I cannot understand how any Cleric cannot keep both skills maxed for their
level. I can understand how it could be difficult for a tank, seeing how
they have ALL the weapon choices to train in. But we have only 2 melee
skills to work on. Here's how I did it:
At 1st/2nd level the first thing I bought was a Worn Great Staff for around
2.5g for my 2HB skill. At this time I was primarily hunting skeletons in
Nektulos, and I don't know if I got lucky or not, but one of them spawned
with a Cracked Staff. Voila! My melee skill problems were then answered. By
4th level I had both skills maxed and have kept them maxed to this day. Now
I am 22nd level (115 skill) using a Staff of the Observers. Everytime I
level, I cast Hammer of Wrath and get 1HB maxed. Then I destroy it and go
back to my Staff, and of course by the time I level again 2HB will be maxed.

Now, as to never meleeing, I don't see how you don't. My group never minds
the extra 100-125 points of damage I can dish out per battle. I usually
blast once to pull, jump into melee, then back out and heal as needed.

Just some info and possible strategies to any newbies out there.

Drizben D'Vorn
Defiled High Priest of Innoruuk
Loyal Knight of Oblivion

> From: Sirensa Qi'Seraph [mailto:Sirensa@...]
>
> I would agree it is a personal choice :) At level 40 I have both
> 1HB and 2HB skills at about 100 which is about half of max for my level -
> and honestly this is because for the past 15-20 levels I don't melee -
> hardly ever. Weapon/Shield slots for me are used to gain as much +wis as
> possible ;) I can whack a MOB if necessary - but I usually cast.
>
> ~Siren
>