RIP WHM/SCH

[NorthernLadMSP]

While I want to keep a hopeful, open mind about AST (because I'm really excited for it), I keep reading about how their DPS is lower than WHM/SCH, that their healing mode is weaker than WHM and their shield mode is weaker than SCH. Makes me wonder if AST is going to be unwanted right from the get go. I mean if they're weaker in all three aspects (DPS, healing and shielding) their card buffs sure probably won't make up for those shortcomings.

I hope I'm wrong.

[Arcana]

While I want to keep a hopeful, open mind about AST (because I'm really excited for it), I keep reading about how their DPS is lower than WHM/SCH, that their healing mode is weaker than WHM and their shield mode is weaker than SCH. Makes me wonder if AST is going to be unwanted right from the get go. I mean if they're weaker in all three aspects (DPS, healing and shielding) their card buffs sure probably won't make up for those shortcomings.

I hope I'm wrong.

I have the same concerns. I really want to know more about this job because atm doesnt feel awesome.

[Cynfael]

I have the same concerns. I really want to know more about this job because atm doesnt feel awesome.

To be fair, it's not going to feel like anything until we actually get to play it. The first impressions of a handful of people who got to dink around on a test client don't hold a great deal of weight with me; I like to read their opinions, but I'm not expecting any definitive evaluations.

When it all goes live, I'll start finding things about which to be concerned.

[LycorisSelunis]

When it all goes live, I'll start finding things about which to be concerned.

Or things to be happy with :3 Optimism!

Either way I find it hilarious that what people originally touted as the death of the existing healers in this game, seems to have turned into the potentially underpowered healer. I still think all 3 will be viable and fun, but that may just be me.

[xxhieixx]

To be fair, it's not going to feel like anything until we actually get to play it. The first impressions of a handful of people who got to dink around on a test client don't hold a great deal of weight with me; I like to read their opinions, but I'm not expecting any definitive evaluations.

When it all goes live, I'll start finding things about which to be concerned.

Right. I love how everyone freaks out before they even get to play any of the classes or content.

[Nihility]

While I want to keep a hopeful, open mind about AST (because I'm really excited for it), I keep reading about how their DPS is lower than WHM/SCH, that their healing mode is weaker than WHM and their shield mode is weaker than SCH. Makes me wonder if AST is going to be unwanted right from the get go. I mean if they're weaker in all three aspects (DPS, healing and shielding) their card buffs sure probably won't make up for those shortcomings.

I hope I'm wrong.

The things keeping me hopeful is.
An astrologian will have to be strong enough to do 4 man content or it won't even be viable as a healer at all so their healing must be at least that capable
and If their non-healing aspect, cards and other utility, is desirable in a group....

playing an astrologian exactly the opposite of what SE intends might actually be rather powerful in a full party.

If you use nocturnal sect while with a scholar you'll be applying the nocturnal shields and galvanize together. That should be a pretty considerable amount of mitigation
and if your playing diurnal sect with a white mage the diurnal regen coupled with the white mage regens should be a whole ton of regeneration. I mean I'm sure everyone has seen how strong a doubled up medica II works out to be

There is also the 2 spells that were mentioned that seem like they may be the astrologian's trump cards.
I saw nothing about a buff spreading skill for astrologian but they do have a buff extending skill and it was not said if it only applies to cards or everything. Imagine how powerful a skill that let's you extend every buff on a select person for 10s would be? But considering how strong that would be it likely is only for cards

and this 'stasis field' thing they get at 60. That sounds like the sort of thing that can let your entire group straight up skip a mechanic if they choose to, seems like it might be something very special

[LycorisSelunis]

If you use nocturnal sect while with a scholar you'll be applying the nocturnal shields and galvanize together. That should be a pretty considerable amount of mitigation
and if your playing diurnal sect with a white mage the diurnal regen coupled with the white mage regens should be a whole ton of regeneration. I mean I'm sure everyone has seen how strong a doubled up medica II works out to be

Sadly though we have no way of being sure that the shields will stack, although I would love it if they did. :/ the fact that 2 whms can stack regens but sch cannot stack shields right now is rather inconsistent imo. And if they thought 2 sch stacking shields might have been OP I can't help but wonder if ast shields will stack. Though I do agree that it seems likely the regens will.

[technole]

Sadly though we have no way of being sure that the shields will stack, although I would love it if they did. :/ the fact that 2 whms can stack regens but sch cannot stack shields right now is rather inconsistent imo. And if they thought 2 sch stacking shields might have been OP I can't help but wonder if ast shields will stack. Though I do agree that it seems likely the regens will.

Stacking shields would be too OP with current content and would negate many end-game mechanics. Whispering Dawn does stack for SCHs today, no reason future regens won't.