A couple of days ago in-game I was asked about my healing role. The conversation started with some simple questions about my chosen souls and some of the talents therein. Then something strange happened, it became more than a simple conversation, it turned into kind of a mini class on Chloromancer healing for three guildies.
By now my readers know that I have never claimed to be the best at anything remotely game related. I also try and maintain my humility at all times. No matter how good I am at something I know there is always someone better out there, always. With that being said, I feel that right now in Rift I am a solid healer. In PVE and PVP as a healer, things are working well for me.
I am a teacher by profession so that part was not so uncomfortable. And of course in a previous mmo I have explained my spec to another player. Razor and I have even debated the validity of this talent or that talent in various specs throughout the years. But the truth is, in each and every case previously my build was a near mirror image of someone else’s. When I needed a spec, I went out and found “the best” and copied it. This time it was different, it was MY spec.
As we moved into a separate channel in the voice server, doubt started to creep in. I mean who am I to be suggesting what is a good or bad healing spec? Sure my spec seems to work well enough for me but is it good enough to suggest to others? Regardless of my doubts, these guys were looking for help so I did the best I could.
I began by working my way up my primary soul (Chloromancer) and explaining my talent choices. As we talked I felt it necessary to explain why I chose each talent and how I was using them. I think we have all seen someone who might be specced exactly as we are but they use the talents differently than we do. Because they use the talent differently the outcome can also be drastically different as well.
After we finished up with the main soul, we moved onto my secondary souls. I currently use Warlock and Dominator as my secondary healing souls. On the surface they are odd choices but they perfectly fit my play style and each was chosen for that purpose. I created the build to suit me, for some reason having others interested in it felt a bit weird.
Not once during the conversation did I feel like I was defending my choices. I was merely helping them understand what each talent/spell did and how I was using them. When it was all over they each seemed to get what they needed from the conversation so I guess it was a success. I was glad to help, but somewhere deep down I still have doubts whether my spec will work for someone else.
During the conversation the question was asked if I could “main heal” with my spec. I found that question to be somewhat amusing. I had never been asked that before and because of the soul/role system I realize now that is possible to have multiple “off healers” and still be successful. I could only answer by telling them that I have been able to single heal all but one or two of the instances I have been in.
In those cases my toon level was too low for the instance. My healing is dependant on my DPS and I was having trouble hitting the mobs. I really cannot answer whether or not I am a good healer. That is a question for those that group with me. I can tell you that the things I am doing work for me. hi the end I don’t think I can ask for much more.
