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.

[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?

[Atomic_Skull]

Calling it now.

Thief: Treasure Hunter IV

[Xellith]

Merit updates cant come soon enough. I've been capped on merits for over a year. This includes capping every single jobs merit category - all 20. I'm sure I'm not the only one frustrated at this lol.

[Rubicant82]

all I have to say to this is /sigh