Current thoughts on SCH vs AST (Fun casual)

[Lyrica_Ashtine]

SCH's easier, synergizes better with WHM/AST than WHM + AST

This much is true. Astrologians can technically fulfill the mitigator role in a way Scholar does, but it's nowhere as good. Among the healer combinations - without duplicates - White Mage + astrologian feels ass compared to White Mage/Astrologian paired up with a Scholar. Doesn't mean it's not viable, there are groups out there who actually do this and I've helped groups do savage as an Astrologian with a White Mage. It just feels less... optimal

.

As you've mentioned aspects as "fun" and "the other healer" in your Free Company, whichever healer you'll ultimately decide on is your choice alone. There are some things to consider. Primarily; what do you consider fun? Instant gratification? Busy jobs? Dexterous jobs? Quick decision making jobs? All three healers has the aspect of "planning" and "managing" and, as much as some people want to deny it, a good share of the (endgame) community expects a certain degree of healer DPS. You could shrug it off and join the posse of "not my job". This does come with a certain stigma the community will brand you with.

So while we're on this topic, do elaborate the elements you like to define as "fun". That will help us help you more than some random opinions scattered left and right

[Nirurin]

So while we're on this topic, do elaborate the elements you like to define as "fun".

I don't usually like simple/repetitive roles. Paladin (early levels) was slightly dull (I preferred the look compared to warrior) but I didn't notice it much because I was still learning all the dungeons etc, simple was good. Now I'm higher level I have more tools to play with, as well as cooldowns to keep track of in big fights. (I do intend to make a DRK eventually, not anytime soon).

All healers are complex enough for me, as healing as a job generally requires a fair bit of concentration.

I guess cool flashy and entertaining moves and animations are a plus, I suppose AST gets points for being new and having gravity haha. Shame it's 52 and not 50, I hear that causes it to be unusable quite often (roulettes I guess).

I use a ps4 controller, if that makes any difference. I think scholar is doable using controls, even with the pet commands.

[Lyrica_Ashtine]

I don't usually like simple/repetitive roles. Paladin (early levels) was slightly dull (I preferred the look compared to warrior) but I didn't notice it much because I was still learning all the dungeons etc, simple was good. Now I'm higher level I have more tools to play with, as well as cooldowns to keep track of in big fights. (I do intend to make a DRK eventually, not anytime soon).

All healers are complex enough for me, as healing as a job generally requires a fair bit of concentration.

I guess cool flashy and entertaining moves and animations are a plus, I suppose AST gets points for being new and having gravity haha. Shame it's 52 and not 50, I hear that causes it to be unusable quite often (roulettes I guess).

I use a ps4 controller, if that makes any difference. I think scholar is doable using controls, even with the pet commands.

I'm going to step on a landmine myself here. But here we go: The act of healing itself is simple. In most content you can simply get away by waiting for things to happen and fill up the HP bars afterwards. Something happened? Press 1 to cure. That melee got cleaved? Press 1 to cure. Tank took a big hit? Press 2 to cure II. I think you get it by now. Making use of your entire kit and and pushing your own limits without burdening the party is a whole different cookie, but I'll omit this for now.

As for "simple/repetitive" jobs, White mage may actually be the closest thing that would describe this. They're pretty much the bare bones healer among the choices you have as they're pretty much either healing or dealing damage with the latter being optional. But considering this wasn't within the choices you had in mind, it shouldn't matter. Rather, you've been quite... enthusiastic, if I were to describe it, about Astrologian. Perhaps you've already made your choice

[Nirurin]

Rather, you've been quite... enthusiastic, if I were to describe it, about Astrologian. Perhaps you've already made your choice

I like both of them, they both have good points (and bad). I guess I just wanted some opinions before I made my first choice, but I expect I'll end up trying them both eventually anyway!

I'm level 50 now, but I suspect I'm still a long way in the MSQ before I get to ishgard so AST may just have to wait.