Summoner Revamp Ideas

[PriyaJugulataris]

*post*

You do realize that given the post I made, they would most likely lower the summoner's DPS ability rather than the pet's right? Since for max DPS, you'd keep Garuda out because of the magic damage buff? Also, the core mechanic wouldn't be rapid pet swaps, because in the post that I made, there's no benefit for switching repeatedly. The core mechanic would simply be the summon for the situation. Oh, we have more physical DPS then magic DPS, I should use ifrit. Oh we need adds destroyed fast, better use garuda to buff the black mage! Oh, a healer died during titan ex and I'm questioning this healer's abilities! I should use Titan. Ifrit EX is about to use Hellfire! I should use Ramuh! Enrage mode activated! I should use Leviathan. Oh, I have a couple of seconds before a major move! I should use Shiva to debuff the enemy, swiftcast summon titan/ramuh based on the type of damage to mitigate the damage (possibly use levi but honestly probably won't need it, given the earlier two steps), and then after applying dots and festering, summon back my primary DPS pet.

Pre Wings of Goddess, Summoner buffs were still widely used, and even afterwards when everyone switched to Fenrir, we still had Alexander as you stated. Still contradicts your original post, seeing as you said that utility would be lowered to FFXI levels.

No, it's a DoT class. It's a DoT class with a pet, but it's still primarily a DoT class. The class's core mechanic revolves around DoT's (Aetherflow) thus my issue with it. A pet class focuses around having pets, as should a summoner focus on its summons. The class design is solid, and it's great DPS, and fun to play. Your last statement is fragmented so I don't know what to say to that.

[Duelle]

Pre Wings of Goddess, Summoner buffs were still widely used, and even afterwards when everyone switched to Fenrir, we still had Alexander as you stated. Still contradicts your original post, seeing as you said that utility would be lowered to FFXI levels.

Not really, since Alexander was stupidly OPd. I will admit that I toned down my own post and had to delete that part, because I did get very nasty in mentioning SMN's shortcomings.

Also, the core mechanic wouldn't be rapid pet swaps, because in the post that I made, there's no benefit for switching repeatedly.

Spreading utility between egis would still lead to rapid swaps.

No, it's a DoT class. It's a DoT class with a pet, but it's still primarily a DoT class. The class's core mechanic revolves around DoT's (Aetherflow) thus my issue with it. A pet class focuses around having pets, as should a summoner focus on its summons.

It has a pet, the pet scales with the master's stats and you have limited ways of upkeep for said pet. You could complain about the DPS spread between master and pet, but in the end it is still a pet class.

I'm not going to expect a modern pet class to have the buff servitor line or other pet-only abilities seen throughout the years in MMOs (not with the ability limit that is in place AND the restrictions from the armoury system). It simply isn't reasonable given the design philosophies the devs have taken up.

I know that both aren't the same, in terms of function, and I'm not saying SMN needs more utility or to be a DPS/Support like BRD, but I would like the egi to have more of a presence in their gameplay.

DPS is a lot more cut and dry than other styles of play. When you split healing potential between a master and pet, you're going to need a LOT of micro-management because your healing throughput can make or break a group. SMN doesn't have this to deal with seeing that egi utility is somewhat limited (you could probably make a case for Ifrit's stun or any of the AoE abilities the egi's possess being micromanaged), and as long as t3h peeplez f4ll d0wn within a reasonable time you're still doing your job as a DPS. Granted that the whole Sic/Obey thing is in dire need of improvements, but that's why this is more evident in SCH than SMN.