Expanded epic augment list is overdue

[Carpone]

The available epic augments need to be expanded. It's been ignored since it's release in Nov 2009, while Cannith crafting and Alchemical crafting have been introduced. Epic augments and Cannith crafting "do not play well together" according to Eladrin, so we won't see items benefiting from both any time soon.

Recommended epic augment additions:

Red Augments
There are zero red augments that are desired by casters. Even though caster weapons have red (or purple) augment slots, all currently available red augments are melee-centric. Consider adding the following red augment options for casters:

Major Kinetic Lore
Major Sonic Lore
Major Healing Lore
Major Radiance Lore
Major Void Lore
Major Laceration Lore
Major Lightning Lore
Major Acid Lore
Major Ice Lore
Major Fire Lore

Efficient Metamagic Empower II
Efficient Metamagic Maximize II
Efficient Metamagic Enlarge II
Efficient Metamagic Extend II

Greater Evocation Focus
Greater Conjuration Focus
Greater Illusion Focus
Greater Enchantment Focus
Greater Necromancy Focus
Greater Transmutation Focus

For melee, please consider adding the following red augment options:

10% Melee Alacrity
10% Ranged Alacrity
30% Healing Amplification
30% Incite
30% Incite reduction (-threat)
Smiting
Banishing
Disruption
Destruction

Blue Augments

Exceptional +2 Strength
Exceptional +2 Constitution
Exceptional +2 Dexterity
Exceptional +2 Intelligence
Exceptional +2 Charisma
Exceptional +2 Wisdom

Superior False Life
Archmagi
Resistance +5
Protection +5
Persuasion

Evocation Augmentation IX
Conjuration Augmentation IX
Transmutation Augmentation IX
Necromancy Augmentation IX
Enchantment Augmentation IX
Illusion Augmentation IX

Stunning Blow Mastery (+2 to Stunning Blow/Fist DC)
Sundering Mastery (+2 to Sunder DC)
Trip Mastery (+2 to Trip DC)
Ghost Touch
+5 Sneak Attack Bonus

Yellow Augments
Greater Elemental Energy (20 HP)
Greater Elemental Spell Power (100 SP)
Superior Potency VI
20% Healing Amplification
20% Incite
20% Incite reduction (-threat)
+4 Attack
30% Striding
True Seeing
+5 enhancement skill bonus (for one specific skill -- too many skills to list them on their own line; does not include UMD)
Command

Colorless Augments
10% Healing Amplification
10% Incite
10% Incite reduction (-threat)
+2 Attack
Improved Elemental Energy (15 HP)
Elemental Spell Power (50 SP)

[somenewnoob]

More choices is a good thing. Could definitely see an expansion of existing choices. Some excellent suggestions.

[arjiwan]

Great suggestions.

Definitely hoping for this.

[Monkey_Archer]

/signed on everything except:

Red Augments
Smiting
Banishing
Disruption

Unless you mean just the vorpal effect without the 4d6 damage, then I could agree with that as well...

[Carpone]

/signed on everything except:



Unless you mean just the vorpal effect without the 4d6 damage, then I could agree with that as well...

I'll leave that up to the developers to decide but I wouldn't hold my breath for 4d6 damage.

Really, just hoping that this draws enough attention for developers to get it on their radar. There's plenty of revenue generating opportunity here as well. Could always parcel out the augments by faction, so certain faction levels are necessary in order to purchase them. In theory, that would drive sales to the adventure packs that give the faction and give this initiative priority vs. non-revenue enabled changes.

[Cam_Neely]

I'll leave that up to the developers to decide but I wouldn't hold my breath for 4d6 damage.

Really, just hoping that this draws enough attention for developers to get it on their radar. There's plenty of revenue generating opportunity here as well. Could always parcel out the augments by faction, so certain faction levels are necessary in order to purchase them. In theory, that would drive sales to the adventure packs that give the faction and give this initiative priority vs. non-revenue enabled changes.

I wish more people thought out suggestions as you do here. A opposed to pie in the sky, 'i want this to be more pwnzor' you do a decent job of supplying balanced suggestions to changes, and also put some thought into why turbine would want to do it.

Constructive suggestions are way better then suggestions.

[wax_on_wax_off]

I wish more people thought out suggestions as you do here. A opposed to pie in the sky, 'i want this to be more pwnzor' you do a decent job of supplying balanced suggestions to changes, and also put some thought into why turbine would want to do it.

Constructive suggestions are way better then suggestions.

Unfortunately making well thought out, constructive suggestions is NOT the way to get it on the devs radar as everyone just agrees and the suggestion goes to the bottom of the pile!

Path to success is through conflict! That is what draws attention.

In light of that, I categorically disagree with this suggestion and think it is rubbish because I know everything and you all know nothing. Nerf augment slots!

[Monkey_Archer]

I'll leave that up to the developers to decide but I wouldn't hold my breath for 4d6 damage.

Really, just hoping that this draws enough attention for developers to get it on their radar. There's plenty of revenue generating opportunity here as well. Could always parcel out the augments by faction, so certain faction levels are necessary in order to purchase them. In theory, that would drive sales to the adventure packs that give the faction and give this initiative priority vs. non-revenue enabled changes.

Member of The Twelve - 250 Favor
Seems like an appropriate place to acquire epic augments... and currently void of any reward...

[sephiroth1084]

The available epic augments need to be expanded. It's been ignored since it's release in Nov 2009, while Cannith crafting and Alchemical crafting have been introduced. Epic augments and Cannith crafting "do not play well together" according to Eladrin, so we won't see items benefiting from both any time soon.

Recommended epic augment additions:

Red Augments
There are zero red augments that are desired by casters. Even though caster weapons have red (or purple) augment slots, all currently available red augments are melee-centric. Consider adding the following red augment options for casters:

Major Kinetic Lore
Major Sonic Lore
Major Healing Lore
Major Radiance Lore
Major Void Lore
Major Laceration Lore
Major Lightning Lore
Major Acid Lore
Major Ice Lore
Major Fire Lore

Efficient Metamagic Empower II
Efficient Metamagic Maximize II
Efficient Metamagic Enlarge II
Efficient Metamagic Extend II

Greater Evocation Focus
Greater Conjuration Focus
Greater Illusion Focus
Greater Enchantment Focus
Greater Necromancy Focus
Greater Transmutation Focus

Do any of the caster-focused epic items have red slots? I know at least a few have blue slots. I'd say that if we get these changed, those items should get changed to purple slots (ie the Epic Staff of Inner Sight). Otherwise, this list looks good.

For melee, please consider adding the following red augment options:

10% Melee Alacrity
10% Ranged Alacrity
30% Healing Amplification
30% Incite
30% Incite reduction (-threat)
Smiting
Banishing
Disruption
Destruction
Pretty reasonable considering these are competing with DR-breaking crystals and extra to-hit. The Healing Amp and enemy killer effects may be a bit strong.

Blue Augments

Exceptional +2 Strength
Exceptional +2 Constitution
Exceptional +2 Dexterity
Exceptional +2 Intelligence
Exceptional +2 Charisma
Exceptional +2 Wisdom

Superior False Life I think it's reasonable that this appears on only a small number of select items, but am not opposed to this being added.
Archmagi
Resistance +5 No. Upgrade the yellow slot version.
Protection +5 No. Upgrade the yellow slot version.
Persuasion Replace with either +2 or +3 exceptional Cha skills (consider adding +2 exceptional <stat> skills to yellow slots, and +3 exceptional <stat> skills to blue slots)

Evocation Augmentation IX
Conjuration Augmentation IX
Transmutation Augmentation IX
Necromancy Augmentation IX
Enchantment Augmentation IX
Illusion Augmentation IX

Stunning Blow Mastery (+2 to Stunning Blow/Fist DC)
Sundering Mastery (+2 to Sunder DC)
Trip Mastery (+2 to Trip DC)
Ghost Touch Should be a red slot.
+5 Sneak Attack Bonus

I'd prefer to see Stunning, Vertigo and Shatter 10 available somewhere. Ideally in colorless, but maybe in yellow or red (makes sense on weapons).

Add Heightened Awareness 4 to list.
Yellow Augments
Greater Elemental Energy (20 HP) Move to blue, put Improved here, and regular in colorless.
Greater Elemental Spell Power (100 SP) Move to blue, put regular here.
Superior Potency VI
20% Healing Amplification
20% Incite
20% Incite reduction (-threat)
+4 Attack
30% Striding
True Seeing
+5 enhancement skill bonus (for one specific skill -- too many skills to list them on their own line; does not include UMD) Would prefer +15 competence to skills offered here, or in colorless with the +5 enhancement to skills offered here.
Command
Add Heightened Awareness 2 to list.
Add Dodge +2 to list.

Colorless Augments
10% Healing Amplification Maybe swap this with the 20% in yellow, since 10% is actually rarer than 20% is.
10% Incite Ditto.
10% Incite reduction (-threat) Ditto.
+2 Attack
Improved Elemental Energy (15 HP)
Elemental Spell Power (50 SP)

Comments in blue. Like the look of this on the whole, but with some specific alterations here and there.

[Emili]

Comments in blue. Like the look of this on the whole, but with some specific alterations here and there.

I agree with they need to do something with epic slots... in lines as sephiroth states be making more sense.

Upgrading the slotting thus places more value on epic items across the board ... including those which are currently view a tad meh.

There are a great deal wrong with the current loot systems ...

We've too many going at once, deffo missed on the scale of time/reward, We've a system of cannith craft where people may grind out six hours for reasonable crafting skill to make something better than many epic items and in same scope the epic item may need to farm for months to attain? Something be radically wrong with that as you have to agree.

[Xeraphim]

I agree with they need to do something with epic slots... in lines as sephiroth states be making more sense.

Upgrading the slotting thus places more value on epic items across the board ... including those which are currently view a tad meh.

There are a great deal wrong with the current loot systems ...

We've too many going at once, deffo missed on the scale of time/reward, We've a system of cannith craft where people may grind out six hours for reasonable crafting skill to make something better than many epic items and in same scope the epic item may need to farm for months to attain? Something be radically wrong with that as you have to agree.

Of course this means that Epic weapons and equipment would have to be EPIC instead of something slightly better than the Shavarath Crafting line.

[Emili]

Of course this means that Epic weapons and equipment would have to be EPIC instead of something slightly better than the Shavarath Crafting line.

I tend to agree ... but GS is slowly being replaced, many of the wearable guards are less than what they used to be and the only weapon of note in GS these days are Lit II the Min II fell in scope off the map a while ago.

[SoloPhalanx]

The available epic augments need to be expanded. It's been ignored since it's release in Nov 2009, while Cannith crafting and Alchemical crafting have been introduced. Epic augments and Cannith crafting "do not play well together" according to Eladrin, so we won't see items benefiting from both any time soon.

Recommended epic augment additions:

Red Augments
There are zero red augments that are desired by casters. Even though caster weapons have red (or purple) augment slots, all currently available red augments are melee-centric. Consider adding the following red augment options for casters:

Major Lores - Great idea. Consider Greater Arcane Lore as well (might be OP, having Greater Lores would probably be a better idea)
Efficient Metamagics II- Great Idea

Greater School Focus - There's already a normal focus option for slots. While that is obsolete, I believe it should just be changed to greater focus, no need to implement a new option for them. Pretty much obsolete unless it is for slot validation. Mid 40s crafting unlocks Greater School Focus.


For melee, please consider adding the following red augment options:

10% Melee Alacrity - good
10% Ranged Alacrity - good
30% Healing Amplification - no, OP, maybe 15% (20 max)
30% Incite - OP, maybe 20
30% Incite reduction (-threat) (In here maybe just treason (or whatever it is that makes it 80% (so -20% increase))
Smiting, Banishing, Disruption, Destruction - I feel these should be a priviledge, that you should make some sacrifice to get, instead of just being able to slot it. Would probably lead to pretty OP weapons.

Blue Augments

Exceptional +2 Stats - Good idea
Superior False Life - OP, should also only be available on some items instead of just being slotted
Archmagi - OP, should also only be available on some items instead of just being slotted
Resistance +5 - Slots are for consolidation, they shouldn't be able to replace gear (would make some items obsolete)
Protection +5 - Slots are for consolidation, they shouldn't be able to replace gear
Persuasion - Good idea

School Augmentation IX (Lesser would probably be more fitting, but good idea)

Tactical Feat Mastery (No idea if these would be OP or what. sounds like a nice idea though)
Ghost Touch - More fitting to a yellow
+5 Sneak Attack Bonus - OP, make it 3 or 4

Yellow Augments
Greater Elemental Energy (20 HP)
Greater Elemental Spell Power (100 SP)
Superior Potency VI - Maybe Greater
20% Healing Amplification - No, maybe 10% on a yellow
20% Incite - No, maybe 10% on a yellow
20% Incite reduction (-threat) - Should be ok to put Treason here, not a very important ability, wouldnt be too overpowered
+4 Attack - Hell no. Maybe 2
30% Striding - Due time already
True Seeing - Good idea, but maybe OP for a yellow slot, can't make my mind on it.
+5 enhancement skill bonus (for one specific skill -- too many skills to list them on their own line; does not include UMD) - Good idea, but probably OP for a yellow slot.
Command

Colorless Augments
IMO should be reserved for the stats

my comments on it

[Qezuzu]

Put +15 skills and +5 enhancement skills on colorless.

Protection and resistance +5 on blue doesn't make much sense. Upgrade the ones on yellow slots.

[Jaid314]

something like this (it wouldn't have to be specifically this, just similar) would be a lot more persuasive in terms of getting me to actually care about epic slots a lot more...

[Gurei]

I (mostly) agree with the changes/suggestions/addition of many of the augment choices in OP and Sephiroth's, +1 to you both, this is a change thats been due since epic items became not so epic.

/signed

[Vengeance777]

/signed

Long overdue. Most of the epic augments are poor now that Cannith craftings been introduced, and bluebars really have no effects to slot the redslot items with.

The favor reward for the 12 option is interesting as well.

[danotmano1998]

It would be fantastic indeed to see more options for the augment shards.
What exactly they are and what colors they should be I'll leave up to the balance gurus.

I'm loving the OP though. Great suggestions, well in line with what could be useful and expected for these powerful and costly slots.


Seems like these got made and left to grow dusty while the new kids like cannith crafting and other named items got all the glory and attention.

[Gareth_Valinson]

/signed

And please do a pass on epic items to update the color/quantity of the slots on them.

[sirgog]

Some of these strike me as pretty potent. A Banishing or Smiting Epic Antique Greataxe with 10% Healing Amp, for one. There's still lots of good ideas though.

As for more suggestions:

- 30 Resist X element
- Inherent 10 Resist X element