New Player Class Question
 

Hi all!

So in the down time that resulted from the TLP / SoE misshap I have discovered P99 and am making the switch! This server seems like a lot of fun and seems to have a very healthy population. On the TLP I had an SK that I thought was pretty fun and took him to level 47.

However, I am now at a cross roads as to what class to create here. My first choice was an Iksar Shaman, however, I have seen from the little research I have done that they may be way overplayed here. Is that true? I would rather not recreate the SK as I would like a change of pace. I like melee but not a warrior who has no utility what-so-ever. I would like to be able to be a little independent if needed as I have no friends here.

So my second choice was a DE wizard, however, it sounds like they may be at a disadvantage here due to their relative weakness in classic and in not bringing a lot of sustained dps to groups, however I know they are rare.

In general, what classes work out well here? My first preference is always to group but I would also like the freedom to solo if I only had a 30 min or so to play or if I couldn't find a group.

Well you like to melee so how about a Pally which is still a good tank and has heals so it can solo some and gets decent buffs, heals and a rez later on. Or a Ranger is a good melee class that can solo (bow kite in later lvls is great) and has its own buffs and small heals.

If I were to choose races it would prob be Dwarf Pally and Wood Elf Ranger.

Sounds like you want a monk.

Another idea you might want to consider is a Bard. They're excellent utility in groups, and can can kite massive amounts of monsters when you get the hang of it.

http://www.project1999.org/forums/sh...highlight=bard

that thread shows some pretty cool bard kiting pics, as well as some good advice if you want to look into it.

Thank you for the responses guys.

I should have been more clear in my post about which classes i've narrowed it down too, but currently paly/monk/bard are out heh. Im mostly interested in either a shaman, wiz, mage, rogue or MAYBE ranger. Yea I usually like to melee but EQ is sort of different, I would not mind being a caster here as much due to all the utility that melee lack.

Im mostly interested in how you guys see the above classes on this particular sever. Is it impossible to ever be independent and solo as a rogue? Are shamans and mages way overplayed? Are Wizards shunned from groups? All in all which class do you think would do best here.

Thanks!

You most likely wont do well as a soloing Rogue, unless you don't mind waiting LFG for most of the XP you'll ever get. But they're not overplayed and can deliver serious sustained DPS. Not to mention being able to picklocks and sneak to corpses (extremely valuable.)
Wizards aren't terribly crappy. They can be effective if played correctly, but a Wizard is certain to fall behind a Monk or Rogue, probably Mage, too, in DPS. However, I've never seen anyone say no to a Wizard if a spot is open in group . . .which can't be said for Druids.
Mages are OP (imo disclaimer), but an extremely fun class to play. They deliver excellent sustained DPS, can burst DPS fairly well, and are highly survivable. Their only downfall is a complete and utter lack of CC, aside from the much-maligned Earth pet.
The Shaman is incredibly versatile, although I have only limited personal experience with this class. Heals, buffs, root, DoTs, pet post-34, and personal mana regen that would make a Wizard jealous. If you like being versatile, I think the Shaman is one of the most flexible classes in EQ. They can even melee, granted decent gear.

I'm sure some people will disagree with this or that, but generally, that's about how those classes are on P99.

Shaman are somewhat heavily-played, but they also bring a lot to a group.

Mages aren't as heavily-played (used to be worse), and are fine solo'ers, or damage-dealers in a group.

Rogues pretty much can't solo ever, and the only utility they bring is unlocking doors in Kunark dungeons.

Wizards can quad-kite and AoE group on Kunark, and aren't terrible for normal grouping.

If you want to solo at all, cross rogue and ranger off your list. There are some situations where you can solo as a ranger if you have the right gear, unless you don't mind fletching countless arrows for hours on end for bowkiting until you can use a tolans bracer at level 45 or whatever.

Unless you play abnormal hours there is a healthy amount of players on in this game. Also this is everquest afterall, and good friends are easy to come by. I've never played a game where the community is so helpfull and friendly.

As mentionned by YendorLootmonkey, if you want the ability to solo, cross rogue from your list (and ranger until they get the fear animal spell in Velious). Leaves you with wizard, mage and shaman. They all bring good thing to their group and can all solo so it boils down to what you prefer. So when making your choice just bear in mind the following:

1- You want to have fun

2- What do you want to bring to the groups you will join?

3- Does it matter if your class/race combination is already fairly present? Not sure: is it in your time zone? You may rarely meet your peers. Also, no one will mind if you are the 347th Iksar shaman as long as you are a good one. This will be enough to make you shine out of the crowd.

All in all, welcome in our little community, I hope you enjoy your stay and no one will hate you (well, no one here) if you try to bring some friends with you :)

Petitpas/Nagash