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Simply stack confuse on the boss. Confuse does not draw aggro, so the boss will not attack even if it fails. Once the boss is solidly confused you can let him clear out the room for you, or use one of the usual tactics for doing so.
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I'll second that - my pre-Phantasm method for handling Devoured bosses was to stack Deceive on him and then alternate spectral wounds with re-stacking deceive while he popped around the room slapping his minions around (and also launching swarms which in turn attacked him - and he they). Rinse, wash and repeat until he dies, then fall back while his minions come and sic the PA on them, which continuing with SW and holds. Worked like a charm every time.
Another very interesting thing about deceive - it will stack with Blind as a hold. If I hit with Deceive on a boss, then cast Blind, it will hold. I assume that Deceive must have a mag 1 hold component, or something equivalent. This happens every time (assuming blind hits), which leads me to believe that it is an actual "hold mag lowering" of the boss, not one of the rare critical holds. This seems at odds with the stacking rules - I'd like to hear from any other Ill/* controllers who have had similar experiences with using Deceive and Blind (and if any devs are reading this and it's unintended, please ignore this post, as the stacking is insanely useful).
I'd also like to add a hearty "Thank You" to cforce for one of the most useful and thoughful player guides I've had the pleasure to read.
