Vivification  

Roots are about the only way I got through level 4 when I was starting my cabby. My general pattern was: select target, lifedrain, lifedrain, quickcast root. This got in a couple of good hits, then froze the creature right before it reached me. Then turn and run to max distance again. NOW I cast a DoT (yes, breaking the root, but it's served its purpose), followed by another lifedrain, maybe one more if I need it and can get it in, then what the creature once or at most twice with my staff. Usually a blue target would die before I had to deal with it physically.

A root isn't meant to hold a target still while you beat the stuffing out of it. It's just supposed to give you a moment to regroup. In groups, it can help a lot in keeping adds at bay, and in RvR it can hold a fleeing target in place long enough for someone to reach it.

Spells aren't useless just because they break. You just have to know when to use them.

People keep coming to these to see what spec is the best one. The fact is each one has its good and bads and you need to make up your own mind. Spirit has all the pet buffs, STR/CON, dmg buff, that sort and the snare spells. Yes it does break BUT it can have its uses like everything else. Spirit is great for solo but lacks group support. Matter has the AE dots, nearsight, and pet dmg sheild. Also good for RvR, especially nearsight. Matter is like the median, has its uses in all areas but not spectacular in any either. Body on the other hand has life transfer, attack speed debuff, and disease. Not the best RvR spec but if you plan on grouping a lot this will make you VERY useful. So specialization is all based on the person playing. Choose the spec/specs you like the most and play with them. NEVER let anyone tell you your specing wrong because everyone is different and thats what the game is all about.

So far from that I've seen and heard.. roots and snares break with any damage given.. my best idea to using them is simply as previously posted.. a quick cast + run combo.. snares and roots can also be used as a poor man's mez on occasion.. just my thoughts..

Ok, maybe my input might help alittle, Roots spells can be broken if damage is taken by mob rooted, but not if just weakened or slowed. Minor cripple wont last as long as major cripple, so basically just increases time that root will take hold, and dont DOT=damage over time a mob and root it, wont work. as for snares, i hav't really gone that way in speciallise. I could be wrong but i dont think i am. good luck all.

Ok, here's how I have seen it go insofar: As cabalists, we dont get any actual Root spells, but the snare type spells do come in handy on occasion. For example, if you were getting killed you could quick cast one of the snare spells and run far enough for the monster to forget you. I wouldnt invest as many points as it takes to get the 60% snare spell, but hey, whatever gets your funky on...And yes, ANY damage done to a monster with a snare spell on it will immediately break the snare; so, just some clarification. Good luck.

anyone know what the hell this root does for sure? three different sites say three different things i want some stats before i dump whats left of my points into pet before i find out im just investing in yet another root spell

if we get it at 23 it must be good... right? lol...