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Previously, I thought AoE would only be useful if performed on significantly lower level targets or performed by a team of 2-3. While those are still valid ways to use AoE (and I would love to try this for farming items), I found (well with loads of help from Liro) a way to make it useful at current level.
The situation
Liro (51 Paladin) and I (52 Mage) were battling around on Sorrow Hill in the Western Plaguelands. There are a bunch of undead between the level of 50-52 and the area is usually well occupied with other players. Liro/Rocklar suggested we go into the tomb to get away from the hustle and bustle of the outside area.
Turned out to be a great idea as nobody was around and there was a fair number of the enemy (atleast as much as we wanted to deal with). The problem turned out to be that Liro and I were doing well at first handling a 3 on 2 or 4 on 2, but after each battle (and they were close battle) we would have to sit down and make sure we had enough health/mana to carry on. Eventually we worked our way deeper and the the battles turned into 5 on 2 or 6 on 2. that turned to be more than we could handle.
After the 2nd death (maybe 3rd?) we thought about calling in for support or dropping the idea of getting to the bottom of the crypt. We figured there was something we were missing as we felt close to being able to handle the situation for the most part.
What I learned
Regroup and revisit your strategy or full list of options. Most of the undead were melee types, but there was a good smattering of casters. I went back to make sure we were using the utility spell of dampen magic. It takes 40 points off of any magic damage you take (and 80 points off heals, but that was a very fair trade).
Be prepared to alter your strategy to the betterment of the team. Originally, I was drawing loads of agro being the primary damage dealer. I figured with a 4 on 2, AoE was the only way to take down the targets. So, we went down with the plan to have Liro tank and I assist on him to take the targets down one at a time. Well, Paladins have decent armor, but their hitpoints can’t take the beating over time. Halfway through the first battle, it was obvious that Liro was going to take the fall and I would be done about 4 seconds later (or 14 seconds if I cast Block of Ice.
You always can use a healer Always worth pointing out and a reminder to show your appreciation and support to those people who choose to take a class that is more support than front line.
Almost dieing make the game feel…fun Let’s face it, we often go unchallenged or overly challenged. The balance point where you don’t know the outcome from the moment combat starts and you think someone might drop represents some of the best times to be had in any MMO.
Respawn rates have a huge factor In this particular place, I figured the undead would be back in place after 2 minutes (3 minutes at a max. This affected our backup and exit strategy. The first time we died was because I backed up to give me some time for frost nova and I agro’d 2 more undead. Obviously, I was the recipient of the Darwin award, but I took Liro with me.
#1, Lower enemy DPS as much as possible This basically means killing them off one at a time when possible. For casters, it usually means to move to the next target when you notice the life line is low in order to not lose precious time. I tend to switch to low cost quicker casting time spells when in small groups and make sure the job is done. Nothing worse than having a target doing full damage with 10 hitpoints left. In large groups, I would leave cleanup to the melee folks.
AoE can be your friend
Basic plan for dealing with 4 (or more on 2)
Communicate lead target
Cast Physical damage shield (I have one that doesn’t use mana and blocks 678 damage)
Launch ranged attack.
Launch second attack while creature closes the gap or casts a spell.
For a caster, I cast counterspell and/or the appropriate shield
Cone of Cold the group as a whole
Cast Frost nova and back away. The order here is important as this will guarantee a lock whereas damage may break them out.
Cast blizzard
(At this point it goes back to Cone of Cold and then you have to see what you have left.)
Fewer opponents means you go to highest single target damage, more targets means AoE might be your best bet (3 or more targets)
There were many times when Liro or my health was down to a final sliver when Liro would save the day with a well timed heal. Perhaps, he can explain how he anticipated the damage being applied so well as that health management is probably the most critical piece of this type of combat.
All, I can say is it was very satisfying and a whole load of fun. We went from getting our @#%&! Handed to us to taking down large groups of the enemy with sound tactics. I look forward to more of this type of teamwork, when I get higher level, PvP, or the mid to late 40’s put some time in :p and catch up to us.
Most of this is probably common sense, but always worth another practical application. I was so used to being able to solo well, that the mentality carried into my team play. I think the game is best when we are challenged and use our abilities in new ways.
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Dalaran: Arindel - Frost Mage (Mining/Alchemy)
Dalaran: Roran - Paladin (Weaponsmith/Blacksmith)
Dalaran: Baine - Rogue
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