Preparation for end game

[scampb]

OK, so I have been posting the odd question here and there regarding new things that I have been coming across in game. I am a level 16 Dwarf Barbarian. I am not a scholar of the game but try to absorb as much as possible so I am useful in a quest. The only raid I have ever done is Tempest Spine, sigh (and I love it) I am fairly new the higher level quests in game (just handed in my relics so I can grind for scales, almost ready for shroud) and don't really know much about the top end gear, where to get it, how to craft it etc etc. I really don't know what kind of mobs to expect in the level 16 and higher quests but I would like to start shopping for weapons to use until I can craft my own. So, here is an opportunity for all the vets to share their knowledge to help anyone and everone in my position get better prepared for what is coming. Some examples are, where should I be farming for certain rare items that most people want? What kind of weapons (bane I am assuming) should I be looking for? What steps are necessary to be able to finally enter the Shroud (I am having a hard time figuring it all out). How do you craft? I know this could open up to a very large thread but I don't know where else to go for this information. Feel free to post your input or include links to other threads that you feel are helpful. In advance...I thank you for your help.

[Vallin]

More than anything else, I would strongly recommend that you go back and spend some time with the Titan Raid and the Demon Queen Raid. Both of those raids have many very good items that are entirely useful up to cap - and once you reach cap you will have the opportunity to work toward turning the DQ gear into 'epic' items.

The Reaver's Fate raid has some good items, particularly the Head of Good Fortune and Madstone Boots, and is also a place that is helpful to spend some time in. The Dragon Raid has a couple good items, but in my opinion a little less worthwhile if you are prioritizing raid items for levels 16-20.

In my opinion, grinding for ingredients is a worthy activity in the Shroud, but you will achieve a similarly positive result by running the lower level raids for select gear.

Best of luck,
Vallin

[Dilbon]

To be effective in Shroud (and Shavarath) you need a weapon that does both good and silver damage (holy silver, silver or metalline of pure good).

There's lots of good stuff in DDO Wiki about Shroud crafting, and once you understand the basics, plan your stuff using this:

http://rpgamerd00d.150m.com/DDOCraftingCalculator.html

[Danmor]

Grats for lvl 16. You now just have to keep running raids to get to cap.

As for the crafting:
Shroud crafting is a 4-step process. First you need the Greensteel blank which you craft at the altar of fecundity in Meridia using Vale ingredients such as pebbles and twigs.
This greensteel blank can be upgraded at the three altars in the shroud using the three different sizes of shroud ingredients (small, medium, large).

Basically, run shroud time and again until you have the ingredients you need (look at recipe) and then you look at the recipe and craft the item.

[scampb]

Grats for lvl 16. You now just have to keep running raids to get to cap.

As for the crafting:
Shroud crafting is a 4-step process. First you need the Greensteel blank which you craft at the altar of fecundity in Meridia using Vale ingredients such as pebbles and twigs.
This greensteel blank can be upgraded at the three altars in the shroud using the three different sizes of shroud ingredients (small, medium, large).

Basically, run shroud time and again until you have the ingredients you need (look at recipe) and then you look at the recipe and craft the item.

Thanks Danmor. Where can find recipes for different crafting items?

[Danmor]

To be effective in Shroud (and Shavarath) you need a weapon that does both good and silver damage (holy silver, silver or metalline of pure good).

There's lots of good stuff in DDO Wiki about Shroud crafting, and once you understand the basics, plan your stuff using this:

http://rpgamerd00d.150m.com/DDOCraftingCalculator.html

Also tihocan's (I think) calculator is good, it is here (http://www.iro.umontreal.ca/~delallea/ddo/shroud/index.php).

This tool (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=137347) includes a crafting calculator

DDOwiki has some articles on crafting too, look here (http://ddowiki.com/page/Green_Steel_item_crafting_steps).

In general it is recommended to check with at least two calculators and if the results don't agree you should be careful.

[dunklezhan]

Grats for lvl 16. You now just have to keep running raids to get to cap.



*groan* tell me it isn't so? There must be other things to do than raid at L16+? Surely? Aren't there any normal 6 man quests?

*suddenly looking forward even less to high level content...*

[DragonMageT]

Reaver for the Madstone boots, forget the Head your Trinket spot should be taken up by a Bloodstone

Hound for the Bracers Healing Amp and +6 Str and Shield (good for turtle mode)

VOD - Goggles (maybe, your choice).

Reaver Refuge - DT Armor (again you will need to look it up, many different effects).

I will assume you already have the Minos Helm.

Amrath Quest and TOD for Necklaces, Belts and Rings (you will have to look them up) at level 17 and up.

Weapons: of course greensteel when you get ingreds / shards. Others have already given advice on GS items and portal beaters.

Other types of weapons: vorpals, banishers, smiters, disruptors,
War Harmmers or Blunt for skellie beaters and Abbot.

At level 16 you should be running at least the Reaver, Hound, VOD, and DQ. Titan sucks (IMHO).
Just let the party star know your new and jump in. And Shroud, Shroud, Shroud until you can't stand it anymore.

[JOTMON]

OK, so I have been posting the odd question here and there regarding new things that I have been coming across in game. I am a level 16 Dwarf Barbarian. I am not a scholar of the game but try to absorb as much as possible so I am useful in a quest. The only raid I have ever done is Tempest Spine, sigh (and I love it) I am fairly new the higher level quests in game (just handed in my relics so I can grind for scales, almost ready for shroud) and don't really know much about the top end gear, where to get it, how to craft it etc etc. I really don't know what kind of mobs to expect in the level 16 and higher quests but I would like to start shopping for weapons to use until I can craft my own. So, here is an opportunity for all the vets to share their knowledge to help anyone and everone in my position get better prepared for what is coming. Some examples are, where should I be farming for certain rare items that most people want? What kind of weapons (bane I am assuming) should I be looking for? What steps are necessary to be able to finally enter the Shroud (I am having a hard time figuring it all out). How do you craft? I know this could open up to a very large thread but I don't know where else to go for this information. Feel free to post your input or include links to other threads that you feel are helpful. In advance...I thank you for your help.

The vale has lots of Outsiders, Lawful Evil Devils, Neutral Mephits, Elementals, and a few portals(construct). etc...

For best results off the top of my head.

Weapons-
Banisher
Vorpal
Greater Construct Bane(Portals- Lawful Neutral, so if You can get Blunt Anarchic GCB all the better.)
Greater Evil outsider bane ( Holy Silver GEOB would be awsome but good luck finding those)
Greater Elemental Bane ( situational)
Hard to say where the best ones are, Gianthold has decent drops for end rewards, is usually pretty random. Vale itself has good drops but get the best you can before you get there.

Gear/pots-
Poison Resistance
Disease Immunity(to a lesser degree)
Feather fall Item
Under Water Action Item
The biggest Ingredient bag you can get (small one given by guy in the 12, buy medium in portable hole and house P(i think), best bet is turn-in 150 subterrain shards for a large bag, or if you have the points.. DDO store has a Huge one)

House 12 couple of people to talk to in there to get quest chain.
Find someone to run you to Meridia, or if you feel like exploring
In Merida there is a goofy back and forth thing you do for some introduction to crafting before you get granted the 5 prereq quests in the vale (.collect everything you will need them.. some new ingredients and 5 different stones needed for each crafting of a GS blank)

Google 'shroud crafting planners' , there are a few good ones out there.
Personally I like IRO.Montreal... Lets you pick effects and blocks out ineligble combinations.
For a barbarian the likely first weapon will be a Mineral 2 (Tier1 Holy/ Tier2 Acid,Tier3...)
Gear - lots of choices for greensteel only craft 1 wearable until you get 20 shrouds runs..taint of evil will kill you)
--a 3x negative for immunities is popular, check out the planners and see what fits your build best.
You will be farming shroud ingredients for a while so you will get to know what you want.

[Danmor]

*groan* tell me it isn't so? There must be other things to do than raid at L16+? Surely? Aren't there any normal 6 man quests?

*suddenly looking forward even less to high level content...*

There are the inspired quarter quests, Reaver's Reach, Amrath, Vale... so lots of 6-man quests.
But now you can run with lvl 20 characters and still get xp.

[dunklezhan]

Thanks Danmor.