WhisperWitch's Guide To Herding With Force Fields
By
DrLetharga,
Posted on: 2005-07-09 08:02 in Player Guides
It looks like in I5 that Phase Shift will be nerfed to have 30 second duration. This means that only Force Fields remains a viable way to herd using the method described here.
That combo is just seriously sick, and is a perversion of gameplay mechanics. - Excelsio
The Infernal Challenge
Building a WarTroller
Troller Damage
Good guide magicj! My main is Mind/FF. I've been known to dabble in these same tactics. I definately agree with everything you've said.
I had planned on updating this guide with several different ways of herding without a Tank. Unfortunately, due to the never-ending changes in CoH i've decided to leave the game and move on.
Here's the updated guide in its current state. It includes and addition for herding with Dark/Dark. I hope you like it. 
Herding Without A Tank
This Guide describes methods for herding without a Tank. The methods are useful when soloing builds that have the described powers, or when on teams without a Tank. This guide decribes methods for herding with Force Fields and Dark Misma.
The techniques described in this guide have been used frequently in actual combat.
Picture of two groups of Carnies that have been herded together. Personal Force Field is up and the character has jumped out of the corner used to herd and into the front of the herd.
Picture of the same two groups after being locked down with Mass Confuse. Personal Force Field is down and Stealth is up.
Thanks
I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed this guide and offered suggestions and encouragement. Special thanks goes to P_Dude, Burnard_McBurns, ZinePlex, Mystic_Amethyst, Spark_1, and Breville for their suggestions on how Force Bubble and Luck inspirations can be used to increase the number of groups you can herd, to Greyhame on the importance of stressing that not all types of baddies can be herded using this method, and to Anglican for making sure the Guide was correct from a Tank's perspective.
Know The Tank. Be The Tank.
To figure out ways we can herd without a Tank, we first look at what a Tank does to herd. We aren't interested in what specific powers a Tank uses to herd becaue we won't be using them. Rather, we're looking at the herding process in general and breaking it down into steps. Once we've done that, we'll look at powers that can be used to perform each step. In general, Tanks perform the following functions when herding:
1) Get aggro
2) Survive attacks that aggro brings
3) Use aggro to position baddies
4) Stop the baddies from attacking the team
5) Defeat the baddies
In general, any build that can perform items 1 through 4 is herding. Item 5 is just the natural thing to do once you've herded the baddies. So this guide will look at various powersets and show how the powers in those sets can be used to perform each item on the list.
We can also provide general instructions for herding, regardless of the details of the build. Whenever you herd, the following steps are performed:
<ul type="square">[*]· Examine the area to be herded, building a plan on how the herd will be carried out.[*]· Position your team so that they do not interfere with the herd. Indicate to them the herding location and the signal you will use when it's time for them to attack.[*]· Herd the groups[*]· Lockdown the herd[*]· Defeat the herd[/list]
WhisperWitch's Guide To Herding With Force Fields
Introduction
This section explains the process of herding using Force Fields. It is primarily aimed at Controllers with the Force Field secondary. In particular, the Mind/Force Field combination was used to develop these strategies and proved itself well equipped to both herd and quickly defeat several groups single handedly. In addition to Controllers, any build with an AoE lockdown can perform these techniques.
The following powers are used to herd with Force Fields:
1) Get aggro - Personal Force Field or Force Bubble
2) Survive attacks that aggro brings - Personal Force Field or three Luck inspirations.
3) Use aggro to position baddies - Break line of sight with the baddies, usually by ducking around a corner. If you're using Force Bubble, turn it off and turn on PFF.
4) Stop the baddies from attacking the team - Use any available lockdowns. In the sample build, Mind Control provides the lockdowns.
5) Defeat the baddies - Use any available AoE attacks. In the sample build, Mind Control and the Fire Epic Pool are used.
Examining the area
The first step to herding is to examine the area you're in. You'll want to build a plan for how you're going to herd. This means you'll want to know in advance what groups you're going to herd and where you're going to herd them.
Because you'll be herding without Taunt, groups will only follow you for a short distance before dropping off and heading back to their original location. The exact distance they'll follow you depends on their level, your level, and other factors, but in general plan to have about 25 yards to work with. Also, plan to be able to herd no more than three groups, although the author has herded as many as five groups at once. If you have Force Bubble and at least three Luck inspirations you can herd a larger area.
Once you have an idea of which groups you'll be herding, decide where you're going to herd them. You need a location that is within the distance the groups will stay on you and also breaks the line of sight with all the baddies in the herd. Usually you'll want to find a corner that's nearby the groups you'll be herding, but anything that breaks the line of sight, such as trees, can be used to collect the herd. Breaking the line of sight with all baddies in the herd is critical to successful herding.
Positioning Your Team
Once you have a plan for your herding, you need to position the team so that they stay out of the way during the herd. They need to know the location you'll be herding to, which is usually the corner that breaks line of sight with the groups. The team needs to be far enough away from this location to not draw aggro away from you while you herd.
They also need to know when its ok to attack your herd. Tell them ahead of time what the signal will be. The signal could be you sending a team message of 'Now', or it could be you using your lockdown power on the herd. Whatever the signal is, make sure the team knows it and can easily tell when it's time for them to attack.
Naturally, if you're soloing, you can skip this step.
Herding
Now that the preparations are complete, you can begin to herd.
Getting Aggro
Raise your Personal Force Field and visit each group of baddies you wish to herd. Stay close to the group until you have the attention of each member, then move on to the next group. If needed, revisit wandering baddies to again grab their attention.
If you have Force Bubble and at least three Luck inspirations you can herd a larger area, limited only by the area you can travel and return to the herding location before the inspirations wear off.
Clumping
Once you have the attention of all the groups, move to the herding location. Wait for all of the baddies to catch up with you. If you're using a corner, you really don't need to do anything more other than wait. If you're using a tree to break line of sight, you may need to slowly circle around the tree to ensure that all the ranged baddies move in to the clump.
Lockdown
Once you have the groups clumped together at the herding location, they need to be locked down so they don't attack the team. An AoE hold, fear or confuse should be used. This step is critical to successful herding without Taunt or its related powers.
To perform the lockdown, activate any defensive powers you may have. These include powers such as Dispersion Bubble, Stealth, or any other power that aids in your defense while also allowing you to use other powers.
Next, select a single baddie in the middle of the herd, lower your Personal Force Field, and use your AoE lockdown on the herd.
Powers that can be used for this step include a Mind Controller's Mass Confuse or Terrify, an Ice Controller's Ice Slick, a Dark Defenders Fearsome Stare, or any other power that prevents the baddies from running around and attacking the team.
If you don't plan on actually defeating the herd you can use an AoE sleep on them, such as a Mind Controller's Mass Hypnosis. In this case, you would simply continue on with the mission after sleeping the herd.
After the lockdown is complete, signal to the team that it is safe to attack the herd.
Defeating the herd
Defeating the herd simply consists of having the team attack the herd. If any individuals in the herd were not locked down attack them first, or lock them down individually.
Note that the Mind Control powers Terrify and Mass Confuse will both lock down the herd and begin the process of defeating them.
Sample Build
A sample build suitable for herding with Force Fields is provided below. The build uses Mind Control and Force Fields. Notes on the build are also provided. While the author believes the Mind/Force Field combination makes the best build for herding with force fields, other builds are certainly possible. Any build that includes Personal Force Field or Phase Shift and at least 1 AoE lockdown can be used.
Exported from version 1.5A of CoH Planner
http://joechott.com/coh
Archetype: Controller
Primary Powers - Ranged : Mind Control
Secondary Powers - Support : Force Field
01 : Personal Force Field Empty(01)
01 : Mesmerize Empty(01)
02 : Dominate Empty(02)
04 : Deflection Shield Empty(04)
06 : Hover Empty(06)
08 : Levitate Empty(08)
10 : Confuse Empty(10)
12 : Hasten Empty(12)
14 : Fly Empty(14)
16 : Mass Hypnosis Empty(16)
18 : Swift Empty(18)
20 : Health Empty(20)
22 : Stamina Empty(22)
24 : Insulation Shield Empty(24)
26 : Terrify Empty(26)
28 : Dispersion Bubble Empty(28)
30 : Total Domination Empty(30)
32 : Mass Confusion Empty(32)
35 : Force Bolt Empty(35)
38 : Force Bubble Empty(38)
41 : Fire Ball Empty(41)
44 : Fire Blast Empty(44)
47 : Consume Empty(47)
49 : Repulsion Field Empty(49)
-------------------------------------------
01 : Brawl Empty(01)
01 : Sprint Empty(01)
02 : Rest Empty(02)
Hover provides extra safety when the character drops their Personal Force Field in order to lockdown the herd. Dispersion Bubble is included for the same reason.
Mass Hypnosis can be used to put an entire herd to sleep and move on to another part of the mission.
Total Domination will hold the herd and allow it to be attacked.
Terrify will fear the herd and cause damage to each individual in the herd. When Terrify is applied, members of the herd may attack the caster. Applying Mass Hypnosis or Mass Confusion before Terrify prevents this.
Mass Confusion will cause the herd to begin defeating itself. The caster can let this go on until the confusion expires, or can stop the process at any time using Total Domination or Terrify.
Using Mass Confusion can actually increase the XP awarded in a given amount of time. For more information on this, see cforce's Guide To Confusion
Using Force Bubble and at least three Luck inspirations you can herd a larger area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I herd?
Herding allows you to make more efficient use of your AoE attacks. You can usually defeat herded groups faster than non-herded groups. It also allows you to collect baddies into a single location where the team can focus their efforts, rather than having baddies scattered around an area.
Is herding this way safe?
Yes. With Personal Force Field the herder is in very little danger while herding. Once the herd is collected the herder turns on protective powers, turns off Personal Force Field, and casts a lockdown. There is some danger of getting hit once or twice here, but not nearly as much as you would think.
Will I be able to replace a Tank?
No. Tanks perform many duties other than just herding, and are far better at herding than a Force Field Controller or Defender will ever be. This method is best when soloing or on a team with no Tank.
What does 'Breaking line of sight' mean?
Breaking line of sight means a baddie cannot see you. Going around a corner or standing behind a tree are common ways to break line of sight with baddies.
Do I really need to break line of sight when I herd?
Yes. If you do not break line of sight, baddies with ranged attacks will stay at range and not clump.
Are there groups that I shouldn't herd?
Yes. Groups that mez should be avoided unless you have reliable protection against it. Any group that you cannot lockdown most of its members with a single AoE lockdown should be avoided. Baddies that can attack you through your Personal Force Field, such as Rularuu eyeballs, should not be herded.
Nurse Curse's Guide To Herding With Dark Misma
This section explains the process of herding using Dark Misma. With Dark Misma, we have the luxury of gathering the herd a little at a time if we so choose. We determine a herding location that breaks line of sight with where the baddies are currently located. I refer to this location as the Web. To herd, we build the Web, draw baddies into it, and defeat them. We can draw as many or as few baddies as we wish, and can draw new baddies after we've defeated the ones we've already drawn.
The following powers are used to herd with Dark Misma:
1) Get aggro - Use any available single target attack. In the sample build, Dark Blast is used.
2) Survive attacks that aggro brings - Darkest Night.
3) Use aggro to position baddies - Break line of sight with the baddies, usually by ducking around a corner.
4) Stop the baddies from attacking the team - Darkest Night, Tar Patch, Fearsome Stare, Dark Servant.
5) Defeat the baddies - Use any available AoE attacks. In the sample build, Tenebrous Tentacles, Night Fall, and Blackstar are used.
Examining the area
When examining the area, we want to determine where we'll build the Web and what baddies we'll draw into it. The location of the Web must break the line of sight with all the baddies we want to draw into it.
The number of baddies you can draw into the Web is limited by the range of your attacks. You can travel a short distance from the Web to increase this slightly, but not much.
Building the Web
The Web is built by laying down Tar Patch. This will be the location we draw baddies to. As already mentioned, this location must break the line of sight with where the baddies are located before we begin. Usually, this will be around a corner from the baddies.
Once we draw at least one baddie into the Web, we'll enhance the Web with Darkest Night and Dark Servant in order to keep the baddies in the Web from attacking us while we gather more baddies.
Positioning Your Team
Once you've built your Web, position the team so they don't interfere with drawing baddies into it. Usually this just means stepping back a bit from the web and not attacking.
Unlike many forms of herding, herding with the Web means that teams can attack the baddies as soon as they're in the Web, or they can wait while more baddies are being collected.
Drawing Baddies Into The Web
Baddies are drawn into the Web with any simple attack, such as Dark Blast. Simply attack the baddie and return to the Web. The baddie and his nearby friends will follow you.
If this is the first baddie you've drawn into the Web, cast Darkest Night on him to prevent him from hitting you with attacks. You can also use Fearsome Stare for this purpose. If available, summon Dark Servant to grab the baddies attention while you lure more baddies into the Web.
If you're using the Web for an extended period of time, remember to refesh Tar Patch.
If the baddie you cast Darkest Night on is defeated, quickly cast Darkest Night on another baddie in the Web.
Defeating the herd
You can defeat the baddies one at a time as they're drawn into the Web, or draw many baddies and defeat them all at once. When soloing, the second option is more efficient. Use your AoE attacks, such as Tenebrous Tentacles, Night Fall, and Blackstar, to kill lots of baddies quickly.
After you've defeated the baddies in the Web, you can draw more baddies into the Web to be defeated or move on and create a new Web in a new location.
Sample Build
Exported from version 1.5A of CoH Planner
http://joechott.com/coh
Archetype: Defender
Primary Powers - Ranged : Dark Miasma
Secondary Powers - Support : Dark Blast
01 : Dark Blast Empty(01)
01 : Twilight Grasp Empty(01)
02 : Tar Patch Empty(02)
04 : Darkest Night Empty(04)
06 : Gloom Empty(06)
08 : Moonbeam Empty(08)
10 : Howling Twilight Empty(10)
12 : Shadow Fall Empty(12)
14 : Recall Friend Empty(14)
16 : Teleport Empty(16)
18 : Swift Empty(18)
20 : Hurdle Empty(20)
22 : Stamina Empty(22)
24 : Fearsome Stare Empty(24)
26 : Hasten Empty(26)
28 : Tenebrous Tentacles Empty(28)
30 : Night Fall Empty(30)
32 : Dark Servant Empty(32)
35 : Petrifying Gaze Empty(35)
38 : Blackstar Empty(38)
41 : Oppressive Gloom Empty(41)
44 : Dark Consumption Empty(44)
47 : Dark Embrace Empty(47)
49 : Soul Drain Empty(49)
-------------------------------------------
01 : Brawl Empty(01)
01 : Sprint Empty(01)
02 : Rest Empty(02)
That combo is just seriously sick, and is a perversion of gameplay mechanics. - Excelsio
The Infernal Challenge
Building a WarTroller
Troller Damage
NICE!
After doing some more research on this I found that using Force Bubble with Super Jump works very well at gathering the herd. You don't need to use Lucks during this process, just jump into the middle of a group and jump out, heading to the next group or the herd point when you have all the groups you want.
You can also use deflection Shield in the same way. It holds aggro better than the "sight aggro" of PFF, but not as well as Force Bubble.
Finally, you can grab the aggro from two groups by attacking each group once and then raising PFF. While this is more dangerous than using sight aggro with PFF up, it's more effective at grabbing the aggro.
That combo is just seriously sick, and is a perversion of gameplay mechanics. - Excelsio
The Infernal Challenge
Building a WarTroller
Troller Damage
Here's a updated build that takes into consideration the changes that have occured since this guide was first published.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.21
http://www.honourableunited.org.uk/mhd.php
WarTroller: Level 50 Mutation Controller
Primary Power Set: Mind Control
Secondary Power Set: Force Field
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Stone Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Mesmerize -- Empty(A), Empty(3), Empty(7), Empty(15), Empty(17)
Level 1: Personal Force Field -- Empty(A), Empty(46)
Level 2: Dominate -- Empty(A), Empty(3), Empty(5), Empty(11), Empty(15), Empty(19)
Level 4: Levitate -- Empty(A), Empty(5), Empty(9), Empty(11), Empty(17), Empty(19)
Level 6: Confuse -- Empty(A), Empty(7), Empty(37), Empty(39)
Level 8: Mass Hypnosis -- Empty(A), Empty(9), Empty(31), Empty(36), Empty(36)
Level 10: Combat Jumping -- Empty(A)
Level 12: Deflection Shield -- Empty(A), Empty(13), Empty(13)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Empty(A), Empty(43)
Level 16: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 18: Health -- Empty(A)
Level 20: Stamina -- Empty(A), Empty(21), Empty(21)
Level 22: Total Domination -- Empty(A), Empty(23), Empty(23), Empty(40), Empty(40)
Level 24: Telekinesis -- Empty(A), Empty(25), Empty(25), Empty(40)
Level 26: Terrify -- Empty(A), Empty(27), Empty(27), Empty(36), Empty(37), Empty(37)
Level 28: Dispersion Bubble -- Empty(A), Empty(29), Empty(29), Empty(50)
Level 30: Insulation Shield -- Empty(A), Empty(31), Empty(31), Empty(34)
Level 32: Mass Confusion -- Empty(A), Empty(33), Empty(33), Empty(33), Empty(34), Empty(34)
Level 35: Acrobatics -- Empty(A)
Level 38: Force Bubble -- Empty(A), Empty(39), Empty(39)
Level 41: Fissure -- Empty(A), Empty(42), Empty(42), Empty(42), Empty(43), Empty(43)
Level 44: Hurl Boulder -- Empty(A), Empty(45), Empty(45), Empty(45), Empty(46), Empty(46)
Level 47: Earth's Embrace -- Empty(A), Empty(48), Empty(48), Empty(48)
Level 49: Hasten -- Empty(A), Empty(50), Empty(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Containment
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>| Copy & Paste this data chunk into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
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</pre><hr />
That combo is just seriously sick, and is a perversion of gameplay mechanics. - Excelsio
The Infernal Challenge
Building a WarTroller
Troller Damage
[ QUOTE ]
I had planned on updating this guide with several different ways of herding without a Tank. Unfortunately, due to the never-ending changes in CoH i've decided to leave the game and move on.
[/ QUOTE ]
Just curious... what brought you back two years later after you had made the statement above?
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I had planned on updating this guide with several different ways of herding without a Tank. Unfortunately, due to the never-ending changes in CoH i've decided to leave the game and move on.
[/ QUOTE ]
Just curious... what brought you back two years later after you had made the statement above?
[/ QUOTE ]
I'm a forgiving soul.
That combo is just seriously sick, and is a perversion of gameplay mechanics. - Excelsio
The Infernal Challenge
Building a WarTroller
Troller Damage
I've created a video tutoral on herding with Force Fields. You can find it here.
That combo is just seriously sick, and is a perversion of gameplay mechanics. - Excelsio
The Infernal Challenge
Building a WarTroller
Troller Damage
WhisperWitch's Guide To Herding With Force Fields
Introduction
This guide explains the process of herding using Force Fields. It is primarily aimed at Controllers with the Force Field secondary. In particular, the Mind/Force Field combination was used to develop these strategies and proved itself well equipped to both herd and quickly defeat several groups single handedly. In addition to Controllers, any build with an AoE lockdown can perform these techniques. Also, Phase Shift can be used in place of Personal Force Field for builds that do not have Force Fields.
To successfully herd using Force Fields, the player performs the following steps.
<ul type="square">[*]· Examine the area to be herded, building a plan on how the herd will be carried out.[*]· Position your team so that they do not interfere with the herd. Indicate to them the herding location and the signal you will use when it's time for them to attack.[*]· Herd the groups[*]· Lockdown the herd[*]· Defeat the herd[/list]
The techniques described in this guide have been used frequently in actual combat.
Picture of two groups of Carnies that have been herded together. Personal Force Field is up and the character has jumped out of the corner used to herd and into the front of the herd.
Picture of the same two groups after being locked down with Mass Confuse. Personal Force Field is down and Stealth is up.
Examining the area
The first step to herding is to examine the area you're in. You'll want to build a plan for how you're going to herd. This means you'll want to know in advance what groups you're going to herd and where you're going to herd them.
Because you'll be herding without Taunt, groups will only follow you for a short distance before dropping off and heading back to their original location. The exact distance they'll follow you depends on their level, your level, and other factors, but in general plan to have about 25 yards to work with. Also, plan to be able to herd no more than three groups, although the author has herded as many as five groups at once. If you have Force Bubble and at least three Luck inspirations you can herd a larger area.
Once you have an idea of which groups you'll be herding, decide where you're going to herd them. You need a location that is within the distance the groups will stay on you and also breaks the line of sight with all the baddies in the herd. Usually you'll want to find a corner that's nearby the groups you'll be herding, but anything that breaks the line of sight, such as trees, can be used to collect the herd. Breaking the line of sight with all baddies in the herd is critical to successful herding.
As an introduction to the general techniques of herding, see the herding section of the excellent Tank guide written by Venar here. Venar's guide will give you are strong understanding of the techniques used during herding in general.
Positioning Your Team
Once you have a plan for your herding, you need to position the team so that they stay out of the way during the herd. They need to know the location you'll be herding to, which is usually the corner that breaks line of sight with the groups. The team needs to be far enough away from this location to not draw aggro away from you while you herd.
They also need to know when its ok to attack your herd. Tell them ahead of time what the signal will be. The signal could be you sending a team message of 'Now', or it could be you using your lockdown power on the herd. Whatever the signal is, make sure the team knows it and can easily tell when it's time for them to attack.
Naturally, if you're soloing, you can skip this step.
Herding
Now that the preparations are complete, you can begin to herd.
Getting Aggro
Raise your Personal Force Field and visit each group of baddies you wish to herd. Stay close to the group until you have the attention of each member, then move on to the next group. If needed, revisit wandering baddies to again grab their attention.
If you have Force Bubble and at least three Luck inspirations you can herd a larger area, limited only by the area you can travel and return to the herding location before the inspirations wear off.
Clumping
Once you have the attention of all the groups, move to the herding location. Wait for all of the baddies to catch up with you. If you're using a corner, you really don't need to do anything more other than wait. If you're using a tree to break line of sight, you may need to slowly circle around the tree to ensure that all the ranged baddies move in to the clump.
Lockdown
Once you have the groups clumped together at the herding location, they need to be locked down so they don't attack the team. An AoE hold, fear or confuse should be used. This step is critical to successful herding without Taunt or its related powers.
To perform the lockdown, activate any defensive powers you may have. These include powers such as Dispersion Bubble, Stealth, or any other power that aids in your defense while also allowing you to use other powers.
Next, select a single baddie in the middle of the herd, lower your Personal Force Field, and use your AoE lockdown on the herd.
Powers that can be used for this step include a Mind Controller's Mass Confuse or Terrify, an Ice Controller's Ice Slick, a Dark Defenders Fearsome Stare, or any other power that prevents the baddies from running around and attacking the team.
If you don't plan on actually defeating the herd you can use an AoE sleep on them, such as a Mind Controller's Mass Hypnosis. In this case, you would simply continue on with the mission after sleeping the herd.
After the lockdown is complete, signal to the team that it is safe to attack the herd.
Defeating the herd
Defeating the herd simply consists of having the team attack the herd. If any individuals in the herd were not locked down attack them first, or lock them down individually.
Note that the Mind Control powers Terrify and Mass Confuse will both lock down the herd and begin the process of defeating them.
Sample Build
A sample build suitable for herding with Force Fields is provided below. The build uses Mind Control and Force Fields. Notes on the build are also provided. While the author believes the Mind/Force Field combination makes the best build for herding with force fields, other builds are certainly possible. Any build that includes Personal Force Field or Phase Shift and at least 1 AoE lockdown can be used.
Level 1 : Mesmerize
Level 1 : Personal Force Field
Level 2 : Levitate
Level 4 : Deflection Shield
Level 6 : Hover
Level 8 : Dominate
Level 10 : Confuse
Level 12 : Mass Hypnosis
Level 14 : Fly
Level 16 : Swift
Level 18 : Total Domination
Level 20 : Health
Level 22 : Stamina
Level 24 : Insulation Shield
Level 26 : Terrify
Level 28 : Dispersion Bubble
Level 30 : Stealth
Level 32 : Mass Confusion
Level 38: Force Bubble
Hover provides extra safety when the character drops their Personal Force Field in order to lockdown the herd. Dispersion Bubble and Stealth are included for the same reason.
Mass Hypnosis can be used to put an entire herd to sleep and move on to another part of the mission.
Total Domination will hold the herd and allow it to be attacked.
Terrify will fear the herd and cause damage to each individual in the herd. When Terrify is applied, members of the herd may attack the caster. Applying Mass Hypnosis or Mass Confusion before Terrify prevents this.
Mass Confusion will cause the herd to begin defeating itself. The caster can let this go on until the confusion expires, or can stop the process at any time using Total Domination or Terrify.
Using Mass Confusion can actually increase the XP awarded in a given amount of time. For more information on this, see cforce's Guide To Confusion
Using Force Bubble and at least three Luck inspirations you can herd a larger area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I herd?
Herding allows you to make more efficient use of your AoE attacks. You can usually defeat herded groups faster than non-herded groups. It also allows you to collect baddies into a single location where the team can focus their efforts, rather than having baddies scattered around an area.
Is herding this way safe?
Yes. With Personal Force Field the herder is in very little danger while herding. Once the herd is collected the herder turns on protective powers, turns off Personal Force Field, and casts a lockdown. There is some danger of getting hit once or twice here, but not nearly as much as you would think.
Will I be able to replace a Tank?
No. Tanks perform many duties other than just herding, and are far better at herding than a Force Field Controller or Defender will ever be. This method is best when soloing or on a team with no Tank.
How big of an area will I be able to herd?
Without Taunt you will be limited in the area that baddies will follow you once you have their aggro. Experience will give you a good feel for this limit, but plan on having about 25 yards to work with. All the groups you plan on herding and the herding location must be within this area. Usually this limits you to 2 or 3 groups, but you may get more than this on some maps.
If you have Force Bubble and at least three Luck inspirations you can herd a larger area, limited only by the area you can travel and return to the herding location before the inspirations wear off.
What does 'Breaking line of sight' mean?
Breaking line of sight means a baddie cannot see you. Going around a corner or standing behind a tree are common ways to break line of sight with baddies.
Do I really need to break line of sight when I herd?
Yes. If you do not break line of sight, baddies with ranged attacks will stay at range and not clump.
Are there groups that I shouldn't herd?
Yes. Groups that mez should be avoided unless you have reliable protection against it. Any group that you cannot lockdown most of its members with a single AoE lockdown should be avoided. Baddies that can attack you through your Personal Force Field, such as Rularuu eyeballs, should not be herded.
Thanks
I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed this guide and offered suggestions and encouragement. Special thanks goes to P_Dude, Burnard_McBurns, ZinePlex, Mystic_Amethyst, Spark_1, and Breville for their suggestions on how Force Bubble and Luck inspirations can be used to increase the number of groups you can herd, to Greyhame on the importance of stressing that not all types of baddies can be herded using this method, and to Anglican for making sure the Guide was correct from a Tank's perspective.
That combo is just seriously sick, and is a perversion of gameplay mechanics. - Excelsio
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