ZOS, thank you for the MASSIVE BUFFS to mageblade (I'm dead serious)

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

Coming from a long-time PvE and PvP mageblade with vMoL completed forever ago, parsing 45k dps with purple gear and using Refreshing Path at the time, and nearly 183 days /played on my main character.

People are whining way too much right now, fixated on the Strife cost increase and overlooking so many wonderful changes. So far you've given us attempted QoL fixes on cloak and shade for PvP, dps buffs to path for PvE, slight changes to Manifestation of Terror (more still needed), and 8% bonus single target or aoe damage dealt by wielding a fire or lightning staff.

I have noticed that staff change has been overlooked by all the mageblade whining, but it's the single biggest change for the class this patch.

Yes, the other classes will benefit from it as well, but it's a huge help to us.

Thank you specifically for not fundamentally changing Grim Focus's casting mechanics like this vocal minority is calling for, but instead tuning up dps through Path. Wise move.

I see the big picture here, from an informed and experienced perspective. Strife was cheap. The change leaves me scratching my head, but it will be inconsequential in the end. The rest of these changes have been well-placed. I hope you keep up the positive effort.

@ZOS_GinaBruno

Now for a damage threshold before the Agony cc breaks so that dots don't immediately break it, an aoe PvP oriented synergy for Consuming Darkness, and further reworks to Manifestation of Terror and Soul Siphon.

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

The only thing mageblade needed coming into this patch was increased survivability against proc burst and snare removal in PvP, and increased dps in PvE.

We're getting 2/3 of these things. I'll take it.

I just don't want the class dumbed down or made less unique along the way.

Destruent · January 2017

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

laksikus · January 2017

Did anyone test out if. fire staff buffs wall of elements if its against only 1 enemy?

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

Destruent · January 2017

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

laksikus wrote: »

Did anyone test out if. fire staff buffs wall of elements if its against only 1 enemy?

I tested it and it doesn't work that way. Fire staff only buffs skill which are purely single-target, lightning buffs all aoe-skills.

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

willlienellson · January 2017

Thanks for the resume bro.

Destruent · January 2017

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

Tuning up numbers is also an option, but this would increase burst capacity in pvp which most people dislike. The proposed solution doesn't effect this, doesn't really change the mechanic and does increase DPS in PvE.
Grim fokus atm:
1. cast: Minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot
3. cast: minor berserk
and so on
with the change i'd like to see:
1. cast: minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
3. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
and so on
I also don't see, how this changes the core mechanic of this skill...it just makes it more efficient and easier to use.
But if you want to click two times to do damage once and call this a unique and great mechanic, then we won't agree with each other.
What would you like to see as pve-dps buffs instead?

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

Tuning up numbers is also an option, but this would increase burst capacity in pvp which most people dislike. The proposed solution doesn't effect this, doesn't really change the mechanic and does increase DPS in PvE.
Grim fokus atm:
1. cast: Minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot
3. cast: minor berserk
and so on
with the change i'd like to see:
1. cast: minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
3. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
and so on
I also don't see, how this changes the core mechanic of this skill...it just makes it more efficient and easier to use.
But if you want to click two times to do damage once and call this a unique and great mechanic, then we won't agree with each other.
What would you like to see as pve-dps buffs instead?

It would only increase PvP burst if you increase damage of burst abilities........

Why not increase damage over time of Cripple or Path or Shade? Shade and Path grant exceptional damage per cast already, making them core to mageblade dps rotations, but their long durations make them low damage abilities in PvP. Buff their durations or damage per tick!

How on earth don't you see that the core mechanic of Grim Focus is that you get ONE proc per cast, and if you want another proc, you have to recast the ability? You get the highest damage single target non-ult nuke in the game, which also surpasses most (all?) ults. ONE, so make it count. That pressure to make your shot count is vital to the mageblade play style because mageblade thrives on high sustained pressure. Having to relieve pressure for a second to recast Merciless is a big deal for the tempo of the fight.

And I've already said I DON'T advocate dumbing the game down and making it easier, so coming in here saying that's what you want just shows the lack of depth to your ideas. You need to more fully understand the class and then think though the PvE AND PvP implications of your ideas.

Destruent · January 2017

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

Tuning up numbers is also an option, but this would increase burst capacity in pvp which most people dislike. The proposed solution doesn't effect this, doesn't really change the mechanic and does increase DPS in PvE.
Grim fokus atm:
1. cast: Minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot
3. cast: minor berserk
and so on
with the change i'd like to see:
1. cast: minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
3. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
and so on
I also don't see, how this changes the core mechanic of this skill...it just makes it more efficient and easier to use.
But if you want to click two times to do damage once and call this a unique and great mechanic, then we won't agree with each other.
What would you like to see as pve-dps buffs instead?

It would only increase PvP burst if you increase damage of burst abilities........

Why not increase damage over time of Cripple or Path or Shade? Shade and Path grant exceptional damage per cast already, making them core to mageblade dps rotations, but their long durations make them low damage abilities in PvP. Buff them!!

How on earth don't you see that the core mechanic of the ability is that you get ONE proc per cast, so make it count. And if you want another proc, you have to recast the ability?

And I've already said I DON'T advocate dumbing the game down and making it easier, so coming in here saying that's what you want just shows the lack of depth to your ideas.

You're not thinking very hard about this. Stop making suggestions if you're not going to think of all the possible options and impacts.

Buffs to cripple and path are also ok. But if you look carefully at the changes on PTS, ZOS wants make rotations easier....Changing grim fokus would be a way to buff magblade and make their rotation a little bit easier. therefore i think it's possible we'll see such a change. I also usually compare it to crystal frags (both are actively procced damage-skills with comparable damage). The main difference is: Frags are nearly 2x as effective bc you only need one GCD for the damage to happen, for the bow you need 2.
I also wouldn't call the damage of cripple, path and shades exceptional...they all get outdpsed by things like wall of elements and liquid lightning, frags, curse and maybe some more skills. Shades itself are just useless for dpsing while stealing heals and SPC-proccs which makes them even worse. But it would be nice to see buffs/changes for them to make them more usefull.

willlienellson · January 2017

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

And I've already said I DON'T advocate dumbing the game down and making it easier, so coming in here saying that's what you want just shows the lack of depth to your ideas.

Lol, holy smokes dude. Just wow.

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

Tuning up numbers is also an option, but this would increase burst capacity in pvp which most people dislike. The proposed solution doesn't effect this, doesn't really change the mechanic and does increase DPS in PvE.
Grim fokus atm:
1. cast: Minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot
3. cast: minor berserk
and so on
with the change i'd like to see:
1. cast: minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
3. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
and so on
I also don't see, how this changes the core mechanic of this skill...it just makes it more efficient and easier to use.
But if you want to click two times to do damage once and call this a unique and great mechanic, then we won't agree with each other.
What would you like to see as pve-dps buffs instead?

It would only increase PvP burst if you increase damage of burst abilities........

Why not increase damage over time of Cripple or Path or Shade? Shade and Path grant exceptional damage per cast already, making them core to mageblade dps rotations, but their long durations make them low damage abilities in PvP. Buff them!!

How on earth don't you see that the core mechanic of the ability is that you get ONE proc per cast, so make it count. And if you want another proc, you have to recast the ability?

And I've already said I DON'T advocate dumbing the game down and making it easier, so coming in here saying that's what you want just shows the lack of depth to your ideas.

You're not thinking very hard about this. Stop making suggestions if you're not going to think of all the possible options and impacts.

Buffs to cripple and path are also ok. But if you look carefully at the changes on PTS, ZOS wants make rotations easier....Changing grim fokus would be a way to buff magblade and make their rotation a little bit easier. therefore i think it's possible we'll see such a change. I also usually compare it to crystal frags (both are actively procced damage-skills with comparable damage). The main difference is: Frags are nearly 2x as effective bc you only need one GCD for the damage to happen, for the bow you need 2.
I also wouldn't call the damage of cripple, path and shades exceptional...they all get outdpsed by things like wall of elements and liquid lightning, frags, curse and maybe some more skills. Shades itself are just useless for dpsing while stealing heals and SPC-proccs which makes them even worse. But it would be nice to see buffs/changes for them to make them more usefull.

Path, Cripple, and Shade are all less damage than Wall of Elements per tick, but all three have longer durations. Cripple is also really close to WoE's damage per tick. Path is almost double the duration of Wall of Elements, and Shade is over 3x the duration of Wall of Elements. Sure, Shade shouldn't take SPC buffs, so most people don't like them in raids, but these abilities are still core to a mageblade's individual parse.

Also Shade will follow the flameshaper boss upstairs in vHRC when he creates those clones, making it really good for burn methods and speeding up that trial. That ability takes the time out of determining which clone is the real boss. But that's a small detail for groups with good communication.

thankyourat · January 2017

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

Tuning up numbers is also an option, but this would increase burst capacity in pvp which most people dislike. The proposed solution doesn't effect this, doesn't really change the mechanic and does increase DPS in PvE.
Grim fokus atm:
1. cast: Minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot
3. cast: minor berserk
and so on
with the change i'd like to see:
1. cast: minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
3. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
and so on
I also don't see, how this changes the core mechanic of this skill...it just makes it more efficient and easier to use.
But if you want to click two times to do damage once and call this a unique and great mechanic, then we won't agree with each other.
What would you like to see as pve-dps buffs instead?

It would only increase PvP burst if you increase damage of burst abilities........

Why not increase damage over time of Cripple or Path or Shade? Shade and Path grant exceptional damage per cast already, making them core to mageblade dps rotations, but their long durations make them low damage abilities in PvP. Buff their durations or damage per tick!

How on earth don't you see that the core mechanic of Grim Focus is that you get ONE proc per cast, and if you want another proc, you have to recast the ability? You get the highest damage single target non-ult nuke in the game, which also surpasses most (all?) ults. ONE, so make it count. That pressure to make your shot count is vital to the mageblade play style because mageblade thrives on high sustained pressure. Having to relieve pressure for a second to recast Merciless is a big deal for the tempo of the fight.

And I've already said I DON'T advocate dumbing the game down and making it easier, so coming in here saying that's what you want just shows the lack of depth to your ideas. You need to more fully understand the class and then think though the PvE AND PvP implications of your ideas.

I agree with you on not dumbing down the game I have been saying they need to make every class as difficult to play as magblade but that's not the direction ZoS is taking. They want to make everything easier so they are going to have to change something with magblade or only the best players will continue to play magblade. I personally have always thought the merciless was fine, but I'm also not against changing it so the buff stays active after you fire the bow. I don't think it would change gameplay that much if the skill recasts without the animation after you fire the bow. Magblade would still have it's high tempo playstyle it will still be able to apply constant pressure, the skill would just be easier to manage open world PvP. It would still keep all stipulations for casting it originally and still have all the light attacks requirements it would just auto recast. It honestly doesn't sound all that bad. It could be too strong idk but the way I play if I don't kill you with the bow I immediately recast the ability and reset the fight anyway. I personally would like to see impale scale up to 50% and see agony damage increased and sort of work like a dot execute like poison injection and increase damage by 300℅ when below 25% health, and leave the bow alone

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

thankyourat wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

Tuning up numbers is also an option, but this would increase burst capacity in pvp which most people dislike. The proposed solution doesn't effect this, doesn't really change the mechanic and does increase DPS in PvE.
Grim fokus atm:
1. cast: Minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot
3. cast: minor berserk
and so on
with the change i'd like to see:
1. cast: minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
3. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
and so on
I also don't see, how this changes the core mechanic of this skill...it just makes it more efficient and easier to use.
But if you want to click two times to do damage once and call this a unique and great mechanic, then we won't agree with each other.
What would you like to see as pve-dps buffs instead?

It would only increase PvP burst if you increase damage of burst abilities........

Why not increase damage over time of Cripple or Path or Shade? Shade and Path grant exceptional damage per cast already, making them core to mageblade dps rotations, but their long durations make them low damage abilities in PvP. Buff their durations or damage per tick!

How on earth don't you see that the core mechanic of Grim Focus is that you get ONE proc per cast, and if you want another proc, you have to recast the ability? You get the highest damage single target non-ult nuke in the game, which also surpasses most (all?) ults. ONE, so make it count. That pressure to make your shot count is vital to the mageblade play style because mageblade thrives on high sustained pressure. Having to relieve pressure for a second to recast Merciless is a big deal for the tempo of the fight.

And I've already said I DON'T advocate dumbing the game down and making it easier, so coming in here saying that's what you want just shows the lack of depth to your ideas. You need to more fully understand the class and then think though the PvE AND PvP implications of your ideas.

I personally would like to see impale scale up to 50% and see agony damage increased and sort of work like a dot execute like poison injection and increase damage by 300℅ when below 25% health, and leave the bow alone

Man I wish they'd do something about Agony. The dot is weak compared to others in the game, and any tick of damage breaks the cc immediately. They DID change it to break block, which it used to do a long time ago but then didn't for most of this year. It needs a damage threshold before the cc breaks, like Fossilize. That change alone, and I'd use the hell out of it.

50% is high for Impale, but 25% can feel low at times. I'd be down for a 30-35% threshold I guess. It's a TON of damage when you land that in execute threshold.

stevepdodson_ESO888 · January 2017

concerning how the reworked Destro passives affect NB skills (e.g. cripple, funnel, path)...my understanding is that to get the buffs we will need to put single target skills on Flame Staff bar and AoE skills on Lightning Staff bar to get the benefit (assuming it is not just a buff to Destro Staff skill only)... whereas right now we can put these skills on a DW Sword bar making use of the passive from this skill line and also allowing us to wear 5/5/2 armour sets

kaithuzar · January 2017

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

Tuning up numbers is also an option, but this would increase burst capacity in pvp which most people dislike. The proposed solution doesn't effect this, doesn't really change the mechanic and does increase DPS in PvE.
Grim fokus atm:
1. cast: Minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot
3. cast: minor berserk
and so on
with the change i'd like to see:
1. cast: minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
3. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
and so on
I also don't see, how this changes the core mechanic of this skill...it just makes it more efficient and easier to use.
But if you want to click two times to do damage once and call this a unique and great mechanic, then we won't agree with each other.
What would you like to see as pve-dps buffs instead?

It would only increase PvP burst if you increase damage of burst abilities........

Why not increase damage over time of Cripple or Path or Shade? Shade and Path grant exceptional damage per cast already, making them core to mageblade dps rotations, but their long durations make them low damage abilities in PvP. Buff their durations or damage per tick!

How on earth don't you see that the core mechanic of Grim Focus is that you get ONE proc per cast, and if you want another proc, you have to recast the ability? You get the highest damage single target non-ult nuke in the game, which also surpasses most (all?) ults. ONE, so make it count. That pressure to make your shot count is vital to the mageblade play style because mageblade thrives on high sustained pressure. Having to relieve pressure for a second to recast Merciless is a big deal for the tempo of the fight.

And I've already said I DON'T advocate dumbing the game down and making it easier, so coming in here saying that's what you want just shows the lack of depth to your ideas. You need to more fully understand the class and then think though the PvE AND PvP implications of your ideas.

HOW ABOUT IF YOU DON'T WANT THE GAME "DUMBED DOWN" YOU GO PLAY MAG TEMPLAR OR STAM DK & COMPLAIN TO MAKE THEM HARDER IN PVP

Instead you write up 50 pages on the forum harassing other nightblades, yelling & chest bumping about how your opinion is right and ZOS needs to listen to you because you type the most!!!

#triggered

thankyourat · January 2017

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

thankyourat wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

Destruent wrote: »

How do you get closer to magsorcs dps-wise when they can use the same buffs you got?
The buff to path helps a bit, but it's still weaker than liquid lightning. Cripple is weaker than curse and the spectral bow is weaker than crystal frags.
No idea, why you whink magblades are ok pve-wise.

Read again.

I said we need PvE dps buffs.

I also said we've gotten some so far with the patch notes, and I thanked ZOS for it.

Still think we need more. Still don't want to see Grim Focus fundamentally changed to get there.

I'm sorry, i didn't see your second post when i wrote mine.

Changing grim-fokus to auto-refresh it's duration when firing off an arrow would be nice imo. This should put it a bit above frags dps-wise and should close the gap to sorcs a little bit (maybe even bring them on par...idk). It also doesn't really increase the pvp-burst of stamblades (and magblades).

Why not just tune up numbers elsewhere in the nightblade kit, though?? Why eliminate entire unique class mechanics just for a dps parse???

This entire suggestion is just asking for an easy way out of the problem instead of an actual thoughtful answer.

Tuning up numbers is also an option, but this would increase burst capacity in pvp which most people dislike. The proposed solution doesn't effect this, doesn't really change the mechanic and does increase DPS in PvE.
Grim fokus atm:
1. cast: Minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot
3. cast: minor berserk
and so on
with the change i'd like to see:
1. cast: minor berserk
2. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
3. cast: spectral bow shot + refresh minor berserk buff
and so on
I also don't see, how this changes the core mechanic of this skill...it just makes it more efficient and easier to use.
But if you want to click two times to do damage once and call this a unique and great mechanic, then we won't agree with each other.
What would you like to see as pve-dps buffs instead?

It would only increase PvP burst if you increase damage of burst abilities........

Why not increase damage over time of Cripple or Path or Shade? Shade and Path grant exceptional damage per cast already, making them core to mageblade dps rotations, but their long durations make them low damage abilities in PvP. Buff their durations or damage per tick!

How on earth don't you see that the core mechanic of Grim Focus is that you get ONE proc per cast, and if you want another proc, you have to recast the ability? You get the highest damage single target non-ult nuke in the game, which also surpasses most (all?) ults. ONE, so make it count. That pressure to make your shot count is vital to the mageblade play style because mageblade thrives on high sustained pressure. Having to relieve pressure for a second to recast Merciless is a big deal for the tempo of the fight.

And I've already said I DON'T advocate dumbing the game down and making it easier, so coming in here saying that's what you want just shows the lack of depth to your ideas. You need to more fully understand the class and then think though the PvE AND PvP implications of your ideas.

I personally would like to see impale scale up to 50% and see agony damage increased and sort of work like a dot execute like poison injection and increase damage by 300℅ when below 25% health, and leave the bow alone

Man I wish they'd do something about Agony. The dot is weak compared to others in the game, and any tick of damage breaks the cc immediately. They DID change it to break block, which it used to do a long time ago but then didn't for most of this year. It needs a damage threshold before the cc breaks, like Fossilize. That change alone, and I'd use the hell out of it.

50% is high for Impale, but 25% can feel low at times. I'd be down for a 30-35% threshold I guess. It's a TON of damage when you land that in execute threshold.

35℅ would be really good as well. I was thinking 50% to help out melee magblade. They just have a ruff time finishing people off, but 50% may be too high if you pair it with the destro ultimate. With agony I'm pretty much to the point now were I think they should just get rid of the cc and just make it do more damage maybe even add a dot execute to one morph. And change manifestation of terror to a range cc and make it not break on dot damage and maybe only cc one person since they made it range. But even if they just change agony to not break from a dot as small as degeneration I would use it over reach 100℅ of the time

Subversus · January 2017

Lol OP must be from NA playing against stam kodi builds all day if he thinks magblades are getting massive buffs from an 8% damage bonus.

Before I get into it note that idgaf about magblade pve, could be a buff there idk and idc.

THE BEST magblade pvp build, 5 necro 5 spinner 2 monster set dw/resto will ONLY be getting nerfed because of strife. It was already suffering in regards to 1v1 sustain against high pressure stamina builds. The burst was somewhat good though, at least we had that going for us. However with the changes to strife magblades will need to run concealed weapon now, which is trash AND it's melee. There's your nerf, buddy.

If you disagree with anything I just said (which are all facts by the way, not oppinions) then you're obviously a troll or you have never 1v1d any decent players (I repeat myself, if you're NA then you're excused you poor delusional thing).

Rohamad_Ali · January 2017

Wrobel is that you ?

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

Subversus wrote: »

Lol OP must be from NA playing against stam kodi builds all day if he thinks magblades are getting massive buffs from an 8% damage bonus.

Before I get into it note that idgaf about magblade pve, could be a buff there idk and idc.

THE BEST magblade pvp build, 5 necro 5 spinner 2 monster set dw/resto will ONLY be getting nerfed because of strife. It was already suffering in regards to 1v1 sustain against high pressure stamina builds. The burst was somewhat good though, at least we had that going for us. However with the changes to strife magblades will need to run concealed weapon now, which is trash AND it's melee. There's your nerf, buddy.

If you disagree with anything I just said (which are all facts by the way, not oppinions) then you're obviously a troll or you have never 1v1d any decent players (I repeat myself, if you're NA then you're excused you poor delusional thing).

Cannot tell if serious or troll. Good one I guess?

thankyourat · January 2017

Subversus wrote: »

Lol OP must be from NA playing against stam kodi builds all day if he thinks magblades are getting massive buffs from an 8% damage bonus.

Before I get into it note that idgaf about magblade pve, could be a buff there idk and idc.

THE BEST magblade pvp build, 5 necro 5 spinner 2 monster set dw/resto will ONLY be getting nerfed because of strife. It was already suffering in regards to 1v1 sustain against high pressure stamina builds. The burst was somewhat good though, at least we had that going for us. However with the changes to strife magblades will need to run concealed weapon now, which is trash AND it's melee. There's your nerf, buddy.

If you disagree with anything I just said (which are all facts by the way, not oppinions) then you're obviously a troll or you have never 1v1d any decent players (I repeat myself, if you're NA then you're excused you poor delusional thing).

I wouldn't say that's the best magblade build. destro/resto is always better than dual wield on a magblade because it allows you to apply constant pressure from range. And the fact that you can light attack on both bars from range is a huge advantage for keeping your assassins will proc. Lol what facts are you referring too

Dracane · January 2017

The cost increase of strife was probably to balance force shock and strife, as both ability are constantly being compared to each other.
The nerf to elemental drain is a huge hit for force shock, they had to increase the cost of strife to keep a balance between these 2.

Force shock spam will be much more expensive now, while strife actually benefits from the elemental drain nerf, because it can now proc this as well. Strife will remain signficiantly cheaper, due to the elemental drain changes. If they left it as it was, the difference would be too huge.

Mojmir · January 2017

Dracane wrote: »

The cost increase of strife was probably to balance force shock and strife, as both ability are constantly being compared to each other.
The nerf to elemental drain is a huge hit for force shock, they had to increase the cost of strife to keep a balance between these 2.

Force shock spam will be much more expensive now, while strife actually benefits from the elemental drain nerf, because it can now proc this as well. Strife will remain signficiantly cheaper, due to the elemental drain changes. If they left it as it was, the difference would be too huge.

Where's the nerf to ele drain,I missed that?

Dracane · January 2017

Mojmir wrote: »

Dracane wrote: »

The cost increase of strife was probably to balance force shock and strife, as both ability are constantly being compared to each other.
The nerf to elemental drain is a huge hit for force shock, they had to increase the cost of strife to keep a balance between these 2.

Force shock spam will be much more expensive now, while strife actually benefits from the elemental drain nerf, because it can now proc this as well. Strife will remain signficiantly cheaper, due to the elemental drain changes. If they left it as it was, the difference would be too huge.

Where's the nerf to ele drain,I missed that?

It has a 1 second cooldown now and only restores 400 magicka, which is over 25% less than before (as it used to scale with your max magicka before) For me, it was like 680 magicka per hit.

Light attack weaving with force shock ensured good sustain, because the light attack proced it as well.
It no longer does, you'll loose soooo much sustain. Not complaining, but it's a gigantic nerf to magicka builds and force shock in particular.

Mojmir · January 2017

Dracane wrote: »

Mojmir wrote: »

Dracane wrote: »

The cost increase of strife was probably to balance force shock and strife, as both ability are constantly being compared to each other.
The nerf to elemental drain is a huge hit for force shock, they had to increase the cost of strife to keep a balance between these 2.

Force shock spam will be much more expensive now, while strife actually benefits from the elemental drain nerf, because it can now proc this as well. Strife will remain signficiantly cheaper, due to the elemental drain changes. If they left it as it was, the difference would be too huge.

Where's the nerf to ele drain,I missed that?

It has a 1 second cooldown now and only restores 400 magicka, which is over 25% less than before (as it used to scale with your max magicka before) For me, it was like 680 magicka per hit.

Light attack weaving with force shock ensured good sustain, because the light attack proced it as well.
It no longer does, you'll loose soooo much sustain. Not complaining, but it's a gigantic nerf to magicka builds and force shock in particular.

Ahh the magic steal thing.

old_mufasa · January 2017

Still last in dps vs other mage class's and they still increasing the cost of strife.. with no compensation in damage.

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

@LeifErickson made a poignant point today regarding nightblade PvE balance:

He said that sorc PvE dps parses jumped with the introduction of Illambris.

And that if one class's dps jumped due to a 2pc set, then why fundamentally alter another class's unique mechanics to close the gap?

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

old_mufasa wrote: »

Still last in dps vs other mage class's and they still increasing the cost of strife.. with no compensation in damage.

But...they did compensate damage...a little. They want to buff mageblade. They're just doing incremental changes.

Buff Path and Shade, and we can come back in line with other classes easily @ZOS_GinaBruno

Mojmir · January 2017

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

old_mufasa wrote: »

Still last in dps vs other mage class's and they still increasing the cost of strife.. with no compensation in damage.

But...they did compensate damage...a little. They want to buff mageblade. They're just doing incremental changes.

Buff Path and Shade, and we can come back in line with other classes easily @ZOS_GinaBruno

I'm more anxious for grim focus to be looked at,although who knows now when we'll see it since rich said it won't make the update.

NightbladeMechanics · January 2017

Mojmir wrote: »

NightbladeMechanics wrote: »

old_mufasa wrote: »

Still last in dps vs other mage class's and they still increasing the cost of strife.. with no compensation in damage.

But...they did compensate damage...a little. They want to buff mageblade. They're just doing incremental changes.

Buff Path and Shade, and we can come back in line with other classes easily @ZOS_GinaBruno

I'm more anxious for grim focus to be looked at,although who knows now when we'll see it since rich said it won't make the update.

T_T I don't understand why you people keep vying for Grim Focus changes.

Why is that ability suddenly so bad?

Why no appreciation for unique mechanics?