Mirror Images/Blue Mage

Blue Mage Mirror Images
I went through the npc quest Mirror Images today as Blue Mage and thought the job performed exceedingly well (having also given this a shot on blm when my npc was 40, I failed miserabley). The big debate for me pre fight was whether to go /nin and tank Vassago, or to go /whm and have my NPC tank him (as PLD). The latter strategy won out and I ended up winning fairly easily. I had a great time with this fight because I felt I could be very versatile and enjoy the fight the way I wanted to.

Gear and spells
Main: CC Scimitar +1

Sub: Faerie Shield

range: n/a

Ammo: Olibanum Satchet (Elvaan M STR+2)

Head: Electrum Hairpin

Neck: Spike Necklace

Ear1: Beetle Earring +1

Ear2: Beetle Earring +1

Body: Crow

Hands: RSE Elvaan M

Ring1: Electrum

Ring2: Electrum

Back: Gramary

Waist: Life Belt

Legs: Crow

Feet: RSE Elvaan M

Spells (30 points 12 slots @ 50):

1) Wild Oats (3) Debuff

2) Sprout Smack (2) Debuff

3) Battle Dance (3) Debuff + Attack Bonus

4) Head Butt (3)

5) Uppercut (3) Attack Bonus / Finishing spell

6) Sickle Slash (4) MP / Finishing spell

7) Mettalic Body (1)

8) Geist Wall (3) MP

9) Jettatura (4) MP

10) Refueling (4) Haste

Recommended Meds
Hi Potions (not essential)

Hi Ethers (not essential)

Yagudo Drinks

Regen Drinks (for non /whm)

Strategy
Buffed up using Protect, Shell, Blink, Mettalic Body ate food (Sole Sushi) rested to full mp and approached battlefield. When in ranged I cast protect and shell on my npc, and Refueling on me and popped my yag Drink. I rushed vassago and his first swing at me missed my blink and hit me for 74 damage (with stoneskin up!). I had planned on waiting for my npc to establish hate before applying buffs, but when I saw the slow (very) attack speed of vassago, I decided to hit him with wild oats, sprout smack, and battle dance. This was a poor decision as he turned and hit me with Blighted Gloom for 400 damage, thankfully my npc quickly reestablished hate (this was my reasoning behind the two pieces of Crow Gear) and I was able to Regen and Cure II myself without any problems. If you are /whm and your npc is Stalwart Shield allow him to cure IV himself before you help out. Continue to chip away at Vassago's health, reapplying debuffs where necessary. Blighted Gloom will NOT hurt your NPC, and(s)he will counter with Blessed radiance which will do 200 damage or so. At about 20% I hit my two hour and spammed all my physical spells, and he was dead within 30 seconds.

Key Notes
1) Vassago is a Demon, and uses demon abilities and an ability called Blighted Gloom, which will do around 400 damage to you.

2) Your NPC can not take damage from Blighted Gloom, and will counter with Blessed Radiance, which will do around 200 damage. which is why I suggest your NPC be set to Stalwart Shield.

3) Vassago hits hard but has a very high delay weapon. Sprout Smack + Battle Dance (and maybe Sandspin) are superb spells for this fight.

4) Crow Gear is excellent, the -enmity allows you to keep good damage on Vassago, while keeping hate on your NPC.

5) Meds are recommended, although not essential.

6) I'm sure it is entirely possible to tank Vassago with your NPC as a Healer, a few more meds will probably be required, however.

7) Enjoy this fight, this is one where Blue Mage Versatility really shines! --Graev 17:00, 24 November 2006 (EST)