Salarus
Dalayan Master
As some of you may know, I've spent way too much time leveling characters from scratch (both twinked and untwinked) over the past 10 years or so. I probably do this because I like making myself suffer or something (read: I have FIVE WARRIORS), but in doing so I've noticed a few pretty silly things that I think should be changed early on.
Thing #1: Resurrection
Problem: Not enough classes have rez at an early level.
Context: So you're out exping in a group, and someone dies. They are likely bound in the Newport or some close city, and they won't be able to get back for some time, especially if you don't have a porter to go help them. What does this accomplish? Sure, you should have been better and not died, but that does happen. There are ample punishing elements to death already (DF, losing buffs, exp debt), without having to spend 10-15 minutes running to get back to your group.
Solution: Adding a 0% exp rez at level 14 to druids and shamans would reduce this unnecessary inconvenience.
Thing #2: Druid/Shaman Heals until level 19
Problem: Mashing 1 button as hard and fast as you can for hours on end is boring, which you have to do, because the heals are worthless.
Context: To be honest this extends beyond 19, but it is most painful until then. With the increases in droppable gear, and exp-able gear from adepts, the minor/light heals are just not sufficient at the level they receive them. Up until 19, grouping with a fully untwinked warrior, the (numerous) druids and shaman I have leveled do nothing but aux once then spam heal, which generally needs to continue after the fight is even over. It isn't a mana issue, it is that this heal hits for about 3-5% of the tanks life.
Solution: Druids/Shamans should get light healing at 5 (like clerics) and healing at 14 (like clerics). After that leave their heals where they are. They are still really sad at healing (and don't crit, like clerics) but it will at least give the classes the option to do more than just mash 1 button as fast as they can for hours on end, and hopefully explore more of the versatility of their class (dots, slows, etc.)
I'll also take this as a time to say that I don't imagine this is a high priority with all that is going on in 2.5 (thank you for all the work on 2.5 btw) but I really believe it will improve gameplay for new players.
Thing #1: Resurrection
Problem: Not enough classes have rez at an early level.
Context: So you're out exping in a group, and someone dies. They are likely bound in the Newport or some close city, and they won't be able to get back for some time, especially if you don't have a porter to go help them. What does this accomplish? Sure, you should have been better and not died, but that does happen. There are ample punishing elements to death already (DF, losing buffs, exp debt), without having to spend 10-15 minutes running to get back to your group.
Solution: Adding a 0% exp rez at level 14 to druids and shamans would reduce this unnecessary inconvenience.
Thing #2: Druid/Shaman Heals until level 19
Problem: Mashing 1 button as hard and fast as you can for hours on end is boring, which you have to do, because the heals are worthless.
Context: To be honest this extends beyond 19, but it is most painful until then. With the increases in droppable gear, and exp-able gear from adepts, the minor/light heals are just not sufficient at the level they receive them. Up until 19, grouping with a fully untwinked warrior, the (numerous) druids and shaman I have leveled do nothing but aux once then spam heal, which generally needs to continue after the fight is even over. It isn't a mana issue, it is that this heal hits for about 3-5% of the tanks life.
Solution: Druids/Shamans should get light healing at 5 (like clerics) and healing at 14 (like clerics). After that leave their heals where they are. They are still really sad at healing (and don't crit, like clerics) but it will at least give the classes the option to do more than just mash 1 button as fast as they can for hours on end, and hopefully explore more of the versatility of their class (dots, slows, etc.)
I'll also take this as a time to say that I don't imagine this is a high priority with all that is going on in 2.5 (thank you for all the work on 2.5 btw) but I really believe it will improve gameplay for new players.
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