Wait...What? You mean I can't just pike and throw heals here and there?

[Chauncey1]

If that's the case...I dunno 'bout this party healing business.
I mean, srsly...I had to actually RUN around and heal folks. It was awful!
I was under the impression that healers just stood there looking awesome, not really having to do much.
Boy was I wrong...

Seriously though, now that I'm lvl 12, healing the group has become much more hands on and intense. I am a bit nervous about the higher lvl stuff...that's gonna be friggin insane.
When I was still a strapping young cleric, it was fairly easy...but now...not so much.

To all the folks that have healers...I tip my helm to you.
I have so much more respect for the class now.

[CheeseMilk]

Well, if the forums are to be believed, REAL divine casters just kill everything before it has a chance to swing at anyone.

[Kylstrem]

It gets easier once you get to the Epic Normals... you'll barely have anything to do as a cleric. On Epic Hard you might have to stop every now and then and throw a heal.

[Mastikator]

Hah I remember when I brought my first ever toon (a cleric) in on Amrath and the devils teleports in with cleave. It was spam mass cure critical or wipe. THAT was intense.

[munificence]

If you had to heal that much, it probably was a gimp party.

[Chauncey1]

Well, if the forums are to be believed, REAL divine casters just kill everything before it has a chance to swing at anyone.

Oh, I see...I should probably just reroll this toon then.

[Chauncey1]

If you had to heal that much, it probably was a gimp party.

Actually, we ran one leg of the Threnal chain with just 3 players including myself.
An arti and another cleric who was pretty much the melee of the group.
It was pretty fun actually.

[gallantian]

Oh, I see...I should probably just reroll this toon then.

No, no, he says the party was gimp, not your healer...

[CheeseMilk]

Oh, I see...I should probably just reroll this toon then.

I never understood that sentiment either... I got a cleric to lvl 12, and kinda got bored when he didn't become the massive death-dealing killer of deadly death that I hear all divine casters are, so I stopped playing him.

I was a really crappy healer, too, so if you got a group through anything, you're one up on me.

[dterror]

If you had to heal that much, it probably was a gimp party.

Depends on when his group ran Amrath. If it was back when it was first released, everyone was level 16 or maybe 17 and everyone had 'gimp' gear for the most part. Back then, it wasn't unusual to see people complaining about hitting 30-40 total party deaths in Bastion or N.I. and frequently Sins as well, even on normal.

[Chauncey1]

I never understood that sentiment either... I got a cleric to lvl 12, and kinda got bored when he didn't become the massive death-dealing killer of deadly death that I hear all divine casters are, so I stopped playing him.

I was a really crappy healer, too, so if you got a group through anything, you're one up on me.

I was kidding, I've no intention of rerolling him at this point. I may reset my enhancements at one point...but for now, I'm having a blast learning this class.

And I'm not really concentrating on anything other than keep the party alive. The only time I deal out death and destruction is when we're fighting undead.

As for my healing prowess...or lack thereof...I'd say I'm kinda alright...
If I could heal around corners I'd be the best gorram healer this side of Khyber.

[Chauncey1]

Depends on when his group ran Amrath. If it was back when it was first released, everyone was level 16 or maybe 17 and everyone had 'gimp' gear for the most part. Back then, it wasn't unusual to see people complaining about hitting 30-40 total party deaths in Bastion or N.I. and frequently Sins as well, even on normal.

We're only 12's...to small for Amrath just yet.
And the only twinked gear I have on this toon is the Chronos set...being my first ever healer, he had nothing waiting on him from other toons.
I'm still hoping to find something nice.

[Auralana7214]

If that's the case...I dunno 'bout this party healing business.
I mean, srsly...I had to actually RUN around and heal folks. It was awful!
I was under the impression that healers just stood there looking awesome, not really having to do much.
Boy was I wrong...

Seriously though, now that I'm lvl 12, healing the group has become much more hands on and intense. I am a bit nervous about the higher lvl stuff...that's gonna be friggin insane.
When I was still a strapping young cleric, it was fairly easy...but now...not so much.

To all the folks that have healers...I tip my helm to you.
I have so much more respect for the class now.

I implore you to cap your cleric. Level 12 is where things start getting fun! You haven't even reached the really awesome spells (implosion!!!). I think you may have piked your way up to 12, when you should have been trying to hone your multitasking skills. It's never too late! Throw up those blade barriers, cast those death spells and spot heal in between! I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

After you get done, TR and do it all over again! Okay, maybe I'm a tad biased about this class...

[munificence]

Actually, we ran one leg of the Threnal chain with just 3 players including myself.
An arti and another cleric who was pretty much the melee of the group.
It was pretty fun actually.

Like I said, gimp party. Those quests are all very easy except for "Hold for Reinforcments" which I usually do on Normal or Casual with a higher level toon in so it doesn't affect my Bravery Bonus.

[Ertay]

When you have 3 wiz past life, double necro focus and you can cycle quickened slay livings+destructions, things really start to look a lot brighter. Low levels do suck though, admittedly.

[jbleargh]

Now you have the aura. If the group is good is all you need most of the time. Always keep it on between fights... so smart barbs can refill their red bars without wasting your SP.

If there is no wizard/bard/druid doing crowd control, it is probably better to use your SP in greater command, heightened soundburst and commetfall... it is more fun.

You may have to throw a heal or two in emergencies during trash fights if you got weak party members... You probably already have learned to pay attention to the group's red bars so it is somewhat automatic.

Now you need to learn to heal boss fights... It is about configuring your mass cures and mass heal metamagics and find a "rhythm" that keeps everyone alive and your SP bar full.

With the SP that you saved you can use Divine Punishment and make the boss die considerably faster (and consequently saving SP).

BTW, with Blade Barrier and Divine Punishment you don't need a group at all for most quests.

You can solo using the run, run, run, yellow alert, blade barrier, kite kite, run, run, rinse and repeat till the boss fight. Then you turtle up and DP the big guy to death.


Cogito ergo doleo

[Chauncey1]

Like I said, gimp party. Those quests are all very easy except for "Hold for Reinforcments" which I usually do on Normal or Casual with a higher level toon in so it doesn't affect my Bravery Bonus.

We ran it on elite.
So, whatever.
We finished it, gimp or not.

[Chauncey1]

I implore you to cap your cleric. Level 12 is where things start getting fun! You haven't even reached the really awesome spells (implosion!!!). I think you may have piked your way up to 12, when you should have been trying to hone your multitasking skills. It's never too late! Throw up those blade barriers, cast those death spells and spot heal in between! I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

After you get done, TR and do it all over again! Okay, maybe I'm a tad biased about this class...

Oh, trust me, I'm gonna cap and tr at least twice.
I know far too many tr'd healers, and to not attempt it would be like a kick in the shinbone to them.

And I haven't really had much opportunity to pike much, except on a few quests.

[SirValentine]

I mean, srsly...I had to actually RUN around and heal folks. It was awful!
<snip>
Seriously though, now that I'm lvl 12, healing the group has become much more hands on and intense.


What? You have it backwards. You're level 12, so you picked up Radiant Servant II, right?

You NEVER run around after folks. Don't be an enabler! If they really want healing, they'll come bask in your Aura.

But don't pike...go kill stuff. What with your Aura doing most of the healing, you might as well do something constructive with your SP.

[Auralana7214]

Oh, trust me, I'm gonna cap and tr at least twice.
I know far too many tr'd healers, and to not attempt it would be like a kick in the shinbone to them.

And I haven't really had much opportunity to pike much, except on a few quests.

Sounds great! I love my triple TR'd cleric! She makes the new undead quests easy;)

[Chauncey1]

Now you have the aura. If the group is good is all you need most of the time. Always keep it on between fights... so smart barbs can refill their red bars without wasting your SP.

If there is no wizard/bard/druid doing crowd control, it is probably better to use your SP in greater command, heightened soundburst and commetfall... it is more fun.

You may have to throw a heal or two in emergencies during trash fights if you got weak party members... You probably already have learned to pay attention to the group's red bars so it is somewhat automatic.

Now you need to learn to heal boss fights... It is about configuring your mass cures and mass heal metamagics and find a "rhythm" that keeps everyone alive and your SP bar full.

With the SP that you saved you can use Divine Punishment and make the boss die considerably faster (and consequently saving SP).

BTW, with Blade Barrier and Divine Punishment you don't need a group at all for most quests.

You can solo using the run, run, run, yellow alert, blade barrier, kite kite, run, run, rinse and repeat till the boss fight. Then you turtle up and DP the big guy to death.


Cogito ergo doleo

Excellent advice. Thanks!
I still have a lot to learn about this class, but it is a lot of fun getting there.

[PNellesen]

If that's the case...I dunno 'bout this party healing business.
I mean, srsly...I had to actually RUN around and heal folks. It was awful!

You're doing it wrong.

THEY need to run around and come to YOU when they want a heal. Your job IS to stand there and look awesome with your aura going while casting a cometfall or destruction or some other appropriately devastating spell on the enemy.

Please, don't waste your SP on HEALING. That's what Radiant Servant is for!

75% of this was meant in jest. You have to figure out the 25% that wasn't..

[TheHolyDarkness]

If that's the case...I dunno 'bout this party healing business.
I mean, srsly...I had to actually RUN around and heal folks. It was awful!
I was under the impression that healers just stood there looking awesome, not really having to do much.
Boy was I wrong...

To all the folks that have healers...I tip my helm to you.
I have so much more respect for the class now.

You're not zerging hard enough.



You NEVER run around after folks. Don't be an enabler! If they really want healing, they'll come bask in your Aura.


I don't think you're zerging hard enough either. Remember, if they're are out of your range cause they weren't keeping up with your blade barrier blitzreig implosion extraordinaire, its their fault.


You're doing it wrong.

THEY need to run around and come to YOU when they want a heal. Your job IS to stand their and look awesome with your aura going while casting a cometfall or destruction or some other appropriately devastating spell on the enemy.

Please, don't waste your SP on HEALING. That's what Radiant Servant is for!



Now here's someone who gets it. Listen to him. +1.

~TheHolyDarkness Out~

[~Susie1262]

It gets better. I promise. At this level on a first lifer, the best you can do is random loot. You will get better spells and learn how to time and sp manage better. It takes practice.

Couple of tips:
Do leave that cleric capped long enough to get a couple of greensteel items made and one cleansed. This will make next life much better. I strongly suggest concordant opposition and a hit point/heavy fortification item. Better to add an immunity item(and cleanse another one) but not absolutely required.

Never, ever, ever take cleric advice from a melee or caster. Or even someone who only plays FVS. Ask around on your server who is really good. Take the top 3 names and very courteously send them in-game mail asking for advice. Mention that they were highly recommended by everyone you talked to. I can almost guarantee one of the 3 will respond if not more than that. Make your questions very specific. Don't send a wall of text.

[Chauncey1]

What? You have it backwards. You're level 12, so you picked up Radiant Servant II, right?

You NEVER run around after folks. Don't be an enabler! If they really want healing, they'll come bask in your Aura.

But don't pike...go kill stuff. What with your Aura doing most of the healing, you might as well do something constructive with your SP.

:D
Well, normally I don't enable that behavior, but last night was a zerg run with another healer and an arti.
There was not much choice.
And no...*hangs head in shame* I just found out about RSII right after I made lvl 12.
I assumed it was like the arti prestige enhancement, one and done.
I'll have it next level, I promise! Don't tell Ma! PLEEEEEAAAASE!

[Chauncey1]

It gets better. I promise. At this level on a first lifer, the best you can do is random loot. You will get better spells and learn how to time and sp manage better. It takes practice.

Couple of tips:
Do leave that cleric capped long enough to get a couple of greensteel items made and one cleansed. This will make next life much better. I strongly suggest concordant opposition and a hit point/heavy fortification item. Better to add an immunity item(and cleanse another one) but not absolutely required.

Never, ever, ever take cleric advice from a melee or caster. Or even someone who only plays FVS. Ask around on your server who is really good. Take the top 3 names and very courteously send them in-game mail asking for advice. Mention that they were highly recommended by everyone you talked to. I can almost guarantee one of the 3 will respond if not more than that. Make your questions very specific. Don't send a wall of text.

We have at least 2 healers in our guild that are working on their 3rd lives, they give me great advice when they're on.
But for the most part, I just pretty much run this healer by trial and error...mostly error. ;p

[ninjadwarf_uk]

Like I said, gimp party. Those quests are all very easy except for "Hold for Reinforcments" which I usually do on Normal or Casual with a higher level toon in so it doesn't affect my Bravery Bonus.

Or maybe normal, untwinked, non-tr party, maybe even not knowing the quest inside out and potentially even without wiki checking (shocking idea I know, figuring it out for yourself) the quest first.

Not finding those quests easy does not make you gimp, suggesting that it does makes you a

[Chauncey1]

Or maybe normal, untwinked, non-tr party, maybe even not knowing the quest inside out and potentially even without wiki checking (shocking idea I know, figuring it out for yourself) the quest first.

Not finding those quests easy does not make you gimp, suggesting that it does makes you a

You sir or madame, are kick@$$.

[Ranncore]

maybe in heroic content you have to run around and keep up, but just wait for epic normal and hard - they're so easy, you dont need to do anything but turn your aura on!

[PNellesen]

Ok, in all seriousness - as the cleric, you should be controlling the pace, assuming the rest of the party isn't self-sufficient (hard-core zergers can usually take care of themselves). Heal scrolls are definitely your friend, though they can be expensive. One of the big lessons you'll learn as a new cleric (especially if you plan to PUG extensively) is that you HAVE to learn to grow a thick skin, and to learn to ignore most of what's said in party chat regarding your healing. The most futile thing you can do, though, is to run around trying to keep everyone alive when they're all off in 5 different directions. Many times a simple "guys, we probably need to stay together" or "If I can't see you I can't heal you" is enough to get the group to settle down. Other times, it's not and you wipe and everyone blames you and tells you what a lousy cleric you are (speaking from experience here...)

I love my clerics, and it can be a very satisfying character to play, but yeah, it can also be incredibly frustrating at the same time.

[DarkForte]

You're not zerging hard enough if you need to heal anyone! Zerg a while, zerg forever! ZERG MOAR

On all fairness, though, you should just be using aura/bursts to heal most of the time. Saves your precious SP for cometfalling stuff dead.

[Atremus]

Save your SP for blade barrier. Your party will die less and complete faster

[Gremmlynn]

As for my healing prowess...or lack thereof...I'd say I'm kinda alright...
If I could heal around corners I'd be the best gorram healer this side of Khyber.This tells me that, while the characters you run with may be alright, the players aren't playing as well as they could be as a team. Many players seem to think it's the healers job to keep them up without realizing it's also their job to be in a position for the healer to keep them up. Preferably staying close enough together to allow them to be healed in an efficient manner.

Those that do realize this, more often than not, seem to gravitate towards self healing characters as that seems to be easier than keeping track of what anybody else is doing.

[bruener]

I've capped both a cleric and a fvs. i use to spend my time chasing after the suicidal barb or the squishy rogue with a 10 con. I realized that there was a much better way by......let them die. Ive sent tells to ppl asking them to stay closer or even switch to a ranged weapon cause they were taking too much damage. Dont spend your time babysitting. Most of the ppl posting here have it right. your sp is much better spent on greater command, comet fall and BB. sure you will have to throw out some mass heals or an occasional heal spell during the boss fight but most of your sp is better spent kicking a$$ :). you will enjoy yourself much more. But if babysitting is what you want to do then do it. its your toon play it how you want.

your at lvl 12 now the real fun begins.

[danotmano1998]

If that's the case...I dunno 'bout this party healing business.
I mean, srsly...I had to actually RUN around and heal folks. It was awful!
I was under the impression that healers just stood there looking awesome, not really having to do much.
Boy was I wrong...

Seriously though, now that I'm lvl 12, healing the group has become much more hands on and intense. I am a bit nervous about the higher lvl stuff...that's gonna be friggin insane.
When I was still a strapping young cleric, it was fairly easy...but now...not so much.

To all the folks that have healers...I tip my helm to you.
I have so much more respect for the class now.

Easy button is to crank on your healing aura, step near the fray, and do whatever you do best. Cast, hit stuff, whatever.

Oh, and don't be afraid to tell the party to group up if they're getting all over the place. Mass heals/cures are your friends, and real mana savers.

Watch the party youre in.
1. Turn on your aura and note HP's and healing amp on whoever you are with.
2. Note palemasters so you don't waste time trying to heal them with the wrong spell.
3. See who zergs into combat and watch who takes the most damage. Target those people first, and if you're lucky, you can hit them with mass while the rest get the extra heals as well, but DON'T chase them down to the detriment of the rest of the party.
4. Don't rez someone who has died 3 times in the last minute in a fight. Leave them for afterwards, they'll probably just die again without buffs.
5. Use bursts/auras inbetween fights for top offs. Move yourself to stand next to people that don't get the clue to be in your aura as you trod off to the next fight.
6. Use your F-Keys often!
7. Have at least 2 heal type spells quickslotted, so you aren't waiting on a cooldown in an emergency.
8. Use resurrection instead of raise dead in a fight. 20 hp doesn't last long in the thick of battle.
9. Don't use spell point pots unless you are prepared to accept the cost. NEVER assume you will be paid back, even if they say they will after the raid unless you trust them personally.
10. Don't forget to have fun and know your role. Sometimes you'll need to hit stuff. Sometimes you'll need to throw crowd control or blade barriers and kite. Sometimes you have to just focus on healing in a bad battle. Sometimes you will have to run in and throw a rez on someone else and lead the bad guys away so they can get the rest of the party up. Sometimes you'll need to do a little of all the above.

Clerics can be a lot of fun, but there is most definately a learning curve to playing them well. Remember that you are NOT soley responsible for everyone's red bar at all times. Heal when you can, rez when you can, but sometimes it's up to THEM not to do something stupid or to use a wand or scroll now and then. Sometimes the best choice is to just cut your losses and try again with another party that doesn't need to be constantly rescued.

Welcome to the fold, and be divine.

[DarkForte]

This tells me that, while the characters you run with may be alright, the players aren't playing as well as they could be as a team. Many players seem to think it's the healers job to keep them up without realizing it's also their job to be in a position for the healer to keep them up. Preferably staying close enough together to allow them to be healed in an efficient manner.

Those that do realize this, more often than not, seem to gravitate towards self healing characters as that seems to be easier than keeping track of what anybody else is doing.

It's much easier to build for UMD/cleric dilly than keep track of where 5 other people are in a dungeon.

[Chauncey1]

This tells me that, while the characters you run with may be alright, the players aren't playing as well as they could be as a team. Many players seem to think it's the healers job to keep them up without realizing it's also their job to be in a position for the healer to keep them up. Preferably staying close enough together to allow them to be healed in an efficient manner.

Those that do realize this, more often than not, seem to gravitate towards self healing characters as that seems to be easier than keeping track of what anybody else is doing.

Well, we generally do pretty well, we're a static group from way back, just have new toons now, but this there's one new guy lately that insists on constantly running off.
He dies a lot.

[BigSlugger]

Actually, we ran one leg of the Threnal chain with just 3 players including myself.
An arti and another cleric who was pretty much the melee of the group.
It was pretty fun actually.

I'm sure this is the first time I've ever seen the words "Threnal" and "fun" in the same post.

[Gremmlynn]

It's much easier to build for UMD/cleric dilly than keep track of where 5 other people are in a dungeon.It's pretty easy to do this if all 6 players are doing it, as then one only has to keep track of where they are.

[Myrrae]

I'm sure this is the first time I've ever seen the words "Threnal" and "fun" in the same post.

I think those two are ok, it's if you add in the words "Coyle" and "self-preservation" that it gets unlikely ;)

[HAL]

If that's the case...I dunno 'bout this party healing business.
I mean, srsly...I had to actually RUN around and heal folks. It was awful!
I was under the impression that healers just stood there looking awesome, not really having to do much.
Boy was I wrong...

Seriously though, now that I'm lvl 12, healing the group has become much more hands on and intense. I am a bit nervous about the higher lvl stuff...that's gonna be friggin insane.
When I was still a strapping young cleric, it was fairly easy...but now...not so much.

To all the folks that have healers...I tip my helm to you.
I have so much more respect for the class now.

I don't know if your comment about having to run around was serious, but if so you shouldn't have to. Your party should stay within healing range/line of sight of the healer. If they don't, you should assume that they can take care of themselves.

One thing I love on my healers is seeing the melees backpeddling toward me when they get in trouble. I stay within healing range of the tank - everyone else comes to me :)

[Chauncey1]

I don't know if your comment about having to run around was serious, but if so you shouldn't have to. Your party should stay within healing range/line of sight of the healer. If they don't, you should assume that they can take care of themselves.

One thing I love on my healers is seeing the melees backpeddling toward me when they get in trouble. I stay within healing range of the tank - everyone else comes to me :)

No it wasn't really, last night was an exception, as we short-manned one leg of the Threnal chain in a mad blitz of zergrosity.

Generally, I run with the same people all the time, with a few exceptions here and there, mostly people we all know, but can't run with regularly for one reason or t'other.
The one guy in our group that we made fun of for zerging ahead, has gotten over that, only to be replaced by another, lol.

[Drakesan]

I implore you to cap your cleric. Level 12 is where things start getting fun! You haven't even reached the really awesome spells (implosion!!!). I think you may have piked your way up to 12, when you should have been trying to hone your multitasking skills. It's never too late! Throw up those blade barriers, cast those death spells and spot heal in between! I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

After you get done, TR and do it all over again! Okay, maybe I'm a tad biased about this class...

As being on the receiving end of her cleric's uberness, yes, heed this advice... I rolled up two FVS healers to 20, and still endeavor to do what she manages to do...

[Alrik_Fassbauer]

Personally, I (level 7 cleric) have made *several times* the experience of melee fighting PUG members to just run away - out of sight, of course ! - to battle enemies - not noticing or caring if I was close by or not !

This is just frustrating. I'm supposed to heal them - and they just run out of sight !

*sigh* So far, at least, no-one has accused me yet of not being able to heal ... In fact, I have grown into the custom of telling the people via group chat that "if you run too far away, then I can't heal you !"
And I hope that they listen ...