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Friday, August 18, 2006
Healer needed!
How often have you read "healer needed" in the looking for group channel? How often have you participated in groups or raids which started late, because they were waiting for more healers? Fact is there are not enough priests and druids in World of Warcraft. You would have thought that this was a problem that solved itself, with players realizing that more priests and druids are needed, and then making new characters of those classes. But unfortunately very few players do that. While the percentage of priests on a server tends to slightly go up with time, it doesn't reach sufficient numbers even after the server is over a year old.
The reason for the lack of druids is bad game design coupled with simple statistics. There is only one race in each faction that can become a druid, the night elves for the Alliance and the tauren for the Horde. This is one of the unfortunate cases where artifical game lore gets into the way of playability. Druids aren't such a bad class for soloing, and more people would play them if they were available for more races. But often a player decides that he already played a night elf hunter for example, and wants his next Alliance character to be of a different race, to start in a different zone. Or he doesn't like to hear constant cow jokes, and doesn't want to play a tauren. If for any reason you decide to play another race, you can't play a druid, and that is a pity. If in the expansion blood elves can become paladins, and dranaei can become shamans, I don't see why they couldn't have become druids as well. That would have given a good boost to the druid population.
The lack of priests is due to their perceived lack in soloability. People tend to flock to classes which are perceived to be good in soloing, like hunter or dps warrior, in spite of the well-known problems of getting accepted into a group or guild later. What Blizzard would need to do to increase the number of priests would be to make another class review, in which their healing power remains unchanged, but priests get some new, cool, obvious soloing powers, for example making their bubble damage the attacker with holy damage, or making their smite do double damage against undeads and elementals.
Now somebody is going to cry out that priests are already powerful enough, and that making them stronger would break the game balance. But what *is* game balance? If a population of players is given free choice among 8 classes (per faction, soon to be 9), and less than one eights of them choose a particular class, I would define that class as being underpowered. Classes would be perfectly balanced if players would choose them in equal numbers. Making priests even better healers wouldn't change anything, as that is obviously not the criterion of choice. Only by making priests a bit more active, and more powerful in soloing, can that class be balanced against the other classes.
- posted by Tobold @ 2:00 PM Permanent Link
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It would only work if the heal tree were given soloist abilities. But that would mean raising their DPS, and if you can be a high DPS holy priest what's the point of shadow priests?
Shadow priests solo quite easily, but you get the constant whining about shadow priests not healing enough so that probably puts people off the whole tree.
Shadow priests solo quite easily, but you get the constant whining about shadow priests not healing enough so that probably puts people off the whole tree.
# posted by 
: 18/8/06 15:39
: 18/8/06 15:39
But what *is* game balance? If a population of players is given free choice among 8 classes (per faction, soon to be 9), and less than one eights of them choose a particular class, I would define that class as being underpowered.
I would label that class as not being fun to play. Druids are one of the most overpowered class in this game, but that does not save them from being less fun compared to other classes. Look what class-populations are gone through the roof: warriors and hunters. Both lead my two servers populations by a wide margin. I´m not sure why so many hunters run around, but the dominance of warriors is quite obvious: widest range of loots to choose from, class-role monopoly, besides the monopoly a way too effective option (DPS) even more "fun"-role, heavy item based, so co-players need to give them items, so they can work.
None of this is existant for priests and druids. Druids especially lack any factor that attracts them. They look dorky ingame and get the "boring" support role. To look what this druid class gets like in the expansion is the most interesting aspect for me. This class is doomed the way it is, but they will fix that.
The druid class in Everquest had the same problems, but they also got some really neat stuff to compensate their disadvantages: Snare, SoE, Gates. Fun stuff for everyone one in the game.
MotW, innervate and combat rezz is not the definition of fun skills. The whole hybrid theory does not work in WoW at all. With 10 million warriors and rogues running around, druids are locked in the healing role, just like shaman and paladin are. Healing is not fun for the majority of players. It´s even less fun, when there is nothing else for them, while on the other hand, monopoly-classes have fun options to choose from. Class appealing has less to do with power or weakness of a class, it´s about looking flashy and have fun doing it.
I would label that class as not being fun to play. Druids are one of the most overpowered class in this game, but that does not save them from being less fun compared to other classes. Look what class-populations are gone through the roof: warriors and hunters. Both lead my two servers populations by a wide margin. I´m not sure why so many hunters run around, but the dominance of warriors is quite obvious: widest range of loots to choose from, class-role monopoly, besides the monopoly a way too effective option (DPS) even more "fun"-role, heavy item based, so co-players need to give them items, so they can work.
None of this is existant for priests and druids. Druids especially lack any factor that attracts them. They look dorky ingame and get the "boring" support role. To look what this druid class gets like in the expansion is the most interesting aspect for me. This class is doomed the way it is, but they will fix that.
The druid class in Everquest had the same problems, but they also got some really neat stuff to compensate their disadvantages: Snare, SoE, Gates. Fun stuff for everyone one in the game.
MotW, innervate and combat rezz is not the definition of fun skills. The whole hybrid theory does not work in WoW at all. With 10 million warriors and rogues running around, druids are locked in the healing role, just like shaman and paladin are. Healing is not fun for the majority of players. It´s even less fun, when there is nothing else for them, while on the other hand, monopoly-classes have fun options to choose from. Class appealing has less to do with power or weakness of a class, it´s about looking flashy and have fun doing it.
# posted by : 18/8/06 16:09
: 18/8/06 16:09
In EQ druids were one of the most popular classes (I played one too), because they could quad-kite, making them one of the best soloing options. But in a group they couldn't kite, but did the healing/buffing support role. ("sow plz")
What I ask is that Blizzard gives healers in WoW something similar, better soloing options which don't have any effect on group play. What you call "not fun to play" is just a lack of soloing options.
I don't get your "class-role monopoly". I don't see how the warriors monopoly as tank would be stronger than the priests monopoly as healer. Few groups accept druids/shamans/paladins as healers, just as they wouldn't accept druids/shamans/paladins as tanks.
The difference I see is that fury warriors are accepted as dps class, while shadow priests aren't. Another reason to increase a priests damage output.
What I ask is that Blizzard gives healers in WoW something similar, better soloing options which don't have any effect on group play. What you call "not fun to play" is just a lack of soloing options.
I don't get your "class-role monopoly". I don't see how the warriors monopoly as tank would be stronger than the priests monopoly as healer. Few groups accept druids/shamans/paladins as healers, just as they wouldn't accept druids/shamans/paladins as tanks.
The difference I see is that fury warriors are accepted as dps class, while shadow priests aren't. Another reason to increase a priests damage output.
I find the druid class to be the most fun, versatile and challenging class to play in WoW. I’ve sampled all the classes at this point and the druid is the class I decided to explore end-game with and I have not been disappointed. Not only do I play a druid, but a feral druid, the most underappreciated druid spec in the game. Having run through Molten Core a few times now, having druids along gives you much needed versatility. Druids are not masters of any single facet in the raid game—tanking, dps, healing—but their utility is unquestionable. Need extra decursing? Done. Need to tank one of Garr’s elemental baddies? Done. Tank goes down and you need him back right now. Done. Utility is what makes druids special, even though it does get annoying staring at a bear’s ass most of the time.
If you're going to discuss class numbers you should go to http://www.warcraftrealms.com/census.php you'll see that priests aren't particularly underrepresented (switch it to only 60's). Druids and warlocks on the other hand are. Paladins and shaman are only lower because they're faction specific - if you switch it to only horde or only alliance you'll see they far outnumber them in that faction.
As I understand it, shadowpriests have no problem with their damage output, but if they do go dps in an instance they have a problem with aggro.
I would disagree with chrismue - I personally think druids are the most fun class to play, but they're crippled by a lack of itemization if you're not just a healer. High level balance and feral gear is excrutiatingly hard to get and once you're 60 what else is there to do to further you character? Wearing blue gear to grind when all your guild mates are in tier 2 isn't fun, and this is the biggest thing they need to do for druids is to improve itemisation.
As I understand it, shadowpriests have no problem with their damage output, but if they do go dps in an instance they have a problem with aggro.
I would disagree with chrismue - I personally think druids are the most fun class to play, but they're crippled by a lack of itemization if you're not just a healer. High level balance and feral gear is excrutiatingly hard to get and once you're 60 what else is there to do to further you character? Wearing blue gear to grind when all your guild mates are in tier 2 isn't fun, and this is the biggest thing they need to do for druids is to improve itemisation.
# posted by : 18/8/06 16:57
: 18/8/06 16:57
One of the sad facts of being a priest is that they are designed to be used in a group more than any other class. People can argue that Palis or Druids don't make good tanks but I have been in a situation where the Druid performed just fine in the instance with a Pali as back up tank, and the preist acting as healer once the pali was exhausted or overwhelmed. The druid Pali Combo is a good one, it just seems to take longer to down enemies due to the lack of DPS.
Just because a priest is boring to solo, doesn't mean there aren't other options that yield decent exp. I rolled a Human Priest about a month or so ago and I have been using her for nothing but instances because I-like Tobold- have noticed that priests have little trouble finding a group, even if they aren't quite as high of a level that is desired. By letting my priest sit idle while I play my other 2 characters, I can make up for the lack of exp once the dungeon quests are completed by earning double exp from rest bonus. I don't even care that my quests are completed in an instance, if others need me, I am there; this way I can train for the tougher dungeons by playing with the worst form of grouping available. The dreaded PUG's. I only have one rule and that is if the group wipes 3 times, I am out because no amount of rest exp can compensate for me being broke thanks to a hunter that couldn't control their pet.
Just because a priest is boring to solo, doesn't mean there aren't other options that yield decent exp. I rolled a Human Priest about a month or so ago and I have been using her for nothing but instances because I-like Tobold- have noticed that priests have little trouble finding a group, even if they aren't quite as high of a level that is desired. By letting my priest sit idle while I play my other 2 characters, I can make up for the lack of exp once the dungeon quests are completed by earning double exp from rest bonus. I don't even care that my quests are completed in an instance, if others need me, I am there; this way I can train for the tougher dungeons by playing with the worst form of grouping available. The dreaded PUG's. I only have one rule and that is if the group wipes 3 times, I am out because no amount of rest exp can compensate for me being broke thanks to a hunter that couldn't control their pet.
I think people are reluctant to roll Priests for a couple of reasons. One, almost every LOTR Fan wants to be a Legolas, so they roll a Hunter. Two, people love to see big numbers on their screen, so they roll a DPSing Warrior or Rogue. Three, people love killing lots of Mobs really fast, so they roll a Mage. Four, people just want to play WoW and not be accountable to anyone else, even if they're playing in a group.
The last class most people want to roll is the one that is responsible for keeping everyone alive, and which gets blamed when everyone dies (if there's no Hunter present, that is).
Having played a Priest I know they're amazingly good soloers, as are Druids. But usually everyone who rolls a Priest or a Druid also wants to be a damage dealer, they don't want the responsibility of healing and keeping the group alive.
The next time you're in a PUG fighting for your life and you see your health dropping dangerously low, then suddenly you're back at full again, after the fight is over and everyone has survived take a second to thank the Priest. Yeah, they just did their job, but let them know you appreciated the healing. They'll appreciate the compliment and won't regret (as much) their choice to play an underappreciated, overabused class.
I think one major change to the game that would make Healers considerably more desirable would be reducing the mana cost and aggro-generation of healing spells. Yes, I know we have talents to reduce aggro from our healing spells, but we need even more...er...less aggro generation.
No, this wouldn't make Priests overpowered. It would only affect the PvE game, and it would make the class just a little easier to play when we get into a less than optimal group. Having a Main Tank that knows what he's doing really facilitates a Priest's role, so if you find such a Warrior around your level that you enjoy grouping with, make sure you put him on your Friend's list.
I frequently see a Warrior & Priest LFGing. They obviously travel together, know what they're doing, and you're not going to get one without the other. If you want the Tank you'll have to kick your current Healer, and if you just need the Priest you better be prepared to kick your own Tank.
The last class most people want to roll is the one that is responsible for keeping everyone alive, and which gets blamed when everyone dies (if there's no Hunter present, that is).
Having played a Priest I know they're amazingly good soloers, as are Druids. But usually everyone who rolls a Priest or a Druid also wants to be a damage dealer, they don't want the responsibility of healing and keeping the group alive.
The next time you're in a PUG fighting for your life and you see your health dropping dangerously low, then suddenly you're back at full again, after the fight is over and everyone has survived take a second to thank the Priest. Yeah, they just did their job, but let them know you appreciated the healing. They'll appreciate the compliment and won't regret (as much) their choice to play an underappreciated, overabused class.
I think one major change to the game that would make Healers considerably more desirable would be reducing the mana cost and aggro-generation of healing spells. Yes, I know we have talents to reduce aggro from our healing spells, but we need even more...er...less aggro generation.
No, this wouldn't make Priests overpowered. It would only affect the PvE game, and it would make the class just a little easier to play when we get into a less than optimal group. Having a Main Tank that knows what he's doing really facilitates a Priest's role, so if you find such a Warrior around your level that you enjoy grouping with, make sure you put him on your Friend's list.
I frequently see a Warrior & Priest LFGing. They obviously travel together, know what they're doing, and you're not going to get one without the other. If you want the Tank you'll have to kick your current Healer, and if you just need the Priest you better be prepared to kick your own Tank.
I don't think that the ability to solo is the problem. When it is, then is's a perceptions issue, not reality. My priest soloed and had no issues. The problem a priest runs into if they want to solo is the Shadow spec. Shadow is perceived as a selfish option once you start doing the larger raids. People want you to be healing spec'd not DPS, which does make sense given that you're a priest. Still - it can alter your end game experience and acceptance in groups. Plus if you do stay Shadow and do damage you will pull aggro.
The few instances I've done on my priest, I didn't have any issues other than being careful with my mana pool. I never went Shadow in the group so they have no idea about my spec anyway. You can be just as viable as healer when spec'd if you compensate with Spirt and +Healing even before you level 45 and starting to collect your better gear.
I suppose having to do this means that Blizz should consider doing something to ensure that since priests can be dps spec'd that they still have appropriate options for being effective.
The hero factor is probably the biggest reason for a lack of priests. A lot of the level 60 priests that I know are alts rolled just to support guild raiding - power leveled by guild officers and not meant for real fun. Priests can't often save the day but sure as heck get blamed when it goes down in flames.
The few instances I've done on my priest, I didn't have any issues other than being careful with my mana pool. I never went Shadow in the group so they have no idea about my spec anyway. You can be just as viable as healer when spec'd if you compensate with Spirt and +Healing even before you level 45 and starting to collect your better gear.
I suppose having to do this means that Blizz should consider doing something to ensure that since priests can be dps spec'd that they still have appropriate options for being effective.
The hero factor is probably the biggest reason for a lack of priests. A lot of the level 60 priests that I know are alts rolled just to support guild raiding - power leveled by guild officers and not meant for real fun. Priests can't often save the day but sure as heck get blamed when it goes down in flames.
# posted by : 18/8/06 23:59
: 18/8/06 23:59
I don't think it's about the ability to solo to 60. But it's about the ability to have a valid spec for solo-play, e.g. reputation- or gold-farming *and* raids at lvl 60. You can choose to lack damage (going holy/disc) or being a sub-optimal healer (going shadow). No DD-class has this problem - their spec for raids is also a good spec for soloing.
One discussed solution on the german forum was to create areas for farming that can only be mastered as a team (Healer + DD/Tank) *and* that are more efficient than solo-farming for all participants.
One discussed solution on the german forum was to create areas for farming that can only be mastered as a team (Healer + DD/Tank) *and* that are more efficient than solo-farming for all participants.
# posted by : 19/8/06 02:47
: 19/8/06 02:47
Obviously you haven't played a priest... because they can churn through anything rather quickly on solo mode. Shadow spec them and you have a chainsaw able to repeat solo content till your fingers fall off.
The problem with priests is the "heal bitch" mentality they will have to suffer for the entirety of their level 60 life. That is not nearly as fun as swinging a big ass axe at a dragon.
The problem with priests is the "heal bitch" mentality they will have to suffer for the entirety of their level 60 life. That is not nearly as fun as swinging a big ass axe at a dragon.
I don't get your "class-role monopoly". I don't see how the warriors monopoly as tank would be stronger than the priests monopoly as healer. Few groups accept druids/shamans/paladins as healers, just as they wouldn't accept druids/shamans/paladins as tanks.
That´s why the many players has no clue about healing effiency especially of paladins, wich is truly ridiculous after some point in gear progression. Priests always work as healers, no matter what spec, not matter what gear - hybrids do not, that´s the problem. And PUGs always bet on the safe horse, even i do not gamble with hybrids as mainhealers.
The warrior monopoly is too much cause there is zero competition for them, priests can replaced with properly geared hybrids, warriors can´t. On top of that, they get a skill wich stacks well (DPS) and they can switch between both roles pretty much flawlessly. I do not see any penalty for this class's group/raid role. Their role doesn´t change from level 1 to 60, while other classes especially the hybrid ones does. But i have faith, that warriors get their game refined/nerfed in BC. The smaller raids won´t allow 10 warriors anymore and while i may be the heal b!tch, they will become the tank b!tches, without any excuses.
That´s why the many players has no clue about healing effiency especially of paladins, wich is truly ridiculous after some point in gear progression. Priests always work as healers, no matter what spec, not matter what gear - hybrids do not, that´s the problem. And PUGs always bet on the safe horse, even i do not gamble with hybrids as mainhealers.
The warrior monopoly is too much cause there is zero competition for them, priests can replaced with properly geared hybrids, warriors can´t. On top of that, they get a skill wich stacks well (DPS) and they can switch between both roles pretty much flawlessly. I do not see any penalty for this class's group/raid role. Their role doesn´t change from level 1 to 60, while other classes especially the hybrid ones does. But i have faith, that warriors get their game refined/nerfed in BC. The smaller raids won´t allow 10 warriors anymore and while i may be the heal b!tch, they will become the tank b!tches, without any excuses.
# posted by : 21/8/06 09:31
: 21/8/06 09:31
I solo'd a shadow priest to 60 in about 16 days playing time. hardly ever doing groups.
i finally decided to try scholo about month ago and had a good time. after posting last week about what a Shadow Priest should look for in the end game, i got the disappointing response of basically nothing.
so i respeced my priest this weekend to no Shadow talents and what seemed to be the logical healing talents. so far so good but i do miss my shadow spells!!
tOBOLD was curious what your talent tree looks like for your priest. (i didnt pick any wand talents)
i finally decided to try scholo about month ago and had a good time. after posting last week about what a Shadow Priest should look for in the end game, i got the disappointing response of basically nothing.
so i respeced my priest this weekend to no Shadow talents and what seemed to be the logical healing talents. so far so good but i do miss my shadow spells!!
tOBOLD was curious what your talent tree looks like for your priest. (i didnt pick any wand talents)
# posted by : 21/8/06 15:39
: 21/8/06 15:39
I think there are two problems. The size of raids, and player ignorance.
I think the biggest problem is ignorance and pigeonholing by players. For instance, even up above someone said shadow priests have aggro management problems when DPSsing. No not if properly specced and played. I have gone to 5 man instances with under-levelled resto druids as the main healer, and done fine. But most think that is not even possible.
Good players > class > spec. In raids you can't shine and show individual contribution, so people don't notice you unless you screw up. So many guilds focus on class and spec.
People repeat the mantra things have to be done a certain way until they believe it. Then not only do they try to force other players to play a certain way, they even do it to themselves.
There are only more 60 priests probably because raid guilds tell people "roll a priest and we'll let you in with your main class". A lot of 60 priests are alts, or if not, most holy priests I know have hunter alts to grind and farm for them, since they can't do it effectively with their priest.
Soloing holy/disc is painful even if you spec for it, and speccing for it means you are not taking many increased healing talents, which kinda blows away the whole point of being holy/disc instead of shadow.
Of course, to solo as holy effectively, you need +damage/healing gear, which you aren't even allowed to roll on in most guilds until the locks and mages all have theirs.
When I tried speccing in disc/holy for awhile, I got all the +dam and +crit talents, increased ranged, and what would help soloing, and ended up not having many talents to help heal. I solod slower and healed only slightly better than when I was shadow. So I went back.
And people treat you like crap. It was fun healing up until 60, now all I get from people is bitching and whining and people telling me how I am allowed to play. Funny they are alive and ok so it's not like I'm not doing my job, but doing a good job is not enough. I have to do it they way they want apparently.
I think the biggest problem is ignorance and pigeonholing by players. For instance, even up above someone said shadow priests have aggro management problems when DPSsing. No not if properly specced and played. I have gone to 5 man instances with under-levelled resto druids as the main healer, and done fine. But most think that is not even possible.
Good players > class > spec. In raids you can't shine and show individual contribution, so people don't notice you unless you screw up. So many guilds focus on class and spec.
People repeat the mantra things have to be done a certain way until they believe it. Then not only do they try to force other players to play a certain way, they even do it to themselves.
There are only more 60 priests probably because raid guilds tell people "roll a priest and we'll let you in with your main class". A lot of 60 priests are alts, or if not, most holy priests I know have hunter alts to grind and farm for them, since they can't do it effectively with their priest.
Soloing holy/disc is painful even if you spec for it, and speccing for it means you are not taking many increased healing talents, which kinda blows away the whole point of being holy/disc instead of shadow.
Of course, to solo as holy effectively, you need +damage/healing gear, which you aren't even allowed to roll on in most guilds until the locks and mages all have theirs.
When I tried speccing in disc/holy for awhile, I got all the +dam and +crit talents, increased ranged, and what would help soloing, and ended up not having many talents to help heal. I solod slower and healed only slightly better than when I was shadow. So I went back.
And people treat you like crap. It was fun healing up until 60, now all I get from people is bitching and whining and people telling me how I am allowed to play. Funny they are alive and ok so it's not like I'm not doing my job, but doing a good job is not enough. I have to do it they way they want apparently.
# posted by : 21/8/06 17:21
: 21/8/06 17:21
Brian,
A warrior is not a DD class. They are a tanking class and thus it is not suprising that their ideal raid spec is not a good soloing one.
As far as the rogues go, every class does indeed have an ideal raid spec that is not nearly as efficient for soloing as the ideal grinding spec. A hunter can grind non stop with a beast mastery build, but would do better in raids with a markmanship spec. A frost mage who is grinding one mob at a time would be foolish to not have frostbite and shatter, but those talents are pretty much worthless in raids where every mob is immune to being frozen. Almost every point that a warlock puts into destruction just leads to poor mana efficiency, but a raiding warlock becomes a shadowbolt spammer and needs substantial investment in destruction.
The problem is that a dps class almost never gets yelled at for its spec. My former guild's warlocks and hunters appeared to have no idea about what ideal raiding specs would be, and my brother ran a rogue in the guild for months with an assasination/ambush spec. In comparison to this, a raid will know quickly which priests are shadow, they lack the spirit buff and holy nova. Many guilds on my server, when requesting applications, specifically exclude shadow priest, feral druids and non-resto shammies from consideration. Several druids were chased out of my old guild after patch 1.10. They got innervate, the most important druid resto ability by far, for free and they decided to mess around with moonkin or feral/resto builds. They were berated so much by a hunter class officer, not sure why it was his job, that they decided to leave the guild. In comparison, I have only seen 1 guild that requested that a hunter recruit have true shot aura, and a couple that recommended that mages be frost without specifying frost raid or frost pvp/grind.
My holy build has always been a "lol smite" build. What do I gain from this in terms of raid healing? spirit buff, 550 mana, faster greater heals, +70 to healing and a very situational spell in holy nova. These things might make me about 10% or 15% better at healing. I'm sure that most of the dps classes could also be respeced to gain about 15% more effectiveness in raids, but no one ever demands that they do, at least in the guilds I have been a member or seen looking for recruits.
A warrior is not a DD class. They are a tanking class and thus it is not suprising that their ideal raid spec is not a good soloing one.
As far as the rogues go, every class does indeed have an ideal raid spec that is not nearly as efficient for soloing as the ideal grinding spec. A hunter can grind non stop with a beast mastery build, but would do better in raids with a markmanship spec. A frost mage who is grinding one mob at a time would be foolish to not have frostbite and shatter, but those talents are pretty much worthless in raids where every mob is immune to being frozen. Almost every point that a warlock puts into destruction just leads to poor mana efficiency, but a raiding warlock becomes a shadowbolt spammer and needs substantial investment in destruction.
The problem is that a dps class almost never gets yelled at for its spec. My former guild's warlocks and hunters appeared to have no idea about what ideal raiding specs would be, and my brother ran a rogue in the guild for months with an assasination/ambush spec. In comparison to this, a raid will know quickly which priests are shadow, they lack the spirit buff and holy nova. Many guilds on my server, when requesting applications, specifically exclude shadow priest, feral druids and non-resto shammies from consideration. Several druids were chased out of my old guild after patch 1.10. They got innervate, the most important druid resto ability by far, for free and they decided to mess around with moonkin or feral/resto builds. They were berated so much by a hunter class officer, not sure why it was his job, that they decided to leave the guild. In comparison, I have only seen 1 guild that requested that a hunter recruit have true shot aura, and a couple that recommended that mages be frost without specifying frost raid or frost pvp/grind.
My holy build has always been a "lol smite" build. What do I gain from this in terms of raid healing? spirit buff, 550 mana, faster greater heals, +70 to healing and a very situational spell in holy nova. These things might make me about 10% or 15% better at healing. I'm sure that most of the dps classes could also be respeced to gain about 15% more effectiveness in raids, but no one ever demands that they do, at least in the guilds I have been a member or seen looking for recruits.
# posted by : 23/8/06 00:43
: 23/8/06 00:43
Seriously now, a protection spec warrior is not a dps class, its a tank. And the whole argument here is that tanks and healers have more trouble soloing if they are raid speced. There are certainly DPS warriors around, but they are fury spec (I think, my highest warrior topped out at about 40). And I think its hard to make an argument that fury warriors have too much trouble soloing.
As far as guilds not requiring healer specs from healers I have two questions: Are you horde? What server are you on, so I can transfer there? On moonrunner, my server, there are only about 7 or so horde guilds (cant find guild progression thread in new forums, so I'm ballparking it) that have killed either Rag or Razorgore, i.e. guilds that aren't just starting out. My guild was one of those until it fell apart a week ago. All the others want holy priests only. I think one of them uses a shadow priest to dps on raids, but that position is filled and has been for months (every priest on server wants it). So to be shadow spec and raid I have to go to a guild that is starting up, that will be happy to take any priest. But I just can't deal with a new set of interminable wipes on Baron Geddon, and running UBRS 3 times a day to get people their Ony Key. So looks like I am guildless for a while.
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As far as guilds not requiring healer specs from healers I have two questions: Are you horde? What server are you on, so I can transfer there? On moonrunner, my server, there are only about 7 or so horde guilds (cant find guild progression thread in new forums, so I'm ballparking it) that have killed either Rag or Razorgore, i.e. guilds that aren't just starting out. My guild was one of those until it fell apart a week ago. All the others want holy priests only. I think one of them uses a shadow priest to dps on raids, but that position is filled and has been for months (every priest on server wants it). So to be shadow spec and raid I have to go to a guild that is starting up, that will be happy to take any priest. But I just can't deal with a new set of interminable wipes on Baron Geddon, and running UBRS 3 times a day to get people their Ony Key. So looks like I am guildless for a while.
# posted by : 26/8/06 08:56
: 26/8/06 08:56<< Home
