Enhancement shaman - Low blow
by Nazgar | 25/09/2007 16:09:17 Yesterday night, I had a new low blow on my enhancement shaman (made me lol more than anything tho). A friend of mine was in a WC group, and people kept dropping from the group, so I told him "Stay there, I'm going to run you trough". Being level 70... sure was going to be a quick run. Then, a level 20 shaman in the group sent me a tell "Hey, what spec are you" I reply "Enhancement" He quickly replies "Ok, bye", and disbands from the group Of course, I lol, as I 1 shot right about everything from the instance... but that got me wondering... Is other player's perceptions of enhancement really that bad... that was pretty much... a low blow heh |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 18:49:06
First of all, that player was just a complete jerk. Now that I've made myself feel better by stating the obvious, allow me to say a few other things. The effectiveness of the enhancement shaman is certainly no where near as bad as is often perceived. With that being said, however, we not only recognizes that improvements are needed, we're working many of them into patch 2.3. An example of one helpful adjustment surrounds shamanistic rage, which will also reduces all damage taken by 30% for the duration of the ability (30 seconds), in addition to its current effect. Spirit Weapons will also reduce melee threat by a total of 30% rather than 15%. More improvements should be expected as well. So, I made this post, we're square for another six months, right? :P |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 18:59:49
It is going into 2.3, so don't worry about the rumors. I'll do my best to have a more active presence here. I've honestly been reading these boards extremely actively for quite some time now. If you're skeptical, no need to flame -- as it accomplishes little to nothing. I'm promising to do my best, despite many limitations and obstacles. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:07:43
I am going to be honest with you all, and say something that will likely result in a great deal of argument. Over the last several weeks I've had the numerous claims of spirit weapons threat reduction only affecting white damage tested extensively. According to our tests, it does add 15% threat reduction to white damage, in addition to damage dealt by stormstrike and windfury procs. If you have information that proves otherwise, please create a new post and I'll make sure it's looked into further. Lets please keep this thread on topic, however. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:11:12
Are you asking if we're addressing more changes to the enchantment shaman in patch 2.3 than we mentioned was BlizzCon? Sorry, your question probably doesn't need clarification but I've not slept much lately. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:13:18
There will be changes that benfefit the elemental and restoration shaman as well. And yes, more enchancement improvements are absolutely going into patch 2.3. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:14:39
Yeah, I just figure I'll insult myself to beat you all to the punch. :P |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:27:07
Yes, all shaman will be able to equip 2-handed axes and maces (proper training required of course), without having to spend a talent. In it's place, a seemingly solid replacement talent called elemental focus. Basically, what it offers is this -- after landing a melee critical strike, you'll enter a "focused state". The focused state will reduce the mana cost of your next shock spell by 60%. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:31:34
Trust me, I've been doing this for a considerable amount of time. Many players will continue to hate me, and those shaman who vomit in their mouths by the mention of my name alone will continue to want to bus shock me. :P We've received letters of players who refuse to use my npc for any purpose, and much much worse.... :P |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:33:47
I can follow up on this for you. But if my memory serves me right, you will not have to skill-up again. Please don't hold me to that, I'm only going on memory. :) |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:38:17
Can you (or someone) remind me of the specifics of the mental quickness change? I find it's a bad idea to post on issues when I am clueless. lolzer |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:44:43
I'm not going to lie to you. Perception is a very powerful thing and it will take some time. I've seen perception quickly change in the past, even in cases where perception issues were far worse that we enhancement shaman are currently facing. Lets focus on getting your class/spec up to speed and allow perception to improveme naturally over the course of time. We we are afterall dealing with the WoW player-base. :P |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:56:26
1) This is a fairly accurate representation of things. However, a few things worth mentioning that I felt wouldn't have done any good at the time. Most importantly, your feedback did make it in on time. There was some miscommunication with our other regions and a post was made that indicated something that was in-fact false. 2) Tseric and Caydiem came into the forums and made the message you indicated. However, much feedback had already been gathered at that point and the class design team was also actively reading the shaman boards during that time. 3) Gout really sucks. 4) My post wasn't actually indicating that I would not help players until I received "respect", but rather that I'd not be making many posts (communicating information) until players (as a whole) began posting with some level of respect and reason -- however, the situation was far too agitated at that point. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 19:57:20
I'll pop in an elemental shaman thread soon and discuss some of the changes. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:00:26
That is what our testing shows, and like I've said -- I've had extensive testing done. We'll continue to look into it, however and I will also keep my eyes open for additional posts on the matter (ideally containing some evidence to support the claim). Regardless, the additional 15% threat reduction should be quite helpful. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:16:19
Indeed! |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:19:32
Okay, right. Sorry guys. I've had quite a bit to keep track of as of late. That change is going into patch 2.3. But instead it will convert from spirit rather than attack power. J/K =) It's going in as described in this post. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:22:12
Yes. So slower weapons = good. :) |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:27:45
It's too complicated of a subject to really elaborate on (and there is much more than you don't realize), and in the past as far as I'm concerned. We can't change the past, we can only learn from it, and do our best to apply it towards making a better future. In any case, lets keep this thread on-topic (though I admit I jumped into that thread). I love when class discussions can be had in this fashion. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:29:27
It's okay, I often get rogues and mages mixed up. I kid, I kid! |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:32:01
Nope, 2.3 locked in already. Good retribution paladin changes coming soon. If you're a paladin reading this thread, please don't get all crazy on me. :P We'll be updating you with some cool information soon too. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:37:26
No problem. Assuming we don't discover a problem, when the patch hits the public test realms, we will watch closely, and hope you all provide feedback as well when able as to how much the extra 15% threat reduction from spirit weapons helps. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:42:41
This is kind of a subjective, since everyone has their own idea of what's needed to be "effective". But yes, some of these changes will help in pvp. Such as the frostshock change (no longer subject to diminishing returns) and even the blood rage improvement - yes, I do realize it can be dispelled. At the same time, however, you've lost nothing when activating the ability and it's not always going to be dispelled, and certainly not always immediately going to be dispelled. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:45:39
Sorry, can you explain what you mean better. I think I have an idea but want to be sure. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:48:52
I realize it can be confusing for some, but those who care to really min-max (or at least really optimize there talents/gear, also take the time to research. Beyond this, I don't totally agree. It really depends on the green and purple. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:52:34
Funny you should mention that! We're adding new relics to support all talent trees in patch 2.3 for Shaman, Paladins and Druids. In addition, (not that this will sweep you off your feet), most of the arena-system relics have been renamed so there is a more consistent naming convention. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:53:50
I know the thread is long, but try and go through each page. I''ve discussed a variety of changes. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 20:58:50
It is very possible that these could change for the future, but more than likely Wrath of the Lich King would be the earliest we'd focus on these talents. I am only speculating mind you. Or rather, more of an educated guess.
I've not done an extensive review of the item changes going into 2.3. If there is anything to address this concern, I'll let you know. Regardless though, your point is noted. [ Post edited by Eyonix ] |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:01:47
While I still stand behind my point on the matter, your suggestion is most certainly worth passing along. I mean, what's the worst that can happen -- they fire me... Oh, wait. :/ |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:02:31
What forum am I in??? |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:05:13
Last non-shaman post I make here, but there are some very nice retribution changes coming. You'll be updated soon and ideally very pleased. The grass can be green on your side too! :P |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:07:47
To be very honest, I'm not sure yet. We've been focusing on the higher priority issues since the patch. It's on my follow-up list, however. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:11:35
Okay, sorry everyone I may have made an error. I've only been doing arenas with my shaman recently, and I've been elemental for some tim. The end result is I may have just made a total shammy Noob statement. I'm not at work to verify, as I'm off today. Is shamanistic rage currently dispelable? Please clarify for me. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:15:39
We'll see how things go. Keep in mind topics such as this that have the blue tag and receive active responses from players are actually more noticable than stickies. My information will go into the Warcraft Weekly for sure. I'll keep an eye on the situation though and be sure information is readily available. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:20:14
Fixed. Thanks. Sad, after years of using the forums you think I'd have a handle on them... [ Post edited by Eyonix ] |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:22:09
Cool, glad to hear. Problems or not, the class is seriously a blast to play. Subjective of course. |
| by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:25:14 Thread capacity increased. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:27:02
I've gotten burned enough, natural immunity. :P Still cry at night sometimes. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:28:11
Cool, going to give you guys attention soon. And don't worry, in this case soon means today. :) |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:31:37
How about we give it the ability to shrink orc shoulder pads? :P |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:45:11
The change to mental quickness will certainly help with the damage output of shock spells, and the addition of the new talent shamanistic focus will help with the mana cost of each shock. Also, stormstrike allows nature based shocks the ability to do more damage, which will feel even more rewarding once mental quickness has been upgraded. Concerning itemization, I don't recall too much spi on enhancement gear. Beyond this, shocks are by design, intended to play a role in overall shaman dps, but not be a damage source that you heavily rely upon. Shocks add to the shamans damage, and depending upon which shock you use, potentially provide a secondary effect that could be highly beneficial. Lastly I could be wrong, but I don't see many enhancement shaman dropping int or mana/5 to stack spell damage/crit so instant cast spells on six second cooldowns have higher damage potential. [ Post edited by Eyonix ] |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:48:50
There are itemization improvements in 2.3, just have not reviewed the full list yet. Stay tuned. Also, can anyone say Zul'Aman? Going to be some good upgrades there. Want to clarify that statement though, I'm not saying there are absolutely good off-hands there, but I do know that our goal was to make great loot that also filled in certain itemization gaps. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 21:54:45
I'll post this elsewhere but since you brought it up -- We're adding something better, well, at least in my opinion. Those who completed the attunement process will have access to the title "Champion of the Naaru". Also, the plan is to hard-cap it at 70, meaning you can't go back at 80 and "cheese" the title. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 10:00:49
Damn you rogue! :P [ Post edited by Eyonix ] |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 10:04:40
What does it matter to me, I'm still trying to collect my shamans tier 4! !! lolzer I'll look into it, ya know if you run me through your raid so I can get purplz |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 10:09:30
I wasn't referring to seeking out int and mana/5, but they are on many enhancement items, affect the total item budget very little, and do help. My main point was that int and mana/5, in my opinion would be more useful than spell damage/crit. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 10:13:18
lol -- sorry, I'm just trying to keep up with the posts as best I can. I guess my bml coding has suffered as a result. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 10:18:23
Haha, naw. I'm progressing with the character and having a great deal of fun. I'm a bit behind since I was mostly raiding with my healing priest and also focused on gearing up my boomkin. Work gets hectic at times too, causing me to stay late, making rading as active as I'd like as accesible currently. I'd be lying if I said I didn't care about gear, but it honestly isn't the most important thing to me. |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 10:23:14
Is this the bug that players have tested and theorycrafted which seemingly indicates that windfury when dual wielding procs at 36% rather than 20%? |
by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 10:50:59
I'm not sure what the internal testing results revealed, but I'll follow-up with design and QA when I'm back in the office. [ Post edited by Eyonix ] |
| by Eyonix | 26/09/2007 13:25:47 Good discussions here, all. Keep things on topic and try not to argue. Not only will I be following this thread heavily, many others will as well. PS Elemental Shaman are turning on me. |
News
Spam
Hot: View Nethaera's Comments on Class Balancing in Patch 2.4
Most Viewed 
Recent Blizzard Announcements
