Mesmer Elementalist has questions... - Guild Wars Forums

Captal · May 18, 2005, 02:58 PM // 14:58

Ok I tried searching but am not coming up with anything- I've only played the game for 3-4 hours and am a level 6 Me/E and had a couple questions.

1. Does my energy pool ever get bigger besides equiping armor? My health keeps going up each level but energy is not. I guess as long as the skills stay at 15 energy and less it isn't a big deal, but i was looking forward to being able to cast more

2. Any suggestions on where to pick up more Mesmer skills? I have crossed into the main part of the game and found a quest to get more fire elemental skills at the Breach, but I'm getting my butt handed to me even with 3 henchmen (well they were only lvl 3).

3. The skills I've been focusing on are empathy, firestorm and lava burst- then using that energy sucking skill for healing as well as the elementalist skill that gives health while casting and some skill that cost 5 energy but makes my next spell cost 15 less (works well with firestorm). Also have backfire I think it's called for anti-spell casters. Any advice on other skills I should be looking for right now?

4. Armor- holy crap- does no one sell armor in this game? I found a few collectors that will give me decent pieces of armor but haven't been able to collect enough of what they want.

I'm starting to realize this is a bit different than other MMORPGs- especially only having 8 skills- super annoying but makes the game more challenging. Right now I've been spending skill points in fast casting, insipsion (sp?), domination and fire but I like knowing I can change my skills around at anytime pretty easily.

Soul Monarch · May 18, 2005, 03:58 PM // 15:58

Quote:

1. Does my energy pool ever get bigger besides equiping armor? My health keeps going up each level but energy is not. I guess as long as the skills stay at 15 energy and less it isn't a big deal, but i was looking forward to being able to cast more

Nope, it will always be 20 + armor bonus. (But then again... it regens pretty darn fast...)

Quote:

2. Any suggestions on where to pick up more Mesmer skills? I have crossed into the main part of the game and found a quest to get more fire elemental skills at the Breach, but I'm getting my butt handed to me even with 3 henchmen (well they were only lvl 3).

Most just from quests. You really aren't that far into the game at the moment, but you can still find skills at Piken Square, Grendich Courthouse, etc.

You'll find more skills pretty naturally as you go on, but if you are looking for a specific skill try just tossing the name of the skill into the search function and seeing what comes up.

Quote:

3. The skills I've been focusing on are empathy, firestorm and lava burst- then using that energy sucking skill for healing as well as the elementalist skill that gives health while casting and some skill that cost 5 energy but makes my next spell cost 15 less (works well with firestorm). Also have backfire I think it's called for anti-spell casters. Any advice on other skills I should be looking for right now?

Concentrate on only three attributes for maximum effect. In your case it sounds like Fast Cast, Inspiration, Fire. Backfire is a great domination spell, but probably not worth your 15 energy at this point.

Or you could always go into Illusion magic. Conjure Phantasm is still quite powerful at your point in the game. But, otherwise, there's nothing wrong with you set up.

Quote:

4. Armor- holy crap- does no one sell armor in this game? I found a few collectors that will give me decent pieces of armor but haven't been able to collect enough of what they want.

GW has very little armor compared to most games, but it is far more important.

Move on with the game to meet more crafters, and get different armor sets.

Quote:

I'm starting to realize this is a bit different than other MMORPGs- especially only having 8 skills- super annoying but makes the game more challenging. Right now I've been spending skill points in fast casting, insipsion (sp?), domination and fire but I like knowing I can change my skills around at anytime pretty easily.

Remember, it's not a MMORPG. ANet calls it a CORPG because it really is nothing at all like it's fellow online RPG games. You'll have a lot of misconceptions about GW due to previous MMO experience that just aren't true.

Like I said, it's best to focus on three attribute lines. You'll get the most effect from this, because you simply don't have enough points to work up four. (There are stille xceptions to this rule, naturally.)

Oh, and get to Yak's Bend. It's right after the fourth mission, and the game really starts to feel 'bigger' to you at that point. Most people I know really don't feel the game is really moving until Yak's Bend.

Auntie I · May 18, 2005, 04:01 PM // 16:01

1. What are you using for a weapon? Generally the caster classes use a one handed weapon with a Focus/Icon/Artifact in their offhand to add energy. Energy is always a concern. I would suggest that you only use Firestorm when you have a bunch of Monsters in a group. It uses a lot of energy(15), takes a while to cast and has a really long recharge. Flare (5 Energy spell) uses a lot less energy and recharges instantly.
4. Armor is crafted from crafting materials by the Crafter in Ascalon City. The best you'll find until you get to Yak's Bend.
2. The mesmer skills are available from Vassar in Sardelac Sanitarium. (Do the quest Rastin's Ritual, it will take you to Sardelac.
3. Your skill set's good. Look at Conjure Phantasm, in the early stages it can be very useful.

Captal · May 18, 2005, 04:39 PM // 16:39

I'm using a wand that does nothing useful because I haven't found a plus energy wand, as well as a +5 energy scroll. That with my armor puts me at 35 energy.

Only three attributes? Argh. Well fast cast is a must, I'm not sure what I'm using in inspiration a lot but I'm doing most of my damage with domination (empathy has been my most useful spell) followed by mass damage with fire. I'll look more into what I'm using most. I like using that spell that cost 5 energy and makes my next spell cost 15 less- that used with firestorm is killer and the spell recharges decently fast. I'd also like to try some of the other elements and retool my character based on what I like and what I can handle energy wise.

I think I could buy flare from a skill vendor but I wasn't sure if it was worth the skill point. I only have 4 skill points. Are skill points limited or can you always get more?

LadyCallipyge · May 18, 2005, 04:43 PM // 16:43

I believe you get a max of 200 attribute points....and I dont know the number of skill points....but you get plenty. Mind you...you learn a lot of spells as rewards for quests you do in post searing as well. I have not felt a shortage of skill points yet. (I am an elem/mes).

Captal · May 18, 2005, 04:44 PM // 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soul Monarch

Remember, it's not a MMORPG. ANet calls it a CORPG because it really is nothing at all like it's fellow online RPG games. You'll have a lot of misconceptions about GW due to previous MMO experience that just aren't true.

...

Oh, and get to Yak's Bend. It's right after the fourth mission, and the game really starts to feel 'bigger' to you at that point. Most people I know really don't feel the game is really moving until Yak's Bend.

I'm finding there are parts that make it like an MMORPG that I don't like and have heard about. I tried a couple MMORPGS (Anarchy Online and the beta of World of Warcraft) and found I really didn't like them and eventually got sick of them. I heard this game was more like Diablo which I really liked. I didn't like all the running around to everywhere and back as well as the grinding for items and quests. I've heard good and bad so far about GW, so I'm hoping I find more good than bad.

What do you mean by "the forth mission?"

Soul Monarch · May 18, 2005, 06:12 PM // 18:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captal

I'm finding there are parts that make it like an MMORPG that I don't like and have heard about. I tried a couple MMORPGS (Anarchy Online and the beta of World of Warcraft) and found I really didn't like them and eventually got sick of them. I heard this game was more like Diablo which I really liked. I didn't like all the running around to everywhere and back as well as the grinding for items and quests. I've heard good and bad so far about GW, so I'm hoping I find more good than bad.

What do you mean by "the forth mission?"

Yeah, this a lot more like Diablo 2. The one real difference is my the characters themselves are designed. At level 20 (max) all characters have the same HP, etc. But other than that type of thing, just consider town and outposts like chat rooms, and exploration areas and missions like joining a game.

The quests scattered all over are just for something to do and a way to get skills. The missions follow the storyline and are the main method of advancing you through the game.

The order will be:

- The Great Northern Wall
- Fort Ranik
- The Ruins of Surmia
- The Nolani Academy

After the you are in Yak's Bend.

Captal · May 18, 2005, 08:01 PM // 20:01

That's good to hear- I've noticed that I level pretty quickly which is good

Thanks for the info

Captal · May 19, 2005, 05:13 PM // 17:13

Now that I've played for a couple of days I'm starting to wonder if I'm retarded for going Me/E. It's nice having fast cast but it isn't THAT nice- and I keep running out of energy so that kinda negates the fast cast. Should I just start over as a E/Me or is there really a benefit to staying a Mesmer? Maybe better armor?

If I went E/ME I'd have tons more mana and could concentrate on spell interruption more as well as have reserves to do some nuking. Basically I'd play it like a Mesmer with the elemental skills as secondary. Likely I'd go with Energy Storage, Domination and one element as my main skills.

JesDer · May 19, 2005, 06:03 PM // 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captal

Now that I've played for a couple of days I'm starting to wonder if I'm retarded for going Me/E.

I went this way as well .. and at level 17 I am still not sure I should have gone Me as my primary. With some Me armour you do get decent +energy .. rightnow I have ~45 energy with my new armour but I have not played since it was crafted.

Fast cast is still nice for the longer cast times on the El spells. The problem is it also ends up making you burn E faster !

EnDinG · May 19, 2005, 06:09 PM // 18:09

Running a Mem / El and I scrapped Fast Cast. Picked up Domination and Air magic as my main two. Ability to dodge attacks with blindness, dish out some good instant damage, and drain life away is very useful.

Basically it lets you move around to avoid getting your rear handed to you as you pick off enemies.

Soul Monarch · May 19, 2005, 06:16 PM // 18:16

Drop some points into Inspiration magic for your Mesmer.

Between Power Drain, Energy Tap, and Energy Drain, you should be able to keep more than enough energy up.

C-Tzar · May 19, 2005, 06:24 PM // 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnDinG

Running a Mem / El and I scrapped Fast Cast.

Ouch!

The only reason to go with Mes/El over El/Mes is the ability to cast faster (unless you just prefer looks and are willing to sacrifice a classes primary ability for vanity). If you don't want to use fast casting, El/Mes will will give you the same skills with the ability to more than double your energy pool. Of course, once the character is made, I realize that starting over isn't always desireable, but for those that haven't started yet I'd seriously recommend El/Mez if you don't care about casting faster.

Jana · May 19, 2005, 06:25 PM // 18:25

Until you start REALLY using the high cast time spells early and often, fast cast probably does not need to be that high, especially at lower levels.

But then again, I am a monk/mesmer, so I only use useful mesmer spells, and those fire in more than enough time for me.

Though, I will say, after seeing some of the armor for mesmers at lvl 18+, and compared to my overdressed priestly monk garb... I wish I had taken the mesmer primary. This one piece of chest armor I saw some 18 Mesmer wearing was the cutest short skirt nightgown looking thing I had ever seen.

(In combo with some cool looking high heeled boots. LOL.)

Edit: But then again... I COULD go practically naked in my tatoos

Jana

Captal · May 19, 2005, 06:42 PM // 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soul Monarch

Drop some points into Inspiration magic for your Mesmer.

Between Power Drain, Energy Tap, and Energy Drain, you should be able to keep more than enough energy up.

I'm only lvl 7 so I'm not sure if I have all of those... but I'll give this a whirl.

That's going to be tough to split my attribute points- I guess I can leave fast cast at 4 for a while

Right now my attributes are:
Fast Cast- 4
Inspiration- 2
Domination- 3
Fire Magic- 5

I think that's right... I may have taken fast cast down to 3 to get fire to 5

Roken · May 19, 2005, 07:00 PM // 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyCallipyge

I believe you get a max of 200 attribute points....and I dont know the number of skill points....but you get plenty. Mind you...you learn a lot of spells as rewards for quests you do in post searing as well. I have not felt a shortage of skill points yet. (I am an elem/mes).

You get an unlimited number of skill points. You earn them every "level" when your character is at level 20.

-Roken Nekor[Crps]

Captal · May 19, 2005, 07:15 PM // 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captal

I'm only lvl 7 so I'm not sure if I have all of those... but I'll give this a whirl.

That's going to be tough to split my attribute points- I guess I can leave fast cast at 4 for a while

Right now my attributes are:
Fast Cast- 4
Inspiration- 2
Domination- 3
Fire Magic- 5

I think that's right... I may have taken fast cast down to 3 to get fire to 5

Yeah I don't have Power Drain, Energy Tap or Energy Drain. Maybe once I get those it will help. I get Energy Tap at Yak's Bend, but that's not for a while. Hopefully I can survive until then.

It's been difficult doing anything solo, that's for sure, but groups I think I've been pretty useful with Empathy, Flare, Firestorm and Backfire all doing considerable damage.

Rellok · May 19, 2005, 08:08 PM // 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-Tzar

Ouch!

The only reason to go with Mes/El over El/Mes is the ability to cast faster (unless you just prefer looks and are willing to sacrifice a classes primary ability for vanity).

There is also the rune and armor factor? If you want to pump your mes attributes above 12, mes primary is what you want to be.

Matt

Captal · May 19, 2005, 08:15 PM // 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rellok

There is also the rune and armor factor? If you want to pump your mes attributes above 12, mes primary is what you want to be.

Matt

Good point, especially if I want to crank Domination to level 12 or something.

Captal · May 19, 2005, 08:29 PM // 20:29

Just got another interesting idea too- how about using Earth instead of fire. I already have Armor of Earth and Eruption from a quest. That means less damage due to the increase in armor as well as the cool side effects Earth has- thoughts? Kind of silly to make Empathy my main damage dealer then though since Eruption focuses on keeping the enemy from doing damage.

Maybe I should just focus on Inspiration, Earth and Fast cast and drop domination, but that means no backfire, which is so useful against casters and no empathy which is useful against melee.

May 18, 2005, 02:58 PM // 14:58	#1
Captal Ascalonian Squire Join Date: May 2005	Mesmer Elementalist has questions... Ok I tried searching but am not coming up with anything- I've only played the game for 3-4 hours and am a level 6 Me/E and had a couple questions. 1. Does my energy pool ever get bigger besides equiping armor? My health keeps going up each level but energy is not. I guess as long as the skills stay at 15 energy and less it isn't a big deal, but i was looking forward to being able to cast more 2. Any suggestions on where to pick up more Mesmer skills? I have crossed into the main part of the game and found a quest to get more fire elemental skills at the Breach, but I'm getting my butt handed to me even with 3 henchmen (well they were only lvl 3). 3. The skills I've been focusing on are empathy, firestorm and lava burst- then using that energy sucking skill for healing as well as the elementalist skill that gives health while casting and some skill that cost 5 energy but makes my next spell cost 15 less (works well with firestorm). Also have backfire I think it's called for anti-spell casters. Any advice on other skills I should be looking for right now? 4. Armor- holy crap- does no one sell armor in this game? I found a few collectors that will give me decent pieces of armor but haven't been able to collect enough of what they want. I'm starting to realize this is a bit different than other MMORPGs- especially only having 8 skills- super annoying but makes the game more challenging. Right now I've been spending skill points in fast casting, insipsion (sp?), domination and fire but I like knowing I can change my skills around at anytime pretty easily.

May 18, 2005, 04:39 PM // 16:39	#4
Captal Ascalonian Squire Join Date: May 2005	I'm using a wand that does nothing useful because I haven't found a plus energy wand, as well as a +5 energy scroll. That with my armor puts me at 35 energy. Only three attributes? Argh. Well fast cast is a must, I'm not sure what I'm using in inspiration a lot but I'm doing most of my damage with domination (empathy has been my most useful spell) followed by mass damage with fire. I'll look more into what I'm using most. I like using that spell that cost 5 energy and makes my next spell cost 15 less- that used with firestorm is killer and the spell recharges decently fast. I'd also like to try some of the other elements and retool my character based on what I like and what I can handle energy wise. I think I could buy flare from a skill vendor but I wasn't sure if it was worth the skill point. I only have 4 skill points. Are skill points limited or can you always get more? Last edited by Captal; May 18, 2005 at 04:49 PM // 16:49..

May 19, 2005, 06:09 PM // 18:09	#11
EnDinG Keyboard + Mouse > Pen Join Date: Apr 2005 Profession: Mo/W	Running a Mem / El and I scrapped Fast Cast. Picked up Domination and Air magic as my main two. Ability to dodge attacks with blindness, dish out some good instant damage, and drain life away is very useful. Basically it lets you move around to avoid getting your rear handed to you as you pick off enemies. __________________

May 19, 2005, 06:25 PM // 18:25	#14
Jana Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: May 2005 Guild: Knights of the Silver Flame Profession: Mo/Me	Until you start REALLY using the high cast time spells early and often, fast cast probably does not need to be that high, especially at lower levels. But then again, I am a monk/mesmer, so I only use useful mesmer spells, and those fire in more than enough time for me. Though, I will say, after seeing some of the armor for mesmers at lvl 18+, and compared to my overdressed priestly monk garb... I wish I had taken the mesmer primary. This one piece of chest armor I saw some 18 Mesmer wearing was the cutest short skirt nightgown looking thing I had ever seen. (In combo with some cool looking high heeled boots. LOL.) Edit: But then again... I COULD go practically naked in my tatoos Jana Last edited by Jana; May 19, 2005 at 06:40 PM // 18:40..

May 18, 2005, 04:01 PM // 16:01	#3
Auntie I Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Apr 2005 Guild: Veritas Invictus Profession: E/Me	1. What are you using for a weapon? Generally the caster classes use a one handed weapon with a Focus/Icon/Artifact in their offhand to add energy. Energy is always a concern. I would suggest that you only use Firestorm when you have a bunch of Monsters in a group. It uses a lot of energy(15), takes a while to cast and has a really long recharge. Flare (5 Energy spell) uses a lot less energy and recharges instantly. 4. Armor is crafted from crafting materials by the Crafter in Ascalon City. The best you'll find until you get to Yak's Bend. 2. The mesmer skills are available from Vassar in Sardelac Sanitarium. (Do the quest Rastin's Ritual, it will take you to Sardelac. 3. Your skill set's good. Look at Conjure Phantasm, in the early stages it can be very useful.

May 18, 2005, 04:43 PM // 16:43	#5
LadyCallipyge Academy Page Join Date: May 2005	I believe you get a max of 200 attribute points....and I dont know the number of skill points....but you get plenty. Mind you...you learn a lot of spells as rewards for quests you do in post searing as well. I have not felt a shortage of skill points yet. (I am an elem/mes).

May 18, 2005, 08:01 PM // 20:01	#8
Captal Ascalonian Squire Join Date: May 2005	That's good to hear- I've noticed that I level pretty quickly which is good Thanks for the info

May 19, 2005, 05:13 PM // 17:13	#9
Captal Ascalonian Squire Join Date: May 2005	Now that I've played for a couple of days I'm starting to wonder if I'm retarded for going Me/E. It's nice having fast cast but it isn't THAT nice- and I keep running out of energy so that kinda negates the fast cast. Should I just start over as a E/Me or is there really a benefit to staying a Mesmer? Maybe better armor? If I went E/ME I'd have tons more mana and could concentrate on spell interruption more as well as have reserves to do some nuking. Basically I'd play it like a Mesmer with the elemental skills as secondary. Likely I'd go with Energy Storage, Domination and one element as my main skills.

May 19, 2005, 06:16 PM // 18:16	#12
Soul Monarch Krytan Explorer Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: In the between. Guild: Heros Etc. Profession: Me/N	Drop some points into Inspiration magic for your Mesmer. Between Power Drain, Energy Tap, and Energy Drain, you should be able to keep more than enough energy up.

May 19, 2005, 08:29 PM // 20:29	#20
Captal Ascalonian Squire Join Date: May 2005	Just got another interesting idea too- how about using Earth instead of fire. I already have Armor of Earth and Eruption from a quest. That means less damage due to the increase in armor as well as the cool side effects Earth has- thoughts? Kind of silly to make Empathy my main damage dealer then though since Eruption focuses on keeping the enemy from doing damage. Maybe I should just focus on Inspiration, Earth and Fast cast and drop domination, but that means no backfire, which is so useful against casters and no empathy which is useful against melee.