Threat and roles
Why a monster targets you, how the Warrior holds attention and what healing does.
Threat in two sentences
Each creature tracks everyone who attacked it or healed its enemies, and assigns them threat. It goes after whoever has the most. So it is not always the first to arrive, nor the weakest.
What generates threat
- Damage: the more you deal, the higher the threat rises.
- Healing: it also generates threat, spread among the engaged enemies. An overzealous healer can attract a monster.
- The Warrior's defensive stance multiplies the threat they produce.
- A taunt temporarily puts the Warrior above the others.
Avoiding constant target switching
So that the monster does not keep jumping from one target to another, you must clearly exceed the threat of its current target to take it from them, unless you taunt.
Who plays which role?
Holding the line
The Warrior holds the monsters' attention: defensive stance, taunts, area attacks to pull back those who stray.
Pulling and positioning
The Ranger pulls monsters from a distance. They can then reduce their threat so the Warrior takes over.
Dealing damage
Mage, Ranger and Cleric (Retribution path) can hit hard, but must watch their threat so as not to attract the monster.
Healing and supporting
The Cleric heals and protects, with direct heals, shields and blessings.
Defensive or aggressive monsters
As a rule, creatures in ordinary zones are defensive: they only attack after being provoked. Some more dangerous zones are home to creatures that attack as soon as they spot you.
Common pitfalls
The monster ignores my tank and chases me.
You probably generated more threat than they did: a big spell, healing or a powerful skill. Wait for the Warrior to regain the advantage, or use a skill that reduces your threat.
My pet woke up a monster.
Pets attack with you and contribute to threat. Watch what your companion targets.
