MND/MP <or> INT/MP????

[Sepa]

Hello everyone,
I'm a level 50 Elvaan RedMage/ 25 BlackMage;
and I was wondering, should I focus more on +MND/MP items, or +INT/MP items?

I Sub my level 25 BlackMage, mainly for the extra INT boost, Warp, and Aspir.
My MND is a natural 54, with a +16 {70} and my INT is 45 with a +12 {57};

For food I use Goblin Mushpot +10 MND add with my natural 54, and 16, total 80;
but I was wondering if I should bring up my INT?

What is more important to a RedMage, more MND than INT vice versa, or an even amount of both?

Should I use a different food, or because I get a +10 MND use more INT items?





*Sorry if this has been asked before... I did try to look...*

[Murphie]

As an Elvaan, you'll rarely have to worry about MND. I'd focus more on INT and MP. Because that INT will often help you to land some of your enfeebles better. There are some MND based ones, but you should do ok with what you've got.

I'm not sure what to suggest food-wise. There's so much out there. I know that Sweet Rice Cakes (http://ffxi.somepage.com/itemdb/3979) are pretty neat RDM food, but may not be ideal.

I notice a lot of RDM sub BLM and BLM only, but I like to keep WHM available just in case. Sometimes the WHM specific spells that you get with it as a sub can come in handy, although maybe not so much in the earlier levels when there is a fair amount of overlap spell-wise between RDM and WHM. BLM is definitely an excellent choice, especially as an Elvaan.

[Taskmage]

If you can afford it, buy both. Macro your int gear in for your black magic and your mnd gear for your white magic.

Food is whatever meets your preference. If you can even our your hp:mp ratio with food, I'd say prioritize that. As a taru having just finished my AF, my hp:mp is already about 1:1 so I focus on stats now. Brain Stew is the best if you can afford it.

[Murphie]

I was about to edit and mention gear swaps. If there is one thing a RDM needs to get used to, it's swapping in and out various items to maximize their spells.

That Brain Stew looks pretty nifty. I'll have to check it out when I level RDM.

[kuu]

MND is somewhat more important to a RDM then INT, even elvvan.

Since most of your enfeeble spells are white based.

While INT is more for nuking, which being a rdm damage isn't that great already.

[Murphie]

Good point. I haven't taken RDM up high enough to know what all of their Enfeebles are based in, so I took a chance on INT since that's what I see a lot of folks really worrying about.

edit> Actually, it looks to be an almost even split.

On the one hand you have Dia Slow Paralyze and Silence, which are MND (and all very important/usefull), and then you have Blind, Bind, Bio, Gravity, and Sleep (very important), which are INT based.

Is Dispel ever resisted? In that case, it's an INT base too.

[Icemage]

RDM nuking power is so mundane that boosting INT isn't really that high a priority. If you're having inventory space or funding issues, I'd choose MND/MP over INT/MP, even for Elvaan. Realistically, the only black magic enfeebles you ordinarily use are Blind, Gravity, Sleep I/II, and the elemental enfeebles like Shock or Frost, and the latter are only used when you're /BLM. Of these, only Sleep is really of critical importance.

Improved MND will improve not only the stick rate but the potency of Slow and Paralyze, but improve the stick rate of Silence (which is equally as important as Sleep in some situations), as well as improve the potency of your Stoneskin (pretty important for protecting yourself when you Convert).


Icemage

[Murphie]

Good to know, Icemage. Thanks.

[Raydeus]

hmm... nvm

[Patchinko]

Dispel can be resisted, but you will mostly notice it when fighting Dark-based mobs (if you farm Dark Elementals, you'll notice resistances).

In my opinion, Gravity is one of our important enfeebles, especially in a melee-heavy PT. From what I understand, Gravity's duration is determined by our INT (anywhere from 30 to 120s). I think it's important not to ignore INT for this reason, not to mention that the weakness of our nukes means that we need all the help we can get when magic bursting.

The best plan is to buy equipment that will accentuate both stats individually and creating equipment switching macros for each spell you cast. The suit of armor you wear when healing and casting white magic enfeebles will be very different from that which you wear when nuking and casting black magic enfeebles.

As for food, I think as Elvaan that you're better off choosing food that will reward you high MP. Brain Stew is great for boosting your MND/INT/hMP, but doesn't give you any MP. For you, Witch Stew (MND) or Rolanberry Pie (INT) might be better. I personally use Sweet Rice Cake because it's a nice mix of buffs, but for maximizing one or another specific stat, there are better options.＾＾ I also like foods with +hMP on them because often I'll only have time to sit for one tick of healing when I have time, so it's best to maximize the amount I can get back from just one tick.

[Aeni]

Well, racial preferences aside, if you have money issues, I'd just stick with +MND equipment anyway. It helps with healing and enfeebling (Silence is so important in any party without a single stunner) Nuking is a last priority, so is MB as a RDM. A party did not invite you for that reason. If you find yourself in a party w/o BLM, more than likely you are also the main healer and thus do not have the luxury of "spending" MP on frivolous activities such as nuking.

At 51, you will have access to elemental staves, which in conjunction with stat boosting foods, will help you with healing and enfeebling and to some lesser extent, nuking.

[Murphie]

Let the record show that I wasn't suggesting INT for nuking purposes. Just for INT based enfeebles. ><; I really should have elaborated.

[Patchinko]

Actually, I disagree with that statement. Given that it's not interfering with your other roles in the PT, you should always magic burst. Nuking otherwise is mostly a waste of MP, but with the proper staff and enough INT, your magic bursts can be a significant portion of the mob's HP (over 300 damage for at most 77MP once per fight is significant).

In my opinion, it's the RDM's responsibility to take part in all of these things, and if magic bursting isn't getting in the way of healing, buffing and enfeebling, then it should be done. Nuking when not in a magic burst is usually a waste of MP because of RDM's high rate of resistance, but magic bursting is a different situation.

Also, I don't see any correlation between a PT lacking a BLM and a RDM being the main healer. It would probably be the opposite situation... the PT lacks a BLM but has a WHM or another RDM.

Bottom line is that multiple suits of gear for one stat or the other is the way of life for a RDM, and you should try to buy equipment for all of them.

[Lilani]

Realistically, the only black magic enfeebles you ordinarily use are Blind, Gravity, Sleep I/II, and the elemental enfeebles like Shock or Frost, and the latter are only used when you're /BLM. Of these, only Sleep is really of critical importance.
There's also poison, of course, which can be very important at times. I actually find MND and INT equally important, but I'm more for INT in most party situations:

INT:
-Blind
-Sleep
-Gravity
-Poison
-Elemental Enfeebles (BLM sub only)
-Drain/Aspir (again, BLM sub only)
-The periodic nuke (in case you get bored or have to MB)

MND:
-Paralyze
-Slow
-Cures (vital after convert)
-Stoneskin (again, vital after convert)
-Dia

Concidering Elvaan have high MND and low MP in the first place, I would really suggest a BLM sub. BLM gives you higher INT and a bigger MP boost than a /WHM. Plus you get aspir which is useful in tight MP situations, warp which is useful in almost all party situations, drain which is fun and helpful after convert (to help make up for the HP you didn't recover from that first cure III or cure IV). Plus there's elemental enfeebles so that you can help the party out if there is no BLM in the party (and if you have the time/MP to spare).

As for items that boost INT, I use Rolanberry pies in parties. They give you a great MP boost and a good INT boost as well. At 51 you'll be able to use the elemental staves, so I suggest getting light, dark, and ice. Light boosts your cures 10%, which helps after convert. Dark adds +10 to the MP you recover while you rest. And, ice gives you +4 INT and +10 elemental magic skill, which is great if you are having trouble boosting your INT.

I respect your opinion, Icemage...I just don't agree with it.

[Murphie]

Well, I wasn't saying that they shouldn't nuke, just that the reason I suggested INT was because of INT based enfeebles.

Unless you're referring to the post above mine, in which case just feel free to ignore me. :/

And I'm totally all for filling the role the party needs as best you can. It's why I don't understand RDMs who refuse to have multiple subs available, or who refuse to main heal, etc. I mean I understand why they might be too busy to main heal, but to refuse outright before even joining a party seems a bit much.

But I'm sure I'll get in trouble for saying that. :(

[Patchinko]

Actually, I was referring to the posts saying that RDMs nuking at all is not worth it. This is simply not true when it comes to magic bursts. The MP/damage ratio when magic bursting is high enough that it makes casting the spell worth it, and I'll even prioritize magic bursting when I know I'll be taking off 6-10% of the mob's HP. Having the various elemental staves is an important part of this, so I think those should be a priority for RDMs, even though many will not prioritize getting them.

And I'm totally all for filling the role the party needs as best you can. It's why I don't understand RDMs who refuse to have multiple subs available, or who refuse to main heal, etc. I mean I understand why they might be too busy to main heal, but to refuse outright before even joining a party seems a bit much.

I agree with this completely. RDM's role changes depending on the PT the RDM is in. The PT itself is what determines which spells will be cast, and therefore which gear will be worn. That's all the more reason for having gear that fits all possible situations the best, if possible. At the very least, having a different set of rings/earrings and both WHM and BLM for sub is important for us!

[Lilani]

Unless you're referring to the post above mine, in which case just feel free to ignore me. :/
Lol, I was, chill out man ;)

And you won't get in trouble for saying that, although there might be some RDM purists who will fuss and whatnot. The main reason we refuse to main heal is because we suck at it, at least when we get more responsibilities like refresh and haste. And the reason we'll refuse the invite if they want us to main heal is because, obviously, they don't have a main healer and none are available. Thus making the party disfunctional, unless the tank is a very brave PLD with a lot of MP.

And the only reasons I don't have my WHM leveled enough to use it as a sub is because I don't like the job very much and I like my warp spell, lol.

[Murphie]

Heh, just checking.^^ These things can get so volatile. :lipseal:

[Patchinko]

And you won't get in trouble for saying that, although there might be some RDM purists who will fuss and whatnot. The main reason we refuse to main heal is because we suck at it, at least when we get more responsibilities like refresh and haste. And the reason we'll refuse the invite if they want us to main heal is because, obviously, they don't have a main healer and none are available. Thus making the party disfunctional, unless the tank is a very brave PLD with a lot of MP.

By "we", I assume you don't mean all RDMs. Because I have no problem being the main healer in a PT and I do a fine job of it to boot.＾＾

[kuu]

There's also poison, of course, which can be very important at times. I actually find MND and INT equally important, but I'm more for INT in most party situations:

INT:
-Blind
-Sleep
-Gravity
-Poison
-Elemental Enfeebles (BLM sub only)
-Drain/Aspir (again, BLM sub only)
-The periodic nuke (in case you get bored or have to MB)

MND:
-Paralyze
-Slow
-Cures (vital after convert)
-Stoneskin (again, vital after convert)
-Dia

Concidering Elvaan have high MND and low MP in the first place, I would really suggest a BLM sub. BLM gives you higher INT and a bigger MP boost than a /WHM. Plus you get aspir which is useful in tight MP situations, warp which is useful in almost all party situations, drain which is fun and helpful after convert (to help make up for the HP you didn't recover from that first cure III or cure IV). Plus there's elemental enfeebles so that you can help the party out if there is no BLM in the party (and if you have the time/MP to spare).

As for items that boost INT, I use Rolanberry pies in parties. They give you a great MP boost and a good INT boost as well. At 51 you'll be able to use the elemental staves, so I suggest getting light, dark, and ice. Light boosts your cures 10%, which helps after convert. Dark adds +10 to the MP you recover while you rest. And, ice gives you +4 INT and +10 elemental magic skill, which is great if you are having trouble boosting your INT.

I respect your opinion, Icemage...I just don't agree with it.

Doesn't quote work out in Real world situations.

Int based enfeebles are not on the top piority list. And any xp fight that takes more then 4 enfeebles, the your pt is either doing a bad job, or you're chewing more then you should be .

And order for rdm is usually
silence
gravity(sometimes, not always worth it depending on enemies)
Slow
dia/2
para
---repeat above if wore off or other priorities
blind maybe, if it's a nin tank

bio 2 are for wimps IMO, as dia2 is better as killing it before it kills you is a standard xp motto these days. Unless you're biting more then you can chew, bio is for blms to skill up drk magic.

Drain and aspir isn't that great, and you're probably es ing it anyway, since your drk magic is bad. (so every 10 min)

If even that, as in link camps, a rdm should be saving es for sleep/silence issues.

And frost is only so so, if you have time, or a pt isn't eating their wheaties...errr...sushi

Usually rdms stop by para, there's such a thing as too many enfeebles, as there are other things they should be doing like Refresh multiple mages.

Not saying int isn't needed, but mnd is that much more useful in standard pts.

There will be some slots in eq that don't have any good +mnd gear, and you can stick those in int, like morrions, etc.

EQ for rdms should be something like
(besides staves)
mag acc > mnd/mp > int > mag attk

Though if I remember right, rdm af, will dominate your needs for a good bit.

[Patchinko]

I think the major problem with this thread is that it's forcing us to choose MND or INT when the best RDMs choose MND and INT by getting the best gear for all situations and using equipment switching macros to maximize their effectiveness with every individual spell.

[nazlfrag]

Like taskmage said, but personally am addicted to goblin mushpot.. nice to see paralyze stick ^^ as an elvaan you can make your best stat godly, but you sacrifice the int.. the best food I use is melon pie +1, which gives a slight +hmp bonus, with the +int and +mnd. It will make you all rounded, but isn't cheap.

[Taskmage]

Hmm, I've gotta give those mushpots a try. My weak taru mnd is always lagging behind my huge taru int no matter what I do with equipment. Same total to casting stats as the Brain Stew (considering I rarely get to sit anyway) and way cheaper.I think the major problem with this thread is that it's forcing us to choose MND or INT when the best RDMs choose MND and INT by getting the best gear for all situations and using equipment switching macros to maximize their effectiveness with every individual spell.Patch wins the thread. The best choice is both. If you have money issues and can absolutely only afford one or the other, I guess go with mnd, but after that party go out and farm.

[kuu]

Not quite

There is only so much inv space, so much macro switching, so much blinking like an idiot, and only one type of food per session.

Even if you did have the money to get every kind of gears for each situations, there's on;y so much you can do.

Every Rdm will have to choose, no matter how much you try to shoe horn it.

Like casting fire3 with an ice staff because it has +10 elemental magic, it's a choice a rdm has to make.

This thread is to help rdms make rational choices, not to shoe horn everything.

It's like saying, do I farm or xp? when you can easily answer, just goto IGE, all your problems are solved..doesn't quite win the arguement.

[Taskmage]

It doesn't take that much money and space to get an int and mnd set for your hands, rings, and neck slot, which is really as much as someone his level or my level needs to worry about. Other slots either have catch-alls like Red Cape, Royal Knight's Belt and Magic Cuisses, or don't offer enough stat swing to warrant gear-swapping.

Both stats are important for rdm. If you're forced to choose then choose, but dedicate some time outside of parties to earning the money to supplement your other stat. I wouldn't take a rdm seriously that had the mindset that "I only need mnd" or "That stat isn't as important so I ignore it" when it's really not that hard to do both.

Double Post Edited:
I realize it's not easy to make money in the game, but that doesn't mean you should just ignore it and buy gil so you can exp all the time. If you come to a party with sub-par stat boosts I'm not going to call you gimp or get on your case, but if you don't work to improve your gear or buy gil to sidestep the problem, I'm going to consider you a bad player. Both int and mnd are needed for a rdm and both exp and farming are needed for any player. To choose one or the other is not playing the game to your best.

[Patchinko]

I don't think I was unclear when I said the best RDMs carry around multiple sets of gear? If one wants to be mediocre, he or she can go ahead and just have a MND set. If one wants to be the best, he or she will have sets that maximize his or her capabilities in any situation.

Limited bag space? I carry around INT, MND and soloing gear all in one bag and have typically 15-20 slots open in my bag.

Macro problems? You have six slots per macro. You can use multiple macros to change equipment or, if on PC, a console program to make longer macros. Not a reasonable excuse for limiting yourself, in my opinion. I have multiple sets of gear and so far still don't use more than the six slots in each macro spot. My spells are rarely resisted and reach maximum effectiveness.

Basically, I see no reason to tell a newer RDM that it's "okay" to be mediocre. I think that most of us want to be as powerful as we can be, and for a RDM, that requires having multiple sets of gear to accentuate the required stats for each spell we cast.

[IfritnoItazura]

Basically, I see no reason to tell a newer RDM that it's "okay" to be mediocre. I think that most of us want to be as powerful as we can be, and for a RDM, that requires having multiple sets of gear to accentuate the required stats for each spell we cast.

I think even to hit "mediocre" (i.e. able to do job, not exp leech) as a RDM, macros for equipement switching are necessary. ^^;

[kuu]

That's an elitest attitude, that can give rdms a worse name on one side of the fence then on the other side.

Everyone has a certain threshold for how much they can afford vs how much inv, vs commitment.

Maybe you can have 20 slots, but everyone is different, some people just need to carry stuff stuff and more stuff. Just switching jobs for me is enough to fill up inv.

No one says int is worthless, but a choice is a choice.

And this is not even dealing with the money issue, I rather get 2 HQs on important aspects then swap of death. And even equipment need to be changed every so often.

Everything must be weighed. Just like not buying armor every level.

You don't have to be the blinking member of Altana to xp effectively.

[Murphie]

I don't think it's out of line to suggest that people take the time to farm/quest/garden/craft/whatever until they can afford the gear they need to level with. I also don't think it's out of line to expect others to make the most of their inventory spaces and the gear that they have available to them.

It's one thing to expect everyone to have the best gear ever. It's another thing altogether to expect people to carry the gear they need to do their job adequately.

[Aeni]

I don't think I was unclear when I said the best RDMs carry around multiple sets of gear? If one wants to be mediocre, he or she can go ahead and just have a MND set. If one wants to be the best, he or she will have sets that maximize his or her capabilities in any situation.

I take offense to this, Patchi. You're saying that if I don't have that VC, HQ rings, Penitent's Rope, enfeebling torque and earring, etc. that I'm mediocre? Best RDMs carry around multiple sets of gear and what I've outlined is basically just that ... extra refresh, extra +mp, +mnd bonuses, etc. over your current gear and as well as a few extra which I do swap in.

Gobbie Bags are also anywhere from 1 mil to 3 mil from 30 slots to 60 slots depending on your server.

Let's not forget elemental staves are already 8 slots (I have all eight) which is a significant loss of space.

You want beastmen seals as well as crystals, you need extra slots for those.

Don't forget, you should also carry around medicine for emergencies (I always do)

I'm at 50 slots and it's not enough. I doubt 60 slots is even enough either. So what you're proposing is so far out there that it's almost impossible for anyone else to do either. Either that or come up with a hefty amount of gil since only luxury items have both +MND and +INT and in any case, you won't even be swapping most of the time anyway, since they're that good and don't have anything else to swap with that is inferior in both price and bonuses.

[Murphie]

Well Patch did say "If one wants to be the best", not "Everyone should."

Now, having more gear to swap in and out isn't going to make a person a better player, true. But it is going to enable a good player to make the most of their job and the gear they have available.

[Aeni]

Let me also add that I haven't leveled RDM in nearly 2 mos and there is a firm reason for this. Two of my best JP friends have gone on to level past me, as I apologized to them and asked them to not wait for me.

I'm trying to come up with 18 mil (Might be 20 mil now) to get just three F*CKING pieces of equipment that to me would be so worth it. I'm not complaining about this. People might say these might be luxury items. So what if they are, if they make me feel comfortable and give that extra "placebo" effect in doing my job as a RDM, so be it.

That's why I find your remarks offensive. I'm working hard on this, yet for some reason, your comment struck a nerve in me. It's disrepsectful for not just myself, not just RDMs, but for all players.

[Murphie]

How is it disprespectful to suggest that people who want to maximize their effectiveness take the time and effort to do so?

[Aeni]

Well she did say "If one wants to be the best", not "Everyone should."

I don't think I was unclear when I said the best RDMs carry around multiple sets of gear?

This is what I'm referring to.

[Murphie]

He said the best RDMs carry around multiple sets of gear. That's pretty true, in my experience.

[Aeni]

How is it disprespectful to suggest that people who want to maximize their effectiveness take the time and effort to do so?

You need to re-read between the lines. In essence, if she just left it with a "As long as you try your best and can come up with a way to be resourceful, you're a good RDM in my book" instead of the "Only the 100 million gil spender is the best RDM out there."

[Murphie]

I think you're reading too much between the lines. From what I've seen of his posts, in this thread and others, he isn't saying that only the people with 100 million gil in gear are the best. He's just suggesting that people who want to be the best generally take the time and effort to acquire the items that help them get there.

[Taskmage]

I'm at 60 slots. I carry a 6-10 item bazaar, my 8 staves, 7 slots of party gear that I don't swap, 4 swaps for int, 4 swaps for mnd, 2 rings for Convert, 13 slots of gear I use for soloing, and a couple slots for food. That leaves ten slots for party loot which is enough unless you're getting beetle shells or some nonstacking junk, most of which isn't worth keeping anyway. If I left my bazaar and solo gear at home I could get away with only having one or two gobbiebags.

I don't think anyone has said anything about VC, Genius Rings, Penitent's Rope or any of those luxury items. You can get some +3 mnd and int rings for 80k each on my server and some Devotee's Mitts for 30k. If you can't afford 400k for Promise Badge, Holy Phial is 130k, and Black Neckerchief is free through an easy easy quest. That's less than 500k worth of items that you can swap in for +14 mnd on your white magic and +7 int on your black magic from those 4 slots. Easily obtainable in a few evenings of carp fishing.

I don't see how this is too taxing on the inventory or on the pocketbook. I don't consider it elitist, I think it's standard. A good player will do at least that much to maximize their performance. Again, if you come to a party with equipment below this bar (assuming you're not naked or something) I'm not going to berate you or kick you out of the party, but if you're not at least working towards that level then I don't think you're taking your job seriously and I won't take you seriously.

Double Post Edited:
Multiple sets of gear does not necessarily translate to a wardrobe of multimillion gil items. I don't think she meant that. Not that VC isn't a great and cool thing to have, but mostly we're talking about int and mnd swaps.

Double Post Edited:
Err Patch = she, right?

[Murphie]

Actually, now that I think about it (and look closer at the avatar), probably not! Is my face red. :o

Now to go edit things so I'm not calling Patch a girl. Unless I'm right, at which point...oh nvm.

[IfritnoItazura]

*grumble* No need to be so sensitive... It's hardly "elitist attitude" to say "make sure your enfeebs land."


Terrible RDM: "I do what I want!"

Bad RDM: <not thinking, not researching>

Mediocre RDM: "eh... I have the Devotee's Mitts, and it has nice MND+5 but bad INT-4. Better swap something else in for Gravity and Sleep."

Good RDM: "Can I get away with MND+2 from Savage Gauntlets given the MND from other slots and food I'll be using instead of using Devotee's Mitts? Or should I stick with Devotee's and swap in something else depending on spell? If I farm a week I can upgrade to MND+3 rings to offset the loss, maybe?"

Great RDM: <not sure... I'm not one... They probably just ask themselves better questions.>

Asking people to think critically about the trade off in gears is hardly "elitist"; and if a person spend a few moments to ponder about it at all, it's easy to see that a great way to make better use out of cheaper gears is macro equip swaps. ^_^; Honest.

I'm still farming for my MND+3 rings... ~220k last sale. Each. /sigh I am so not elite... should have had those at Lv.10... (But, trying to be good.)

[Taskmage]

Saintlys are ~300k on Lakshmi but Solace is ~80k. Only difference is level 10 req vs level 36. I got the Saintlys ... no idea why considering I hardly ever do anything level capped. Solace might have been out of stock for a long time ...

[Icemage]

I'm not decked out in the most amazing gear possible - my gear is good, but not spectacular, and I totally de-emphasize INT on my setup since I honestly rarely if ever cast any black magic aside from the odd magic burst.

Gravity is too spotty even with lots of INT (tested) to be worth boosting INT for. Blind is nice, but (a) it doesn't help Paladins at all since they have terrible Evasion (b) it only marginally helps NIN when they fail to stick Kurayami : Ni. Which leaves Sleeps and elemental enfeebles. Sleep is much more dependent on Enfeebling Magic and Magic Accuracy, so I stack all of that I can. I can count the number of times I've subbed BLM in an XP party since level 30 on one hand despite having it available as a fully levelled subjob, so no emphasis on the elemental enfeebles for me.

Not that I don't get "some" INT from gear where I can manage it (errant), but I definitely don't go out of my way to accumulate gear with it; I don't bring my Black Silk Neckerchief out for XP, nor my Eremite+1 ring. It just isn't worth the extra slots. I carry 45 slots worth of gear as it is, and that's NOT counting solo gear.

Most of my gear is focused on Enfeebling Magic, with a minor in Magic Accuracy, and a heavy heavy emphasis on +MP and +HP. To me, the miniscule difference in performance from a fistful of INT or MND is vastly offset by the 100 extra MP I get per Convert due to my careful use of HP/MP balancing gear.


Icemage

[Patchinko]

Aeni, the responses to my statement have gotten out of hand, and I'm certainly not trying to offend anyone! You're reading too far into what I've said. If you are ever on Remora, you can check out my gear... it's hardly worth millions of gil (ok, maybe over a million, but I don't have a Verm Cloak, for example, or a Penitent's Rope)

However, I have different sets of rings (saintly+1s, zircons), different weapons (+1 wand, elemental staves), different earrings (moldavite, morions, wizard's), and so forth for casting specific spells. The expensive items I do have are picked based on how often I'll use them and their effectiveness (like elemental staves). I consider myself a fairly good RDM, and I do think that having different suits of gear to augment the power of my individual spells is a part of that.

That said, I don't think telling a newer RDM that getting a single suit that focuses on MND is reasonable. Yes, you have a limited number of bag slots. So you should figure out what gear sets will give you the maximum return for using the spaces and bring them with you.

Just my opinion anyway.

Oh, and Patchingko is definately a boy. >.>

[Murphie]

I went back and edited! Sorry, Patchinko. I wasn't paying attention.^^;

[Taskmage]

I ... umm ... *points to Aelathir* It's his fault!

[Patchinko]

I went back and edited! Sorry, Patchinko. I wasn't paying attention.^^;

It's okay!

By the way, stick with the Corsair avatar, I think it's your best one. ＾＾

[Murphie]

It's okay!

By the way, stick with the Corsair avatar, I think it's your best one. ＾＾

Thanks! I like it a lot too.^^ But I change them based on what job I'm on at the moment. (points to sig)

[IfritnoItazura]

Saintlys are ~300k on Lakshmi but Solace is ~80k. Only difference is level 10 req vs level 36.


Saintly Ring +1 went up 250k as of last night on Ifrit... >_< Solace was 90k, but I'm only Lv.30. Unfortunately, neither was available.

I may just hang on to my Devotee's mitts and see if I can pick up Solace later. There's always Goblin Mushpot instead of Sweet Rice Cake... (Or ginger cookies, if main healing.)

[nazlfrag]

Wait for the +3 NQ rings, around 50. Saintly/eremite's with their +2 bonus will last you until then. HQ of these are nice, but these are NQ versions with the same bonus (of course I want the HQ rings <.<), you just have to wait ^^. If you can't wait, well they will always be useful in level capped areas, so they are a good investment.

I love Mushpot as a rdm, and have to reccomend it. Cheap and useful, better than melon pie (which I use often enough, though <.<). I use it whenever a blm is around, it makes our enfeebs awesome.

[zagex]

Hale Ring from Assault... Lvl 50, +3 Mind, +3 Int (rare, so no dice with 2 of them). Have your cake and eat it too... If I can only friggin convince my LS to start getting staging points so we can do these... :wasted:

[Patchinko]

I'm hoping to get a Tamas Ring as well. It's a big endeavor, but that ring is simply incredible.＾＾

[Oogami]

I don't think I was unclear when I said the best RDMs carry around multiple sets of gear? If one wants to be mediocre, he or she can go ahead and just have a MND set. If one wants to be the best, he or she will have sets that maximize his or her capabilities in any situation.

People like me would have had a difficult time following this logic about how a player is considered mediocre if he/she is not the best. There are so many other levels in between "best" and "mediocre". What happened to "better" and "good"? Even "average" has a better feel than "mediocre".

Besides, there can only be one best RDM in the whole of Vana'diel, and if you're on the same server with Avesta, you're by default mediocre by that logic :wtf: .

[Taskmage]

No, by this logic a rdm who just has a mnd set is mediocre, while the best rdms (plural, indicating a group of rdms who are better) carry multiple sets of gear. Patch makes no statement to the effect of "you're either elite or you suck" which is how everyone seems to be taking it, so I don't see why you're agonizing over this.

[Patchinko]

Taskmage covers it well there. I'm not going to elaborate further for fear of people continually misunderstanding what I'm saying and taking offense to it when it's not meant to be offensive.＾＾；

[Oogami]

That's the problem.

Patch might not have meant it to be that way, but the way it was worded reads as such. "Mediocre" does have a negative connotation, as compared to "Average" or even "Run-off-the-mill".

And frankly, "mediocre" sucks when compared to "best". That is not an unfair conclusion to draw.

[Murphie]

Yes, but it's been elaborated on several times over the past week. Patch's original intention has been made very clear. If people want to continue to read into it, that's not his responsibility.

Personally, I think mediocre is the perfect term to describe a RDM who doesn't swap gear or try and better themselves.

[Patchinko]

Don't we all aspire to be "the best" as opposed to "mediocre", Oogami? It seems like your issue is that you think I divided people into two groups: "mediocre" and "the best". You misunderstood. Most people are going to be in a spectrum between "worst" and "best", and "mediocre" is going to be just slightly below "average".

Most of us, myself included, will be somewhere between "mediocre" and "best" (hopefully above "average", maybe even "good".＾＾).

I honestly intended to have a negative connotation when I said, "mediocre". It isn't meant to be offensive, but if someone is a mid- to late-level RDM without any gear swapping, I think it's at worst a generous adjective to use to describe him or her. I certainly wouldn't describe him or her as "average" because from what I've seen, the "average" RDM at least has three elemental staves, a wand, and two sets of rings.

It doesn't mean that he or she can't improve or has no potential. But if someone is on top of dispels, refreshing and debuffs but gets reduced effectiveness often on INT-based spells because he or she is always in a MND+ suit of gear, for example, he or she is simply not doing the best he or she can. Of course, this doesn't mean having all HQ gear... but wearing MND+ rings while casting INT based spells is like having nothing on at all. A pair of NQ rings would be better than nothing.

[Karinya]

But if someone is on top of dispels, refreshing and debuffs but gets resists often on INT-based spells because he or she is always in a MND+ suit of gear, for example, he or she is simply not doing the best he or she can. Of course, this doesn't mean having all HQ gear... but wearing MND+ rings while casting INT based spells is like having nothing on at all. A pair of NQ rings would be better than nothing.
INT and MND have very small effect on resists, though. I'm not sure you realize just how small the effect is.


My list of things a RDM should have as soon as he/she is high enough level to wear them:
AF. Especially body and head, which are both excellent.
Elemental staves. Wind and dark minimum; ice and earth are also very useful. Others not as important but still nice to have (unless you main heal, in which case add light to the must haves).
Master caster's bracelets. You do *not* have to change nationality to get these. You only need to be rank 8, with your nation in first and Windurst in second, then you can get them from the Windurstian consulate for 48k CP. (If you *are* Windurstian rank 8, you can get them for 40k when Windurst is in first or second.)
Spider or enfeebling torque. Either is fine.
Errant houppelande, or another +hMP body piece. You may not get to rest much, but getting more MP out of the time you do have is pretty important.

Of course, if you have some useful abjuration, assault, dynamis or limbus gear, that's great too, but it's hardly reasonable to expect *everyone* to have those things. Glamour jupon would probably be really nice from 50-57 (I was over 58 before it existed, so I can only say it *is* really nice in 50 caps), but again, seems like a steep requirement to ask of everyone.

INT, MND and max MP are mostly what you get to fill in slots where you can't get anything *really* important, IMO (usually this means back, belt, rings, often earrings, neck before 65, sometimes other slots as well). They don't have a dramatic effect - even when you first get errant and can have several pieces on for +20 or more int and mnd, it's still not nearly the kind of difference you see from having AF body for the first time.


P.S. Regarding food - I've been a fan of brain stew for a while now. Good amount of INT and MND, some hMP, lasts 3 hours. It's kinda pricey for pickups where you may not get the full duration. If there were a "mage sushi" that gave magic acc, I would probably switch to that, but there isn't. Mage foods are so weak compared to melee foods... bard foods are even worse, though.

[Patchinko]

I changed my post. Thanks for the correction.

I keep accidently using the word "resist" when it's not what I mean.

For clarity, INT doesn't effect your rate of resistance, but it does increase the effectiveness of your spells and the damage they cause. Resistances are based on the associated skill (enfeebling for enfeebles, elemental for elemental and so forth).

Regardless, the point stands that if you're casting INT spells but wearing MND rings, it's like you're wearing nothing at all. I've been using INT and MND gear as an example because that's what the OP asked, but I think you've got the right idea, Karinya. Things like Spider Torque and Elemental Staves are worth more than a regular stat in that slot if available.

A couple of other good examples of "affordable" things like this are Morion and Wizard's earrings, and a Moldavite Earring which is RA/EX anyway. Wizard's earring is much better than a Morion when casting an elemental spell, but useless otherwise.

So yeah, later on in levels, of course equipment switching gets even more interesting with all the available gear that brings up stats other than just INT, MND and MP.