Medium Armor - What to buy at level 20?

[Zagur]

<DIV>I've seen some posts on the Brigand specific armor quest so I plan to get that one done as soon as I hit level 20. I assume it only applies to the chest like Rogue did at level 10.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Besides the Brigand armor quest, what other armor do the Brigand's out there recommend? I have been saving all my coin so I can make a big medium armor purchase when I hit level 20 but I'm not sure what to buy. I have loved the Cordovan light armor I picked up in my early teens because it has grown with me as I leveled. So I would love some medium armor that would provide great protection at level 20 yet have some room to grow with me.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So what is the "best" I can get at level 20? Quest armor for all pieces, NPC bought armor, or player made armor?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Any specific guidance, suggestions you have would be appreciated.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks!</DIV>

[Tessi]

<DIV>The armor quest provides 6 or 7 pieces, I believe. Only on the second step right now myself, so I'm not entirely certain. If you need armor right at 20, visit an armorsmith or look for player-made on the brokers, but as you go to complete the armor quests you'll probably start using those over others.</DIV>

[Dtrick]

<DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>AQ 1 - Gauntlets - Commonlands</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>AQ 2 - Bracers - Fallen Gate (I'm on this one)<BR>AQ 3 - Boots - Fallen Gate<BR>AQ 4 - Sleeves - ????<BR>AQ 5 - Leggings - ????<BR>AQ 6 - Chest or Helmet?</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>maybe an AQ 7 - not sure though</FONT> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Maybe someone who has a full set could answer or correct me here.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Edit:  Wanted to add that I bought some sleeves and legs for pretty cheap from a armorsmith just to bump up my AC some more and because those would be the last couple of pieces I would be upgrading.  I also went ahead and did the Coldbrow tunic quest (<A href="http://eq2.allakhazam.com/db/quest.html?&eq2quest=205" target=_blank>http://eq2.allakhazam.com/db/quest.html?&eq2quest=205</A>) and chose the medium armor chest.  That way I had something to replace my level 10 tunic when I hit level 20.  If you are not a barbarian you have to by the halasian tome for 12s from the scribe in Scale Yard.</DIV><p>Message Edited by Dtrick on <span class=date_text>11-30-2004</span> <span class=time_text>11:17 AM</span>

[Zagur]

<DIV>Thanks. I did not realize the armor quests were a multiple piece, multiple stage quest. Looks like I have some questing to look forward to :smileyhappy:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In the mean time I guess I will go with NPC/Player made armor until I can get the quest armor.</DIV>

[Stabz]

<DIV>Honestly I wouldn't even bother buying armor from anyone.  You'll get every piece of armor you need except for a helmet (and wrists/rings/etc slots of course) from the AQ quests and they're by far the best armor you can get when you're low 20s.</DIV>

[Dtrick]

<DIV>I bought some arms that were 64 ac (i had zombie skin on) for about 16s from an armorsmith in my hometown, not a player.  Pretty good deal considering I tripled my ac on my arms for 16s.</DIV>

[Andai]

<DIV>The armorquests you can get at lvl20 seem to be the most common answer. Myself i haven't started that quest yet but i probably will.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Nevertheless, this morning i bought a Carbonite chainmail chestpiece and sleeves (for a hefty sum). Those two pieces will last me 10 levels since they'll con white to me starting at lvl 30. I'd really like to get a full set of Carbonite chainmail but if the quest armor is as good and have the same appearance i might try to finish at least Aq1-3.</DIV>

[Eek]

<DIV>Storebought Chainmail or Brigandine armor is what you want, other than armor quest items. I bought mine at the general store in South Freeport. A full set is about two gold pieces.</DIV>

[Dubrek]

<DIV>I HATE the **mods 4 teh win!!1!** armor quests. I did the first on my fury and part of the 2nd, and just gave up and bought armor. It takes a few days to complete the entire set, and you have to rely on groups of same level guys to complete several steps. A lot of the steps were pretty brainless like wipe out tons of this monster to spawn an elder or a specific type of monster, kill that one, and do it over again 4 times to get enough of the special monster.</DIV> <DIV>You also get to camp timed monsters and fight with other people to try and make sure no one else steals your spawn, because it spawns every 15-30 mins, and you have to kill 4. Then you get to go into dungeons and try and kill green-white monsters that are surrounded by orange ^^ monsters. It just relys a LOT on other people doing the same quest, and that you can keep that group for a few hours per quest step. The sad part is, the armor is pretty nice, but it scales up a bit. Let me explain. The gloves have nice stats, and the same with the bracers, but they only last 4-5 levels before you've "outgrown" them (gloves lvl 24 bracers lvl 25 ect). So by level 30 your gloves/bracers ect will need to be replaced because they're green/gray.</DIV> <DIV>I just bought level 30 armor at level 21 and didn't worry about wasteing my time doing the armor quests. I spent 3 days trying to do the first step (since I HAD to have a full group to help me slaughter hordes of greens/grays). It will take you a LOOOOONG time to do the entire armor quest. IMO just buy armor, and go xp. By the time you would have finished the armor quest, and you're level 23-24, you could be level 28+ and still growing into your armor. </DIV>

[Zagur]

<DIV>Thanks for all the input. I ended up pulling out every Level 20-24 Medium armor piece (for chest and leggings) out of the database at EQ2players and comparing them all side by side. In my opinion:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>NPC Store Bought Armor: Has pretty good AC but no resists or stat enhancements. Obviously very easy to get.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Class Quest Armor: Very nice stats overall. But from the sound of it very time intensive to get all the pieces.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Other Quest Armor: Some of it looks fantastic (check out the Chestguard of the Unbound Spirit) but probably very difficult to get the better stuff.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Player Made Armor: It highly depends on quality. In general:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Crude or Shaped Carbonite or Steel - Do not bother unless you can get them extremely cheap. The AC is lower than the NPC store bought armor.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Steel, Carbonite or Pristine Carbonite - Solid choices. They have good AC, good resists. All the stats are below the Class Quest armor but not by much. The main difference is these cap out a few levels earlier.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Pristine Steel - Probably virtually impossible to find but very good armor. The stats and AC on pristine steel is better than the class quest armor. So if you can find it for sale (and afford to buy it) this is an excellent choice. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So after looking over everything I will probably quest for a couple of the class armor pieces for the fun of it, buy from players as many Carbonite/Steel or better pieces I can find (and afford), then round out my set with NPC store bought stuff.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Zerim]

<DIV>We have a level 23 tailor in the guild and though the armor she makes is light or very light, it is almost identical to the level 20 class armor quests (for light and very light armo). The class armor quests are time consuming and fun, and you will get some levels out of the way, but purchasing some crafted pieces (if you can find someone who can make the medium armor) is not a bad alternative.</DIV>

[Andai]

<DIV>I finished the AQ1 last night and the gloves were nice but they capped out at lvl 25 (or was it 24). The pristine carbonite chainmail pieces i've bought so far caps out at lvl 30 so player-made stuff is the route i'll take to new armor. I've seen a few steel chainmail pieces for sale; So far i've only bought Carbonite chainmail but i might buy some steel pieces too. I just don't want to have mismatched armor, my character is way too stylish for that (he refuses to wear a headpiece, messes with his hair-do). The AQ armor seem to have the same appearance as Carbonite but is anyone in the know of wether Steel chainmail have the same appearance too? I don't want to spend 1gp and then some to find out :smileywink:</DIV>

[gunutz]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Dtrick wrote:<BR> <DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>AQ 1 - Gauntlets - Commonlands</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>AQ 2 - Bracers - Fallen Gate (I'm on this one)<BR>AQ 3 - Boots - Fallen Gate<BR>AQ 4 - Sleeves - ????<BR>AQ 5 - Leggings - ????<BR>AQ 6 - Chest or Helmet?</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>maybe an AQ 7 - not sure though</FONT> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Maybe someone who has a full set could answer or correct me here.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Edit:  Wanted to add that I bought some sleeves and legs for pretty cheap from a armorsmith just to bump up my AC some more and because those would be the last couple of pieces I would be upgrading.  I also went ahead and did the Coldbrow tunic quest (<A href="http://eq2.allakhazam.com/db/quest.html?&eq2quest=205" target=_blank>http://eq2.allakhazam.com/db/quest.html?&eq2quest=205</A>) and chose the medium armor chest.  That way I had something to replace my level 10 tunic when I hit level 20.  If you are not a barbarian you have to by the halasian tome for 12s from the scribe in Scale Yard.</DIV> <P>Message Edited by Dtrick on <SPAN class=date_text>11-30-2004</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>11:17 AM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=2>AQ 4 - Sleeves - Edgewater drains</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=2>AQ 5 - Leggings - Nektulos</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=2>AQ 6 - Chest - Nektulos</FONT></P>

[Nutbo]

Andai you can wear a head peice but not have it show by typing /showhood

[Clawbla]

<DIV>...</DIV><p>Message Edited by Clawblade on <span class=date_text>12-04-2004</span> <span class=time_text>05:43 AM</span>

[Clawbla]

<DIV>The armor quests are a little tough but if you push, you can get them done.</DIV> <DIV>I was going to link each piece so you could decide for yourself but the stats listed on some parts are wrong.  So I'll spill em out so you guys can decide if pursuing em is for you. All AC stats given at optimum level ( between 25 and 29 for the assorted parts )</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>1) Gloves     82AC     4 agi   3 wis   13 health 11 power   120svdisease    60vsHeat</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>2)Bracers    129AC   4 int    3 str     12 health, 13 power,  80vsdivine, 100vspoison</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>3) Boots       89AC     2sta   6agi   13 health   14 power   100svmagic   80vsmental</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>4)Sleeves   140AC    4sta   4wish   14health   15power    100svcold    80vsheat</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>5)Legs        146AC    4int   5str      18health     12power   120vscold   80vspoison</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>6)Chest      252 ac   4agi   5str    19health   13power     80vsdisease    120vsmagic</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hope this helps, now I have to get level 24 so I can actually put my chest piece on <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>One point, the bp is about 20 or 30 less than the warriors heavy vanguard chest piece so it's a nice catch.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Only advice I can give on gettin this stuff, is find a warrior/crusader and cleric/shaman on the same part as you are, and try to keep up with them.  The quest for Plate classes and Medium armor classes are the same, so you can knock em all out.  First two pieces I finished the first day, and about a day per piece after that.  3 - 4 hours playtime per day.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P>Message Edited by Clawblade on <SPAN class=date_text>12-04-2004</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>05:25 AM</SPAN></P><p>Message Edited by Clawblade on <span class=date_text>12-04-2004</span> <span class=time_text>05:36 AM</span>

[Eddy9015]

<DIV>Anyone have a pic of the brigand armor? i wanna check it out so I have something to look forward to <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

[Naldiian]

<DIV>I am just not sure what the complaint is about the "difficulty" getting the quest armor - It is very good stuff, and is difficult to get because of that, but ummm, you have to XP somewhere anyway!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I have gotten so much other loot, crafting books, quests, adept books and other items and sellable loot in edgwater and nektulos while working on this armor that I cannot see how you can complain. It is great XP as well, and the only thing I can think is that you are all trying to solo the game so this is frustrating to you.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[MaestroX]

I think the stats on the quest armor will be very tough to beat , even, at 26-30 when it starts turning green/gray.But I also wanted to start out in Med. before taking on these quests so here is what I did. I had two pieces of Iron chain, boots and shoulders I think, from drops in the Commons. I found a guildmate crusader turning lvl20 and offered to buy his "old" med armor suit to help him pay for his vanguard. He is doing the same thing. Using store bought basic armor to protect him while he does AQ1-7. It is some nice stuff, with a few dropped items, a crafted set of legs. It should do me very nicely while I slowly replace it with quest armor.Zuben- Permafrost20 Brigand18 Scholar

[Dubrek]

<DIV>Most of the armor quests consists of camping gray/green mobs, or wipeing out gray/green camps to spawn a gray/green "boss" monster at 20. Some parts do consist of killing blues/whites to a level 21, but it takes a full group to do a lot of the quests, since a single person cannot wipe out entire camps of greens solo. So the xp gained off of the AQ's is a pittance compared to if you bought the armor from a player, or an npc. Sure the resistances are less, but if you compare time spent to get 6 pieces (you don't get a helmet) you could be 3-5 levels above where you were if you did the armor quests. It took me about 4 hours to complete the first part of my armor quest (after spending 3 days looking for a group willing to sacrifice hardcore xp to kill grays for me. </DIV> <DIV>Another downside is a lot of the pieces cap out early. The gloves for example, go "white" at 24. The chest piece goes white at 30. By the time you reach 30, your gloves will be green/gray and need to be replaced, same with your bracers. Boots/shoulders/pants will need to be replaced quickly after this as well.</DIV> <DIV>On the positive side, if you have no money, and a willing solid group, the armor is good as well as the stats. A LOT of people I know are still wearing stuff from the Isle of Refuge. Gah. So if you have the time, and enjoy quests, do it. If you'd rather get money/xp/advancement, buy your darned armor. </DIV>

[Dtrick]

<DIV> <HR> <BR><BR> <DIV>Dubreken wrote: </DIV><BR><BR> <DIV>Most of the armor quests consists of camping gray/green mobs, or wipeing out gray/green camps to spawn a gray/green "boss" monster at 20. Some parts do consist of killing blues/whites to a level 21, but it takes a full group to do a lot of the quests, since a single person cannot wipe out entire camps of greens solo. So the xp gained off of the AQ's is a pittance compared to if you bought the armor from a player, or an npc. Sure the resistances are less, but if you compare time spent to get 6 pieces (you don't get a helmet) you could be 3-5 levels above where you were if you did the armor quests. It took me about 4 hours to complete the first part of my armor quest (after spending 3 days looking for a group willing to sacrifice hardcore xp to kill grays for me. </DIV><BR><BR><BR> <DIV>Another downside is a lot of the pieces cap out early. The gloves for example, go "white" at 24. The chest piece goes white at 30. By the time you reach 30, your gloves will be green/gray and need to be replaced, same with your bracers. Boots/shoulders/pants will need to be replaced quickly after this as well.</DIV><BR><BR><BR> <DIV>On the positive side, if you have no money, and a willing solid group, the armor is good as well as the stats. A LOT of people I know are still wearing stuff from the Isle of Refuge. Gah. So if you have the time, and enjoy quests, do it. If you'd rather get money/xp/advancement, buy your darned armor. </DIV></QUOTE> <HR> <BR><BR> <DIV> </DIV><BR><BR> <DIV>Sorry Dubreken, but you have obviously not done these armor quest or you are not that great of a Brigand.  At level 20 I was able to solo all of the Solo wandering Green guardians for my gloves.  I did not need a group.  For the second quest you have to kill level 23^^ rats in Fallen Gate, also you can kill some grey brutes and mindless corpses but if you go deeper in they are yellow ^^ mobs.  For armor quest 3 you have to kill more yellow mobs to someone that is 20 - 22.  For armor quest 4 you are also killing yellow mobs to someone that is level 22.  I have not done the 5th and 6th quest yet so I am not sure of the level of the mobs, I do believe that they are going to be yellow mobs to me, not grey/green like you have stated.  Only downfall of this quest is that everyone is fighting over these mobs right now.  Especially the darn rats in FG.</DIV><BR><BR><BR> <DIV> </DIV></DIV>

[Justin Sa]

<DIV>Dtrick wins!</DIV> <DIV><BR>Honestly, I'm trying to do 4 right now (finding a group for edgewater is a pain) and all of the stuff is blue and up to me at level 22. Plus, it's a new zone, so it's fun. I'm so sick of the FG.</DIV>

[Kegofbud]

<DIV>Thinking about doing AQ2 tonight. To hold myself over I bought Steel Forged Boots, Arms and Leggings. They have great stats that are on level with the quest stuff. I made myself Pristine Iron Forged Chainmail for Head, Bracer and Chest to use while I quest the other pieces or buy more steel forged. Either way, I figure I'm doing okay at 844ac at Level 20. It can only go up from there as the quests fall.</DIV>

[Andai]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Nutbone wrote:<BR>Andai you can wear a head peice but not have it show by typing /showhood<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <P>Thanks to Nutbone i'm now sporting a stylish full set of pristine carbonite chainmail armor, including a headpiece (save the gloves that are AQ1). The leggings was a pain to find since they seem to be either sold instantly on the broker or not put on the broker at all. I ended up having an armorer make me a set of leggings for 1½gp. </P> <P>Now i don't have to look for new armor till lvl 30 :smileytongue:</P>