toby wrote:I can see how there would be a problem and the Monk would take aggro but then not tank well... what about without the Monk bot so it doesn't cause trouble? I know on a more classic EQ server, Enchanter & Shaman is about the most powerful duo you can get (except maybe Enchanter & Cleric). It seems like the mobs would still be powerful when buffed against other similar mobs, right? Or is it laid out more like "raid bosses" at upper levels where the player is significantly better than all mobs in the zone except for a boss mob?
Raid trash isn't a joke. If you're just getting into Tier 2 from a mix of Kael/Ssra gear, then you're going to be in for an abrupt boost in mob damage. They're not pushovers for a duo. Compared to bosses of that tier, though, the trash mobs are chumps. I'm relatively certain that your charmed trash mob tank will go from alive, to enraged, to dead in quick order. Add into that the untimely charm break during a boss fight and you've got the shaman summoned right into the fray and dead in seconds.
I think it sounds like a blast, but I'm a huge doubter that it can be done successfully through even Tier 2 (of 8 tiers).
Perhaps a trio might be a good approach for you and your friend. Considering how high maintenance it is to play a charming enchanter, have 1 person run the enchanter and dps bot. Then have the other person play the shaman + tank.
toby wrote:This makes it sound like even without dealing with Monk bot, that strategy doesn't work here just because of CC & amount of "boss" mobs?
I can't say "doesn't" because I haven't tried this strategy exactly, but I'll bet you've grasped my negative outlook on the strategy as a way to progress on THF =) I'd love it if you proved me wrong, though - it sounds like a fun challenge!
toby wrote:If I were to do Tank, Shaman, Monk bot... what tank would be best? It sounds like they are all pretty reasonable. What tank has the best DPS?
Warrior has the best dps but will struggle with aoe aggro control until very late in the game. Warriors will also have the most defensive disciplines available when considering the multitude of clicky items. They're far from a no-brainer, though. Pallies and SKs are great in their own right and offer better self-heals for survival.
I chose a warrior, myself, and I'm happy with that decision. As for a bot, I will submit that a rogue bot may be the best choice for dps. A lot of monk dps comes from the combat ability window. As bots have no access to combat abilities, you are then looking at a monk bot that is limited to auto-attack and flying kick. Flying kick well... it sucks if you're comparing it to backstab. It doesn't scale. You can upgrade your gear from Kael to Tier 8 and you're pretty much going to always flying kick for the same measley damage... Alas, I'm rambling. On to the point!
Warrior is the highest dps tank. (does not make it the best, necessarily)
Rogue is (90% sure) the highest dps bot. (does make it the best)
Enchanters get some wicked-good debuffs.
Shaman get some wicked-good buffs.
My personal recommendation is to have you and your buddy level 3 characters together. Bench the tank, and try it with the duo. See if it can't be done. If it can't - oh well, at least you tried. Bring that tank back into the mix.
Good luck!