Guild Wars 2

Mesmers don’t cross roads, they Blink past the buggers.

Bloody hells … and we started off rather friendly. Here’s the deal:

Truth be told, most of our lot didn’t really start nailing AR until they started rolling stuff in our BL. As for GoM, I got respect for some of your guys – but is there any real need for all this trash talk? Fact is, you and we keep getting stuck with one another because our respective ratings bite. Nothing more, nothing less.

But what do I know? Hell, I’m usually that crazy jagoff rushing teams with just me. Figure I’m going to die/repair/WP anyway, may as well go out Norse-style.

As if Condi builds aren’t already bum-shagged into 0/20/20/0/20 +10 spare as is … that’d really wreck things. Screwball thing is, way ANet glad-happy nerfs things that’re decried as “ZOMG! OP!!!,” I could almost see that being the 7/29 Nerf.

Mesmer – charcoal grey skin/ dark purple glow
Elementalist – grey/blue skin / indigo glow
Ranger (was Guard, until I swapped her for the Charr alt’s class) – dark greyish-green skin / green glow

Went max or near-max on all glow intensities. Why have glow patterns if I’m going to half- kitten em?

You do not race-swap a char voiced by Claudia Christian. You just don’t. Plus, Norngineering is all kinda pimpin.

Killing folk with purple/pink butterflies. You can frigging smell the hate through yer screen. Also, the fact that you never stop learning how to get better. I’ve mained Mes since Day -1, I’m still figuring out new tricks.

Well, AR … gotta give your lot cred, thus far. Had one of your Guardians whack a few of us, and he kept it classy. /bow.
As for the Gomnomberries. I’d think you’re in love with us Fergs or something … it’s like that case of Ebola: keeps killing you, but won’t clear up

Boons: Regen/Prot/Retal
Condis: Confusion/Bleed(or Poison)/Torment

Engineer or Elementalist. Those two probably pack the highest initial skill ceiling.
By comparison, Thief’s got a decent skill floor with a crazy skill ceiling. Especially if one doesn’t go for heavy-stealth builds.

Necro for something completely different. Ele/Engi/Thief run rather active defenses.
Whereas Necro’s more of a “sit here and take it” profession.

Aether, I would think an Elementalist doesn’t want anyone nerfed. Considering your own situation. But, yes – this goes back to my favourite comment: nerf less, buff more.
All of this wholescale nerfing merely limits class diversity, when we should be adding it, for cryin’ out loud.

Welcome back, “Big Bro.” Looks like one of “those” WvW weeks

About frigging time. I used to wonder why my Necro died so fast when downed … then I noticed the number of topics about “1/3 Downed Health.”

I’d not argue Necro being OP at all. Even with the recent – and well-deserved – buffs, the class does still have certain weak points. Now, as for Necros now being a bit more effective, I’d answer “yes.” Although, I’m looking forward to re-trying my old Vamp/Terror spec. Might just be hella fun.

Meh – I’m glad I make sure to run multiple 80s. This way, if I’m offended by a current patch(nerf)-list, I can take a break for a bit. Gotta say, my Necro’s looking a bit … smexxy, right about now.

(Who am I kidding … been Mesmer from Day -1, it’s not like I’m going to stop maining the guy. Although, his EQ expenditures are getting a bit silly …)

I don’t know what I’ll add to this convo, but eh.

1.) I’d say the IC issue is twofold. First, Mesmer C/Ds are scaled to where IC became a nigh-mandatory skill. With that said, it’s not that they “nerfed” it, but more that they could have done it in a more efficient way.
-Example A: Alter Mesmer weapon skill C/Ds upward by 5-10%, make IC 5% addition.
It’d still be < what it was, but that might’ve worked out.

-Example B: Swap IC and IR. Yes, IC gave a LOT for its placement … but I’d argue from 5 >25 was a bit far. 15’d “punish” a build for grabbing the Trait, but not be as crazy.

(Hell, popping it to 20 even, would have been interesting. IE or IC? Or, do you want PH? This would have definately added “build diversity” while knocking down some of the class’ “OPness.”)

2. ItV: Seriously, with the known amount of skill lag in this game … BAD IDEA. And all because some folk can’t see a huge glowing purple line in front of ’em? Get outta Dodge – that verges on Blinding Befuddlement nerf levels of silly.

3. Blurred Frenzy: The problem there is a combo of crap MH weapon choices, and the ability’s C/D. So why raise the C/D and nerf the effect? Wouldn’t one or the other have sufficed, especially when Mesmer is a class that promotes “active” defense over “passive?” Seems the invulns/teleports are ways to mitigate incoming damage, I would say.

As for the buffs?
1.) The reshuffling of interrupt traits and PU’s buffing are desirable, tbh. However, I agree with the others who have mentioned that Mesmer access to Interrupts is a bit
random. Perhaps this’ll change in a later patch?

2.) Additional Malice on Scepter? Silly Devs, you know Staff is the main Condi-mesmer weapon. Why does Chaotic Dampening add no Malice, then? I’d bleeding well drop that lil dollop of Toughness for more Malice, TYVM. As it is, Scepter is pretty darned lame, and we know it. I can say the same for adding Torment to Scepter – this is not making the weapon “viable.”

3. IZerker/Bounce logic: I can’t complain, especially when one considers how much code goes into a game like this, sometimes crap breaks. However, the length of time IZerker took to get fixed + the fact that it being broken was denied for bleeding months, is a arguably a tad rude.

In closing, it’s just the idea of so many things being “nerfed” in a 2-3 month period – things that define entire class playstyles – that stings so blasted much. I’m all for
diversity, but diversity should enhance a class’ inherent style … not bring it down
notches.

Hells … just up his attack speed some, and that’d increase his general usability a lot.
However, this would also require that bouncing logic is reverted, or better still, enhanced for clone/phant attacks.
/shrug

Aneirin Cadwall.9126:

FlamingFoxx.1305:

Don’t go insulting OSX users just because you have some ridiculous notion about how they act. -_-

I hate to do this. Generalizations, etc. But it must be done.

I have only ever met two Mac enthusiasts in my lifetime that know anything at all about how computers work at a fundamental level.

That’s less a fault in Mac fans, and more a fault in computer end-users in general.
Most folk want their rig “Plug ’N Play,” and could give a scale offa Zhaitan’s slimy
dragon- kitten about the “how.” (OR, they might just be real-worlder Skritt … Apple stuff’s “Shiny.”

As for a native Linux port … oh, Gods yes. As is, I got sick of Win8’s shoddy behaviour RE: dual-boots, and went full Manjaro. Playonlinux/WINE’re acceptable, but one could do a good deal better.

Heh – I still want FC/ET/NSP to happen, but it looks like the new math hates me. Meh … gotta kill DR and Gomnomberries again

Well, well … guess you HoDdies like us that much, eh? Welcome back

Some unfortunate news, Seven. Fact is, I was hopin to square off against you again.
Guess I’ll just have to sic the butterflies on other folk, then

In seriousness, though – good luck in your next venture.

Heh – I went Cleric Weapons/Armour, Magi Trinkets … I’m not seeing too much of a difference, tbh. Been saving for a Knight/Cavalier spec.

Midnight Violet/Midnight Rose is all I need. Unless I manage to snag some Abyss.

Detharos.3157:

Eredon’s Furnace Crossing, let it happen!

Nope – this idea’s from our days with “Big Bro” SF.
Sorrow’s Terrace of Denravi’s Crossing … just so our collective initials can include “STD”

I expected ET again … but was hopin to try NSP on for size. Ah, well – welcome back, Gomnomberries.

Eh, I’d actually rather see PotH buffed, instead of removed. Could make Minion builds a bit more solid in a fight. Reanimator needs to either:
-DIAF
-Be made a 10-pointer Major Trait.

Fungalfoot.7213:

I find necromancers utterly mundane. We need more tricks and more ways to shine. ArenaNet should look to the elementalist on how to successfully design a class. Oh well, at least we’re not as boring to play as warriors currently are.

I wouldn’t quite say mundane, but I would agree that (D/D or S/D) Elementalist design is rather fighting game-esque. This fits extremely well for an “active” combat system in an MMO. As for Necromancers:

-Making DS entry/exit a bit more fluid would work wonders
-Since it seems Necros aren’t slated for more Stability access, maybe allow for DS to “repel” or “absorb” certain CC’s. (Traited, I’m sure … but it could be interesting)
-A bit more direct control on Minions. Make ’em a tactical attack choice.

I’m sure we could pull out more ideas, but those three alone would make Necros “feel” more active in a fight, and not make ’em the next Kings of OP.

I’ve had that happen, as well. Only thing I can guess is that the code for Aegis’ “Block” is twigged differently than a weapon/utility “Block.” Failing that, it could just be Guard’s Aegis. Have you tried this on someone(thing) else what packs Aegis?

I was wondering if something similar would be (eventually) doable. It would:
a. Make burning util-slots on Conjures rather worthwhile, for any Conjure)
b. Create some interesting build modifications.

The only issue I can see, is that making Conjures no longer “locked” as one Element would be a pain in the rear to code up.

Should’ve been in-code from day one. All you need to do, really, is follow the same sigil logic for MH+OH combos, to avoid ridiculous Sigil combos (For instance, managing to double-effect Superior Fire/Air).

(Eh … woulda expected a bump warning, if this topic were like a month or three old … not a week. /shrug)

Meh – got a new comp today, still setting everything back up. Sucks, cause I was hopin to get my GW on tonight.

Pyroatheist.9031:

Unfortunately the list can’t be limited to only 3

1. Wastrel’s Punishment: This trait is the complete cause of my massive reluctance to run any build with more than 20 points in domination
2. Halting Strike: Useless, does minimal damage
3. Chaotic Revival: Pretty useless
4. Retaliatory Demise: Again, useless
5. Chaotic Interruption: Again, useless. Durations are too low, and the effect too random
6. Bountiful Interruption: Once again, useless. Far too random

I think Pyro just beat us all to it … although, we may as well add:
7. Blinding Befuddlement: Thanks for the uncalled-for shagging of a (formerly) fun skill, folks.

I suppose I’ll re-mention “that one idea…”

Phantasmal Arrowcart?

-Order of Whispers EQ > Rare Rabid spec.
-Karma Temples > Exotic Rabid (4 pieces of Armour, total)
-Dwayna Temple > Exotic Rabid Trinkets.
-WvW > Rare Rabid for Karma/Exotic Rabid for badges + some Gold (generally 1-2 Gold, it’s how I got the last 2 pieces for my Condition Mesmer.)
-TA/HotW/CM/Arah

Eff Khilbron, tbh. That set’s still far overpriced, considering the WvW option, and Dungeon sets.

The only part of Mesmer downed skills I have an issue with is #2. Either make it controllable or -for Odin’s sake!- make sure it teleports you away from the incoming
kitten -kicking.

I’d have to say my Thief is Main #2. I started on Mesmer to 80, then same on Ele, then Thief and Necro. I dig Thief for similar reasons to Mesmer, namely:
-Mindkitten like nobody’s business
-The ability to take even “crappy” weaponsets (Hello, S/P and P/P!) and excel, if I’m willing to put in the time and effort.
-Mobility/Teleportation
-It’s a challenge, tbh. Some specs may be “OP,” but in general, screw up and you’re Quaggan-chow.

The funny part is: Thieves already had “boon hate,” just not as often. Bountiful Theft, anyone? Now, I can admit that LS chaining + Bountiful is a nasty thing to sic on a Boon-loving enemy. But, let’s be honest here – most (long-term player) Thieves aren’t going to spam the heck outta LS, when they may just need a quick Infiltrator’s or CnD, in case you get a friend showing up to help you smack ’em down, or the boon-shredding proves to not be enough to kill you off.

As for Initiative mechanics, honestly: I rather wish ANet’d gone balls-out and used that in lieu of Cooldowns for all classes. IMO, it’d make for some very interesting tactics and skill-usage combinations. /shrug

I dunno. The fact that every so often, Decoy will pop clone/stunbreak … but not Stealth me, is pretty blasted obnoxious. Past that, our continual issues with LoS and “obstructed” are never entertaining. And, no, I do not like the new Illusionary Elasticity logic. Ew. >_<

Let’s just go for lulz, here. Fine, remove Moa …

I’ll sign up for:
Phantasmal Arrowcart

Need I say anything else?

Considering Necromancer Daggers are more of a focusing tool for their magicks, cleave could work. Although I’d agree that we might want to look at damage vs. targets struck, in order to balance it out.
As for this thread’s original idea, I actually like the basic concept of fueling my own power as the enemy weakens, however, it might actually work better scaled with a percentage of Healing Power. This’d open up some interesting build specs for Necromancers in general, considering Lifesteal sure as sin doesn’t scale with H. Power.

There’s one advantage to full Rabid spec on a Necromancer. Namely, with the Profession’s high base Health, one can more easily choose to focus on Toughness.
As far as being weak versus siege/objects in general, it’s a tradeoff there. Do you plan on roaming, or group/zerg fights? For the first, Condimancers are workable, but you’re going to have some issue with heavy Condition-cleaners.
Fact is, (as much as I myself stay pure Condition), something like P/V/T or a Knight/Cavalier combo would probably work better for solo business. OTOH, a Condimancer in a group can work pretty well, if you’re playing the Corrupt Boon/Epidemic card, Marks, and Plague. (However, rogerwilko is right about cleanses there. You’d have to space your Conditions out a tad, make the other group burn their cleanses, then shred their behinds down.)

The TL;DR version is pretty much: Best bet’s to experiment, find the EQ/Skills balance that works best for you, specifically. I’m currently Carrion Armour/Rampager Weapons/Rabid Trinkets … feels a bit too glassy for me, especially with limited access to Stability. YMMV

Here’s the issue with nerfs, Altroll. You speak of opening possibilities, but these random-arsed nerfs limit possibilities. For example, how many Condition Mesmers did you run into in PvP? You used to see a lot in WvW, but now that’s dwindled to a small fraction. The problem is, they nerf (Aspect “X”) of (Class “Y”), but they don’t slot in (Possibility “Z”) in exchange.
If we honestly want to see something other than: Phantasm/Shatter/Immortal Mesmers being truly viable, then we need to do the following:
-Fix bugged skills/weapons
-Figure a fair restructuring of Traits/lesser-used Abilities
-Test the changes in question before releasing them into the wild.

Now, if these three things were done, consistently, then it’d be fair to discuss “nerfing” Mesmers overall. As it is now, their nerfs merely push more Mesmers into the “OP”
meta-builds.

Considering Sylvari don’t adhere to standard gender roles whatsoever, make it so.

I’m with Entropy. Nerf the bloody whiners, already. Nerf ‘em harder than Mesmer/Thief/DD Ele/AND Engi’ve been shafted. Do it yesterday, ANet.

Time to ask what many of us are thinkin’

Where’s my score update?

Ah, Devona. Welcome back to Fergworld. This is going to be so fun

ET manages it because they’ve been in our boat for a while. It’s the whole T8 thing…the frigging Nietzsche Tier.

I’d have to agree with the idea that both skills are situational. If you’re generally roaming (solo or in a small-man team), Epidemic’s a lot faster to pull off, and can definately be played for kicks/kills. OTOH, Wells are better for holding choke-points or sieging.

As for myself, I tend to roll with Corrupt Boon/Epidemic. Swap those boys out for BiP/WoS if I know I’m going to do siege/choke coverage.

-Trait/Bug fixes.
-Evening out the various Kits, ability-wise. As things ride now, some Kits are rarely used … I’d like ’em all to be equally viable.
-(wish list item) Mobile Turrets, or at least better cooldown vs. repositioning options

-Attunement dancing.
-FGS … such a fun Conjure, and a pretty BA Elite
-D/D feels like a frigging fighting game character. (Especially Fire/Air … I’d almost think that Dev played a crapton of Guilty Gear.)
-Cast animations for the “big” spells are smexxy
-Nuking that requires tactics and positioning, not button-masher abilities.

The range fix is fine. Now, the fact that it can plant a Thief into the terrain (like Mesmer Phase Retreat used to do) … that needs fixed. evilapprentice’s idea would be sufficient if implemented.