FFXI - BLU Ark Angel GK Solo (Escha)

With the August 2016 update, the physical Evasion of higher level enemies was reduced significantly. While the exact number was never given, it was obviously enough for my Blue Mage to be able to hit level 140 NMs - particularly, this guy.

Unlike the other four Escha Ark Angels, AAGK takes very little damage from magic. His melee damage reduction is not nearly as bad (though he does take less than the other Ark Angels), so BLU is really the best job for this. Of course, until this update, his evasion was far too high to even consider this, but now...

That being said, this is not easy. You pretty much must ride Occultation to avoid his attacks; one Skillchain will kill you. Dragonfall strips shadows, though, which is why /NIN and Utsusemi are required. The Wyvern takes out shadows rather quickly, and Ark Angel GK gains an Avoidance Down aura while it's alive, so it must be killed on respawn. Finally, BLU buffs must be kept up at all times (Occultation, Erratic Flutter, Cocoon, Barrier Tusk, Nat. Meditation, Mighty Guard), most of which are on their own durations. All of this combined makes this a bit of a rough fight.

While BLU may be uniquely suited to soloing this guy, SCH is still by far the superior soloist. In fact, I have a few SCH solos still in the works...

BLU spell loadout for this guy:

Buff spells:
Cocoon - DEF
Barrier Tusk - DT
Occultation - 11 Shadows with my set
Diamondhide - Stoneskin (could probably do without this)
Magic Fruit - Cure
Nat. Meditation - Attack Boost (also has Accuracy Bonus JT attached to it)
Erratic Flutter - Haste II (also has Fast Cast JT attached to it)
Mighty Guard (Unbridled Learning spell) - ...Mighty Guard buff

Job Traits set:
Dual Wield III - Delta Thrust/Barbed Crescent
Triple Attack - Empty Thrash, Heavy Strike, Thrashing Assault
Store TP V - Diffusion Ray, Fantod, Sudden Lunge, Tail Slap, Sickle Slash
Crit. Atk. Bonus III - Sinker Drill
Skillchain Bonus III - Paralyzing Triad
Inquartata III (Flat +9% chance to Parry) - Saurian Slide