I love Blue Mage but....

[meSchnitzel]

HiHi everyone!

I started playing Blu a little while ago and have since been able to solo up to level 36, very close to 37. I initially started Blu to play as a sub job to Drg, but have really fallen in love with the job!
I have a couple of problems with it, and I would love to take it to 75, but i guess I'll get to the point

In regards to my title: I love blue mage but...

I can't seems to get past the Promyvions in order to learn my spells!

Jesus this is frusterating because I know I need some of those spells, and I'm a completist and have to have everyspell on each job i play regardless of whether i will use them or not.

I have tried setting up LS events, trying to create parties to do them with random people, what ever i do I just haven't been able to make any progress...

Why the hell does nobody want to do the promyvions?

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

First off, some links:

For Glory - Erecia's CoP Guide
http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/mis...they-have.html

Ultimately, if you really want to get anywhere in CoPs, you're going to have to lead and take the role seriously. As an NA player, it was difficult to find reliable help from my region the last time around, so I chose to enlist a couple of German players that inquired after I placed a post here and on KI about the missions.

They showed up prepared each time, and they kept showing up prepared every time because I did the same. I made it a point that no matter what happened with the rest of the group that I'd get them through to Sea because of that. It hard for those guys to find a serious group, so they stayed on top of their games for these missions.

Anything that Eracia's guide says - do it.

Bring meds, food, reraise items, sneak oils and powders - regardless of what your job is. I don't care if you have a spell for it, I don't care if it costs you gil - do it. If you have the time to farm the needed items to save some gil - farm them.

You may have to take the leader position to make sure this gets done. I've found that when strategies are laid out and discussed that it puts the rest of the group at ease and they go in knowing what to. Even if you've all read up on the mission alread, still go over the strategy because your job setup and strategy may need to vary.

Make sure people come as the jobs you need to win - not they jobs they want to be. I had people who showed up BST when I needed a PLD and I've dropped them from the group without hesitation. I've done it and those people can hate me for it. This isn't a time for experimentation and to try new things. CoPs are time and resource consuming so its not fair to the rest of the group to force your favorite jobs on them when they could have gone into a situation with a job that worked better.

Don't be afraid to put your foot down. You don't have to be a seasoned, experience player to lead CoPs and win. You just have to be well-informed and prepared.

If your goal is just to clear 40 caps, make a forum post here and on KI and state your intentions and the goal of the static. In fact, don't just stop at Promys because that may kill some of the incentive for people to join up. The 30 and 40 caps are the first major hurdle of CoPs, especially the 40 caps. Get that far successfully and you might find you'll have a static that wants to go the rest of the way.

Also, be willing to go back and help others catch up if it comes down to it. If you can get a steady WHM or RDM for your group and all you have to do is retread one mission - do it. Showing that you'll help against your own needs fosters a degree of loyalty from other players.

So, basically it boils down to this:

- Lead it for yourself
- Be prepared
- Be willing to work around time zone differences.
- Don't tolerate those that won't come prepared
- Don't tolerate those that won't come as the job you requested (unless its really flexible).
- If needed, go back and repeat a mission if it catches someone you need up to you.
- Most importantly: Be patient.

Best advice I can give anyone who really wants to win Cops.

[Armando]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

I have to agree with BBQ. CoP is 15% luck, 85% pure preparation and planning. CoP isn't beyond anyone's grasp but you're going to have to grab that bull by the horns all the way through. Ask your LS, ask all your friends, and friends of their friends too. Post on forums. Get at least 3-4 people that want to do CoP with you and be a leader. Make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to do and what they're supposed to bring for the next mission.

[Vyuru]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

The only two issues I have with 'Kitten's post are:

Anything that Eracia's guide says - do it.

Even though I do kinda agree with this one, I'd have to say don't blindly follow Erecia's guide. Understand it, know why he's saying something, and use your best judgment.

Make sure people come as the jobs you need to win - not they jobs they want to be.

And I'd say again, good advice, don't follow it blindly and choose the 6x Smn route because that's what someone told you you need in order to win. Obviously in the example given above, and without knowing the circumstances, I would say it was foolish of that person to come Bst when the group needed a Pld. But I would say don't exclude anyone just because their one job leveled above 60 isn't viewed as "CoP friendly", especially if you've got a pretty good group already setup and you're looking for that one extra person.

I know alot of people who foolishly scoff at having a Dnc in a CoP group, we had one. I know alot of people who scoff at having a Drg in a CoP group, I was the Drg. Whaods as I recall only had Dnc leveled, so he couldn't switch to anything else. My second highest job was a 45 Rdm, and if they had asked me to switch to it for a mission I would have.

Look at the people you have available, choose your static members from that group, and plan your battles with that group in mind.

Another tip, just buy the damn snow lily and give it to the damn moblin to warp to the BCNM. I'm still pissed that I wasted 80k gambling with the moblin. Also, Hi-Potion tanks, you can't love them enough. If you're a DD you'll probably want between 6-8 of them and pull out a bunch of them before the fight. Somewhere somehow something is going to get FUBAR'd, and you'll be glad that you're sitting on those 10+ Hi Potions.

Also I can't stress this enough:

You may have to take the leader position to make sure this gets done. I've found that when strategies are laid out and discussed that it puts the rest of the group at ease and they go in knowing what to. Even if you've all read up on the mission alread, still go over the strategy because your job setup and strategy may need to vary.

Fudge, I've got to run or else I'll be late getting to school. I'll post more later, although I've said most of what I was going to say. The two links that 'Kitten gave you should contain everything that you need to know.

[LilithAngel]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

All of the above advice is sound, and I would recommend you heed it. The reasons are manyfold, but for a Blue Mage in particular, there's a special incentive: your spells are going to head into CoP zones eventually, and a lot of the good ones are towards the end of the set, especially Al'Taieu, Grand Palace of Hu'Xzoi, and The Garden of Ru'Hmet. Also, spells that can be obtained elsewhere, can be obtained from CoP-only mobs that are of a lower level, and thus, easier and earlier access. However, you won't get to those mobs without doing CoP, so you're going to want to get on it.

A lot of the spells are very handy for either finishing combos cheaper, utility, or are very good, damaging spells (hi2u Disseverment). Not too many of them are worth passing up, so don't give up on it just because it's frustrating. Blue Mage is one of those jobs that a lot of effort has to go into it before you see returns (moreso than quite a few jobs), but once you do, it's more than worth it.

[Andrinor]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

Don't be afraid to lead a group for CoP. I was very careful and selected people I knew would finish what we started, be team players, and would do the prep work. You know, that was the hardest part? There are numerous guides, strats, and other resources to assist you so you always have something to draw from when planning mission strats. Take the initiative and get some good people together.

It's important also to remember CoP is not nearly as hard as it used to be, nor as reliant on specific setups. Some of the farming time to get items to help you succeed in boss fights, for example, has been drastically reduced if not completely eliminated. Snoll is a joke now. You don't lose XP dying in many of the fights. Overall, it's not the nightmare it used to be, it's just so damned long. That's why getting people who are committed and reliable is the real key here.

BLU frankly nearly requires Sea. Sure, you can be effective without it, but you'll never be truly satisfied with the job unless you get these spells. I know it looks arduous, but I can honestly say that I'm glad I did CoP with the group I did it with and leading that static remains one of my favorite game experiences.

Good luck!

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

I know alot of people who foolishly scoff at having a Dnc in a CoP group, we had one. I know alot of people who scoff at having a Drg in a CoP group, I was the Drg. Whaods as I recall only had Dnc leveled, so he couldn't switch to anything else. My second highest job was a 45 Rdm, and if they had asked me to switch to it for a mission I would have.

I'm not saying go with the cookie cutter strategies, but its undeniable that some jobs just drag a group down.

I had a guy show up to the Ouryu fight that I needed to help a friend get a win on. I came as SCH, my friend as DRK and this guy game PUP/DRG.

Did we win? Eventually when the putz started to listen.

Was PUP/DRG helpful?

Not remotely, but PUP/WAR or PUP/MNK or PUP/WHM might have been something better.

[Neverslip]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

<<<<<<< Lvl 75 Dancer .... having a hard time getting peeps to do CoP. Currently 0/2 on 2.5. Couldn't really tell how far along you were in your post. I have some similar issues...

Hang in there.... It seems (people say) completion of CoP is worth it ... I'm fairly impressed with the CS's in this storyline so far. Riverne is a pretty awesome looking zone.... When I first got there, I was like "wow.. finally i found the fantasy part"

AND if you have the patience to actually gather the spells for BLU, my hat is off to you. I'd love to level BLU. It looks very cool and seems pretty fun... but, I saw my friend who introduced me to FFxi go the way of the Do-do attempting for 2 wks to get Healing Breeze off of Dahmels. He's actually never been quite the same since... think he's gonna quit the game soon.

Anyway good luck to you ... BBQ's posts really helpt me with what I've done so far...

[meSchnitzel]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

<<<<<<< Lvl 75 Dancer .... having a hard time getting peeps to do CoP. Currently 0/2 on 2.5. Couldn't really tell how far along you were in your post. I have some similar issues...

Hang in there.... It seems (people say) completion of CoP is worth it ... I'm fairly impressed with the CS's in this storyline so far. Riverne is a pretty awesome looking zone.... When I first got there, I was like "wow.. finally i found the fantasy part"

AND if you have the patience to actually gather the spells for BLU, my hat is off to you. I'd love to level BLU. It looks very cool and seems pretty fun... but, I saw my friend who introduced me to FFxi go the way of the Do-do attempting for 2 wks to get Healing Breeze off of Dahmels. He's actually never been quite the same since... think he's gonna quit the game soon.

Anyway good luck to you ... BBQ's posts really helpt me with what I've done so far...

I haven't been able to get past the initial Promyvions, thats where I am... basically at the very beginning haha!

So from what I gather I'm just going to need a lot more time than I think I have to put in to right now. I know that I have people in my LS that want/need to do it, and I had a feeling I would have to be the one to lead the group, since I'm the one that wants it most it would seem... i actually NEED it, where as its just a good thing to get done for them.

Thanks for all your posts, I'll try to get something going soon and post here again if i have any problems... HAHA which I'm sure I will

As for BLU requiring a lot of patience... that is an understatement. I just barely got Death Ray last night at level 36, I couldnt find any help so I had to fight my whole way through Ranuemont Pass without sneak and invis, then solo Hecteyes (which really werent that hard, just kind of a long fight at that level) Luckily I learned it after about 10 Hecteyes.

Having finaly learned Death Ray, I've now learned all the BLU spells up to level 37. I suppose that I'll take it to 44, since that is the level of the first COP spell, and then focus on COP entirely until its done.

[Andrinor]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

Congratulations on getting your spells through 37! That's not an easy task without high level help.

I must be ~very~ patient. Not only am I 105/105 on all my BLU spells, but my wife decided to take an interest in the job, and on Monday we just got Magic Hammer for her 105/105. Since I helped her all the way, I feel like I learned them all twice....lol.

[Neverslip]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

Funny... Last night I helped tank some mobs for a buddy to get "????? Rawr" spell off some ugly horned mobs in the far far North. Ulegard or something... well, I'd never been there... wish I had more details for ya.. but it was really really late and I was unable to acquire my coffee this morning due to an absent wallet.

I remember it took far longer than he was expecting. After what I've seen I was ready for the trip to simply be a really long walk... but of course on the very last mob anyone wanted to do cuz we were all passing out, the BLU got the spell... lmao/weep Why does SE abuse us so... its more emotional than anything.

[meSchnitzel]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

haha yeah so far i have had pretty good luck to be honest, really only Pollen Healing Breeze and Wild Carrot have been a huge pain... go figure, all my healing spells... And I am proud to say that I soloed all of them, had to wait until 36 to get Wild Carrot, but it feels pretty good to have been able to solo them all.

[Vyuru]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

I'm not saying go with the cookie cutter strategies, but its undeniable that some jobs just drag a group down.

Oh I know, but if he's seeking advice on other forums the answer will probably be "You need X Jobs and two hour the missions" So while it's good advice, it's more, just be careful with how you build your parties.

I remember one guy jokingly saying that if he followed everyone's advice just for beating the Prommies, he'd need 6 Smn, 2 Nin, 4 War, 2 Brds, 6 Rng, and 6 Blm, and to let him know if anyone ever found a way to let 26 people into a 6 man fight.

Which brings me one of the other things that I was going to say yesterday. I would say that beating CoP is about 30% strategy, 20% luck, and 50% the people. If you can't get someone to follow orders, even the best laid plans will fail, and then burst into flames and explode in a massive wave of self destruction that the Goblin judges give it a 10/10.

Also, do a dry run for everything, even if you think you don't need it, it really does help sometimes. Although I will admit there were a number of fights we did where I didn't think a dry run was needed, but still I'm glad we did them. Especially since now I get to go around saying we beat Diabolos on the dry run!

And besides the patience, the one thing I cannot stress enough is to have everyone bring the needed meds, and special items for the that you are doing. Just to name a few, but, anima help immensely with the Proms. Yellow Liquids help with the Mammets. CCBs help with Ultima/Omega. The item for the Mithran Tracker fight, I forget what it's called, is the only one that we found to be useless, but hey, if you wanna bring some of those along do so. These items can make or break the fight for you. We were a balanced party throughout CoP with no Blm (until the end) or anyone who could use a ranged attack effectively, so Mistmelts were a must for the Ouryu fight.

And even though it's not needed, I would highly recommend that everyone, maybe not the mages but at least the melee, goes into the fight with at least 10 Hi Potions. It can help the healers out alot when they know that you can handle some of your own healing. I don't know if I'd say that my reliance on Hi Pots contributed significantly to the run for that night, but there was one fight where I can point to my massive Hi Pot spammage and say that we won because I had all of those ready. It certainly can't hurt.

You will of course need to work something out with your healers so that you aren't using the Hi Potions and they're over curing you. What I worked out with our Whm was that unless I'm obviously in trouble, either tanking or taking alot of hate and health under 60%, all I would really need was the highest Regen that he could give me and I would handle my own healing with my Hi Potions. Once I was out of Hi Potions I'd let him know so that he would include me in his healing again. That's what we did for most of the fights, since normally I'd only be taking the occasional AoE damage that wasn't terribly serious.

The nice thing about that is that it makes most of the fight go easier for the healer, since he can concentrate on fewer people, and let's his MP last longer since he isn't curing me. It's possible that it also means that I wouldn't have enough Hi Potions to help with my own healing towards the end of the fight if things went south, but I never had that happen in any of our runs.

I'm sure that prices vary by server, but i would say that a good rule of thumb would be to expect to drop, 300k on CoP, in meds and the occasional purchase of an item for the BCNM, from start to finish. I believe I spent less, but then I didn't need to come as a mage and bring Ethers and Echo Drops and such, so that's why I say 300k.

[Solymir]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

I'm sure that prices vary by server, but i would say that a good rule of thumb would be to expect to drop, 300k on CoP, in meds and the occasional purchase of an item for the BCNM, from start to finish. I believe I spent less, but then I didn't need to come as a mage and bring Ethers and Echo Drops and such, so that's why I say 300k.

And worth every penny.

[Neverslip]

Re: I love Blue Mage but....

"haha yeah so far i have had pretty good luck to be honest, really only Pollen Healing Breeze and Wild Carrot have been a huge pain" ~ meSchnitzel

I remember he had trouble with Pollen and Carrot but it was Healing Breeze that drove my buddy off the deep end. He solo'd those Dahmels for like 2wks out in Burbi to no avale ... I finally got it for him by getting him on auto follow while I just farmed through as many as I could while he went out with his wife. he ended up runnin off when I swapt a gear piece so I ended up having to pull Dahmels to him for a while and I had no idea if he'd gotten it or not... he came back finally and said he'd gotten Healing Breeze and that Goblin Bomb one...

"Oh I know, but if he's seeking advice on other forums the answer will probably be "You need X Jobs and two hour the missions" So while it's good advice, it's more, just be careful with how you build your parties." ~ Vyuru

"I know alot of people who foolishly scoff at having a Dnc in a CoP group" ~ Vyuru

I'm thinkin I have to grow SAM or NIN up ... I've both shouted in WG to start a party for 2.5 "Mammets" and askt to join assembling parties for 2.5 and when they find out I've only got Dnc level'd high enough... I've been laughed at. I was talkt into using with my War/Nin (had to borrow the gear) for 1st two unsuccessful 2.5 runs and the group unanimously wished afteward that I'd stayed Dnc/Nin like I wanted to...

When setting events like this up with people it feels to me like a lot of people are uncertain how nontraditional/newer jobs may work or benefit a group... seems like lotta people are stuck on that "must have X job or you're worthless" Funny to me that I still meet people that have played for years and have several 75's but then they launch into "Oh you have a 75 dancer... haven't gotten that job yet. Don't know anything about it. Sounds gay"

Like - I know nothing of Pup... sounds like a cross between a Mnk and a Bst but I'd always seen people make fun of em with "Lolpup" ... I was finally in a party that said "yeah why not" to a Pup... that lil Taru beat the absolute crap outta things and with his lil bot and me (dnc) healing we had one of the best/smoothest parties I'd ever had in Crawler's Nest.

I go into anything with a pretty open mind (maybe sometimes too open) but I wish more people did the same.