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Maia

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Posts posted by Maia

  1. Posted · Report reply

    Tl;dr: I'm not giving one! Please at least skim over this entire (admittedly long) post. I want everyone to be on the same page. Believe me, it took me waaay longer to write it than it will take you to read it.

    303px-Agkistrodon_contortrix_contortrix_

    Hi guys,

    As I briefly mentioned, I'm interested in forming a new raid squad, the Copperheads. I want this squad to be a little more "hardcore" than Boomslang. The reason behind this is I want us to be able to achieve some specific goals.

    Goals 

    Group:

    1. Finish working on wing 5 and get it on farm 
    2. Clear 3 wings per night (2.5 hrs) of "old" content
    3. CMs: Deimos, Samarog, SH, 5 minute statues, Dhumm, etc (after we have wing 5 on farm, order up for discussion.)

    Individual: Achieve 90th percentile DPS or boon output for support classes on all bosses according to GW2 Raidar.

    To recruit high quality players to fill a new static, we need to have requirements and a trial period. If we want to ask new members to satisfy certain requirements, it's only fair if our current group members meet those same requirements. Many NPCers meet these requirements already, and I don't think they are impossible for any of us who want to meet them. 

    Requirements 

    1. 150+ LI (1 set Legendary armor also accepted.)
    2. Killed all bosses in Wings 1-4. At least attempted Wing 5 (kill proof preferred but not required).
    3. Have 1 geared support class (chrono, druid, BS, support renegade, auramancer), 1 power dps, one condi dps
    4. Submit an API code for a gear and boss kills check (will need character and achievement permissions. Put LI in characters inventory or give appropriate permissions for me to see material storage.)
    5. For dps players: be able to achieve 85% of benchmark on the golem for classes you want to play and submit log via GW2 Raidar as proof. (Only squad leader will see these submissions. They are not for the entire group to view.) When you gear a new class for raiding you must submit another log (a 2 week grace period will be in effect.)
    6. For support players: Be able to keep up appropriate buffs and boons. I will use Raidar to compare to other players.
    7. Ability to regularly attend our raids at 8:30 EST and stay until they are finished at 11 pm EST BOTH Monday and Wednesday. 
    8. Spend 15-30 minutes each week improving your raid play. Preferred way to do this is either rotation practice on the golem or pugging raids. If you can't do either of those a particular week it's also acceptable to spend that time: watching footage of "elite" groups, critically watching footage of our group/your own play, researching and suggesting strats for the group, or gearing characters (farming mats, etc.). Raiding with NPC does not count.

     

    I also want to make some small tweaks to the way we run our sessions. These are not vastly different from previous groups, they are more reminders to improve efficiency. These expectations come down to respecting the time and commitment of your fellow raiders. If everyone follows them, you won't waste others' time and they won't waste yours.

    Group expectations

    1. No ninja AFKing. I realize stuff can occur during raids (doorbell, spouse/baby/child/pet aggro, etc.) But if you are frequently "brb" during raid time (more than 1 per session without explanation) or disappearing without even saying anything it will be addressed.
    2. While the group is new and we are learning new encounters please keep off topic chit chat to a minimum. This is to allow people to concentrate. When we are satisfied with the speed and ease at which we are killing stuff, we will ease up on this.
    3. All members will be expected to keep up with changes to their class as far as gear, rotations, etc. When the meta changes you may need to gear a new class. Again, 2 week grace period from the time SC or qT post their builds. The more classes you have geared the better as it allows us to optimize.
    4. Be on time. Whatever time we decide to raid that is START time-as in we will be pulling the boss at that time. If you are chronically late (more than 3 times) it will be addressed.
    5. I will assume you will be at the raid unless you let me know. Please try to give me notice as far in advance as possible if you can't make it. I will post an agenda and comps on the website before each raid night. You are responsible for having checked your assignment and being ready to play that role(s) and/or class(es).
    6. Don't be a jerk. Mistakes happen. Treat others as you would want them to treat you. We're all trying our best and want to improve. If you can give someone advice in a pleasant manner, do so. If you can't, keep it to yourself. On the flip side, you need to be able to at least listen to someone else's suggestion with a good attitude even if you don't agree.
    7. You must run meta gear and food at all raid encounters except under special, previously approved circumstances (e.g., 2 week gearing grace period, practice pulls agreed to by the group, etc.)

     

    In general, I expect people to have a main role. As we develop as a group, I'm happy to have nights where people learn and/or try new roles or for people to switch (as long as they meet previously mentioned requirements. Again, 2 week grace period.)

    Roster updated 1/24/2017

    1. Chrono tank-Pyro
    2. Off chrono- 
    3. Druid-
    4. Healer/Support/DPS (This person will run a healer/support if we need it and dps if we don't.)-Maia
    5. BS-Khani
    6. DPS-Strange
    7. DPS (support when we need it)-Mevic
    8. DPS-Temerity
    9. DPS-Abys
    10. DPS-Vivid

    Substitutes ("on the bench")

    • Ser
    • Twisted
    • Fred
    • Bone
    • Mold
    • Kintari

     

     

    I understand if not everyone is onboard with this agenda. It is ambitious and represents a shift from how we've been operating. It might also represent a big change in how you've been playing or want to play. I understand that, and I understand if this isn't what you want. Please be honest with yourself and the group if this isn't for you. No one will be mad; we'll all still be friends. 

    To move forward with this, I'd first like to get a count of how many current NPCers are interested and in what roles. If we have a good core group, I will start recruiting nonNPCers for trials which will be held starting the week of January 15. I'd appreciate it if people let me know ASAP, but I'll base our recruiting needs on how many have responded by January 4 (2 weeks from today. Please post below.). This is the timeframe to express interest NOT to have met all requirements. I will give everyone until January 29 for that (2 weeks after we start trials.)

    I propose sticking with our Monday/ Wednesday 8:30 to 11 schedule. If that doesn't work for you let me know and we can discuss moving the time/day.

    I'm excited about this and hope you decide to join me!

  3. Posted · Edited by Maia · Report reply

    Update

    Holiday Pickup Snakes Tuesday, December 26 @ 9 pm! Hope to see you there!

    Hi everyone!

    I believe a few of us will be available and interested in raiding the week between Christmas and New Years. I am happy to lead a raid of who ever is interested plus some pugs (hopefully not too many.) If you are interested please reply to this post with which nights you are available of Tuesday, December 26 through Friday December 29. Each session will be our normal 2ish hrs. I'm open to suggestions for what wings to do, starting time, and if you want to do one or two nights.

     

    Keep in mind the chances of us needing pugs is pretty much 100%. If people want to invite friends, that would be great (once we know approximately how many we need.) I can also advertise in my raid LFG guild that night if we need more (they run a gear check and have a minimum boss kill for entry so it's possible we'll get a higher quality of raider. It's also possible that it's no better than LFG.)

  8. Posted · Report reply

    New builds post November 2017 patch

    Ive been doing some research and have found a few builds I'll post here for people to get ideas. Some builds from prepatch are still good choices or only need minor tweaks. If you want to try what you have, feel free!

    Usual disclaimer: the 'best' build changes with the situation, your opponents, and what you like and are good at playing. Hopefully these builds give you some ideas you can customize!

     

    D/D Spellbreaker (Not the only way to play warrior. Berserker builds and even base warrior builds are out there. I might be able to dig some up of anyone is interested,or you could ask Odd.)

    D/sh Spellbreaker (build in the comment)

    Power Mirage (this guide is dated from 1 month ago but a more recent video said it was still valid)

    This is a WIP so I'll hopefully add more. If you find anything interesting, please post!

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Just saw this on Reddit today: https://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/74o3j0/on_cc_and_pets_an_extensive_look_at/ suggesting the new best CC pet is rock gazelle. I guess it's time I finally suck it up and go get all the new pets.

    I haven't checked the wiki but someone posted this if anyone else is interested  https://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/71xv5d/pof_rangers_unite_juvenile_pets_locations/

     

    • Like 2

  16. Posted · Edited by Maia · Report reply

    Hi all. 

    I thought I'd collect the early qT build videos here if anyone is interested. NONE OF THESE ARE FINAL BUILDS. 

    Condi Soulbeast ([LN] version here, they seem similar at 35k. Did someone say there is a 45k version? Anyone have a link?)

    Staff Weaver

    Scourge

    Firebrand with Axe

    Firebrand with Sc/T

    Condi Mirage

    Alacrity Chrono (this goes with a quickness giving Firebrand so it actually does some dps and just alacrity)

     

     

    I also found this condi mirage build from Lucky Noobs (if your into that kind of thing.)

    • Like 2

  19. Posted · Report reply

    Yup, that's ugly.

    Another option is to take more immobs to give us more time. We could have humans take the Melandru elite, Druids use CA 5 everytime, and rangers/druids use entangle off cool down. I'm not sure what else gives a long AOE immob.

    • Like 1

  20. Posted · Edited by Maia
    Updating with replies so they are all in one place     · Report reply

    Sure we can give it a shot. I'm honestly not sure who's going to show up as what at this point. Here's what I believe might happen (correct me if I'm wrong).

    Maia

    • Main: Support tempest 
    • Can also play: Revenant, Reaper
    • Interested in trying: mesmer

    Doc:

    • Main: Warrior
    • Can also play: Staff DD
    • Interested in trying: Reaper

    Bone:

    • Main: Condi Revenant
    • Can also play: Warrior, Guardian
    • Interested in trying:

    Mold:

    • Main: Reaper
    • Can also play: Support tempest
    • Interested in trying:

    Ser

    • Main:
    • Can also play:
    • Interested in trying:

    Oddgo

    • Main: Guardian
    • Can also play: Scrapper
    • Interested in trying:

    Pyro

    • Main: Power mesmer/chrono
    • Can also play: Guardian, thief, support tempest (magi)
    • Interested in trying: Necro/Reaper/Scourge (after expac)

    Others who may be interested in joining us (these people have mentioned it but didn't make it to our first meeting):

    Myrwin

    Strange

    Fred

    London

    Ath

    Zala (can't move servers until expac drops)

     

    Please let me know if I left anyone out. I feel like someone may be missing, but I'm at work so I can't check our roster. Damn it, Doc might have been right that I should have taken minutes at our meeting. I will kill anyone who tells him I wrote that.

     

     

     

     

  21. Posted · Report reply

    What class should I play?

    A few people have asked me this question and this is my definitive answer: any class you want to. As far as I'm concerned no one should ever be required to run any particular class or build. Our number one goal is to have fun, after all, if we're not having fun, why are we doing this? What fun is it to have a dictator telling you want to play?

    That said, it is undeniable that some classes and builds are better suited to WvW havoc than others. If you want build suggestions, more explanation of the pros and cons of builds, or a better understanding of what roles we need to fill in our squad, please ask (probably me or Oddgo are a good place to start. As always, Google knows everything).

    Here are some points to keep in mind:

    1. The current small group havoc meta is is something like 2 reapers (dps), 1 support tempest (for cc, heals and boons), and 2 of Revenant, guardian, Mesmer, warrior (for dps, cc, boons).
    2. For survivability, it's helpful to have access to mobility, stun breaks, and some way to deal with condis.
    3. For fights, it's helpful to have access to boon strip, cc, and AoE dps.

    I've linked to a few meta builds above. I think they are a good place to start if you want to see suggestions. I, obviously, am not an expert in every build and role, but this is how I've been thinking of these:

    Support Tempest

    • Role: This isn't your fragile glass cannon dps ele. This is a heal bot (or heal person) with more than enough auras and boons to go around. Support tempest is one of the anchors of the group who keeps our dps on their feet so they can wreck face.
    • Group supporting skills: Auras, Rebound, Wash away the pain, condition clearing shouts. Plentiful CC from dagger/focus.
    • Survivability/mobility: You're wearing full minstrels, so yeah. You've got lighting flash for your "oh shit" button.
    • Gameplay video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCALAxtotsSZHEXpCY2L00FQ

    Condi Reaper (both axe and GS)

    • Role: One of, if not THE, main sources of dps in the group. Gives our opponents condi cancer with minimal effort. Can be glassy if you are running heavy on vipers.
    • Group supporting skills: Its all about the dps and boon strip. However, your CC is plentiful and Chilled to the Bone can change the tide of a battle.
    • Survivability/mobility: Can be challenging. Reapers shroud is your dps and survivability when you are focused (which is inevitable), so you probably want to pull off your big damage combo (5,4) and get out of there so it's up for survivability. Reapers shroud 2 is pretty much your mobility. Paying careful attention to positioning and where your healer is is highly recommended.
    • Gameplay videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHGaKxX6392J6GRq5LFNdg

    Mesmer/chrono

    • Role: The build above is a big glassy big damage dealer. I can probably find a tankier boon support build if anyone is interested. 
    • Group supporting skills: In my admittedly limited understanding of Mesmer, seems like Mass Invisibility is one of the big advantages of having one in our ranks. If the Zerg is coming and we need to run away or we simply need time to regroup and reposition, mass invis can give us space.
    • Survivability/mobility: The build above gives you blink and access to stealth. Not to mention all those f-ing clones. 
    • Gameplay videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmow9Q4sw_JLTYb3Ly1Z0w

    Revenant

    • Role: The build above is a tanky condi dpser. You are tough enough to soak up some of the damage and keep it off our reapers. Not to mention the real reason we have you along: spammable resistance.
    • Group supporting skills: During a fight: Pain absorption. All. Day. Long. If it's looking good, feel free to throw in Banish Enchantment. Out of combat swap over to glint and stack those buffs (the reapers would appreciate some swiftness).
    • Survivability/mobility: You're in Trailblazers, so yeah. Pain absorption is also a stun break which is super nice.
    • Gameplay videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIdC5dSHc8gJYpQeG1tvATg

    Warrior/Beserker

    • Role: Warrior offers a combination of dps, cc and boons. 
    • Group supporting skills: Headbut with stability allows you to stun the enemy so we can all unload the dps. Just please save 100 blades for cleaving the downs so we don't have to pick you up off the floor.
    • Survivability/mobility: Endure pain and berserker stance make you more survivable than your gear leads one to believe. You've got a long block on shield and some good mobility and evade on GS.
    • Gameplay videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKxKCu6hIWMtgnkVRHCiMYA

    Staff Daredevil

    • Role: I don't have a build above but the staff daredevil build on metabattle (under WvW) would work well. This build can will primarily do dps. The metabattle description give some tips.
    • Survivability/mobility: You're a daredevil with 3 dodges, short bow, and shadow step, need I say more?

    I hope one of these appeals to you. If not, that's cool too. Feel free to theory craft your own. There are tons of other builds out there, including ranger, thief, and engi. I would need to do some research to be able to recommend something. I believe Oddgo would be happy to consult with anyone who wants to.

    • Like 2

  22. Posted · Edited by Maia · Report reply

    Tanking up

    Unlike in PvE raids, toughness and vitality are actually useful in WvW. Therefore, I'd like to offer a friendly reminder: don't be afraid to invest in a way for you to "tank up" if you're having trouble staying alive (or if you are worried you will have trouble). 

    What does this mean? I'll give you and example using Doc's warrior build. I know he won't be offended because he won't read this.

    Doc's build is full maurauder armor with scrapper runes and zerk trinkets and weapons. That's not total glass, but it's not an obnoxious amount of sustain either. Most of you haven't run with Doc in WvW, but I can tell you from experience he's a "balls to the wall" type of guy. He wants to get in there and smacks his enemies as hard as he can with his great sword. It's very possible Doc is going to have trouble keeping himself alive with this build. So, what can he do?

    1. Bring damage reduction food (it's the meta and highly recommended). Examples are:  

    Best options:

    • Bowl of curry mussel soup: 10% damage reduction , 5% condi damage reduction
    • Plate of mussels gnashblade: 10% damage reduction, 70 concentration (good if you are giving out boons such as rev, guardian, or support tempest)
    • Bowl of mussel soup: 10% damage reduction, 70 vitality

    Decent options:

    • Lemongrass poultry soup: -20% condi duration, 70 vitality
    • Saffron bread: -20% damage while stunned, knocked down or knocked back, -20% condi duration

    2. Bring Tanky trinkets, for power that means soldier stats (you could also use Knight 

      Valkyrie, or Celestial in some cases), for condi that means trailblazer.

    3. Adopt an in and out fighting style. Don't just dive into the fray and stand there. Move in and out of combat.

    You can bet Doc will be bringing an extra set of soldiers trinkets and some curry mussel soup in addition to any offensive food he wants to bring. If he's having trouble, he can titrate some more sustain in. His annoying wife will insist on it ;) 

    • Like 1
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