What class will you go for?

[Tapja]

So, what will it be? :)

Would make a poll... but seems it's limited to 10 choices, so no good.

[justinalot]

Going to play it first and then decide

[Kongstad]

Im thinking the classic paladin character or a ranger - but I cannot decide, creating a character and taking it from there I think.

But definately architect

[Hovis]

Anybody who doesn't at least have an alt character that's a barbarian is a fucking mincer.

[Khammar]

Bread r teh ghey?

[Ludicrouse]

Bread is teh gay...

Conqueror all the way... with maybe a Ranger later on.

[Gunhead]

Been torn between a Barbarian, Conqueror and Dark Templar.. Will most likely go with Conqueror at start, might switch to Templar if it turns out to be "overpopulated" class. Would also like to level a Bear Shaman somewhere along the line.

[Hovis]

Been torn between a Barbarian, Conqueror and Dark Templar.. .

And that's why you never go round to Skully's house with two of his mates.

[Bagpuss]

probably an assassin first, then a HoX for schlitz n giggles later

[JojoTheSlayer]

R B Conan123.

[Volw]

ToS :p

[Khammar]

I may just take the relatively predictable road and go Guardian and spec fairly defensively.

Then again I may not.

[Ludicrouse]

We all know your going to make a very short toon with as much metal plating as possible. Its a universal constant.

[Khammar]

http://hybes.de/featPlaner.php?class=Guardian&lang=en&temp=201-05,200-05,209-02,214-03,219-05,220-05,211-05,251-01,205-03,206-01,213-03,212-01,217-02,221-05,253-05,208-01,210-01,216-01,4000-25,4001-25,4003-22,4005-25,4006-21,4007-23,4009-21,4013-21,4014-21

[justinalot]

And that's why you never go round to Skully's house with two of his mates.

\lmao

\also the mincer comment was class

[Felstar]

HoX or ToS methinks.

[Ardesco de la Furia]

Dark Templar

[Blade]

Might give demo at try

[void]

DT,HoX, or some other caster class

[Neraj]

hunter... i mean ranger!:p

[Jega]

Bear shaman, haven't played the game tho, so I can't say why. Just sounds kinda cool to me.

[FuSs]

Wench. Someone has to serve to the human needs while you build my castle :P

[Khammar]

In all seriousness, 90% sure I'm going to play a Guardian for the tankage.

[justinalot]

Bear shaman, haven't played the game tho, so I can't say why. Just sounds kinda cool to me.


Do you think he will be a bare ass shaman?

[Genya Arikado]

Guess I will be the lone Necromancer then.

[Nikodemus]

From what I've been reading, healing sounds a good deal more challenging and entertaining in AoC than in WoW, so if I'm buying it (still debating), it'll be a priest (of mitra I think?)

[Gunhead]

Aye, Priest of Mitra would be the pick if you're looking for a defensive/utility style healing toon Niko. Bear Shamans and Tempests of Set are a bit more aggressive classes but fine healers those as well.

[Moozipan]

I R Want LIGHTNING SPELLZ!!!!!!!

But yeah, if Ben and Nic start to play it then I will be forced to play and I think I will play a ToS :D

[Volw]

PoM is a bit more PBAoE oriented, while ToS is more AoE.

[Porthos]

I'll go for the rogue type. Most probably the ranger!

[FuSs]

What is a good solo level grinder class?

What is a good PvP Char? Is it scissor, paper, rock?

[Khammar]

My understanding is that rogue classes tended to be more difficult to solo grind, while the rest of the classes were a bit easier. Rogue classes are pretty PvP-oriented in the beginning but it supposedly begins to level out as you level up?

Hard to really get a solid feel for how release will pan out, and nobody can guess what the first rou8nd of post-launch nerfs/buffs will bring. But anyway, the issue with the rogues and levelling speed is apparently their squishyness. If I were to be choosing a rogue class based upon what I know now it would be ranger.

My caster suggestion would be demonologist. Tank I personally do not LIKE the DT, but they are all solid so it's a tossup. Healers once again, a tossup, with each one being viable in a different way.

Then again, IF something seems underpowered in PvE I suspect it will get buffed before other classes get attention.

[Gunhead]

What is a good solo level grinder class?
Any class. There's not really that much difference between them regarding solo PvE.

What is a good PvP Char?
Solo PvP i'd say any of the rogue classes (Assassin, Barbarian, Ranger) as they have better stealth than other classes: rogue classes move faster stealthed, other classes drain their stamina when they move stealthed, rogues don't. It's easier to pick and choose your fights as one of the rogues.

For group PvP every class has their place.

Is it scissor, paper, rock?
Not really. There's no moronic pure "anti-class" thing going on like in WoW. Granted some classes are somewhat stronger against some others but it comes down to individual skill who claims the day. No roll-my-face-on-keyboard-and-win WoW warlocks present.

[Tapja]

I think I will go for Barbarian at first myself.

[void]

how good is a dark templar for soloing?

[Khammar]

Like I said, all the Tank type classes should be decent, though the DT is my least favorite of the three. I am sure it is adequate for soloing given the defensive abilities of the class.

[Genya Arikado]

Can anyone provide me with more details on the Necromancer? Feat planners are all well and good but useless unless you know what the spells do that you are improving...

[Gunhead]

All soldier classes (Guardian, Conqueror, Dark Templar) are very effective melee toons PvE or PvP. They might not be able to dish out as big bursts as Barbarians or Assassins but their survivability makes up for it. Soldiers are able to stand their ground handing out consistent punishment with well timed bursts. Took on successully up to four npcs of equal level at most with me conqueror.

When choosing class don't stare too much at the definite classes but more at the archtypes (Soldier, Rogue, Mage, Priest) - the "subclasses" are more about personal preference and matter of playing style than definite role.

[Khammar]

Necromancers tend to rely on pets plus dot and DD spells to kill foes. Their pets do not tank like in other MMOs, so usually (not always) the necro will be under attack. I personally found it irritating to play the class, but therer is no denying that a necro is absolutely capable of doing some serious damage with their wide variety of pets (both implicitly summoned as wel as procced) and solid DotS and DDs.

Necros tend to do either disease type damage or cold type damage, and I expect that most will choose to focus on one or the other.

[Felstar]

Some classes seem to have it rougher earlier on than others, but my advice would be pick a class where the tactics you will most likely use suit you well. Its quite hard to generalise since there are lots of different takes on each archetype.

But I guess you can start along the lines of:

- Stealthy mofo choosing your fights (rogue)
- Glass-cannon, do or die (mage)
- Outlast/Utility (priest)
- In the thick of it melee guy who doesn't get minced (soldier)

In each archetype there is generally at least one close range melee guy and one ranged caster guy (or at least one that uses magic of some sort) so you can pick your flavour of that type of tactic.

Some favour control, others need you to be very on your toes with using a lot of different effect combos, some really are your classic hit and run style nuke a bastard and piss off before his mates can do anything about it type.

From what I saw at level 20 which isn't the be all and end all obv. a quick summary is:

Soldier

- Guardian - tough bugger, generally does well against rogue types because they can mitigate a lot of the burst and have tactics to hurl it back. Generally cut decent swathes through casters because of an ok damage output combined with a good health pool but can struggle a bit with the healing variety.

- Dark Templar - can't help you here didn't see more than a handful and none of them played at all well...

- Conqueror - A bit less tough and defensive than the guardian but compensates with more damage, still fares similarly with other archetypes from what I saw to the guardian but can put out some nice smack down in tight packed mass brawls in melee range.

Rogue

- Assassin - Very much what you would expect from a little backstabbing ****. Sneaks around cutting up vulnerable targets, really devastating on clothies and has a decent chance against everything else if played right. Struggles a bit if the target manages to outlast the initial burst though i.e. a heavily defensive class but the assassin will reputedly provide the highest single target dps.

- Ranger - fast movement in stealth + range combat + snare and root options + very high initial burst damage means this is another sneaky bastard that you have to watch out for. Very dangerous if they are left alone because they can drop a healer in the middle of your group extremely fast. Has early access to a very nice one minute I win with more damage button and seems to be quite easy to master, at least from my point of view at the early stage that was available. I did the most testing on this class and I felt a little dirty afterwards, doesn't mean I'm not tempted to roll one though :P They have very good armour and a large health pool for a rogue class too it should be noted.

- Barbarian - more of a get stuck in kind of rogue, much less of the mincing and prodding buttock and much more of the kicking arse and hacking off limbs. Comes with a lot of melee utility and packs a fairly serious punch. Being a stealthy one though they can still pick and choose their fights but is a lot happier in general about being seen in the cold light of day.

Mage

- Necromancer - The ones that I saw really didn't have a clue, at a guess this class is a fair bit about control, dots and using the minions to maximum effect. If you let them have free reign though they will stack people with a lot of damage from their dots so their were fairly high on my splat list, particularly since the pets annoyed me to fook.

- Demonologist - As close to your a-typical mage as you are going to get, high powered nukes, stong AoE, pretty high get splatted by nastly people with sharp things effect if they get close enough. Utilizing the stuns/snares and abilities well though should mean it will be pretty powerful one on one and a very bad idea to be left alone in a mass brawl.

- Herald of Xotli - Interesting one and another that I had quite a chunk of testing time on, the closest comparison I can make is to a battle-mage and is very much about the melee. This class has a very large arsenal of abilities at level 20 and knowing how to use them to deliver the most damage is a must. This class in demon form is very powerful but has a fairly limited health pool and wears cloth armour so if you bite off more than you can chew you will get minced. Squishy but powerful and seems to have a good bit of extra mana drain and fear utility later on. Not easy to play well but it can be very mean.

Priest

- Priest of Mitra - The most priestly priest of the bunch, its heals add to its damage and the damage cause by its healing targets, it seemed to deliver the most direct healing at level 20 of the healers but still quite viable solo damage wise. I only saw these in the middle of groups really so I'm not sure what to expect in one on ones. I would expect them to have trouble with lock down and possibly burst classes but the others should be fair game.

- Tempest of Set - A bit of an all-rounder, good nukes with AoE built into the primary attack, a strong stun/root ability and moderate healing. This guys heals if specced gain boosts from his damage output but seem to be on a bit of a cooldown thus encouraging you to nuke for quite a chunk of you playing time. A bit shaky to start off but seems to get stronger in solo pve and a pretty good match up in open pvp because of its damage deliver and healing.

- Bear Shaman - I think I saw a grand total of two of these but the way I understand it they are very tough cookies to crack - the duracell that really does keep on going I guess. Either way they provide a lot of debuffing to targets and group buffing combined with a decent level of healing. The most survivable of the healers I fought even at level 20 which speaks quite well of what to expect later on. The closest thing you will find to a WoW paladin's play style minus all the tedious lack of things to do.


Hope that helped, took me long enough to write :P

Edit: realised I was mentioning things in plural and singular in the same sentence all the way through, can't really be arsed to fix it since lack of sleep is working against me at this stage.

[Volw]

Few things worth mentioning:

Everything that is not a tank gets squishy at some point, it wast so visibe in beta cause at lvl20 the best armor available is medium .. and there's still Heavy and V. Heavy. I wouldn't expect Rouges being able to tank at 80 ;) (like they can at 20).

Dark Temp - they are a late bloomer, I've read that at 80 they are quite evil in pvp.


Barb - good barbs use 2H to stun/knockback and then DW to dps. At 20 it was quite deadly. It doesn't have so much spike as the assasin, but more utility and the damage is v.nice as well.


Necros - they can have up to 8 pets at 80 (some pets take 4 'slots'), the class is quite challanging, considering how dynamic AoC is. They do have some nice PBAoE spells (think it was Fear) and some of the spells use stamina instead of mana. Teamed with Demos that can root for 12 seconds or anything else that can keep the target still, they are absolutely deadly.

PoM - most of the dmg spells heal as well, Holy dmg is very potent against Necros and HoX, they seem to have quite a bit of CC (6 cc @80), damage wise they are not bad, but lack spike. They are ment to get better with lvls. Good solo class.

ToS - I can bet any amount of money they will be the first target in pvp. They deal nice dmg, have some utility and nice mana regen group buffs. Damage they deal is nice, but I was killed a few times before I managed to finish casting ;) They apparently have self-rez in one of the trees.

[Genya Arikado]

Ta muchly Kham and Fel.

Looking at the Feats, I will probably (depending on how fighting in pvp and pve goes for me) expend into life regain through the damage feats and pet/soul devouring. More than likely going to focus on plague damage and the general tree for dps spam.

That and the Lich feat. I will take what I can get of the class I wanted =(

[Khammar]

Something everyone really MUST remember:

You must learn how to play the class you choose.

That sounds pretty self-evident, right? Wrong. Every MMO I have ever played there were people complaining about how a class was "broken" because "it wasn't like this in (insert book, game, movie, or historical period)" . . .

Essentially, no matter what, these 12 classes are supposed to work how the developers of AoC want them to work. Glaring issues which people WILL bitch about include things like Necro pets not tanking, Demonologist pets not doing damage, healers being unable to spam cast direct heals, etc.

Do yourself and everyone else a favor and accept right now that your class will play in ways which you do not expect sometimes. The task at hand is simply to figure out how it DOES work, and make the best of that.

***

This post was dedicated to Bagpuss.

[Felstar]

hah never a truer word, thats why I think I'm deliberately going to pick the one I think will be the most difficult to play right after living with three years of holy paladin hell. The real trick as you say is learning to make the most out of the skills you have available and adapting your tactics around your strengths.

[Genya Arikado]

^^

I intend to use my minions as the worthless bags of bone that they are. Little shits are a distraction and something for me to feed on for more dps/mana/health. I could (if I went down the pet tree) intend to send them in and get them killed, then use the corpses for Corpse Explosion XD

*wonders if anyone else is as psyched as he is for his class*

[Gunhead]

And remember since there's full collision detection you can use your minions as (in)human shields where possible. :p

[Genya Arikado]

And remember since there's full collision detection you can use your minions as (in)human shields where possible. :p

Indeedy! I presume that their space boxes will be different sizes according to the minion? (ie are they different sized? Ala small bony skeletons and big rotting hulks of flesh)

[Volw]

And remember since there's full collision detection you can use your minions as (in)human shields where possible. :p

Fail.

They've removed it. Think there ware some problems once 8 pets ware in play.

[Khammar]

TBH I am glad that there is no collision on pets. What I do wish is that there was collision on stealthers.

[Genya Arikado]

TBH I am glad that there is no collision on pets. What I do wish is that there was collision on stealthers.

Ala TF2? That would be nice.

*mental note to buy shiny running shoes for his Necro*

[Gunhead]

Fail.

They've removed it. Think there ware some problems once 8 pets ware in play.

Ah okay, missed that. Not in a habit of paying much attention to men voluntarily wearing dresses in public.

[WiGgLr]

Fail.

They've removed it. Think there ware some problems once 8 pets ware in play.

lol


"Fuck, I've got 8 pets up and can now I can't move!"

[Genya Arikado]

Ah okay, missed that. Not in a habit of paying much attention to men voluntarily wearing dresses in public.

Kronk's Shoulder Devil: Listen big guy, I got three good reasons why you should just walk away. Number one: *points to Kronk's Shoulder Angel* Look at that guy! He's got that sissy, stringy, music thing.
Kronk's Shoulder Angel: We've been through this; it's a harp, and you know it.
Kronk's Shoulder Devil: All right; that's a harp, and that's a dress.
Kronk's Shoulder Angel: Robe!
Kronk's Shoulder Devil: Reason number two: *as he does a one-handed handstand* Look what I can do!
Kronk: What does that have to do with any—
Kronk's Shoulder Angel: No, no, he's got a point

[kataya]

guardian for me as well made the mistake of not rolling a tanky class once wont do it again :P

[FuSs]

For me its definitly a soldier or rogue.

Btw how is the damage output of soldiers? Which soldier is the meanest?
I want all the bloody business. Chopped off heads and stuff like that.

Most likely i'll go for a ranger just for the FPS feeling...

[Felstar]

the conq I would say is the most aggressive of the soldier types

[Volw]

The FPS feeling is very very cheap. Just so I warned you ;)

The meanest soldier would be Conq I think. Most DPS of all soldiers.

[void]

damn there are way to many classes to chose from why cant they make only one class whit everything on them :p

[Volw]

damn there are way to many classes to chose from why cant they make only one class whit everything on them :p

tell me about it :p

What do you like to play? Might be able to help.

[void]

tell me about it :p

What do you like to play? Might be able to help.

well im back to getting a barb now, but would also want to try a Hox but they seem quite fragile. a caster whit pets saw quite nice aswell but as the pets cant tank i dunno if i want to play it.
had been thinking of a DT aswell but don't really into tanking i'm more hanky spanky :D

so what i want to do is have a char that does fast dmg but might be abel to cast spells, so thats makes a Barb or a HoX?

[Volw]

HoX.

Put spare skill points into stealth and you got yourself an IKEA Barb.

[void]

HoX.

Put spare skill points into stealth and you got yourself an IKEA Barb.

hmm what does stealth do more than only stealthing ?
and aint a Hox quite weak whit only cloth and silk armor?
and a last question how long can u be in demon form and the CD on it?

[Taylor]

I'm looking at either Bear Shaman or Herald of Xotli, since they seem to be sort of hybrids but also quite different.

Anyone who played in the Beta and knows what theyre actually like do me a favour and talk me out of either?

[Volw]

void:

Well, Barb gets bonus dmg when attacking from stealth. Besides that, Rouges stealth doesnt drain stamina when moving and is harder to break.

Cloth is not much, but demon form has some bonuses on it. Besides, damage is your defense. Don't forget it's not a tank.

Not sure about duration and CD on demon form, its 20 secs and 2 mins recharge by default. But both trees have feats to extend the time or lower the CD. I'm not 100% sure but I think someone on the beta boards mentioned it's 40secs to 1 min CD with both.


Taylor:

BS as someone mentioned before is like Pala in 'certain game'. They have medium armor, 2H blunt and lots of debuffs. On the other hand damage is 'ok'. Every soldiers best friend I'd say.

So the difference is, or highly defensive BS or offensive HoX.

[void]

void:

text..

hmm ok thanks for the info. seems like i will start whit a HoX then when i get a good connection

[Felstar]

Aye as Volw said it would be a choice between having to play really offensively or defensively, both are quite interesting ideas for classes. Personally I fell in love with the idea of a HoX from the second I read about the way it has to be played and the playtest in the open beta pretty much confirmed it for me.

I think it is fair to say that you are very fragile as a HoX and constantly in danger when you are delivering damage in PvP, a recipe that means it will probably be quite difficult to play considering the number of combos you had available at level 20.

A bear shaman is a real bastard to take down even at 20, it is likely to be a very strong and very versatile support class later on I would predict.

[FuSs]

Whats the difference between HoX and Barbarian?
Both wear light armour, both deal good melee damage...

[ArchOni]

I'll be trying the ranger:)

Mounted archer :D

[Khammar]

HoX uses magic, Barbarians hate it. Hox use ULTRA light armor, while Barbs use slightly heavier armor. Hox can shapeshift about 25% of the time (30sec duration 1min 30sec cooldown), while barbs are barbs all the time.

They are worlds apart. Basic role is the same, do damage, but the manner in which they do it is completely different.

[Tapja]

Looking at it, my other char will probably be a necro :)

[Genya Arikado]

Looking at it, my other char will probably be a necro :)

Yay! =D

[justinalot]

I really like the look of the necro Tree but not sure until I play

[FuSs]

Which class is the most devastating melee class? The more skill required the better as long as it rewards you for it.

Especially Conqueror versus Barbarian is what i'm looking for. Which of them can take on more enemies (players and/or monsters) at the same time?
Which of them benefits the team more?
Do both have running and snare skills? Can you vanish out of combat?

What is the Dark Templar like to play? He has no big weapons nor dual wield. Is he just a mini guardian with life drain spells, or what?

[Gunhead]

Which class is the most devastating melee class? The more skill required the better as long as it rewards you for it.
In terms of raw punishment i'd say a Barbarian. Assassin can deliver nastiest bursts afaik but they don't have much endurance for prolonged fights.
Especially Conqueror versus Barbarian is what i'm looking for. Which of them can take on more enemies (players and/or monsters) at the same time?
Conqueror, they actually have feats that'll increase their damage and other stats depending on the number of enemies around them (i.e. Overcome the Odds and Colossus of War).
Which of them benefits the team more?
Both bring their addition to a team but if you're thinking group enhancing buffs then it's Conqueror.
Do both have running and snare skills?
Both have some, actually there's general skills that all classes have that increase out-of-combat run speed or reduce the hit on stamina while sprinting. On the snares, stuns and other crowd control department Barbarian has more.
Can you vanish out of combat?
No.
What is the Dark Templar like to play? He has no big weapons nor dual wield. Is he just a mini guardian with life drain spells, or what?
Templars have most emphasis on magic out of soldiers. While Guardians got their polearms, Conqs big fat 2-handers and dual wielding Templars use magic. A lot of it is the life sapping kind so DTs are pretty much bipedal leeches. Only played one to around level 10 so don't have much first hand info on it. It's said to be a "late bloomer" class meaning it takes up to quite high levels until Dark Templars manifest their proper power.

[Volw]

DT can't dual wield.

I'd consider Polearm Guardian as well, tons of armor, decent damage and the thing hits everything in 2m cone in front of you, a lot of utility (knockbacks, disarms etc).

[Gunhead]

Yes, yes, i missed a comma.
While Guardians got their polearms, Conqs big fat 2-handers and dual wielding, Templars use magic.

Happy?:rolleyes:

[FuSs]

Polearm guardian has more area effect than 2hand conqueror?

Btw can you uncert your skills again?

[Gunhead]

Polearms have longest reach of all melee weapons.

Yea you can adjust your feats by resetting them at an appropriate npc. Dunno if they've settled on the cost of doing it or how often you can reset them.

[FuSs]

But you dont wanna tell me that a plate guardian with more health and armor does more damage to groups of enemies than conqueror?
Why take a conqueror then?

[Gunhead]

I don't know if Guardian does more damage to groups than Conqueror. Personally i doubt it as Conqs by design sacrifice survivability for damage compared to shield using soldiers.

There isn't any cases of "this class > that class" within the archtypes from my experience. Each class within the archtypes have their strengths and weaknesses but the main difference is that they're very different to play.

[Volw]

But you dont wanna tell me that a plate guardian with more health and armor does more damage to groups of enemies than conqueror?
Why take a conqueror then?

Conq has directional buffs and auras tho.

Pretty much what gun said, theres no Class A > Class B

And the choice is difficult, we all know that :D

[Ironman]

I'm going for a Demonologist. Partly because according to different votes that is the underdog and partly because I did play one in the beta and I kinda like it.

[Volw]

I'm going for a Demonologist. Partly because according to different votes that is the underdog and partly because I did play one in the beta and I kinda like it.

Mind it was before Spellweaving ;)

Fire or elec?

[Gunhead]

I'm going for a Demonologist. Partly because according to different votes that is the underdog and partly because I did play one in the beta and I kinda like it.

You know i'll be demanding you to do that spell with the bloody awesome gut shaking bass sound effect as often as is humanly possible? ;)

[Ironman]

@Volw - Yeah I know it is before Spellweave and yeah I'll go Elec.

@Gun - Hell YEAH! I tried it on speakers the other day and god damn it really sounds great. ;)

[kouryuu]

Stygian assassin

[Genya Arikado]

Stygian assassin

Ah the Gyppo has arrived...

This is one of the turd monglers that will be accompanying me to this server and would like to join us here in RL...

Feel free to throw a few tomatoes at him during his interview...

[Khammar]

This is AoC. We do not throw tomatoes.

We throw the severed heads of our vanquished foes.

[kouryuu]

Gyppo??? :O how rude :P

[Genya Arikado]

This is AoC. We do not throw tomatoes.

We throw the severed heads of our vanquished foes.

You might, I however, will delve into my supply of Severed-Enemy-Testicles.

Now available in three different flavours; Sweaty, Minging and Extra Crabs.

[kouryuu]

as long as you hold the mayo

[Revin]

I am one of genya s friends too.An I am going to play a HoX well try to play one. (100 % gypo as well).

[Volw]

ToS :p

No.

PoM.

[Volw]

Gyppo??? :O how rude :P

*wtf is gypo?*

*google*

1. GYPO http://static.urbandictionary.com/thumbsup.gif (javascript:void(0)) 197 up, 59 down http://static.urbandictionary.com/thumbsdown.gif (javascript:void(0))
Acronym for Get Your Penis Out.

It all started from a news report that told parents that leetspeak is a potentially dangerous code that their children are using in order to disguise their text from their parents. One example that the news team described was GYPO, but they never described what it was. Since nobody else seemed to have heard of this term before, it was decided that the term would stand for Get Your Penis Out.


... ?! :o

[Ludicrouse]

Gypo is a colloquial English term for Travellers or Gypsies.

[void]

Gypo is a colloquial English term for Travellers or Gypsies.

ah ziggisar as we call them:D