Random Question Thread XV: This Is Not The Sticky You're Looking For

[carmancilla]

Multiple slow merits is silly. Not only are you capping slow pretty easily with sabo and elegy, but it just doesn't even matter anyway. A few % of slow potency won't help pretty much at all. Better off doing 4-5 para.

Yea this is coming from pre-abyssea merit solo rdm which I havent touched since then. I guess 1 slow2 is enough nowadays then?

[Erlayn]

Anyone know if the Katana - Hiwa is made or is a drop? I cannot seem to find any information on this item anywhere. If it's made do you have the recipe and if it's a drop, what mobs does it drop from. Thanks.

~Erl

[Jeryhn]

Multiple slow merits is silly. Not only are you capping slow pretty easily with sabo and elegy, but it just doesn't even matter anyway. A few % of slow potency won't help pretty much at all. Better off doing 4-5 para.

Couldn't you just make the same argument with Paralyze 2? Not everyone lowmans with a BRD, mostly because now its unnecessary with Saboteur.

[Wakabo]

Anyone have an up-to date mnk .xml I can steal from them :3

[FailureMidgard]

Multiple slow merits is silly. Not only are you capping slow pretty easily with sabo and elegy, but it just doesn't even matter anyway. A few % of slow potency won't help pretty much at all. Better off doing 4-5 para.

I honestly don't understand this hate on slow2 you like to post.
1. You are only capping slow with Sabo+Elegy. Any time you're solo/duo without a bard, extra slow -does- help, to some miniscule degree.
2. A few proc% on paralyze "won't help pretty much at all." As far as everything I've seen, read, and heard, the extra paralyze merits give about the same increase as the extra slow merits, very small % increases to the proc chance.
3. If I have elegy+slow2 on a mob, the only reason to even paralyze it is if it casts spells...and with the addition of addle, even that matters so much less now. If someone actually needs paralyze on a mob that has slow2 and elegy on it, I think there's issues. Also, what's the % increase on Sabo? Because you are implying it's +42% or higher potency? Has that actually been tested?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying slow2 merits past the first are amazing, I just think you're vastly overstating para2 merits past the first. They are both so miniscule they shouldn't be noticed. 1 point in slow2 is pretty much a must, and past that meh...am I missing something here?

[transmit]

So after moving home and being without internet for three months or so Ive missed out on the last updates.

Spirit Jump seems to have been saved and turned into a great JA along with the new addition of Soul Jump. Im just curious if there are any specfic way to gear these different from old High Jump and Jump?

[Fallyn]

I honestly don't understand this hate on slow2 you like to post.
1. You are only capping slow with Sabo+Elegy. Any time you're solo/duo without a bard, extra slow -does- help, to some miniscule degree.
2. A few proc% on paralyze "won't help pretty much at all." As far as everything I've seen, read, and heard, the extra paralyze merits give about the same increase as the extra slow merits, very small % increases to the proc chance.
3. If I have elegy+slow2 on a mob, the only reason to even paralyze it is if it casts spells...and with the addition of addle, even that matters so much less now. If someone actually needs paralyze on a mob that has slow2 and elegy on it, I think there's issues. Also, what's the % increase on Sabo? Because you are implying it's +42% or higher potency? Has that actually been tested?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying slow2 merits past the first are amazing, I just think you're vastly overstating para2 merits past the first. They are both so miniscule they shouldn't be noticed. 1 point in slow2 is pretty much a must, and past that meh...am I missing something here?

Thanks for all the input so far, but I would be lowmanning usually RDM BLM BLM, or RDM RDM BLM, so no BRD (until the BLM/RDM levels it).

In that case then:
5/5 Convert
5/5 Ice Macc
-
5/5 Bio 3
3/5 Para 2
2/5 Slow 2

?

[Thorny]

Bio is fucking garbage.

Short version: It's less than 0.5% total damage
Long version: Look for my last post on it, don't care enough to type it again

2 dia and some combination of slow/para is a good option for group two, group 1 is pretty much universally agreed upon

if you're positive you won't be duoing with melee/etc, go for 5 para 5 slow i guess

[Fallyn]

Alrighty. Thanks!

[Francisco]

Anyone have an up-to date mnk .xml I can steal from them :3

<?xml version="1.0" ?>
<spellcast>


        <config
                Debug="false"
                HideErrors="false"
                ShowGearSwaps="false"
                ShowSpellInfo="false"
                DefaultAftercast="Engaged"/>
        <sets>
                <group default="yes" name="MNK">

                        <set name="Standing">
                                <ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <head>Usukane Somen</head>
                                <neck>Faith Torque</neck>
                                <lear>Brutal Earring</lear>
                                <rear>Ethereal Earring</rear>
                                <body>Usukane Haramaki</body>
                                <hands>Usukane Gote</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Rajas Ring</rring>
                                <back>Forager's Mantle</back>
                                <waist>Black Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Usukane Hizayoroi</legs>
                                <feet>Hermes' Sandals</feet>
                        </set>

                        <set name="Engaged">
                                <ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <head>Usukane Somen</head>
                                <neck>Faith Torque</neck>
				<lear>Brutal Earring</lear>
                                <rear>Ethereal Earring</rear>
                                <body>Usukane Haramaki</body>
                                <hands>Usukane Gote</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Rajas Ring</rring>
                                <back>Forager's Mantle</back>
                                <waist>Black Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Usukane Hizayoroi</legs>
                                <feet>Usukane Sune-ate</feet>
                        </set>


                        <set name="Chakra">
                                <ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <head>Genbu's Kabuto</head>
                                <neck>Medieval Collar</neck>
				<lear>Brutal Earring</lear>
				<rear>Kemas Earring</rear>
                                <body>Temple Cyclas +1</body>
                                <hands>Melee Gloves</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Mercenary's Ring</rring>
                                <back>Melee Cape</back>
                                <waist>Warwolf Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Kensei Sitabaki</legs>
                                <feet>Power Sandals</feet>
                        </set>

                        <set name="Dodge">
                                <feet>Temple Gaiters +1</feet>
                        </set>
                        <set name="Focus">
                                <head>Temple Crown +1</head>
                        </set>
                        <set name="Boost">
                                <hands>Temple Gloves +1</hands>
                        </set>

                        <set name="Counterstance">
                                <feet>Melee Gaiters</feet>
                        </set>

                        <set name="FastCast">
				<head>Tantra Crown +1</head>
                                <lear>Loquacious Earring</lear>
				<legs>Tantra Hose +1</legs>
				<back>Ultion Mantle</back>
                        </set>


                        <set name="ChiBlast">
                                <head>Temple Crown +1</head>
                                <neck>Faith Torque</neck>
				<body>Kirin's Osode</body>
                                <back>Melee Cape</back>
				<legs>Temple Hose +1</legs>
                                <feet>Suzaku's Sune-ate</feet>
                        </set>


                        <set name="WeaponSkill">
                                <head>Anwig Salade</head>                                              			
				<ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <neck>Faith Torque</neck>
                                <lear>Brutal Earring</lear>
                                <rear>Kemas Earring</rear>
                                <body>Usukane Haramaki</body>
                                <hands>Heafoc Mitts</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Rajas Ring</rring>
                                <back>Forager's Mantle</back>
                                <waist>Virtuoso Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Usukane Hizayoroi</legs>
                                <feet>Usukane Sune-ate</feet>
                        </set>

                        <set name="AsuranFists">
                                <head>Anwig Salade</head>                                
                                <ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <neck>Faith Torque</neck>
                                <lear>Aesir Ear Pendant</lear>
                                <rear>Ethereal Earring</rear>
                                <body>Usukane Haramaki</body>
                                <hands>Usukane Gote</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Rajas Ring</rring>
                                <back>Forager's Mantle</back>
                                <waist>Virtuoso Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Usukane Hizayoroi</legs>
                                <feet>Usukane Sune-ate</feet>
                        </set>

                        <set name="DragonKick">
                                <head>Anwig Salade</head>
                                <ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <neck>Thunder Gorget</neck>
                                <lear>Brutal Earring</lear>
                                <rear>Kemas Earring</rear>
                                <body>Kirin's Osode</body>
                                <hands>Heafoc Mitts</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Rajas Ring</rring>
                                <back>Forager's Mantle</back>
                                <waist>Warwolf Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Usukane Hizayoroi</legs>
                                <feet>Poise Shoes</feet>
                        </set>

                        <set name="AsceticsFury">
                                <head>Genbu's Kabuto</head>
                                <ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <neck>Flame Gorget</neck>
                                <lear>Brutal Earring</lear>
                                <rear>Kemas Earring</rear>
                                <body>Kirin's Osode</body>
                                <hands>Heafoc Mitts</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Rajas Ring</rring>
                                <back>Forager's Mantle</back>
                                <waist>Warwolf Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Usukane Hizayoroi</legs>
                                <feet>Usukane Sune-ate</feet>
                        </set>

                        <set name="TornadoKick">
                                <head>Anwig Salade</head>
                                <ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <neck>Thunder Gorget</neck>
                                <lear>Brutal Earring</lear>
                                <rear>Kemas Earring</rear>
                                <body>Kirin's Osode</body>
                                <hands>Heafoc Mitts</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Rajas Ring</rring>
                                <back>Forager's Mantle</back>
                                <waist>Warwolf Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Usukane Hizayoroi</legs>
                                <feet>Poise Shoes</feet>
                        </set>

                        <set name="Footwork">
                                <head>Usukane Somen</head>
                                <ammo>Tantra Tathlum</ammo>
                                <neck>Faith Torque</neck>
                                <rear>Ethereal Earring</rear>
                                <lear>Brutal Earring</lear>
                                <body>Usukane Haramaki</body>
                                <hands>Usukane Kote</hands>
                                <lring>Spiral Ring</lring>
                                <rring>Rajas Ring</rring>
                                <back>Forager's Mantle</back>
                                <waist>Black Belt</waist>
                                <legs>Tantra Hose +1</legs>
                                <feet>Poise Shoes</feet>
                        </set>


                </group>

        </sets>


        <rules>


		<if buffactive="footwork">
    			<action type="equip" when="Idle|Aftercast" set="Standing"/>
    			<action type="equip" when="Engaged" set="Footwork" />
        		<if status="Engaged">
           			<action type="equip" when="aftercast" set="Footwork" />
       			</if>
		</if>
		<else>
    			<action type="equip" when="Idle|Aftercast" set="Standing"/>
    			<action type="equip" when="Engaged" set="Engaged" />
        		<if status="Engaged">
            			<action type="equip" when="aftercast" set="Engaged" />
        		</if>
		</else>


                <if type="Ninjutsu">
                        <action type="equip" when="Precast" set="FastCast"/>
                        <if Spell="Utsusemi: Ichi">
                                <action type="midcastdelay" delay="2.5"/>
                                <action type="Command" when="midcast">cancel 66</action>
                        </if>
                </if>
                <elseif Type="WeaponSkill">
                        <if TPGT="99">
                                <if advanced='%SpellTargetDistance &lt; 3.6'>
                                        <!--cancels the WS if out of range.  This won't work with ranged WS-->
                                        <action type="castdelay" delay=".2"/>
                                        <if Spell="Dragon Kick">
                                                <action type="Equip" when="precast|midcast" set="DragonKick"/>
                                        </if>
                                        <elseif Spell="Tornado Kick">
                                                <action type="Equip" when="precast|midcast" set="TornadoKick"/>
                                        </elseif>
                                        <elseif Spell="Asuran Fists">
                                                <action type="Equip" when="precast|midcast" set="AsuranFists"/>
                                        </elseif>
                                        <elseif Spell="Ascetic's Fury">
                                                <action type="Equip" when="precast|midcast" set="AsceticsFury"/>
                                        </elseif>
                                        <else>
                                                <action type="Equip" when="precast|midcast" set="WeaponSkill"/>
                                        </else>
                                </if>
                                <else> 
                                        <action type="cancelspell"/> 
                                </else>
                        </if>
                </elseif>
                <elseif type="JobAbility">
                        <if Spell="Chakra">
                                <action type="equip" when="Precast" set="Chakra"/>
                        </if>
                        <elseif Spell="Chi Blast">
                                <action type="equip" when="Precast" set="ChiBlast"/>
                        </elseif>
                        <elseif Spell="Dodge">
                                <action type="equip" when="Precast" set="Dodge"/>
                        </elseif>
                        <elseif Spell="Focus">
                                <action type="equip" when="Precast" set="Focus"/>
                        </elseif>
                        <elseif Spell="Boost">
                                <action type="equip" when="Precast" set="Boost"/>
                        </elseif>
                        <elseif Spell="Counterstance">
                                <action type="equip" when="Precast" set="Counterstance"/>
                        </elseif>
                </elseif>
        </rules>

</spellcast>

[rog]

I honestly don't understand this hate on slow2 you like to post.
1. You are only capping slow with Sabo+Elegy. Any time you're solo/duo without a bard, extra slow -does- help, to some miniscule degree.
2. A few proc% on paralyze "won't help pretty much at all." As far as everything I've seen, read, and heard, the extra paralyze merits give about the same increase as the extra slow merits, very small % increases to the proc chance.
3. If I have elegy+slow2 on a mob, the only reason to even paralyze it is if it casts spells...and with the addition of addle, even that matters so much less now. If someone actually needs paralyze on a mob that has slow2 and elegy on it, I think there's issues. Also, what's the % increase on Sabo? Because you are implying it's +42% or higher potency? Has that actually been tested?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying slow2 merits past the first are amazing, I just think you're vastly overstating para2 merits past the first. They are both so miniscule they shouldn't be noticed. 1 point in slow2 is pretty much a must, and past that meh...am I missing something here?

of course, you could just go 1 slow, 1 para, and leave it at that, and no one would ever know. Of course there's not a huge difference. However an extra para proc can potentially do a lot more than a few % of slow ever will. Sabo is +100% on normal mobs, +50% on nms.

I'm not trying to say that those extra few para merits are going to make or break you (though, every so often it could), i'm simply saying that they're a lot better than having more slow2, which says almost nothing about how good those extra para merits actually are.

[rog]

group 1 is pretty much universally agreed upon

I just don't know anymore. These vert merits really don't do a damn thing anymore with all the refresh we have. Even with no real vert set (i think i'm around 1700, or 1800 iirc, with no gear specifically for vert, and still missing a merit abyssite), it's fairly difficult to use mp faster than you recover it with 23+/tic refresh and 10 min verts while solo. While duo/trio everything dies before you run out of mp anymore, and then you recover all your mp between fights, so vert often isn't even used, let alone needed twice in less than 10 mins. Even in situations where you can spam nukes faster than 6-7 per minute (or more if /sch), you have meds, martellos, and restore chests to get more mp (and verts), and sooner or later you're going to pull hate, which is going to vastly limit how often you can nuke.

I'm really having a hard time justifying keeping vert merits. I was actually going to drop them in favor of wind (and then switch to thunder once we get t4) a few days ago, but then i got blm to 85, so obviously i need to finish off those last few merits first.

[seiji]

any good mnk weapon that doesn't need magian trials? (mnk75atm), faith till worth something?

[Francisco]

any good mnk weapon that doesn't need magian trials? (mnk75atm), faith till worth something?

At 75, it's basically Destroyers or Hades/Hades+1 if you're not going to do relic. If you're going to go beyond 75, definitely do Magian Trials.

STR/Atk Taipan+1s are a good bet.

Post 75-80, there are some good non-relic/non-magian weapons... but they're not as good as TotM options (Lunaris Claws, Afflictors)

[Francisco]

What exactly does "Set: Augments 'Kick Attacks'" on the Tantra +2 set do?

(inb4 Rog tells me "it obviously augments kick attacks")

[Cream Soda]

Someone just posted about this on alla. Very short, one sentence statement, with no pictures and a post count of 3, but he reports, that the set bonus allows a 2nd kick in rounds that you usually kick (for punching). For footwork, doesn't allow you to go over the previous cap of two kicks per attack round.

[Mrbeansman]

Thinking of leveling a new DD job that isn't SAM. Was wondering what would be considered the the top tier dd nowadays.

[Cream Soda]

War, Mnk, Atma of Razed Ruin, etc.

[Tribe]

Warrior. Cant see most other DD's keeping up with it honestly, even without atma's in the equation when all the old content level differences are now next to nothing Multi hit weaponskills really tear through mobs. Along with capped haste gear + being able to full time an offensive sub like /sam. Warrior has become a power house.

[Cream Soda]

Unless you're only exp'ing, I don't see war fulltiming hasso on much, lol, but yea, other than that, War, Mnk as said in my last post.