Hey Rangers ... Madstone or no?

[voodoogroves]

First, apologies for this being in the specialists forum. That bugs me.

I'm not a typical ranger player, but looking at spending a life there on one of my characters. Thing is, that character has a set of Madstones and if they are in my list for 20, I'm really contemplating a second set.

... but will I use them much on the ranger life ... honestly?


One of the draws of a ranger (and I'll be a pseudo exploiter type) is the healing option ... and that's something that won't jive too well with the Madstones kicking. Do you just use them in the bait-ball raids where someone else is healing you?

[k1ngp1n]

If you plan on raiding, you will use them. Not so much in regular quests.

[MasterOfWorlds]

On my ranger, I use my Madstones when I know I will have a dedicated healer looking after me (usually in raids and big boss fights, as stated above). So yes, you will use them. Remember, if you NEED healing, you can always use guild pots.

[sirdanile]

I will never use madstone boots on any of my rangers or paladins, the 150 point csw when you need it really helps as well as keeping short term buffs running (for the paladin, the ranger can get away with it in raids and such.)

[moops]

In questionable pugs including raids, I never madstone in case I need to raise or heal someone.

But in friends/guild/ well known groups Ill madstone.

[MasterOfWorlds]

I get what you're saying, but like I said, when you're fighting Harry or Sulo or something and someone is casting repeated mass heals, throw the buffs you want, and then toss on your Madstones and activate them. You won't be disappointed. Especially on a ranger; I can see that Pallys need their short-term buffs.

[Faent]

Every ranger should be carrying at least two pairs of Madstone Boots.

[voodoogroves]

Thanks folks - that was my thinking.

[grodon9999]

Yes, but use them situationally so you don't block out your self-healing. They've been a borderline boat-anchor around my neck more often then not but you'll be glad you have them when you need to be a "barbarian" in a fight.

[Thrudh]

Yes, but use them situationally so you don't block out your self-healing. They've been a borderline boat-anchor around my neck more often then not but you'll be glad you have them when you need to be a "barbarian" in a fight.

This. Get the second pair if it comes up in your 20th list...

But use them intelligently... I have been burned by having Madstone on during crisis mode.... But they are useful in certain situations.

[Miahoo]

This take place for rogs and bards too (and even paladins).

Sometimes they "been a borderline boat-anchor around my neck", and sometimes I'm so glad to have them to boost my HP beyond the magical 500HP.

[grodon9999]

That said having 2 minutes of 600+ HP, a 40 reflex save and Evasion is really nice

[Eladiun]

I run with them almost constantly on on my Exploiter when I am not soloing.

[thecreechmmo]

I run with them almost constantly on on my Exploiter when I am not soloing.

What about for AA? Granted, I won't be pewpewing with the Bow all the time and I do melee, so would you suggest them for AA as well?

[grodon9999]

What about for AA? Granted, I won't be pewpewing with the Bow all the time and I do melee, so would you suggest them for AA as well?

I'd suggest Madstones for ANYTHING that isn't a primary caster.

[Partydeluxe]

My standard routine when entering a boss fight on my exploiter in say shroud/tod/random-epic-boss, is clicking the +6 profane STR clickie from mindsunder, then clicking the madstone boots (and keeping them equiped) turn on the rogue haste boost and laugh out loud at all the numbers you're gonna see flying.

Usually double madstone procs quite fast and my base 525 HP (545 with rage) flies up to 625. Count in a 42 reflex with evasion and decent healing amp and even the gimpiest of healers will be able to keep you up.