Melee Healers And Why They Don't Need Nerfed

There has been talk recently (actually it's been going on since day 1) about melee healers and how they tend to be over powered.  I must say that I used to feel the same way, but after thinking about it rationally I have changed my opinion. 

Both DoK's and WP's are very hard to kill.  Both of them have great group heals, making up for their lack of single target healing viability.  Those two points tend to be the most complained about aspect.  There are also complaints of their melee abilities, detaunts, armor.....etc..

I feel as if they can't be OP.  Reason being is that both sides, Order and Destruction, have access to them.  If you really feel they are that overpowering, roll one.  Zealots and Runepriests have better single target healing, and insta cast heals.  This enables them to heal themselves on the run.  AM and Shaman have good group utilities in buffs and hots.  DoKs and WPs have the group heal.  Why must a "squishy" healer have the best of everything?  As a DoK, I certainly can't run around as heal spec and expect to effectively heal my group.  I have to stand there and just take it like a man.  This is why they wear heavy armor. 

People argue that they are melee healers, and as such should have to melee in order to heal their group.  Honestly I don't get this really at all.  Should AM's and Shaman have to DoT up people in order to heal their group?  After all, that's how their mechanic works.  If you really want DoK's and WP's to melee only, there are some big changes that would have to happen, such as the below:

• Change regen rate of Soul Essence
• Make Rend Soul a group heal
• Add SE regen to offhand weapons, not just books / chalices
• Rend Soul / Consume Essence may have to ignore armor

Those are just a few things that come to mind.  If you don't change those things then a melee healer simply becomes just another melee character.  Other healing classes do not have to worry about SE regen or armor factor of an opposing player when healing.  If a DoK or WP could only melee to heal, how would they be an effective healer at all?  Especially with the addition of the new armor sets, Fortitude, and new Realm Abilities. 

If anyone can please provide rational ideas to the so called problem, please feel free to present them.  Other than that, stop your whining. 

Ding, Yet Another 40.

This time it was another DoK.  Yes, another.  This is my third.  Reason I had finished leveling was simple really, I only want to have a single account.  At the moment I have entirely to many accounts, most with only a single character on it.  I decided there is no reason to keep more than one subscription active, so I had been leveling characters recently.  This however leaves me with quite a few accounts that I'll more than likely never play again.  What to do, what to do?  Per the EULA, I can transfer the rights to an account.  Maybe I'll just raffle them away?  Perhaps have some kind of question posed on the site and whoever gets the answer correct first wins?  Eh....dunno about that.  Are there many people out there who even want a high ranking Zealot, Choppa, DoK, BO, WE, SH?  Those are just a few accounts mind you. 

Anyway, after finishing my DoK yesterday, a few guildmates and I ran Eternal Citadel a few times.  I must say it's good fun, when matched up correctly.  When you get a Premade Vs. Pug though, forget about it.  /AFK a few minutes.  Is the scenario matchmaking system working properly yet?  I felt like it was much of the same yesterday.  I wish more details of the system were released so we knew how it worked, but I do know how that could lead to potential exploits. 

Another thing I realized yesterday is that DoK's are disgusting as a healer.  I'm only renown rank 31, but I was dishing out near 200k in heals in EC.  AoE detaunt is great, and the tactic choices I have as a healer are very nice.  I've never seriously played a DoK as a healer before, anyone have any suggestions for me?  I'm sure there is a ton I could learn. 

$414, is that enough?

As a follow up to this post, I wanted to touch on the dramatic rise in prices for a Warhammer Online account.  As predicted, the new Skaven and RvR patch has really brought out people from the woodwork, and populations have grown quite significantly over the past few days.  With such a turn around happening, more and more people are selling and buying Warhammer accounts.  It's easier than ever to remain anonymous with the new server transfers, and with EULA it is even apparently legal to transfer ownership of an account.  

Over the past few days I have been scouring the auction sites to find a price range that we are looking at.  There have been highs as much as $1,000 and lows as little as $60 that I could find.  Both for a single renown rank 80 character.  In finding the average price, I went through dozens of auctions looking for what sellers were getting for their accounts.  The answer is actually more than I thought, $414. 

Is $414 enough though for you to sell your account?  All that time invested for $414? For a single character, I would say yes.  For an account with multiple characters, which most of us have now, probably not.  Keep in mind I would not purchase any account for such a steep price, as I feel it is much easier to level now than ever before.  With the recent poll I had going, there was a 50/50 split on whether or not people would sell for $1,000.  I'd imagine the figures would drastically change with the price point of $414.  With the current state of Warhammer, what would you pay for an account?  What if it were rank 100, with all the end game gear?  That might be something to think about, as we're sure to see them for sale soon...

So Far, So Good

Initial impressions are in for 1.4 and the new expansions, and all signs point to go.  With the exception of city sieges actually occurring more frequently and lag from the recent onset of new players, the patch has gone off without much of a hitch.

On Iron Rock, the population boost is a very welcome addition.  We all knew that subscribers would come back, but weren't really sure of the numbers.  I would say that we have seen a near doubling of players on IR, just a guestimate though.

There will be some patches in the near future for sure.  Things to address server stability first and foremost.  I've had a few client crashes when around heavily populated keeps, as have others.  They also must address keep difficulty and the rate of which cities are sieged.  I foresee those changes taking place rather quickly.

I kind of wish another week or two of testing on the PTS would have taken place, but I understand the hurry that EA/Mythic is in with Cataclysm due out soon.  They couldn't risk losing more of a population to WoW again.  It was a good choice.

So with that said, good luck in 1.4 and enjoy the plethora of city sieges while they last.  I'm sure that thing's are going to be changing in the near future, and constant city sieges will be a thing of the past.  

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love Ya, Tomorrow

It's only a day away!

That's right folks, 1.4 and the RvR Packs are only a single day away.  Tomorrow, I'm assuming after patching, the EA Store will have the RvR Packs available for purchase and we'll be on our way to Rank 100!  Not to mention doing it with snazzy new pets and maybe a face lift for a few of us.

I'd like everyone to keep in mind that while we are all very giddy with anticipation now, tomorrow is still a patch day.  We all know what usually happens with bigger patches, so please do not be glum should there be some issues.  I expect crashes, slow downloads, and lag.  Let's not add to it with whining on blogs and forums, and unsubscribing.

After thinking about it a bit, I've decided I'll be playing my Marauder with the patch.  Then again, I'm a constant flip flopper so we'll see how long that lasts.  We'll also see if the general populations increase at all over the next few days.  I'd expect them to, at least a bit.

So today, everyone enjoy your last experiences with the current renown and scenario systems.  Stock up on any potions, liniments, dyes, or whatever think you will benefit from after we patch.  I'd also recommend checking out the new Renown and Character Builders that are available.  There are going to be a lot of options, and I'd advise at least getting to know them a little bit beforehand.

Oh yah, before I forget.  Carrie mentioned on twitter that "More Sex" was a feature people were looking for, so you never know just what we'll get tomorrow!  I mean how many more positions can we see a damn near naked Witch Elf in?

Developer Live Stream Q and A! - 11/17/2010

Be sure to check out the Herald, and the Livestream event that is taking place tomorrow (11/17/10) at 7PM EST!

Here is the direct link to the stream for your reference!

Decisions Decisions

Decisions decisions.  With 1.4 coming out this Thursday, I have a lot to think about.  Mostly, what in the hell class do I choose?  Here are my options:

• Rank 80 Marauder
• Rank 80 WE
• Rank 60 SH
• Rank 65 Sorc
• Rank 30 Zealot

Recently, I've been leveling and loving the Zealot, but how long will that love affair last?  I mean, he's a healer.  Something I'm not really accustom to playing.  I've also been playing the SH more recently, with the others shelved.  But again I have the dilemma of playing the Marauder with the new buffs they will be receiving, which will be awesome.  

I just can't decide.  From the above, it looks like I've all but ruled out the WE.  She just doesn't interest me as much right now, as I just don't feel as if they bring as much to a group as my other choices.  I also feel like I'm nixxing the Sorc, as I'd much rather play the SH as a ranged dps.  

Only time will tell I suppose, and that time is only a mere few days away.  Who's ready?  

Out with the Old, In with the....Old?

With the onset of the Verminous Horde, there are sure to be more than a few new subscribers over the next few weeks.  Overall, the reviews from the PTS have been on the good side, and forums are giddy with anticipation for the new ORvR content.  Things really are looking on the up and up for the game, and I am very pleased with how things are turning out.

Over the past few months, we have really seen Mythic step up their efforts to lure back old players.  Free T1 play forever, Free 10 days with no cc info, Free transfers for people away for 3 months.  Not to mention all of the press they have been slowly releasing with the upcoming patch.  While I'm sure a there have been a few former subscribers to again pay to play, what about the literally hundreds of thousands that are still out there?  If you all remember, Warhammer Online started with something like 1,000,000 original game sells (please feel free to correct me, this is from memory).....in turn creating that number of accounts.  What is the population now though?  100,000 max?  Obviously EA does not release those numbers, but we are all more than aware of the current state of the realms.

Please don't get me wrong here, I am in no way trying to bash the game.  Tonight I was talking to my brother-in-law who previously played a Rune Priest on Phoenix Throne.  I always try to pressure him to come back, and of course I told him about the new stuff coming in.  Unfortunately though, the beginning of Warhammer really tainted the game for him.  Thus, I truly believe he will never again play.  He, like many others, really hated Warhammer originally.  Justifiably so, as there was not much to offer.  But there is so much more to the game now, and it has grown by leaps and bounds recently.  So much has been added over the past year, and I really feel terrible for those who did not stick through till now.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that my brother-in-law, and others, would surely love the new content.  The RvR is great, and getting better.  The renown abilities will be completely game changing.  Time-To-Kill is slower.  Scenario matchmaking.  More attainable gear.  More customizations.  Just so much more coming into the ever changing world of Warhammer.  How else can Mythic get back a larger part of those old subscribers?

I definitely foresee a jump in the numbers over the next few weeks and months.  Maybe as many as 10,000 even.  How though can Mythic go beyond that, to say 500,000?   What other ideas can they come up with to entice players back?  A free month?  A free rank 40/40?  A free "re-enlistment" weapon?  Maybe something that can be traded between characters on an account?  I know they are doing a lot, but I believe more can be done.  I'm not putting this out there to bash, but putting it out there to garner some positive feedback which is hopefully seen by someone in a position to change things.  So with all that said, all ideas are welcome.  Please leave a comment or send some tweets to @Andy_Mythic with ideas.  Let's get this game the attention it deserves.

Obligation to End Game

The current state of Warhammer on Iron Rock is less than appealing. People are leaving for other games or other servers left and right, and it really leaves the server to be dead at most times. Another issue is the severe population gap between Order and Destruction. I cannot remember the last time Destro outnumbered our Order counterparts, and often we are outnumbered 3 and 4 to 1. Yes the AAO is nice, but let’s be honest here; eventually you get tired of being rolled due to numbers alone.

Yesterday afternoon was a prime example of our server population, or lack thereof. Order, with relative ease, pushed IC with no real resistance at all. So, in the hopes of me winning a gold / purp bag, I joined my first city instance immediately after the zones locked. Obviously I zone in and check out the scenario scoreboard to find that I had been put up against the usual Order premade of high renown ranking characters. I waited a few minutes for a few more Destro to show up, but only a handful did. Just enough to fill out two groups, so I left. After returning to the Maw, I waited about five minutes and joined another scenario. I was placed in a completely new instance, but it was much of the same. Destro could only manage to fill a few groups against another Order premade. So again, I left. Rinse and repeat several times over, and upon entering three completely different city sieges, it was the same story in each. I even wound up in the same instance on two separate occasions, and neither was nearly close to filling a single warband. Clearly, it is evident that the population is completely out of whack. Do you really expect a Destro player to sit through a city siege for 30 minutes (estimate) for a single Royal Crest? Hardly worth it. At that rate, it would take roughly…..oh I dunno…..100 years to complete a Sovereign set.

Much to my chagrin I hopped on my DoK alt and played around in T3, which low and behold was rocking with action. But that’s the problem; T3 was filled up with great action while a freaking city siege was taking place. It’s sad that no one even cares anymore. It’s just another day on Iron Rock with Destro being beat down. People have grown tired of it, and could care less about IC.

I think something needs to happen that would make it so it is more beneficial to defend your city, rather than to just hop on an alt. Maybe if the opposing side is victorious, you cannot gain access to LoTD for a full day, or you gain a reduced amount of XP for your realm. Maybe even close off IC for more than a few hours, something like a complete day. Right now there is just no incentive to defend your realm on Iron Rock. Hopefully this changes with the implementation of 1.4 and the RvR changes, but unless there is a major population shift I can’t see it.

Squiggy Update

There is so much taking place in Warhammer right now, and unfortunately it couldn't be happening at a worse time for me.  With so much taking place in the real world for me, I hardly have time to be checking out the PTS at the moment.  I am seeing good things though.  I am really excited to see how it all finally plays out in the coming months.  I highly recommend checking out my blog roll to the right for all the updates. 

One thing I have been focusing on when I have time to play is my wee little Squig Herder, Hobgobblin.  I just took him out of T3 and into the big boy world of T4.  Kind of unfortunate if you ask me.  I really like T3.  I almost feel like there was more balance there than in T4.  As it stands now I run around T4 getting near one shotted by high ranking Bright Wizards and Witch Hunters.  I am only level 32 though.  I would imagine that I will have him to 40 by weeks end.  Honestly I really don't have that much more to go.  I have two Golden Writs I can use to purchase War Tracts from, and the free level quest.  So really only 5 more levels, which I can grind out in either LoTD or PvP.  I have no desire for the free mount from the writ either, if you're asking why I'd use both on a free level.  It was cool when my Marauder was the only one on the server with one, before the free ones were issued.  Now they are completely fotm, and everyone has one.  So I'll pass, and just ride in style on my white wolf of doom. 

The Week That Was

We've seen a lot this past week with Warhammer.  The PTS events are taking place, new mounts, changes to the guard mechanic and so much more.  It's been a busy week for me and unfortunately I haven't been able to check out all the amazing things.  Check out Werits video for more on the PTS server. 

• Lokax brings us Gorbad Ironclaw
• Kruelhand breaks down the guard changes
• WWGD this week?
• More guard discussion with Bruglir.
• Hypothetical breaks down ToVL

There is a lot more going on right now with Warhammer, and I strongly encourage everyone to check it out.  At the moment, I'm short on time and I have to keep the post as such.  Don't worry, all is well, and I hope to be back in my normal form next week. 

T3 is Bumpin Bumpin, Order go Boom Boom

Like any veteran of a game, sometimes we forget just where and when we once had come from in terms of level. If someone sticks around in end game content for a while, often things can become a bit stale at times and a refresher is needed. All too often do I find myself camping a mailbox or sitting around waiting for a queue. So to those of you who are in need of a change of scenery I recommend T3 on Iron Rock.

Over the past week or so the battles in T3 have been tremendous. Much better from what I remember 2 years ago. There is constant action.  It also helps being on the winning side for once. Whether it is skirmishes, keep takes, fighting over champion mobs or a gutter runner assault, there is never a dull moment in T3. I actually found myself not wanting to level out of it last night. While at the champion rat mobs, which you can find over at WAR Aura, I got 2.5 levels in approximately 30 minutes. So now I sit at level 29/24. I could have continued leveling and at that pace would have certainly been in T4 in no time. Why would I want to do that now though? The action is so good, and I have enough T4 characters right now.

I'm also not sure what it is, but everything seems a bit bigger to me. I think it may have to do with the map layout and the keeps in different zones. It also could be that not everyone has a mount; therefore groups don't cover as much ground as quickly. The environment is so much more crisp and clean too. I touched on it a bit yesterday, but I can't believe how much better and more detailed things look in T3. In Saphery yesterday, I could actually count the individual leaves on the trees. That's not something I ever noticed in a T4 zone. The keeps seem a lot more detailed too, and more in depth. After experiencing T3 again and taking notice to all the subtleties, I really wish the game was held off a bit longer before release. T4 could really use a lot of the detail that is clearly prevalent in the earlier stages of the game.

So thank you to Mythic for changing the restrictions on LoTD.  T3 is alive and well, and there are still spots to grind should you choose to.  Go check it out, and revisit some things you may have missed the first time (or few at this point) around.

The Week That Was

Again, everyone is ripe with anticipation for the upcoming RvR Pack and 1.4.  Yesterday the new Producers Letter was released, and in it not a whole lot if any new information.  We have to keep in mind that the letter is really intended for those of us who don't live Warhammer 24/7, and is really for your more casual player to keep them a breast of what is on the horizon.

• WWGD?  I guess we'll find out soon enough eh?   
• Bootae had a lot going on this week, and a nice Q&A with Andy.  I suggest everyone head on over and check it out. 
• There are definitely a bunch of tactics that are rarely used in Warhammer.  Lokax started to throw out some good ideas when it comes to Tanktics
• KruelWAR put out a new Marauder Video here. 
• Tirew also destroys some Destro with his Engi video.  Rifle spec?  Really? 
• Squibblebut still holds out for a 3rd realm
• Portraits of WAR released some new sketches. 

For me personally it's been a slow week when it comes to gaming.  I've been meaning to check out Civ V, but just don't have time at the moment.  Pretty busy with things personally.  I did start a new Zealot last night, Sosiq.  Ran around T1 with Dr. Sparkles and Mimmi on their Marauder and Choppa.  I didn't realize I guess all the new stuff in T1 that there is, scenario weapons specifically.  I can only imagine how insanely OP certain classes can become now in T1.  I'll probably find out this weekend I guess. 

The Social Aspect of Gaming

In addition to my normal babble, there are other topics that are on my mind when it comes to video games and MMOs in general.  I'd like to think I've experienced a lot when it comes to my past decade or so of MMOs.  Not only with the game aspect, but with the social aspect as well.  Very important periods of my life have been covered with me playing these immersive games, and definitely not always for the betterment of me, my friends, or my family. 

Thoughts on the Gamesday News

Well the weekend has come and gone, and here we are back to the grind of real life.  We did get a lot of interesting news though from Gamesday from the likes of Bruglir and WAR Aura.  I suggest you head on over to their sites for all the details.  From Vanity Pets and Mounts, to the Campaign changes and Skaven, there is a lot of information in there.  I'm very interested in and looking forward to seeing what is posted on the Herald over the next month.

The Week That Was

Another week gone by as we wait for 1.4 and the RvR Pack.  Post is a little later than usual today, been sick and haven't felt up to it today. 

• Some Marauder changes on the horizon.  Must say I'm happy about this, and it's about time
• Wardrobe updates on the horizon.  I'm really looking forward to this. 
• Bootae has some great pics of the action on Norn.  I must say, it looks bloody awesome.  We need more action like that on Iron Rock.
• Black Orcs.  I don't know much...but I know I love you.... that may be all Mmmmm Gud needs to know.
• Another Eternal Citadel weekend.  Gaar breaks it down. 

A lot of people have been trying out the new Civilization V.  I myself want to check it out as well, but it's going to be tough with this weeks Weekend Warfront.  I need Insignias!  

Iron Rock And The Future

After reading Wasdstomps post about Badlands and what the future may entail, I figured I'd shoot out issues that may plague the smaller population servers (like Iron Rock).  Wasdstomp brings up some very valid questions about the future of Badlands, and ones that will definitely need answered.  They have already been taking steps to address population issues on Badlands, as seen by the ending of trial accounts and free character transfers to the server.  I would imagine that the free character transfers will extend to paid character transfers, once that service is implemented.  Although that certainly does depend on the current state of the game / server at that time.

Gamers Unite - Brian Wood Memorial Trust

As an avid reader of online publications, I came across a write up on Yahoo! that really caught my attention.  It really stuck out in my mind as something everyone should get behind.  It is about a game designer, Brian Wood, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver earlier this month. 

I'd encourage everyone to take a minute and give the article a read.  As a gamer I can appreciate the time he took to make our lives enjoyable.  As a new father I can appreciate the sacrifice he made for his family.  While in the gaming world, we sometimes can forget even for a second that real life supersedes everything, but that's what the game is created for.  As Brian was someone who created environments to help forget our real life issues for a few moments, let's get together and help his family out with one of their own. 

The Brian Wood Memorial Trust has been created to help his wife and baby through this difficult time for them.  I recommend everyone go ahead and donate, even if it's a single dollar.  Brian's wife and baby would definitely appreciate it. 

Brian's wife, Erin, has also released an email to the general gaming community thanking everyone for their support.  In the letter it talks about how close knit the gaming community is and how special gamers are as people.  Let's show her just how close knit we are, and help her and the new baby out.