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Post by zerragon on May 10, 2007 10:32:07 GMT
Im planning yet another sorceror rebuild, with 5 epics at the cost of
Improved combat casting (ICC).
When I for instance run into the middle of a crowd, I have to press "Defensive casting mode" to simulate ICC and avoid attacks of opportunity ?
Would be nice to get some feedback how this works in Hells from people that dont have ICC.
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Post by Raj on May 10, 2007 12:16:33 GMT
yes, never took ICC on my casters and never had any problem at all with defensive casting; just try to avoid missclicking and attack malee the monsters with your uber staff, or defensive casting is really screwed  I usually quickslot it on F4 while my other most used short ranged spells are on F1-F6 so only left hand is busy That being said, in hells monsters make short work of crowded casters anyway, and outside hells I'm usually lazy and don't use it at all  |
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Post by Bakchuda on May 10, 2007 16:43:32 GMT
So you don't fail when rolling a 1 for the Concentration check for Defensive Casting mode?
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Post by dodrudon on May 10, 2007 18:40:03 GMT
Don't believe so no.
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Post by Yomi on May 10, 2007 19:21:26 GMT
My biggest issue with defensive casting has bee those silly attacks of opportunity that my caster makes. I get my cleric in defensive casting mode then she just has to poke at something in the swarm that's moved around, and the defensive casting mode is cancelled. I should look at my logs to verify, but it's not uncommon if the timing's wrong for her to start swishing away at something and defensive casting mode then doesn't seem to be on even though I know I hit the hotkey. This is usually not a huge issue, but it does mean, even if you're really good about hitting the hotkey, you will take some more AoOs than if you had ICC.
As far as the concentration checks, if you put points into concentration like I assume a caster has, then they all succeed with no problems after you're level 20. Once defensive casting mode is on then you shouldn't get any AoOs on yourself from casting.
In Hells I don't normally see the casters running into the middle of the massed mobs to start casting like they do in the desert, ssith, illithids, etc. So I'd venture it'd actually be easier instead of harder. But I've only played a caster through Dis, so I'm speculating based on playing ICC and non-ICC casters outside of Hells and watching casters in Hells.
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Post by dodrudon on May 10, 2007 20:54:30 GMT
Defensive Casting also may not activate due to lag, or you click it and don't know whether it's active cuz of lag....
It's definitely useful. Is it worth two feats for those few times you find yourself needing to cast during a sudden backspawn? No.
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Post by cathedralmaster on May 10, 2007 21:23:51 GMT
With the ludicrous amount of concentration you get on Tia gear plus most of my casters having a decent amount of tumble, I don't bother with the combat casting feats and I do alright. As such, I think you can get by without them.
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Post by thedomicron on May 10, 2007 21:53:56 GMT
also keep in mind that, you are a sorceror, and not a tank. there's no need for you to run headfirst into a big pile when you're worried about dying
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Post by dodrudon on May 10, 2007 21:54:33 GMT
Just don't take 148 damage  |
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Post by cathedralmaster on May 10, 2007 22:21:13 GMT
also keep in mind that, you are a sorceror, and not a tank. there's no need for you to run headfirst into a big pile when you're worried about dying Dude, so not hardcore... |
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Post by Raj on May 10, 2007 22:25:37 GMT
usually you only need to run in the middle of the spawn for the few spells that are centered on caster, such as prayer, nature's balance, firestorm, meteors
in order to avoid yomi issues try to move using keypad instead of mouse, that cuts many AOO
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Post by dodrudon on May 10, 2007 23:08:52 GMT
If you have defensive casting on, you can use spells to move without breaking it by selecting the spell (such as MS), and selecting where you want to cast it.
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Post by thedomicron on May 11, 2007 17:11:40 GMT
you actually DON"T need to run into a crowd to do damage with those spells. in the hells it'd be incredibly dangerous and ineffective to try and ms from the middle. when you're over level in the desert, then absolutely go for it, but also keep in mind, in areas with dangerous enemies, a good tank and a smart party will mass and tank most large groups so that you can stand on the side and get most of them.
still, cc/icc is all about your play style, i personally LOVE it, and try to use it in my casters, but i know plenty who don't bother
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Post by dodrudon on May 11, 2007 17:24:55 GMT
Domi's a lazy butt!
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