RDM/DRK solo

[Raydeus]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

I only use DRK for soloing Arcana and other mobs with MP (like crabs and beetles), otherwise I go /WAR or /PLD instead.

About Savage and Vorpal all I can say is they have much more consistent dmg using Sneak Attack than using any other ability. ut then again I haven't used sword much in a while, so I'm much more familiar with Evisceration dmg nowadays. /shrug

[hongman]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

I still need the time to make proper macros for soloing, maybe if I swap in the right gear for certain things it may make a noticeable difference.

As of now my soloing macros are all one liners :x

[Callisto]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

It does for sure. I wouldn't say that I'm set up primarily to solo, but my macros are definitely set so that I can multi-task while meleeing, which equates to better soloing.

As most RDMs I have separate sets and lots of swap pieces. My base set is mostly an Enhancing/FastCast/INT+MND build. AF1 Hat/Legs, AF2 Body/Feet/Gloves, Spectacles, Hale Ring+Tamas Ring, Lightning Bow+1(for solo), P Rope and Prism Cape.

When I go to WS I have a swap macro that brings in Assault Jerkin, Ogre Mask, Amemet, Ruby Rings, and Warwolf Belt. This makes a huge difference in my Vorpal Damage(it's mostly a STR modifier). My enhancing pieces stay in so that I can recast buffs while still using my STR/Atk set, and my neck/earrings only switch to enfeebling/elemental/dark when casting the actual spells, so I have the acc+ from the spectacles at any time that I'm not casting spells. With one button press I can swap back to my normal set. I also am set up to be able to quickly change to a set for Dark Magic, or one for nuking, and my Refresh/Regen/Haste/Cure/Phalanx2/-nas are all set up as <st> macros so that I can still cast on party members quickly while locked onto and meleeing a mob. Good macros make a huge difference for pretty much all facets of RDM, since RDM can be *good* at most things if you equip for it. It's all about being able to equip for the individual functions on the fly.

[hongman]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

Thanks Callisto.

Shame I cant justify that kinda money on melee stat pieces when I still have so much to get for my mage side. However, next time I'm bored lfping on DRK or the like, Ill snap together a few macros.

Still torn on THF or WAR as melee of choice....but when they get lvled I guess I should be able to use some of their pieces.

[Callisto]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

I also forgot to add a couple of little tips for /DRK. When I get TP, I like to use Abs-VIT before I WS, it will add a bit onto your dmg, and if you use Last Resort/Souleater right before the WS, you'll have a little bit of a defensive boost to hold you over for when the Souleater WS takes down your Stoneskin. I generally tab off the Souleater effect once the WS fires, it's nice to fire off a huge WS, but once it's done you don't want to leave Souleater on or you'll end up in the red and waste some MP curing yourself back up. I usually Abs-VIT > Souleater > WS > remove SE > recast Stoneskin > Use Regen/Drain to fill HP.

Also, don't forget that /DRK isn't just a solo sub! Unless I'm healing I usually use it to merit, and I usually am puller. I can easily compete with a BRD puller, using Stun to claim, and Sleep always lasts longer than Lullaby, so it's safe to go get a 3rd mob lined up. If you're doing colibri, where it's dangerous to have 3 of them lined up because you'll have to dodge sleeps being fired back at you, I usually just keep 1 on deck, eat sushi, and melee for some extra damage.

When using /DRK for events such as Dynamis or BC fights, don't forget that you have more than Stun! Abs-MND will add some extra punch to your Paralyze/Slow/Silence, and Abs-VIT and Abs-AGI will help the melees deal a bit more damage. And although you will rarely use it, Arcane Circle does in fact work, and it does proc on the Ahriman in Dynamis Xarcabard, so it never hurts to run in and use it when it's up.

[hongman]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

Hesitant to use melee in party, but maybe I'll convince my ls meripo to let me try a hand at it uintil im more comfortable.

Very valuable input there, thanks!

[Aarayan]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

I am a tarutaru rdm... and i'm interested in taking /drk. What are your takes on this option... I'm trying to against the grain and do something more adventurous... please give me some feedback.

[Mhurron]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

You're necroing the thread, but at least you're on topic. Reading the above replies you should already have an idea what the opinions are. As others have said already /drk offers a lot for different situations. You might not use it a lot, that will depend on what you do, but it is a subjob you should have available.

Leveling it can also be a good change in pace if you've been leveling RDM and mage subs for a while.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

I am a tarutaru rdm... and i'm interested in taking /drk. What are your takes on this option...

Well, the title says "solo". If you're doing stuff by yourself, as long as you're happy and not disrupting others in the area, it's all good.

I wouldn't bring this combo to exp parties except in certain level range for earlier access to Aspir, and that's only on some monsters, and only in party where status removal is well covered.

Way, way later on in merit parties, sometimes it may be useful to have a Stun in party, but it's very camp and party configuration dependent. (Odds are, if you're not sure what you need, /WHM is the best thing to bring.)

Otherwise, /DRK pretty much for having fun while soloing, or for some very specialized applications where Chainspell + Stun is desirable.

[Sabaron]

Re: RDM/DRK solo

Well, /DRK is also good for handling monsters with annoying but takes-a-while to activate special attacks, thanks to Stun. Aspir and Drain may be helpful as well. RDM makes /DRK's Souleater less dangerous with Stoneskin, too. (I think?)

Stoneskin absorbs Souleater, but it doesn't last very long--Phalanx doesn't protect you from Souleater. I think the SS iirc with a Mensur Epee in a full PT lasts about 15-20 seconds. If you recast, your damage drops, so it's really only good for one use per Souleater. Cure III's are more efficient if you absolutely need to use them during SE, but it's nice if you have another healer along to back you up like 2x RDM/DRK that can alternate curing.