IRL - group comp

[Hanadmer]

What do you think of this comp?


SK
Mage
Necro - my og main, top DPS alongside mage
Shaman
Bard - working on a Bard as we speak

For the last slot, I am torn between Wizard, Druid and Enchanter. The argument for wizard is very solid DPS plus portal utility and evac. Druid also for portals/evac as well as a second healer/rezzer but I’d probably run the Druid in DPS mode on CWTN. The thought behind enchanter was better crack + CC + dps. But maybe the Bard can cover that already?

 

[Chilidag]

One doesn't really need ports to get around anymore, Bard can handle all cc. I would add a BST to the group instead to have the last pet class for fun and profit.

 

[Hadler]

I think I'd go wizard, for no other reason than I just made a group with a wizard. I don't know how Druid and Shaman play together but anytime I have a druid with a paladin or cleric I spend more time fighting buff stacking problems than I'd like. That's a low level problem really but it is annoying.

 

[Hanadmer]

One doesn't really need ports to get around anymore, Bard can handle all cc. I would add a BST to the group instead to have the last pet class for fun and profit.

I forgot to add that third option of “just go for one more dps/pet class”. BST should be on the list for that reason.

I do think having the teleport group to bind spells and effectively having an extra bind point for the group is pretty useful, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the extra slot.

 

[98bcobra]

Bard can cover CC. Only issue with caster heavy group is mana. You run out you gotta wait. I would add a higher melee dps or maybe a BST for paragon and BST C line.

 

[BillyBobJr]

In case you are thinking about keeping the NEC and going more caster heavy...I ended up going with PAL, DRU, ENC, BRD, MAG and NEC based on another post here on RG that I saw recently. Only level 101 atm (on Test), but my Druid has had zero problems with healing, even when in 'Hybrid' (DPS + heals) mode with the CWTN plugin. I've also not had any mana problems at all, which I'm sure is due to having 3 classes that can help with mana (BRD, ENC, NEC). As far as the overlap between ENC and BRD goes, I was a bit worried about that initially, but having the ENC focus on CC and letting the BRD focus on ADPS is working out pretty nicely. I love the CWTN plugins and the MQ2Bard one is a huge upgrade from messing around with KA all those years, but watching my ENC (also with CWTN plugin) handle any # of adds, while also charming, DPSing, throwing runes, etc.. is pretty sweet to watch. I initially started out with WAR, SHM, BRD, ZER, ROG, BST and had at least 6-7 wipes with the bard trying to lock down multiple mobs with CC. Granted that was at low levels (sub 90), but I haven't had a single wipe due to CC issues with this group using the ENC as the only CC'er. It really is amazing how good the MQ2Enchanter plugin is when it comes to reaction times and keeping mobs locked down.

I ended up switching my group composition for multiple reasons, but like you, the convenience of ports, evacs, etc. was one of them. Is the group super optimal? Obviously not, but I'm having fun trying something different than I have before. I've done the whole SK, SHM (or CLR) + whatever else route many times and wanted to mix it up a bit this time. As Sic and others have said, at the end of the day, it should be about having fun. That obviously means different things to different people, but having a group that always parses top DPS isn't my main priority anymore. Discovering the synergies between classes that I haven't played before (PAL + DRU) in this case) is keeping me engaged, which is all I'm looking for at this point. I look forward to seeing your progress as you get your new team going. Good luck out there!

 

[burdsjm]

EverQuest Group Makeup GPT

 

[Hanadmer]

In case you are thinking about keeping the NEC and going more caster heavy...I ended up going with PAL, DRU, ENC, BRD, MAG and NEC based on another post here on RG that I saw recently. Only level 101 atm (on Test), but my Druid has had zero problems with healing, even when in 'Hybrid' (DPS + heals) mode with the CWTN plugin. I've also not had any mana problems at all, which I'm sure is due to having 3 classes that can help with mana (BRD, ENC, NEC). As far as the overlap between ENC and BRD goes, I was a bit worried about that initially, but having the ENC focus on CC and letting the BRD focus on ADPS is working out pretty nicely. I love the CWTN plugins and the MQ2Bard one is a huge upgrade from messing around with KA all those years, but watching my ENC (also with CWTN plugin) handle any # of adds, while also charming, DPSing, throwing runes, etc.. is pretty sweet to watch. I initially started out with WAR, SHM, BRD, ZER, ROG, BST and had at least 6-7 wipes with the bard trying to lock down multiple mobs with CC. Granted that was at low levels (sub 90), but I haven't had a single wipe due to CC issues with this group using the ENC as the only CC'er. It really is amazing how good the MQ2Enchanter plugin is when it comes to reaction times and keeping mobs locked down.

I ended up switching my group composition for multiple reasons, but like you, the convenience of ports, evacs, etc. was one of them. Is the group super optimal? Obviously not, but I'm having fun trying something different than I have before. I've done the whole SK, SHM (or CLR) + whatever else route many times and wanted to mix it up a bit this time. As Sic and others have said, at the end of the day, it should be about having fun. That obviously means different things to different people, but having a group that always parses top DPS isn't my main priority anymore. Discovering the synergies between classes that I haven't played before (PAL + DRU) in this case) is keeping me engaged, which is all I'm looking for at this point. I look forward to seeing your progress as you get your new team going. Good luck out there!

Thanks. I’m not ready to give up the Shaman yet. But now the Bard/Enchanter combo is starting to sound good. How is DPS on the chanter? I’m not looking for top parsing either, I’d prioritize survivability and utility over pure dps. I wasn’t sure how good the CWTN chanter plugin was at CC but if it’s fairly solid, this might be the choice. Either chanter/bard or chanter with another dps class. Ports would be nice, but I can also live without them with the mages CoTH.

 

[BillyBobJr]

Thanks. I’m not ready to give up the Shaman yet. But now the Bard/Enchanter combo is starting to sound good. How is DPS on the chanter? I’m not looking for top parsing either, I’d prioritize survivability and utility over pure dps. I wasn’t sure how good the CWTN chanter plugin was at CC but if it’s fairly solid, this might be the choice. Either chanter/bard or chanter with another dps class. Ports would be nice, but I can also live without them with the mages CoTH.

I honestly haven't bothered parsing my ENC DPS, but from what I've read they can be a huge boost to mage DPS. If you are going to keep your SHM and have the Druid DPS, I'm not sure what the mana situation will be. I've read they are very mana hungry, which is one of the reasons I went with my group comp with a bunch of mana "givers". I think this really only works well with a PAL + DRU combo though, as the PAL is more than capable of keeping himself/herself alive for most fights. and the DRU just has to fill in the gaps healing wise.

 

[Valdemar]

In case you are thinking about keeping the NEC and going more caster heavy...I ended up going with PAL, DRU, ENC, BRD, MAG and NEC based on another post here on RG that I saw recently. Only level 101 atm (on Test), but my Druid has had zero problems with healing, even when in 'Hybrid' (DPS + heals) mode with the CWTN plugin. I've also not had any mana problems at all, which I'm sure is due to having 3 classes that can help with mana (BRD, ENC, NEC). As far as the overlap between ENC and BRD goes, I was a bit worried about that initially, but having the ENC focus on CC and letting the BRD focus on ADPS is working out pretty nicely. I love the CWTN plugins and the MQ2Bard one is a huge upgrade from messing around with KA all those years, but watching my ENC (also with CWTN plugin) handle any # of adds, while also charming, DPSing, throwing runes, etc.. is pretty sweet to watch. I initially started out with WAR, SHM, BRD, ZER, ROG, BST and had at least 6-7 wipes with the bard trying to lock down multiple mobs with CC. Granted that was at low levels (sub 90), but I haven't had a single wipe due to CC issues with this group using the ENC as the only CC'er. It really is amazing how good the MQ2Enchanter plugin is when it comes to reaction times and keeping mobs locked down.

I ended up switching my group composition for multiple reasons, but like you, the convenience of ports, evacs, etc. was one of them. Is the group super optimal? Obviously not, but I'm having fun trying something different than I have before. I've done the whole SK, SHM (or CLR) + whatever else route many times and wanted to mix it up a bit this time. As Sic and others have said, at the end of the day, it should be about having fun. That obviously means different things to different people, but having a group that always parses top DPS isn't my main priority anymore. Discovering the synergies between classes that I haven't played before (PAL + DRU) in this case) is keeping me engaged, which is all I'm looking for at this point. I look forward to seeing your progress as you get your new team going. Good luck out there!

I second this. I'd add an ENC and consider swapping the SHM with a DRU. Either one is fantastic but everyone seems to forget that the DRU's AC/HP buff also includes a mana regen component. DRU also have an AA ability to boost caster DPS that is superior. The other argument I'd push back against that I see repeated constantly is "BRD can handle CC". Sure, but I want my BRD focused on the one thing that justifies his spot in the group and that's adding DPS. If there's an ENC in the group, CC is better and the BRD can focus on his raison d'etre. Plus my ENC nukes. I don't know what everyone else's ENCs do, but mine buffs and charms before the fight and nukes during the fight. DPS isn't uber, but who cares. Mobs die and my group doesn't.

 

[519helvis]

i also have played around with caster group compositions and agree having a brd and enc is a solid choice if your playing mages and wizards ... necros (im biased as i love them) are def not as mana hungry. ive been playing around with a few diff caster groups and found once you get to 115+ to get that extra bounce for the ounce definitely look into the TBM proc belts as well as the proc augs from CoV (i think?) and than if you do the group progressions you can add type 18/19 proc augs as well to the evolved items ... it def ups the gruop dps .... and i 110% agree the cwtn enc plugin is rock solid for cc freeing up your bard for other bardly things =)

running a pally and druid with other 4 seems to be quite fun as well as ive not had much experience with pallys in the past.

at the end of the day its all about what you find fun. the nice thing about the caster groups is it seems to have more options than the typical high dps blender groups for melee annihilation

have fun!

try something completely different like "5 necros and a druid walk into a bar"

 

[Mugly]

What do you think of this comp?


SK
Mage
Necro - my og main, top DPS alongside mage
Shaman
Bard - working on a Bard as we speak

For the last slot, I am torn between Wizard, Druid and Enchanter. The argument for wizard is very solid DPS plus portal utility and evac. Druid also for portals/evac as well as a second healer/rezzer but I’d probably run the Druid in DPS mode on CWTN. The thought behind enchanter was better crack + CC + dps. But maybe the Bard can cover that already?

thought about adding a backstabber?

 

[Abb7327]

What do you think of this comp?


SK
Mage
Necro - my og main, top DPS alongside mage
Shaman
Bard - working on a Bard as we speak

For the last slot, I am torn between Wizard, Druid and Enchanter. The argument for wizard is very solid DPS plus portal utility and evac. Druid also for portals/evac as well as a second healer/rezzer but I’d probably run the Druid in DPS mode on CWTN. The thought behind enchanter was better crack + CC + dps. But maybe the Bard can cover that already?

Could do a cleric then run the shaman in dps mode. and if you need a bit more healing could switch shaman to then hybrid. Just a thought!

 

[Peppe]

Hm, ranger class would fit in I think.

If I remember it, rangers Syneri adds tons of extra damage to elemental damage.

 

[pasthiml]

I think you play what you like. Your group is caster heavy, so I would lean with a BL or a second mage.

 

[Hanadmer]

I second this. I'd add an ENC and consider swapping the SHM with a DRU. Either one is fantastic but everyone seems to forget that the DRU's AC/HP buff also includes a mana regen component. DRU alsothe have an AA ability to boost caster DPS that is superior. The other argument I'd push back against that I see repeated constantly is "BRD can handle CC". Sure, but I want my BRD focused on the one thing that justifies his spot in the group and that's adding DPS. If there's an ENC in the group, CC is better and the BRD can focus on his raison d'etre. Plus my ENC nukes. I don't know what everyone else's ENCs do, but mine buffs and charms before the fight and nukes during the fight. DPS isn't uber, but who cares. Mobs die and my group doesn't.

I ended up going with SHD SHM DRU NEC MAG BRD. Possibly once the Druid is strong enough and can consistently heal the group on his own, I'll swap an ENC for the SHM. DRU and BRD are still leveling up so its too early to tell how this comp will work out, but I like the option for now of two healers for harder encounters, and the comp has a ton of utility. Thus far, mana has not really been an issue when running SHD, SHM, MAG, NEC. The BRD, who is only 122 right now, already boosted the Mage and Necro DPS by 50%+ (probably because of the swarm pets).

 

[Lord Sivion]

I think 6 Necros or nothing...

 

[Valdemar]

I ended up going with SHD SHM DRU NEC MAG BRD. Possibly once the Druid is strong enough and can consistently heal the group on his own, I'll swap an ENC for the SHM. DRU and BRD are still leveling up so its too early to tell how this comp will work out, but I like the option for now of two healers for harder encounters, and the comp has a ton of utility. Thus far, mana has not really been an issue when running SHD, SHM, MAG, NEC. The BRD, who is only 122 right now, already boosted the Mage and Necro DPS by 50%+ (probably because of the swarm pets).

Cool. You'll do fine. I think your plan to get the subs levelled-up is the way to go. ENC auras will be a nice boost for your caster army in the future.

 

[killerclown]

my main group is war shaman bst ranger bard rogue

 

[reedreddington]

I run SK / SHM / BRD / NEC and sometimes MAG as my main rotation. So thumbs up from me. As far as adding the next toon - Your instinct to add WIZ is pretty spot on for this type of group.