[EQ2] SK + Warlock + (Dirge or Fury)?

[jerryclement]

I've decided to get back into EQ2 with a 3 box. I'm fairly set on playing an SK/Warlock combo, but cannot decide on a 3rd box to go with this duo.

I don't intend to raid with any of the toons, so I guess my question would be how much can I expect to do if I take the Dirge instead of the Fury? Are healer mercs good at all? Are they able to be used in instances? In EQ1, they cannot be, so I don't know if that carried over to 2 or not.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Khatovar]

From what I heard, the last time they "revamped" they were pushing toward the Fury more as a DPS class than a healer hybrid. I don't doubt the fury could do her fair share of healing - my main is a fury - but with mercs there's no need. Just grab a healer merc and let the 3rd slot DPS.

Mercs are allowed in instances, but they take up a party slot. So 3 regular toons with 3 mercs = a full party. If you want to invite other players, you'll need to dismiss a merc.

As far as Dirge vs Fury, Dirge would probably do more for you. Warlock already has ports and invis, so you don't need Druid Rings or Untamed Shroud. The Dirge gives you tons of buffs, plus movement speed and better DPS from my understanding {I haven't touched my dirge in years}.

[pox67]

I have run up a trio of Bruiser, Warden, Swashbuckler and then added an 85 Dirge when they were handing out free chars.

Warden is pretty close to Fury I think. Warden is great and I love the melee heal spec (not sure if Fury does that although with the Warlock the Fury could be happily ranged as well) but most of the time if I need serious healing I pop up a healing merc. The Inquisitor (Stamper) was good but I got the CoE collectors edition Templar merc which is awesome. Mostly now the Warden just chucks in some groups heals and group cures. Having said that the Warden does a ton of passive healing just by meleeing.

So, I would go Dirge and put up a healing merc or two when needed. For added DPS I found the ranger Merc from Kelethin was pretty awesome.

And welcome back!

[jerryclement]

Sweet guys, thanks for the info. One more question, are Mercs allowed in raid instances too? Like if I wanted to do older raid content, would I need to worry about healing?

[pox67]

Sweet guys, thanks for the info. One more question, are Mercs allowed in raid instances too? Like if I wanted to do older raid content, would I need to worry about healing?

Yep mercs can go in to raid instances.
Depends on the raid in question and how high you are and mentoring down too. Some are easier than others and is a case by case scenario, bring a rezzer though just in case ;)

[aspekx]

Bard buffs are split between Troubador and Dirge.

Dirge emphasizes melee buffs: increased crit, multi-attack, etc.,

Troubador emphasizes caster buffs.