Not sure what to play

[nothsa]

Shaman sounds like the choice. or bard .

[Deckard]

Just started my first toon a couple of days ago. I made a Human Paladin because I like their look and style and they were fun to play on Zek. I do worry about getting groups later though. Not just because I am untwinked but because of my hybrid penalty. I remember it being a problem on live but people were a little more xp hungry than I hope you guys are. I've talked to 2 in-game paladins and it hasn't been an issue for either of them but just wanted a few more opinions. I definitely want to play a tank so please dont say roll a caster. Anyways yah so what are your thoughts on an untwinked paladin trying to get groups. Would I be better off just rolling a Warrior or I'll be fine?

[Slave]

Paladins are very strong tanks, able to snap aggro far better than any warrior. They are the 2nd best exp group tank behind Shadowknights, but everyone and their grandmother is a Shadowknight. Paladins can gear up quickly and cheaply thanks to the fact that they're likely the rarest class in the game.

They cannot be large races nor Iksar so their experience penalty is never compounded, but they do not gain the physical prowess that such races bring. Tanks in general are generally in short supply so you won't have terrible difficulty finding groups even in your later years, but rather in the middle because the server is top- and bottom-heavy at the moment.

[Vermicelli]

Originally Posted by Slave [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

It will take you 20% longer to level than any other necromancer, and you take 20% more experience for your cut in a group at any level... people recognize that, even if it's subliminal; it's not a dealbreaker but it is something to consider here where people are much more knowledgeable about the mechanics. You're not 20% more powerful per level. And necromancers do not fulfill any one role in a group super nicely, which is what people generally look for in a group member.

That said, Iksars are probably the weakest shaman race in the game. They are definitely third rate. Ogres, Trolls, and Barbarians all have their own unique advantages. Iksar don't really compare without Jaundiced Bone gear or stun immunity, and Ogres have both, with less of an exp penalty.

These are truths, but they will not make you less appealing to Bregan D'Aerth or otherwise most pick-up groups I have been in =)

[webrunner5]

I wouldn't worry about the hybrid penality for getting groups. Like Slave said there are very few Tanks around. I have never turned down anyone for a group based on their gear or race or hell even class on here. Like I have said before I don't think I would want 5 Iksar SK's in a group lol but it would be better than no group.

Its not like there is 50 people you can pick from. Like almost everyone of these threads end up is play what class and race you want to play. Playing a class just because you think it will be eaiser to group, or even solo sucks when you figure how much time you are going to spend on that toon to even get it to level 30 let alone 60.

No class on here is just hands down great to play or if that was the case everyone here would be playing it. Druids are the #1 class, probably Shaman #2. God knows we don't need a lot more of them but they are popular for a reason. Play what YOU want. Simple as that.

But I can tell you the hybid thingy can be a bitch at times. I was in Befallen once on my Halfling Cleric in a group of 6. I was like level 10 at the time the tank was a SK Troll level 15 and couple other hybrids in the group. I was in there for like 4 hours and only got half a level and we killed the hell out of mobs. A lot of them conned red to me. So the Hybrid penality killed me and so did having the level 15 person. I can see why some people are picky. But I had a good time. All that counts.

[Bill Tetley]

Don't bother starting a melee character till whenever they release the next patch. Weaponskill skilling is broke.

[Atmas]

I feel like these forums give a false sense of people being overly concerned about penalties on the server. I personally don't care and a lot of people don't care because hybrids generally make the group much more effiicient. Also people grouping generally play the game to be social so they just aren't that concerned about the penalty.

As far as Paladins go, I concur with Slave and others. Paladin's make good tanks for their ability to snap agro and therefore will be sought out for groups. Agro management is particulary a necessity at this point with so many twinks walking around.

Oh, and to the OP I have had some necros in xp groups. I can't recall ever being in a group that wanted to turn someone away for being a necro. Realisticly though if there is one spot left and tank/healer is filled people will generally pick something like a rogue.

[Brimacombe]

I have found the best character on any server is Druid. They are easy to solo, plentiful, but versatile enough to find groups, ports are excellent money for what you finally decide to play, and they are excellent farmers for when you decide to build the twink character you want.

-Brimacombe

[batkiller]

Necro is powerful but it bugs me to see so many Necros and very few of them can play the class to even anywhere near it's full potential. For that reason alone I suggest picking a Shaman or a Druid.

[Striiker]

I wanted to weigh in on the XP penalty aspect with respect to grouping. I've only heard someone pass on inviting someone due to XP penalties a couple of times. These folks are few between and not worth worrying over. Most of the players on the server are here to have fun and relive the challenging days of old. Choose a class and race which you enjoy and which will fit your play style. I only ever chose a particular race for stats on live. I chose an Erudite Wizard (and later Enchanter) on the live servers because I got caught up in the high intelligence game. I chose Erudite for my enchanter here because of nostalgia. I chose human for my SK because it's not common and I preferred Qeynos as my home city. Same goes with my other classes. I never cared for Trolls or Ogres as a play character and so I chose differently. I ignored the usual reasons for choosing the large race and I am happy I did. I also didn't want to have to deal with faction in the main cities which I frequent.
As for class.. Well that's a harder question. If you prefer to solo a lot, then the necro was a good choice. You can fix faction in most cities through questing and killing certain mobs and you'll get XP and see different content so that's a plus. If you dislike the life of a necro there are plenty others to choose from. If you learn to play your class well, you should have no problem getting groups or at worst, start your own groups.