Animate Dead Duration

[Deathravin]

I haven't decided if I'm going to reactivate my sorcerer or not, but I would like to know a few things about different spells available to me....

From an RP standpoint I like the idea of Necromancy more than Demonology, but currently I'm trained equally in both (2x, 1x in each).

What is the maximum duration of Animate dead when used on a like-level critter? I'm not sure I like the idea of only having 5 minutes with my animate that I have to prepare for hours to summon.

[Necromancer]

The duration is dependent on several factors. There is no hard cap on duration.

The following factor into AD duration:
The difference between your MAL and the animate level
Necromancy Ranks
Mana Control Ranks
Animation Crystal quality
D100 roll
Gem Value (modified by value above or below 600 silvers)

The single largest factor comes from Necromancy ranks, but the most dynamic factor is the difference between creature level and your MAL. Ultimately, your duration seems to be heavily (if not exclusively) tied into the endroll for animation. For every level difference, there is a bonus/penalty to endroll of 4.

Animate Dead is not intended to be used every hunt. Therefore, the duration is generally considered to be lacking by most players. However, a large investment in necromancy as well as a high level will yield a perfectly reasonable duration. It seems to be the consensus that AD comes into its own at the highest levels (70+) for those who have been dedicated in their necromancy lore.

[Numbers]

The duration sucks ass.

Sweaty, hairy, dingleberried ass.

[Fallen]

Indeed. Best thing you can do is get 1004 scrolls and sing up very expensive gems. With 50 ranks at cap I had a healthy duration on Scouts before I picked up my wand.

Duration blows. It needs to be refreshable with another gem.

[Necromancer]

Nilven is very much against refreshable animates unfortunately. It won't happen.

[Numbers]

That's why hardly anyone ever bothers to use the spell.

Balance = fun?

Psh.

[Fallen]

I dont see that as unbalanced in the slightest. Who else has a refresh cost of 30 mana and a gem for a spell?

[Necromancer]

That's because you're not considering what the overall hunting implications would be for a profession that suddenly had animates around during every hunt.

This is the problem with balancing a game largely on its level 1-20 spells and adding its highest powered slots after the fact: it's incredibly difficult to maintain balance.

[Numbers]

The fact that it's a level 30 spell that doesn't even become worthwhile until you're well past level 80 is bullshit.

If the spell could be refreshed, it would be acceptable. But right now the duration simply kills any potential the spell has.

[Deathravin]

Is the animate never going to get killed or hit? Can you cure an animate?

I would say you should be able to have at least 2 hours per gem, refreshable once for a total of about 4 hours.