Top 3 flawed items from module 4

[MysticTheurge]

Any perma Shield spell effect item would be grossly overpowered. However, a high level shield clickie would be nice.

It's worth noting that a +X shield bonus item isn't the same as a perma-Shield spell item.

[binnsr]

particularly since all of the mobs in the last couple of updates use force missile like it's the new peanut butter..

[Gimpster]

Any perma Shield spell effect item would be grossly overpowered. However, a high level shield clickie would be nice.

1. As noted, an item with a Shield AC bonus is not the same as a perma Shield spell, as it would not block Magic Missile or Force Missile. In many situations, an item with a higher-level Shield clicky would be better than bracers with a Shield AC bonus, as you could use the clicky and wear Chaosgarde at the same time for even more AC.

2. Level 14 raid loot is supposed to be powerful, and whether a certain item is overpowered is a more complicated case-by-case question. For a baseline, look at the Cloak of the Zephyr or the Sandstorm Goggles, which gives you permanent benefits of a level 2 or level 5 spell, respectively. (Although they provide touch spells, which are conceptually weaker than personal spells like Shield, they are still higher level)

For the ventilated braciers - reading the item description - another option would be to add an enhancement bonus to concentration. It still helps UMD rogues/bards/etc but also would make it attractive to arcanes.

That would make sense. Hardly anyone would take advantage of that feature, but it matches the theme and expands the possibilities for players.

[QuantumFX]

It's worth noting that a +X shield bonus item isn't the same as a perma-Shield spell item.

This was in response to Aeneas rather than Gimpster.

Just to add more ideas to the mix:

Also, if I remember correctly the max AC bonus you can get from non-epic braciers is +8. If that's the case why not +8? We've had +6 STR items available as raid loot since level 10 and they're finally dropping in the normal loot tables.

Also they could have the "Parry" ability added to it. Can't think of another item type that gives an insight bonus to AC.

[Tanka]

This was in response to Aeneas rather than Gimpster.

Just to add more ideas to the mix:

Also, if I remember correctly the max AC bonus you can get from non-epic braciers is +8. If that's the case why not +8? We've had +6 STR items available as raid loot since level 10 and they're finally dropping in the normal loot tables.

Because then you'd have Dex-monkeys as the AC builds, since they'd be equivalent to, and most likely have Evasion (and quite possibly Improved Evasion) to boot.

By L20, Intimirogues will rock the casbah when it comes to AC and damage mitigation.

[Gol]

Because then you'd have Dex-monkeys as the AC builds, since they'd be equivalent to, and most likely have Evasion (and quite possibly Improved Evasion) to boot.

By L20, Intimirogues will rock the casbah when it comes to AC and damage mitigation.

Ranger/Monks will be the AC builds. The one I'm working on should hit mid-60s by level 16.

[Tanka]

Ranger/Monks will be the AC builds. The one I'm working on should hit mid-60s by level 16.

I can see it.

Though I could see a Rogue/Pally/Monk build working out just as spectacularly.

I may have to think up a concept on that one... Good saves, AC, rogue skills and to-hit. Hmm...

[QuantumFX]

Because then you'd have Dex-monkeys as the AC builds, since they'd be equivalent to, and most likely have Evasion (and quite possibly Improved Evasion) to boot.

By L20, Intimirogues will rock the casbah when it comes to AC and damage mitigation.

What with their massive DR and HP?

+8 AC braciers isn't any more overpowered than a Chaosguarde/Dragon Robe combo or a High Dex dwarf in the KDS. You need to keep in mind that, so far, DDO has been paying attention to the P&P maximums for stat items. I can't see that changing for armored braciers.

[Gimpster]

Because then you'd have Dex-monkeys as the AC builds, since they'd be equivalent to, and most likely have Evasion (and quite possibly Improved Evasion) to boot.

They're unlikely to overcome the advantages DDO's enhancement system gives to heavy-armor AC.

+6 from Fighter Armor Mastery + Dwarf Armor Mastery
or
+4 from Fighter/Dwarf/Tower Mastery and +2 Tower Shield

That'd require an extra +12 dex to overcome. DDO rogues have +5 dex above their PnP counterparts... not +12.

PS. Nobody else will discuss game-design topics today when they can instead talk about Server Merge!!

[Tanka]

What with their massive DR and HP?

Yes, in fact. It isn't 300+, but it's a good amount.

+8 AC braciers isn't any more overpowered than a Chaosguarde/Dragon Robe combo or a High Dex dwarf in the KDS. You need to keep in mind that, so far, DDO has been paying attention to the P&P maximums for stat items. I can't see that changing for armored braciers.

+8 Bracers = FP. No max dex bonus on a robe means having hotswappable Greater Resists or whatever they need, or even Heavy Fort.

In the long run (especially with the monty haul and Enhancement system), Dex builds can indeed hit the top AC without the rare drops like +5MFP/+5MTS and requiring all of your APs being put into Armor Mastery/Tower Shield Mastery.

[Gol]

I can see it.

Though I could see a Rogue/Pally/Monk build working out just as spectacularly.

I may have to think up a concept on that one... Good saves, AC, rogue skills and to-hit. Hmm...

Aye, I'm just waiting to see how the Monk implementation pans out. Monks get the AC bonus for free (in PnP), Paladins have to pump APs to get it. Ranger 12 / Pal 3 / Monk 5 is probably going to be tops for AC, though.

All depends on the implementation.

[QuantumFX]

In the long run (especially with the monty haul and Enhancement system), Dex builds can indeed hit the top AC without the rare drops like +5MFP/+5MTS and requiring all of your APs being put into Armor Mastery/Tower Shield Mastery.

Cause putting all your action points into DEX enhancements is SO much cheaper... (18APs for a nearly pure rogue/ranger elf/halfling to have +5 DEX) and will make you 10x as efficent of a tank.

You also haven't shown exactly why the proposed +8 braciers of raid itemness are better than the Chaosguarde/White Dragon combo. You cite greater resist robes. OK, I cite the fact that they now need a +4 Protection item and at least a mod fort item and a +2 resist item if the bad guy is chaotic. For those 3 items I could equip 3 other greater resist items and be protected from 4 of the major elemental effects. Remember, the White dragon robe is a greater elemental resist robe too.

The chaosguarde/WDR is totally grindable in this game.

Not trying to start an AC flamewar here but no one's provided a good rationale as to why +4 armor braciers are OK at lvl 1 and +8's aren't acceptable at lvl 14.

[MysticTheurge]

no one's provided a good rationale as to why +4 armor braciers are OK at lvl 1 and +8's aren't acceptable at lvl 14.

Cause there isn't one.