[Vahlaura]

Hello,

I just finished watching Terminator & Terminator 2, for the umpteenth time. There's just something about that ending monologue ( it's not so much what she says, but rather the way she says it... ) that always seems to strike a deep chord within me... guess, that's why the above subjest title is a tribute of sorts to her. Gotta love her portrayal of a naive blonde .... to the buffed-out warrior princess of the future! Often times, I relish the idea that Vahlaura has developed in much a similar manner, ehehe. I'm a big time fan of Linda Hamilton! I still remember many of her episodes in Beauty & the Beast.

[Vahlaura]

As an exmple,

Fishbone Darts

Slot: RANGE AMMO
Skill: Throwingv2 Atk Delay: 20
DMG: 2
WT: 0.1 Range: 225 Size: SMALL
Class: WAR PAL RNG SHD MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL

This item is crafted by players. (Fletching, 162 trivial)
_________________

[Odnz]

Dreadstone
MAGIC ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE AMMO
Skill: Throwingv2 Atk Delay: 15
DMG: 23 AC: 18
STR: +15 DEX: +10 STA: +10 AGI: +15 HP: +180 MANA: +170 ENDUR: +170
SV FIRE: +14 SV COLD: +14 SV POISON: +19
Required level of 70.
WT: 0.0 Range: 250 Size: SMALL
Class: WAR PAL RNG SHD MNK BRD ROG BST BER

crazy awesome 200 dps with deadly strikes// w/o rog throwing aa's
unless mob =>71

[Lostin]

If anyone is looking to get those dreadstones, take a ranger and a pally to DSK. That combo is deadly there, and can wipe most of the zone out pretty quickly. There is also another option in valde.

I'm not an expert on non ranger ranged DPS, and I think most of our rangers have pretty similar setups except we use a wide range of bows. I currently use the drakespike arrow, and I think most rangers use that for DPS. If there is a better one I'd love suggestions.

[Shoker]

Starfish Stones
MAGIC ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE AMMO
Skill: Throwingv2 Atk Delay: 15
DMG: 17 AC: 13
STR: +11 DEX: +10 STA: +9 CHA: +8 HP: +110 MANA: +100 ENDUR: +100
SV FIRE: +11 SV DISEASE: +12 SV POISON: +12
Recommended level of 68. Required level of 63.
WT: 1.1 Range: 225 Size: MEDIUM
Class: WAR PAL RNG SHD MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL

Not much but a clickie and all i have atm..

[Vahlaura]

The main purpose of this thread is to gauge where we are, as a whole, on our Ranged Combat expertise. Concurrently, to stamp out ignorance, set presidence, and initiate better protocols for our future.

In my opinion, with respect to Ranged Combat, AfterHours exhibits a dereliction of duty. We have been seriously neglecting this aspect of engagement for way too long. Nay, ranged combat is NOT just a Ranger's purview; but is also an important asset of any person (regardless of class) !!

No doubt, that many players are beginning to notice a marked trend in many of the upcoming raid events and mob targets -- these foes are readily brought down through the strategic deployment of "theatre ballistics" and via aid from our rangers' intercontinental missile salvos.

I would like to know what is everyone using and why they choose that method over other options. i.e. because it offers greater range or are you the type to forego distance in lieu of damage?

What range / throwing item do you utilize? What ammo do you use? What clickie do you use? What are their stats ( damage / delay / weight / cast time / cool down period )? What AA's and / or disciplines do you utilize to enhance your damage skills? What spells do you rely upon? Is it Point-to-Point? Is it Area Efect ( spherical or conical, like dragon's breath )? Is it Point w/ collateral damage ( ie. viral grenade )? What is it's effective range? And why do you choose this method; how does this benefit you most?

This is your opportunity to enlighten your comrade in arms. Be specific, be thorough .... share your knowledge and help to bring AH "up to speed".

[Vahlaura]

I understand Rangers have many tricks (abilities) up their sleeve...

Would someone be so kind as to explain these in more detail for the rest of us non-rangers?

And, is there anything we can specifically do to either enhance or facilitate our Rangers? i.e. keeping a pre-determined quadrant or area clear, so that a volley of arrows ( which can inflict anywhere upwards of 65K damage in a conical effect ) doesn't accidentally become "friendly fire"?

-----------------------

As a side note:
If I'm not mistaken, FU and RoV rangers are very capable weapons of mass destruction. I've heard reports of them dealing out 70 - 85k damage per salvo...?? It is my contention, that with more intelligence gathering and sharing, we too could improve our armaments and effectiveness.
_________________

[Vahlaura]

If I recall correctly, Rogues have a special ability to make "deadly strikes"? What else can they do?

Would someone be so kind as to explain these in more detail for the rest of us non-rogues?

Again, is there anything that we as non-rogues can do to help enhance or facilitate our rogues?

--------------------------------------

Do any of the other classes possess any special attributes to help improve AH's ranged DPS? Please take some time, post, enlighten your fellow players.

--------------------------------------

Additionally, I want to make this clear... Obviously, ranged damage is not only achieved through just our melee classes. I would encourage our many casters to also voice their abilities, concerns, and suggestions regarding this very important issue at hand.

I hear that some casters are able to acheive damages of anywhere upwards of 115K damage on a single strike...? Certain classes possibly even more?

Would someone be so kind as to explain these spells / AA's / Discs in more detail for the rest of us non-casters?

And again, is there anything that we can do to help enhance or facilitate our casters? i.e. keeping the mob tashed / debuffed / etc.; or how about, what skills do we need to deploy so that the tanks can maintain aggro over the mobs ( thus not letting it summon our casters / healers to their certainly quick & early demise ); or perhaps we could designate a bard for direct placement into a casters' group ( so they can benefit from the +35% damage amplification )
_________________

[Lostin]

I use http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/item.html?item=80167 for my bow and usually http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/item.html?item=38610 as my arrow. There are a couple with slightly better elemental dmg, but none I have found with better straight dmg. As far as the bow, it's the best groupable bow, and I am more than happy to help any ranger that needs it camp it, but you need korofax access. There is one in tier 4 also, in Toskirakk that can work, Planar Slaughterbow. If you need korofax access for a toon please send me a tell in game, as we will be doing a full round of void access tasks for a friend who has come back into the game soon, so if you get in touch I will try to work you into that.

Also, for the purpose of consolidating information, this thread is very useful for rangers: http://www.ahraiding.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5404

As well as this one: http://www.ahraiding.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5162

Which brings me to my main thoughts on the subject, which is that while I am more than happy to post my thoughts on ranged DPS, since you asked, I think there are better sources. I kind of suck at being a ranger, mainly because Lostin was created as a tank, and for years most of his aa's went to increasing his tanking abilities which almost never get used now with mercs available. I am transitioning over to DPS aa's as quickly as I can grind them out, but I think I am probably behind some of the better rangers in AH who regularly end up in the top 10 on parses.

Let's hear from those rangers, because I think there is more to me to learn from this thread than teach.

Another thing I can say is that my philosophy has always kind of varied from a lot of people's as far as ranged DPS. I try to pay attention to the load I am putting on the healers in my group, and I have always figured it is more useful to the raid if I stay alive without making a healer keep me alive than if I charge in, burn as hard as I can but have a healer constantly healing me because I'm taking dmg. On encounters with short range AE's, or AE ramp, you are more likely to find me out farther doing ranged DPS (and this means maxing it as much as I can with spell casting and BoA if possible, not just /afk with bow on!) than in the melee mess trying to make top ten. Since this type of thing isn't discussed often, I'd love to hear other's thoughts on this philosophy.

Lastly, if we want to increase our ranger DPS let's kill crystal core! We get an awesome rk 3 disc from that raid, and since I kept making the mistake of thinking we were going to do that raid soon I put off getting rk1 or rk2 of it. I finally got rk1 last night, but rk3 is 166% dmg vs 151% for rk2. A decent bump if you ask me, and one that would benefit ALL our rangers, so let's please beat it at least once soon!

[Edited to fix a bunch of typos. I kant tipe todae. ]

[Kelv]

[Lostin]

Addressing a few questions I missed earlier:

The reason I use that arrow is actually kind of sad. I used to prefer the Blessed Guardian Arrows: http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/item.html?item=22715 for their larger range, but when the aa that gave rangers double atk with bows came out, one of the requirements was having two arrows of a type to make it work. I was never able to find another Blessed Guardian Arrow, so I switched to the drakespike arrow. DPS seems very close to the same with either arrow, so I wouldn't fault anyone for using the elemental damage arrow for their deity and taking advantage of the greater range. I still carry one.

The breaking point for me is being able to avoid the ae's I need to avoid. With almost any bow and arrow combo, I can get far enough away that I can DPS from outside AE range, unless the encounter is designed to make this impossible. There are some freak short range bows, but most of them are old and not really relevant. With the combo I have, I can get as far away as I need, so it works. One thing I advise for all users of range items is to get familiar with the limit of your range by practicing. being able to run out to your max DPS range when an AE is about to hit, or something else is about to happen, really helps.

Also, BoA will never be friendly fire. You can see sparklies on PC's but it does no dmg. There are a couple concerns though, in that BoA can trigger MASSIVE trains on multi floor or vertical zones. It hits thru walls and ceilings, so the caster needs to be aware of that. Also, it's a problem in areas with a lot of mezzed mobs, such as the Queen Malarian raid.

[Kindaaniel]

Thanks for asking Vahl,
The best ranged dps in game can come from rangers (not including Casters). Currently if a ranger is not in Fu or RoV he proly has a shit bow, unless he/she got it from a fabled. had I not won a fab bow 2 years ago i would never make top 10 in parse. I use Fabled Warmaster's Recurved Longbow http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/item.html?item=74261 and i have a class 7 drakebone drakespike arrow.
With this said our dps is almost double when we have a shammy 2.0 going along with Ranger Sureshot disc, Auspice of the hunter, 3rd spire, ranger epic 2.0, outrdiders attack, and guardian of the forest. Plus zerkers have an aura that helps us out (forget what it does). That doesnt stack with our 3rd spire though. Bards are alkways great as well.
I wait for shammy epic then use sureshot disc and all my ranger stuffs. All the while chain casting BoA, use forceful rejuvination also here. Make sure that zerker aura not on or just use 2nd spire.
IMO its best to have a Shaman in group with rangers when range fighting. We can maximize our dps like this. Also bard and zerker

[Oakblade]

Dont need two arrows for Trick Shot (double attack with bow).

I also sport a fabled bow, but look forward to getting one from the Rallos raid and hopefully a Sharpshooting 9 earring from the hard version of it.

Didnt know about the rk3 spell from raid, hopefully we can handle that raid and kill it sometime soon, that would be a nice boost in DPS also.

[Reeaver]

ROFL twincast,second spire and silent cast is the exact recipe i use on every major mob burn.Ive only got twin 65k crits so far...but my focus allows for up to 71k crits.Chaining Flashblaze rkII and Ethereal Combustion rkII allows for incredible dps in a short term(Dont try this w/o silent cast activated lol)NEED BETTER FOCII!! P

[Wwein]

My setup:
Arrow
Blessed Champion Arrows

Bows
Bow of the Destroyer
Fabled Bow of the Tempest

I read a debate about arrows in which the devs mentioned that arrow damage is broken and has little to no effect on dps (I believe it was the discussion on the shadowspike arrow). I never have bothered to sit down to parse to see if it's true, and instead picked the arrow with the greatest range since that certainly has a significant effect.

I use the Bow of the Destroyer for headshotting (clockwork is a nice, cheap alternative)

The Fabled Bow of the Tempest has the best ratio of any bow that also has a 5% archery mod. Also note that only fabled weapons have heroic stats. The 5% mod effects Barrage of Arrows AE (our very best DPS in the game), and the heroic str effects all physical damage. I don't know the significance of there only being heroics on fabled items and not regular ones. I suspect either heroics aren't calculated on weapons (and therefore ignored), or if they have some super effect (and it will be nerfed once they realize), or if they work like normal heroics (and it's a mystery that normal weapons don't have them). In any case, I am very hesitant to remove my 3 fabled weapons, and probably won't consider it until everyone else has sod weapons.

The bows from SoD raids are a better ratio to my fabled one so I'd really be interested to know if they're better dps or not (without the heroics and 5% archery mod). So those rangers now wielding one, please bust a nut DPSing Rottrued and use that fight to compare bows.
_________________
http://www.spamhelp.org/harvesterkiller/

[Wrynar]

As a druid I usually load up four DOT's. Then I load two nukes. We have fire and cold boosting debuffs as well. Depending on your level the exact spells will differ. I pick two nukes that aren't on the same recast timer so I can quickly cycle between the two.

As an 85 druid I use the following setup:

Debuffs

Skin to Flora: Decrease fire resists and boost fire damage 8-10%
Blanched Frost ATK/AC debuff

DOT's

Withering Sunray: Decrease Fire by 50-55 and AC by 58-71
Horde of the Hive:
Swarm of Fire Ants:
Horde of Fire ants:
Sunsinge: (curse base)
Morning Glory: Nuke with chance for boost on next cast
Summer Solstice: Basic fire nuke

I don't have twincast spell, only have the AA, but will be adding that. I also have Spirit of the Black Wolf (boosts damage and reduces mana cost) and First Spire of Nature. Also have the druid AA nuke, which is nice no mana ~2k nuke.

So I start out with the DOT's and then start alternating Morning Glory and Summer Solstice.

With that combo I've seen criticals getting near 20k. And often hit 10k without criticaling. I have a decent fire boost focus effect that boosts it by 65%. I have most if not all the affliction and direct damage criticals maxed. I've spent most of my solo'ing so have focused more on things that increase my damage output. Though I have filled out the healing line of AA's pretty decently as well.

Now that said, in a ranged fight I'd probably be a little careful. I'm still working on agro reducing AA's. But I've been able to catch agro when I burn heavy and shortly after assist called.

When confronting fire resistant mobs I will swap out some cold based nukes for the fire, and replace the fire dot's with drone magic based ones.

That usually leaves me with a spell slot for my top level heal and a root or vinelash for emergencies.

Another tactic I use if I want to further reduce agro is just go with all DOT's. Safer, more mana efficient, but not as much punch.

[Lostin]

Good catch Oakblade.

http://www.eqoutrider.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3899&highlight=trick+shot

Confirmation there. Sounds lke I should switch back over to using the 170 range arrow for a slight boost in range and shouldn't lose any DPS over it. See? I already learned something! Good thread Vahl.

[Vahlaura]

For the majority of AfterHours, here's decent upgrade to start with:

Pop on over to Valdeholm and check up on Jotik the Guardian. He's a simple mob to molo or even solo. ( He can see through invisibility. At 50% health, he spawns two (2) adds; that are low HP and mezzable. ) He spawns in the foyer to the east of the statue of Rallos Zek. He has four (4) spots within the vestibule where he can spawn. The place-holders are on a 20 min timer; and are "a guard captain" and "a sergeant".

The item you are looking for is called The Guardian's Pouch

MAGIC ITEM LORE ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE AMMO
Charges: Unlimited
AC: 22
STR: +20 DEX: +10 STA: +15 AGI: +25 HP: +195 MANA: +185 ENDUR: +185
SV DISEASE: +20 SV COLD: +18 SV MAGIC: +15
Recommended level of 75. Required level of 71.
Effect: Guardian Blade (Any Slot/Can Equip, Casting Time: 1.5) at Level 70
WT: 0.5 Size: MEDIUM
Class: WAR MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL
Slot 1, Type 7 (General: Group)

And produces Guradian Blade

MAGIC ITEM NO TRADE TEMPORARY
Slot: RANGE AMMO
Skill: Throwingv2 Atk Delay: 15
DMG: 27 AC: 22
STR: +20 DEX: +10 STA: +15 AGI: +25 HP: +195 MANA: +185 ENDUR: +185
SV DISEASE: +20 SV COLD: +18 SV MAGIC: +15
Attack: +10
Required level of 70.
WT: 0.2 Range: 250 Size: SMALL
Class: WAR MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next upgrade will require at least a duo. Head on over to Plane of Time: Phase 5, Rallos Zek.

The item you are looking for is called Ton Po's Mystical Pouch

MAGIC ITEM LORE ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: AMMO
Charges: Unlimited
Required level of 65.
Effect: Shuriken of Eternity (Any Slot/Can Equip, Casting Time: 4.0)
WT: 0.1 Size: TINY
Class: WAR MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL

And produces Shuriken of Eternity

MAGIC ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE AMMO
Skill: Throwingv2 Atk Delay: 15
DMG: 30 AC: 28
STR: +18 CHA: +18 AGI: +20 HP: +185 ENDUR: +165
SV FIRE: +15 SV DISEASE: +15 SV COLD: +15 SV MAGIC: +15 SV POISON: +15
Attack: +25
Required level of 65.
WT: 0.3 Range: 250 Size: TINY
Class: WAR MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next upgrade will require a full group to access the instance. This time, head towards Dreadspire Keep ( Demi-Plane of Blood Tier 2: Devlin Rochester )

The item you are looking for is called Vule's Frozen Heart

MAGIC ITEM LORE ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE
Charges: Unlimited
AC: 30
STR: +25 DEX: +30 STA: +20 AGI: +30 HP: +340 MANA: +320 ENDUR: +320
SV FIRE: +30 SV DISEASE: +20 SV COLD: +25 SV POISON: +25
Accuracy: +3 Attack: +30
Required level of 70.
Effect: Frozen Heart Shard (Any Slot/Can Equip, Casting Time: 4.0) at Level 70
WT: 0.3 Size: MEDIUM
Class: WAR PAL RNG SHD MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL
Slot 1, Type 8 (General: Raid)

And produces Frozen Heart Shard

MAGIC ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE AMMO
Skill: Throwingv2 Atk Delay: 15
DMG: 37 AC: 30
STR: +25 DEX: +30 STA: +20 AGI: +30 HP: +340 MANA: +320 ENDUR: +320
SV FIRE: +30 SV DISEASE: +20 SV COLD: +25 SV POISON: +25
Accuracy: +3 Attack: +30
Required level of 70.
WT: 0.3 Range: 250 Size: SMALL
Class: WAR PAL RNG SHD MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My final throwing item upgrade suggestion can be found in Frostcrypt #2 Event: Harfange the Black.

The item you are looking for is called Algid Bag of Frozen Tears

MAGIC ITEM LORE ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE
Charges: Unlimited
AC: 35
DEX: +28 STA: +30 CHA: +35 WIS: +22 INT: +22 AGI: +20 HP: +400 MANA: +400 ENDUR: +400
SV DISEASE: +35 SV COLD: +26 SV MAGIC: +34 SV POISON: +35
Combat Effects: +5 Accuracy: +10
Required level of 75.
Effect: Frozen Tears (Any Slot/Can Equip, Casting Time: 1.5) at Level 75
WT: 1.0 Size: MEDIUM
Class: ALL
Race: ALL
Slot 1, Type 8 (General: Raid)

And produces Frozen Tears

MAGIC ITEM NO TRADE TEMPORARY
Slot: RANGE AMMO
Skill: Throwingv2 Atk Delay: 15
DMG: 42 AC: 35
DEX: +28 STA: +30 CHA: +35 WIS: +22 INT: +22 AGI: +20 HP: +400 MANA: +400 ENDUR: +400
SV DISEASE: +35 SV COLD: +26 SV MAGIC: +34 SV POISON: +35
Combat Effects: +5 Accuracy: +10
Required level of 70.
WT: 0.3 Range: 250 Size: SMALL
Class: WAR PAL RNG SHD MNK BRD ROG BST BER
Race: ALL

_________________

[Vahlaura]

Currently, I'm still waiting to hear back from several other classes. Due to insufficient responses, I'm unable to give a precise upgrade plan at this time. But I shall still endeavor to at least give you my favortie picks..

For the Archers of AfterHours, the following are a few of my favorite things:

When speed of shot counts ( delay of 17 is insane !! ) you can't go wrong with Bow of the Destroyer

MAGIC ITEM LORE ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE
Skill: Archery Atk Delay: 17
DMG: 10
STR: +5 DEX: +5 AGI: +5 MANA: +50 ENDUR: +50
SV FIRE: +5 SV DISEASE: +5 SV COLD: +5 SV MAGIC: +5 SV POISON: +5
WT: 0.5 Range: 150 Size: TINY
Class: WAR RNG ROG
Race: ALL
Slot 1, Type 4 (Weapon: General)

This next pick of mine is a recent advancement due to expansion; and I hope we will see more readily available, is the Arkasluk, Tallon's Pride

MAGIC ITEM LORE ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: RANGE
Skill: Archery Atk Delay: 25
DMG: 80 AC: 70
STR: +32 DEX: +16 STA: +28 CHA: +42 WIS: +48 INT: +12 AGI: +32 HP: +920 MANA: +905 ENDUR: +905
SV FIRE: +55 SV DISEASE: +50 SV COLD: +40 SV MAGIC: +50 SV POISON: +45
Combat Effects: +6 Shielding: +6% Spell Shield: +1% Avoidance: +6 Accuracy: +10 Stun Resist: +1% Strikethrough: +6% DoT Shielding: +1% Attack: +35 HP Regen +4 Mana Regeneration: +3 Damage Shield: +2
Required level of 85.
Effect: Improved Dodge VI (Worn, Casting Time: Instant)
WT: 5.2 Range: 215 Size: MEDIUM
Class: WAR PAL RNG SHD ROG
Race: ALL
Slot 1, Type 8 (General: Raid)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now with regards to ammo...

My personal all-time favorite is the APFSDSDU Armour Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot, Depleted Uranium round, it's street name is ShadowSpike Arrow

MAGIC ITEM NO TRADE
Slot: AMMO
DMG: 50
WT: 0.1 Range: 125 Size: TINY
Class: ALL
Race: ALL

By far the most devestating projectile in existence. Truly, an Anti-Tank Buster! Not only does this inflict massive damage, but it also demoralizes the enemy. ( I am hoping the Devs will come together to correct any oversights they may have regarding this arrow's damage. Though regardless in my mind, this is still a very persuasive piece of ammo. )

I chose the the following two (2) picks because of their improved range, but these have to be utilized with descretion; as while some mobs will exhibit a susceptibility .... other mobs will exhibit a strong resistance due to the elemental nature of these rounds.

The Blessed line of arrows.

Blessed Guardian Arrows Dmg 11, Cold DMG: 4, Range 170.
Blessed Champion Arrows Dmg 11, Fire DMG: 4, Range 170.

_________________

[Herkybevo]

From what I understand even though the Shadowspike Arrows look godly, don't listen to the hype. The time needed to get them is not worth it, and they do get used up, ie...They do not fall under the Endless Quiver catergory. The damage is not an oversight on the Devs part. It is a way for them to get around the EQ aa. It didn't work though, as most rangers I know don't even acknowledge this arrow exists due to the typical SOE mind numbing farming mechanics.
_________________
<a><img></a>