AC softcap and low level hardcap discussion

[kjs86z2]

have we cracked the code?

[Jimjam]

Originally Posted by kjs86z2 [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

have we cracked the code?

[Crede]

If we can somehow make rangers better tank then this thread will be a huge success

[kjs86z2]

Originally Posted by Crede [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

If we can somehow make rangers better tank then this thread will be a huge success

not gonna happen

[DeathsSilkyMist]

Originally Posted by Crede [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

If we can somehow make rangers better tank then this thread will be a huge success

Based on what I have learned so far, this would be my advise for Rangers:

1. Use a shield if you want more damage reduction. The evidence so far points to shields increasing your AC softcap, so you get good returns on the shield AC.

Sarnak Battle Shield, Lodi Shield, or the 25 AC Dragon resist shields would be the best non-raid options.

Whitestone Shield or Buckler of Insight for the raiders.

2. Proccing Avatar helps a bit due to the +100 AGI. According to my DPS calculator, gaining 100 AGI is roughly equivalent to +20 Defense skill. So you can be at like the equivalent of 240 Defense skill instead of 220. I wouldn't really advise sacrificing other stats for AGI, but Avatar is an easy win. You can also ask for Shaman AGI buff if you aren't capped on buffs.

3. The softcaps do appear to exist, but I haven't confirmed what the values are yet. When the softcap is found, you should hit the softcap, and then focus on other stats like HP and resists. More AC past the softcap will offer some returns, but they probably won't be large. Haynar said that Warriors get 45% returns past the softcap, and the EQEMU code reflects that number. All other classes in the EQEMU code get lower than 45% returns past the softcap.

4. Get Silver Whip of Rage for the Rune Proc. I think that is the best damage reduction proc a Ranger can get. I don't think Rangers have a good lifesteal proc weapon, but I could be wrong.

5. Slow the mob with a proc if the mob is slowable. Earthcaller would be the better option over Swarmcaller, as you can still use a shield or silver whip of rage.

It would be cool to see a Ranger do a parse with a Silver whip and a Shield, proccing avatar with a primal bow. That may be the best setup for a mob that is slowed already.

[Snaggles]

Originally Posted by DeathsSilkyMist [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

4. Get Silver Whip of Rage for the Rune Proc. I think that is the best damage reduction proc a Ranger can get. I don't think Rangers have a good lifesteal proc weapon, but I could be wrong.

Outside the Essence Mace there are none. It seems the whip MH/Mace would be the most durable setup while switching it would be a bit more dps and damage taken.

If anyone wants to sell me a Prismatic Scale MQ on blue I’m glad to test it! I have a WTB post up in the trading section [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[DeathsSilkyMist]

Originally Posted by Snaggles [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Outside the Essence Mace there are none. It seems the whip MH/Mace would be the most durable setup while switching it would be a bit more dps and damage taken.

If anyone wants to sell me a Prismatic Scale MQ on blue I’m glad to test it! I have a WTB post up in the trading section [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Good catch! I always forget about the essence weapons. It would be cool to see what performs better mitigation-wise, whip + mace or whip + shield. I assume mace would be in offhand since the proc is 80 life, while whip is 150 life. Also essence mace doesn't look like it is unresistable, so it would only work on some mobs. That is one of the best features of silver whip, it casts on yourself rather than the target.

[TytosOfEight]

Originally Posted by DeathsSilkyMist [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Based on what I have learned so far, this would be my advise for Rangers:

1. Use a shield if you want more damage reduction. The evidence so far points to shields increasing your AC softcap, so you get good returns on the shield AC.

Sarnak Battle Shield, Lodi Shield, or the 25 AC Dragon resist shields would be the best non-raid options.

Whitestone Shield or Buckler of Insight for the raiders.

2. Proccing Avatar helps a bit due to the +100 AGI. According to my DPS calculator, gaining 100 AGI is roughly equivalent to +20 Defense skill. So you can be at like the equivalent of 240 Defense skill instead of 220. I wouldn't really advise sacrificing other stats for AGI, but Avatar is an easy win. You can also ask for Shaman AGI buff if you aren't capped on buffs.

3. The softcaps do appear to exist, but I haven't confirmed what the values are yet. When the softcap is found, you should hit the softcap, and then focus on other stats like HP and resists. More AC past the softcap will offer some returns, but they probably won't be large. Haynar said that Warriors get 45% returns past the softcap, and the EQEMU code reflects that number. All other classes in the EQEMU code get lower than 45% returns past the softcap.

4. Get Silver Whip of Rage for the Rune Proc. I think that is the best damage reduction proc a Ranger can get. I don't think Rangers have a good lifesteal proc weapon, but I could be wrong.

5. Slow the mob with a proc if the mob is slowable. Earthcaller would be the better option over Swarmcaller, as you can still use a shield or silver whip of rage.

It would be cool to see a Ranger do a parse with a Silver whip and a Shield, proccing avatar with a primal bow. That may be the best setup for a mob that is slowed already.

I've been swapping in my PD sword (https://wiki.project1999.com/Sword_of_Rile) after EC/Whip slow, then swapping between that for the 230 rune and my primal 2hander to keep avatar up. I haven't parsed it or anything, but it feels a bit better than just putting whip in main hand. The stronger rune shield and 100% avatar is possibly offsetting the slight drop is dps.

[DeathsSilkyMist]

Originally Posted by TytosOfEight [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I've been swapping in my PD sword (https://wiki.project1999.com/Sword_of_Rile) after EC/Whip slow, then swapping between that for the 230 rune and my primal 2hander to keep avatar up. I haven't parsed it or anything, but it feels a bit better than just putting whip in main hand. The stronger rune shield and 100% avatar is possibly offsetting the slight drop is dps.

Good idea! Yeah that is an extra 80 Rune compared to silver whip.

[Crede]

Originally Posted by TytosOfEight [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I've been swapping in my PD sword (https://wiki.project1999.com/Sword_of_Rile) after EC/Whip slow, then swapping between that for the 230 rune and my primal 2hander to keep avatar up. I haven't parsed it or anything, but it feels a bit better than just putting whip in main hand. The stronger rune shield and 100% avatar is possibly offsetting the slight drop is dps.

Interesting. Could you parse that against some mobs? Rile ratio is pretty bad, but curious how much the higher rune and less riposteS offsets the higher dps weapons.