Epic Item Review: Red Fens

[oradafu]

I'm not a fan of new stacking debuffs.

Adding things like a 'Greater Destruction' makes it harder and harder for the Devs to design challenging encounters - do they make mobs have an AC in the mid 80s (so you can only reliably hit them after knocking down their AC with Waves of Exhaustion, Destruction, Imp Destruction, Sundering Ooze, Strength Sapping and an Acid Fog, all of which stack for a total -23 AC; on rednameds, add in the hard-to-land Life-Devouring and 10 points of Dex damage for a total -31)?

Or do they keep making more bosses with ACs in the mid to high 60s, where you just need to land any two of those debuffs and several classes can hit them on a 2?

If they go with the first approach, as a raid leader you need to make sure every single one of those debuffs is available to your group.


I considered 4d12 with Imp Destruction, but felt that's been on a fair number of weapons lately.

Okay, you convinced me that introducing Greater Destruction to the game would be bad for the game. However, I think that a weapon that visually large should have some property that contributes not being able to dodge attacks. Improved Destruction, Maladriot or Staggering Blow (probably with a higher DC than the current 17) are some effects that fall into this category. Any one of the three I listed would seem ideal (at least to me) for the Epic Greatclub of the Scrag.

[Cyr]

I'm not a fan of new stacking debuffs.

Adding things like a 'Greater Destruction' makes it harder and harder for the Devs to design challenging encounters - do they make mobs have an AC in the mid 80s (so you can only reliably hit them after knocking down their AC with Waves of Exhaustion, Destruction, Imp Destruction, Sundering Ooze, Strength Sapping and an Acid Fog, all of which stack for a total -23 AC; on rednameds, add in the hard-to-land Life-Devouring and 10 points of Dex damage for a total -31)?

Or do they keep making more bosses with ACs in the mid to high 60s, where you just need to land any two of those debuffs and several classes can hit them on a 2?

If they go with the first approach, as a raid leader you need to make sure every single one of those debuffs is available to your group.


I considered 4d12 with Imp Destruction, but felt that's been on a fair number of weapons lately.

I think it is important to note that I have never heard of a party leader requiring sundering ooze guard or even asking for it let alone life devouring. Those are on the same scale as a very rare (proposed new not commonly used epic item enhancement) greater destruction like effect.

If the debuff is not super difficult to get (ie random junk loot modifier or a spell slot for an arcane) then sure it's a good idea to have it, but otherwise these tend to fall into the neat if you have it, but certainly not required category.

Even very high AC bosses like Lailat do not have parties requiring bards (for to hit) in DDO.

There is still room on the upper scale of mob AC to go before parties start feeling pinched into requiring these things.

Note, design already has accomplished their goal of making a mob harder by increasing it's AC. Using these effects and items reduces dps and requires that you have at least some of them to be effective.

[Aelonwy]

Epic Sacred band looses lesser turning so you drop 2 turns by making it epic, and it was one of only 3 items to have the function so i think it should be kept, if not augmented. It is epic afterall so upgrade it to Greater Turning giving +4 turns.

Useful suggestion for cleric or paladin.


Epic Sacred Band: Ring, Wis +6, Sacred

Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Wisdom to +7.
Greater Turning (as per Dexol's suggestion.)
100 exceptional spell points OR Concordant Opposition effect.
Failing the last suggestion above, a green augment slot would also work.


Epic Sacred Helm: Helm, Deathblock, Radiance Guard, Eternal Faith

Suggested Changes:
I like all the above effects just fine, although for epic the item is kind of lackluster... ADD Archmagi or Wizardry X and it would at least glitter.


Greater Divine Blessing: Epic Sacred Ring and Helm, Greater Devotion VIII

Suggested Change:

Now the set bonus is VERY underwhelming.
Upgrade the bonus to Epic Radiance VIII and Epic Devotion VIII (60%) and Major Healing Lore. Then Good to go.

[RTN]

For those that thought the epic Claw bracers and gloves didn't need an upgrade, check out the non-epic new bracers in the Lam forums. That's non-epic and the proc rate on the special ability is apparently very high. Who knows what the final crafted version of it will look like. Compare the epic Claw bracers to those new bracers. Which would you rather have on a melee?

[Kale_Hagan]

Instead of UA on these boots, why not give it a power like Immunity to Water - i.e., you are not slowed down by being in waist deep water?

Totally situational, sure, but maybe just convenient enough to make people want to wear it?

I, for one, HATE wading through water. It would be a very neat upgrade IMHO. And it would definitely go along with the item's flavor.

[Carpone]

I wish they'd just remove the +6 Str altogether from the item. It would then have its epic stat clearly visible (+30% Healing Amp), and could get back to being the best set of gloves in the game for most melees without any of this silliness about making it even better.

Exchanging +6 STR for +2 exceptional STR would allow players to choose from different options for ToD rings, or perhaps even move away from ToD rings.

[xandariant]

Exchanging +6 STR for +2 exceptional STR would allow players to choose from different options for ToD rings, or perhaps even move away from ToD rings.

My question is if it is good. I don't see any reason for removal of this +6 str. Sure for some ppl it is redundant for others it isn't.
I would love +7 str on it but I also think it might be a bit too much considering how much this set gives.

In the end this set is pretty much good as it is now for me so I hope it wont get changed in some weird way.

BTW: Does anyone know when will Gem of Many faces be updated to work with any fens set items?

[YurmaSter]

First of all, Great Thread with lots of solid Ideas. Whether or not its the Dev opinion to make Red Fens on par with New P Epics (which should def be done) is something I'll hold my breath for Update 12.

As an Epic Gem of Many Facet Build Monk w/ ToD Shintao and WarPriest Sets- I currently walk with around with Raven Sight, Gloves of Claw and Epic Gem of Facets. I find the +4 Hit/Dam and stacking Healing Amp (to my E.Jidz) to be excellent to an already very surviveable Light Monk. I swap out Raven Sight for Tharnes situationally but need to find a permanent solution to something near equivilant in sneak attack.

Current Complaints - Light and Dark Fort Reducers are practically useless vs U11 bosses. Give me a stacking -5% with a 1 minute cool down for lights and a -10% stacking with a 20sec Cooldown for darks and I'm happy! Then u can be sure I'd be spamming that unless I'm Madstoned for some reason.

GENERAL Red Fens EPIC LOOT Consideration - IF NOTHING ELSE - Make the Gem of Many Facets work as either item type. Adding a Mutli Set bonus similar to Abishai 3/5 pc bonuses would be very reasonable also. But really making the basic bonuses complimentary to themes is the consensus. +6 stats is VERY meh... Exceptional or hopefully Profane based stat bonuses and U have your self a generally happy group. Set Bonuses need to be scaled to make other EPIC content. Items that have a few PrE considered would follow the game nicely also. Perfect time to finish Ninja Spy, FvS and Bards and throw in a PrE item for each!

Like many suggested refine some of the bonuses to remove redundancies and chance many of the stat bonuses to either exceptional +2s and/or yellow slots to give tru viable alternatives to ToD sets.


Gloves of Claw - +6 str is a non-factor for higher builds as many mentioned but for people. So simply beefing up to a +7 or adding a Yellow Slot is all that this piece really needs. At bare minimun the previous suggestion of a 1d4 Slicing or Piercing (ie. Iron Fingers u see in many Hard Style Martial Arts) would fit the item nicely.
Bracers of the Claw - Adding +3 Dodge and maybe a Yellow/Colorless would make this finally supplant my JT Bracers except in soloing where healing amp is needed.
Claw Set Bonus - +4 dam is really nice. I can't reallly justify asking for more. Unless Str upgrade isn't done for gloves, then +1 or +2 ex. str woulld make up for it.


Goggles of Raven Sight - I miss the reflex bonus.. so Adding +4 stacking Reflex or a broad spectrum +2 general Epic Saves would be great. Apparently the Ex.Wis Save needs to be fixed also...
Raven's Talons - What a weak glove! +7 Dex, Green Slot and 1D6 piercing (unarmed) should do the trick nicely.
Raven Eye Set Bonus - +4 to Hit is great. Adding something to bypass 10-25% Fort would be ideal to compensate for U11. Seeing a weakness theme.

Necklace of Venom - (is broken with handwraps as far as I can tell --so fix that first)
Basic upgrading would include :epic Prot +6 and/or a blue/green slot.
Ring of Venom - with Tharnes level Sneak Attack +5/8 would be the only bonus I'd truly love. But I'd still only replace ToD ring IF the Set Bonus was somthing useful and the Set bonus worked for handwraps.
Cunning Set Bonus - Stacking +2 Sneak Attack Hit/Dam, +2 int, +10 bluff seems reasonable and fits the theme. And would make a few rogues walk around in em.. Esp ppl using E.Midnight Greetings (I think thats the Int based one right?) OR Since Poison is basically broken for Epics, give a Vorpal Poison based -10% Fort (stacking up to 3 times with 20-30 sec duration) would be great with the issues of U11 fort on Bosses. Since the Fort Breakers for Dark and Light seem nerfed on anything relevant due to high saves in EPIC, these changes would make this also something that'd make me drop a ToD set. Monks would probably love this since so many wraps double up on the two burst effects anyways. I have over 40 unique wraps b/w my 3 capped monks.

Sacred Set -adding a CR 20 Heal or Mass Cure Crit clickie on one and a 50% HP Ressurection clickie on the other would be divine! I love epic clickies and there are so few healing based ones. Otherwise 50% devotion IX OR 40% devotion/benevolence VIII *Everyone would buy this pack just for this*

Siren Charm - Add Con +7 and (Yellow and Colorless Slot) OR SR34
Siren Belt - Add Prot +6 and a +2 ex Con Seems about right
Siren Set - Add (Con Bonus/2 rounded down) based Stacking Enchantment/Will Save Bonus for the poor melees in PvP while meeting the protection vs Siren Song/Charms that this was intended as.

Soul Eater - Upping the Hardness was already addressed. The Trap the Soul is really underpowered ATM, need to up the proccing on this by a bit and/or increase whatever DC is there. Give this true Vorpal and DR slashing like the Rahl's Might to help with DPS OR give a stacking melee Alacrity 10% to make up for its current DPS issues. If u go with vorpal I remember playing 2nd edition Oriental Adventures that had that pole arm with the head catcher... What better way to suck the soul or Vorpal than Getting a good grip on someone's jugular! *Monks have basically NO options for Vorpal .. minus that alleged Dreams Edge... never ever seen one drop...*

There's my 2 cents on Red Fens Update. In Argonessen I have a Kublii (light) the Gem of Facets Build, Kubli (dark) the Abishai 3pc Set Build, and Akyu baby epic little halfling that will one day the be the lopsided Wis Build experiment. Lets run sometime and hope that U12 brings us a Merry XMas with brand new Red Fens Gear!

Overall I love DDO as much as my wife hates it. Keep striving to improve the product and I'll keep grinding! Much love n respect to all the DnD community and I hope to see the good ones in my PuGs soon! I take 1 bad/quest or 2 bad/raid MAX. ^^

Loot Rolling Note - Class Specific Loot Should Be directed at Classes that can most benefit. PrE items/Melee/Caster/Specialized ppl should get bonus on rolls. +50% for PrE/Specialized Specifc +25% for Melee/Caster Specific.. PPl who are rolling for their stables can win thru luck... Spread the Word!

[Carpone]

Hey Genasi, any chance Red Fens will see an epic item review "soon"? Really liked what you did with the House P epic review.

[grayham]

Hey Genasi, any chance Red Fens will see an epic item review "soon"? Really liked what you did with the House P epic review.

Yes, please. Can't help but feel this may have slipped out of the to-do list.

Devs?

[Ausdoerrt]

Epic Shatterbow

[sic]

Replace Greater Construct Bane with Destruction. Now the item has a niche, as an armor reducer. Bows users in particular are at a disadvantage to TWF in terms of wielding a Destruction and Improved Destruction weapon at the same time.

And it loses its niche as a construct beater, which is now in high demand, since U11. I'd say, replace GCB with Smiting instead. That plus the added Red slot will make it a viable LoB beater.

And yes, eShatterbow is possibly the most pathetic "epic" weapon in the game.

[Astraghal]

Looking back on this thread, comparing the items to super-powerful, super-easy to aquire event and challenge items, I think most of these items could use a +7 enhancement and/or an epic slot now. Epic Into the Deep is harder to run than events and challenges, so the loot needs to be at least on par.

Greater Marshwalker

30% Striding
+20 Jump
Freedom of Movement

I was thinking maybe the set bonus could provide immunity to any movement impeding effect, but I think that would be too powerful.

With Earthgrab no longer being prevented by FoM, I think this set bonus could be changed to provide immunity to, or absorbtion (10/day) of Earthgrab effects, that would also suit the mud theme.

[sephiroth1084]

My comments in this color.

All items need to be slotted.

Epic Boots of the Mire: Boots, Balance 15, Underwater Action
Suggested Changes:

The boots need a compelling reason to wear them, regardless of the set bonus. Add Crippling immunity to the boots

Change the icon on these boots so they don't look similar to Boots of Anchoring.

Agreed. I especially like the Crippling Immunity. Also, add the 30% Striding you mention in the set bonus section.

Add green or yellow slot.

Epic Ring of the Mire: Ring, Greater Spearblock, Epic Fort Save +3, Earthen Guard
Analysis:

Epic Fort Save +3 is lackluster when you consider how much focus is given to CON for every reasonably built character, even casters.
I don't think this is irrelevant, per se, as there are still plenty of places where characters are failing important Fort saves (Abbot, Epic Wiz King, others).

Earthen Guard is a nice effect, but found on other more desirable items.
Which are? I think this is a good place for this.
Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Greater Spearblock to Epic Spearblock (DR 20/piercing).
Given how useful DR 10 has been, I think jumping to DR 20 might be a bit much. I think it's okay as-is; it's already a somewhat desired item, if only as a swappable for Torcing situations and the like.

Add yellow slot.

Greater Marshwalker Set: Ring and Boots of the Mire, 30% striding, +15 jump
Suggested Changes:

With what you have to give up to wear this set, I'd like to see 30% Striding replaced with 10% exceptional Striding. Move the 30% Striding to the boots.
I like this idea.

Jump should be replaced with Tumble. The competence bonus should be increased to +20. Even with a Tumble spell, that's only 30 Tumble which is still just a novelty for someone with zero ranks in the skill. Someone will full ranks could manage a Tumble in the 60s. Still mostly a novelty, but it's cool.
Not bad, but I think it will be even less useful than the Jump.

I'd like to see this get 3 clickies of Dance of the Water Strider as per the Ninja Spy II ability. This becomes situationally useful for Abbot, LoB and a few other places, and a nifty toy to just play around with (assuming the devs will eventually fix the ability in most places).

Epic Bracers of the Claw: Bracers, Exceptional Con +2, Heavy Fortification
Suggested Changes:

No changes. This item solid, even without the set bonus.
Add a colorless slot to these, maybe a yellow.

Epic Gloves of the Claw : Gloves, Healing Amp 30%, Str 6, Intimidate 5 (enhancement bonus)
Suggested Changes:

No changes.
Add a colorless slot to these.
Greater Vulkoor’s Might Set: Gloves and Bracers of the Claw, +4 damage, +20% threat
Suggested Changed:

No changes needed. The Epic Claw set is the reason for melee characters to buy the Red Fens pack.
Agreed.

Epic Elder’s Focus: Necklace, Archmagi, Efficient Metamagic Extend II, Illusion Focus
Analysis:

Archmagi is something every divine and arcane caster wants, but it's found on many different items.

Efficient Metamagic Extend II was alot more desirable before offensive spells were nerfed to not be affected by Extend.

Pragmatically speaking, Illusion Focus is only useful for Phantasmal Killer. It's also easily accommodated in a yellow augment slot if you really want the effect.

Suggested Changes:

Archmagi isn't special anymore, and is available in several places on epic gear (and many more slots for non-epic). Consider upgrading this to Wizardry IX or Wizardry X, which will make every caster want it, even if it's just to swap in temporarily before a shrine for small SP boost over Archmagi.
Don't think this is needed. Yes, Archmagi can be found elsewhere, but I see this as being an option for a place to slot it, rather than necessarily having to out-do those other items.

Replace Efficient Metamagic Extend II with Efficient Metamagic Heighten II (which doesn't exist on any items currently; should be -2 SP per Heightened spell). Many arcanes and some divines have dropped Extend altogether. The SP savings won't match the SP gain from Torc, but it may be enough with the other effects to keep this worn by some wizards and sorcerers.
Heighten II is excessive. Heighten I would probably be reasonable. As it is, many wizards are casting Heightened spells for +2 SP/level of increase, and this would completely remove the cost of the feat.

I'd actually like to see this keep Efficient Extend and gain Efficient, Quicken II, and Enlarge II.

Add an effect similar to Turn the Page from Litany of the Dead.

Greater Focus (+2 DC) should be the minimum focus level for all epic items, since +1 DC is easily accommodated through a yellow augment slot. So this should minimally be Greater Illusion Focus, and you should consider making this Epic Illusion Focus so arcanes desire to wear it full time for Phantasmal Killer.
Does anyone bother with PK at level 20? I'd rather this get removed and have Greater Spell Focus Mastery added to the set bonus (competes with Epic Staff of Inner Sight). Otherwise agree that epic items should have, at minimum, +2 DCs, and +3 DCs on some otherwise lackluster stuff.

Add a green slot.

Really, though, this items needs to be INCREDIBLE to compete with the Torc, which is unfortunate, but true.

Epic Elder’s Cap: Helm, Int 6, Concentration 15, Greater Enchantment Focus

Analysis:
Concentration +15 is not desired by Wizards (who will have Quicken on all the time); only by sorcerers and those casting Heal scrolls.
Disagree. Wizards use scrolls, too, and leaving Quicken on all the time can be expensive, and is often unnecessary (at least for all spells, post spell pass, which this thread predates).
Greater Enchantment Focus is still useful, even with the autocrit changes to Hold spells.
Right.
Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Int to +7. Epic items deserve epic stats. +7 Int is actually tough to fit in: either a robe (lots of contention), or Staff of Inner Sight (again, lots of contention). That change alone would make this more desirable to Wizards.
Agreed.

Replace Concentration +15 with Efficient Metamagic - Quicken II. Epic mobs do way too much damage to rely on Concentration.
Splitting the Efficient Metas between the two items seems reasonable.

Add a yellow slot.

Greater Elder’s Knowledge: Epic Elder’s Cap and Focus, +6% chance to crit and .50 multiplier to Elemental spells
Suggested Changes:

No changes needed. Considering wizards would rather wear Lion-headed Belt Buckle for the Shaken effect, I think this set bonus is reasonable because of the slots it occupies (only if the necklace and cap are improved as detailed above). Asking for Major Lore (9% crit) would only be self serving.

Given that it requires wearing two items, I'd be okay with seeing this gain Major Lore.

Epic Necklace of Venom: Necklace, Superior False Life, Protection +5, Proof against Poison
Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Protection to +6. Epic items, epic protection.
Agreed, though this set seems to be aiming in the opposite direction of AC (threat reduction). I'd rather see this get reworked. Keep the Poison Immunity and SFL. Add something...venomy. Besides, if you're looking at AC, this competes with the Siren's Charm set from the same pack, which does more for AC than this does.

Add a yellow slot.

Maybe add +2 Exceptional Dex?
Epic Ring of Venom: Ring, Sneak Attack 4, Dex 6
Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Sneak Attack to +5 at a minimum, so this can replace Tharnes Goggles. Consider upgrading this to Sneak Attack +6. Epic mobs do have higher AC and HP than non-epic, so the extra to-hit and to-damage from SA+6 would be welcomed.
Sounds reasonable. Having it just be SA +5 would also be reasonable with the set bonus adding more.
Upgrade Dexterity to +7 (like the Epic Ring of the Buccaneer). Epic items should have epic stats.
Agreed.

Add a yellow or green slot.
Greater Vulkoor’s Cunning: Epic Ring and Necklace of Venom, -20% threat, Vulkorim poison on vorpal.
Replace the Vulkorim Poison on Vorpal with an exceptional Sneak Attack Bonus +1 hit/+2 damage.
Give it the full Exceptional SA +3 from Ring of the Stalker

Epic Raven’s Sight: Goggles, Exceptional Wis +2, Epic Will Save +3, True Seeing
Suggested Changes:

The item needs something to make it compelling without the set bonus. Perhaps +3 exceptional to-hit bonus?
Nah, the set bonus covers this.
Give these a colorless slot and +15 Spot.

Epic Raven’s Talons: Gloves, Dex 6, Bluff 15
Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Dexterity to +7. Epic items deserve epic stats.
Agreed.
Upgrade Bluff +15 to Bluff +20. Epic items deserve epic skill bonuses.
Change this to Improved Deception.

Even with those two changes, it's still lackluster. I'd like to see Slicing added to the gloves, which is similar to Spike-Studded for the Epic Brawling Gloves. It fits the flavor of the item, too (talons).
That sounds good.
Add a yellow slot.

Greater Raven’s Eye: Epic Raven’s Talons and Sight, +4 to-hit, +3 stacking spot and search
Suggested Changes:

Nothing, as long as Epic Gem of Many Facets is being changed to allow either item to count towards the set bonus.
Change the set bonus to +5 enhancement to Spot and Search.

Epic Sacred Band: Ring, Wis +6, Sacred
Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Wisdom to +7. Epic items deserve epic stats. The game is desperate for another Wisdom +7 item, as the only other one is the Epic Helm of the Mroronan.
Agreed.

Replace Sacred with +2 sacred Wisdom bonus. Yes, that means it will stack with +1 exceptional, +2 exceptional and +1 profane (from Litany of the Dead). That's ~28 mana for a cleric, +1 DC for a cleric and favored soul (most monks won't wear this, due to the burst on ToD rings).
I'd rather see this on the set bonus. Making this +7 Wis will already make this item highly valued. It doesn't need to be a +9 item.

Add a green slot. Add Extra Turning to this, granting +4 Turn Undead uses/rest ONLY IF THE BUG ASSOCIATED WITH THESE ITEMS GETS FIXED.

Epic Sacred Helm: Helm, Deathblock, Radiance Guard, Eternal Faith
Suggested Changes:

Change Radiance Guard to apply the Radiance proc to your melee weapons. Non-clerics might wear this item just for this ability, but it conflicts with other popular melee helms (Red Dragon, Helm of Frost for 3pc Abishai).
Agreed.

Replace Eternal Faith with a Superior Radiance IX clicky effect (last 3-minutes, 75% damage to light spells).
I say give the item Epic Radiance IX, similar to the Ring of Elemental Essence.
Add a yellow slot.

Greater Divine Blessing: Epic Sacred Ring and Helm, Greater Devotion VIII
Suggested Change:

At the very least, upgrade the bonus to Superior Devotion VIII so it's an improvement over unlocked ToD rings.
Maybe Greater Devotion IX instead?

Additionally, I would add Greater Lore to this item that affects positive, light and alignment spells (similar to the Elder's set bonus for wizards). If a 0.25 crit multiplier for positive, light and alignment spells were added, it wouldn't be unreasonable.
Agreed.

Epic Shaman’s Band: Ring, Spell Pen IX, Conjuration Focus
Suggested Changes:

Minimally, upgrade Conjuration Focus to Greater Conjuration Focus, and consider making it Epic Conjuration Focus. The only other item with Epic Conjuration Focus is the Epic Robe/Docent of the Diabolist, which is worn more for the combination of +7 Int and blue augment slot.
Epic Focus seems appropriate here, with the Elder's set giving another outlet for +7 Int. The robe gives you both in one slot, these items break it up across several.

Add a blue slot.

Epic Shaman’s Beads: Necklace, Greater Evocation Focus, Efficient Metamagic- Maximize II, Cha 6
Suggested Changes:

The biggest problem this item has for arcanes, is that it contends with the Torc. Maximize II isn't even close to equivalent to a Torc. Consider either increasing this to Maximize III (doesn't exist; -6 SP per spell) or adding Empower I (- 2 SP).
Maximize III and Empower III here would make this fairly reasonable I think.

Upgrade Charisma to +7. Epic items deserve epic stats. The only other slots where +7 Cha is available are head (Epic Helm of Frost) and back (Epic Cloak of Silver Concord).
+7 Cha is also available on a rink (Epic Ring of the Silver Concord), but I think including it here would be fine.

Add a green slot.

Greater Shaman's Fury: Epic Shaman's Beads and Band, 40% dmg to 8th level and lower elemental spells
Suggested Changes:

I'd suggest increasing the bonus from Greater to Epic, but that conflicts with the revamped Epic Ring of Elemental Essence. Consider a 3% crit chance and 0.25 crit modifier for elemental spells that stacks with all other sources of crit chance and crit modifiers.
Agreed. Perhaps include a 5% discount on spells as well.

Epic Siren’s Belt: Belt, Armor Bonus 8, Prot 5, Disease Immunity
Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Protection +5 to Protection +6. Epic gear, epic protection.
Agreed.
Upgrade Armor Bonus +8 to +9. Epic gear, epic armor.
I think that this being the only non-armor, non-bracers source for Armor +8 is pretty reasonable. Leave that as is.

Add a blue slot.

Epic Siren’s Charm: Necklace, Con 6, Greater Sonic Resistance
Suggested Changes:

Upgrade Con to +7. Still won't be compelling compared to the Epic Envenomed Cloak, but this is much easier to craft than the cloak. Might be desired as an interim item.
Agreed.

While I could easily suggest Superior Sonic Resist as an upgrade path, there just isn't anything in the game aside from the sonic traps in eADQ where it would be useful (and then, only marginally). I think the sonic resist effect for this item needs to be totally rethought.
Add Inherent Sonic Resistance +10.
Add Lesser Action Boost Enhancement and Enhanced Ki +1.
Add a colorless slot.

Greater Siren’s Ward: Epic Siren’s Belt and Charm, +2 insight to saves and +4 insight to AC
Suggested Changes:

None. This is a very specialized gear set bonus. Those that are using it, like it.
Make the Gem of Many Facets work with either item to complete the set bonus.
Change +4 Insight to +4 Dodge; we have several sources for +4 Insight in the game now (weapon, cloak, ring, shield), but only 2 sources for +4 Dodge.

Epic Frozen Plate: Chest, +6 Full Plate (Armor: 8, MDB: 1), Freezing Ice Guard, Greater Cold Resistance, Cold Absorption -20%, Blue Augment.
Suggested Changes:

I'd like to see Freezing Ice weapon proc (the offensive version of Freezing Ice Guard) added to this armor, replacing Greater Cold Resistance if necessary. I think that might make it desirable enough to see some use in epic quests.
Give this Freezing Ice (added to weapon attacks, similar to the Frozen Tunic), keep Freezing Ice Guard.

Epic Greatclub of the Scrag: +6 Greatclub (2d10 base), Anarchic Burst, Icy Burst, Greater Regeneration
Suggested Changes:

This item has no niche, but it needs one. Why not add Stunning +15 to this? Also, on a vorpal strike, Stunning Blow should proc (even if the character doesn't have the feat). That would clearly define the niche for this item as the ultimate (for now) THF stunning weapon.
That sounds good, but I think it could stand to have more.

Replace Greater Regeneration with Eat Jerky x3 activated effect. Even if a melee won't use this weapon, they'll make it for the clicky effect.
Add Vertigo +15.
Add a red augment slot.

Epic Robe of Dissonance: Robe, Greater Sonic Resistance, Superior Potency VI, Soundproof Spell Resonance, Blue Augment
Suggested Changes:

Replace Greater Sonic Resist with 20% Sonic Absorb (similar to the 20% cold absorb on the Epic Frozen Plate). There are only a few places where lethal sonic damage occurs, but when it's present, the absorb is much, much more useful than a static value, especially for classes that can cast Resist Sonic.
Agreed.

Upgrade Superior Potency VI to Epic Potency VI. Its fitting for epic chest armor, and may be enough for some casters to wear this as a primary chest item.
I disagree. Change this to Superior Potency VIII, making it the only item in the game that improved things like Horrdi Wilting and Greater Shout.

Change Soundproof to grant immunity to all stun effects.

Epic Shatterbow: +6 longbow (2d8 base), 20/x3, Screaming, Greater Construct Bane, Improved Destruction, Move Silently -10, Red Augment
Suggested Changes:

Remove the -10 Move Silently.
Leave it. It's thematic, and if you're sneaking you can equip a different item.

Add Weaken Construct (a la the Blasting Chime)
Add Cacophony (a la the Elyd Edge)
Add a red augment slot.

Lots of comments in there. A big theme is that the items need augment slots added to them.

[Astraghal]

Lots of comments in there. A big theme is that the items need augment slots added to them.

I agree with this, not just Colorless and Yellow either. Green slots have been provided on a lot of solid, easy to aquire epic items in the last year or so. I'd even go as far as to say put a Green slot on Epic Bracers of the Claw and a Colorless or Yellow slot on the Epic Gloves of the Claw. Probably take off the +6 STR and put on +2 Exceptional STR like (I think) Sirgog suggested. Compared to what's available now to the masses, some of these items aren't as attractive as they once were. A few more +7's on the weaker items, more potent set bonuses, augment slots and a way to exchange 3 scrolls for 1 would go a long way towards finishing this area off.

[sephiroth1084]

I agree with this, not just Colorless and Yellow either. Green slots have been provided on a lot of solid, easy to aquire epic items in the last year or so. I'd even go as far as to say put a Green slot on Epic Bracers of the Claw and a Colorless or Yellow slot on the Epic Gloves of the Claw. Probably take off the +6 STR and put on +2 Exceptional STR like (I think) Sirgog suggested. Compared to what's available now to the masses, some of these items aren't as attractive as they once were. A few more +7's on the weaker items, more potent set bonuses, augment slots and a way to exchange 3 scrolls for 1 would go a long way towards finishing this area off.

I think most of Carpone's suggestions + my own achieve the above. Changing the Claw gloves to +2 Str seems like a good change to me, but I don't think the bracers need a green slot. They're pretty decent already, and are contributing to an excellent set bonus.

We don't need a scroll exchange in other epics, really. I wouldn't be opposed to it, but I don't think it's a big deal. The desert needed it because it has 3-5 times as many items as every other pack.

I would, however, like to see optional chests become more relevant in non-Desert, non-VoN epics, by having them drop seals, scrolls, tokens, or augment crystals.

[sweez]

Why wouldn't you use PK if you have a decent DC on it? It's something to use when finger and PWK are on timer, much less annoying to use than say TTS.

[sephiroth1084]

Why wouldn't you use PK if you have a decent DC on it? It's something to use when finger and PWK are on timer, much less annoying to use than say TTS.

Level 4 spells are tight, and it allows 2 saves in a school you will likely be 2-6 points behind on for your DCs.

[WruntJunior]

Level 4 spells are tight, and it allows 2 saves in a school you will likely be 2-6 points behind on for your DCs.

A decent DC (40+) and it's good to throw out - don't know if a sorc should have it, but don't see why a wizard wouldn't.

One other thing - changing the +4 insight to +4 dodge on the siren's set would not make me happy...I'm planning to use the set when the gem counts as either part to be able to use cannith-crafter dr breakers or the like, so as to not have to use greensteel - this is a HUGE reason people like the set. I could get behind an additional +4 dodge, and that wouldn't even be over-powered.

Otherwise, I generally agree with your view of how the fens gear should be changed. I especially believe that every epic item should have a slot, and that the red fens items should have epic stats on them rather than a collection of non-epic stats....some of these items are far worse than raid gear.

[Thrudh]

A decent DC (40+) and it's good to throw out - don't know if a sorc should have it, but don't see why a wizard wouldn't.

Palemaster wizards are very tight on level 4 spells too... maybe even MORE than sorcs.

[WruntJunior]

Palemaster wizards are very tight on level 4 spells too... maybe even MORE than sorcs.

I've never had trouble slotting it, but I also don't mind either not having ice storm (don't use it much outside of raids) or just scrolling fireshield. One of the biggest helps I ever had for level 4 was when I stopped carrying stoneskin, though...wands of that work just fine. Besides, with a decent DC...another instant kill is always an extremely good candidate for spells. The only reason I wouldn't say it for a sorc is their DC has more trouble being high enough to be worth the slot...if they get the DC, though, they should likely carry it too.