While, for the most part, it is your decision, your *group* has a big say in
the matter. I can guarantee you that if you try to be a "melee" cleric at
high levels (except in easy fights, that is) you will develop a reputation
and have a *VERY* hard time getting into a good group. Good groups in EQ
are the difference between life and death, and are the ability to do things
far beyond your "normal" level. If you develop a reputation of not
utilizing your healing skills to their fullest, you will never been invited
to a group for the difficult adventures such as fighting Nagafen, or going
into the Plane of Fear (or any plane, for that matter). As GZ posted on
EQVault the other day, groups *expect* the healers to actually HEAL. We are
not there to add a measily amount of damage, we are there to
heal/med/heal/med/heal/med/buff. Unfortunately, there are far too many
clerics in the land of Norrath that still believe they can be a tank-healer.
This is not to say, however, that we cannot melee or use our damage spells.
You just have to learn judicious use of them and balance that with mana
usage, downtime, group dynamic and difficulty of the fight.
Astur il'Ayan, Cleric of Brell
Solusek Ro
> From: "Salt" <salt@...>
>
> So far everyone has said that sticking to casting is the way to go. I must
> say, that is the way I'm going to go. I would willingly give up my weapon
> for a +9 wis (or so) item. I don't mind being in a melee, but
> with a decent
> sized group, I will stay well away from the mobs so I can stick
> to what I do
> best (and enjoy most).
>
> Having said that, I must point out that it is my choice to do
> that. I'm not
> doing it because anyone told me to, I do it because it's how I
> like to play.
> Part of the reason I enjoy it so much is because I am able to make that
> decision. If I had to do it because I wasn't allowed any choice,
> it wouldn't
> be so appealing.
>
> From what you said, it sounds like you really want to go for the
> melee stats
> over wisdom. I encourage you to do so, for no other reason than
> because you
> want to. This is *your* character, you should play him the way *you* want.
> Make your decision based on what will get you more enjoyment from
> the game.
>
> Salt