Keeping Casters Alive

[malynch]

I haven't had any issues

with keeping my mages alive.

First, I purchased the DS2 Deluxe Edition which comes with the BW expansion and I play with BW expansion which gives me 2 extra autocast spell slots.

Also, I used a mod so that I can have 6 members in my party in merc level.

My party is made up of 2 fighters (1 sword & shield and 1 duel-wield (had a 2H fighter but replaced him with DWing Eva)), 1 Ranger, 1 Blood Assassin, 1 CM and 1 NM. My NM is setup as a total healer, her only offense is through the summons. She has Heal, Healing Rain and Spirit Embrace in the autocast slots. Her main "attact" spell is Resurect and she cast Wrath of the Bear on the Fighters and Aquatic Embrace on the Mages.

The only time my CM has died is when unexpectantly ran into a lvl 45 Undead Azunite Archer right before I fought the Dark Wizard to free Eva. After I realized what I was dealing with I started hitting it with powers and made it through with all 6 of my characters at mostly full health.

Actually, I have more trouble keeping my Ranger (Vix) alive than either of my mages.

[Draxian]

Thing, I agree completely about your #1.

But, yeah, I didn't mean to sound so pushy in my post. (must have learned that from the rude people on WoW)

There are many ways to build, and many different factors such as playing solo w/ large party or playing w/ only 2 or 1 char. Or singleplayer or multiplayer, so it all depends. I'm just trying to help anyone with what i've learned. And I still learn more ways to do things constantly.

But if you play online with only one or two characters instead of 6, your guys (or gals) should be tough and versatile. If playing singleplayer with 6 party members, you can afford to be more specialized.

So make one, and join us online!

[DarkDain]

Casters in a party, function in a party, and are usually built to be that much more frail, while if you solo with a caster you'll learn how to keep them alive better, and come out stronger. Combat Mages are in no way frail at all, when I played online my combat mage out tanked warriors. Before BW, in DS2, i'd do Zaramoth Horn runs on elite, I was so powerful that i was literally healed in mana and health when a monster attacked me with any magic, and melee attacks bounced off. BW did do some crushing blows to CM with gear adjustments, but with new items to find and skills to use I think it worked out for the best. Never really had a problem with any boss doing too much, except the first BW bosses with their death ring, only time i had to run, and last time i played, i think i can survive even that triple attack. I havnt played in forever but i think i had 800'sh armor (1200+ with corpse shield), 2200'ish HP (without earthen) and 60% overall resistances (without buff) i think 60-70% for melee and ranged resistances. I dont think it hurt my damage too much either, 9000 on grasping vine isnt alot considering how SLOW it is, skull spray deals 2-4k per skull and shoots 3 of them, at a faster rate, so deal way more dmg up close especially on a weakened character. And whats wrong with using debuffs? Death mage is tank yo, i could wade through mobs killing them with ONLY drown or that rot one that makes them vulnerable to death magic. The HP i'd steal alone would make me unkillable among them. Embers too probably out DPS grasping vine, im not a fire mage but even mine do 1200-1400 each plus burning damage and a small AoE.

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