Third Tier

[Camate]

Hello.

Previously, we stated that we are developing something to the effect of “merit point category 3,” and we have an update to share with you all. (As stated in the previous post, this is in an early stage of development)

“Merit Point Category 3” is intended to strengthen two-hour abilities and we are also working toward adding new two-hour abilities (*)
*What are new two-hour abilities?

• We are planning to implement them to the test server in March 2012.
Please look here for a more detailed implementation schedule.
• The new two-hour abilities are scheduled to have completely different effects, rather than enhanced current two-hour ability effects.
• The new two-hour abilities will share the same recast timer with current two-hour abilities and we want players to choose them based on the situation.

Here is a revised order of test server implementation:
1. Raise the level cap to 99
2. Raise the maximum limit for merit points
3. Adjust merit points groups 1 and 2
4. Add new two-hour abilities
5. Add merit points group 3

We will let you know once we finalize all of the details.

[Vold]

• The new two-hour abilities will share the same recast timer with current two-hour abilities and we want players to choose them based on the situation.

<prolonged /sigh> ...... some things just ain't ever going to change, I see. I rather not have them at all if we're going to suffer more shared timers and choices between JAs, and instead focus on content I won't be displeased with. It's not enough that it'll be a two hour job ability per use? That it needs to be shared for some kind of balance that I'm not seeing. Bah whatever I'm used to it.

[Babekeke]

Here is a revised order of test server implementation:
1. Raise the level cap to 99
2. Raise the maximum limit for merit points
3. Adjust merit points groups 1 and 2
4. Add new two-hour abilities
5. Add merit points group 3

Am I the only one who thinks this is the wrong way around to do it?

#2 spend a few weeks adding extra merit points to each job
#3 SE wipes all your merits from jobs that have been revised, because the catagories that you just merited no longer exist.

[Glacont]

Here is a revised order of test server implementation:
1. Raise the level cap to 99
2. Raise the maximum limit for merit points
3. Adjust merit points groups 1 and 2
4. Add new two-hour abilities
5. Add merit points group 3

We will let you know once we finalize all of the details.

1) and 2) Good, I am sure alot of Gamers have been looking forward to that.
3) It will be interesting to see what You will do under this sub-heading.
4) I only have one issue against an extra 2hr and that is the shared timer. To give everything you've got, once more, after exerting a mass amount energy has been carried out many times in our history; be it sports or war. Everyone has their own way of describing this burst of Adrenaline. In high school, I called it getting your 'Second Wind'. (Not being sarcastic. If I came off that way I appologize). Perhaps an adjustment can be made. If You use both 2hrs, within the time frame of One hour, you are reduce to a weaken state. Which does make sense, because in real life if you do go all-out 'twice', You should be tired. This maybe an option if game balance is what you seek.
5) The very reason why the thread is created. Will any of the ideas that's been discusss be implemented? The Dev Team have ample amount of data to pick and choose from per job class.

Once again, Thank You for reviewing everyone's post.

[FrankReynolds]

Half the 2 hour abilities that we have suck. Why not just fix those?

[Lokithor]

Half the 2 hour abilities that we have suck. Why not just fix those?

I think Camate said they would do that.

“Merit Point Category 3” is intended to strengthen two-hour abilities and we are also working toward adding new two-hour abilities (*)

New 2 hours plus strengthened 2 hours through merits.

Now, just what "strengthen" means is anyone's guess.

How about some rampant speculation?

[Lokithor]

I'll start the speculation off.

Let's assume that Group 3 is ONLY about 2-hour strengthening. (The wording can be interpreted that way, although the 2-hour thing may only be one element of group 3).

Each group normally has 4 or 5 choices, each choice can have 5 levels with a max combination of 10 through the group. This would allow several different "original 2 hour" buffs you could apply, mix and match, various levels, to totally customize your 2 hour.

Let's try a couple out.

Ranger: Eagle Eye Shot

1. Increase damage by 1 per level (EES is now effectively 5x hit). 5/5 would double the damage. Bah, make it 2 per level. We rngs deserve it.
2. Increase accuracy in 5 steps up to guaranteed accurate.
3. Increase range up to 2x current range over 5 steps
4. Decrease enmity in 5 steps up to max of zero enmity
5. Decrease recast timer by 20 mins, 10 mins per step thereafter for max 1 hour reduction.

Thief: Perfect Dodge

1. Increase duration of effect 5 sec per step. Max would be 55 sec from current 30
2. Add chance to dodge ranged attacks. 20% per step to max of 100%
3. Add chance to dodge magical attacks. 20% per step to max of 100%
4. Increase enmity when used so at level 5/5 it is equal to (unmerited) invincible
5. Decrease recast timer by 20 mins, 10 mins per step thereafter for max 1 hour reduction.

[Vold]

I honestly don't care because I use my current 2 hours so rarely that I just don't even know anymore. They might as well not exist because you're constantly saving them "just in case" At this point it's just habit. I find myself using them right before I know I'm going to bed. So you know, whatever. It'll be nifty to see the adjustments and all but they'll still be as useless as ever because everyone saves them "just in case" due to the 2 hour restriction.

[MojoJojo]

meh, most people hang out in abyssea, and intense soothing light pyxides can reset your halfass shared 2hr timer....they're usually pretty plentiful :P

I'm wondering what nin 2hr merit will accomplish? Auto-reraise? Kick Nagi down another notch and give you 100% hp upon raise?

[Economizer]

I'm wondering what nin 2hr merit will accomplish? Auto-reraise? Kick Nagi down another notch and give you 100% hp upon raise?

Ultimately, SE should have never had a 2hour enhancement on Nagi, it isn't used as often as other job's enhancements. I think a better choice would be "Enhances Ninja Tool Expertise +25%" at level 75, and it scales up to 100% at 95, and at 99 it just allows you to use Ninjutsu without any tools in your inventory, or something much like this. Problem instantly solved and the weapon is still heavily desired. The 2hour bonus can be on the weapon still if people are attached too, but sheesh.