Fun solo/group class for a new toon

[Tethelin]

I recently finished up a few courses and I now have more time to get back into P99. I'm pretty excited and would like to roll a new toon to start fresh, but I'm having a bit of trouble deciding on a class to play.

Back in the day I played a ranger, druid and rogue on Innoruuk. I love the concept of a ranger but from what I've been reading, they are a pretty under powered class in P99 so I might avoid it. I also don't think a rogue suits me very well anymore as I want to have the ability to at least passively solo.

I'm not sure I'll ever get into the raiding scene but I'd like to be able to get groups as well as solo if possible.

I've been looking closest at Paladin, Cleric, Druid, Shaman, Wizard, and Ranger (if an experienced ranger can tell me it's worthwhile) but I'm open to pretty much anything.

Anybody have any suggestions on where to start with class selections? The guides I've come across seem to be outdated so I'm not sure if I should trust them.

[Tethler]

Rangers are totally playable here on p99. Groups often have them pull (if outdoors) and sometimes even tank in a pinch. As far as finding groups and also have soloability, Shaman might be the best fit. They're desired for slow/buffs/heals in groups and you can root/rot to solo (root/rotting before 30 is kinda 'meh', really picks up in the 30s).

Druid are great at solo and you can find groups, but they are less desirable than clerics or shamans in the healer role.

Paladins and clerics *can* solo, but it will be so slow you'll want to kill yourself.

Wizards are the pariah class here. You'll sit LFG for hours.

[Jimjam]

Ranger is a super fun and versatile class. Most of the 'XP Highway' is outdoors, which plays to ranger's strengths as pullers.

[Tethelin]

Rangers are totally playable here on p99. Groups often have them pull (if outdoors) and sometimes even tank in a pinch. As far as finding groups and also have soloability, Shaman might be the best fit. They're desired for slow/buffs/heals in groups and you can root/rot to solo (root/rotting before 30 is kinda 'meh', really picks up in the 30s).

Druid are great at solo and you can find groups, but they are less desirable than clerics or shamans in the healer role.

Paladins and clerics *can* solo, but it will be so slow you'll want to kill yourself.

Wizards are the pariah class here. You'll sit LFG for hours.

Thanks for the input!

I'll look a little closer at Shaman, Druids and Rangers and I'll likely stay away from Wizards, Pallys, and Clerics at least to start.

[Tethelin]

Ranger is a super fun and versatile class. Most of the 'XP Highway' is outdoors, which plays to ranger's strengths as pullers.

Awesome! Fun and versatile sounds good to me. I assume the desired pulling technique would include a combo of sow, lull/calm/harmony, and bow?

Any race stand out for ranger or does it matter?

[Jimjam]

You can also split up pulls throwing out a mix of roots and snares on inc so the mobs arrive at staggered intervals.

Race isn't too important, go tunare if you want a fancy hat.

[Tethelin]

You can also split up pulls throwing out a mix of roots and snares on inc so the mobs arrive at staggered intervals.

Race isn't too important, go tunare if you want a fancy hat.

Clever technique. I'll be sure to do that.

Sounds like I'm going ranger after all. Thanks Jimjam.

[bigjeff100]

Im'a go ahead and just suggest an SK.. I been promoting them a lot lately. I can solo and group perfectly fine depending on my playtime. Lots of really cool spell tools. Both forms of invis, snare's and life taps, HT which is really a life saver haha. And most importantly- Feign Death.. I feel like the only 3 classes i can really play and grind on have to be FD classes at this point in my life. I cannot dedicate hours of uninterrupted time anymore..

Anyways just figured i'd throw SK out there! Plus some real cool weapons for cheap due to the class restricted weapons!

[Tethelin]

Im'a go ahead and just suggest an SK.. I been promoting them a lot lately. I can solo and group perfectly fine depending on my playtime. Lots of really cool spell tools. Both forms of invis, snare's and life taps, HT which is really a life saver haha. And most importantly- Feign Death.. I feel like the only 3 classes i can really play and grind on have to be FD classes at this point in my life. I cannot dedicate hours of uninterrupted time anymore..

Anyways just figured i'd throw SK out there! Plus some real cool weapons for cheap due to the class restricted weapons!

Thanks bigjeff, I'll do some research on it. You make a good point about FD. I think my biggest issues with SK and the main reasons I hadn't really considered it is faction and race. The only SK I can see myself sticking with is a Dark Elf (maybe Erudite or Human) and they seem to lack decent stats for SKs (although hide is nice, albeit less important once FD is in the picture). That coupled with the lack of friendly zones just seems like I'd be setting myself up for failure. I'm open to having my mind changed on that though.

[bigjeff100]

Thanks bigjeff, I'll do some research on it. You make a good point about FD. I think my biggest issues with SK and the main reasons I hadn't really considered it is faction and race. The only SK I can see myself sticking with is a Dark Elf and they seem to lack decent stats for SKs (although hide is nice, albeit less important once FD is in the picture). That coupled with the lack of friendly zones just seems like I'd be setting myself up for failure. I'm open to having my mind changed on that though.

I've never made or played a DE. I made my SK a Erudite, which i had never played before as well.. Loved that it gave me the chance to explore Odus, Warren's was friggin sweet man. But then the Erudite gives me the option of being able to still dink around without being totally hated.. I also made him with erudite cultural armor in mind, so for the first 35 levels or so, i was the coolest lookin erudite around!

Anyways, i think it's safe to say if you can't stand looking at your character, then it will never be worth making.. So if you're dead set on the DE, and unhappy with his stats, then i'd say skip the SK.. But SK doesn't need to worry about being AS gear dependent as a warrior..

[Crede]

Thanks bigjeff, I'll do some research on it. You make a good point about FD. I think my biggest issues with SK and the main reasons I hadn't really considered it is faction and race. The only SK I can see myself sticking with is a Dark Elf and they seem to lack decent stats for SKs (although hide is nice, albeit less important once FD is in the picture). That coupled with the lack of friendly zones just seems like I'd be setting myself up for failure. I'm open to having my mind changed on that though.

All SKs get hide at level 35, regardless of race. Still very nice When you want to med and stay invis. Solid class, great group tank and can solo slowly at higher levels. Should get better with next patch with 2h dmg bonus and getting on warrior dmg table. Every sk race is great, I went iksar for plate look, greenmist, and regen/ac. Look at fashion part of wiki to see what velious armor looks like.

Druids will be easiest solo to 60 with charm, but not totally loved in groups especially at higher levels. Shaman is a solid choice, but they really shine in duos over solo pre 60. Also bard is a solid choice for solo/group if you’ve considered them. Barely need any money for songs/gear

[serjordanmormont]

[QUOTE=bigjeff100;2916465]I've never made or played a DE. I made my SK a Erudite, which i had never played before as well.. Loved that it gave me the chance to explore Odus, Warren's was friggin sweet man. But then the Erudite gives me the option of being able to still dink around without being totally hated.. I also made him with erudite cultural armor in mind, so for the first 35 levels or so, i was the coolest lookin erudite around!

Anyways, i think it's safe to say if you can't stand looking at your character, then it will never be worth making.. So if you're dead set on the DE, and unhappy with his stats, then i'd say skip the SK.. But SK doesn't need to worry about being AS gear dependent as a warrior..[/QUOTE

Dark elf looks the best in plate

[Tethelin]

I made my SK a Erudite, which i had never played before as well.. Loved that it gave me the chance to explore Odus, Warren's was friggin sweet man. But then the Erudite gives me the option of being able to still dink around without being totally hated.. I also made him with erudite cultural armor in mind, so for the first 35 levels or so, i was the coolest lookin erudite around!
..

I forgot SKs could be Erudite, Gnome, and Human. I was thinking it was just Troll Ogre Iksar and Dark elf. Faction would likely be less of an issue with Erudite, Gnome, and Human so I could propbably get behind those. I'll check out some of the cultural armor for those races/gods.

[Tethelin]

Druids will be easiest solo to 60 with charm, but not totally loved in groups especially at higher levels. Shaman is a solid choice, but they really shine in duos over solo pre 60. Also bard is a solid choice for solo/group if you’ve considered them. Barely need any money for songs/gear

I figured Druids would be popular with the utility and the fact that almost everybody seems to have one. Then again I suppose when they're a dime a dozen not so much.

Is a Shaman difficult to play or really gear dependent? I see on some other threads people love to suggest them, but seem reluctant to suggest you start with them.

I'm not much into bards in general.

[bigjeff100]

Gnome can't roll SK on this server.. It did become a playable class eventually but not sure when.. Erudite was a great race choice for SK. Plus a rare combo across Norrath! Both Paladin and SK Erudite Steel Silk cultural armor is my favorite by far!

[Crede]

I forgot SKs could be Erudite, Gnome, and Human. I was thinking it was just Troll Ogre Iksar and Dark elf. Faction would likely be less of an issue with Erudite, Gnome, and Human so I could propbably get behind those. I'll check out some of the cultural armor for those races/gods.

We won't see Gnome SKs in P99. They didn't come until at least Luclin. This is unfortunate because of that sweet tinkering clicky armor they get, including 40% spell haste.

I figured Druids would be popular with the utility and the fact that almost everybody seems to have one. Then again I suppose when they're a dime a dozen not so much.

Is a Shaman difficult to play or really gear dependent? I see on some other threads people love to suggest them, but seem reluctant to suggest you start with them.

I'm not much into bards in general.

Druids aren't really good enough at any one thing at higher levels to make them popular in groups, with the exception of chardok groups since they can charm there. Shaman isn't a difficult class to play, but it can get old fast if you're not up for casting Canni all the time. They can be played without gear, but they really shine with big items like Fungi, Epic, JBB, and costly spells such as Bane of Nife, Torpor, etc.

I noticed you mentioned Wizard, but nothing with Mage. They can nuke about 90% as good as a wizard, they can solo in the right environments, extremely easy to gear, great group class with OP pets, and you can eventually use one to farm tons of pp to twink other classes. I'd probably go with Mage in your position.

[Tethelin]

Erudite was a great race choice for SK. Plus a rare combo across Norrath! Both Paladin and SK Erudite Steel Silk cultural armor is my favorite by far!

You're winning me over here. Which cultural armor did you end up grabbing? It's not the flayed skin stuff is it? I see that stuff going for cheap-ish in EC.

[Tethelin]

I noticed you mentioned Wizard, but nothing with Mage. They can nuke about 90% as good as a wizard, they can solo in the right environments, extremely easy to gear, great group class with OP pets, and you can eventually use one to farm tons of pp to twink other classes. I'd probably go with Mage in your position.

Hmm, not a bad plan. Do you know if the pets steal your exp though?

[Octopath]

Damn Jeff you are like the best Erudite SK salesman I’ve ever seen. Anytime I regret making a erudite over a ogre or iksar I know I can just search your posts.

If erudite sk’s were Gulfstream jets you’d be a billionaire!

[Crede]

Hmm, not a bad plan. Do you know if the pets steal your exp though?

Pet will steal xp if it does more than 50% of the dmg to the mob soloing. The pet's damage shield is considered neutral dmg. You can chain cast pets to avoid this, and to throw in a nuke or 2 to out dps the pet's melee dmg. There are guides on this, I won't go into detail. Also some mages will still xp with the pet taking half the xp which can still beat group xp in many situations. Finding a duo partner is a nice counter to this as well.

You're winning me over here. Which cultural armor did you end up grabbing? It's not the flayed skin stuff is it? I see that stuff going for cheap-ish in EC.

It's the steelsilk armor. Search for it on wiki. Dark Red is for SKs, the blue & tan is for Pallies. I have a set of the blue prexus pally armor for sale if you do want to go that route. I paid around 13k for it, it's not cheap to make, but I could sell for less if you're interested. Pallies are better group tanks than SKs, but not better soloers.

[bigjeff100]

You're winning me over here. Which cultural armor did you end up grabbing? It's not the flayed skin stuff is it? I see that stuff going for cheap-ish in EC.

Glad you asked!! Definitely not Flayed skin haha. That stuffs like purple leather :) Here is a link to good stuff.. I had my erudite in the Cazic Thule set.. The very bottom.. I really want my next character to be a paladin so i can wear the blue set. The prexus set! But with my playtime, a paladin really won't work :(

https://wiki.project1999.com/Cultural_Tradeskills:_Erudite

And here is a crappy cellphone photo of my monitor i took a long time ago of my Erudites armor :) It really doesn't do it justice

https://i.imgur.com/CXqTKeQ.jpg

[bigjeff100]

Pet will steal xp if it does more than 50% of the dmg to the mob soloing. The pet's damage shield is considered neutral dmg. You can chain cast pets to avoid this, and to throw in a nuke or 2 to out dps the pet's melee dmg. There are guides on this, I won't go into detail. Also some mages will still xp with the pet taking half the xp which can still beat group xp in many situations. Finding a duo partner is a nice counter to this as well.



It's the steelsilk armor. Search for it on wiki. Dark Red is for SKs, the blue & tan is for Pallies. I have a set of the blue prexus pally armor for sale if you do want to go that route. I paid around 13k for it, it's not cheap to make, but I could sell for less if you're interested. Pallies are better group tanks than SKs, but not better soloers.

True this.. These sets are very pricey.. But hey, if you're interested and a little short on money, i'd gladly pitch in to help you get the set!!! I don't see my brothas running around enough in this stuff!!!

[Tethelin]

True this.. These sets are very pricey.. But hey, if you're interested and a little short on money, i'd gladly pitch in to help you get the set!!! I don't see my brothas running around enough in this stuff!!!

That’s super nice of you to offer but I can’t take your platinum. I’m not sure what pricey is but it’s probably safe to say I can’t afford it right now. That said I do have some gear a buddy gave me I can probably try to unload to save up.

Maybe I’ll rock the flayed skin stuff for now and go from here haha.

[Crede]

That’s super nice of you to offer but I can’t take your platinum. I’m not sure what pricey is but it’s probably safe to say I can’t afford it right now. That said I do have some gear a buddy gave me I can probably try to unload to save up.

Maybe I’ll rock the flayed skin stuff for now and go from here haha.

If not getting steelsilk, go human SK IMO. Erudite velious helm bug is annoying in later levels. Way better flayed skin look too.

[Tethelin]

If not getting steelsilk, go human SK IMO. Erudite velious helm bug is annoying in later levels. Way better flayed skin look too.

It's not that I won't ever get it, just that it will take a while to save up. That said those bugs are off putting for sure.

[Proofyeq]

Well bigj after flopping around as a bard for a few levels (its what I played back in the day but just dont have the heart for it like i did) due to your salesman pitch I've decided to give Erudite SK a chance

[Tethelin]

Well bigj after flopping around as a bard for a few levels (its what I played back in the day but just dont have the heart for it like i did) due to your salesman pitch I've decided to give Erudite SK a chance

Haha BigJ's just over here, upping the population of Erudite Shadow Knights on the server.

[Proofyeq]

He will have his own army soon

[bigjeff100]

Please let me know if i can help any new SK's with some gear or plat!!! Anything to help my army grow!!!!!!

PS- How's the new SK going?!?! anything i can help with? questions?

[Celery4183]

I have mad respect for Erudite knights! Getting the steelsilk is next on the list of gear to pick up on my lvl 25 paladin. It's just going to take a while since this is my second toon on the server; need to get to the level that I can start farming the silk needed to craft.

/salute <all erudite knights>

[Tethelin]

Please let me know if i can help any new SK's with some gear or plat!!! Anything to help my army grow!!!!!!

PS- How's the new SK going?!?! anything i can help with? questions?

Hey BigJeff, thanks for asking. I didn't have much time to play this week end so I only ended up getting some starting gear together. I created the character and got stuck in Paineel because somebody was killing the guards who give the keys to get out. I should be ready to hit the ground running after work this evening. Was planning to head to Qeynos pretty early and get started with the gnoll fang quest just because I remember it being great exp. Do you know if that kill my faction? I've only really done that with good characters in the past.

I had a look for BigJ and was gonna send you a tell but you were offline.

[Tethelin]

I have mad respect for Erudite knights! Getting the steelsilk is next on the list of gear to pick up on my lvl 25 paladin. It's just going to take a while since this is my second toon on the server; need to get to the level that I can start farming the silk needed to craft.

/salute <all erudite knights>

Did you go with Quellious or Prexus?

[bigjeff100]

Hey BigJeff, thanks for asking. I didn't have much time to play this week end so I only ended up getting some starting gear together. I created the character and got stuck in Paineel because somebody was killing the guards who give the keys to get out. I should be ready to hit the ground running after work this evening. Was planning to head to Qeynos pretty early and get started with the gnoll fang quest just because I remember it being great exp. Do you know if that kill my faction? I've only really done that with good characters in the past.

I had a look for BigJ and was gonna send you a tell but you were offline.

Yeah im usually only online during the weekends, specifically in the evenings.. I'm usually on for an hour or so each day during the work week.. So i can hop in whenever really! Let me know if i can assist with getting u outta that area! I'll pick ya up!

In terms of that quest- I'm not sure? I've never done it!

[Tethelin]

Yeah im usually only online during the weekends, specifically in the evenings.. I'm usually on for an hour or so each day during the work week.. So i can hop in whenever really! Let me know if i can assist with getting u outta that area! I'll pick ya up!

In terms of that quest- I'm not sure? I've never done it!

That would be awesome! I'll have to double check what i named him when I get home but I'm pretty sure it's Razzum.

I just checked the wiki for the faction for this quest and came up with this:


Your faction standing with Guards of Qeynos got better.
Your faction standing with Antonius Bayle got better.
Your faction standing with Corrupt Qeynos Guards got worse.
Your faction standing with Circle Of Unseen Hands got worse.
Your faction standing with Merchants of Qeynos got better.

I assume the corrupt guards of Qeynos could be an issue? They are allied with the SK/Necro guild in Qeynos I think.

[bigjeff100]

Did you go with Quellious or Prexus?

Prexus is friggin gorgeous!

[Proofyeq]

My little guy is only level 4 killing little mobs in Paineel. I ventured into the Warrens and quickly learned I still need another level or two lol. I plan on staying over there since I’ve never leveled around there before so it’ll be a new adventure. Also, sorry OP not meaning to hijack your post.

[bigjeff100]

U just park yourself in warrens and i'll come give ya potg and thorns Proofyeq.. Then you'll be of level in no time to wreck that place! Tell me when and i'll make my way over!

[Tethelin]

My little guy is only level 4 killing little mobs in Paineel. I ventured into the Warrens and quickly learned I still need another level or two lol. I plan on staying over there since I’ve never leveled around there before so it’ll be a new adventure. Also, sorry OP not meaning to hijack your post.

Haha no worries my friend. Plenty of advice to go around here. I may actually join you in the warrens for the same reason. Especially if BigJeff is gonna buff us for it. Sounds like a party!

[Celery4183]

Did you go with Quellious or Prexus?

Prexus

[bigjeff100]

gonna keep my druid parked over there in Warrens for a while!! i'll pop in and buff on the daily!

[Proofyeq]

Ha, yeah we can get that going. I won’t be on until tomorrow night though. I do 24 hour shifts and working today.

[Tethelin]

Ha, yeah we can get that going. I won’t be on until tomorrow night though. I do 24 hour shifts and working today.

No worries. It will give me time to hit level 4. :cool:

[bigjeff100]

Athemis is bound over in Warren's! Currently gonna try and turn my heretics faction around.. Lots of upheaval's being casted.. So i'll be there for a while! Potg/Regen/Thorns for everyone!!

Quick question for the forum EQ gods- Will repairing heretics faction be enough for me to purchase a key to the hole? Or do i need to repair something else?

[Jimjam]

Number one, you should have rolled halfling and you could have saved yourself a lot of bother by sneak purchasing your key.

To get the key to the city you need relatively high faction. Fortunately this can be bypassed by having a newbie call the elevator for you with their own key. Once you've got apprehensive to heretics and are let into the city, you'll be fine to buy your hole key.

[bigjeff100]

ok perfect jimmy jam! Thanks man!! I'll have it in no time!

[Jimjam]

You're welcome, a friend of Warrens hunters is a friend of mine.

[Celery4183]

Cool I will have to hit up your druid if you are still around when I head back over to warrens in a few levels (want to farm the midnight sea chest/legs/arms) for my pally.

[stebbins99]

Getting the needed faction doesn't take too long if you have the 25+ mob AOE spells and are decent lvl (so you should be in the clear!).

And yes, all of Paineel is on a single faction table I believe-- if you're good with one, you're good with all in that city. My High Elf cleric walks around there like he owns the place.

Have fun decimating the Warrens!!

[Proofyeq]

I lied my little boy Ohzno is only level 3! but quickly working his way up the corporate ladder.

[bigjeff100]

Haha Proofy! That was you today?! You shoulda said that was you!! Glad we were able to get you the-
https://wiki.project1999.com/Helm_of_Ridossan
Athemis will be parked there for a while to keep factioning, so anytime i see you ill holler!!!

PS- Sorry about that death this afternoon, it was all for good cause though!

[Proofyeq]

Haha, yeah that was me. You were already hooking me up with a sweet helm I didn’t want to be greedy and beg for buffs. Also shout to Tethelin for some gear and buffs ��

[Tethelin]

Haha, yeah that was me. You were already hooking me up with a sweet helm I didn’t want to be greedy and beg for buffs. Also shout to Tethelin for some gear and buffs ��

Happy to help my man! Looking forward to grouping with you!

[bigjeff100]

Nicely done Tethelin!!!

[Tethelin]

Nicely done Tethelin!!!

Thanks Jeff. Any interest in rolling a toon to level with us? I know your time is limited but I figured I'd ask.

[Tethelin]

Cool I will have to hit up your druid if you are still around when I head back over to warrens in a few levels (want to farm the midnight sea chest/legs/arms) for my pally.

What level are you Celery? You interested in grouping as well?

[bigjeff100]

Thanks Jeff. Any interest in rolling a toon to level with us? I know your time is limited but I figured I'd ask.

Man oh man i would friggin love to!! Been itchin to make a pally, but you guys would blow past me on day 1.. I max out at about 1 hour of playtime on the weekdays haha. I usually have time on weekend evenings, but none of my playtime is real dependable haha..

I appreciate the invite man!! You guys just holler at me anytime you need a port or some buffs! And i mean anytime!!

[mcoy]

Athemis is bound over in Warren's! Currently gonna try and turn my heretics faction around.. Lots of upheaval's being casted.. So i'll be there for a while! Potg/Regen/Thorns for everyone!!

Quick question for the forum EQ gods- Will repairing heretics faction be enough for me to purchase a key to the hole? Or do i need to repair something else?

I did this on a Human Cleric. 1535 kills was enough for me to ask a guard for the elevator key and then buy the Hole key from the merchant.

-Mcoy

[bigjeff100]

I did this on a Human Cleric. 1535 kills was enough for me to ask a guard for the elevator key and then buy the Hole key from the merchant.

-Mcoy

Exactly what i want to hear.. Proably like 1200 more kills is all ;)

[Celery4183]

What level are you Celery? You interested in grouping as well?

My Paladin (Soten) is 26 and I also have a 34 shaman (Namix). I'm always down to group/duo, hit me up if you see me online. I typically on from around 8-11pm CST

[Halfcell]

Love how this turned into an SK thread when his original post asked for a great grouping and solo class.

OP, when you quit your SK later, roll a Shaman or an Enchanter. They are, without a doubt, the two best soloers that people also want in their groups. Both are also a ton of fun to play.

[DMN]

Love how this turned into an SK thread when his original post asked for a great grouping and solo class.

OP, when you quit your SK later, roll a Shaman or an Enchanter. They are, without a doubt, the two best soloers that people also want in their groups. Both are also a ton of fun to play.

Shaman is pretty god damn boring most of the way to 60 actually

[Halfcell]

Shaman is pretty god damn boring most of the way to 60 actually

Well any class can be boring, depending on how you play it. I have leveled a few different classes to 60, and while the Chanter was the most fun, the Shaman was one of the more fun. Most boring was a Wiz, 30 levels of quadkiting is beyond miserable.

[Tethelin]

OP, when you quit your SK later, roll a Shaman or an Enchanter. They are, without a doubt, the two best soloers that people also want in their groups. Both are also a ton of fun to play.

Admittedly the SK was short lived for me. I do appreciate the suggestion but I couldn't get past the faction situation.

I have next to 0 interest in an enchanter. Everybody tells me they're a ton of fun but I just have no interest in being the crowd control guy in groups and I don't think charm has the appeal for me it does for others.

A Barbarian (because of faction) shaman I could get behind but I really have no idea how to play one other than the healing aspect. What is expected from shaman in groups? What is the strategy for solo? Any tips are appreciated.

[Celery4183]

A Barbarian (because of faction) shaman I could get behind but I really have no idea how to play one other than the healing aspect. What is expected from shaman in groups? What is the strategy for solo? Any tips are appreciated.

Shaman's are glorified buff bots, slow bots, and/or heals. Very few times will you be able to get in there and do dmg/melee

[port9001]

If you want basically the same role as SK but with good faction play a Paladin.

You'll be group tank almost certainly and sometimes also the puller. Still have spells to get easy aggro and some utility.

Edit: kind of missed the solo component to this, so before I get jumped on...

Paladin isn't a great solo class but it CAN solo. The higher you go the slower it gets but it's also safe, they have lots of tools to be highly successful at it, and you can even do it in dungeons with good ZEM. It's not a primarily leveling path but it's a nice to have when you're waiting for a group spot to open up or no one is in the zone.

[Tethelin]

Shaman's are glorified buff bots, slow bots, and/or heals. Very few times will you be able to get in there and do dmg/melee

Not a super flattering description but noted.

[Tethelin]

If you want basically the same role as SK but with good faction play a Paladin.

You'll be group tank almost certainly and sometimes also the puller. Still have spells to get easy aggro and some utility.

Edit: kind of missed the solo component to this, so before I get jumped on...

Paladin isn't a great solo class but it CAN solo. The higher you go the slower it gets but it's also safe, they have lots of tools to be highly successful at it, and you can even do it in dungeons with good ZEM. It's not a primarily leveling path but it's a nice to have when you're waiting for a group spot to open up or no one is in the zone.

Interesting thought. I may just do that.

[Expediency]

https://wiki.project1999.com/Cultural_Tradeskills:_Erudite

And here is a crappy cellphone photo of my monitor i took a long time ago of my Erudites armor :) It really doesn't do it justice

https://i.imgur.com/CXqTKeQ.jpg

Erudite knights are by far the best looking melee characters in classic eq. Praise Prexus!

[Loadsamoney]

Ranger or Bard.

[Proofyeq]

RIP little buddy. Ohzno will never forget you.

[bigjeff100]

Haha wassup Ohzno! How goes the adventuring these days???

[jolanar]

Love how this turned into an SK thread when his original post asked for a great grouping and solo class.

OP, when you quit your SK later, roll a Shaman or an Enchanter. They are, without a doubt, the two best soloers that people also want in their groups. Both are also a ton of fun to play.

This thread is old, but I agree with this. If you want to be OP in a group or solo then go with shaman or chanter.

[Tuurin]

Surprised nobody has brought up necro. Great to solo 0-60, plenty of utility for grouping, especially if we’re talking duos or trios. Fun factor soloing very high imo, and has damn near every tool in the bag there is.

[port9001]

Yeah, Necro is a great all around class. Surprisingly good in groups with their ability to keep everyone regenned up and constant pet DPS. They can contribute in groups for sure. And then of course an amazing solo class with a wide variety of strategies.

[stebbins99]

The only drawback to a necro is that they have a poor "reputation" when it comes to grouping.

I personally *love* to group on my necro, especially in duos and trios (as others have mentioned), and take pride in knowing the ins/outs of grouping on the class. As it is a common first class for new players and has a vast toolkit, many necros do not play the class well or optimally in groups.

For instance, with leveling up my necro (now 55), I completely underestimated the usefulness/purpose of a spell like screaming terror. This spell, a "ghetto mez," is invaluable for adds, charm breaks, splitting mobs, etc. Pair it up with feign death and you're able to split pairs of mobs effortlessly.

[bigjeff100]

The only drawback to a necro is that they have a poor "reputation" when it comes to grouping.

I personally *love* to group on my necro, especially in duos and trios (as others have mentioned), and take pride in knowing the ins/outs of grouping on the class. As it is a common first class for new players and has a vast toolkit, many necros do not play the class well or optimally in groups.

For instance, with leveling up my necro (now 55), I completely underestimated the usefulness/purpose of a spell like screaming terror. This spell, a "ghetto mez," is invaluable for adds, charm breaks, splitting mobs, etc. Pair it up with feign death and you're able to split pairs of mobs effortlessly.

Yeah i agree. Necro is not normally utilized to their full potential in groups.. Just like bards.. They have so many tools that are more powerful than people think..

[Tethelin]

Yeah, on paper the Necromancer looks pretty good but the main reason the SK didn't work out was the faction. Looks a bit petty when I type it out but it's just my preference. I'm gonna have the same problem with Necro I'm sure.

I've been casually playing my druid for now just because I'm familiar with how to play one and I'd like to at least get him to where he can port people around to help with the funding my main when I finally make a decision on that.

For a main I'm actually looking pretty hard at Magician just because of the flexibility of solo/group. The other option I'm still strongly considering (mostly because of this thread) is a Barbarian Shaman.

[bigjeff100]

Magician will be tougher to solo with, but will be lovely in groups! Shaman will be lovely in both! I hear you on the faction. Is a gnome necro still evil?

[Tethelin]

Magician will be tougher to solo with, but will be lovely in groups! Shaman will be lovely in both! I hear you on the faction. Is a gnome necro still evil?

I figured mage would be solid at solo with the pet and all. Not so much?

[bigjeff100]

Mmm i hear they can be tough or frustrating to solo with? Maybe boring?.. But capable soloer's i think, yes. But the lack of any form of CC i think is what makes it a tough life for them. Plus you gotta do that whole routine before a mob dies so that you don't get hit with the -50% exp thing from the pet getting the kill.. Which i think is you reclaim energy on your pet before the mob dies, and you get the last hit which will give you full exp, then you resummon a pet. I also thought taunt was nerfed a while back on pets which is why there is such a need for CC.. So my guess is you'd be carrying around stacks of root nets.. Also i think single pulls are one thing, if you get an add, im not sure how mages deal with adds without nets.

[Insomnia]

Roll a enchanter and never have to worry about grouping, youll get constant tells, but the solo exp will just be so much better.

[Tethelin]

Mmm i hear they can be tough or frustrating to solo with? Maybe boring?.. But capable soloer's i think, yes. But the lack of any form of CC i think is what makes it a tough life for them. Plus you gotta do that whole routine before a mob dies so that you don't get hit with the -50% exp thing from the pet getting the kill.. Which i think is you reclaim energy on your pet before the mob dies, and you get the last hit which will give you full exp, then you resummon a pet. I also thought taunt was nerfed a while back on pets which is why there is such a need for CC.. So my guess is you'd be carrying around stacks of root nets.. Also i think single pulls are one thing, if you get an add, im not sure how mages deal with adds without nets.

Yeah fair enough. Didn't realize taunt was nerfed.

Good news though, I rolled a cleric this week end to try my hand at healing and loved it. Found a group of friends who want to keep a recurring group going so I'll likely just keep going with him. Hit level 11 already. I know solo is limited with a cleric but as long as I have a core group to keep levelling with I'm a happy guy. If that doesn't work out, I'm sure healers are wanted. If you're looking for a handsome dwarf to keep you alive, send Lofer a tell. :cool: