Need a few pointers for ToD.

[Anzanel]

Hi. I'm pretty new at ToD (only did it twice) and could use a few tips here and there. As a Wizard (PM, lvl 20, passable gear), I'm assuming I'll be designated kiter in pt2 somewhat often. I've only kited once so far and used the "firewall at the base of the stairs" method from the DDOwiki page. All was going fine...until the lag spike

Someone in the group mentioned something about Shadow Walk and Incendiary Cloud...but I missed some of what they said because voice was coming in at a really low volume :\ Shadow Walk I can understand. Faster running = less dying. But I'm not sure how incendiary cloud is better than FW, as neither one can be extended. Is there something I'm missing? Or is there a better method than casting something at the bottom of the stairs and running? (I'm not uber enough to just stand there and take it yet :P) Would Acid Fog also work? It does last longer. I think.

Also, what should I be doing during the end fight in part 3? The first time I ever did it was simple: recon the Suulo tank. Noooo problem. But what should I be doing if I'm not assigned a role? Mainly trash/Orthon duty? DoTs? Both? (I know it would be both ideally, but I only have 2090ish SP.)

Any help will be appreciated!

[Vellrad]

Forget about kiting.
http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=346187

For part 3, basicly use flesh to stone on orthons (energy drain before), as killed orthon respawns fast, while stoned takes a long time to suicide.
Anyone still using WF tanks?
:O

[Khellendros13]

If you are having issues kiting with lag or other reasons ,then tanking will be much easier for you as a PM.

Incendiary cloud for 2 reasons:

Bigger AoE, and it does not have a save on the first tick. It is possible for the Shadows to save on the Firewall and Evade, ignoring the firewall entirely and beelining for the party.

ED+FtS and web do well. I usually web, Circle of Death, Wail and FoD. Having a shaken effect guard (Lion Headed Belt Buckle) mostly alleviates the need to ED first on FoD.

[Faent]

So you're dealing with the Shadows but not tanking them. You need to ensure that no Shadow gets up the stairs and attack the party. A Firewall at the base of the stairs does not ensure this, since a Shadow can save against the Firewall and pass through to attack the party. Thus Incendiary Cloud, which has no save.

You're kiting the Shadows. Haste is sufficient. You don't need Shadow Walk. Be sure to run the widest circle you can while approaching the pillars head on and skirting them narrowly. This will cause the Shadows to bump into the pillars, which will slow them down. It gives you some wiggle room. Use Haste, Jump and Fire Shield Hot. Jump cast heals as needed. Run through Shadows that spawn in front of you and get in your way.

You're assigned to deal with Orthon trash. Set up long-lasting effects on the portals. An Extended Cloudkill in front of a portal will ensure that everything that pops out of that portal aggros on you instantly. If everything that aggros on you runs into a web or a Symbol of Death, you'll be able to nerf it fast. Use Flesh to Stone or Finger of Death. If you can't get the mobs into your Symbol of Death, use Energy Drain and then hit them with Flesh to Stone or an instakill.

[bashemgud]

Isn't better to simply tank the shadows?

And as a PM, can you just heal through the dmg with Death Aura and Neg Energy Burst considering the use of Fire shield and a tier II cold absorption item?

[AtomicMew]

For orthons on normal and possibly hard/elite, another option is to just bust out a shield and tank them. Their ranged damage is far less than their melee damage and as long as you stay out of range, you should be able to safely hold aggro of any number of orthons. And if you have a torc, you'll get a buttload of SP back in the process.

[Anzanel]

Kickass. Thanks for the explanations/tips everyone X) I meant to reply (and do another ToD) sooner, but then work decided to be particularly time-consuming. D'oh!

Will I be okay with a tier II cold absorption weapon only, or would tier III be recommended? (On top of resist cold, fire shield, death aura, etc.) I have around 450 HP...I think. I don't really want to check my exact HP now in case the boss walks in *LOL*

[Thrudh]

Will I be okay with a tier II cold absorption weapon only, or would tier III be recommended? (On top of resist cold, fire shield, death aura, etc.)

On normal, Fire shield alone is enough; any tiers of cold absorption is just bonus... Get a Tier II one anyway for normal/hard, work towards a Tier III someday for elite.

Make sure you're not wearing the VoD bracers... If that fire-shield (protects from fire) ticks, it will remove your fire-shield that protects from cold.

I use firewall, cloudkill, and Incendiary Cloud to make sure the shadows aggro on me... Re-apply those spells as needed... they won't last the whole fight.