Black Mage Sanctuary - A Guide to DPS

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waliel

Let's see here... After the opener shenanigans, I hit B3 and I'm left with around 200 mana or whatever, which means I have to wait for a mana tick before I can cast B4. Now if I had enough Piety to always cast B1 while waiting for that long tick, which seems to be the case more often than not, I would be actually doing something instead of just standing around looking stupid for three seconds. I guess I could just do the opener with Flare to solve that problem, but I'd have to spend like five minutes learning it and I'm lazy. Now if it could be solved instead by just putting one stat point into PIE, I'd do just that.

---

Honestly I'd rather gamble on smashing B4 for a mana tick than B1 at that point. That's just me though, I'm not sure if the math supports that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waliel

Let's see here... After the opener shenanigans, I hit B3 and I'm left with around 200 mana or whatever, which means I have to wait for a mana tick before I can cast B4.

---

If you are opening with a F3, then you will need about 365 Piety to have enough MP to jump into B4.

If you start with a B3, then you will always have enough MP for it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hontaro

You need 279 PIE (including party bonus) to use B3 after that opener, which is about 273 base PIE I think.
(Calculated with 8 Mana per 1 PIE which was the last known value to me I think. Just get that item which resets your character points and check how much PIE you actually need.)

---

6.75 MP per PIE at 60, it got nerfed hardcore in HW

I have had nothing but sucess with this opening rotation(Pulling 1100 on some pretty heavy movement fights)

Ley > B3 > T1 > Sharp > F3 > Eno > RS > F1 > F4x3 > CONVERT > F4x3 > B3 > B4

Main Rotation: F3 > F4x2 > F1 > F4x2 > FS proc(F1 if not) > B3 > B4 (sometimes TC or T1)

Depending on what happens time wise after the last b4 in opener, I either have a moment to cast a TC proc or throw in a quick blizzard to keep momentum. It's really hit or miss if I need to do that between sequences.

Wanted to add, this is at 191 ilvl

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hontaro

B3

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StouterTaru

B4

---

Not what what I asked. Am I just that bad at explaining things? Nothing about B3, nothing about B4, all about B1 right after B3.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sleigh

Honestly I'd rather gamble on smashing B4 for a mana tick than B1 at that point. That's just me though, I'm not sure if the math supports that.

---

That's what I'm doing right now, but there's plenty of times when I see a neutral mana tick during the transition from AF to UI with B3, so I could use that to know when I'm in the clear to B1. Would certainly be a gain in that situation.

Was a typo, I meant B1.
I was at 269 PIE and lacking 77 mana, which translates to 12 PIE missing. So you're gonna need 281 Piety.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aikaal

I have moved the guide to this thread by the way and the updates will be made here for now on.

---

Thanks for the guide, it has helped me a lot especially the videos. One suggestion, is it possible that you move the rotation tables to a link to a google doc instead so we can read it better?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aikaal

.... stepped down from Solitude and went back to Gilgamesh where I know basically almost everybody <3....

---

♪ Sometimes u wannna go..where everybooody knooows your naaaame....and they're allllways glaad u caaaame ♪

Reference https://youtu.be/h-mi0r0LpXo?t=39

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hontaro

Was a typo, I meant B1.
I was at 269 PIE and lacking 77 mana, which translates to 12 PIE missing. So you're gonna need 281 Piety.

---

'Aight. Seems a bit too steep for stat points then. Oh well.

Hello, I finally got around to get my BLM to Lv 60. Absolutely love the crazy burst and AoE damage alongside with my Dragoons.

I have some few questions regarding what's inside BLM rotation since I'm used to the dead-set-in-stone rotation like DRG.

1. According to the chart, if for example I were to use the rotation Aikaal stated while we're in Umbral Ice.

Aikaal said that we're to pre-cast Sharpcast + Enochian, and then start with F1 > F4x2 > F3P >F4x2 >Blizz III.

My question is... how? Won't the Umbral ice disappear after you cast F1? Is this what I think it is?
Umbral Ice rotations are always finished with Fire III, making you end up with 3 AF stacks, and then you start the rotation with sharpcasted F1?


2. From what I've read, we're to delay Leylines if it's 20 seconds to Raging Strikes uptime, is it because the faster DPS deliverance Leylines give is inferior to the 20 seconds delay compared to using both 20 seconds later?

3. Also question about procs, since we're mainly rotating 2 procs here, TBolt and Fstarter.

Do we delay Fstarter and only use them at one point in the rotation (after 1 F4 or 2 F4) to extend our Astral Fire ? Or use it instantly the moment they're up?
Judging from the charts, it's the former, but figure I might ask.

I've been using Fstarter instantly pre-60, Also TBolt, but to other target since 1 already has the Thunder DoT.

Thanks for the great guide!

Extra question :

What interrupts your spell? I remember receiving some damage from casted skills i.e. Black Nebula(?) From the walking armor in The Vault, sometimes it interrupts my casting, sometime it doesn't.

I'm guessing it got to do with the damage exceeding x% of your current HP/MHP? Or if the skill was critical or not.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

1. According to the chart, if for example I were to use the rotation Aikaal stated while we're in Umbral Ice.

Aikaal said that we're to pre-cast Sharpcast + Enochian, and then start with F1 > F4x2 > F3P >F4x2 >Blizz III.

---

All my Umbral Ice rotations end with Fire 3 so you'll be fine.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

2. From what I've read, we're to delay Leylines if it's 20 seconds to Raging Strikes uptime, is it because the faster DPS deliverance Leylines give is inferior to the 20 seconds delay compared to using both 20 seconds later?

---

Raging Strikes can be use on the 30 seconds Enochian or 20 seconds one. Because Enochian will be up in the middle of your 20 seconds rotation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

3. Also question about procs, since we're mainly rotating 2 procs here, TBolt and Fstarter.

---

I personally delay procs as far as possible. I use them to have better positioning or when I have to deal mechanics.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

Thanks for the great guide!

---

Thanks for the support <3

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

Extra question :

What interrupts your spell? I remember receiving some damage from casted skills i.e. Black Nebula(?) From the walking armor in The Vault, sometimes it interrupts my casting, sometime it doesn't.

I'm guessing it got to do with the damage exceeding x% of your current HP/MHP? Or if the skill was critical or not.

---

Certain abilities interrupt spells. 98% of mechanics you need to take won't interrupt you. The only ones I remember were Nael's Mega Flare in T9S and Twintania's Fireball in T5.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aikaal

Raging Strikes can be use on the 30 seconds Enochian or 20 seconds one. Because Enochian will be up in the middle of your 20 seconds rotation.

---

I believe you meant Leyline instead of Enochian.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aikaal

I personally delay procs as far as possible. I use them to have better positioning or when I have to deal mechanics.

---

Thank you for your input on this, I have been in trouble wondering whether to use them or not especially if multiple procs are happening, it just feels like a waste to not use them :(


One more question, sorry if I'm asking too much, is there any tips/trick you can give so we won't interrupt our own spells because of mobs moving outside of 50-60 degrees from our sightline?
I'm using that option where we will "Set our sight on the target" the moment we press a skill button, but on some, more move-y battle, the mobs will run around hitting either tank/healer and interrupting my cast, I can neutralize it by right-clicking and manually moving the camera so the mobs is in my sightline.

Just wondering if there's an easier way.

@ Greyfrost hit "F" during the cast (f standard is to face target) or, if you play on ps, create a macro with "/facetarget" ... but this is my way...

u can also set the control-settings, that when u move the camera, your char will look that way ... i know some ppl how're playing with this setting...but i can't play with that cause (for me) it seems to be harder to dodge aoes

these are the options u have :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AkkoAihara

@ Greyfrost hit "F" during the cast (f standard is to face target) or, if you play on ps, create a macro with "/facetarget" ... but this is my way...

---

Thanks Akko! Will have to set the "Face Target" to another key because I'm using "F" for my hotbar skill xD

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

I believe you meant Leyline instead of Enochian.

Thank you for your input on this, I have been in trouble wondering whether to use them or not especially if multiple procs are happening, it just feels like a waste to not use them :(


One more question, sorry if I'm asking too much, is there any tips/trick you can give so we won't interrupt our own spells because of mobs moving outside of 50-60 degrees from our sightline?
I'm using that option where we will "Set our sight on the target" the moment we press a skill button, but on some, more move-y battle, the mobs will run around hitting either tank/healer and interrupting my cast, I can neutralize it by right-clicking and manually moving the camera so the mobs is in my sightline.

Just wondering if there's an easier way.

---

I did meant Enochian there. But you do want to use Leylines with RS also.

I draw a mental line on the screen of the mob movement. Then I move my character's point of view in the middle. You have easily an angle of 90 degrees where you can cast spells. I avoid being close of the mob usually but I take note when the WHm needs me to take Medica II and Medica spells. A tank may troll you and move the mob around on purpose to screw you around.

Personally, my "F" button is Leylines lol

So, the conclusion I'm getting is to never use leyline as a single buff but instead delay it so it'll always be either Leyline + Eno, or Leyline + RS, or Ley + RS + Eno.

Don't use/delay Leyline until one of the other two is up? Is this correct xD

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aikaal

I draw a mental line on the screen of the mob movement. Then I move my character's point of view in the middle. You have easily an angle of 90 degrees where you can cast spells.

---

Yeah, usually I do this, it helps, the sad part is not knowing whether the spell will be interrupted or not until the cast ends. :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

So, the conclusion I'm getting is to never use leyline as a single buff but instead delay it so it'll always be either Leyline + Eno, or Leyline + RS, or Ley + RS + Eno.

Don't use/delay Leyline until one of the other two is up? Is this correct xD



Yeah, usually I do this, it helps, the sad part is not knowing whether the spell will be interrupted or not until the cast ends. :(

---

I personally use the /facetarget macro as I'm a controller player. It's bound to my expanded hotbar. Works about 98% of the time. Only if the mob runs directly through you do I ever notice it still interrupting me. Just use an ability and while it's casting, just spam the hell outta facetarget and it works like a charm.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

So, the conclusion I'm getting is to never use leyline as a single buff but instead delay it so it'll always be either Leyline + Eno, or Leyline + RS, or Ley + RS + Eno.

Don't use/delay Leyline until one of the other two is up? Is this correct xD

---

The reason you can use RS during 20 second Enochian is that you can just refresh it to the maximum duration with the skill itself mid rotation. Enochian should always be up and use Ley on cooldown, unless there is a phase change or the likes about to happen or the timings between Ley and RS don't line up because of delays and whatnot. The knowledge to use or not to use certain things comes with practice and learning the different fights and their timings.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyfrost

So, the conclusion I'm getting is to never use leyline as a single buff but instead delay it so it'll always be either Leyline + Eno, or Leyline + RS, or Ley + RS + Eno.

Don't use/delay Leyline until one of the other two is up? Is this correct xD



Yeah, usually I do this, it helps, the sad part is not knowing whether the spell will be interrupted or not until the cast ends. :(

---

Leylines is 90 seconds cooldown. Raging strikes is 180 seconds, you should be using it twice as much as Raging Strikes

Ok.. I'm sooooo sorry, but google has not been my friend. Can anyone discreetly and courteously let me know the caster acc caps for savage? I believe it's AS1 - 495, AS2 - 520, AS3 - 530 and AS4 -540 (but could be wrong). And 71 pages is just too much to sift thru on the company dime. Just looking to mix and match eso/sav gear optimally and have some eso purchase decisions to make.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mercutial

Ok.. I'm sooooo sorry, but google has not been my friend. Can anyone discreetly and courteously let me know the caster acc caps for savage? I believe it's AS1 - 495, AS2 - 520, AS3 - 530 and AS4 -540 (but could be wrong). And 71 pages is just too much to sift thru on the company dime. Just looking to mix and match eso/sav gear optimally and have some eso purchase decisions to make.

---

Those numbers are correct.

Anyone worked out the stat weights for BLM yet ? ;-;

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OneWingedSora

Anyone worked out the stat weights for BLM yet ? ;-;

---

Unfortunately not. But I do suspect Acc > Int > Spd > Crit > Det should be the guide line we should follow.

How do you guys handle the add phase in A3S?

Our first approach was to put melee on the big adds for stun/silence, and me and the bard on opposite sides to kill the small adds. Still not sure if it'll be hard damagewise ... do you keep spamming F4 or old rota for faster casts?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Primm

How do you guys handle the add phase in A3S?

Our first approach was to put melee on the big adds for stun/silence, and me and the bard on opposite sides to kill the small adds. Still not sure if it'll be hard damagewise ... do you keep spamming F4 or old rota for faster casts?

---

I don't BLM in A3S much anymore (maybe soon) but what I'd recommend is one F4 per above 60% HP enemy. At this point they die too quick, double casts might get canceled if a MCH/BRD hits yours as well and does a Mercy Stroke equivalent before you're done. Only B1 before/after B4 in UI phase if you need 2 ticks. Magnets usually require Swiftcast or an early B3 to minimize the DPS loss.

Even if you start casting a spell at say, 10% of an add hp and it dies mid cast, your cast will still register.

Yeah but why would you? Usually if you start casting at a 10% HP enemy it won't be around for the 70% cast bar snapshot (which is arguably worse than a canceled cast regardless unless it messes up AF/Enochian). If you've coordinated with the group that you are the only one going to attack it, sure, but even then a F4 or even a F1 is wasted on a 10% HP enemy in that phase unless it's needed/the only thing to attack.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sleigh

Yeah but why would you? Usually if you start casting at a 10% HP enemy it won't be around for the 70% cast bar snapshot (which is arguably worse than a canceled cast regardless unless it messes up AF/Enochian). If you've coordinated with the group that you are the only one going to attack it, sure, but even then a F4 or even a F1 is wasted on a 10% HP enemy in that phase unless it's needed/the only thing to attack.

---

Because the adds die too fast anyway and sometimes a 10% add might be all that's available to hit inbetween waves, so might as well hit it.

If that's all you can attack, then of course.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sleigh

I don't BLM in A3S much anymore (maybe soon) but what I'd recommend is one F4 per above 60% HP enemy. At this point they die too quick, double casts might get canceled if a MCH/BRD hits yours as well and does a Mercy Stroke equivalent before you're done. Only B1 before/after B4 in UI phase if you need 2 ticks. Magnets usually require Swiftcast or an early B3 to minimize the DPS loss.

---

I actually do 4 Enochian rotation during the add phase. Because between a Fire 1 or a Fire IV on a mob that has 3k health. Its gonna die anyways. It mattered in progression I guess but in farm... me and my DPS are basically stealing each others the mobs lol.

I only have BLM to level 50 but i really feel so powwerful compared to my ninja and leveling it i always "felt" i was doing alot of damage in group. This job is so freaking fun

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aikaal

I actually do 4 Enochian rotation during the add phase. Because between a Fire 1 or a Fire IV on a mob that has 3k health. Its gonna die anyways. It mattered in progression I guess but in farm... me and my DPS are basically stealing each others the mobs lol.

---

I think our MNK lost GL3 this week during the transition from add phase to Pepsiman, and that was with me on SMN just Miasma spamming. I think it's gonna mess with the parses with i210 weapons when BRD/MCH/BLM can milk a lot in this phase and all the melee are traveling to dead enemies.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sleigh

I think our MNK lost GL3 this week during the transition from add phase to Pepsiman, and that was with me on SMN just Miasma spamming. I think it's gonna mess with the parses with i210 weapons when BRD/MCH/BLM can milk a lot in this phase and all the melee are traveling to dead enemies.

---

Yes xD That happens. I don't run with Monk anymore so it doesn't happen to my group. It's the same with A2S. You are SMN and you feel you should be doing more damage but in reality your group is doing more damage and eating your AoE.

So errr, yeah, thanks to the guides and pointers from fellow BLMs, I've finally gotten the hang of Enochian and Fire IV.

Sharpcasted F1 in the opener is a godsent, I still need to get better though, because from pre-60 BLM playstyle, I immediately cast B3 to switch to UI when AF stacks timer is running out, this is becoming a habit when what I actually need to do is to refresh the AF timer with F1 and keep casting F4.

I'm not sure if this is a latency problem, but during UI rotation and we're ending it with F3, can you guys cast F4 as soon as F3's cast finishes?

The closest to what I meant by being as soon as a X cast finishes would be chaining F1 I guess, yeah, as fast as that, is it possible?
Because from my experiment, I can't cast a F4 as soon as the F3 cast inside UI rotation finishes, I need to wait until the AFIII buff is applied, and that's an extra of around 0.2-0.3s.

No you definitely have to wait about a couple tenths of a second before you can do a F4, but unless you have Sharpcast up there's no way around it. A minor annoyance, but no big deal.

F4 requires AF so things happen. What also matters, is that UI and AF only affects cast but not recast, making your recast actually higher than your cast time during the transitions; you can't even F1 immediately after F3 if you look closely. There is also a small delay between B3 into B1 or B4 because of that. The little animations you do after your cast finishes conceal it pretty well, though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waliel

UI and AF only affects cast but not recast, making your recast actually higher than your cast time during the transitions; you can't even F1 immediately after F3 if you look closely.

---

You might not be able to cast F1 right at the end of F3 cast, but you can queue it up to cast right at the end of the GCD. F4 requires the animation to complete before it lets you think about starting a cast.

How is Det scaling to magic potency?

Eso has a lot of ACC and only way to distribute the stats currently is to wear Asuran on some parts but that decreases magic potency in return to additional DET. Talking about 16 magic potency vs. 80+ det.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kenventa

How is Det scaling to magic potency?

Eso has a lot of ACC and only way to distribute the stats currently is to wear Asuran on some parts but that decreases magic potency in return to additional DET. Talking about 16 magic potency vs. 80+ det.

---

You'd need DET to be worth 0.2 INT to make up for that INT loss, and I doubt the stat weight is that high considering DRG/MNK/BRD are only around 0.14.

Started up this progression as SMN, ended up as BLM. Dang, I think we're still looking at a very well dressed up, hidden ARR situation where BLM still smokes SMN by 10% minimum (on ST, of course) and where there's a will to mitigate movement, there's a way, and BLM is just more damage. Then again, SMN's got a lot of advantages to it, AoE, consistency, and different, sometimes more handy utility, but golly BLM is so good. It'll be hard to decide where I fall next progression, but then again I think we'll be using shared tome gear from now on and it's gonna be a situation where we pick and choose all day per the fight without downsides.