1.0 Realm Abilities
1.1 Whip of Encouragement and Excited Frenzy
The two unique Spiritmaster Realm Abilities are Whip of Encouragement and Excited Frenzy. Whip is supposed to increase run speed and Frenzy is supposed to increase attack speed.
The speed increase from Whip has been reported as being hardly noticeable, improving the pet’s “time to target” by only a few seconds (if even that).
The attack speed increase from Frenzy has been tested by me and shown to be not working. Logs showed no attack-speed increase when the ability was in effect.
Both of these RAs are also on a 30 minute reuse timer. That is a bit excessive. Especially considering the their lack of usefulness. An ability with a 30 minute timer should be rather powerful, these RAs are not.
--Suggest that Whip have its increase increased. There should be a noticeable speed increase in the pet, comparable to Skald speed.
--Suggest that Frenzy be fixed. It’s broken and is not providing an attack speed increase.
--Suggest that the either the timer on both RAs be reduced to at least 15 minutes OR both RAs be buffed to the point where they are deserving of a 30min timer and a cost of 6 realm skill points.
1.1.1 Alternatives
It might be a good idea to just do away with these two RAs entirely, and create a new one (especially if spell versions were put in summoning-spec). Pet-focused RAs are of questionable usefulness, so something “group friendly” might be a better idea.
One idea that was suggested was a Group Damage Shield, with a DPS rating on par with the higher level focus damage shields.
--If spell versions of these RAs are added to Spirit Enhancement (See 2.3), then just remove these RAs outright.
--suggest that a new RA be created, and effect the group in some fashion.
1.2 Wild Minion
This is the Realm Ability that is supposed to increase the chance that the pet will land a critical attack. It is currently rather difficult to tell if this skill is even working, as SMs are unable to see the damage inflicted by the pet.
Various people have tested this RA, and it is now the belief that the pet is actually landing crits, but only for up to 50% of the damage done. This is normal for players in RvR, but players hit much much harder than the pet does. Allowing the pet to crit for 100% should not be overpowering, as the pet usually hits between 60 and 120 or so (depending on the speed of the weapon).
--suggest that the %damage from the crit be increased to 100%
--suggest that there be some sort of graphical indication of a critical hit by the pet
2.0 Spell Line Issues
2.1 Baseline Darkness Direct Damage spell
The Darkness baseline has a ranged Direct Damage (DD) spell. The highest level of this spell is level 43. With spell level influencing the resist rate of spells, the low level of this spell puts the SM at something of a disadvantage. This is in both RvR and PvE situations. In lvl50 vs. lvl50 RvR situations, enemy spell casters have a better chance of landing their spells. In higher level PvE situations SMs can find themselves unable to damage the high level mobs.
--suggest that a lvl49 or lvl50 DD be added to the baseline Darkness line (the Murk Blast line)
Alternate Suggestion:
- if adding a lvl50 to baseline Darkness would have too much of an impact on Mystics in general, then another thought would be to add a baseline DD to Summoning and have it go to lvl49/50.
2.2 Specline Darkness
2.2.1 Ranged Area of Effect
The Spiritmaster has a single target ranged damage spell (the Lifetap) but has no ranged Area of Effect damage spell. The Runemaster is the only class in Midgard with a ranged AoE DD spell. It would greatly increase the usefulness of the SM to have some sort of ranged AoE DD spell. Creating an AoE version of the Lifetap would be something that would be good for the SM. The %-life drained back to the SM would have to be lowered though. To make it even more useful, the life drained back could possibly even act as a group heal.
--suggest adding a ranged AoE Lifetap spell to the SM Darkness specline
2.2.2 Lifetap Issues
2.2.2.1 Lifetap casting speed
The SM lifetap spell (extinguish lifeforce line) has a casting speed of 2.9. That is the slowest casting speed for a lifetap spell in the game. Cabalists have an identical spell line, and it has a casting speed of 2.5. I do not see any reason for the SM version to have a slower casting time.
--suggest that the SM lifetap have its casting speed changed to 2.5.
2.2.2.2 Lifetaps and resists
Recent testing has shown that lifetap spells have a greater chance of being resisted than normal DD spells. This should not be the case. Lifetaps should have the same chance of being resisted.
--suggest that the resist rate of lifetaps be examined closely
2.3 Spirit Enhancement Discussion***
Both Darkness and Suppression can be considered viable spec-lines, however Spirit Enhancement (Summon spec-line) could also use some changes to make it a viable spec line. Adding a Rez spell helps somewhat, but alone it does not make the line worth speccing in. More changes need to be made.
Change or outright remove the self-only damage shield. This is quite possibly the most useless spell in the game. Casters do not want aggro in PvE and the damage is so low that it has no effect in RvR (casters also go down in 3 or less hits).
--suggest making the caster-only damage shield castable on realm mates (including pet). Also, possibly make it the best DS in Midgard, giving the SM some measure of group usefulness.
2.3.1 Add a ranged pet summon spell.
The SM pet is melee only, and has no ranged attack. Of the pet summoning classes in the game, only the SM does not have access to a pet with a ranged attack. Melee pets do not pose much of a threat in RvR, as they walk rather slow and are easily seen and mezzed before they reach their target.
A ranged pet could be added in two places. Either as a baseline lvl33+ spell or as a low lvl (below lvl20) specline (Spirit Enhancement) spell.
--suggest adding a “summon spirit archer” spell as either a baseline Summoning spell or as a specline Spirit Enhancement spell. Or adding a “summon spirit shaman” (DoT caster).
2.3.1.1 Specline of Pets
If a specline of new pet summon spells is added, it should also provide some additional utility and variety.
Lowest spell would need to be a “spirit archer”, so that nearly all SMs could have it. Other pets to consider would be:
- spirit shaman. Casts an AE DoT, and some defensive buffs on SM
- spirit runemaster. Casts a ranged DD spell (see Enchanter casting pet)
- spirit berserker. Dual-wielding pet, with increased offense and decreased defense. Chance for Left Axe styles.
- spirit thane. Hammer and shield pet. Built in damage add, uses hammer styles, can Protect SM.
- spirit Lord. All weapon combinations, like the Bonedancer Commander. Uses styles. This would have to be a lvl40+ pet, so should be higher lvl than 88% of SM. Somewhere around 95% (lvl47) would be good.
2.3.2 Add some additional pet buffs.
Currently the Spiritmaster has str/con and dex/qui buffs to cast on the pet. These buffs are “watered down” versions of spells of the Shaman. A Shaman with a 28 Augmentation spec has better buffs than a Spiritmaster with 43 Summoning. Yes, Shaman are the buff class of Midgard, but rarely do they buff pets, so the pet does not often receive those better buffs. But when the pet is buffed by a Shaman, the SM finds his Spirit Enhancement line nearly useless.
Raising the value of the Spiritmaster pet buffs might not be the best idea, but it would be great if there were some buff spells that were not duplicated. The SM currently has two RAs (Whip of Encouragement and Excited Frenzy) that are completely useless (see 1.1). It would be a great boon to the spell line (and the class) if working versions of those RAs were added to Spirit Enhancement as buff spells. The spells would have to actually work though.
--suggest adding some new buffs to the Spirit Enhancement specline that are not duplicated in other classes’ spell lists. A foot speed and attack speed increase buff would be an example of something that could be added. These spells would be short duration (30sec to 1min or so) and have individual reuse timers (so you could stack them) of around 5min or so.
Another problem that SMs face in RvR is that the pet is often mezzed, and for the full duration of the mez as the pet has no resistances to decrease the duration. A buff that decreases mez duration would be a welcome addition. Basically it would be a pet-only duration-based version of the RA Determination.
--suggest adding a duration-based Determination-esque pet-only buff
--another thought would be to add a baseline Con buff, as Con improves spell resists.
2.3.3 Add non-pet based damage (ranged DD)
The Summoning spec-line currently lacks any sort of non-pet damage. And there is no ranged damage (other than sending the melee pet into attack).
One thought would be to add an ranged DD spell to the Summoning spec-line. Currently the SM has no way to deal ranged damage, other than the Darkness baseline spell (which would have high variance if spec’d high in Summoning).
This ranged DD could be a DD/snare spell or a DD/debuff, and would have a damage scale about equal to the Darkness Lifetap. To fit the “theme” of the Spiritmaster, it could be described as summoning small spirits to attack and hinder the enemy.
--suggest adding a ranged DD/snare or DD/debuff spell to the Summoning specline
*** something needs to be done with this line. It is virtually useless. The rez is nice at lvl23, and the upgrade to the focus-DS is nice as well. But there is no “meat”. A Summon spec’d SM is seen as one of the weakest RvR characters you can play.
---if there are no plans to improve Summoning-spec, I would suggest that the Rez spell be made baseline.
2.4 Debuff Discussion
2.4.1 Delved values
The value for debuffs list in the Delve info (Shift-I) does not match the actual amount debuffed from a target. The actual amount debuffed is about half the Delve number. That “base” number then scales up, based on how well buffed the target is. Having the higher number listed in Delve can be misleading, the “base” number should be listed. That way people would know the minimum amount that is being debuffed.
Also, there is no Delve value for the attack-speed debuffs. The %-debuffed should be listed, as it is you have to go to a web page to get the values.
--suggest that all debuffs have their minimum or “base” value listed in Delve.
--suggest that the attack-speed debuffs have their % value listed in Delve.
3.0 Pet Issues
3.1 Pet window bug
There is an issue where the pet window will stop updating the health of the pet. The easiest way to reproduce this is to tell the pet to Stay somewhere, then take a horse somewhere, then take the horse back to the pet. When told to go into combat, the pet will fight but when hit the health bar will not update.
--suggest that the issue with the pet’s health bar not updating be looked at and corrected
3.2 Pet modes
The pet can be set in one of three modes: Passive, Aggressive and Defensive.
While in Aggressive mode the Spirit Champion pet randomly uses the BT proc, not really sure why it does, it just does. You also cannot use the “go to target” command when the pet is set to Aggressive.
When in Passive mode, the pet does nothing. Does not respond to being attacked or when ordered to attack. It should at least respond to being ordered. Many SMs have gotten killed because sometimes the pet window does not update properly sometimes, and they cannot see that the pet is on Passive.
--suggest that Aggressive be looked at, it is kind of strange that the pet auto-procs when in this mode. Should also be able to use the “go to target” command when the pet is set to Aggressive.
--suggest that Passive mode be changed so that the pet will at least attack when ordered to.
3.3 Pets and Sprinting
When the Spiritmaster sprints he quickly outdistances the pet. The pet should keep up by sprinting as well. This is even more important now that thanks to the Shaman Endurance Regen buff you can run quite a ways without running out of Endurance.
--suggest that pets sprint when the SM sprints
3.4 Pet foot speed
If you tell the pet to “Stay”, walk away a little bit and then tell the pet to “Follow” it comes running at you at a decent running speed. Why can’t the pet always run that fast? When told to “Attack” that is the speed at which it should run at the target.
As it is, the pet walks/runs entirely too slow.
--suggest that the pet’s walking/running speed be increased somewhat
3.5 Pet Pathing
Delling Crater:
There are some places in the game where the pathing of the pet is not very good. But quite possibly the worst place is the Caldera in the Delling Crater zone. Pet, and mob pathing in general, is quite bad on the floor of the Caldera. The pet will frequently fall through the ground while fighting a mob. The pet sometimes runs off for no apparent reason. Mobs frequently run in the opposite direction when pulled (so far away that they lose aggro when returning to their spawn point). The bad pet pathing nearly makes the place a deathtrap for SMs.
--suggest that the pet and mob pathing in the Caldera be looked at and corrected
Mile Gates:
These are the frontier gates that “guard” the portal keeps in the frontier. They have stairways that pets have issues with climbing. They should just follow the SM right up the stairs, but frequently get stuck at the bottom.
--suggest that pet pathing on the stairs of mile gates be looked at
3.6 Pet Heal / Buff Range, and casting animation
Regardless of whether or not the Spiritmaster is in range of the pet to cast a heal (or buff), he will go through the casting animation. The “you are to far away” message only appears after the animation. The message should appear before the animation, and if out of range there should not be an animation.
--suggest that the Spiritmaster receive a “not in range” message when the pet is not in range of the heal (or buff)
3.7 Pet and /face
The /face command does not currently work when the pet is targeted. The pet is often “lost” during the heat of battle, and /face would assist in locating it.
--suggest that /face be made to work with a pet
3.8 Visibility of pet damage
Currently the only way to “see” the amount of damage done by and to the pet is via dueling (with realmmate, or helpful Hib or Alb).
Letting pet-classes see the damage done/received by the pet has been suggested many times before. If it something that is not possible to do, then let me know and I will stop asking for it .
--suggest that the pet’s melee damage be displayed on screen, so the SM can be informed of how much damage it is doing, and how well it is performing in combat.
3.9 Pet proc graphics
Spiritmaster pets have 4 different procs: stun, cold-DD, lifetap and bladeturn.
The graphics, displayed messages and sounds for them are somewhat jumbled.
- The stun proc gives a text message, but no sound or graphical effect. Also, the icon that the person being attacked sees at the top of their screen is that of a bladeturn, it should be a stun icon.
- The cold-DD proc gives a sound and a graphic, but no text message (the person being attacked does see a message). The graphic for this is a yellow bubble looking thing, and does not look “correct” for a cold-DD. The purple-black explosion currently used by the lifetap proc should be used.
- The lifetap proc gives a sound and a graphic, but no text message (the person being attacked does see a message though). The graphic for his is a purple-black explosion, basically the same as the baseline nuke (Shadow Blast line). It really should have the same graphic as the actual lifetap spell (Suppress Lifeforce line).
- The bladeturn proc has a message, an effect and a sound (the only one with all three). The only issue is that the icon displayed on the pet’s buff bar is that of a stun. It should be a normal BT icon.
--suggest that the stun proc be given an graphic (it used to have one, but “lost” it a while back).
--suggest that the lifetap and cold-DD graphics be switched, and then the lifetap graphic be changed to that of the SM lifetap spell.
--suggest that the cold-DD and lifetap procs display messages to the SM, and display the damage as well.
--it appears that the icons for the stun and bladeturn proc have been switched, they need to be corrected.
4.0 Spell Icons
4.1 Single Target Mez and Ranged AE Mez
These two spells (Lock Spirit line and Shroud of Gloom line) have the same icon. There should be an AE “widget” on the ranged AE spell.
--suggest putting the AE widget on the Shroud of Gloom icon.
15/04/2003, 17h36
faut dire qu'en anglais il m'arrive de zaper des trucs 
) ça peut rester correct si sa valeur est très faible ^^ 
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