Need advice for when Firewall isn't effective

[Sircowdog]

I've been playing a Tukaw build that's currently (2pal/2mo/10sor). I've only recently been using firewall, and I love it! However, there are many times when firewall can't be used, generally when the enemy is immune. Other times the enemies are just too spread out, such as when fighting archer type enemies or casters.

I could throw a firewall on each individual, but they tend to move out of the way as well. For the immune enemies I switch to melee and start swinging, but on some quests you fight things like Blackbone skeletons, which have high AC, lots of HP, and are immune to fire.

What I'd like from the forums are some suggestions and strategies as to how to better handle encounters like these. And for pure sorcs and wiz without strong melee, how do you deal with this type of enemy?

[TheDearLeader]

Disintegrate works well on Blackbones.

[Dulcimerist]

I grouped with a wiz or sorc who was using something like chain lightning on blackbones.

[Jakarr]

I've been playing a Tukaw build that's currently (2pal/2mo/10sor). I've only recently been using firewall, and I love it! However, there are many times when firewall can't be used, generally when the enemy is immune. Other times the enemies are just too spread out, such as when fighting archer type enemies or casters.

I could throw a firewall on each individual, but they tend to move out of the way as well. For the immune enemies I switch to melee and start swinging, but on some quests you fight things like Blackbone skeletons, which have high AC, lots of HP, and are immune to fire.

What I'd like from the forums are some suggestions and strategies as to how to better handle encounters like these. And for pure sorcs and wiz without strong melee, how do you deal with this type of enemy?

If you are playing the Tuk build and questioning how to kill something without a firewall...well you are doing it wrong.

The Tuk build is first a Melee Dps second Strong Casting Dps.

My advice on Blackbone Skellys is grab a Holy Maul of Pg/Shock turn on PA and go to town. Other then that you may not have the AP to do it but on my 2 Tuk builds I started to build up my Lightning. On my TR Tuk at lvl 18 I have full Fire/Ice and Light/Acid Lines(crit also) So I toss out a 800 Crit Ball Lightning or drop a Delayed Fireball/Fw when needed. Thinking about it thou at lvl 14 you will start fighting things that FW really wont help much on, you could drop the fire/ice line and go lightning/acid switch out for Ball Lightning/Lightning Bolt and Grab Chain Lightning when you can. Thou I might keep the Fire Damage line just to keep FW a little beefy just incase.

[Sircowdog]

I don't play my Tuk build like a caster, but often times its just faster and easier to drop the firewall. I suppose maybe I need to pay more attention to upgrading my melee gear, although I could look at using some lit/acid spells as well.

[Rodasch]

If you're playing Tukaw, get a disruptor weapon for undead like blackbones and archers and stuff. They won't last long. Even better if you can find a holy disruptor for those times when they just keep making the saves.

[DrNuegebauer]

I never found blackbones much of a hassle.

Holy Maul is your friend - at your level there MUST be a cheap one on the AH (or look for a cheap holy greatclub - that might work too)

[Sizzurp]

As was mentioned, Ball Lightning and Lightning Bolt wipe them out. One of each usually does the trick.

Here is a list of other enemies the lightning spells hit hard:
-Gray Oozes (the Ochre ones are resistant to electric)
-Spiders
-Scorpians
-Rust monsters
-Earth elementals
-Beholders
-Wraiths, shades, pretty much all ghosts

[Siskel]

If you are having trouble hitting on high AC mobs make sure you get destruction and improved destruction weapons. Turn Power Attack off and debuff the mob. You may want to turn PA back on for the extra damage or just keep swinging. You are using diving power clickies right?

[FuzzyDuck81]

considering the forthcoming changes, ice storm might be a good alternative to take.. bludgeon damage is good against most things and the cold is a handy bonus against things it can hurt