2006 - (10/03/2006) Job Adjustments: Summoner

The next version update will feature adjustments to several jobs. In this installment, we would like to describe the changes on the way for summoners.

Changes to the Summoner Job
Summoners use the Blood Pact pet command as their main way of doing battle. Both attacks and support/healing magic are included in this command and operate with a single recast time.

The development team has decided to split Blood Pact into two commands to allow players to select a strategy to fit the current situation once every minute.

[The New Blood Pacts]
The summoner pet command Blood Pact will be divided into two categories, each with its own recast time. "Blood Pact: Rage" will focus on direct damage and special attacks, while "Blood Pact: Ward" will center on support, enfeebling, and healing magic.


 * Blood Pact: Rage (Recast time: 1 minute)
 * Orders the avatar to use special attacks.


 * Blood Pact: Ward (Recast time: 1 minute)
 * Orders the avatar to use support abilities.

[Summoning Magic Skill]
Blood Pact will receive different effects when the value added by equipment or merit points exceeds the skill cap for that level.
 * Effects on Blood Pact

For example, players can experience increased accuracy when using Blood Pact: Rage or lengthened effect durations when using Blood Pact: Ward. The length of the duration increased varies depending on which Blood Pact is used, but will not exceed 180 seconds.

A player whose summoning magic skill is lower than the skill cap will not experience any penalties, such as a decrease in accuracy or shortened effect durations.

The instances in which players can increase their skill will also be changed in accordance with the adjustments to summoning magic skill.
 * Skill Increases

Originally, calling forth an avatar would sometimes improve a player's summoning magic skill. Soon players will also be able to experience increases in skill when using the Blood Pact: Rage and Blood Pact: Ward pet commands.

That wraps up the job-related changes coming in the next version update. More are scheduled for future updates, though, so keep checking the main page for the latest news!