The Problem with Red Mage . . .

[saevel]

No, we're not. We are talking about applicable situations where RDMs would melee and the actual merits of doing so. You know, actually playing the game as a RDM.....

Now for this. We were discussing the optimum melee builds for damage, thus we're using the highest damage output you can get. That means STR sword off hand and either Almace or Excal (with Almace being better on anything higher then you).

Now if we want to discuss situation use, upon which I mentioned earlier Sanus Ensis and PDT sword, then we can do that. Honestly "best" off hand weapon for RDM for melee situations is usually Sanus due to the cure pot / cure received and stats involved. There is something to be said for +13% Cure Pot and +10% Cure Received on a job that has native skill and Cure IV. Here your sacrificing 21 Attack for 2STR, 13MND and the cure effects while still maintaining a high DMG weapon. The PDT sword also comes into play for when your playing defensive and need to reduce the damage your taking.

Both of those are better "alternative / situational" weapons then Eph.

Now what this is really all about. Your butt hurt that we're telling you the STR Sword is your best off hand weapon. Maybe you don't have one or you don't want to spend the time / money to make one. You got lucky and got an Eph and your feeling attached to a rather rare item and want to use it.

I don't give a rats a$$ about the snowflake argument.