Vezax Tactic

[Daveangel]

I found this on elitistjerks - very good plan I think.

We found that one range group is by far the best option, with one catch. The range group of the raid is split into two mini-groups that hug the left or right side of a crash puddle. They do this to spread the crash out in a line where possible. After 2-3 crashes spread out in this manner, only one group will have to move to avoid them. This helps your caster DPS uptime on the animus and stem the amount of Mark of the Faceless healing. This seemingly simple change to our previous 'just group up' strat was readily embraced by all the casters, because of how much more manageable the fight became. I'll explain it more clearly:


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In the above pic, the entire range component of the raid is the "X" and is clumped up on one spot awaiting the first Shadow Crash.

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In the above depiction, after one shadow crash the range component of the raid is now split into two groups. Both are standing in the same shadow crash. One is on the left side of the crash and one on the right. The arrows dictate the direction they run to avoid crashes: Always outwards, never through the middle.

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In the above depiction, after two crashes the range group has now spread the 'shadow crash puddle' enough such that only one group will have to move to avoid a new incoming shadow crash. If a crash is incoming to the left group, only they need to move to avoid it, whilst the right group can continue to DPS. If it's the right group, only the right group needs to move etc. This not only helps caster DPS uptime, but reduces healing Vezax will receive from marks.

As soon as one of the outer puddle dissappears, the range group that was in it collapses inwards until they are in a fresher puddle. If all the puddles dissappear, all range collapse back to one group - and the process starts over again.
If you aren't already doing it, try having your Disc priest throw out mass pre-emptive shields on the entire range camp.

Vezax only heals via Mark of the Faceless if people actually take damage from it. If your Disc Priest shields everyone, they might display the green-beam animation when a nearby person gets Mark of the Faceless, but Vezax will get NO healing from it while the Power Word: Shield holds. (It can absorb one tick, which should be enough time to allow most people to escape).

Doing this, you can improve your P1 DPS significantly - albeit indirectly, by minimising the self healing Vezax does. Our best result from using this mass-shield mechanic, has seen Vezax at 50% health with 0 self healing done once. Realistically he's always going to heal a little, but doing this will greatly reduce the amount.