Any Archmage Reports?

stormphoenix

Fiending for the low down on the Archmage!

facris

Well, to set perspective: I played a Archmage from 1-20 and also in the high end at 31-40 on the elder server.

 

Archmages are a very strong healing class, that have strong options for damage.  With the dynamic 'ability' of high magic, every offensive spell you cast will start to increase the 'defensive high magic' count which maxes at 5 (after 5 offensive spells).  Basically the higher the defensive count the quicker the first defensive/healing spell will be cast.  At lvl 5 you insta cast your spell.  This is an amazing benefit as it allows you to get your major heal off which normally takes 3 seconds, instantly.  This can turn the tides in many battles.  Also Rez's count as defensive magic so, when you have full defensive high magic, you can rez your teamates without a worry of getting interrupted during the long cast time.  This also allows you to start healing again right after the rez, instead of having the rez hold you out of combat for 5 seconds.

This ability also goes the other way too.  Defensive spells start the count for offensive magic so if you cast 5 healing/defensive spells, your nukes will either insta cast, or be magnified in strength.

 

As for survivability, arch mages are decent if you are on your toes and can start healing yourself.  I could take 2 tanks of equal level without a sweat but a dps and a tank, or 2 dps would burn me down.  Arch mages are probably not the best class for group support (runepriests are supposed to be) but the strong mix of good healing and good damage means that in a pinch you can fill either role.