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**Icemage** · 05-21-2006, 09:53 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Essential gear for 51+ RDM:

Earth Staff, Ice Staff, Dark Staff, Wind Staff, Light Staff. While not absolutely 100% required, each of these staves greatly increases the potency or accuracy of one or more of your most important spells (Slow, Paralyze, Silence, Cure, and Sleep II respectively).

Warlock's Tabard @ 58: The most potent piece of RDM AF1 armor. 15 points of Enfeebling Magic makes you perform like a RDM about 4 levels higher than you are.

Warlock's Chapeau @ 60: A lot of RDMs swear by the extra Fast Cast given by the Chapeau. Personally, I don't use mine much except for nuking, but the MP on it is nice too.

You can get by without all of the above, but be aware that your effectiveness will suffer and people will notice. It probably won't get you kicked from a party, but it might get you a bad reputation for being a player who just doesn't care about what they're doing.

This becomes especially important once you reach level 75 and start looking for end-game activities to do. End-game linkshells and players actively try to avoid people who have not invested time and energy into their character's effectiveness; the general idea being that anyone too lazy to do so is also going to be too lazy to learn how to do their job effectively. While I don't necessarily agree with this view, it does apply to many such players depressingly often.

Icemage

**Rodin** · 05-21-2006, 09:58 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Yes, you should have certain equipment. Basically, you'll want a few of the staves. They will help tremendously. I believe you want (starting off) Ice Staff (Paralyze), Water Staff (Poison), Earth Staff (Slow), Wind Staff (Silence, Gravity), Dark Staff (Blind, Dispel, Sleep, Drain, Aspir), and Light Staff (Dia, Curing).

Honeslty, the best RDM food is Goblin Musphot. It gives MND+10. They last 3 hours a piece, and are bought in Jeuno for like 1,100 gil. I'd say the only race that shouldn't use them are Elvaans, which have a high MND anyways. Melon Pies will be better for them IMO. BUT, for parties past 72, I'd recommend Marron Glace actually. Most RDMs will disagree with me on this. But from partying on my set-party's RDM for a night at 75, I'd say that honestly, it doesn't make a difference. At that level, you have incredible MND and INT from Errant gear.

Enfeebling/Elemental Torques = Get. I didn't know exactly how much +7 Elemental Magic skill would help, until I tried it on my BLM. They work wonders. I haven't been able to use an Enfeebling Torque on my RDM yet, cause it's low level, but I'll get it there.

Here's an Aveage RDM setup at level 75:

Weapon: Elemental Staves

Throwing: Phantom Tathlum

Head: Warlock's Chapeau

Body: Errant Houpellande for Resting/Nuking, Warlock's Tabard for Enfeebling.

Hands: RSE2 depending on Race, or Errant Cuffs. (Either work, Errant Cuffs are cheaper).

Legs: Errant Slops

Feet: RSE2 Depending on Race/Errant Pigaches. (Either work, Errant Pigaches are cheaper.)

Back: Rainbow Cape (Very good cape might I add.)

Neck: Enfeebling Torque for Enfeebling, Elemental Torque for Nuking.

Rings: This is widely varied. Many use Astrals. A lot use INT+ and MND+ Rings. Personally, when my RDM is 75, I will be using Tamas with my Ether Ring. For a total of +5 MND +5 INT +60MP.

Earrings: Standard seems to be Moldavite Earring with a Phantom Earring or Abyssal Earring, the RSE earrings you get from the ENMs are very good as well. The one for Hume I think gives MP+10 MND +1 INT+1. And the one for Elvaan gives INT+2 MP+15. Not sure about the rest.

**Vaigrant** · 05-21-2006, 10:05 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Well Rdm Af is a must for me, I mean whats the point of playing a job if your not gonna get the AF for it.

Ive been playing since NA release. . .I know I lvl slow(Ive taken several Hiatus's and quit twice now lol) But I have, what I like to believe, a good systematic way to play Rdm.

In all honesty I dont have plans to ever join any of the End-Game LS's if I can avoid it. From what Ive come to understand about most of them(At least on my Server) is that theres alot of Game Drama. . .which is what has lead me to quit the first two times lol.

But the AF gear mentioned is somethings Ive already had my eyes set upon getting. The staffs though. . .hmmm just how important to rep. are then to have?

Double Post Edited:
Well for the Clothcraft Gear, Ill probably try to avoid buying the materials/items themselves and farm for the materials to creat it myself. Im already a lvl 50 Cloth and Ive barely put time into it lol. . .except for the huge binge I did for 2 days strait to get that far. . oh my poor gil how I wish I had you back now lol.

But on average how much would a full set of staves cost?

**Rodin** · 05-21-2006, 10:09 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Originally posted by Vaigrant

In all honesty I dont have plans to ever join any of the End-Game LS's if I can avoid it. From what Ive come to understand about most of them(At least on my Server) is that theres alot of Game Drama.

But the AF gear mentioned is somethings Ive already had my eyes set upon getting. The staffs though. . .hmmm just how important to rep. are then to have?

Okay, people who say there's too much drama, and all HNMLSs suck, usually didn't get accepted into the LS they wanted to get into. I've been in an HNMLS for close to a year now, and I have only experienced 2 episodes of drama. 1) Where HNMLS A didn't escape and /random outside of Fafnir, but proceeded to stay in Dragon's Aery, and steal Fafnir from LS B. 2) Last week, when an LS that will remain un-named, stole Mother Globe from my LS, then told us to stop being so fucking emo, we "wiped" to it anyways. (Not true, when you have 5 people out of 10 alive, that's not a wipe. Also, when the other 5 wiped due to the other LS being asshats and training 5-6 detectors in on us. Which they proceeded to lag us, and have the Dolls use Typhoon.)

There's a RDM I partied with about 2 days ago. He would keep a refresh cycle going, but would melee and not use his staves. (At level 66 -_-). Anyways, we told him to stop meleeing, and start enfeebling, and do what a RDM should do. The fucker had the nerve to fake d/c on us, and go whining to his linkshell. Our RDM ended up telling one of his friends, who came bitching to me, we ended up getting into an argument, when the RDM's friend said, "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU TO TELL HIM HOW TO PLAY THE GAME, HE PAYS FOR IT MONTHLY!!!" To which I replied, "Well, I pay for it each month as well, who the hell is your friend to not only gimp his XP/Reputation, but the XP of 5 other people who were depending on him to do his job the right way?" I didn't get much of a reply after that, just a "....". Anyways, yes, elemental staves are to be used, with equipment switch macros. They will help immensely.

**Vaigrant** · 05-21-2006, 10:17 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Well good to know that information. Id probably buy them anyways. I gave up on Melee a long time ago, although Ill do it now and again just so I can skill up Sword for farming. I only do so when its a PT lag do to an afk and just grabbing T's and VT's to keep some XP flowing lol.

Personally Ive had a bad run with LS's, they either collapse or end up as drama magnets, none of them were HNM LS's, Im too low a level to join any that I know of(Req.65+ Job). But its definately to hear truth to rumors. . lord knows theres alot of them out there.

ANd one Question on JSE, Ive never seen Rdm JSE and never really heard about it. I have heard of other Jobs having JSE but not Rdm. Im just kind of Curious on the whole JSE thing in general, any and all information would be indeed greatful.

**Rodin** · 05-21-2006, 10:28 AM

Re: Just a Questions

I didn't say JSE. JSE would be Job Specific Equipment, There is some for RDM, however it's really only good for soloing, IMO.

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/6469

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/6463

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/6467

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/6471

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/6465

What I was refering to was RSE 2 (High Level RSE). Race Specific Gear, it's designed to cater to your race's shortcomings. (Note, this is the high level RSE, there are lower level versions.)

Hume:
http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/2607 (Belt)

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/2557 (Male Gloves, Female has same stats, but look different, same for each race. These are VERY good for a Hume RDM, but moderately expensive.)

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/4473 (Male boots, GREAT for melee jobs, and tank jobs, not so good for RDM.)

Elvaan:
http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/2606 (Elvaan Belt)

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/2555 (Elvaan Male Gloves)

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/4475 (Elvaan Male Feet)

Taru:
http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/2605 (Taru Belt)

The taru gear is more catered towards Melee, the exception is the rope. XD

Mithra:
http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/2604 (Mithra Rope)

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/4478 (Mithra Feet)

Galka:
http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/2603 (Galka Belt)

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/2550 (Galka Gloves)

http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/4477 (Galka Feet)

**Vaigrant** · 05-21-2006, 10:31 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Oh I know, I was just curious about JSE and was wondering about it. I do realize thats now specifically what you were talking about lol. Sorry if there was a misunderstanding on my part.

I do have an odd question that just accured to me though. Seeing as some certain Bar spells add to your Elemental Status(Specifics dont come to mine kinda sleepy lol) but would that in turn add to your prowess in using spells of that element? Id assume not and that its just affecting your resistance adn what not but, thought it was an interesting question none the less lol.

And after looking at the JSE, I think Ill just abandon that stuff lol. I have no interest in Leathercraft<Id rather make it myself than buy it lol>

**Rodin** · 05-21-2006, 10:41 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Bar spells don't affect casting at all, only your defense against that element. That's why everyone screams Barfira when fighting gobs. Also, Barblizzara with the occasional IT snoll in Uleguerand. ;>.>

Anyways, if you want a craft that's solely for RDM, do either Clothcraft or Alchemy. Clothcraft is great because when you get it high you can synth Errant/Mahatma gear (HQ errant). The downside to Clothcraft (especially on my server) is that it's overdone, many will have it 95+ and the market tends to be flooded, so it can be hard making money. Alchemy on the other hand, is cheap to get to 100+3. You can also make Cursed Gear for your RDM, which you can turn into Crimson/Blood gear with abjurations dropped from Gods/HNMs. Also, you can make quick gil by HQing Prism Powders and Silent Oils. While you don't make as much bulk money, you make just as much gil over time as clothcraft, if not more, since there are less and less Alchemists.

**Vaigrant** · 05-21-2006, 10:53 AM

Re: Just a Questions

My server doesnt seem to have a lot of Clothers, at least not that I notice. But alchemy has been an interest for me lately. I dont have alot of skill in it really but, I have noticed some of the stuff sells fairly well and quickly.

But anyways, back to the spell functions. Since I seem to have gained the attention of people who really know whats going on ^_^, I figured Id ask more into how certain spells actually function.

Ive usually just used spells and that was that, I knew what they did and all that but not how they really worked.

Like Stoneskin, HTF does that work, all I know its like an extra bit of HP really that buffers damage. How much you get I have no idea, what its based on, Id guess Enhancing.

Same with Phalanx, I know it lowers damage. . .sometimes, but how often or how great I dont really quite get.

And what is up with the crappyness of Invis and Sneak, honestly Ive cast it with capped Enhance at 50 and had it last last 0 seconds, had to recast as soon as I just cast it ><.

But back to the craft again lol. Which is more useful that Cursed Gear stuff or the Errant Gear for a Rdm, based on that Ill probalby choose which craft Ill go to Full out with and another to just Dabble in. I know at 70 Cloth I "Could" make V-Cloaks, but seeing as one materials pretty hard for me to get its not really worth making IMHO.

Oh and more about equipment, since Ive asked this much why not more right lol. If IM gonna play RDM with skill why not add in some good Equipment too right. So what're some good rings, ear rings, belts, capes and other misc equipment I should look into from now to End Game.

I know that some was listed up at the top but thas just End Game right, what about Pre-End Game. I move rather slow lvling(Cause IM trying to do alot of otherstuff as well lol) and it'll probably be a while before I hit End Game.

**Rodin** · 05-21-2006, 11:08 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Stoneskin reduces DMG taken to 0. As long as it holds up, which it will block a certain HP's worth of DMG. I know Icemage has the formula for that. It is based off of enhancing skill. If its crucial that you convert mid-battle, you'll ALWAYS want to have this up first, so you don't get that nasty AoE that kills you 3 seconds after you convert.

Phalanx will block a certain percent of damage taken. It stacks with Stoneskin, and it's based on ehnhancing magic skill.

Sneak/Invis always sucks for some reason. How it's always been.

Errant/Mahatma more for Partying. Crimson/Blood is good for soloing/Spirits within.

**Vaigrant** · 05-21-2006, 11:11 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Oh I always put up Stoneskin if I have to Mid Battle Convert. I usually use the Phalanx/Stoneskin combo for soloing. I had a basic idea to thier functionality and what they do, just not the formulation on how they work.

Yep Sneak and Invis suck. . .I wish they were based off Enhance like they probably should be. . one of many thigns SE could do to make it a much better game experiance ><.

Spirits Within? Whats that. . .I have a good idea about Rdm stuff, and I function well in a Party but its the more indepth information and endgame stuff Im missing. But what is Spirits?

**Icemage** · 05-21-2006, 11:12 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Originally posted by Vaigrant

Like Stoneskin, HTF does that work, all I know its like an extra bit of HP really that buffers damage. How much you get I have no idea, what its based on, Id guess Enhancing.

Stoneskin test:
http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/red...stoneskin+test

Same with Phalanx, I know it lowers damage. . .sometimes, but how often or how great I dont really quite get.

Phalanx reduces damage by Enhancing Magic / 10 per hit, rounded down. Basically take your Enhancing Magic, drop the last digit, and that's how strong your Phalanx is (for instance, I have 240 Enhancing Magic as a WHM75, so when I sub RDM for Phalanx, mine reduces it by 24 points per hit).

And what is up with the crappyness of Invis and Sneak, honestly Ive cast it with capped Enhance at 50 and had it last last 0 seconds, had to recast as soon as I just cast it ><.

Sneak and Invisible are always random. There is one way to make them somewhat more consistent however: Skulker's Cape
http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/6210

But back to the craft again lol. Which is more useful that Cursed Gear stuff or the Errant Gear for a Rdm, based on that Ill probalby choose which craft Ill go to Full out with and another to just Dabble in. I know at 70 Cloth I "Could" make V-Cloaks, but seeing as one materials pretty hard for me to get its not really worth making IMHO.

If you're not doing end-game, Alchemy isn't much use to you aside from being income. No end-game = no way to get abjurations. No abjurations = no way to uncurse your Crimson -1 gear.

Also note that at Clothcraft 50, you're not "halfway" to 100. More like 10%. Maybe less. The cost to gain skill in cloth craft goes up exponentially as you level, and the skillups come somewhat less frequently as well.

Oh and more about equipment, since Ive asked this much why not more right lol. If IM gonna play RDM with skill why not add in some good Equipment too right. So what're some good rings, ear rings, belts, capes and other misc equipment I should look into from now to End Game.

I know that some was listed up at the top but thas just End Game right, what about Pre-End Game. I move rather slow lvling(Cause IM trying to do alot of otherstuff as well lol) and it'll probably be a while before I hit End Game.

Stuff that's useful at end-game is the best available in its class for the most part. Get what you can off that list as it becomes available (start with your elemental staves - that'll keep you plenty busy for a while if you haven't got them already).

Icemage

**Rodin** · 05-21-2006, 11:24 AM

Re: Just a Questions

What level range in armor are you looking at? I'll try and come up with a very functional set for it.

**Vaigrant** · 05-21-2006, 11:28 AM

Re: Just a Questions

Ugh only 10% into Cloth, and here I thought I was making decent progress lol. OH well the truth is a hard fact to take into consideration for stuff like this.

But Ill probalby go with Clothcraft, since as noted that the Gear crafted from that is more Party related, and I would like to participate in teh Party End-Game stuff sooner or later.

And thanks for the information on Stoneskin and Phalanx Ice, I loved the little comment in the Stoneskin post about Red Mages being big on Research lol. Of course I could disagree with that and say only people who take Red Mage seriously or who want to be good/exceptional at it research, which is true for any Job I suppose lol.

But I really do think SE needs to do something more than make a Cape to combat the complete lameness of the Sneak/Invis lasting times.

But you two have been a wealth of knowledge to me and I thank you for that, I thought I was a well learned Red Mage but, it goes to show theres always something else to learn. . .and of course taking hiatus's as much as I do doesnt help any lol.

Unless theres some general advice beyond the norm that all Rdm's should at my lvl know by heart lol, Ill end my questions till I come up with some more lol.

Double Post Edited:

Originally posted by Rodin

What level range in armor are you looking at? I'll try and come up with a very functional set for it.

Didnt see that as I was posting lol. But Around the 50-60 Range, I know my AF's in there but I might have to wait till higher to attempt some of that stuff.

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