Protect? Really important? Low level content

[ArcheDragon]

What I mean is, is it worth ditching a DF group for Brayflox (normal) if the healer doesn't run it? I'm a level 58 scholar and when I told the tank that I didn't have protect cross classed low enough they just left.

I was using Cleric Stance, Swift Cast, and Blizzard II. Those are followed by Protect and Stoneskin but aren't allowed in Brayflox. The way that I see it is that as a SCH I don't have to do much healing at that level and so I'm benefited more by having more dps. It should also be noted that Blizzard II has a potency of 50 while Ruin I has a potency of 80. This means that in fights where there is more than a single enemy, Blizzard II is more effective. And mana isn't an issue.

I'd like to reiterate one thing. This wasn't progression content. This was Brayflox Longstop Normal. I am well aware that a 30 minute 5% mitigation is very important in difficult content, though you wouldn't believe it based on some of the hate that I got for it.

What are your thoughts? Actually important/necessary? or Too ingrained to debate?

[GideonHighmourn]

During lower level dungeons, it's really not that important. However, I'd definitely rank it higher than Blizzard II in importance at that level. I keep Cleric Stance, Protect, Swiftcast, and Blizzard II/Aero, generally in that order.

Worth leaving over, though? No.

[Skapoc]

LOL You could just move your Protect cross class to the first slot and then cast protect. After its casted you move it out of the first slot for something more important. Takes a minute tops.

[Aurum]

I'd say for any dungeon sub-30 it's pretty much optional. Bray, however, is the first dungeon where the difficulty ramps up a bit and the 10% damage reduction isn't something I'd run without if there were new people in the party, especially if either of them was the tank or the healer.

[Dotsusama]

I was playing Haukke NM earlier on my DRK which does not honestly have great gear, and the AST either didn't have protect or just didn't want to use it. I didn't press, and we actually completed the whole dungeon with a SMN and newbie MNK without anyone dying or coming close to it. So I'd say its importance is not SUPER vital but certainly helpful.

[Leiloni]

I would switch out Blizzard II for Protect IMO. You're a healer first so those sorts of skills should take priority. You have plenty of skills you can dps with so it's really not essential to bring another.

[Nekotee]

I must agree, Blizzard II is an awful skill to have. Get your protect it help a lot.
Especially if you are a SCH, because it allow the fairy to solo heal the whole time.

The best is "Protect, swiftcast, stoneskin, cleric stance, aero"

[AlexanderThorolund]

Is this a troll thread? Protect your party. It's your job!

[Cynfael]

Protect buff icon is more of a placebo in low-level duties (you could turn off the effect while leaving the icon up, and absolutely no one would notice) but yes, it's an ingrained expectation. Probably just as well since most people learn to wait for buffs this way.

[Wizarus]

Cleric Stance, Aero, Swiftcast, Protect, Stoneskin in that order. Protect isn't anywhere near as good as Aero until level 40ish.