Curse

linkforlife · Jan 13, 2008, 10:10 PM // 22:10

What would you guys suggest as an offhand for a caster sword for a monk? I see a lot of people using shields, but wouldnt a healing/prot offhand be better?

HawkofStorms · Jan 13, 2008, 10:52 PM // 22:52

You see, people use shields because if you don't "need" the energy, there is no point to having it out. If, if you need the extra +12 energy from a prot offhand, you can just switch to it and use it and then switch back to a shield. ie, you get no benefit from just idleing with a caster offhand.

People use shields so they get an automatic armor boast (they don't meet the requirement for the shield, but they still get like... +4-5 armor). They then have a +30 fortitude and a +10 armor vs Xx type of damage inscription. They can then change shields depending on what teams they are facing. If they are fighting a team with a lot of rangers, a +10 vs piercing damage shield. If they are just against a balanced group, a +10 vs slashing for the warriors and dervishes who will attack them.

Covah · Jan 13, 2008, 10:54 PM // 22:54

if you don't meet the req of the shield you still have +8 armor.

Ensign · Jan 13, 2008, 11:07 PM // 23:07

Depends on what you want the set to be for. Nearly everyone wants a +5e/+30hp weapon with shield set. Martial weapons on other sets are much more specialized. Two that I use are a 10% HSR/20% enchanting weapon with a 20/20 offhand as a specialized enchanting set, for skills with longer recharges but fast cast times; and a +5e/20% enchanting or +5e/+30 hp with a 5al>50/30 hp focus that works as a higher energy, decent defensive set that I'll bring if I can't make use of a second efficiency set.

linkforlife · Jan 13, 2008, 11:45 PM // 23:45

So besides the obvious reasons for having a 20% enchant mod on your sword/axe/spear, generally, is a +30hp better?

Stormlord Alex · Jan 14, 2008, 12:33 AM // 00:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by linkforlife

So besides the obvious reasons for having a 20% enchant mod on your sword/axe/spear, generally, is a +30hp better?

Yup, on your general use set, you take that extra 30hp's worth of durability.
you switch to an enchanting set t cast important prots you want to hang around, Aegis is one of these.

MagmaRed · Jan 14, 2008, 02:27 AM // 02:27

If its PvE, just use a staff or wand/focus though. PvP needs more diversity than the wand/focus and staff offer. But trust me, PvE doesn't need a Monk carrying a shield.

Skyy High · Jan 14, 2008, 07:37 AM // 07:37

Always nice to see the monk wielding one though; I generally take that as a sign that they know what they're doing. Such feelings have been shattered though, so it's not an absolute rule.

_June · Jan 14, 2008, 07:52 AM // 07:52

I use a +5 energy and a plus +30 health weapon for my weapon, and at the moment I am using a Divine favor offhand with + 30 and a "Serinity now" inscription (I can't really bother with the extra 10% if I were go to with a protection or healing offhand) this allows me to use my almost any build I run and has served me well for awhile now.

zwei2stein · Jan 14, 2008, 07:55 AM // 07:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyy High

Always nice to see the monk wielding one though; I generally take that as a sign that they know what they're doing. Such feelings have been shattered though, so it's not an absolute rule.

Cool ... this ra monk must know what hes doing: he wields shield and uses sword... oh noes (final thrust, x.x)

Solus Spartan · Jan 14, 2008, 11:11 AM // 11:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by zwei2stein

Cool ... this ra monk must know what hes doing: he wields shield and uses sword... oh noes (final thrust, x.x)

Swords and Spears are used as you can have a 20% enchant Mod, wich you cannot with a wand.

RPGmaniac · Jan 14, 2008, 11:42 AM // 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solus Spartan

Swords and Spears are used as you can have a 20% enchant Mod, wich you cannot with a wand.

I think the point he's getting at is just because he has a sword doesn't mean he's using it to supplement his casting. He could be trying to act as a melee monk.

Although your point is still true.

MagmaRed · Jan 14, 2008, 01:24 PM // 13:24

And although a GOOD PvP Monk knows what skills to use, when to use them, and how to use them, that does NOT mean a PvP Monk will be good at PvE. Things in PvE are different to an extent that kiting doesn't matter for most encounters. Builds don't need certain skills, and certain players don't have certain roles. If its a PUG, it has even less bearing on PvP ability. And except in very few quests/missions, splits do not happen, so the whole team will be in range for a heal by the Monk(s). This means energy may disappear faster, as people don't always take self heals, and can't afford to be lost.

Seeing a shield on a Monk does not mean they are a good PvP Monk. Having a good PvP Monk on a PvE team does not mean you will do well. This is why I much prefer to see a staff or wand+focus on a PvE Monk.

Dodo The Extinct · Jan 15, 2008, 12:02 AM // 00:02

Do you guys ever use armor mods on your swords/equip when playing a caster? I've heard alot of people say that more armor is generally better on casters than health, but I am pretty sure health mods are the majority.

Which is more appropriate and are there any breakpoints in terms of health/armor you guys aim for?

RPGmaniac · Jan 15, 2008, 12:06 AM // 00:06

I go health mods with an armor inscription on the shield