Bard Mult-dotting?

[Darwyn_Ulondarr]

I'm curious as to what everyone's thoughts are on the concept of multi-dotting with the Bard. Perhaps in situations where there aren't quite enough mobs to justify going into a full AoE rotation. All this assumes that the healer and tank are comfortable with a slight slowdown in the elimination of the party's first primary target, and that you won't disrupt any crowd control.

Worth it under the right conditions?

[Vmage]

once windbite ticks three times, it's done more damage than a heavy shot.

once venomous ticks twice, it's done more damage than a heavy shot.

the "right condition" varies a bit, on things that are actually dying quickly you're better off just aoe'ing with 3+ mobs, you're always better off multi-dotting with only two though

if it's a durable 3 pack, you're best served to dot all 3 things before aoe'ing (by durable i mean your dots are practically up for their full duration, else you're better off aoe'ing)


tldr - yes, way more often than people do (cough caduceus cough)

[Darwyn_Ulondarr]

Makes good sense. I was thinking similar things. Thanks for weighing in.

[skho01]

I personally dot everything in most situations. AK is definitely one of those situations. My rotation is Straight Shot, Internal Release, dot every mob. Bloodletter procs like mad.

[Bardo]

Because of the constant bloodletter procs you will get from multi-dotting, I believe it's actually better (both tp efficiency and damage) all the way up to 5 mobs. 5+, the AoE rotation takes over.

[Mikedizzy]

I personally DOT up all mobs up to 3 mobs and then kill in order that tank has set up. Four or more I just buff and AoE.

[Darwyn_Ulondarr]

Excellent insights. Thanks everyone.

[AkashiXI]

A great time to multi-dot in a realistic, party helpful way is Turn 1 Snake. My group burns one snake and then the next, so I always keep dots on both to make the second go by quicker. Another example would be phase 2 on Turn 4. Getting dots on both knights will overall quicken the death of both, depending on how good your dps are.

[Darwyn_Ulondarr]

Great. I love specific advice and scenarios; if anyone else has any others or other recommendations, please feel free to keep them coming. I've been experimenting more with it, and I like what I'm seeing.

[meJojo]

Only worth doing on cases like Caduceus and knights. Also consider keeping rain of death on both targets.