About positioning. You should find this out yourself mainly. Learning mob's animations, and anticipating on their movements and attacks is best way to survive. Some hits you can take without guarding, with some you want to use your guard. Positioning has nothing to do with Combat Advantage (therefore use your marks).
I guess most important running with Knight’s Valor, is that you as tank should pull groups. Then you have agro from the start of a fight. If you run out of HP because of KV damage, your soulforged enchantment doesn’t activate. With longer fights, the dps group stands on one side of the mobs, and I will stand on the other side. Then my party gets less damage. Surviving direct hits from mobs is easier, because you can better anticipate on their attacks.
With some boss fights you shouldn’t use KV at all (Lostmouth, Valindra, Malabog’s Castle). You’re party should just learn to dodge.
Villain’s Menace & Into the Fray I tested it again like @blidfury11 described. He’s right, VM doesn’t add to party buff via ITF. It only provides a personal buff. Another weird mechanic. Thanks for pointing this out.
Pets and Bonding Enchantments I’m curious about your tests results. If I believe neverwinter.gamepedia.com, the Neverember Guard should be the fastest attacker with three defensive slots:
New Gear With the new lockbox, there is new best-in-slot gear for companions: items of Adorable Rolls. This grants 521 defense, 348 deflection and has two defense slots. Slotting three of these items gives you about 1k more defense than the Loyal Defender items per stack of companion’s gift.
Well, all I did was I slotted each of the companions, put the bonding stones on them and let them bash target dummies for 5 minutes each. What is important, besides the attack speed, is what the attack is composed of. For example, the best bonding proccer in the game is the lightfoot thief, this is because he has a fast attack speed, he multiprocs and he is able to get into combat quickly (deft strike).
When looking at the defensive companions, there are a few things to note: 1) Intellect devourer: It attacks slowly, but its attacks are AoE. This means that it can multi proc as if its attack procs bonding stones, it procs per targets hit and so even though it is slow, it can keep up ~2 stacks. In addition, it can attack at range. A minor note, this companion has 3 defense slots, even though the grid posted above lists it as not having them. 2)Lizardfolk shaman: This companion attacks faster attacks faster then the int devourer and also attacks at range, however it does not attack in an AoE like the devourer. However, unlike the devourer, it seems to apply a bleed mechanic and each tick of the bleed has a chance to proc bonding stones. It averages ~2.5 bonding procs as a result and the bleed allows it to multiproc up to 4/5. 3) Cleric disciple: Idk who wrote that article on gamepedia because this thing hits far more often then that. Its main attack hits 3 times in 1 go, each hit has a chance to proc bonding and it has roughly a 2 waiting period between this attack. It averages 3 stacks, however, it doesn't have a mechanic that allows it to multi proc, but it can attack at range. 4) Rimefire golem: This guy is a melee fighter with no ability like deft strike to get him into combat quickly, that immediately puts him at a disadvantage vs ranged fighters or companions with a teleport attack. He can multi proc on his AoE freeze attack and on his punch attack, however, he attacks very slowly. Out of all the companions I tested, he is definitely the worst. 5) Neverember Guard: He attacks at a decent pace and can keep up 2 stacks, however, like the Rimefire golem, he cannot get into combat as quickly as the ranged or teleport attack companions. Also, he is unable to multiproc on any of his attacks.
Interesting, I will have to give the cleric, devour, and guard a try. I've been using the Cave Bear.
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onegaki101Member, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 327Arc User
edited January 2016
double post
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hypergorila2Member, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 73Arc User
This is a great guide. I've learned so many thing Ty for taking your time to write it.
Have a question, nowhere in your guide you talk about the encounter "Commander's Strike". I personaly never used it, but was thinking of giving it a go. Do you have an opinion on that power? Is it good, bad?
I do not play GF, this post is purely about bonding stones. Kain recently got me to test all the bonding proccers with 3 defense slots for his gf and the old white cleric (the female one) is the fastest bonding proccer. Also, it is possible to get more then 3 stacks with certain companions without them dying if they happen to multiproc the stones. The intellect devourer for example can multi proc, or the lizardfolk shaman. However, both of those are slow attackers and so their potential to multi proc does not make up for their slower attacks then the cleric. (which averages 3 stacks)
For reference, the 3 defense slot companions I tested for him were: Lizardfolk shaman Rimefire Golem Cleric Disciple (the best proccer) Intellect devourer Neverember guard
I didn't notice any other 3 defense slot companions but if you know of any others and want me to test them just say so
There's also Priestess of Sune, Faithful Initiate, Dancing Shield, Pewter Golem, Earth Archon, Portal hound, Silver Scaled Cleric Disciple, Celeste, Galed Duhr, and Priestess of Sehanine Moonbow.
Not sure if bashing target dummies is the best method. I was messing around with portal hound, and bashing target dummies it was 2 stacks and very inconsistent. I went and did villithrax and it was a consistent three stacks (without dying). Probably even better at rare because it gets a teleport ability at rank 30.
'Course it's stuck on my HR because I claimed it there by accident way back when I won a starter pack.
I do not play GF, this post is purely about bonding stones. Kain recently got me to test all the bonding proccers with 3 defense slots for his gf and the old white cleric (the female one) is the fastest bonding proccer. Also, it is possible to get more then 3 stacks with certain companions without them dying if they happen to multiproc the stones. The intellect devourer for example can multi proc, or the lizardfolk shaman. However, both of those are slow attackers and so their potential to multi proc does not make up for their slower attacks then the cleric. (which averages 3 stacks)
For reference, the 3 defense slot companions I tested for him were: Lizardfolk shaman Rimefire Golem Cleric Disciple (the best proccer) Intellect devourer Neverember guard
I didn't notice any other 3 defense slot companions but if you know of any others and want me to test them just say so
There's also Priestess of Sune, Faithful Initiate, Dancing Shield, Pewter Golem, Earth Archon, Portal hound, Silver Scaled Cleric Desciple, Celeste, Galed Duhr, and Priestess of Sehanine Moonbow.
Not sure if bashing target dummies is the best method. I was messing around with portal hound, and bashing target dummies it was 2 stacks and very inconsistent. I went and did villithrax and it was a consistent three stacks (without dying). Probably even better at rare because it gets a teleport ability at rank 30.
'Course it's stuck on my HR because I claimed it there by accident way back when I won a starter pack.
Is dancing shield any good? I was thinking about that one.
"As the good archmage often admonishes me, I ought not to let my mind wander, as it's too small to go off by itself." -Danilo Thann[/quote]
whymushroom, Hi from Russia. I have a bad english , but I hope you understand me. I like this guide. That's stupid, but I don't understand what were the initial ability scores. Can you answer me? (I have a human race.)
I only recently discovered how effective it is to slot Shield Warrior Wrath and get those stacks going while using standard solo play setup. When I added ITF to the mix + made a Conq/Protector hybrid...let's just say I again fully enjoy solo play with my GF.
mwhahahhaha *evil laugh*
Hello Kemi1984. I'm a newbie GF. Do you want to share your conq/Protector hybrid build please?
I do not play GF, this post is purely about bonding stones. Kain recently got me to test all the bonding proccers with 3 defense slots for his gf and the old white cleric (the female one) is the fastest bonding proccer. Also, it is possible to get more then 3 stacks with certain companions without them dying if they happen to multiproc the stones. The intellect devourer for example can multi proc, or the lizardfolk shaman. However, both of those are slow attackers and so their potential to multi proc does not make up for their slower attacks then the cleric. (which averages 3 stacks)
For reference, the 3 defense slot companions I tested for him were: Lizardfolk shaman Rimefire Golem Cleric Disciple (the best proccer) Intellect devourer Neverember guard
I didn't notice any other 3 defense slot companions but if you know of any others and want me to test them just say so
There's also Priestess of Sune, Faithful Initiate, Dancing Shield, Pewter Golem, Earth Archon, Portal hound, Silver Scaled Cleric Desciple, Celeste, Galed Duhr, and Priestess of Sehanine Moonbow.
Not sure if bashing target dummies is the best method. I was messing around with portal hound, and bashing target dummies it was 2 stacks and very inconsistent. I went and did villithrax and it was a consistent three stacks (without dying). Probably even better at rare because it gets a teleport ability at rank 30.
'Course it's stuck on my HR because I claimed it there by accident way back when I won a starter pack.
Is dancing shield any good? I was thinking about that one.
The cooldowns on it's attacks are pretty long so I doubt it.
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zekethesinnerMember, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 805Arc User
I do not play GF, this post is purely about bonding stones. Kain recently got me to test all the bonding proccers with 3 defense slots for his gf and the old white cleric (the female one) is the fastest bonding proccer. Also, it is possible to get more then 3 stacks with certain companions without them dying if they happen to multiproc the stones. The intellect devourer for example can multi proc, or the lizardfolk shaman. However, both of those are slow attackers and so their potential to multi proc does not make up for their slower attacks then the cleric. (which averages 3 stacks)
For reference, the 3 defense slot companions I tested for him were: Lizardfolk shaman Rimefire Golem Cleric Disciple (the best proccer) Intellect devourer Neverember guard
I didn't notice any other 3 defense slot companions but if you know of any others and want me to test them just say so
There's also Priestess of Sune, Faithful Initiate, Dancing Shield, Pewter Golem, Earth Archon, Portal hound, Silver Scaled Cleric Desciple, Celeste, Galed Duhr, and Priestess of Sehanine Moonbow.
Not sure if bashing target dummies is the best method. I was messing around with portal hound, and bashing target dummies it was 2 stacks and very inconsistent. I went and did villithrax and it was a consistent three stacks (without dying). Probably even better at rare because it gets a teleport ability at rank 30.
'Course it's stuck on my HR because I claimed it there by accident way back when I won a starter pack.
- Priestess is nice healer, but has tragic bonding proc. - Initiate is same stuff like Cleric Disciple, just different skins set. - Dancing shield is just tragic at procing. - No idea about golem - Earth archon is bad, has 2s or so skill, it makes him slow to proc. - Portal hound is impossible to obtain right now im afraid. - No idea about Silver Scale cleric, sorry.(judging from skill names it may be same as Initiate/Disciple, but never tested) - Well, also no idea about Celeste. - Galeb is bad at procing. ( a bit worse than archon) - Priestess is rly nice companion over all, especialy if u want 20% crit more, but full moon is bugged, and bonding procing is bad. - There r also fawns, one of worst to proc bonding.
I do not play GF, this post is purely about bonding stones. Kain recently got me to test all the bonding proccers with 3 defense slots for his gf and the old white cleric (the female one) is the fastest bonding proccer. Also, it is possible to get more then 3 stacks with certain companions without them dying if they happen to multiproc the stones. The intellect devourer for example can multi proc, or the lizardfolk shaman. However, both of those are slow attackers and so their potential to multi proc does not make up for their slower attacks then the cleric. (which averages 3 stacks)
For reference, the 3 defense slot companions I tested for him were: Lizardfolk shaman Rimefire Golem Cleric Disciple (the best proccer) Intellect devourer Neverember guard
I didn't notice any other 3 defense slot companions but if you know of any others and want me to test them just say so
There's also Priestess of Sune, Faithful Initiate, Dancing Shield, Pewter Golem, Earth Archon, Portal hound, Silver Scaled Cleric Desciple, Celeste, Galed Duhr, and Priestess of Sehanine Moonbow.
Not sure if bashing target dummies is the best method. I was messing around with portal hound, and bashing target dummies it was 2 stacks and very inconsistent. I went and did villithrax and it was a consistent three stacks (without dying). Probably even better at rare because it gets a teleport ability at rank 30.
'Course it's stuck on my HR because I claimed it there by accident way back when I won a starter pack.
- Priestess is nice healer, but has tragic bonding proc. - Initiate is same stuff like Cleric Disciple, just different skins set. - Dancing shield is just tragic at procing. - No idea about golem - Earth archon is bad, has 2s or so skill, it makes him slow to proc. - Portal hound is impossible to obtain right now im afraid. - No idea about Silver Scale cleric, sorry.(judging from skill names it may be same as Initiate/Disciple, but never tested) - Well, also no idea about Celeste. - Galeb is bad at procing. ( a bit worse than archon) - Priestess is rly nice companion over all, especialy if u want 20% crit more, but full moon is bugged, and bonding procing is bad. - There r also fawns, one of worst to proc bonding.
Would personally stick to bulette.
Cheers.
(Sin)cerely Kain
Disciple procs it well enough to was just curious if there was anything better. Portal hound seems like it's better but I'd have to wait until they do another pack sale promotion like they did last year.
Definitely wouldn't go with an augment though. Disciple hits three stacks consistently enough that even with rank 11 bonding runestones and rank 9 azures I'm hitting 91% DR on a 2.5k GF in DF armor.
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tamsirlidianMember, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 27Arc User
It seems the right moment, since in was revealed in blog, to talk about mounts. So far the Snail was the best, no question asked. But is it still king compared with a Mount giving even more (2000 to 4000) defense or recovery?
Snail is still better because 4000 recovery is worth only 10% increased gain on action points whereas the snail (and the other AP gain mounts) are worth 25% (snail) or 15% (gorgon, stag (i think stag)) of actual AP
Guild - The Imaginary Friends We are searching for slave labor, will pay with food from our farm!
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zekethesinnerMember, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 805Arc User
I do not play GF, this post is purely about bonding stones. Kain recently got me to test all the bonding proccers with 3 defense slots for his gf and the old white cleric (the female one) is the fastest bonding proccer. Also, it is possible to get more then 3 stacks with certain companions without them dying if they happen to multiproc the stones. The intellect devourer for example can multi proc, or the lizardfolk shaman. However, both of those are slow attackers and so their potential to multi proc does not make up for their slower attacks then the cleric. (which averages 3 stacks)
For reference, the 3 defense slot companions I tested for him were: Lizardfolk shaman Rimefire Golem Cleric Disciple (the best proccer) Intellect devourer Neverember guard
I didn't notice any other 3 defense slot companions but if you know of any others and want me to test them just say so
There's also Priestess of Sune, Faithful Initiate, Dancing Shield, Pewter Golem, Earth Archon, Portal hound, Silver Scaled Cleric Desciple, Celeste, Galed Duhr, and Priestess of Sehanine Moonbow.
Not sure if bashing target dummies is the best method. I was messing around with portal hound, and bashing target dummies it was 2 stacks and very inconsistent. I went and did villithrax and it was a consistent three stacks (without dying). Probably even better at rare because it gets a teleport ability at rank 30.
'Course it's stuck on my HR because I claimed it there by accident way back when I won a starter pack.
- Priestess is nice healer, but has tragic bonding proc. - Initiate is same stuff like Cleric Disciple, just different skins set. - Dancing shield is just tragic at procing. - No idea about golem - Earth archon is bad, has 2s or so skill, it makes him slow to proc. - Portal hound is impossible to obtain right now im afraid. - No idea about Silver Scale cleric, sorry.(judging from skill names it may be same as Initiate/Disciple, but never tested) - Well, also no idea about Celeste. - Galeb is bad at procing. ( a bit worse than archon) - Priestess is rly nice companion over all, especialy if u want 20% crit more, but full moon is bugged, and bonding procing is bad. - There r also fawns, one of worst to proc bonding.
Would personally stick to bulette.
Cheers.
(Sin)cerely Kain
Disciple procs it well enough to was just curious if there was anything better. Portal hound seems like it's better but I'd have to wait until they do another pack sale promotion like they did last year.
Definitely wouldn't go with an augment though. Disciple hits three stacks consistently enough that even with rank 11 bonding runestones and rank 9 azures I'm hitting 91% DR on a 2.5k GF in DF armor.
Thats ur PoV, as tank i personally hate DR jumping all over the map, as far as it goes with great timing u can proc up to 40% ITF buff than me (bonding vs augment here) i still would take sure 90% (currently absolute top is 143% ITF buff with augment vs 182.5% buff with max unbugged stacks of bonding or average 156% on bonding) DR over all.
I still prefer to hold to my augment, tho on any dps i would always chose bonding.
Trying to max out GF's buffing potential I went from Conq to Tact.
As this is my first try for this route I wasn't aware that the capstone actually works only for allies, not for the char himself. But that's ok, I can get my AP full pretty fast without it.
Not sure how much more Tact gives to the party, I can see some 5% from ITF, crushing pin and whatnot but I do not think it's actually a better path than a Conq.
Above is mostly because I felt much more squishy in few test runs. Partially because I switched from LS SH boon to Defense to max out the ITF potential, together with Tact feats.
Still need to run around with it for a while but for now I do feel more like a punching bag with just a tad bit more utility than a Conq. Encounters are ready much faster, that's a big plus, ITF went from almost 14 sec to close to 9 with 3 bonding stacks.
Conq has a huge advantage dealing way more damage and with LS SH boon making it (IMO) harder to take down than even a full decked Protector - I've started as a prot and went Conq once I geared up.
So yeah, just wanted to shake it off and maybe hear other opinions about the build.
Nancy - Dragonborn, SM Guardian Fighter A proud member of "mythical horde of DPS GFs"
1). Is SW more dps or tank based? 2). Yes. I am panzer! 3). Get ACT if you want to celebrate your epeen. 4). Horniness will not stand between me and what I believe - "MM"
I have to credit the OP for the open and constructive tone of this thread in addition to the thorough build. Thanks, Whymushroom.
For those of you promoting Bonding Stones, I'm looking for an analysis of the average Gift rate of defense related companions. In light of some of the posts which attempt to address this issue, my question might seem like I didn't read. I'm not sure that sufficient information has yet been provided on this topic.
To explain, I've been more focused on DPS classes, and I've done some analysis (If you are interested, I posted the results as a part of my Trapper build in a section called "Companion Proc Rate Comparisons") which gave me a less encouraging perspective for most bonded combat companions, until using bonding stones over rank 11.
As an example, my Air Archon gave "meh" results from Perfect Bonding Stones. This is because, in combat, the average gift cycle for the Archon (which, I'd guess is as good or better than most of the noted defense-related companions) is about one every 42 seconds in my testing... compared to the Zhentarim Warlock which is closer to what we want about 33 seconds. The best this proc rate could possibly be (without multiprocs of gifts) is 30 seconds.
So, what I am considering is whether or not it was possible that the fastest procing striker companions might gift more Defense, even though they have no Defense base stats and no defensive runestones, if they were geared well, than an Tankier/Healier pet that doesn't proc frequently enough.
I have to credit the OP for the open and constructive tone of this thread in addition to the thorough build. Thanks, Whymushroom.
For those of you promoting Bonding Stones, I'm looking for an analysis of the average Gift rate of defense related companions. In light of some of the posts which attempt to address this issue, my question might seem like I didn't read. I'm not sure that sufficient information has yet been provided on this topic.
To explain, I've been more focused on DPS classes, and I've done some analysis (If you are interested, I posted the results as a part of my Trapper build in a section called "Companion Proc Rate Comparisons") which gave me a less encouraging perspective for most bonded combat companions, until using bonding stones over rank 11.
As an example, my Air Archon gave "meh" results from Perfect Bonding Stones. This is because, in combat, the average gift cycle for the Archon (which, I'd guess is as good or better than most of the noted defense-related companions) is about one every 42 seconds in my testing... compared to the Zhentarim Warlock which is closer to what we want about 33 seconds. The best this proc rate could possibly be (without multiprocs of gifts) is 30 seconds.
So, what I am considering is whether or not it was possible that the fastest procing striker companions might gift more Defense, even though they have no Defense base stats and no defensive runestones, if they were geared well, than an Tankier/Healier pet that doesn't proc frequently enough.
IMO faithful iniatiate/cleric disciple has 3x stacks often enough to justify it over a warlock. Anything would basically need to get 4+ stacks consistently when ITF is off cooldown to justify itself.
My apologies if this sounds dismissive, as I don't intend that. I guess I'm looking for data more than opinion... cause, before I did some testing, I strongly posted my opinion in a few places that the Air Archon proc'd quickly. But, testing demonstrated that I was wrong.
Let me give you an extreme example of why I think it'd be wise to do more digging on this topic. I dorked around with a Cleric Disciple last night and I think she proc'd 3 times in an entire DR mini-dungeon. 5 tops. That's true... So, while I'll admit that was a slight misuse of her, and probably misrepresented her abilities in general (I believe you that she's better than that), my point is simply to demonstrate that anecdotal evidence is spurious.
But, data is your friend. And, it's super easy to get! (I don't have a CD on my GF, so my data will be biased, or I would have reported it, as I have with other companions, instead of asking for someone else to.) If you have one, it's just a matter of starting up ACT at the beginning of an event, fighting your way through it, check the times of the first and last procs of Companion's Gift, and how many total procs there were, and you'll get a proc rate that is meaningful to the community that can be reasonably compared to other companions. Do that for a few events to make sure the data is reliable, and wha la.
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thefabricantMember, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 5,248Arc User
My apologies if this sounds dismissive, as I don't intend that. I guess I'm looking for data more than opinion... cause, before I did some testing, I strongly posted my opinion in a few places that the Air Archon proc'd quickly. But, testing demonstrated that I was wrong.
Let me give you an extreme example of why I think it'd be wise to do more digging on this topic. I dorked around with a Cleric Disciple last night and I think she proc'd 3 times in an entire DR mini-dungeon. 5 tops. That's true... So, while I'll admit that was a slight misuse of her, and probably misrepresented her abilities in general (I believe you that she's better than that), my point is simply to demonstrate that anecdotal evidence is spurious.
But, data is your friend. And, it's super easy to get! (I don't have a CD on my GF, so my data will be biased, or I would have reported it, as I have with other companions, instead of asking for someone else to.) If you have one, it's just a matter of starting up ACT at the beginning of an event, fighting your way through it, check the times of the first and last procs of Companion's Gift, and how many total procs there were, and you'll get a proc rate that is meaningful to the community that can be reasonably compared to other companions. Do that for a few events to make sure the data is reliable, and wha la.
You also need to bare in mind the average length of a fight. For me atm, even the boss fights in t2 dungeons on average are shorter then 20 seconds so I get all of the stats all of the time for the entire duration of the fight and then the downtime occurs between packs.
My apologies if this sounds dismissive, as I don't intend that. I guess I'm looking for data more than opinion... cause, before I did some testing, I strongly posted my opinion in a few places that the Air Archon proc'd quickly. But, testing demonstrated that I was wrong.
Let me give you an extreme example of why I think it'd be wise to do more digging on this topic. I dorked around with a Cleric Disciple last night and I think she proc'd 3 times in an entire DR mini-dungeon. 5 tops. That's true... So, while I'll admit that was a slight misuse of her, and probably misrepresented her abilities in general (I believe you that she's better than that), my point is simply to demonstrate that anecdotal evidence is spurious.
But, data is your friend. And, it's super easy to get! (I don't have a CD on my GF, so my data will be biased, or I would have reported it, as I have with other companions, instead of asking for someone else to.) If you have one, it's just a matter of starting up ACT at the beginning of an event, fighting your way through it, check the times of the first and last procs of Companion's Gift, and how many total procs there were, and you'll get a proc rate that is meaningful to the community that can be reasonably compared to other companions. Do that for a few events to make sure the data is reliable, and wha la.
The only time procs are relevant for a GF are during a boss fight so you'd need to do ACT in a dungeon. Recording is going to be better than ACT too because the proc rate isn't relevant; it's how often you have three stacks when you need to activate ITF again.
How do you not have a CD on ITF? Technically you'd be wasting stats because you only need to have enough recovery to activate ITF again when the buff ends.
For an average player brand new to this game and without any starting gear, this build simply rocks. Not sure why; just know that it is a lot of fun. Normally I prefer ranged characters, but this is an exception. A tank build without gear or experience is probably not my best idea, but I am having too much fun to care. Thanks!
Only level 44 but the Dread Warrior companion has been great. His vocabulary should have included "I'm dead, and I'm pissed!".
For an average player brand new to this game and without any starting gear, this build simply rocks. Not sure why; just know that it is a lot of fun. Normally I prefer ranged characters, but this is an exception. A tank build without gear or experience is probably not my best idea, but I am having too much fun to care. Thanks!
Only level 44 but the Dread Warrior companion has been great. His vocabulary should have included "I'm dead, and I'm pissed!".
I was there before, yes this build is really the best buffer build i know of, and I have tried lots. I have made some changes in terms of gears to better suit my style, but feats and powers are spot on.
"As the good archmage often admonishes me, I ought not to let my mind wander, as it's too small to go off by itself." -Danilo Thann[/quote]
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whymushroomMember, NW M9 PlaytestPosts: 52Arc User
Thanks for the kind words!
I'm slowly editing the guide, but I don't have much time these days. But I have written two chapters that I want to share with you guys already.
Mounts
The extra defense you can get from Mount Bonuses is big! The buffs alone grant you almost +20% Defense!
Alchemist's Invigoration • https://two30.github.io/neverwinter-insignia/?22 • Whenever you drink a Healing Potion, you are granted 5% more Power and Defense for 10 seconds. • 1 Regal, 2 Illuminated
Alchemist's Refresher • https://two30.github.io/neverwinter-insignia/?22 • Whenever you drink a Healing Potion, you are granted 2% more Power and Defense for 10 seconds. • 1 Regal, 1 Illuminated
Protector's Friendship • https://two30.github.io/neverwinter-insignia/?20 • Whenever your summoned Companion attacks, you gain 3% of your Power and Defense for 10 seconds. This effect can stack up to 4 times. • 1 Regal, 1 Barbed
Protector's Camaraderie • https://two30.github.io/neverwinter-insignia/?6 • Whenever your summoned Companion attacks, you gain 3% of your Power and Defense for 10 seconds. This effect can stack up to 4 times. • 2 Regal, 1 Barbed
Tip: you can’t drink normal HP potions when at full health, but you can activate the buffs with rejuvenation potions!
If you have slots left: • Crescent Insignia of Courage: +200 Defense • Regal Insignia of Courage: +200 Defense • Illuminated Insignia of Mastery: +200 Recovery • Barbed Insignia of Gond: +200 Recovery
How does a GF buff?
A guardian has many ways to buff his group. Here an oversight of its abilities, sorted with most important buffs first.
1. Into the Fray (AP and dps buff: +40% up to +200%) Our biggest buff! This encounter converts your Damage Reduction (DR) into a damage buff for your party members. Defense and AC is needed to increase your DR (better buffs). Recovery is needed to reduce its cooldown (faster buffs). This is your biggest ability to buff your group. With enough Defense, you can more than double your party’s dps! DR is uncapped for ITF buff.
2. Mark (dps buff: +40% to +45%) Don’t you ever forget to mark your targets! Marks in general activate Combat Advantage (1). Marks from Class Mechanic/Combat Challenge also debuff target’s Damage Reduction, resulting in a dps buff (2). Also note that the Enhanced Mark feature from Artifact Class Feature (off hand) provides a buff too (3).
3. Tide of Iron (dps buff: +20%)
4. Knight Captain set (+15% power)
5. Feats I. Crushing Pin (dps buff: +10%): Activated by Crow Control powers. Best to activate with Griffon’s Wrath, Bull Charge, Terrifying Impact, Crescendo and/or Indomitable Strenght. II. Rousing Speech (AP buff); III. Martial Mastery (AP buff).
6. Weapon Enchantment a. Plague Fire (dps buff: +3x3= +9%) OR; b. Bronzewood (dps buff +5%) OR; c. Terror (dps buff +4%).
10. Artifacts a. Paladin Sigil (dps buff: +10 to +15%) This item can boost your Into the Fray buff twice per minute (16 seconds active). OR; b. Lantern of Revelation (dps buff +16%) 6 seconds per minute. OR; c. Vanguard’s Banner (dps buff: +?%).
11. Racial a. Human (+3% defense) Extra defense, grants more DR, bigger ITF buff. OR; b. Dark Fire (dps buff +?%) Racial buff from Drow. Procs not very often.
How does a GF stay alive?
Buffing is important, but staying alive even more. How do we survive?
1. Reading opponent’s movements It’s important to know the PNC’s movements and anticipate on their attacks. This is your biggest defense.
2. Guard/Shield Absorb incoming damage with your shield until you run out of Stamina. Only use your shield when you expect a hit, then you don’t need much Stamina. Point your shield towards center of red areas.
3. Steel Defense (passive) This passive makes you immune to any damage for 6 seconds after using a Daily. More Action Points gives you faster dailies, makes you immune more often.
4. Fighter’s Recovery (daily) Convert incoming damage into personal healing, and recover 100% of your HP.
5. Lathander set + Soulforged Enchantment Survive one-shots with your Soulforged and recover 50% of your HP. Combo with some boons recovers about 80% of your HP.
6. Boons a. Elven Tranquility (chance to heal 20k HP) b. Enraged Regrowth (chance to heal 20k HP) c. Augmented Thayan Bastion (chance to absorb 10k damage) d. Dragon’s Thirst (3%-5% increased Life Steal) e. Dragon’s Revival (10%-15% increased incoming healing)
7. Stats a. Defense: DR for incoming damage is capped at 80%. b. Life Steal: LS now is now a chance, and GFs have a 100% severity. This makes LS a good source of HP. c. Deflection: Chance to ignore a portion of incoming damage. Useful in combination with the potions Caprese (chance +3%) and Foehammer’s Favor Elixir (severity +10%) d. Hit Points: No need to focus on gear with HP. Getting more HP than your base pool is helping your survival just a small bit. e. Regeneration: Doesn’t work in combat, slightly increases incoming healing.
Would it be bad if i used Zhentarim Warlock as a fast proc companion. I mean she has at least 1 def slot, she gives you recovery and she has 0 sec cooldown plus a ranged attack whick i think is her best trait cause she will always be able to start hiting on the moment. Also, I read some people having problems holding the aggro.Someone suggested they increase their dps by increasing ArPen and so they should keep their aggro easier. Do you have problem holding the aggro with that build?
2. Mark (dps buff: +40% to +45%) Don’t you ever forget to mark your targets! Marks in general activate Combat Advantage (1). Marks from Class Mechanic/Combat Challenge also debuff target’s Damage Reduction, resulting in a dps buff (2). Also note that the Enhanced Mark feature from Artifact Class Feature (off hand) provides a buff too (3).
According to this thread from Grimah, the enhanced mark off hand bonus actually only reduces the mob DR by 5% and so if you/your party has 60% RI already then this reduction to DR does not end up helping
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Regarding bondings, I have tried both (with rank 11s) I have a repentant cultist too (1 second attack and 2 def slots) But i find augment better (bulette).
Why?
Because it takes time for bondings to proc, and if you have recovery/def on it (which you prob have) your first ITF cooldown will not benefit from it. If you use ITF with 13 seconds cooldown THEN proc your bondings, you still have to wait that during until it is off cooldown again.
However, I won't say its really useless. It's still great, and more effective in alot of scenarios. But I don't like having to wait/worry about it, and most of my pulls I did not get any stacks on the first ITF because I like to use it almost immediately (or as soon as I see astral shield)
I usually go in and apply other debuffs while waiting for the shield maiden to proc. This also gives DC time to throw down hallowed ground and/or astral shield (which could double the ITF bonus). After that I'll pop ITF. If its a short fight, it won't matter if you pop ITF at the onset or like I've said. If it is a boss fight, the bonding and a little patience might be the best solution.
Comments
Interesting, I will have to give the cleric, devour, and guard a try. I've been using the Cave Bear.
Ty for taking your time to write it.
Have a question, nowhere in your guide you talk about the encounter "Commander's Strike". I personaly never used it, but was thinking of giving it a go. Do you have an opinion on that power? Is it good, bad?
Not sure if bashing target dummies is the best method. I was messing around with portal hound, and bashing target dummies it was 2 stacks and very inconsistent. I went and did villithrax and it was a consistent three stacks (without dying). Probably even better at rare because it gets a teleport ability at rank 30.
'Course it's stuck on my HR because I claimed it there by accident way back when I won a starter pack.
Does the crushing pin feat apply the damage bonus to the whole group?
Hello Kemi1984. I'm a newbie GF. Do you want to share your conq/Protector hybrid build please?
- Initiate is same stuff like Cleric Disciple, just different skins set.
- Dancing shield is just tragic at procing.
- No idea about golem
- Earth archon is bad, has 2s or so skill, it makes him slow to proc.
- Portal hound is impossible to obtain right now im afraid.
- No idea about Silver Scale cleric, sorry.(judging from skill names it may be same as Initiate/Disciple, but never tested)
- Well, also no idea about Celeste.
- Galeb is bad at procing. ( a bit worse than archon)
- Priestess is rly nice companion over all, especialy if u want 20% crit more, but full moon is bugged, and bonding procing is bad.
- There r also fawns, one of worst to proc bonding.
Would personally stick to bulette.
Cheers.
(Sin)cerely
Kain
Definitely wouldn't go with an augment though. Disciple hits three stacks consistently enough that even with rank 11 bonding runestones and rank 9 azures I'm hitting 91% DR on a 2.5k GF in DF armor.
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I still prefer to hold to my augment, tho on any dps i would always chose bonding.
(Sin)cerely
Kain
As this is my first try for this route I wasn't aware that the capstone actually works only for allies, not for the char himself. But that's ok, I can get my AP full pretty fast without it.
Not sure how much more Tact gives to the party, I can see some 5% from ITF, crushing pin and whatnot but I do not think it's actually a better path than a Conq.
Above is mostly because I felt much more squishy in few test runs. Partially because I switched from LS SH boon to Defense to max out the ITF potential, together with Tact feats.
Still need to run around with it for a while but for now I do feel more like a punching bag with just a tad bit more utility than a Conq. Encounters are ready much faster, that's a big plus, ITF went from almost 14 sec to close to 9 with 3 bonding stacks.
Conq has a huge advantage dealing way more damage and with LS SH boon making it (IMO) harder to take down than even a full decked Protector - I've started as a prot and went Conq once I geared up.
So yeah, just wanted to shake it off and maybe hear other opinions about the build.
A proud member of "mythical horde of DPS GFs"
1). Is SW more dps or tank based?
2). Yes. I am panzer!
3). Get ACT if you want to celebrate your epeen.
4). Horniness will not stand between me and what I believe - "MM"
For those of you promoting Bonding Stones, I'm looking for an analysis of the average Gift rate of defense related companions. In light of some of the posts which attempt to address this issue, my question might seem like I didn't read. I'm not sure that sufficient information has yet been provided on this topic.
To explain, I've been more focused on DPS classes, and I've done some analysis (If you are interested, I posted the results as a part of my Trapper build in a section called "Companion Proc Rate Comparisons") which gave me a less encouraging perspective for most bonded combat companions, until using bonding stones over rank 11.
As an example, my Air Archon gave "meh" results from Perfect Bonding Stones. This is because, in combat, the average gift cycle for the Archon (which, I'd guess is as good or better than most of the noted defense-related companions) is about one every 42 seconds in my testing... compared to the Zhentarim Warlock which is closer to what we want about 33 seconds. The best this proc rate could possibly be (without multiprocs of gifts) is 30 seconds.
So, what I am considering is whether or not it was possible that the fastest procing striker companions might gift more Defense, even though they have no Defense base stats and no defensive runestones, if they were geared well, than an Tankier/Healier pet that doesn't proc frequently enough.
tl;dr - You wrote: Have you verified that?
Let me give you an extreme example of why I think it'd be wise to do more digging on this topic. I dorked around with a Cleric Disciple last night and I think she proc'd 3 times in an entire DR mini-dungeon. 5 tops. That's true... So, while I'll admit that was a slight misuse of her, and probably misrepresented her abilities in general (I believe you that she's better than that), my point is simply to demonstrate that anecdotal evidence is spurious.
But, data is your friend.
How do you not have a CD on ITF? Technically you'd be wasting stats because you only need to have enough recovery to activate ITF again when the buff ends.
For an average player brand new to this game and without any starting gear, this build simply rocks. Not sure why; just know that it is a lot of fun. Normally I prefer ranged characters, but this is an exception. A tank build without gear or experience is probably not my best idea, but I am having too much fun to care. Thanks!
Only level 44 but the Dread Warrior companion has been great. His vocabulary should have included "I'm dead, and I'm pissed!".
I'm slowly editing the guide, but I don't have much time these days. But I have written two chapters that I want to share with you guys already.
Mounts
The extra defense you can get from Mount Bonuses is big! The buffs alone grant you almost +20% Defense!Alchemist's Invigoration
• https://two30.github.io/neverwinter-insignia/?22
• Whenever you drink a Healing Potion, you are granted 5% more Power and Defense for 10 seconds.
• 1 Regal, 2 Illuminated
Alchemist's Refresher
• https://two30.github.io/neverwinter-insignia/?22
• Whenever you drink a Healing Potion, you are granted 2% more Power and Defense for 10 seconds.
• 1 Regal, 1 Illuminated
Protector's Friendship
• https://two30.github.io/neverwinter-insignia/?20
• Whenever your summoned Companion attacks, you gain 3% of your Power and Defense for 10 seconds. This effect can stack up to 4 times.
• 1 Regal, 1 Barbed
Protector's Camaraderie
• https://two30.github.io/neverwinter-insignia/?6
• Whenever your summoned Companion attacks, you gain 3% of your Power and Defense for 10 seconds. This effect can stack up to 4 times.
• 2 Regal, 1 Barbed
Tip: you can’t drink normal HP potions when at full health, but you can activate the buffs with rejuvenation potions!
If you have slots left:
• Crescent Insignia of Courage: +200 Defense
• Regal Insignia of Courage: +200 Defense
• Illuminated Insignia of Mastery: +200 Recovery
• Barbed Insignia of Gond: +200 Recovery
How does a GF buff?
A guardian has many ways to buff his group. Here an oversight of its abilities, sorted with most important buffs first.1. Into the Fray (AP and dps buff: +40% up to +200%)
Our biggest buff! This encounter converts your Damage Reduction (DR) into a damage buff for your party members. Defense and AC is needed to increase your DR (better buffs). Recovery is needed to reduce its cooldown (faster buffs). This is your biggest ability to buff your group. With enough Defense, you can more than double your party’s dps! DR is uncapped for ITF buff.
2. Mark (dps buff: +40% to +45%)
Don’t you ever forget to mark your targets! Marks in general activate Combat Advantage (1). Marks from Class Mechanic/Combat Challenge also debuff target’s Damage Reduction, resulting in a dps buff (2). Also note that the Enhanced Mark feature from Artifact Class Feature (off hand) provides a buff too (3).
3. Tide of Iron (dps buff: +20%)
4. Knight Captain set (+15% power)
5. Feats
I. Crushing Pin (dps buff: +10%): Activated by Crow Control powers. Best to activate with Griffon’s Wrath, Bull Charge, Terrifying Impact, Crescendo and/or Indomitable Strenght.
II. Rousing Speech (AP buff);
III. Martial Mastery (AP buff).
6. Weapon Enchantment
a. Plague Fire (dps buff: +3x3= +9%) OR;
b. Bronzewood (dps buff +5%) OR;
c. Terror (dps buff +4%).
10. Artifacts
a. Paladin Sigil (dps buff: +10 to +15%)
This item can boost your Into the Fray buff twice per minute (16 seconds active). OR;
b. Lantern of Revelation (dps buff +16%)
6 seconds per minute. OR;
c. Vanguard’s Banner (dps buff: +?%).
11. Racial
a. Human (+3% defense)
Extra defense, grants more DR, bigger ITF buff. OR;
b. Dark Fire (dps buff +?%)
Racial buff from Drow. Procs not very often.
How does a GF stay alive?
Buffing is important, but staying alive even more. How do we survive?1. Reading opponent’s movements
It’s important to know the PNC’s movements and anticipate on their attacks. This is your biggest defense.
2. Guard/Shield
Absorb incoming damage with your shield until you run out of Stamina. Only use your shield when you expect a hit, then you don’t need much Stamina. Point your shield towards center of red areas.
3. Steel Defense (passive)
This passive makes you immune to any damage for 6 seconds after using a Daily. More Action Points gives you faster dailies, makes you immune more often.
4. Fighter’s Recovery (daily)
Convert incoming damage into personal healing, and recover 100% of your HP.
5. Lathander set + Soulforged Enchantment
Survive one-shots with your Soulforged and recover 50% of your HP. Combo with some boons recovers about 80% of your HP.
6. Boons
a. Elven Tranquility (chance to heal 20k HP)
b. Enraged Regrowth (chance to heal 20k HP)
c. Augmented Thayan Bastion (chance to absorb 10k damage)
d. Dragon’s Thirst (3%-5% increased Life Steal)
e. Dragon’s Revival (10%-15% increased incoming healing)
7. Stats
a. Defense: DR for incoming damage is capped at 80%.
b. Life Steal: LS now is now a chance, and GFs have a 100% severity. This makes LS a good source of HP.
c. Deflection: Chance to ignore a portion of incoming damage. Useful in combination with the potions Caprese (chance +3%) and Foehammer’s Favor Elixir (severity +10%)
d. Hit Points: No need to focus on gear with HP. Getting more HP than your base pool is helping your survival just a small bit.
e. Regeneration: Doesn’t work in combat, slightly increases incoming healing.
In the first post, it is stated that you get 24k defense with 3 stacks of r12 bonding runtestones.
I assume the Guard wears 3 x Loyal Defender items and 3 x r12 Azure in defense slots?
If I swap the Azure (defense bonus) for Silvery (deflect bonus), would I get the same amount as deflect bonus or is there some magic involved?
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Why?
Because it takes time for bondings to proc, and if you have recovery/def on it (which you prob have) your first ITF cooldown will not benefit from it. If you use ITF with 13 seconds cooldown THEN proc your bondings, you still have to wait that during until it is off cooldown again.
However, I won't say its really useless. It's still great, and more effective in alot of scenarios. But I don't like having to wait/worry about it, and most of my pulls I did not get any stacks on the first ITF because I like to use it almost immediately (or as soon as I see astral shield)
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