Newb Control: Fresh Assassin needing a Cherry Popped

Combo · 12-01-2007, 01:25 PM

I just came back to EQ2 after a 2 year WOW spree, RoK was very enticing, (yes, I burned my WoW CDs and uninstalled it off my hard drive, please don't hate me), I have literally forgotten how to play this game almost completely. So much has changed since 2005 that I can't even begin to fathom it all. Enough fanboism...

My questions are just a few.. Having chosen an Assassin I would first assume we're not too desired in groups / raids because there are probably a million other assassins across all servers, (Crushbone, specifically). Secondly, unlike other MMOs, this game's stealth class doesn't seem to focus on "only daggers" or "only sword use" etc. Am I correct in assuming that whether I use a spear, axe, dagger, or sword it won't effect the damage type or skills I'm able to use?

Lastly, I am a min-maxer type player who always has to number-crunch. What types of stats should I focus on, what sets, etc? (Example: does 1str = higher damage output than 1agi, does agi increase other abilities such as dodge/evade, etc.). Are there things I should really avoid doing? Any advice would help. I would go to the official forums but I realize seasoned players read here more often than not. While my questions are probably stupid, I figure its better to ask and learn than to not ask and just be an idiot.

aduros · 12-01-2007, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Combo

I just came back to EQ2 after a 2 year WOW spree, RoK was very enticing, (yes, I burned my WoW CDs and uninstalled it off my hard drive, please don't hate me)

In a few weeks, your gonna regret that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Combo

Having chosen an Assassin I would first assume we're not too desired in groups / raids because there are probably a million other assassins across all servers, (Crushbone, specifically).

You shouldn't have too much of an issue with groups. You should be able to find a guild somewhere since your just starting out. But alot of the quality guilds either have the position filled, or aren't looking for more than 1 or 2 assassins anyways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Combo

Secondly, unlike other MMOs, this game's stealth class doesn't seem to focus on "only daggers" or "only sword use" etc. Am I correct in assuming that whether I use a spear, axe, dagger, or sword it won't effect the damage type or skills I'm able to use?

Aside from utilizing your pierce or slash skill, it's all just 'flavor'.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Combo

Lastly, I am a min-maxer type player who always has to number-crunch. What types of stats should I focus on, what sets, etc?

STRENGTH #1 (This will have the biggest influence on your damage) > Intelligence (poison and proc damage) > Agility/Stamina (power and health) > Wisdom (don't even touch it).

As for the dps modifiers remember this:
Melee Crit > ALL. This will have the biggest impact on you DPS as an Assassin. It's linear, so the more the merrier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Combo

Are there things I should really avoid doing?

Timing auto attacks. STA line.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Combo

I would go to the official forums but I realize seasoned players read here more often than not. While my questions are probably stupid, I figure its better to ask and learn than to not ask and just be an idiot.

Best thing to do is just play through trial and error. I could sit you down and talk to you for days about how to play an Assassin to the fullest, but unless you go out an experience it for yourself, you won't really learn anything. You will make mistakes, you will look like a nub on a few of your first raids. Once you do get the hang of things, you'll have rangers/mages riding shotgun, while you rape the parse.

Combo · 12-01-2007, 04:03 PM

Thanks, Aduros. Next question is: if I started as an Assassin, and considering what you just said in regards to utility and desire for the class end-game... Would it be a good idea to restart as a Brigand, instead?

Hoss · 12-01-2007, 04:13 PM

Dirge. The game needs more dirges.

-h

Combo · 12-01-2007, 05:30 PM

I wouldn't mind a Dirge except I'm pretty sure they are horrible for faster solo-leveling. I'm also pretty sure that most of the game's population is at max-level and finding groups would be an issue. Correct? =\

Its not easy jumping into a Mature MMO that is already 3 years since release.

Hoss · 12-01-2007, 07:16 PM

I would mentor down to level 1 to help bring a dirge up to 80 so long as they'd be in my group on the raids.

-h

aduros · 12-01-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Combo

I wouldn't mind a Dirge except I'm pretty sure they are horrible for faster solo-leveling. I'm also pretty sure that most of the game's population is at max-level and finding groups would be an issue. Correct?

That right there is the biggest issue. I rerolled after I sold my toon, and it's boring as hell solo questing up to 80. In fact I just stopped all together at 38. Your best bet is to ride the wave of Sarnak alts leveling up now, and go out of your way to form your own groups, instead of waiting with your LFG tag up.

If you originally were interested in Assassin, your probly gonna be disappointed with a Dirge. I'd go with the Brigand since they're needed for raids, great DPS, and great for farming/soloing.

Hoss · 12-01-2007, 09:50 PM

yeah but correct me if i am wrong, you dont need more than 1 brigand on a raid do ya? The debuffs dont stack do they? and Every meleer wants a dirge in their group.

But yeah you might be disappointed if you had a good taste of assassin life. A guildie has a 70 swashie and dirge, and he hates the dirge cause it too boring. But, when he really wants to group, and can't get one with his swash or monk, he'll log the dirge in and get invites within seconds.

Gonzo · 12-02-2007, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoss

yeah but correct me if i am wrong, you dont need more than 1 brigand on a raid do ya? The debuffs dont stack do they? and Every meleer wants a dirge in their group.

I'd say 2 is the best. That way they can alternate between Dispatch and other utilities. But who am I kidding I am lucky to get 1. And don't forget Monks for the supersonic CA Spam.

Hoss · 12-02-2007, 04:29 AM

Like I tell my monk and bruiser friends. We all want them in the raid, we just don't want them in our group. Stick em in the caster group!

-h