BLM / RDM magic merit advice

[Kross]

Judai, I would like to see your 90% sleep rate on pudding. Let's go duo later and you show me that

SOIDA

[Liseth]

I went with 8 Elemental magic merits and I still get resisted from time to time (especially during weather, ex. using Thunder in Earth weather) despite my skill being over 320. That being said, imagine if I didn't have those merits. I have no doubt that I would be resisted even more. Also, I like to outdamage other BLMs and less resists means more damage. As far as Enfeebling skill goes I am 230 + 38 with JSE. I have HQ staves for debuffs and sleeps and I really never have a problem getting them to land. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't INT also affect not only damage but the rate at which your debuffs stick? If so, my merits in that help as well. Considering all of those things 8 merits in Elemental magic seems to be the best choice.

[Silmarwen]

It's my honest opinion that you should very much consider which job you will be on most. It's a difficult thing to know in advance, but it is going to have a big impact on which you should consider meriting. Originally I was 8/8 elemental, but found myself going to more things as rdm. Not that I mind, I love both jobs. But it bothers me when enfeebles don't land. Now I realize there is a large /random factor to enfeebles, but swaying the odds in my favor seemed like the sensible thing to do. I've noticed a difference since dropping 4 elemental for enfeebling.

[Byrd]

It's also worth considering what else is in your LS. If you have a couple of RDM who always attends events as RDM and have tons of enfeebling magic, you might be better off with elemental magic as the 4th RDM won't be doing much enfeebling.

If, when you come as RDM to events, it'll be because someone needs another healer or Refresher, Enfeebling merits will go largely wasted. If you're going to be one of the primary RDM in your LS, trying to enfeeble Kirin, the gods, wyrms or something equally tough, you'll probably want enfeebling.

You'll probably see a greater impact on your BLM if you upgrade enfeebling magic, and a greater impact on your RDM if you upgrade elemental magic. The skill difference is more important at lower skill levels.

Btw, if you ever decide to level WHM, you'll notice instantly the difference in enfeebling skill resulting from merits. My WHM is only level 58, but regularly outenfeebles RDM due to the full merits (and Enfeebling Earring) I have from my RDM.