To Bluff, Diplo, or Intimidate

[BrinLondo]

I've only recently started to play around with these skills half-seriously as of late and I'd like to hear back from some people who regularly USE them--not just have them.

First up, is my upper level cleric who has maybe 2 ranks of Diplo and a diplo item. On a lark I tried in a low-bie GH quest. A mob came towards me and I Diploed. Two ogres, two trolls, and minotaur turned their back right on me. Coincidence? I just remember saying, "Cooooool." Of course 2 ranks and an item at upper levels might not get me much, so...

I started with Diplo also on my rogue. Then realized that there seemed to be more Bluff items for a rogue than Diplo (in my own casual perusal). I can't say I've had much success with either, even though my items and ranks probably exceed my higher level cleric's. I'm not thrilled with Bluff. My elven rogue seems to do this effeminate diva-like / jedi mind trick wave to "bluff." Not exactly something I'm hoping to become legendary for...

Lastly, with my ranger, I decided to go with intimidate. Why? For some reason I felt I wanted/needed aggro. Not sure if this is the brightest move in Eberron.

So for my questions:

What can't be diploed? (I imagine constructs, oozes, and undead).
How exactly does it work? From what I've read I'm confused if I must target a critter or if it is an AoE.

Bluff -- Same questions as above.

Initimidate -- Is it wise to have a ranger with intimidate?

One other thing I'm worried about is when I diplo/bluff a critter aren't I just sending mobs at some other poor S.O.B? Anyone ever been slaughtered by a diplo/bluffed mob?

From what I read, these skills are vital for a cleric (diplo) or a rogue (bluff). Curious to hear the pros and cons of these. Thanks.

[Kintro]

If your ranger has a decent AC no reason it shouldn't have Intimidate.

So for my questions:

What can't be diploed? (I imagine constructs, oozes, and undead).

Animals can't. Undead I think can be but would need to verify.

How exactly does it work? From what I've read I'm confused if I must target a critter or if it is an AoE.

Bluff -- Same questions as above.

Initimidate -- Is it wise to have a ranger with intimidate?

Intimidate and Diplo are AoE, no need to target anything. Bluff is single target so you must select your target.

One other thing I'm worried about is when I diplo/bluff a critter aren't I just sending mobs at some other poor S.O.B?

Yep! However, if you're the cleric or about to die better for the group that agro goes elsewhere.

From what I read, these skills are vital for a cleric (diplo) or a rogue (bluff). Curious to hear the pros and cons of these. Thanks.

Diplo can be very helpful on a Cleric or a Rogue for shedding unwanted agro. Bluff is less useful since it's slow to activate, single target and only grants you one sneak attack. It can help if you're soloing and having trouble damaging something without sneak attacks though. I've used it several times to Assassinate monsters I agroed by mistake.

[Jakarr]

Intimidate is great and will make a great grp even better(if used right).

Dip imo is a waste of skill points when you know how to avoid gettin agro or kiting, On my Clerics I either 1. Kill the mob if I get agro or in the rare occasion I cant or am busy healing I will kite em around(haste, 30% boots etc).

Bluff a waste...well unless you are a solo rogue then it can have its uses.

[Irinis]

Bluff can be useful while sneaking to pull one mob from a group to come attack you. Best used in small groups where the Barbarian or Monk don't rush off ahead and aggro everything anyway.

[WestportStan]

I use bluff more with my Bard but I have used both bluff and diplomacy to great advantage while running my rogue. It doesn't work; however, if you are just yelling "Diplomacy! Diplomacy!" into your mic as a mob is ripping you to shreds.
Love Nimblewil

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