Drain 2 & Dread Spikes

[Shinhiryu_Kage]

As Quoted from SE Playonline:

http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/detail/1533/detail.html

In the upcoming version update, we plan to introduce two new dark knight spells, as well as implement changes to Signet that will improve party play for smaller groups. (Signet part not posted but link is provided.)

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New Dark Knight Spells

The following dark knight spells will be introduced in the upcoming version update.

- Drain II (Lv.62 Recast Time: 3 minutes Duration: 1 minute)
Steals an enemy's HP, potentially increasing maximum HP. Ineffective against undead.

HP drained that exceeds the amount necessary to fully heal the dark knight will temporarily boost maximum HP.
As well as healing the dark knight, this spell should prove useful in providing extra HP for abilities such as Souleater.

- Dread Spikes (Lv.71 Recast Time: 3 minutes Duration: 1 minute)
Covers you with magical darkness spikes. Steals HP from enemies that hit you. Ineffective against undead.

While Dread Spikes is in effect, the dark knight will drain an amount of HP from an enemy corresponding to the amount of damage inflicted by each of the enemy's attacks.
Dread Spikes will wear off after the dark knight has absorbed an amount of HP equal to a certain percentage of his maximum HP, regardless of the remaining duration.

*The effect of Dread Spikes will be adjusted during PvP.

The HP absorbed by the reactive effect of Dread Spikes will not generate enmity for the dark knight.
*The dark knight will still be KO'd if a single attack inflicts an amount of damage that exceeds his remaining HP.

You wanna know something wierd? A few days ago, I was sitting here thinking about leveling DRK to be able to have a sub on my RDM for HNM/Dyn, etc. and wondering why SE doesn't include spells like another drain or something so DRK's can work w/their souleater and make it more effective; something along the lines of Drain 2 or Drain 3.

Not that I will be able to use it, but I can't believe how psychic I am.......

[Icemage]

Wow. S-E shows some more love for Dark Knights! Great news!


Icemage

[KoukiRyu]

This is really awesome for DRK's...most of their spell-casting abilities has been simply confined to a few Absorb spells here or there, and the occasional Stun if someone else in the party can't do it. But now with this, you'll be seeing them actually do some casting more often, at least I'd hope.

And also, does Drain II mean that, if say, the DRK is at 984/1152 HP, and they Drain say... 300(seems a little high, but just for the sake of the example), that their new HP could possibly become 1284? It does mention increasing max HP.

[Olorin401]

Wow.. SE really wants me to play a melee job, don't they?

[Celeal]

Wow.. SE really wants me to play a melee job, don't they?

Definitely, I am going to level up DRK after the update
The Signet changes and the new spells are just too awesome for DRK.

[Zempten]

Dread Spikes is pretty interesting. I'm curious as to what it's recast/duration is.

While Dread Spikes is in effect, the dark knight will drain an amount of HP from an enemy corresponding to the amount of damage inflicted by each of the enemy's attacks.
Dread Spikes will wear off after the dark knight has absorbed an amount of HP equal to a certain percentage of his maximum HP, regardless of the remaining duration.

These statements sorta contradict each other. Since the spikes is going to basically heal the DMG the mob inflicts on a DRK . . . .when does the DRK actually start gaining HP from it? Maybe I'm just reading this wrong.

Also from the feel of things . . . . . something tells me DRK/SAM is going to become more popular and maybe the rising of DRK PTs b/c from the looks of it DRKs are going to be able to tank TP Burn type mobs with seigan, Drain 2, and these spikes. Although MP might be a problem . . .

[Zempten]

And also, does Drain II mean that, if say, the DRK is at 984/1152 HP, and they Drain say... 300(seems a little high, but just for the sake of the example), that their new HP could possibly become 1284? It does mention increasing max HP.

From the wording of SE, it seems like that's a high possibility. Since they also nudged at the fact that Drain II will help DRK's Souleater. So basically Drain 2, temporary max HP (I'm guess the same way as how MNK's Mantra works), Souleater, Souleater wears off and you return to your natural HP before the Drain 2. This is of course speculation on my part though.

[hongman]

I wonder if they'll also get a slightly increased MP pool to accomadate the new spells...

[Celeal]

I wonder if they'll also get a slightly increased MP pool to accomadate the new spells...

I am also wondering would DRK/RDM becomes acceptable option, after the signet changes - No TP loss while resting?

I think /RDM will help solo under Signet effect. /RDM increases the mp pool a bit. /RDM has Fast Cast, Magic Atk Bonus, Clear mind too.

Spells like Dispel, Regen, backup cure, a half assed verison of Phalanx (sp*), Blink, etc, may help in exp. party settings? In ToAU we have Sanction Refresh, non-ToAU we have Signet No TP loss for resting. The issue with TP vs MP should be resolved.

With Signet and the new DRK spells, I can think of a few tactics that DRK/RDM may go all out DD in exp. party without dying because of hate issue.

[Zempten]

Wonder if Signet effect will work in the TOAU zones though. I mean their effect and not the CP accumulation.

[hongman]

Doubt it.

[Slip]

Wonder if Signet effect will work in the TOAU zones though. I mean their effect and not the CP accumulation.

Nope. In the writeup on the official site they address that, it's only in the areas where signet normally works.

[Gwynn]

Interesting spells... I'll check out how effective they are ingame. Nice to see DRK get some love, though!

[Malacite]

Still no Scythe update though >:O

[Shinhiryu_Kage]

I am curious now to play DRK as my Galka and play around with these fascinating spells. I haven't even experienced Absorp-TP yet.

Or done SAM sub...... hasso...... o.o