The candles cast a warm glow on the greatroom of the manor, illuminating Fulguralis and his minions. The Warlock taps his foot and looks impatiently at the ceiling. Sensing his mood, the other creatures in the room fidget.
"Where is she?" Fulguralis asks.
"Maybe they've been sidetracked by loooove," Berry Blue responds.
Nighty's eyes light up. "Right. I'm sure she's all... tied up."
The Warlock favors his Succubus with a frown.
"Whatif-whatif-whatif..." Spaz sputters. They all stare at the imp, bouncing on the sofa and repeating the same words like a broken Gnomish recording.
"Out with it already," Nighty orders, striking him on the head. Spaz falls to the floor with a thump, rolls over, and runs to the other sofa.
"Ouch-ouch-OUCH," Spaz whines. "I-was-just-gonna-say-maybe-she's-been-bitten. Like... CANDY!" And he's back to jumping.
"Don't be a fool, Shorty," Berry Blue says. "Ain't everyone like our whip-carryin' friend here. More likely they stopped for a candlelight dinner and some smooth, soft-"
"Do you suppose he would bite a Succubus?" Nighty purrs. "Mmmmm. Furries are fun."
"Shut up, all of you," Fulguralis says. "That's my sister you're talking about. Valentis wouldn't bite her... would he?"
"Dude, I'd tap that." The deep voice carries from the back room.
"Shut up, DeeGee. Get back in the closet. I didn't even summon you."
"But it's hot in the closet."
"Which reminds me," Fulguralis strokes his chin, "I need to get back to the Firelands. You coming, Sparky?"
The Felpup hops up on the table and barks a few times, voicing some cryptic canine opinion that only his master can decipher.
The Warlock rolls his eyes. "Of course it's going to be hot. That's why they call it the Firelands."
Sparky's head droops and a whine mewls out.
"Oh, stop being a baby."
"Take me. I like it hot," Nighty suggests huskily.
Fulguralis rolls his eyes. "Of course you do. But you're always spanking yourself and, quite frankly, it's getting real felling annoying."
"It's hot in the closet," Deegee throws in.
Fulguralis points. "See, there you go. Sounds like an offer to me."
Night frowns, but heads off to the back room anyway.
"Make sure you use a Shadow Ward," Fulguralis calls after her.
Over her shoulder, the Succubus makes an obscene gesture.
"Fire-fire-FIRE. Takeme-takeme!" Spaz is running around the Warlock's ankles.
Fulguralis glances over at his Felhunter. "See what you're subjecting me to?"
The Felpup chuffs and hops down off the table. He snaps his jaws at the Imp, sending the little guy off screaming. With a satisfied look on his face, he takes his place at his master's side.
"All right, summon me!" the Warlock yells up at the ceiling. "Back to the felling grind," he mutters, then turns to look down and his minion. "You think we'll get some new gear tonight?"
The Felpup cocks his head.
"No, you're right. It'll be mail or leather again, no one will be able to use it, and we'll have another shard," Fulguralis complains. He takes a deep breath, staring up at nothing in particular. "Gear seems so much harder to come by since the Shattering. The Mages must be screwing with the market again, holding back the choicest pieces for their precious council. You know how they are. Probably got that fabled legendary staff right now, taking turns turning each other into dragons and-"
With a pop, the Warlock disappears.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Coupling Couples
Labels: Raiding, Reflections 6 comments
The more I PvP, the more I realize the little things that give you an edge can really matter. Now, the Devs admit that 2v2 isn't really balanced. And, while rated BG's are better, you're not usually in an even numbers situation (or at least I'm not). So, it can be tough to gauge how you do in a "fair" fight.
That is to say, the little things generally get masked by the big things. Gear, uneven numbers, vast differences in skill or experience... they are the major factors in most matches. Still, the littler items of strategy, teamwork, and communication are not to be overlooked. You can overcome a large gear deficit with an effective strategy. You can win a 2 on 4 with solid teamwork. Communication can make up for lack of skill or experience.
One of the benefits I've noticed, made plain to me in PvP but also effective in PvE, is how well couples play together. Well, not even exactly couples. Just people in the same room. In our guild, this is generally all the couples, but it doesn't have to be.
I think it's clear why: communication is far easier. Even when you have vent, the simple necessity of having to key in takes time. I wonder if running with an open mic would be better or worse. If you're in the same room, you hear all the blurts and nuances of a person's conversation. Communication becomes far more effective. This simple fact, I believe, has contributed to some early success in the 2v2 realm.
It's not a major factor, but I think it's noticeable. People in the same room simply coordinate better. Even if most of their communication is yelling or grunting... there's something about co-location that helps.
I've started to bring this idea to raid leading. Often, when I think about strats, I try to find ways to put the co-located folks together. Working in pairs seems to pay off. Have the healer sitting in the same room as the add tank heal that tank. Have the tank/healer couple go up top.
It can work with DPS too. I find that when I'm on a task with Fuu, her situational awareness skyrockets. Some of it is probably me yelling my head off at her to move (which I know she loves), but also I think she feels more comfortable knowing I'm focused on the same task she is. There's safety in numbers. She's not so worried that it's all on her shoulders, trusting that her husband has her back. She plays more confidently, and it shows.
There are cons, too. It can be quite stressful, and you also probably have to hear about how you failed from your significant other. Yet, I think it pays tangible dividends. In any case, it's something to consider when breaking down a fight.
That is to say, the little things generally get masked by the big things. Gear, uneven numbers, vast differences in skill or experience... they are the major factors in most matches. Still, the littler items of strategy, teamwork, and communication are not to be overlooked. You can overcome a large gear deficit with an effective strategy. You can win a 2 on 4 with solid teamwork. Communication can make up for lack of skill or experience.
One of the benefits I've noticed, made plain to me in PvP but also effective in PvE, is how well couples play together. Well, not even exactly couples. Just people in the same room. In our guild, this is generally all the couples, but it doesn't have to be.
I think it's clear why: communication is far easier. Even when you have vent, the simple necessity of having to key in takes time. I wonder if running with an open mic would be better or worse. If you're in the same room, you hear all the blurts and nuances of a person's conversation. Communication becomes far more effective. This simple fact, I believe, has contributed to some early success in the 2v2 realm.
It's not a major factor, but I think it's noticeable. People in the same room simply coordinate better. Even if most of their communication is yelling or grunting... there's something about co-location that helps.
I've started to bring this idea to raid leading. Often, when I think about strats, I try to find ways to put the co-located folks together. Working in pairs seems to pay off. Have the healer sitting in the same room as the add tank heal that tank. Have the tank/healer couple go up top.
It can work with DPS too. I find that when I'm on a task with Fuu, her situational awareness skyrockets. Some of it is probably me yelling my head off at her to move (which I know she loves), but also I think she feels more comfortable knowing I'm focused on the same task she is. There's safety in numbers. She's not so worried that it's all on her shoulders, trusting that her husband has her back. She plays more confidently, and it shows.
There are cons, too. It can be quite stressful, and you also probably have to hear about how you failed from your significant other. Yet, I think it pays tangible dividends. In any case, it's something to consider when breaking down a fight.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Just Another Word for Casual
Labels: Autobio, Shout Out 4 comments
Here's something fun for a Monday. Typhoon Andrew wrote last week about a deeper breakdown of the common "casual" and "hardcore" gamer tags. It's a nice little article, but I'm particularly a sucker for personality tests. They speak to the closet psychology nerd in me. Hence, I have to point you over there.
I, of course, am an AELOHF.
Amateur, for sure. Though I wish I got paid for being casual. I would have to say I'm Experienced now in WoW, though there are plenty of things I don't know... and it's always changing. My time is extremely Limited. Fortunately, I have 10-12 other L's in a guild with me, which is the only thing that allows me to raid. I'm an Optimal player. Sometimes this annoys the hell out of my guildmates, I know, but I crave optimization in my gameplay. I tend to get pretty antsy when people are "dicking around" (as I say) or "having fun" (as they say). Generally, I try to reign myself in (since it's obviously a personal thing) or sit out for "fun runs."
Though I'm a blogger, I would classify myself as Hidden. This is because I generally don't talk to people when I'm not doing group content. It sort of goes with that optimization stuff. If I'm online, I'm usually trying to complete something. I generally don't get on to shoot the shit. Still, I could wane Social here because who I'm playing with is extremely important to me. I try to surround myself with people that I can play well with, and don't PuG a lot. I recognize that I have pretty specific opinions about my play time, so I try to keep a close group of people that feel mostly the same.
Finally, I'm Focused. I have one PvE toon, and one PvP toon. I would have had them both be the same, but I have an in-your-face mentality with PvP that doesn't translate well to playing as a Warlock. Also, it does provide a nice change of pace. Still, after, what, four years of playing, I only have two max level characters, and have really rolled only three others.
Anyway, it was a neat article and had me thinking about my proclivities. Thus, I thought it was worth sharing. I'll get back to beating the dead horse of the FL-nerf topic tomorrow, as tonight will be our first chance to experience it. I expect a one-shot on Rag. :-D.
I, of course, am an AELOHF.
Amateur, for sure. Though I wish I got paid for being casual. I would have to say I'm Experienced now in WoW, though there are plenty of things I don't know... and it's always changing. My time is extremely Limited. Fortunately, I have 10-12 other L's in a guild with me, which is the only thing that allows me to raid. I'm an Optimal player. Sometimes this annoys the hell out of my guildmates, I know, but I crave optimization in my gameplay. I tend to get pretty antsy when people are "dicking around" (as I say) or "having fun" (as they say). Generally, I try to reign myself in (since it's obviously a personal thing) or sit out for "fun runs."
Though I'm a blogger, I would classify myself as Hidden. This is because I generally don't talk to people when I'm not doing group content. It sort of goes with that optimization stuff. If I'm online, I'm usually trying to complete something. I generally don't get on to shoot the shit. Still, I could wane Social here because who I'm playing with is extremely important to me. I try to surround myself with people that I can play well with, and don't PuG a lot. I recognize that I have pretty specific opinions about my play time, so I try to keep a close group of people that feel mostly the same.
Finally, I'm Focused. I have one PvE toon, and one PvP toon. I would have had them both be the same, but I have an in-your-face mentality with PvP that doesn't translate well to playing as a Warlock. Also, it does provide a nice change of pace. Still, after, what, four years of playing, I only have two max level characters, and have really rolled only three others.
Anyway, it was a neat article and had me thinking about my proclivities. Thus, I thought it was worth sharing. I'll get back to beating the dead horse of the FL-nerf topic tomorrow, as tonight will be our first chance to experience it. I expect a one-shot on Rag. :-D.
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Final Shot
Labels: IC Fridays 0 comments
Harrison releases his love. His stomach roils as she turns and rejoins Valentis near the plane. Even so, his face remains impassive. He turns to Captain Renault and makes one last threatening gesture with the gun. His friend smiles and spreads his arms even wider. Satisfied, Harrison walks over to join the couple.
"Everything is in order," Valentis says, glancing as his bride-to-be and nodding at the other man before him.
"All except one thing," Harrison answers. "There's something you should know before you leave."
Valentis holds up a hand. "Mr. Jones, I don't ask that you explain anything."
Harrison shakes his head. "I'm going to anyway because it may make a difference to you later on. You said you knew about Dece and me."
"Yes."
"What you didn't know was that she was at my place last night when you were. She came there for the papers. Isn't that true, Dece?"
Decedereful lowers her head. "Yes."
Harrison continues, "She tried everything to get them and nothing worked. She did her best to convince me she was still in love with me, but that was over long ago. For your sake, she pretended it wasn't, and I let her pretend."
Valentis nods solemnly, "I understand."
Harrison produces the papers from inside of his jacket, and hands them both over to the Gilnean. "Here they are."
Valentis clasps the other man on the shoulder. "Thanks. I appreciate it. Welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win."
Behind them, the Gnomish airplane engines rev up. Valentis turns to Decedereful. "Are you ready, Dece?"
The young woman nods. "Yes, I'm ready. Good-bye, Harrison. Light bless you."
Harrison tips his trademark fedora. "You better hurry. You'll miss that plane."
He watches wistfully as Valentis helps Decedereful up into the plane. The engines sputter and the vehicle begins to roll. The bright stars, the moon, and Captain Renault are the only witnesses as it launches into the calm Ramkahen skies, dark smoke trailing behind it.
Harrison turns back to Renault and walks over. He helps his friend to his feet. Behind them, they here the muffled clop of camels hooves. Harrison moves behind the Captain, gun still in hand.
"Vhat is zhe meaning of zhis? Vhat vas on zhat plane?" Major Strasser barks.
Renault points up at the sky. "Valentis was on that plane."
"Vhy do you stand here? Vhy did you not stop him?"
"Ask Harrison."
Strasser pulls a device out of his pocket. It is a communication box, used to contact his Schnottzy allies. Seeing it, Harrison points his gun at the Goblin.
"Put that down, Strasser."
"I vhould adwise you not to interfere," Strasser says, pressing the buttons on the device anyway.
"I was willing to shoot Captain Renault and I'm willing to shoot you," Harrison warns.
"Hallo?" Strasser says into the device.
"Put that communicator down."
"Get me zhe airstrip."
"Put it down!"
The Goblin draws a gun of his own. Two shots shatter out across the silent desert, echoing into infinity. After a moment, Strasser falls to the ground, dead. Harrison glances over at his friend, and then replaces the gun into his jacket.
They stand in silence for a few moments before several other camels ride up. Renault's policemen are perched on their backs. The commotion of the evening has not gone unnoticed.
Renault looks down at the body. "Major Strasser's been shot."
The Captain looks over at Harrison. Harrison returns a level stare, revealing nothing.
"Round up the usual suspects," Renault orders.
The policemen pick up the Major's body and leave. Renault turns to Harrison, who is smiling now. The Captain returns the grin.
"Louie," Harrison says, placing an arm on the man's shoulder, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Note from the Author - In case you hadn't noticed, the thread over the past few months with these characters has been a parody of the classic movie Casablanca. I thought it would be fun to write and I love the movie. Plus, I think there's something hilarious about taking an Indiana Jones parody and parodying Humphrey Bogart with the famous "Here's looking at you, kid" line. I'm sure I'm the only one. So, I know it wasn't my usual fare, perhaps a little more serious/dramatic, but it was a lot of fun to write. I'll go back to the more traditional humorous narrative threads now, if I can find them. Feel free to offer suggestions, and thanks for reading!
"Everything is in order," Valentis says, glancing as his bride-to-be and nodding at the other man before him.
"All except one thing," Harrison answers. "There's something you should know before you leave."
Valentis holds up a hand. "Mr. Jones, I don't ask that you explain anything."
Harrison shakes his head. "I'm going to anyway because it may make a difference to you later on. You said you knew about Dece and me."
"Yes."
"What you didn't know was that she was at my place last night when you were. She came there for the papers. Isn't that true, Dece?"
Decedereful lowers her head. "Yes."
Harrison continues, "She tried everything to get them and nothing worked. She did her best to convince me she was still in love with me, but that was over long ago. For your sake, she pretended it wasn't, and I let her pretend."
Valentis nods solemnly, "I understand."
Harrison produces the papers from inside of his jacket, and hands them both over to the Gilnean. "Here they are."
Valentis clasps the other man on the shoulder. "Thanks. I appreciate it. Welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win."
Behind them, the Gnomish airplane engines rev up. Valentis turns to Decedereful. "Are you ready, Dece?"
The young woman nods. "Yes, I'm ready. Good-bye, Harrison. Light bless you."
Harrison tips his trademark fedora. "You better hurry. You'll miss that plane."
He watches wistfully as Valentis helps Decedereful up into the plane. The engines sputter and the vehicle begins to roll. The bright stars, the moon, and Captain Renault are the only witnesses as it launches into the calm Ramkahen skies, dark smoke trailing behind it.
Harrison turns back to Renault and walks over. He helps his friend to his feet. Behind them, they here the muffled clop of camels hooves. Harrison moves behind the Captain, gun still in hand.
"Vhat is zhe meaning of zhis? Vhat vas on zhat plane?" Major Strasser barks.
Renault points up at the sky. "Valentis was on that plane."
"Vhy do you stand here? Vhy did you not stop him?"
"Ask Harrison."
Strasser pulls a device out of his pocket. It is a communication box, used to contact his Schnottzy allies. Seeing it, Harrison points his gun at the Goblin.
"Put that down, Strasser."
"I vhould adwise you not to interfere," Strasser says, pressing the buttons on the device anyway.
"I was willing to shoot Captain Renault and I'm willing to shoot you," Harrison warns.
"Hallo?" Strasser says into the device.
"Put that communicator down."
"Get me zhe airstrip."
"Put it down!"
The Goblin draws a gun of his own. Two shots shatter out across the silent desert, echoing into infinity. After a moment, Strasser falls to the ground, dead. Harrison glances over at his friend, and then replaces the gun into his jacket.
They stand in silence for a few moments before several other camels ride up. Renault's policemen are perched on their backs. The commotion of the evening has not gone unnoticed.
Renault looks down at the body. "Major Strasser's been shot."
The Captain looks over at Harrison. Harrison returns a level stare, revealing nothing.
"Round up the usual suspects," Renault orders.
The policemen pick up the Major's body and leave. Renault turns to Harrison, who is smiling now. The Captain returns the grin.
"Louie," Harrison says, placing an arm on the man's shoulder, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
* * *
Note from the Author - In case you hadn't noticed, the thread over the past few months with these characters has been a parody of the classic movie Casablanca. I thought it would be fun to write and I love the movie. Plus, I think there's something hilarious about taking an Indiana Jones parody and parodying Humphrey Bogart with the famous "Here's looking at you, kid" line. I'm sure I'm the only one. So, I know it wasn't my usual fare, perhaps a little more serious/dramatic, but it was a lot of fun to write. I'll go back to the more traditional humorous narrative threads now, if I can find them. Feel free to offer suggestions, and thanks for reading!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Hump Day Quickie
Labels: Patch, Raiding, warlocky 8 comments
Today, I'll play the part of an aggregate service. Also, I'll be even lazier and link an aggregate service. Riveting, I know. However, there are two things I wanted to pass along to you, dear readers.
First and foremost, FL got pwned. Seriously. That's a huge... nerf bat. Want to know more, the Melting Pot already has a good collection of nerf posts. The first one in particular lists off what you need to know by boss. Break down and reactions at 11.
Second, K-bear over at Dots and Hots put together a nice little tips and tricks guide for Warlocks in Firelands. Since I've yet to see most of these fights (and suspect I'll be seeing them a bit sooner than previously anticipated), I've perused the article. Good stuff if you like melting faces... casually.
That is all. Now, back to your regularly scheduled Wednesday, already in progress.
(Apart from the title, I resisted the urge to be dirty...aren't you proud?)
First and foremost, FL got pwned. Seriously. That's a huge... nerf bat. Want to know more, the Melting Pot already has a good collection of nerf posts. The first one in particular lists off what you need to know by boss. Break down and reactions at 11.
Second, K-bear over at Dots and Hots put together a nice little tips and tricks guide for Warlocks in Firelands. Since I've yet to see most of these fights (and suspect I'll be seeing them a bit sooner than previously anticipated), I've perused the article. Good stuff if you like melting faces... casually.
That is all. Now, back to your regularly scheduled Wednesday, already in progress.
(Apart from the title, I resisted the urge to be dirty...aren't you proud?)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
In Other News...
Labels: Raiding 11 comments
We got Shannox down last night, again... finally. We'd been trying to implement most of the suggestions that you guys gave me last week. In the end, I think the most helpful was simply to go with a three healer approach. It made DPS a small bit slower, but not as much as you'd think. The extra heals gave us some breathing room so we could recover from small fails. Heck, we almost downed him once when we stepped in five (5) crystal traps (3 healers, a tank, and a DPS... two at the same time finally wiped us).
We came back after the self-trapping wipe, re-focused, and started getting consistently to the last phase. We made some pretty good transitions - really close to 30% when Riplimb went down - but it still gets a little dicey. I think we had two <5% wipes before we got him down. I have no idea how we one-shot him the first time we saw him. I think we've learned our lessons though and can deal with all the mechanics pretty well.
So, what we have learned so far in Firelands is that Beth'tilac is a definite two-healer fight, and Shannox seems designed for three. Blizzard has done this to ten mans in the past, and I guess I was hoping the design would change in Cataclysm, what with the focus on separate but equal raiding.
Pre-Cat, you pretty much always had to have the "swing guy" to be successful. Someone that can go between DPS and Healing prior to the fights to give your raid the flexibility needed to succeed. Sure, when you get geared, eventually you can cease the swinging, but until then, it's almost a necessity to progress.
Swing-guy is still in effect. We've shuffled around a lot this expansion, but I think we've got all the roles figured out, swing-guy included. Our poor RL went from a tank, to a DPS, now to swinger. He healed in ICC. Go figure. It's rough to ask someone to learn two different roles over the course of a fight, but I guess, with the limited numbers in 10's, it's a must.
We came back after the self-trapping wipe, re-focused, and started getting consistently to the last phase. We made some pretty good transitions - really close to 30% when Riplimb went down - but it still gets a little dicey. I think we had two <5% wipes before we got him down. I have no idea how we one-shot him the first time we saw him. I think we've learned our lessons though and can deal with all the mechanics pretty well.
So, what we have learned so far in Firelands is that Beth'tilac is a definite two-healer fight, and Shannox seems designed for three. Blizzard has done this to ten mans in the past, and I guess I was hoping the design would change in Cataclysm, what with the focus on separate but equal raiding.
Pre-Cat, you pretty much always had to have the "swing guy" to be successful. Someone that can go between DPS and Healing prior to the fights to give your raid the flexibility needed to succeed. Sure, when you get geared, eventually you can cease the swinging, but until then, it's almost a necessity to progress.
Swing-guy is still in effect. We've shuffled around a lot this expansion, but I think we've got all the roles figured out, swing-guy included. Our poor RL went from a tank, to a DPS, now to swinger. He healed in ICC. Go figure. It's rough to ask someone to learn two different roles over the course of a fight, but I guess, with the limited numbers in 10's, it's a must.
Monday, September 19, 2011
QotD: Should Melee Get a Pity Buff?
Labels: Patch, Rant 13 comments
I'm sure that Blizzard has loads of data to back up this change. I'll bet they have graphs and charts and screenshots and beta tests and all sorts of intelligent thought going into it. I'm sure this change is meant to level an unbalanced playing field.
BUT NONE OF THAT CHANGES THE FACT THAT I THINK THIS CHANGE SUCKS.
What is the change? Here's the snippet (from some preliminary information for the next patch):
From my extremely limited and narrow viewpoint... I call bullshit.
How is being a melee DPS any harder than being ranged? I've raided as both, though I'll give you the majority of my time is spent on a ranged. Still, I have some experience as a DK. Crazy thing... I find it far easier to achieve high numbers on my DK than I do on my Warlock.
Yeah, sure, you have to be in range. And on some fights this is a problem. On most fights, it means you park it right near the tank and y'all bitch when you have to move away from something. Meanwhile, the rest of us folks IN CLOTH are running the hell around avoiding geysers of fire, zones of void, additional monsters, and all sorts of nasty things. And THEN you whine about having a kiting fight.
I have news for all the melee folks out there: movement is not an excuse for your poor DPS. You know why I find it easier on my DK to get numbers? I DON'T HAVE CAST TIMES. Yeah, that's right. Melee are designed with the fact that they're melee in mind. They get more instant abilities, while those of us in sissy robes in the back are forced to stand still for one, two... oh crap void zone. One, two.... add in my face. One, two... OUT OF RANGE ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
You want to talk about something that is UNFAIR? How about the fact that because Affliction Warlocks were TOO GOOD at multi-managing, we got a nerf to Soul Swap, effectively putting us back in the worthless zone on trash. I had about four months IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME of not being completely sucky on trash. Entire forums and guides are written on the ART of juggling DoTs on trash so that you don't appear to suck. Then on my DK, I apply face to keyboard and easily bypass my own numbers. If you want to talk about design flaws, how about that?
Here's something: NOT EVERYONE HAS TO BE GOOD AT ALL THE THINGS.
Yeah, that's right. It's entirely possible your class could have a - Light Forbid - weakness. For Hunters, it's needing to be up close. For Warlocks, it's anything that dies faster than 10 seconds (which is like everything these days, and even boss fights are being designed around this shitty principle... like sustained DPS is too much to ask). For Mages, it's crying whenever milk is spilled. For melee, it's what? Having to be in melee range? I'm sorry, but that's WORKING AS INTENDED.
I saw this over at Spinksville, and while I love Spinks, I completely reject the statement:
Now, this is a rant (on an upcoming patch note, no less). I'm completely whining here (it may turn out to be completely mild and functionally sound). Sometimes you just need to let it out. I admit to being completely biased and perhaps I'm just not among the "most players" that Spinks is talking about. So that's what I want to know. Am I the only one that doesn't think melee have it hard? Am I the only one who thinks there are simply different challenges involved, and that's okay? Am I the only one who has felt absurdly OP on my DK after working my butt off on my 'lock?
I guess I just hold my melee to a higher standard, and have the fortune of playing with some solid players. They don't seem to have any problems battling me for that top DPS slot in raids. Especially on fights which slant in their favor (whenever you need to kill adds).
At the end of the day, I think Spinks naming this the "Pity Buff" is right on. Really melee? Are you going to let them throw you a pity party? As a Warlock, I would be ashamed.
As Blizz I would be ashamed. It's a lazy solution to lazy design. If all the fights really do gimp melee... why the hell are we designing them that way? This whole thing strikes me as a bit stupid.
Let me be clear: I do not think having a "weakness" in your class is a bad thing. It encourages folks to get creative, to exercise their class. Blanket buffs/nerfs encourage laziness... and in general, I guess I'm against them.
I'm sure there are great counter arguments. I'm not really trying to do the topic justice, just rant a bit. Sound off about my stupidity in comments :-).
BUT NONE OF THAT CHANGES THE FACT THAT I THINK THIS CHANGE SUCKS.
What is the change? Here's the snippet (from some preliminary information for the next patch):
Melee classes will be getting a buff that is only active in the new raid to help them compete with ranged classes.WTF.
From my extremely limited and narrow viewpoint... I call bullshit.
How is being a melee DPS any harder than being ranged? I've raided as both, though I'll give you the majority of my time is spent on a ranged. Still, I have some experience as a DK. Crazy thing... I find it far easier to achieve high numbers on my DK than I do on my Warlock.
Yeah, sure, you have to be in range. And on some fights this is a problem. On most fights, it means you park it right near the tank and y'all bitch when you have to move away from something. Meanwhile, the rest of us folks IN CLOTH are running the hell around avoiding geysers of fire, zones of void, additional monsters, and all sorts of nasty things. And THEN you whine about having a kiting fight.
I have news for all the melee folks out there: movement is not an excuse for your poor DPS. You know why I find it easier on my DK to get numbers? I DON'T HAVE CAST TIMES. Yeah, that's right. Melee are designed with the fact that they're melee in mind. They get more instant abilities, while those of us in sissy robes in the back are forced to stand still for one, two... oh crap void zone. One, two.... add in my face. One, two... OUT OF RANGE ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
You want to talk about something that is UNFAIR? How about the fact that because Affliction Warlocks were TOO GOOD at multi-managing, we got a nerf to Soul Swap, effectively putting us back in the worthless zone on trash. I had about four months IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME of not being completely sucky on trash. Entire forums and guides are written on the ART of juggling DoTs on trash so that you don't appear to suck. Then on my DK, I apply face to keyboard and easily bypass my own numbers. If you want to talk about design flaws, how about that?
Here's something: NOT EVERYONE HAS TO BE GOOD AT ALL THE THINGS.
Yeah, that's right. It's entirely possible your class could have a - Light Forbid - weakness. For Hunters, it's needing to be up close. For Warlocks, it's anything that dies faster than 10 seconds (which is like everything these days, and even boss fights are being designed around this shitty principle... like sustained DPS is too much to ask). For Mages, it's crying whenever milk is spilled. For melee, it's what? Having to be in melee range? I'm sorry, but that's WORKING AS INTENDED.
I saw this over at Spinksville, and while I love Spinks, I completely reject the statement:
I read this as an acknowledgement of what most players recognise, which is that melee are hampered with respect to ranged as dps (esp in raids). This is largely because of the Cataclysm implementation of ‘bring the class not the player’ which reduced or removed most of the issues with ranged dps while not touching the melee classes requirement to always be in range.I do not recognize that. I also disagree with the notion that "most of the issues with ranged dps" have been removed. See above whining about trash as an Affliction Warlock.
Now, this is a rant (on an upcoming patch note, no less). I'm completely whining here (it may turn out to be completely mild and functionally sound). Sometimes you just need to let it out. I admit to being completely biased and perhaps I'm just not among the "most players" that Spinks is talking about. So that's what I want to know. Am I the only one that doesn't think melee have it hard? Am I the only one who thinks there are simply different challenges involved, and that's okay? Am I the only one who has felt absurdly OP on my DK after working my butt off on my 'lock?
I guess I just hold my melee to a higher standard, and have the fortune of playing with some solid players. They don't seem to have any problems battling me for that top DPS slot in raids. Especially on fights which slant in their favor (whenever you need to kill adds).
At the end of the day, I think Spinks naming this the "Pity Buff" is right on. Really melee? Are you going to let them throw you a pity party? As a Warlock, I would be ashamed.
As Blizz I would be ashamed. It's a lazy solution to lazy design. If all the fights really do gimp melee... why the hell are we designing them that way? This whole thing strikes me as a bit stupid.
Let me be clear: I do not think having a "weakness" in your class is a bad thing. It encourages folks to get creative, to exercise their class. Blanket buffs/nerfs encourage laziness... and in general, I guess I'm against them.
I'm sure there are great counter arguments. I'm not really trying to do the topic justice, just rant a bit. Sound off about my stupidity in comments :-).
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