Feldon There are still many unanswered questions about the AA revamp currently on Test, but Summoners, Druids, and Monks so far have gotten one response apiece about specific lines.
Xelgad posted to “Focused Minion (and other summoner changes)” on the EQ2 Forums:
We decided to scrap the pet Spell Multi-Attack (Doublecast) for several reasons. First, we wanted to move away from pet-specific AAs. As some of you know, scout pets did technically get some benefit from SDA because their attacks are classified as spells, but fighter pets did not really benefit at all. Additionally, in terms of AA versus AA balance (within the Summoner tree), Focused Minion was obviously much too powerful. At least to some degree, that was the result of the improvements to SDA in GU60.
Back in Sentinel’s Fate Beta, we balanced the amount of SDA for this AA taking into account that pets used some DoTs that would not get full benefit. Lastly, we don’t think Summoners are in need of any boosts in power on Live currently, but we have been looking forward to revamping the Summoner AA tree for years. Our goal is to revamp the tree without giving a signficiant net gain (or loss) in power to the class.
Literally every AA in the tree is subject to change based on your feedback, and I’m hopeful we’ll be able to get it set up so that you guys are reasonably happy with it even without the old Focused Minion.
BChizzle posted in a thread entitled “GU 61 Monk Changes Discussion” about changes to the Monk’s previously marginal endline ability Combination:
Re: Combination Change
I like that it crits and goes off automatically, I don’t like that it only goes off once and goes off every time we use jab+punch+kick. All this ability needed to get to be fixed was an increase in its duration to proc and allowing it to crit. Trying to get combination off once in 40 seconds was ok and kind of a fun minigame, trying to get it off 3 times every 20 seconds is not fun anymore. On top of that the main problem with combination is that it is hard to get a jab+punch+kick off in the alotted time neccesary to proc it, you haven’t fixed this problem as if any of those are delayed for whatever reason combination still doesn’t proc.
As someone who hardly ever saw Combination proc, and by the time I saw it light up on my hot bar, I’d already moved on in my casting order, I’ve been following these changes with interest. Xelgad addressed BChizzle’s comments on Combination and another ability, Reprimand:
I can see how that could get old, and I’m not sure we want to focus Monk DPSing entirely around this AA. Any other feedback on this change would be appreciated, especially if you’re able to get on Test and try it out.
Regarding Reprimand, keep in mind that it is balanced primarily against Superior Guard, Combination, and Evasion (as well as the other fighter AAs in those spots). It’s not as if we would give something as powerful as the Bruiser’s Wild Beating in this spot.
Finally, in a thread titled “Druid / Fury / Warden – Feedback GU 61“, Xelgad explained how the Shatter Infections line will work for Druids as a powerful, multiple use Pre-Cure:
Explaining Shatter Infections:
Instead of only triggering once, it now has unlimited triggers. The idea is that you can use the spell to “pre-cure” knockbacks/control effects/DoTs. For example, the challenge mode version of Prime-Cornicen Munderrad in Temple of Rallos Zek has a knockback, DoT and stifle that is difficult and important to “pre-cure.”
If we decide to keep the spell aimed in that direction, we’ll possibly increase the health threshold or remove it entirely.
This whole update is a slap in the face to all druids 🙁 How sad!
I smell a good old SWG Combat Upgrade coming on. The boys in the office got bored and decided to break out the box of nerf bats.
I wish they would have gotten rid of all the useless AA’s and then brought some of the weaker AA’s on par with DoV. I know that is asking alot. I am almost afraid to see how bad they are going to screw up Freeport and BeastLords.
The issue with summoners is that, while the majority of the Summoner tree is better, the loss of 10 pet spell multi attack is a crippling nerf right now. There is simply no comparison.
The only way this wouldn’t be a nerf is if/when players approach capped spell multi attack (right now its capped at 100%), and even then it would require we geared specifically for it.
Or, if any gained utility were to make up for the loss we would be OK. Right now the gained utility is not enough; groups and raids simply do not benefit in any noticeable amount.
Leave Monk’s combination alone! It’s fine as is.
I’d love an answer to the Exorcist shitfest, the root while casting, and the vanashing act change.
Welp, there goes Summoners.
My wife’s Druid will like the precure if it works well (removed health requirement). I don’t play a monk, but skilled summoners I’ve seen in test are STILL hammering the top of the parse only occasionally being passed by a good sorc. Is the big nerf impacting something other than dps?
Still no response for the massive AA nerf killing low to intermediate level players :-/
Ouch! Druids, do you feel that heat on your cheek? It’s the slap on our face from SOE – SOE and Verant have hated druids ever since we could quad in eq1!
Well I seen some major upgrades for Assassins on test. Seen alot of plate items with Wis, and Sta for SK, Zerker, Guard, Pally, Templar, and Assassin. I know its from them screwing up like usual. Wish they would let my wizzy and coercer put on leather. Mostly my coercer.
Problem is the druid response is only for Wardens there was absolutly nothing in the line for Furys i personally dont want to be a chanter type unless they feel like giving us a mana flow spell to use on our selves.
if wardens dont want the spell give it to furys i wish i could pre cure like that.
Please stop screwing with what is not broken ! Leave the Summoners beneficiary AAs alone ! This is Stupid to nerf our pets when we are summoners ! What ?! u want us to become half cooked Wizzes? God damn I just play a full on wizzy next time ! Now I remember why I quit EQ classic in the first place after 6 years ! They screw up my SK class First and said OOPS and fix back again after all hell broke loose. Now its been 15 years and they ARE STILL screwing with us customers ! THIS IS SAD!