About to try EQ2 and have a few questionsFollow

Hi guys. Just a warning: this is too long. Thanks for any help though.

I recently came back to mmorpgs after a few year break (originally played EQOA (ps2), Shaddowbane (PC), FFXI (PC). Anyway about a month ago I picked up WoW, and I'm really frustrated with my experience so far. The game is extremely basic, and I know I'm only level 50, and that things will get better from 50-70 and at endgame, but the game is just so basic and easy that I'm afraid I will continue having the problems I'm having. Which all center around grouping. Almost every group I have is a bunch of DPS classes (usually even the tank and sometimes the healer are spec'd for dps, whichever one of the two I'm not) who do nothing but spam damage meters in the chat and drain mana/energy in the first two seconds of the fight trying to top the meter. Of course the game is so easy it doesn't matter. Except every once and a while we get to a tough boss and do it of course, then we wipe, and I, always tanking or healing, get the blame. It's funny, they can never refrain from poking fun of my DPS as tank or healer either. It's almost impossible to convince anyone to do anything challenging, because that's not the best way to boost your dps.

Now when I played EQOA and FFXI the game was never about stuff like this. It actually seemed kind of adventurous, was almost always fun, and the best part was the challenge of grouping in tough dungeons. So after reading around a little I've decided to try EQ2 instead (I need to wait a week or two to buy a new computer, however).

I've already read everything I can and searched all over the internet and read the stickies and I have a few further questions/clarifications:

1. I just want to verify that the game is more challenging. It is obviously more complex, from what I've read, and I'm excited about the complexity. But is grouping more challenging? Is going into a dungeon with a group generall risky/exciting/difficult? Is it challenging enough to make some understand their class and game mechanics to succeed?

2. How does pvp work? It sounds like it is good v. evil teams. Can one talk or no between factions? Are there any totally unrestricted pvp servers? Are there any rewards/penalties for pvp?

3. I am going to play a Coercer for my main. I remember an enchanter in EQOA (I was a Bard) whom I was always jealous of and want to give dedicated CC a try. I've read a lot about all classes being welcome and that's good news. What I want to verify is that Coercer's are not only welcome in groups, but get to use their CC often and in important/difficult situations. Also, do they charm mobs while grouping alot?

4. I am also going to try an Inquisitor as an alt because I like healing. But, I love tanking, and I would probably love playing a tank char also, but judging from the forums, Fighters might outnumber mages like 10 to 1. Is this true? Are there too many fighters in the game already? Enough tanks to go around?

5. Are their too many Necromancers? I've never played a DPS class in my life, but I love the idea of evil, pets, dots and I've kind of always had a hankering for necs. But by the posts in the mage forum (and simple common sense), I'm guessing they might be as prevalent as Hunters in WoW. Is this true?

6. I know this is almost backwards from what one normally hears, but can one get to 70 relatively easily ONLY grouping? Groups are what I play for. So is it easy to get in groups and/or good groups for exp?

7. Can anyone suggest a good RP PVP server?

8. Can this be played on a Mac? (I can't find anything so I'm assuming no).

Sorry about the really long post. Thanks for any advice/questions, and I look forwrod to playing EQ2 in a couple weeks.

I don't know what FFXI had for dungeons but EQ2 tramps over what were called dungeons in eqoa. Theres different difficulties of instances to, from Solo to heroic(group) to epic(raid).

I really haven't messed with it but there are 2 sides, good(freeport kethelin) and evil(freeport and neriak) and they have there own languages and can go and kil each other in open pvp. This is only on the couple pvp servers tho.

A bard is much more wanted then a enchanter. And Coercers are unpopular grouping but can be awesome soloers once you get the hang of it.

I really can't say, sometimes theres no tank to be found and sometimes we have secondary tanks in groups.

Necros and conjurers are just as populated as they were in eqoa.

Groupings the fastest way to level, how fast it is depends on your play time.

I tink theres only one server thats both designated PVP and RP.

Doubt it.

Thats what really irked me when I started my necro(now betrayed to conjurer). In eqoa we could transfer hp to other players in a mass amount and with propper resists the damage to self would be near nill when combined with self Pacting and life taps. That and the pets could do damage, tank pretty well with heals from necro and had death touch and a life tap.

I'm guessing you're talking about shadorelm's post? A word of caution: he's anti-any game that's not the "next biggest thing". Take his opinions with a grain of salt.

I was referring to shadorelm's comments, and I was getting the impression they should be taken with salt.

As for the coercer charming thing: to be honest, I dont see how a coercer has a chance to do anything but hopefully escape if he can't charm. And as long as it's not possible to damage the enemy while he is charmed (no longer attackable by you or friends) and has a low duration/high chance of resist/diminishing returns/breaks when caster takes damage etc. Anyway was just hoping :)

For some reason shadowrelm just doesn't like the type of button smashing EQII has compared to WoW or other games.

It isn't all that different in having to press the right button at the right time. And I do have to admit that at times sheer DPS can be sufficient, but not for the tougher mobs and named ones, not even close.

The basics of all groups in all games are tanks and healers, it's only logical they are sought after the most. But for instance in Unrest, having adds without CC is pretty bad news, to say the least.

I'm still thinking of seeking out six monks who all have the altruism spell (spell on group friend that makes him feign death instead of dying), because in theory none of us would be able to die. We'ld be able to clear a heck of a lot that way, slow but steady. Actually not sure if that would work or not.

It's the beauty of this game that a lot of variations are possible, you aren't restricted to having one particular class in your group to make it work.

Thought I woudl give my two cents here. WEll first of all we would love to have you to our eq2 family. As far as all the negative things people have said. I have played EVERY MMORPG ont he market and I must say that EQ2 is still by far the best, and most original. Groups are needed, and EVERY class has its use. You cant do very well with a group of just tanks, or just healers. Each class has its purpose. Never done PVP so I cant help you there. Coercers are VERY important High end game. They have great buffs, and decent dps. Necros are over populated for sure but they are still needed. Plus can solo very well and lots of fun. My main is 70 necro, and I have a 70 warlock as well. Dont let other people defer you from this game. It is a great game, and you can solo, or group, and there is always something to do. Before I ramble anymore good luck and have fun.