WARCRYER (what and how)
Recently came across a small but quite good guide on WC at boards.lineage2.com. Here's my translation :).
WARCRYER
INTRODUCTION
The role of any class in the game is determined by its stats and skills. Tattoos, clothing, and weapons can slightly change the situation, but only to a certain extent. So, what role is prepared for WARCRYER in L2? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Physical Statistics:
I think it’s best to start the class overview with statistics. Warcryer is a magic class and is primarily considered as a buffer. Its physical stats (CON, DEX, STR) are higher than those of any other mage. This is why Warcryer is called a hybrid class (a combination of Warrior-Mage). This class also has access to clothing of any type (there are passive skills for Robe, Light, Heavy). These factors give Warcryer the ability to solo-level up while using close-combat weapons (used by DD classes).
INT/WIT is the lowest among all mages for Warcryer; however, the MEN of this class is the highest in the game. This means that despite having a weak Magic Attack and low casting speed, WC has increased M.Def, MP pool, and MP regeneration rate.
Unique Abilities:
NC tries to give each class unique abilities and skills. For Warcryer, these unique abilities lie in party buffs and skills (76+)
Advantages of party buffs:
- Saves MPs of other healer-buffers, allowing them to focus on healing.
- The fastest buffing speed for the entire party.
- No issue with someone’s buff ending while others still have 2-3 minutes left.
The only downside of Warcryer buffs is the high MP consumption (after full buff, there is almost no mana left). However, this issue is resolved at level 70+ when combo-buffs appear that save a lot of MP.
Skills
WC obtains a range of attacking skills:
- Hammer crush: an attack that deals damage and also stuns the opponent (requires blant). Orc mystics are the only ones among all magic classes to obtain such a skill.
- Steal essence: This is a strong magic attack that deals damage to the opponent and restores a (large) percentage of HP to the caster. The downsides of this skill are: high MP cost and low INT.
- Burning chop: is an ability added in CT Final. It deals damage and has a chance to apply DoT (similar to freezing flame).
- Soul Cry: this is an active skill that significantly increases your Patk but consumes mana as long as it’s active. The good news is that the mana consumption for this skill has been significantly reduced since Hellbound.. Currently (with the new passive MP regen), you can stay under this skill almost all the time.
- Freezing flame: damage is dealt over time (DOT effect).
- Venom is a Dot similar to Freezing flame attack. It was absolutely useless (damage was too low), but in the latest updates, its DPS has been increased. The problem is that the skill stops leveling at 52! Personally, I do not understand the reason for this. Only NC knows the answer :P. I can only suggest you not to learn this skill if you have SP shortages.
- Aura sink: Slowly absorbs enemy MP. The use of this skill is limited to PvP.
The problem with WC-Dots is that despite the high MP cost, their DPS is quite low. In CT1, developers increased the damage of Dots, but it's insignificant.
WC - as a healer:
- Chant of life significantly increases the HP recovery speed of party members.
This skill works on all party members but has several major downsides:
Costs a lot of MP,
Fairly slow cast
Takes an extra slot on the buff panel
It is not as effective (with such high MP cost) as other buffers' heals.
There are also 3 control skills. They include:
- Dreaming spirit Instantaneously puts the enemy to sleep. The chances of re-sleeping during this effect are significantly reduced. One of the fastest casting speeds for sleep in the game.
- Fear (forces the enemy to flee in fright), can be used for both PvP and PvE.
- Madness Forces the enemy to attack random targets. Does not work in PvP. In the game, the skill is hardly used.
Buffs
WC has one of the best physical buff sets in the game. Besides buffs for Attack Speed, Critical, and others, this class also has quite decent defensive buffs. At levels 70, 72, 74, you can learn combo buffs that: a) replace 2 buffs in buff slot 1, b) save a lot of MP, c) their duration is doubled (40 min), and d) do not cost SP to learn; you just need an amulet.
Role
What is the role of WC in the world of L2? You are a support that makes the party stronger and faster :-).
Gameplay
Before you start, you need to choose your development path. This will depend on your weapons, armor, and tattoos. The development paths are determined only by your decisions and depend on what you want to focus on (PvP, PvE), your style (solo, party), and also the question of golden coins.
Weapons: If you are primarily a solo-leveler, I advise using hammer crush/burning chop/Duals (with a dagger primarily favoring after B-class). If you have the option of party-leveling, and you don’t need a lot of DPS from yourself, then magical weapons are the best choice.
Note: The author advises using Duals up to 56, and a dagger with focus thereafter.
Armor: CT Final brought radical changes to Orc mystic clothing. Robes were always the undisputed party armor, but now light armors are an equally good choice, especially in PvE parties. Robes have always been arguably the best gear, but currently, light armors are just as good a choice, especially in PvE. PvP is different, as you may need fast casting, hence robes remain the best choice in PvP.
If you prefer solo-leveling, then your choice should be heavy or light armor (depending on the combat style).
Tattoos: +4 WIT/-4 MEN is an undisputed tattoo for increasing casting speed. Beyond that, most WC I know put a +1 WIT/-1 MEN (for even more casting speed) into the second slot while others prefer a +STR/-CON tattoo. Most of the WC I know add 1 WIT/-1 MEN (for faster casting) in the second slot while others prefer +STR/-CON tattoos. The last slot can be +4 CON/STR-4 at low levels and remove it at higher levels. Some people increase DEX for greater speed. Essentially, it all depends on your preference.
Pros
WC is very popular in parties, whether for EXP or raids. The issue with parties usually does not arise. Also, a very needed class for clans. Quite strong in 1x1 PvP.
Cons
- Buff levels are gained slower compared to any other buffers.
- You need to differentiate between solo and party armors, and for different situations, it is advisable to have several sets. You will also need two weapons (melee, magical).
- Everyone laughs at you because you're green and slow :-))
P.S. The author also gives a description of Doomcryer. But due to my laziness, I’m skipping it for now.