Part of your original post was about a druids difficulty leveling solo at high levels. It is more than possible with the right build but our xp gain is less than others. There are many builds out there to choose from but here's my howling winds build that works both solo and group. Despite what many said howling winds is still an amazing skill, you just need some dex.
I can solo and group level with my current build but as everyone said solo levelings not that efficient. I gain around 6-7% per combo. Current setup.
Maxed touch, winds, vines, strike and storm. Winds is probably my favorite utility skill. Helps with my evades along with rangers and rogues who have dex. My key to soloing and group leveling. The best heal is not having to.
Stats. 5 str, 200 dex (needed for winds), 395 focus i think.., 300 vit. The dex is needed to help with winds and given the focus plateau it doesn't hurt to have them there instead. Some will probably argue this but it works for me. The vit is to survive aoes and skill hits along with the occasional evading of winds.
Gear. Full ancient beastbone with dragon gloves and boots (switch between dragon and beast boots depending on whether I'm soloing or grouping), 150 regen crown, 150 aggy nature magic book, 150 focus lux.
Jewelry. 40 regen ammy, 150 lightening strike charm, 20 energy regen bracelet, imperial wyrm brace, royal strike, grand winds, vines, and storms.
Works well enough for me in both solo leveling and group leveling. As far as groups go focus on keeping winds up on all mobs and heal along with adding dps in between. I really like the fact that with this setup if we start getting swarmed with winds I can tank an add or two while control is reestablished. Also works well with bolas walked bosses for extra dps.
Main problem with this build, as per every other druid, is energy. That's why at the beginning I mentioned combos because they do help with regen. Although even on a combo with 500ish energy sigs i still have to pop some restos occasionally.
Try it out if you'd like. It may work for you or it may not. Still might help guide you to a build that does work for you.
