grab the fireball and use it on him, you'll need to connect the chain to the ball. In other words, there should be two types of fireballs. The first type is used to melt the chain. The other is used to blast open Kabal's super armor. It should be easy to know which one is which. If the chain doesn't break, then it means you can use the fireball against Kabal (just make sure the fireball doesn't get you first). Otherwise, just deal with the adds after the chain breaks. Once you get how the fireball mechanic is being done, dealing with Kabal should be easy. That is provided you got a guardian fighter-healer combo (note: Knight's Valor is a must) or a tankadin (note: tankadins are good for solo tanking, so please plan accordingly since tankadins have some challenges in maintaining aggro-grab beyond using Aura of Radiance).
Against the steiner mid-boss, just stand outside the reddest circle. Once it decided to pull off a mega AoE attack, there should be either a massive red circle or one redder circle inside a bigger (not so) red circle. The former is easy to deal with. Hulk Smash, but no one will die if decent mass-protection is done. Yes, it will prone everyone within range, so get your control resist ready if possible. Either that or please have Oppressor's Reprieve ready. For the latter, just don't stand far away from the boss. If my guess is right, there should only be one redder circle. Standing just outside its edge should result in a lesser pushback compared to anywhere else beyond the circle. However, this also means only 1-2 party members can afford to position themselves this way. Let the tank have it first followed by the melee damage dealers. As for the ranged members (DCs and the rest), just dodge (or dash for that matter) towards the boss. So you don't end up standing in the wrong circle, all you need is to move forward once the law of physics gets triggered. Spellplague is definitely a raid where you can't do without a tank. In other words, the redder circle should appear closer to the boss if things go right.
Against Nostura, just a few things to note. Once the stonehenge portals open, Nostura will trigger a high damage move which is the nearest thing to an offensive Taepodong. Suffice to say, Nostura is nowhere to be seen at this stage. However, the interval nuking won't just stop at a single blast. The eyes of Sauron must be passed through asap. Tanks and great weapon fighters should just go ahead since they're pretty much the most durable members of any party. As for the rest, make sure they stay within the healer's range. If you have a combat HR using Oak Skin, it means one more member being able to split off so that passing through the eyes of Sauron can be made faster (i.e. easier). Please note that any buff done by the HR has an insane reach. So long the allies are within eyeshot, there's no such thing as reach limitation.
Once all the eyes of Sauron have been passed through, Nostura is officially fightable again. At this point in time, it's better for her to baited towards a planar tear (or whatever you wanna call that blue piece of fire on the ground). One personal observation I've made during my first Spellplague run was that any blue piece of fire has a chance of being damage-immune. On the first glance, it's a bug. A glitch like how any party can exploit against Traven Blackdagger in epic Cragmire Crypts. However, this may possibly be a tactical mechanic since the devs would review the game difficulty at certain intervals (something which was already done during mod 7). Either way, try getting Nostura near any blue piece of fire (read: the nearest one, okay?). Once your party manage to pull it off, every blue piece of fire should lose its damage immunity.
One thing of note is that if any party member fails to enter even one eye of Sauron, that fellow would be effectively locked out from Nostura's Feywild zone. However, this doesn't mean nothing should be done where that odd one out is concerned. In this case of tactical friendzone, the outsider (I'm making this sounds like a yeth hound) should target the tentacles. Being tactically friendzoned doesn't mean you can't impress the Khaleesi (or whoever is your party leader since I'm sure Emilia "404 Jon and Daario not found" Clarke won't have the time to play MMOs). Just kill the Japanese tentacles because those things won't get you. Like ever. Use the rules to your favor if you can't do anything about them. Don't laugh. I got tactically friendzoned before and that's how I proved myself to be more useful than Jorah Mormont. I'm not someone who would stand there and do nothing if nothing can be seemingly done. Unless of course there's really nothing to be done, that is.
Then you have the moment where the ritual goes haywire. The same thing applies where the blue pieces of fire are concerned (but no stonehenge portals). In this case, the party can afford to move as one in a single direction since there's no point risking death by splitting up the party (read: Nostura will just do another Taepodong albeit a faster one). If possible, the DC should pull off a Hallowed Ground. Otherwise, do an Astral Shield near the edge where the blue pieces of fire are situated. Beyond an effective mass-protection and mass-heal game, there's nothing any party can do without getting wiped. Which means the healer cannot die (read: the correct way to create a healer lies in an effective buff game rather than going for a pure heal faithful DC or a pure light Healadin). Whether Knight's Valor can negate the nuke is beyond my knowledge because I don't have a guardian fighter as my alt.
Once your party manage to navigate things this far, killing the boss should be much easier than the previous two-thirds of the fight. However, Nostura is capable of doing a Thanato gambit. Once her HP drops to the lowest point possible, she will do something like a last-ditch Taepodong. This move can easily kill just about any party member apart from the tank. The only way to prevent this from happening is to ensure Nostura dies before she sets off her bomb. This is where damage over time comes into the picture since it can stack very well with direct high-end damage.
Note: It seems that Nostura would always curse those facing her just like how her steiner eye works. This makes tank healing and protecting even more important. So long your healer stays at the side instead of the front, things should be safe. Just don't get me started on the yuan-ti. That thing is super annoying since circling around the eye won't guarantee the attack will miss. Pulling off a William Tell has never been so crazy before.
Current changes and how I may end up approaching the raid
I spent 116K+ worth of astral diamonds to rejig Arylos' feats and boons for the raiding loadout. I ended up doing 4 key changes.
1. I maxed out Battlewise (6% reduced threat).
2. I opted 1 pt for Titan's Affinity and 1 pt for Chill of Winter instead of two pts for the latter.
3. I allocated 1 pt each for Tyrant's Terror, Shamanic Grace, and Overgrown.
4. Instead of Death's Blessing, I now opted for Soul Syphon.
On the offensive slots, I decided to focus on azures and a couple of brutals instead of brutals and radiants. As for the class features, I've officially switched the artifact class feature buff to Aspect of the Pack instead of Seeker's Vengeance with Blade Storm as the second class feature.
The reason why is that I'm now going for a more crit-based build. The problem with too much power is never about being corrupted (after all, this is a fictional game, not real-life politics). Rather, the damage return for power does scale down as the power rating gets bigger. This is to ensure critical hits and armor penetration do have a major role to play instead of... well, absolute power. If your guild doesn't have barracks, it means you're better off slotting radiant in every offensive slot. Otherwise, you may need to start thinking whether 30K power or so should be the correct cap. Arylos now got like 31K power. This is taking into account the post-enchantment switch. This is a number which I felt more comfortable with. With the radiant enchantments (all on rank 9) in the defensive slots, it's a case of higher HP and lower defense. With Assassin's Covenant still a choice in my active mount insignia bonuses, what it means is that the power bonus given by AC is officially reduced. However, there's a catch in this equation: I have Oak Skin. This encounter power is a must for ever combat HR. Not only does it give a decent defensive-heal over time boost to every party member in a single area (something which only a HR can do buff-wise), it's also a life-saver. You can try running through any epic without it, but you're most likely screwed if your party decided to do a speedrun. Seriously, there was one time where no one told me the party was about to speedrun epic Grey Wolf Den. Miraculously, someone died in the process while I managed to survive. As the last man running behind, no less. It was crazy to see that despite circumstances stacked against me (note that every single critter in this raid, half or full, can deal insane damage with the half-critters having high mobility and good defense for an unarmored mob). If not for a combination of healing potion, stone of health, healing potion guild boon, and Oak Skin, I'd have died at least twice or thrice. In fact, this was the reason why I decided to do a feat- boon respec (read: Titan's Affinity).
For Soul Syphon, I need to have better dps. Even though the combat HR is still counted as a dps build, it must be stated that it's still considered a mid-tier dps. Hence, buffing and CC are more important compared to the dps. Seriously, you think a thaumaturge CW, executioner TR, or even a saboteur TR would deal less damage? Soul Syphon adds some much-needed muscle. But to make that thing work, I may need more HP regeneration. This is where Shamanic Grace. With a higher HP per rank together with the fact that this is a HP regen boon, I can strike a better balance between defense and offense. Which is definitely the hardest thing to do for any combat HR unless Oak Skin is factored in (some may even say impossible at all due to poor dodge distance and high mob damage in any epic raid).
Concerning the switch in class features, it means more of a stand-and-fight approach. Something which shouldn't be problematic in any raid so long Oak Skin is active. In Spellplague Caverns, however, this may prove to be a bit dodgy. Most likely I'll favor taking on the artillery with Plant Growth triggered on the main mob when it comes to Kabal's fire and iron army. For Gyrion's blue army, the easiest ones to kill are the floating eyes. Get rid of them, then go after the teleporting mages. Apply plenty of damage over time and see those annoying trolls bleed to death. For Nostura's mother nature army, just target the dryads. They tend to stay as one behind the main mob, unlike Gyrion's case where the mages would stay behind while the floating eyes should be deployed nearer to the main mob. Unlike Kabal's fire and iron army, you can be very sure there's more than just 1-2 of them. Maybe like 3-4 of them. Simply put, it's easier to rack up the damage. No matter whether which/whose army I have to deal with, I need to ensure Soul Syphon can be proc'd. If there's any part of my plan more important than just the dps, it's this.
For Myrreas, it's pure damage over time. Smoke the main mob with Smoke Bomb and Duelist's Flurry the Nine Hells out of the artillery. Red zone? Just dodge since the TR has the longest dodge distance. Against Gyrion's blue army, this should be very easy since the Smoke Bomb can cover both the floating eyes and the main mob, after which Duelist's Flurry can just DoT the Nine Hells out of those annoying mages (seriously, their teleporting skill is the gaming equivalent of trolling). Against Kabal, it should be Smoke Bomb and Cloud of Steel with Duelist's Flurry applying the bleeding on Kabal once he drops his plot armor. Steiner mid-boss should be okay so long the tank is doing his/her job. In other words, all I need is to resist the law of physics at work once it triggers with Duelist's Flurry being spammed on that thing. Against Nostura, it's pure Duelist's Flurry and Smoke Bomb combo with Shadow Strike refreshing the stealth and Blitz acting as the secondary encounter damage source. Against the blue pieces of fire, it's Cloud of Steel so that I don't have to move around much in order to tear those blue things down.
For Cyrea, it's Astral Shield and Divine Glow with Searing Light on standby due to encounter power cooldown. Due to her sun elf lineage and the fact that I pretty gave her every action points boon available in-game (apart from Soothing Zephyr since I've yet to use her for the River District), the AP gauge can fill up very fast. This also gives me a legit reason to slot in Tiamat's Orb of Majesty where a single roar can fix a mob in no time. Hallowed Ground spam is a must unless you don't know how to use a DC properly in any given raid. It's the same for Kabal and the steiner. Against Nostura, it's either using Break the Spirit or using the Divine Glow-Astral Shield combo. Searing Light can also be used as the secondary source of healing. Again, Hallowed Ground. Use it in Nostura's Feywild zone and when she starts screaming something about a ritual epic fail. Then use it again when her HP drops to... like, nigh tiefpunkt since you know that's the real sign of a last-ditch nuke. Given that I've got no intention to change the Prophetic Action-Terrifying Insight class features combo, that should say something.
Originally, I was toying with doing a few posts on my revamped ideas for the Neverwinter Six gaming design. Due to too many factors stacked against me, I might as well create a plotline independent of the Neverwinter Online story. As for the characters, they stay the same. However, I'll be splitting the original six by half. Three of them will represent the near side of the story while the other three represent the far side of the story. Near side means the main plot while far side means the side-story. Believe it or not, Tsukihime was the one series which introduced to me the terms "near side" and far side". In case you don't know what is Tsukihime...
I'll be brutally honest here: When I saw this post, I was abruptly reminded of the fact that despite being an elf, Arylos is never part of the Tel-quessir. To him, they're never his people and their god is never his god. I don't profess to be a saint, but I've never felt I belong to this kind of society. Yet, this feels like the very Singapore I've been living in since 1982.
Actually, that article was the reason why I decided to go ahead and do this post. I won't say my fellow Singaporeans are never my people, but I'd say deities of prudence, taboo, selective apathy, and "not in my backyard" are never my gods.
What this post will be all about
I will be focusing on two games. One is my own version of Gwent and/or Hearthstone while the other is the revamped version of the Neverwinter Six.
It took me too long to do this post. Originally, I intended it to be something more than a revamped character list. However, I've spent too much time for this post and my father's Chinese streaming videos are playing mind games with me. To be honest, I don't have a problem with any shows coming from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. But there are times where the speakers sound too shrill for my liking and there are times where the noise feels like a pneumatic drill pounding my mind. I don't profess to be a genius unless a global big shot decides to vouch for me. However, the fact remains that my family members don't understand me.
Neverwinter Six renamed
Because I'm too lazy to make changes, the relevant label stays as Neverwinter Six. However, the six will now be renamed as below:
Treaders of Faith
This is the near side of the plot. Comprising of a wood elf cut adrift from a life of happiness, a sun elf yearning for a life of happiness, and a human who can never live a life of happiness, Treaders of Faith tells of a story where loss and gain are but two sides of the same coin. A coin that is known as life, a coin which influences the one who flips it depending on which side its owner happens to face. It is also a story where mortals are both the pawns and a beacon of hope, for who else can resolve the regrets harboured by the gods if they are unable to do so themselves?
Walkers of the Sword Coast
This is the far side of the plot. A drow wizard out to banish the demons of her past, yet still running away from them. A half-orc paladin whose towering frame is nothing short of a shield that protects and a sword that slaughters. Lastly but not the least, a tiefling warlock whose life is tied to Wheloon and a pact made with the rulers of Phlegethos. From one part of the Sword Coast to another, adventures and riches take on a whole new meaning for them. Life itself is both an adventure and the source of adventure while the real riches always lie in the deepest cavern known as the heart.
Non-exhaustive list of characters
Characters for Treaders of Faith:
Protagonist
Arylos (a wood elf ranger worshipping Kelemvor and who is bound to the Feywild since birth. Has never displayed any emotions since Wheloon became a prison city, a trait which always unnerves the opposition, superior or otherwise)
Deuteragonists
Cyrea Durothil (a sun elf cleric of Corellon Larethian who is also part of Evermeet's nobility. Yearning to live a life which she nearly had before, her idealism often brings her into conflict with Arylos' brutal brand of pragmatism. However...)
Myrreas (a human rogue with a past only himself knows. Annoying to many, yet a charismatic presence among thieves and bards. Used to be part of the Harpers before an incident caused his departure for good)
Secondary characters Arlon Bladeshaper (Leader of the Nashers and de facto leader over the Sons of Alagondar. His shrewd manoeuvring within the organisation had the likes of Karzov and Madam Rosene running in circles without they themselves realising it. In reality, a half-elf who is a descendant of the Neverwinter Nine. Knows something about Myrreas despite nothing being said) Dagult Neverember (Lord Protector of Neverwinter whose political power in Waterdeep was removed and given to Laeral Silverhand. Has at least certain knowledge about Myrreas despite his non-presence in Neverwinter) Drizzt Do'Urden (hero of Icewind Dale whose ideology often clashes with Arylos' methodology. Despite this, however, Drizzt respects Arylos for a tactical genius never before seen in Faerûn) Elaith Craulnober (one of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep who played a vital role in the transfer of political power from Dagult Neverember to Laeral Silverhand. Also claimed to have at least some knowledge of Arylos' birth) Ilyath (formerly known as Ilyath Le'Quella, his death caused an irreparable rift between Cyrea and her family. Currently existing as a rider under the command of a firbolg known as the Master of the Hunt. Regards Arylos with a mixture of hostility and curiosity due to his past as Cyrea's lover) Irion (former member of the Vel'Nikeryma prior to Arylos' act of betrayal, he was a spellscarred moon elf teaching Arylos the ways of a ranger. Despite what his student did, he never blamed anyone for his imminent fate)
Korynn (a Koryoan girl and Arylos' lover before Wheloon became a prison city. Committed suicide shortly after Wheloon's current fate)
Lukan of the Mystic Veil (member of the now-defunct Cloaked Ascendancy with a child-like innocence towards life despite experiencing the horrors of the Far Realm. Apparently, he is also the only member of the Cloaked Ascendancy whose physical form remains unchanged, hence possibly hinting at some powerful form of magic in him) Mychelle (a whimsical human girl whose youthfulness belies her countless years in the Feywild. Self-declared bride to Arylos much to Cyrea's annoyance) Nymmestra Durothil (a sun elf wizard from House Durothil. Regards herself as Cyrea's rival and best friend, a sentiment shared by Cyrea only on the latter part due to her non-confrontational attitude being Nymmestra's opposite) Antagonists
Celadaine (traitor to the Iliyanbruen cause who used to be the greatest hero of his generation)
Korey (an amnesiac Koryoan girl who was rescued from Thayan slavers by Arylos. Due to her insistence and Arylos' unwillingness to call her by his lover's name, she was given the name Korey by the one who saved her. She is known to display an obsessive romantic attitude towards Arylos) Gods Beshaba (goddess of misfortune who attempted to seduce Arylos for her own whims. The resultant failure coupled with the fact that Arylos somehow managed to retain his sanity humiliated her greatly, hence resulting in a curse of ill fortune following him at every turn)
Cyric (also known as the Black Sun and Prince of Lies, he is the sworn enemy of Kelemvor and Mystra whose control over Korey points to a vengeful scheme directed towards the living) Kelemvor (the god of death and judge of the dead who marked Arylos as his Chosen despite no apparent merit) Mystra (the goddess of magic who has a vested interest in Cyrea) Selûne (goddess of the moon who watches over Myrreas for reasons entirely her own) Shar (goddess of the night vying against her sister Selûne over Myrreas)
Organisation involved Eldreth Veluuthra (an organisation which took in Arylos due to Irion's insistence. Never regarding Arylos as part of the Tel-quessir due to his Kelemvorite faith, they were a constant source of persecution until Arylos deliberately went missing in a scouting mission against Cormyr, an act which cost Irion his life via suicide forced by the Vel'Nikeryma ruling over them) Emerald Enclave (an organisation consisting mostly of druids, rangers, and other nature worshippers led by Shadowmoon, Hierophant of the Enclave. Inspired by a vision where Silvanus instructed them to aid "the living sword of Feywild and death", they are eventually convinced Arylos is the one the Oak Father was referring to) Lords' Alliance (an organisation consisting of nobility and merchants shrewd enough to know profits and the greater good do have a common cause despite what cynics may say. Convinced that a runaway daughter of House Durothil can aid them in extending their influence to Evermeet, they managed to convince Cyrea to join their ranks)
Characters for Walkers of the Sword Coast:
Protagonist Sheallyn Melarn (currently a Harper and a renegade drow on the run from Lolth's wrath. Her traumatic past involving truth and betrayal resulted in a protective nature towards those she holds dear. Like Nymmestra, she is close friends with Cyrea)
Deuteragonists Bhaasmond Taran (a half-orc born from the rape of a human woman by a band of orcs, his life is a mixture of solitude, empathy for the weak, and an inner savagery which can only be described as something coming from Gruumsh) Kariss Locras (a tiefling born from a human mother. Had a certain past with Arylos during her days at Wheloon. The reason behind her long lifespan remains a mystery as more than a century has passed since Wheloon's fall from grace)
Secondary characters Eilistraee (the goddess of all drow who rejected the evil worship of Lolth. After her return during the events of the Second Sundering, she decided to retain her identity as a drow in order to help those who are still under Wendonai's taint. And Sheallyn happened to be one of them)
Jarlaxle Baenre (arguably the most infamous drow ever to grace the surface world. Well-acquainted with Lewynn with rumours of the two having a tryst every now and then whenever they meet in Luskan. Lewynn Hawkseal Deudermont (half-elf daughter of the famed pirate hunter Deudermont. Currently the captain of a ship incidentally also named Sea Sprite. Together with Sheallyn and Cyrea, they are known as the Three Elven Maidens Fair by the ship crew. Currently based in Luskan despite her father's history with its inhabitants) Robillard (currently an archlich due to his efforts to enforce a vow sworn to Deudermont after his death. Resident wizard of Lewynn's Sea Sprite and guardian to his former master's daughter. His phylactery is currently placed in the Ivy Mansion where only the Harpells know about it)
Antagonists Lolth (the Spider Queen and goddess of the drow. Never one to forgive, let alone forget, she regards traitors bearing the name of Melarn as of the worst kind. This was due to Q'arlynd Melarn's role against Lolth during the War of the Spider Queen where Eilistraee could be considered the winner despite her apparent death) Gruumsh (the one-eyed god of the orcs. An enemy of Lolth, he nevertheless declares himself as an enemy to civilisation)
Final note: Yeah, I need to do something else.
Depending on how you see this epic trial, you can either say Dendar the Night Serpent will be the biggest winner or... well, nothing will happen. I know it sounds like people predicting the world will still end in 2018 since there are still like 10 more months before 2019. Whether the world will end at 2020, however, is beyond my knowledge.
Disclaimer:
Above show of satire is NOT part of my guild. So please don't bother my guild boss Vrae over this guy.
In my previous post (URL below the omurice pic), I commented on the possibility of an epic trial coming to the upcoming mod. Before I get myself into some trouble non-existent, let me just say that:
4. I'm not the BFF of Thomas "he got a BFF in your local stronghold" Foss.
Because I find it amusing to write a strategy guide before the real fracas starts rumbling (i.e. I mean the epic trial, not this), I might as well do one for the first phase. Actually, the only reason why I'm far crazier than many others in this world lies in the terrain. I may be crazy, but I'm definitely not insane enough to try doing a post for the next two phases.
Click the link and you'll know the first phase involves an elevator going down. This is most likely going to be a repeat of the last boss fight in Tomb of the Nine Gods (the only dungeon I've yet to run). In other words, it's possible the platform will dip at intervals.
Secondly, this will most likely be a straightforward mob rush. Because you can see it's an enclosed space, what it means is that every melee party member has to be in the centre with the ranged party members (DCs included, DO or no DO) deployed to the side (i.e. nearer to the shaft wall). Since this phase is all about surviving till the timer runs out (I mean seriously, you should have figured that out already due to the fundamental laws of physics at work), please expect progressive difficulty for every few number of mob waves. At the same time, the mobs will most likely come in random types (i.e. go play the Merchant Prince's Folly if you want to know more). If you got like 1-2 DOs in your party, this shouldn't be a problem. Seriously, getting a DO in your raiding party is basically the best thing you can ever have. Cyrea Durothil is now a DO, ofc I should know.
Note: If you're a DO, please be intelligent enough to max out Terrifying Insight. You won't get to be like Melisandre, but at least the night won't be full of terrors for your party.
Fashion police
This reminds me of the most recent Golden Globes award due to Operation Take The Black. It has got nothing to do with how sexy was Emilia "404 Daario and Jon not found" Clarke, but rather this.
Tbh the change was minor enough for me to say "okay". This is because fashion to me is only of secondary importance beyond getting the free courtesan set every Simril (for some funny reason, the devs just keep throwing at you the same thing). If there's any purpose for me using this new interface, it'd be to use the fashion wardrobe as a means to complete any specific fashion collection (i.e. Ctrl+J). So no, I'm not going to comment on how cool this new interface is because I'm not exactly the ideal boyfriend for the daily fashion girl, local Singaporean or not. Trust me when I say I treat fashion in the most Singaporean manner possible. After all, my country's government has always placed importance on pragmatism since 1965 when Mr Lee Kuan Yew was still alive.
What I'm going to talk about is the reworked companions interface. Suffice to say, I love it. It's not just a good change, but rather an awesome tweak to an otherwise cumbersome companions switching system. Right now, you need to open your inventory, click on the companions tab, then hold+drag+place. It's a waste of time if you got like 6 idle companions or more. There are those who'd like to level up their idle comps for no reason at all (i.e. crazy people like me). Therefore, this awesome rework is an awesome gift for the chaotic neutral (again, I mean crazy people like me). For those who have a tendency to switch active comps, this is even better because that's where practicality comes in. I won't say do the switch in the middle of any fight, but I'd say it's easier to customise your anti-boss strategy upon reaching the final lap. At the very least, I'm sure your teammates won't scold you over a wee bit of time wasting as a result. And that's not considering the need to tweak the move set as well.
Note to self: Maybe I'll see how nice the black ice body armour looks on Arylos. The hands and feet actually looked nice on Cyrea the last time I checked. Gear preview ain't entirely useless even for a Singaporean like me.
Running Woman, Running DO
Cyrea Durothil is fast proving to be an accidental experiment made badass. When I first started out doing a Total Recall on her, I did a paragon switch just to see how good a DO can be. The scary fact is that once she went DO, there's no going back. Not ever. If Anointed Champion is more solo-friendly, then Divine Oracle is the reason why people would want your DC on their team. Just PM something like "DO with Terrifying Insight" and chances are that you'll get an invite. While this is purely a guess, I'm actually basing this guess on factual experience caused by a trait no sane Singaporean is ever known for. Trust me when I say I'm not exactly sanest Singaporean alive right now. Can you believe my schoolmates in Gan Eng Seng used to call me siao just because they're far saner unlike yours truly who is still much less sane?
So just last night, I was running Castle Never with 4 other alliance mates. Cyrea isn't exactly the sharpest tool in the dps shed. In fact, I'm pretty sure the only way you can create a dps DC is using Anointed Champion with Anointed Action plus dps-based gear. Running Castle Never was fun in the sense that as a sun elf, Cyrea got another trick up her mailed sleeve. 2% action points increment plus Tiamat set bonus. Coupled with every action points gain boons in the game so far and she went like... 10% action points gain bonus so far? I need to check whether I did a reroll on her action points gain for the artifact off-hand weapon.
At this point, I need to mention another thing: I decided to do another Germanic experiment by buying a Ring of Hellig for Arylos. This is to justify the fact that he's going to loan Cyrea his Ring of the Hunter +3. More than Arylos, Cyrea has a need for speed. Fast enough to run as one entire team because I realised, for some funny reason, that any team I've been part of always enjoy running ahead more oft than not. And I'm not talking about normal dungeons. In the odd event where I have to make the first move, however, my team always win. Even though it's not PvP. Weird if you're to ask me.
So the sun elf girl is moving fast enough like a running woman and... well, the raid was quite straightforward. With a ring borrowed from Arylos together with a Ring of Sudden Precision +4, the crit ended up at 50-51% per interval. Since the DC is a ranged class, it means pulling off a crit game is much safer than... say, doing the same as a TR or combat HR (since no trapper HR should ever be crazy enough to play melee in any raid instance. Not even yours truly). Coupled with my choice of Terrifying Insight and Prophetic Action, it means a more than decent survival game (after all, there's a tank and his name is Sir Green. Just don't ask me whether he's the real Bruce Banner).
The effect was especially telling during the Orcus fight. Whenever that pig demon (seriously, that's how Orcus looks like to me) did a room explosion, it's a case of 404 damage not found. As a result, Terrifying Insight kept plugging away. 20% damage increment on a 120 feet radius is no joke. Coupled with the fact that Orcus in CN is now far tankier and less damaging after the devs tweaked him, taking him down ended up becoming a case of faster than expected. Quite literally since I went like "huh?" when he went down to the floor like Demogorgon and Baphomet. Just to further demonstrate how insane the raid was, there were two party members entering the rift when Orcus activated it. In other words, it's three party members versus one Orcus with two party members versus one demonic rift. In every aspect, no one had a problem.
Note: Actually, part of myself said, "enter the rift". My tactical common sense prevailed, however. It's much better to have two members splitting off than to risk a wipe just because Orcus got 4 fellows going against while I have to contend with the fact that Cyrea's dps worth is far less than her buff-debuff worth. Moral of the story? DCs are NOT supposed to enter the rift unless the party got two of them. In this case, do the same three by two.
#killallspiders
In the same day, I ran the epic version of Temple of the Spider Queen. This time, it's a running man by the name of Myrreas. This is the kind of epic raid where you can easily survive a no-heal run, but not a no-tank run. Malakut once said in the alliance chat that he finished this one without a tank or healer. Granted this was way like before the first part of Chult (if I recall it correctly). But still, to do it prior to the major tweaking was an act of insanity in terms of accomplishment and the question of "why did you ever do that in the first place". Then again, Malakut was/is crazy enough to play like control wizard tank. I'd like to include the Gandalf multiclass meme, but then I suddenly remember a knight's oath sworn.
Long story short, running a no-tank run with a TR can be very testing at times. Thankfully, the one with the highest total item level was a control wizard who was most likely an oppressor. At least I guessed so since the elf was doing max stack freeze on a consistent basis. This gave Myrreas some much needed time to pull off a Duelist's Flurry whenever this happened. However, it must be stated that there were moments where I just went crazy and DF'ed a random drow without the CW police saying freeze. On a hindsight, that's the craziest thing I might have ever done so far as a gamer. Either that or my brain was half-asleep.
No matter what, the raid was all about Myrreas going 50-50 between Duelist's Flurry and Cloud of Steel. Under normal circumstances (read: having either a tank or both a tank and healer), Myrreas would be DF'ing any random drow (or spider as well for that matter) CC or no CC. The problem was... well, you've read it: 'tis a no-tank run. Without the DC, this raid would be effectively... well, unraidable. It's really that crazy.
Apart from the occasional hiccup where Myrreas had to be rez'ed twice, the raid went surprisingly well. Surprisingly well enough given three members were at a disadvantage where total item level was concerned. The part about EToS lies in high CC and dps (Grey Wolf Den is high dps and defensive stats while Cragmire Crypt is high on mob variety). If you're a TR, good luck because the devs nerfed the defense stat. Period. In other words, any hit from a random enemy can and will kill you. Considering the fact that Myrreas was the only melee member, it means quite a bit of challenge. Okay, maybe not that bad since Cloud of Steel deals progressive damage. But still, Myrreas ended up doing a 50-50 between DF and CoS.
The first rez was warranted during the first boss fight. One single swing of the sword and Myrreas needed a rez. This is definitely the kind of fight where having a tank means having an easier life. Sadly, my team didn't have one. Twas a dumb move, I'm sure of that. And I'm referring to myself, not the rest of my party.
The second rez was... well, long overdue. Against the final boss, I was dumb enough to dodge away from Syndryth in drider mode. I still do not know why I did that apart from my brain gone half-asleep. I mean assuming the spider laser really did fly home, Myrreas would still need a rez either way. That thing is a lock-on laser beam. This is NOT to say you can't avoid it. Actually, you can. But you'll need to enter stealth mode. Once your stealth metre is gone and you get targeted, however... well, that's fatality certified and confirmed prior to the execution. Which makes Shadowy Strike so useful. Maximising stealth chances is the only way for any TR to avoid being locked on by the spider beam. I should have used Shadowy Strike more sparingly (i.e. only using it when the spider beam was readied).
Note: When we arrived at the temple gates, I ended giving a strategy which no Singaporean could ever think up of. Simply put, all four ranged members engaged Syndryth at the front while I stabbed her repeatedly from behind. Granted I was talking about drider Syndryth instead of normal Syndryth, but... well, I have to say it worked. A seemingly risky strategy actually worked. I won't be surprised if a truly sane Singaporean would otherwise go like this black dude below.
Fangbreaker Island and the return of Spellplague Caverns
And now for Arylos. I remembered running my first Fangbreaker when mod 12 first came out. A much belated first attempt, I have to say. In fact, Malakut was utterly surprised to know the truth. Either way, all I can say is that the giants were experts in damage dealing. Physically, their level was too damn high. This definitely calls for a good tank and an equally good healer. In other words, this definitely calls for intelligent gamers. The moment the aggro grab broke, your party might as well restart the whole damn thing. You'll need an effective AoE buff-debuff game to make this count. This is taking into account the fact that you definitely need a tank and healer.
The first time Arylos fought the manticore boss was a disaster. Whatever you do, run to the back of the cliff first. Otherwise, the avalanche will shoot you over the edge. Which gives your party one less member. The avalanche will be the first thing coming out in the beginning of the fight, so please take note. The only/best way to kill the first boss would be to force its behind to the cliff. Once your party can do that, the fight will be easy (or at least much easier). If the avalanche is coming again, at least run to the back of the cliff (note that I never said to the edge of the cliff in case your English is worse than mine).
The dragon turtle was the same deal as the one in Sea of Moving Ice. Erm... sorta I guess. There's this geyser thing going on and getting shot by it is no joke. It won't injure you. Rather, it will kill you. When taking on that giant ninja turtle, please look out for the red circles. Once there's one below you, please get out of it. For dps, it should be easy since dashing means getting away faster (you need to time the braking correctly, though) while dodging give a brief invincibility window post-execution. The tank will need to aggro grab and move out of the way fast enough. Which is a bit of a challenge since tanks are not exactly known for being fast enough. If your tank is a guardian fighter with Into The Fray, please make sure he/she isn't dumb enough to try pulling it off when the red circles are below him/her. The 50-50 risk is not worth it since any fight with the tank gone means restart by default. Just move away. For one, ITF won't be whiffed for sure. Secondly, make every second count. Not to mention as well ITF does have a bit of start-up lag. Then you got the horn blowing and darkness ensues. Run around in circles because geyser blasts are on the way. Interestingly, doing an oak skin means a decent chance of surviving (if you're a HR, that is). If you got decent control resist, then it's not that bad (albeit it's alrdy bad enough). Otherwise, don't get hit. If a red cricle appears while you're moving, you got two options:
1. Dodge or dash while still moving. This works 100% of the time unless you mess up the timing in the most absurd way possible. In this case, it means you're a n00b.
2. If you cannot dash or dodge, then just keep moving. If the geyser hit you, you won't die. At the same time, the geyser won't strike twice at the same spot. Erm, at least not on a successive basis anyway.
The ninja turtle fight should be a rinse and repeat combat with plenty of mass protection/heal/buff/CC needed. In fact, your party will need at least either two out of the mass AoE options listed here. Ideally a mass protection-heal or mass protection-buff with the CC coming from one of the dps dealers (i.e. the mid-dps members because hdps isn't exactly the best CC option).
Once you reach the lady boss, that's where the interesting part comes. Assign the task to break the ice to a dps member who has a certified track record of surviving in open-world. A hdps alternative is also doable, but the risk is too much if you're to ask me. I mean imagine the big boss woman chasing you around like the Big Boss Man. Your party will be screwed because you'll be screwed first. This is one of those moments where a combat HR can (and will if he/she is good enough) easily become the hero of the moment. Just make sure the Rey Mysterio of your party has an effective AoE damage arsenal. And I'm not referring to the 619.
Note: Once the tell-tale sign pops up saying "the big boss woman is gonna do her blizzard slam!", please look for the nearest ice pillar to hide. So long the pillar is the only thing between you and the sea, you won't die. Otherwise, one shot fatality. At the same time, it means you shouldn't be destroying her towers of ice unless any member of your party gets trapped.
And now on Spellplague Caverns. I remember my alliance mates saying that one is more difficult than Fangbreaker. After running it once, I was like "you serious?"
Seriously, am I the only insane fellow who thinks Spellplague Caverns is easier than Fangbreaker once you get the mechanics right? Okay, perhaps it's an exaggeration. However, it must be noted that any party with at least 2 members having Aberrant Slaughter boon can easily clean the house of unnatural horrors. To make this work, however, please make sure your tank got Aberrant Power. For Arylos, it's a combo of AS and HR sigil activated. Ouch.
My party was truly unorthodox. It's a tag-team tanking setup. In name, there's no tank. The tag team comprises of a healadin (most likely a justice spec) and a tactician guardian fighter with Knight's Valor (note: Knight's Valor is a must for every decent guardian fighter, let alone a truly good one). Two members at the centre, one DC to maintain the buff and heal support, and two dps members to round off the damage. It's unorthodoxy at its finest and guess what? It worked. It really worked. That is so long the healadin and GF tactician stick together with a DC watching their backs. I was actually expecting a tougher fight, but apart from Kabal and Nostura, it's a walk in the park. So long Knight's Valor is spammed in order to draw aggro towards the super tanky duo, everything is easy. And I use present tense because... well, it's still workable I guess.
Ultimately, Aberrant Slaughter and Aberrant Power are the two most important boons ever. Without either (let alone both), your party will most likely have a harder time. This is because aberrant mobs are experts in AoE cluster bombing. Add to the fact that warping spellplagued wizards are the most annoying thing alive so far in the game and you'll need to kill the mob asap. Like the random drow mob in EToS, aberrant mobs are high on CC and dps. Which makes for a deadly overall cluster bombing for any party. Nostura's mother (nature) army is more about troll zerging with the dryads being the only ones behind the main ranks (please note the nothic steiner, though). As for Kabal's fire iron army... well, it's pure damage with little to no CC.
On the first glance, the two As are no big deal. However, an effective crowd clearing tactic matters. Even if it's only one-third of the equation. At the same time, aberrant mobs are, like I've said, masters of CC-dps. Which makes them the most dps'y enemies in an overall sense. Try eating damage while taking a stun-loop. I dare you.
Against Kabal, I died like a few times due to me not knowing the mechanics. However, some things would never change. Like the normal version in River District, the vault would either flood the arena at the edge or everywhere apart from the edge. Kabal will start the fight by standing in the middle. So what this means is that the magma flooding would cover the entire arena apart from the edge. Once this happens, get out of the fire asap and prepare to use the best healing potion in the game. Or at least please get a50x stack of potions of exalted healing. If possible, dash out of the fire. Otherwise, try dodging continuous in order to extend the invincibility window as long as possible.
This will be a fight where everyone must engage the aggro at the same area. Otherwise, Kabal won't come to you. And if Kabal doesn't get bombed by his own army, he's literally indestructible. Once his super armour gets blown up, just nail as much damage as possible. Giving away dps is the best way to do that since the damage tradeoff (i.e. your own dps vs the team's dps) is worth every power point. Melee damage dealers should cluster together (a mistake which I actually committed by not doing so). As for ranged damage dealers/healers, stay at a distance, but be prepared for the magma flooding. Also, this fight should be separated into two teams. One team in front, they're the melee. Another team behind, they're the ranged ones. Do NOT split the team in any other way unless you want a wipe.
Kabal will have three lives. Once he spent all three, it means he's officially expired. A tricky part of the fight lies in the chains snaring you. If you don't know how the damn system work, you're most likely damned. Even if you tried going towards the centre (because following the law of physics at work will most likely mean one-shot fatality), your role will be effectively screwed because you won't be doing anything else apart from defying the most obvious law of physics. Try pulling your chain towards the stationary ball of fire at the centre. There's way more than one of them, so you should be able to break free by touching the chain with the nearest fireball. If the tank gets caught (basically something that will be happening if he/she is doing the right thing), then just keep calm and grab aggro. So long the tank is deployed near the stationary fireball, it should be easy. And besides, the empty hole you see surrounding the anvil... yeah, that's where the fireballs will pop up.
Nothic boss was much easier after Kelly (i.e. the DC) explained the mechanics to me. The thing with the steiner boss is this: It's the same push-back thing its manticore BFF would do in Fangbreaker. However, the push-back speed is most likely way faster. Party deployment should be the same as the Kabal fight, but the ranged members must be fast enough to dodge forward to the centre. This may be quite tricky for the DC for a reason. It's either you get pushed off the edge or you eat a ground slam. With proper protection and healing, this shouldn't be a problem. However, this requires timing of execution. You can only pull off one move once the red zone comes, so try doing Astral Shield spam with an effective healing spell focused at the centre. Once the orange eye appears, just run behind asap. It will only either pull off the stoning eye or the dual AoE shock.
Once its HP nears zero, that's where the dangerous part comes. Instead of doing a dual AoE shock, it will just do a push-back. The law of physics at work will ensure you'll fly off from the face of the Earth itself. Quite literally. It's like comparing the speed of a Singaporean MRT train and a bullet train in Japan or China. It's a no-contest, so better start dodging. Not continuously lest a stamina burn renders your efforts useless, but rather doing a dodge with a few seconds interval in between.
Off to the last zone. That is, Nostura. Before we reached he, we had to deal with her mother (nature) army. For some reason, the healadin-tactician tandem was broken. One guy went too far ahead and the entire party wiped as a result. That was apart from him. I tried typing the correct strategy. And guess what? I died as a result. Thankfully, I managed to get my message across (i.e. GF and OP please stick together). The paranoid freak in me ended up suspecting that my team was trying to grief me 4 teh lolz. It's like suspecting whether BoA's newest song Nega Dola was about me. Ofc the key word here is paranoid. However, this doesn't explain why my team decided to aggro pull mob after mob towards the final campfire where in fact this was the dumbest thing any party could ever do at this point. Seriously, I didn't know what's going on. I mean my party, not Nega Dola.
Against Nostura, I was informed of one thing: If you get cursed, please get yourself stoned. While it'd result in getting stoned, at least your curse would be removed as a result. Thic makes tanking easier. The reason why being that so long Nostura is facing the front, only those at the front will get stoned. And because of this, the ones in front have the highest chance to get cursed. So the strategy is much more straightforward than one might imagine.
Once she phases into her Neverland (i.e. the real version done by J.M Barrie, not the other real-life version), there will be portals encircled by rocks/stones. Enter the correct one and portals looking like Sauron's eye will pop up. Cover ALL the portals asap once this happens. In fact, the correct stone portal MUST be entered asap. There's some sort of bomb timer where failure to make it on time means getting bombed. Either you die in the first blast or the subsequent blast(s) will make sure of that. Once Sauron's eyes pop up, it's better for the party to split and cover. Once Nostura is engaged in her Neverland, someone needs to take care of the tentacles. If every party member has been phased into her Neverland, then it's more difficult to kill the tentacles. If any member of the party fails to enter a Sauron's eye on time, yet the party is still able to take her on, then the odd one out will be outside of the Neverland boundary. This is where the odd fellow can proceed to kill the tentacles because they don't have Nostura's planar immunity. Just make sure that odd one out isn't a tank or healer. The party will be screwed.
To finish the fight asap, the planar tears must be killed. For some reason, this part was bugged last time I ran it. There would be times where the tears wouldn't eat damage. However, there's a way to kill them. To do so, Nostura must be engaged near any of them. Once this is done, the planar tears can be destroyed. And how did I know it? By noticing Nostura fighting near a planar tear and the fact that the planar tears could be damaged thereafter.
Lastly but not the least, there's her final shot. There's no way to avoid it by my guess. Either you kill her fast enough or her last-ditch nuclear bomb will kill everyone. However, it must also be noted that those with higher defense (most notably tanks) are able to survive the attack and kill Mother Nature Nostura herself.
Note: Using Seismic Shot has never been more fun even for a combat HR. Due to consistent aggro grabbing for 90% of the raid, half of my daily powers were spent on SS. Also, the final campfire should be seen as the best spot for ranged sniping once the last mob got pulled towards the tank (i.e. away from the campfire).
Add Note: Damage over time is an effective means against Nostura even though DoT in any raid can easily result in damage giveaway. Again, the Rule of Equivalent Trade applies, Sounds familiar?
