Merlaina wrote:I'm not a raider, but do you have the companions relocation AA? I would imagine this would solve a lot of your water pet positioning woes so you can max that DPS. I find even just for grouping or soloing it's terribly useful and definitely worth the AA investment.
I did NOT have it because I couldn't really visualize what it would do for me.
On the advice of all the mages here, I went ahead and started using water on raids, and also bought companion's relocation AA. Totally changed my view of the water pet. That AA makes it not only possible, but trivially simple to quickly get the pet into position for the backstabs, which does make a noticeable difference in DPS from straight air pet.
Front? Haven't heard mention of this. Also, are you sure it was actually backstabbing by seeing it say "goner backstabs..."? Also, sometimes, when shrunk, a pet can look as though it's in the front arc of the mob when it is actually in the rear arc. Not saying you are wrong but wanted to eliminate some possibilities that would make it "seem" to backstab.
i'll check again, but fairly sure, pet goes to engage mob, so they are both facing eachother and see backstab msg along with backstab dmg...but again, i'll check make sure.
Some mobs are also frontal backstabbing too. I have an alt sk (75) working on fangbreaker faction and the wereorc rogues are using chaotic stab, but only when they have a weapon (doesn't matter what kind). If they're just using barehands they don't for some reason. He doesn't use a merc so I tend to avoid the rogues that have weapons equipped, or just HT them if it's up.
Worth mentionning that for optimal DPS rear positioning is essential to avoid blocks, parries and dodges. But nice to know pets can still get the big hits from any angle now.