Looking for Help from 100+ BM(s)

Highestelf - Heavens Tear

I know there are many "Knowledgeable," peeps that contribute immensely to the BM forum threads - so let me say "Thank You" in advance, to any "experienced 100+" BM that takes the time and effort to Help me.

I realize BM's are not Barb's - BUT, until I reached level 90 my BM was able to play the role of tank respectably, in the absence of a barb.

About level 90, when I switched to my 90TT gear, I restatted my points to transfer a ton of VIT and some STR into DEX in an effort to become a true BM. My biggest concern was having the DEX for fists, and be ready for APS 5, once I got my 99/100 gear.

Here's my problem. I knew as a true DD I would be sacrificing some of my DEF/HP in exchange for the increased ATK, BUT I didn't realize I would become completely useless in the absence of any tank in squad. In fact, I now get creamed by lower level bosses that I could once solo, at lower levels.
If this is what I should expect? I'm not sure I want to be pure BM, would rather restat to hybrid.

My main used to be a cleric, which I quit playing at level 85, out of frustration from his squishiness, and my inability to get help, or improve gear to progress further. I'm starting to feel that same sense of frustration with my BM now.

I realize the role of a true DD is to deal massive damage while another tanks, BUT as a BM i'm "supposed" to have a reasonable amount of survivability, in the event that the tank goes down, and I'm the only one between the boss and my squad. Hell, I can't even survive on pulls in FF anymore. This is unacceptable, since I know other BM's that are APS 5 and survive as lurer/tank in FF.

I am currently APS 4, and with BP (Blood Paint) I can enjoy some satisfaction of survivability on a boss, but without BP + Demon spark I am absolutely worthless.

This brings me to my question. I am hoping Experienced "100+ BM's" will look at my STATS, and current gear (see calc links below) to see where I am failing right now. I am also hoping for recommendations on how to upgrade my gear now, and what replacement gear you recommend.

I am planing to make a major(from my perspective) investment of coin, in the near future, in order to follow through on the recommendations made for gear improvements. I'm looking for a realistic way to begin implementing changes immediately!

Would someone PLEASE offer me suggestions on what I MUST do immediately to correct any short comings to my current gear and stats, that will increase my survivability.

Basically - I want the highest degree of survivability possible, without sacrificing my DD role completely.

I don't want to distract from a well rounded response, but some of my specific concerns right now are;
1) What stones should I be using in gear now, keeping in mind they will likely be lost in upgrading.
A) Is it better to get the best possible stones now, then pay to keep them during upgrade?
What shards? VIT? Citrine? DEF? (Friend says Vit rather than citrine) - Is it too soon to invest in VIT?
2) Do I really NEED "Love up and down" tome? Or, is there a better tome that will suffice for a BM?
3) What could I do in regards to my ATTRIB points? leave them? Or Restat differently. (Now/Later?)
4) Between my 90TT/100 rep pieces - which should I Keep, and improve?

Please don't limit your response to only those questions;
Ultimately - If YOU inherited this BM, in it's current state -
HOW would YOU improve it? Starting with CURRENT modifications, additions and changes - and how would this BM look when you are done?

============================================
Here are views of my current Gear and Stats:

Plate and cuises of King / with deicides (1 socket) = http://pwcalc.com/821b06c234e13a6a
Plate and cuises of King / with unparalleled Brimstone axes (2 sockets) = http://pwcalc.com/c1f0682f516a977e

Rank Pieces with deicides (1 socket) = http://pwcalc.com/c2b4a8f09761dd7e
Rank Pieces with unparalleled Brimstone axes (2 sockets) = http://pwcalc.com/2abef89610886e97


Cape, Wrist, Chest(both), Leggings(both) and boots all have 3 sockets
============================================

The reason I specifically request responses only from 100+ BM's Is because forum chatter often disintegrates into endless theories and confusing numbers. These always get tossed around like some techno-geek Cesar salad - leaving the peeps who need answers, shaking their heads in confusion and bewilderment.


PLEASE!!
I'm not looking for "theories," or fantasies from upcoming BM's - I don't want a ton of numbers being tossed around in an attempt to substantiate ideas.

I'm simply looking for FACTS from BM's that HAVE first hand experience/knowledge, based on their own success.

I hope I'm not sounding brash - that is not my intention. I'd like to see simple nuts and bolts suggestions, that any BM experiencing my current situation can look at and say, "Aha!" OR "Eureka!!"

Highestelf - Heavens Tear

As you can see I am lacking shards - I been hesitating as I'm not sure whether to go higher level shards and pay to keep on upgrade, or go lower and lose that coin on later upgrades. Not sure which pieces will be upgraded, or which will be replaced altogether.

This is where input will be very appreciated.

Joshcja - Sanctuary

I'm assumeign your poor, If so I wouldent bother going full HA the tome is just too pricey. So on that note we're gonna do damage control on your build.

First, the evade necky and either the HA wrists or the HA boots, drop em (wrists seem to be an easier swap for you at his point) Get a mag def +5% hp necky (tt 90 gold is cheap if mediocre at endgame) and a set of LA items to replace the HA you lost, You'll gain both mag def and HP from this swap over in the long run. Oh and find a better hat, 2-3* oht with nice adds should be easy to find/make. Oh and the kicker/massive pain in the wallet, a TT 99 gold chestplate HA, Yup, Ow.

Next, Just shard full flawless, the boost from flawless to any gem under vit or JOSD/mag gem quality isnt worth the cost, you can get much more hp much cheaper via refines.

Then go buy a damn reset note, your stats WITH GEAR (not countign tt 90 pants because you'll be dropping those for vana) should be 200 dex, 299 str and sink everything else (includeign the 2 points you can pull out of mag) into vit.

Once thats taken care of go snag 6 fairy boxes a day from solo mode tt for a few weeks, get a DS event card, and full +4-5 your damn armor and +7 your claws. Total cost for full +5 HA +4 mag ornie and LA with +7 claws and +4 axes should be about 700-1k mirages and 2 DS cards. Or less. Refineing is cheeeeaaaaap.

Other things to consider/pick up along the way. Demon marrows, get them just do it. A band of H jail would let you restat more dex/str to vit and give a niiice boost to weapon attack though you would lose crit. And ofc you'll eventually want vana pants.

After all of the above coin your bm will be sitting on 8.5k+ hp 20-30% higher phys attack and 3.2k+ unbuffed mag def. Not amazing but better than the absolute **** you've got going now.

In short your gear list is (in no real order)

TT99 LA boots or wrists, TT90 mag necky, A lot of flawless shards, 2 DS event cards and 1k mirages, a charecter restat note or 2, A better hat, demon marrows.

http://pwcalc.com/8274045507a456cc This would be what your aiming for.

IJS: if you want to go full STR have the gear to back it up. I restated to pure only after I could maintain 10k hp with the build and I still feel squishy at times.

Steopie - Heavens Tear

Highestelf - Heavens Tear wrote: »

I don't want to distract from a well rounded response, but some of my specific concerns right now are;

1) What stones should I be using in gear now, keeping in mind they will likely be lost in upgrading.
A) Is it better to get the best possible stones now, then pay to keep them during upgrade?
What shards? VIT? Citrine? DEF? (Friend says Vit rather than citrine) - Is it too soon to invest in VIT?


Vit Stones and Def level shards (Jade of Steady Defense) give the best 'survivability' for a BM (Should also note DoD's arent worth it). Def level stones are best used at high refines (you get more benefit out of them survival wise). Financially, JoSD's are getting very costly so a lot of people are going to Vit stones, taking the financial point that the extra survivability from the jades is not worth the 20-30mill more you pay for them compared to vit stones.

The exact mathematics of Def stones vs Vit stones are kinda complicated. Try to check out Astarielle's socket calculator to see:
aster.ohmydays.net/pw/socketcalculator.html

There was also an 'effective HP' calculator spreadsheet, which I dont have the link on hand right now, but thats the best thing to consult in terms of endgame builds.

For the time being, bang some flawless citrines in your gear. Mayaswell fill up those empty holes b:chuckle. Only shard what you are sure is 'endgame' gear with good shards.

2) Do I really NEED "Love up and down" tome? Or, is there a better tome that will suffice for a BM?

If you want to be 5aps and avoid the TT99 LA, you need int from a tome. Love or Pangu are your options. I wouldnt say you need it, but its a nice luxury to have with regards to allowing you to have a more diverse build. If you plan on making G15 Claws / fists you will need the tome to compensate for the -0.05 int lost (unless you get really, really really, really really lucky with stats).

I like the level 4 tome 'battle tactics' 13str 12vit. I think thats a good 'budget tome' for a BM.

3) What could I do in regards to my ATTRIB points? leave them? Or Restat differently. (Now/Later?)

You have too much dex. Cap it at 200 with gear. The STR and VIT is upto you and down to preference. I would suggest going min STR for axes and rest into vit, as you said you like survival.

4) Between my 90TT/100 rep pieces - which should I Keep, and improve?

Use you Rep gear for the time being, its a higher grade than TT90. You should work on maybe using TT90 decomp to make TT99 gear to nirvana, or alternatively, go lunar nirvana, R9 or pack items (forest wisdom helm or boots, for example) for endgame armour parts (bearing in mind you might want to keep 2 parts TT99 for the -int bonus).

So basically, R8 armour > TT90 armour, but none of those parts should feature in serious endgame plans.

--

http://pwcalc.com/5acbe72b302b0119

Thats my build. Ive omitted the shards and refines cos im using immac cits like a scrub and non +10 gear annoys me b:sad. Im not going to argue that its the best setup, but I think it demonstrates a good mix of interval (I also use TT100 fists) and survivability, as well as demonstrating the luxury provided by having a love up and down tome

Id also note that I find accuracy rings to be highly beneficial in PVP, though I have recently been switching to the r8 ring in pve for the extra HP, especially when i know Im not going to be ***** by magic mobs / bosses etc. I wouldnt ever want to drop below using atleast 1 +50% acc ring though.

Highestelf - Heavens Tear

Joshcja - Sanctuary wrote: »

I'm assuming your poor, If so I wouldn't bother going full HA the tome is just too pricey. So on that note we're gonna do damage control on your build.

I appreciate your insight very much! I have made a note of the changes to focus on now.

As I mentioned in my first post, I am planning on a substantial coin investment in the game soon. If you were to inherit this BM "after" all the mod's you suggested have been made - what would like to do with it then? Let's assume you have some coin on hand to do what you like.

Steopie - Heavens Tear

Highestelf - Heavens Tear wrote: »

I appreciate your insight very much! I have made a note of the changes to focus on now.

As I mentioned in my first post, I am planning on a substantial coin investment in the game soon. If you were to inherit this BM "after" all the mod's you suggested have been made - what would like to do with it then? Let's assume you have some coin on hand to do what you like.

Full Rank 9. All Jades.

Drakeflames in R9 Axes.

Nirvana Helm and Cape (Lunar or TT, as long as theyre both the same type) 4 soc, all Jades

Love: up and down tome

Lunar or PQ or R8 ring along with ring of trauma.

3rd stage cube mdef necklace

Highestelf - Heavens Tear

Steopie - Heavens Tear wrote: »

Vit Stones and Def level shards (Jade of Steady Defense) give the best 'survivability' for a BM (Should also note DoD's arent worth it). Def level stones are best used at high refines (you get more benefit out of them survival wise). Financially, JoSD's are getting very costly so a lot of people are going to Vit stones, taking the financial point that the extra survivability from the jades is not worth the 20-30mill more you pay for them compared to vit stones.

Thank you for the info. This is just what I was hoping for. Ideas and perspectives from different 100+ BM's.

I now have much to consider - the most obvious is getting those holes filled lmao!! I agree 110%.

I only delayed cause I wasn't sure what direction to go with the chest and leggings options in front of me now.

I'm going to inject some coin very soon and address the most pressing current issues ASAP.
Then I will work on the gear replacements.

Steopie - Heavens Tear

Highestelf - Heavens Tear wrote: »

Thank you for the info. This is just what I was hoping for. Ideas and perspectives from different 100+ BM's.

I now have much to consider - the most obvious is getting those holes filled lmao!! I agree 110%.

I only delayed cause I wasn't sure what direction to go with the chest and leggings options in front of me now.

I'm going to inject some coin very soon and address the most pressing current issues ASAP.
Then I will work on the gear replacements.

Look at and plan your final build(s) and then decide if theres anything you can replace with a cheaper option for the time being.

For example, if you want to get the Warsong belt eventually, get the OHT Gold belt (Paradise Sachet) for the time being. Same goes with Cube neck -> Swindlers neck. Use a Warsoul helm until you can upgrade till your endgame choice etc etc.

You should also make a long term decision on if you want to pursue going for R9. Obviously working on nirvana armor parts other than pants (for int) or helm and cape is obviously a potential waste if you plan on getting some R9 gears. Same for axes, dont waste money working on nirvana axes if you can foresee yourself going R9.

Joshcja - Sanctuary

Highestelf - Heavens Tear wrote: »

I appreciate your insight very much! I have made a note of the changes to focus on now.

As I mentioned in my first post, I am planning on a substantial coin investment in the game soon. If you were to inherit this BM "after" all the mod's you suggested have been made - what would like to do with it then? Let's assume you have some coin on hand to do what you like.

In all seriousness? i would invest the coin in another class, either a sin or a ranged class once i fixed the bm to the point of my posted build. We're gimped pretty hardcore for pvp and I have no idea why I still even use this as my main.

If you love bm and just wanna stick with it? Better claws (TT100, 2 socket deicides, g 13), at least full +7 on your heavy armor, a vana helm, and a cube necky would be your next step up.

I would EVENTUALLY (not anytime soon because you'll pay out the ***) aim for something similar to the following builds

http://pwcalc.com/7b4f00d7d6aaf38f

or

http://pwcalc.com/60bf8f1f6de5541e

Highestelf - Heavens Tear

I appreciate the way both of you picked up on what I was asking for. Typically, when I communicate with others, I seem to get replies so far from the desired - but both of you have encouraged me with immediate, and long term solutions.

Although I'm not stupid, I can come across that way sometimes. Truth is I have no memory, nor a head for numbers and figures. I have a zillion recipe cards in front of me with notes on everything from desired Genie skills, class skills, gear etc. etc.

I did consider the Warsoul helm as a temp solution til I got a decent 100+ but having your suggest it w/o my mentioning it has encouraged me to just do it!

Also, I added the "serious" coin to my account, which I alluded to in my previous post, and will do the point resets as soon as I finish here in forums. I have enough coin to do some major gear changes now, if I was so inclined, but will use a majority of it for investment to profit. My goal is to not be broke again. I am a charitable player, meaning I tend to do 99% of runs for the benefit of others - which leaves me broke, broke, broke. I would not be exaggerating to say that many people, over the past 2 1/2 years, OWE their progress to my charitable contributions. TT runs for THEIR gear drops etc etc.

For now - my immediate changes will involve the necessary, lower cost changes of
1) Adding stones
2) Replacing hem
3) Restat points
4) Swindlers necklace(?)
5) Refine disposable gear to 5(only the gear that will gain HP)

Then I will get to work on the chest and leggings ASAP.

Once I get these done I should be able to get into Nirvana squads, and do solo runs I should have been able to do by now. Then I can start getting the drop items necessary for final end game pieces.

You 2 have given me a renewed sense of hope that I can do this. Now, with the coin available to get the ball rolling, and a plan to work on, I am anxious to put it into action.

I have subscribed to this thread in case there is additional input, but if my replies are slow, it's because I'm busy working on the improvements. A BIG manly hug to both of you!

Highestelf - Heavens Tear

Joshcja - Sanctuary wrote: »

In all seriousness? i would invest the coin in another class, either a sin or a ranged class once i fixed the bm to the point of my posted build. We're gimped pretty hardcore for pvp and I have no idea why I still even use this as my main.

If you love bm and just wanna stick with it? Better claws (TT100, 2 socket deicides, g 13), at least full +7 on your heavy armor, a vana helm, and a cube necky would be your next step up.

I would EVENTUALLY (not anytime soon because you'll pay out the ***) aim for something similar to the following builds

http://pwcalc.com/7b4f00d7d6aaf38f

or

http://pwcalc.com/60bf8f1f6de5541e

Actually, I also have an 85 cleric, 70 veno, 60 seeker. I was considering going back to the cleric once I was satisfied with my BM build. Of course I could just as easily focus on either of the other toons too. Just need to get to that point before I make up my mind.

In regards to the end game builds you demonstrated, those are nice, and like you said - Very pricey lol. Hoping to see the day when that won't be the only obstacle. b:victory

Highestelf - Heavens Tear

Joshcja - Sanctuary wrote: »

Once thats taken care of go snag 6 fairy boxes a day from solo mode tt for a few weeks, get a DS event card, and full +4-5 your damn armor and +7 your claws. Total cost for full +5 HA +4 mag ornie and LA with +7 claws and +4 axes should be about 700-1k mirages and 2 DS cards. Or less. Refining is cheeeeaaaaap

I presume by cheap - you mean "comparatively speaking? (Compared to mirages only to +5 - then including dragon orbs?).

At any rate - I would LOVE to learn how to refine CHEAP, as it's always been spendy for me so far.

Here's where I will come across sounding stupid...... What is a DS card? I don't know what DS is, but assume it's a daily? And the DS card is drop item? Similar to Dragon orb?

My gear has precluded me from participating in any meaningful game interaction, so I have clearly not been exposed to some of the events open to me. If it is 100+ related I have no clue, with the exception of getting 3 keys daily and save for something later.

For the record - I've yet to do Nirvana run or RB. As you can guess, my gear has been a major turn off for any that I would have squaded with.

Steopie - Heavens Tear

Continuing from the 'theme' I mentioned earlier of making yourself into an 'effective' BM and then working further on the more 'blingy' items:

A build like this gets you to 5aps (disregard the stats, ive not set them properly):

http://pwcalc.com/1cae3168b2a8a7d2

From here, you should be self sufficient at making money. You can then work on furthering your build by adding more expensive parts, such as upgrading your necklace to a cube necklace, upgrading your helmet to a nirvana one. Its always worth taking into account the economical climate of the server at the time when making upgrades. For example, its best to upgrade to nirvana parts when 2x is on, as you can farm them yourself faster and the price of uncannies typically drops. Similarly, its better to purchase items like a cube stamp when people are going wild for packs (normally at a tiger pack sale) as theres a higher supply and the price drops. The wraithgate cape is also a bit of a scrub cape, but it will do for farming as long as you dont plan on refining it highly, look into replacing it with a lunar cape, but check that your refine and socket plans mean that it will be beneficial to do so.

Working on getting an interval tome is a long goal and normally depends on how set on a particular build you are. As I mentioned before, if you have the tome you can get rid of the LA armour parts and go back to HA, you could remove the TT99 belt and goto an mdef one (Paradise Sachet, Warsong, R9 etc..). With this setup you could go TT99 HA boots and wrists and nirvana or go R9 for your chest for extra HP / defenses.

Dont disregard your axes also, you need to have a good pair of axes and learn how to use them. You'll be pretty second rate if you just run around with your interval claws / fists all day. Its also a very mindless and boring way to play a BM :> b:cute

Joshcja - Sanctuary

Highestelf - Heavens Tear wrote: »

I presume by cheap - you mean "comparatively speaking? (Compared to mirages only to +5 - then including dragon orbs?).

At any rate - I would LOVE to learn how to refine CHEAP, as it's always been spendy for me so far.

Here's where I will come across sounding stupid...... What is a DS card? I don't know what DS is, but assume it's a daily? And the DS card is drop item? Similar to Dragon orb?

My gear has precluded me from participating in any meaningful game interaction, so I have clearly not been exposed to some of the events open to me. If it is 100+ related I have no clue, with the exception of getting 3 keys daily and save for something later.

For the record - I've yet to do Nirvana run or RB. As you can guess, my gear has been a major turn off for any that I would have squaded with.

Stop by the crafting nook, one of the stickied threads will show you how to refine on the cheap with ease.

DS card = Demon sage event card, the 50k dragon point reward also obtainable from the nien event.

Even if you only do BH, cube (W/o do alls chipping the tickets), and your 3 key pickup daily your makeing an average of 1.6 mill a day. So with any gameplay at all you'll hit the build i first posted in about 2 months. With serious farming/merchanting about 1.

Highestelf - Heavens Tear

I just wanted to provide an update, to show the changes I made, based on your helpful suggestions.

I hope my progress proves how committed I am to the improvements, AND justify the time and effort Joshcja, and Steopie committed to my needs.

Before: http://pwcalc.com/c1f0682f516a977e
NOW: http://pwcalc.com/69497c6e0672b479

What I couldn't show in the calc:
Spring Winds Mercy ring = +7 VIT * 2 (total +14 vit)
Zeal Genie skills = Alpha Male 10, Absolute Domain 10, Cloud Eruption +10 and Holy Path.

Next immediate steps:
Add 2 sockets to chest before upgrading it
Bump Deicides to +7

What do you think of the changes? Anything I overlooked, or could change now, for my immediate improvements?

Again, I can't thank you two enough - I feel like a new BM already!

Joshcja - Sanctuary

Highestelf - Heavens Tear wrote: »

I just wanted to provide an update, to show the changes I made, based on your helpful suggestions.

I hope my progress proves how committed I am to the improvements, AND justify the time and effort Joshcja, and Steopie committed to my needs.

Before: http://pwcalc.com/c1f0682f516a977e
NOW: http://pwcalc.com/69497c6e0672b479

What I couldn't show in the calc:
Spring Winds Mercy ring = +7 VIT * 2 (total +14 vit)
Zeal Genie skills = Alpha Male 10, Absolute Domain 10, Cloud Eruption +10 and Holy Path.

Next immediate steps:
Add 2 sockets to chest before upgrading it
Bump Deicides to +7

What do you think of the changes? Anything I overlooked, or could change now, for my immediate improvements?

Again, I can't thank you two enough - I feel like a new BM already!

I would ignore socketign the chest for now and focus on ajusting your seup for a 5% hp mag def necky while keeping 4 aps sparked.

And ya claw refines are nice