Beastmasters in parties.

[Susurrus]

First let me say this: This is not me saying I don't want to solo, this is more of a curiosity issue.

Why don't Beastmasters get parties often? Every time I have gotten a party, my own damage was at least on par or close to the highest hitters, and that is not including my pet (SabreSivarade [sp?] lately) who also tends to do damage. Every Ninja tank I've partied with consistantly loses hate to me (PLDs do occaisionally but its much rarer due to more hate tools, and they have cover for when I do).

Beastmasters have access to some of the best gear (at least up to my level: Wrath Tabar (BST ONLY), Kabrakan's Axe (BST ONLY), Haubergeon, Assault Earring.

Beastmaster have A- Axe skill (identical to Warrior's, who tend to use Axe consistantly).

Beastmasters' pets (including jugs) are the strongest pets in the game as far as melee hits go, and are sometimes higher than other one handed weapons.


Again I'm not complaining about having to solo most of the time - as the reason I chose BST was to solo. I just am highly curious as to why Beastmasters are not more highly in demand in parties.



Oh and by the way, even before getting into BST myself, I tended to invite BSTs to merit parties when possible (don't see them seeking often...), and they generally kick ass. Of course I don't make parties often either...

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

I'm a financially motivated beastmaster. I don't take PTs often because, well, a dozen beastmen and kindred seals per evening for me sounds better than sharing them with a PT. Plus there's the coffers :)

But that aside, its a perception issue. Much like SMN, BST and DRG, a lot of people filter out pet damage and don't see the contribution a BST is making to the PT with his pet, they just see his damage.

Then there's the EXP penalty thing, players can't be bothered to learn and understand that it is ONLY when we charm a mob higher level than ourselves or the PT leader that an EXP penalty takes place. Some people think it always happens no matter what.

[LyonheartLakshmi]

Like the OP said, most BSTs pick up the job so they can solo and avoid having to LFG. It takes a radically different gear set to excel at DD than it does to excel at soloing. A lot of players perception on DD BST has probably been tainted by BSTs who have showed up to a pt /WHM with charm gear.