Returning again - a thread not about Bards!
 

I am no one of note and of little importance, however, I thought why the heck not, I'll reintroduce myself to everyone here. About every year or so I get the EQ classic itch; current MMOs fail to hold my interest (most recently it was FFXIV ARR and before that Vanguard). Project 1999 definitely scratches that itch, even if it is just a short while. Each time I start up here I pick a class that I never played in Live (only played up to the launch of Kunark) and start fresh, usually getting up to the 20s before I lose interest or become too busy. Part of the reason why I leave is because I'm an Aussie and finding a group at such times can be a bit difficult.

Anyway, so far I've played as an Enchanter and as a Bard (LOL to the recent Bard threads here, I think it would be best that I keep her inactive), and was thinking of maybe trying a Shaman or a Druid. I'm tempted to go Druid simply for the flexibility of ports and being familiar with Faydwer than the general Halas area (as I would roll a Barbarian Shaman). Any thoughts/suggestions/recommendations between the two?

Also, are there any other Aussies running about, or perhaps a guild that is active around that time or helpful to returning players?

Off subject a bit; I can't believe I grew bored with FFXIV ARR in less than 2 weeks! Here's hoping EQN rekindles some of that spirit like EQ classic does.

I probably should update my signature to show their current levels :P

don't let some whiners keep you from being a bard pimp deluxe extraordinaire

Welcome back! I actually seem to remember your forum name from a while back, actually.

I've played both druids and shamans here (and a couple of shamans live, one of them currently) and you really can't go wrong with either class, if I read your emphasis on soloability correctly. Really just depends on what you want to do.

If you've never played a druid for solo (I had never gotten one past 25ish before p99) you ought to consider giving it a try. Classic before the dot nerf (which we are past here now) is arguably more fun because you could snare kite, but you can still do it....It just takes a bit longer because your dots take a dmg penalty if the mob is aggro moving. That said, you can still root rot, fear kite animals, quad kite, and charm kite animals. And ports are great. I've been playing live again with a friend so haven't really been playing here for the last few weeks, but I still pop on and hang out in EC and do ports, help newbies, etc with my druid every so often just to get my classic fix. And despite what people say, druids do fine in groups up to high levels. You bring a lot of utility to groups like snare, patch heals, tracking, sow, damage shield and you have evacs. If your group needs to relocate you give it that option with ports. Just be aware that your overall effectiveness is said to drop off around 55...Mine has been 45 forever so can't really say, but it sounds like you tend to stick to the lower levels tho so you may never have a problem with that. Also bear in mind when people day that they may be a different kind of player than you. It's worth noting that I get random /tells all the time from groups wanting me to join, though. And druids are one of the best power levelling classes for the low levels, probably the best for low levels actually, so if you ever want to help out friends, you can.

The Shaman is one of the alltime great classes in EQ and if you like to play support you probably can't make a better choice besides a cleric. Crazy buffs, the best slow in the game, dots, a pet, and you can make potions with alchemy if you so choose (although I think I read something recently about alchemy having some bugs here). Shamans are highly soloable with root rotting and, with levels and the right gear, slow tanking. They are kind of the opposite of druids in that they start kind of slow....I think they feel clunky from 1 to about 25, personally, but they get incrementally more powerful with level and are one of the premier classes during Velious. You will be highly desired by groups because of your buffs, slow, and backup healing, but you should be aware that the server has a high population of shamans. I never found this to be a problem with my shaman but I haven't played him in over a year so can't say now. But if you ever do have problems finding a group you can solo. I wouldn't think population would affect you too much unless you plan on finding a raiding guild later....Even then if you are good you will find your way where you need to be, I'm sure. The shaman also can make up half of some fantastic duos like with necros, mages and monks, especially, as well as rangers, even, and is great for many many trio combinations. Most people know that things just go better with a shaman around.

Something I forgot to mention is both classes root CC also.

It's just a matter of your playstyle and what you plan to do. Don't let the bard thing discourage you from playing your bard if that's what you enjoy. There is no bard problem, just an asshole problem and most players know this. If you really know how to play one in a group you will make a name for yourself and have no problems. Play what you want, really.

Good luck to you and welcome back.

Thank you Weekapaug, I do remember you as well. Your comment made it all most difficult to decide which class out of the two to play as :)

I would play the Bard if I wanted to be I would like to try something different.

I know how that goes. People talk about alt-itis...On P99 I have chronic main-itis.

One thing that often helps when coming back, I find, is to have a good look at the spell lists on the wiki for the classes that interest you and see if anything fun stands out. Or consider a race and starting area you've never tried. Or go back to one you've always loved. Also check out what's being discussed in the class forums at the bottom of the main page. You can get an idea for whats fun and what's not, camps, epics, itemization, etc from other peoples discussions.

Welcome, best part is P99 is free =)

Heh definitely, the best part is that it is free; I can come back however I please without having to worry about paying anything!

And thanks Weekapaug. I think I've decided on going a Wood Elf Druid. My brother played one back in the day and I was always in awe of his power (compared to my Paladin)!

You should play a bard, they can do this thing called AOE kiting. It's pretty sweet.

I spent so much time last night messing around with the game (different textures, UI, etc), I didn't even get around to playing it much. I did however roll a Wood Elf Bard named Lefael, or was it Lafael... and was instantly reminded what made EQ, well, EQ. Almost no starting equipment, missing strike after strike, no money to buy spells... in a strange way I found it comforting and at the same time realised I have been spoiled with newer MMOs. I was however a bit surprised that there were only a couple of people in Greater Fay :(

Edit
If anyone is usually online during the Australian night time frame and wants to group, let me know :)

Had an awesome time last night. Managed to get a couple other lowbies together and break Orc Hill. Some nice people buffed us and I was even given some newbie items. I loved every moment of it :)