My impressions so far -AST/WHM

[Roxas_Andrade]

Hello,

Since Famfrit is out now, I'm gonna take some time to say what I'm thinking about new AST and WHM. Also a little on RDM.

First thing I have to say is that I started playing the MSQ with my RDM and leaving AST to play the dungeons, since there's enough exp to level both. I'm liking RDM so far, specially because it didn't have any great changes except they got good AoE now. So far I'm lv 72 with them.

As for AST, I had to take some time to figure out cards, so I had some wipes on me. When I got the hang of it, Divination turned out to be the main mechanic on AST now. I just keep pulling cards and redrawing/throwing them and when I get 3 different seals, use Divination. While I wait for Divination CD I use Sleeve Draw and Lord/Lady the cards, but it's not that fun because I'm worried about the cards and then I forget my tank, which is dying, or I don't DPS at all. Problem is that the system is too complex and the impression to the player is that the reward is low.

When I tried WHM I saw a huge difference. First you have Regen long duration against Asp.Bene that had a duration nerf (It is more powerful now, but I have to pay closer attention so it doesn't wear off and my tank gets nothing on healing). When I'm WHM I get to throw a Regen and I can Holy spam like there's no tomorrow, I dont even have to untarget my tank (PS4 problems) to DPS, also with Afflatus being instant and with Tetra, my tank is always safe and I'm always DPSing. Even Assize doesnt need to be targeted.

When I'm AST I'm worried about the combination of seals, who I'm throwing my card to, when is Divination be up again, having to throw AspBene on tank, put Earthly Star on the ground(PS4 demands that i walk sometimes to put it in the right place alogside with camera controling), switch targets, use Gravity, use one more card, put Asp.Bene again, then use Essential Dignity, because tank is almost dead, keep healing the tank, throw one more card and that's it. The mob is gone and I just used one Gravity to do damage. (And one E.Star, but whatever)

When I'm a WHM I throw DivBenison on the tank, then a Regen, then Holy spam, than Assize. If the tank is low, I use one lilly or Tetra. Much more satisfying.

What could be done to AST:
Increase duration of Asp Bene, even if it is to get the total potency reduced. This way I have more time to do other things other than recast it;
Reduce the CD for Celestial Opposition and/or bring it's stun back. This way we'll have a regen on tank and a few stun seconds to manage something.
I will get Celestial Intersection in some time, making easier to throw a shield on the tank like I do with WHM, so I just guess I'll have to wait for it.
As for the cards, I don't know. It still seems like a lot of trouble to not seeing anything happenig. Maybe bring back Lord/Lady old effects?? When we are waiting for Divination, we can use Lord to do some damage or Lady to do some healing.

Also: Nocturnal AspBene is too costy.

Edit: I just thought now that with old Lord/Lady we could skip the whole Divination mechanic and only use them... well let each AST choose their poison, lol