WHM vs. SCH -- What is the basic difference.

[Quinaeats]

I understand that they are two different jobs and I understand that there are many minor mechanics that we could drill down tooth and nail on what one does and the other doesn't, but what is the main purpose of both and what roles should they be playing in Full Parties/ Raids? What are their responsibilities?

[Taika]

SCH is a great main tank / single person healer and WHM has stronger AoE heals. I think that's the biggest difference. Playstyle wise WHM is more straight forward and will usually focus on either healing or nuking depending on the phase whereas SCH will shield the group and tank(s) while keeping Shadowflare and DoTs up and is usually also responsible for raises and leeches.

[NintenPyjak64]

A good way to look at it is that WHM is a reactive healer meaning you see people take damage you cure it all up. SCH is a proactive healer which means if people are about to take damage, you mitigate the damage.

[Taika]

A good way to look at it is that WHM is a reactive healer meaning you see people take damage you cure it all up.

WHM also has to play proactively, though, as they should be casting the heal before the actual damage is taken.

[Cynfael]

WHM also has to play proactively, though, as they should be casting the heal before the actual damage is taken.

Definitely this. While it's true that quickly recovering the party from AoE damage spikes is a WHM strength, they also need to anticipate incoming damage to be successful. A slow, inattentive healer makes life unnecessarily difficult for their fellow healer in full party content since they can't be trusted to heal when they should.

[Quinaeats]

Awesome! Thanks for the clarification, I didn't want to step on a Scholar's toes in a Full Party or raid situation in the future..!

[givemeraptors]

In addition to the single target vs. AoE heal there's also a massive difference in terms of MP and aggro management. WHM have to be fairly conservative with their heals and really maximize their usage of Shroud of Saints whereas a SCH who knows how to manage their Aetherflow stacks can avoid ever dropping below 75% MP and their fairy splits aggro to make it a moot issue most of the time.

[DarkLordCthulhu]

Its usually the SCH responsibility to keep up stoneskin on most fights. I know WHM get the trait that enhances the % of hp , however, we (SCHs) have MANA for days and it can drain your mp if youre not careful. The only fight ive done were the WHM is keeping up ss is levi ex. OT needs that extra 8% granite skin provides. SCH will usually embrace spam the ot to avoid the debuff.
But its all pretty much summed up with the previous post. WHM is better AoE healing and SCH single target healing. In some parties ive been asked to keep up both tanks while WHM heals DPS and chips in on tank healing when necessary.

[Eggnook24]

The difference is fun and boring, all depend any on your own play style.

[Bigpurpleharness]

I understand that they are two different jobs and I understand that there are many minor mechanics that we could drill down tooth and nail on what one does and the other doesn't, but what is the main purpose of both and what roles should they be playing in Full Parties/ Raids? What are their responsibilities?

SCH rocks single target damage and healing. WHM rocks AoE damage and healing.

SCH has more shields and better MP/enmity management.

WHM has magic defense rolled into protect.