Most useful group member - Dagger bird/Paladin/Bear Tank

**Thuull** · 08-27-2010, 10:12 AM

See title...which would you prefer in your pickup/farming group at lvl 45?

I got my dagger bird to 45 last night, love him, massive damage, not positive how beneficial the high damage is to groups.

My Paladin is 42, can easily get her to 45.

My Str Beartank is 43, can easily get him to 45.

I want to focus on one of them...so which of the three would *you* rather have in a random pickup/farming group? Which would be most useful to the success of the mission at hand?

**Royce** · 08-27-2010, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Thuull

See title...which would you prefer in your pickup/farming group at lvl 45?

I got my dagger bird to 45 last night, love him, massive damage, not positive how beneficial the high damage is to groups.

My Paladin is 42, can easily get her to 45.

My Str Beartank is 43, can easily get him to 45.

I want to focus on one of them...so which of the three would *you* rather have in a random pickup/farming group? Which would be most useful to the success of the mission at hand?

A mage (any kind, including paladin) that heals, or a tank that actually tanks, are the two most desirable teammates. I think it's mostly about what you play better as, and what you enjoy. A dagger bird is nice, and can be as helpful as many other builds if you play it well, but it's not really an essential if you know what I mean. of course, when 1.4 comes and you can quick-switch between dagger and talon (assuming it will be possible mid game), watch out

**FluffNStuff** · 08-27-2010, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Royce

A mage (any kind, including paladin) that heals, or a tank that actually tanks, are the two most desirable teammates. I think it's mostly about what you play better as, and what you enjoy. A dagger bird is nice, and can be as helpful as many other builds if you play it well, but it's not really an essential if you know what I mean. of course, when 1.4 comes and you can quick-switch between dagger and talon (assuming it will be possible mid game), watch out

It will still require a trip to the menu, but should be quick.

**tjornan** · 08-27-2010, 10:52 AM

tanks are definitely nice. mages are as well. ur pick really *whispers* although a sexy shiv bear is nice....... have a couple higher dps than dagger birds so haha

**FluffNStuff** · 08-27-2010, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by tjornan

tanks are definitely nice. mages are as well. ur pick really *whispers* although a sexy shiv bear is nice....... have a couple higher dps than dagger birds so haha

The bear has rage which adds 25 points to his damage. BUT the bird has break armor + shattering scream which knocks 65 points off the enemies armor, which effectively raise the birds damage by 65 for that enemy.

**Royce** · 08-27-2010, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by FluffNStuff

The bear has rage which adds 25 points to his damage. BUT the bird has break armor + shattering scream which knocks 65 points off the enemies armor, which effectively raise the birds damage by 65 for that enemy.

Yeah, but while the bird has only evasion to protect itself, the bear has ironblood, evasion, and taunt (okay that one only sort of counts), plus additional stun skills to reduce incoming damage. Add that to the extra 50 HP a bear gets, and the bird is a much riskier melee character.

**FluffNStuff** · 08-27-2010, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Royce

Yeah, but while the bird has only evasion to protect itself, the bear has ironblood, evasion, and taunt (okay that one only sort of counts), plus additional stun skills to reduce incoming damage. Add that to the extra 50 HP a bear gets, and the bird is a much riskier melee character.

Absolutely agree that over all the dex bear has a much better arsenal of skills. Was just contemplating the dps issue. Now when I get my Dark Dagger of Isis ... watch out!!

**Thuull** · 08-27-2010, 11:25 AM

Thanks for replies.

Based on feedback, I think that for right now I'm going to concentrate on the Paly...I see more tanks out there on a regular basis and fewer casters, especially ones that heal. Seems like between the tank and Paly choices, the Paly would most commonly actually be needed in the group.

When I Paly, I heal constantly. That plus auras I think give great support to the group. Doing damage with the dagger bird is hella fun, but I get more kick I think long term around being a good group player.