Ebon Armor Comparison Question

[Valian1]

<DIV>I was thinkin of puttin down the money to buy Pristine Imbued Ebon Vanguard armor for the chest and legs slot, but iw as wondering. Is the ebon pieces a huge upgrade, like really good and worth every copper? For my chest right now I'm using "Rubicite Vanguard Cuirass" if i remember the exact name right, i know its rubicite though = ). So is it really really really worth it? Or should i use it for better things? Thanks</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>   </DIV>

[Siphar]

<DIV>Depends on 3 things:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>a). How much cash you have</DIV> <DIV>b). How much time you play</DIV> <DIV>c). How much you raid</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The imbued bp + legs are a very nice upgrade even on the rubcite bp which you currently stated as having. The main difference is the resists and mit, which are essential for raiding... </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>a). If you have planty of plat, then dont hesitate, buy.</DIV> <DIV>b). If you play lots then harvest is the best option, expect to harvest for 4-6 hours a day for a week per ebon i'd say.</DIV> <DIV>c). The are one or two upgrades to the Ebon which include the Starshine bp (has a 21 str proc) and better stats and resists etc.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>All in all i'd recommend the imbued ebon unless you qualify for any of the above.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV><p>Message Edited by Siphar on <span class=date_text>05-10-2005</span> <span class=time_text>01:48 AM</span>

[Cidal]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Siphar wrote:<BR> <DIV>Depends on 3 things:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>a). How much cash you have</DIV> <DIV>b). How much time you play</DIV> <DIV>c). How much you raid</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The imbued bp + legs are a very nice upgrade even on the rubcite bp which you currently stated as having. The main difference is the resists and mit, which are essential for raiding... </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>a). If you have planty of plat, then dont hesitate, buy.</DIV> <DIV>b).<FONT color=#66ff00> If you play lots then harvest is the best option, expect to harvest for 4-6 hours a day for a week per ebon i'd say.</FONT></DIV> <DIV>c). The are one or two upgrades to the Ebon which include the Starshine bp (has a 21 str proc) and better stats and resists etc.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>All in all i'd recommend the imbued ebon unless you qualify for any of the above.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P>Message Edited by Siphar on <SPAN class=date_text>05-10-2005</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>01:48 AM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><FONT color=#66ff00>Don't know where you are harvesting, but I have been out for weeks and not so much as a glimpse at an Ebon.  Luminous stones and an occasional Stragne Black ore, which isnt even legendary anymore.  But nothing of Ebon.<BR></FONT>

[SanJ]

<P>I didn't think the ebon BP upgrade would make a drastic difference in my tanking abilities.  However, I recently harvested an ebon, had it converted into the BP and already notice that several mobs that used to hit me frequently are having difficulty now.  Perhaps I've crossed some threshold of avoidance and mitigation that is really the reason I'm seeing a difference and it's not just the BP alone.  The proc is nice when the dice rolls my way and I'm pleased with the upgrade.  I wish the look of the armor was a little different.  Mine is a little blue and appears to have some rust scattered around in spots.  I'm used to having a full suit of the same "look" armor so this is a big change for me with a "mixed" set, but at my level every drop of HP, mit, avoidance, etc. I can get, I strive for now--a personal choice.</P> <P>I know that rare harvesting is random.  However, I have noticed a trend in my own harvesting ventures that seems to shine through time and time again.  Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours into a harvest session I will collect my first rare.  I usually get a second rare around hour 4 or 4.5.  I usually don't go past 6 hours total as it gets boring after a bit, but by the end of a 6 hour session I usually have 2 rares and 2 uncommons.  Sometimes the mix will be 1 rare and 3 or 4 uncommons.  However, I rarely EVER get a rare unless I devote at least 2 to 2.5 hours straight to harvesting.  With all that said, I harvest every node I see (including fungus/plants).  Recently, I've discovered that I can many times harvest something in the side of a tree!  The trick is to climb the tree part way and get yourself next too or slightly above or below the resource.  Some you will be unable to get no matter what, but you will be very surprised!  Try it!  </P> <P>Rare harvesting for me is hands down the primary path of my coin gain in this game.  I usually devote 3 days a week to 4-5 hour sessions, but sometimes it gets old and I skip awhile.  I snagged a ruby this past week and was honestly on a 16 hour harvesting drought that spanned 3 days total harvesting with no rares.  I was beginning to think a patch, hotfix or LU8 had changed the game, but a friend of mine that harvests just like me shows nearly 100 percent the same results as me over time.  Likewise, my drought was his gain with higher recorded rare finds then usual--go figure.</P> <P>I tend to believe that each harvest has a percentage chance (random roll if you will) to determine a rare harvest.  I would suspect each harvest has a 1% chance perhaps double 00 on the old D&D dice.  There's probably a 2-4% chance of an uncommon, perhaps 5%.  (maybe 95-99 on the ol' D&D dice).  Obviously, the more you harvest the more often you have a dice roll for a rare, so hit EVERY node so you clear the zone for others out harvesting and potentially get more rares.  I'm also guessing that another roll takes place should you hit a rare like on a stone that could contain strange black ore or ebon.  I'm sure 50% is weighted as ebon and 50% weighted as strange black ore.  Well maybe not since I have 8 strange black ores and only 2 total ebons, but it's possible.  The formula could be something totally different then my speculations, but hey it's stuff you think about when you're out there banging away on ore <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>Please keep in mind that strange black ore DOES have a use!  It's a primary ingredient in Wyrmsteel weapons that are now appearing on my server broker (nice stuff you had listed last night Daan).</P> <P>Thanks,<BR>Kalen</P> <P> </P>

[Valian1]

Yeah, I do the same thing. About 75% of my money usually comes from a harvested rare. I spend maybe 2 hours every day harvesting, so far picked up 2 Rhodiums, Rough Ruby, Oak Roots, Severed Cedar, Feysteel Cluster, i dont forget ; ).  So I'll guess ill just go on and buy the ebon bp and legs. I could just harvest a bit more til i get my money back up, ebon would sure be a nice start. Thanks for the info guys.<p>Message Edited by Valian164 on <span class=date_text>05-10-2005</span> <span class=time_text>07:01 AM</span>

[Avigat]

<DIV>I think the main question is, is it worth it?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Some slots I think ebon is a hands down upgrade and worth the money....</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>For example, the legs.  Is there even a raid drop that beats ebon? (probably is, but I havent seen one yet)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The BP, very sweet, BUT, there are some rare finds that could be equal to or better.  Off the top of my head, that Shimmering star BP rocks, and the effect (reflection) could arguably be better than the lambent imbue on ebon BP.  (I'm wearing ebon myself, and am very happy with it<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> )</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If your in a heavy raiding guild, it may be better to fill some other slots with drops rather than spending the plat or the ungodly amount of time getting ebon.  Bracers and boots come to mind.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Speaking of boots, I'd prolly go with drudo's kickin boots rather than ebon.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>IMO...legs = no brainer.  BP = very good choice.  Shoulders, boots, bracer, hat, gloves = up to you, can prolly find better if you raid alot.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>San brought up looks, and as a highelf this is something I am overly cocerned with:<img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Rubicite has the same look as ebon, so if you dont want to look mismatched, pick up some rubicite gloves, bracers, spaulders <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As far as the harvesting goes....I prefer clearing a whole area regardless of the resource, BUT nothing pisses ya off more than working an area and having some guy stroll by and cherry-pick your rocks that you spawned.  If im alone Ill clear an area, if others are around i'll start hunting rocks first....Just my preference.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Wex</DIV>

[SanJ]

<P>Good luck on your harvesting Valian.  Incidentally, I'm working just past 4,000 units of harvested teak and I've never harvested a piece of cedar--YET! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Ironically enough, I did get 2 luminous flowers off the same tree a few nights ago so maybe that's a turn in the right direction.  I have committed myself to giving my first severed cedar to my duoing Swashy buddy for a cedar long bow, but the good news is he's ebon harvesting for me <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  </P> <P>I stated in another post that both of us harvest about the same and that most of our money comes from rare sales.  I think he has about 4.5 plat banked atm and I have around 3.5 plat banked (with a ruby currently for sale for 1 plat 18 gold).</P> <P>I wasn't going to mention this, but since I didn't have time to play last night I logged on quickly to check my ruby price and to see if it sold (didn't) and quickly noticed the cheapest ruby price was 1 plat 20 gold ... NO WAIT!  one for just 15 gold--that's right 15 gold!  I left my house in a whirlwind in Qeynos Harbor, jumped over the railing to the ground floor, jumped over the wall in the city into the water, and swam to the broker while my wife stood behind me laughing at my bugged out eyes!  I made it and picked up a second ruby for 15 gold.  Now I had 2 rubies that would net a total of 2 plat 20 gold minimum (that would buy my leggings--woot!)  However, as I zoned into my house the seller sent me a tell that stated "Oh man you just got the deal of the century bro I meant 1 plat 15 gold <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> don't know where I went wrong but gratz on your buy."</P> <P>I had just priced the new ruby for 1 plat and 18 gold and noticed my new ruby was up for just 18 gold.  I don't know if this is some new bug, but it just overwrote my 1 plat first entry so everyone be cautious when you price rares and make extra certain it's the price you intend.  I replied to the seller "Come and get your ruby, I'm in Qeynos Harbor."  He said just email 35 gold if that's cool with you and I'll be happy enough."  I replied "No, I will return it for the 15 gold."  He picked it up 5 minutes later and said that he couldn't believe I was being so nice and that players like paladins doing that made the game worth playing.</P> <P>Nuff said!</P> <P>Thanks,<BR>Kalen</P>

[Valian1]

<P>Bleh</P> <P>Message Edited by Valian164 on <SPAN class=date_text>05-10-2005</SPAN><SPAN class=time_text>02:49 PM</SPAN></P><p>Message Edited by Valian164 on <span class=date_text>05-10-2005</span> <span class=time_text>02:49 PM</span>

[Valian1]

<P>            Thats good to hear. I'm glad i havent really been in one of those situations yet because i wouldnt know what to do :smileysad: On one occasion on Unrest Unscathed Gnoll bones prices went really high, of course when i needed one. They were up for like 20g, say one for 15c, ran to broker but to no avail. Anyhoo just wanted to say it was nice of you to give it back, a lot of people wouldnt do that. </P> <P>            Ouch on the cedar thing, i wasnt even in one of my harvesting things when i got mine few nights ago. Was in RV doing "Mysterious Drafling" quest, hadnt even harvested anythin yet, saw a tree close to a aggro, took the chance and the first thing was a cedar :smileyhappy:. I also didnt know that you could get 2 uncommons/rares from the same node. I was thinking statisticly its possible, but they mighta just made it impossible, but thats cool. g/l on the cedar</P> <P>            </P> <P> </P> <P> </P><p>Message Edited by Valian164 on <span class=date_text>05-10-2005</span> <span class=time_text>02:49 PM</span>

[Sav]

I'm an armorer so of course I am biased.  One night, I went nuts and took my entire stock of ebon clusters and turned it into a full suit of ebon.  To me, it was entirely worthwhile.  I changed from being a decent offtank to a premiere tank in groups.  I often need to serve as main tank on our raids.  To me, it's worth the time and money.  However, if you have to choose, the biggest upgrade pieces, in my mind, are the gussets and spaulders.  There are many treasured armor items that are close to ebon in quality such as the Black Ebon Platemail Breastplate.  However, these items are typically breastplate and/or greaves only. <div></div>

[RafaelSmith]

I have been slowly upgrading to Ebon myself...So far have Imbued BP, Imbued Legs and Shoulders.  Hopefully next ill get the Gussets.  I splurged and had a Ebon Executioners Axe made which probably should have went towards armor =P Hands, Helm and Boots seem to have many other options availabel out there that dont require Master chest drops or raids so Ill probably hold off on those for abit. Each piece IMO was well worth the wait/effort/time.  Of course I dont raid and just play with a small group of friends so I dont have access to the Fabled drops, etc and the  big boost in AC and Resists I get from Ebon makes a noticable difference. <div></div>

[SanJ]

<P>Thanks for the luck wish Valian on the cedar it will happen eventually.  I'm not in the least upset about it as rares have been very good to me overall.  Actually, it's kind of fun now watching the numbers grow without a rare harvest--gives me something to cry about .. haha</P> <P>I have yet to see a player pull 3 rares or mix of rares and uncommons from the same node (single harvestable), but I pulled two rare oak in tier 4 from the same tree not to mention 4 total in that tier over time which I now believe is haunting my tier 5 rare cedar <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Have to pay my dues for being so lucky back then.  I have also pulled two luminous from the same node.  I know of at least two other players that have pulled an uncommon and a rare from the same node and at least one other player that pulled two rares from the same node.  Pulling any combination of 3 (rares or uncommons) from the same node would be something fun to see and equally hard to believe, but you never know.  One rare is enough to crack my smile <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>Rafael I did the same thing as you -- burned an ebon cluster on a weapon.  It's hard to overlook the nice proc and great stats (pristine imbued ebon long sword--love the long sword), but there are way too many comparable items I could have attained through drops or quests.  My 2nd ebon went towards the imbued BP and now I'm wishing I would have avoided the temptation of the weapon so I'd have matching BP and Leggings imbued.  Oh well, I still love the sword.</P> <P>For those that don't know (I didn't for awhile), you can only imbue the BP and leggings, not the remaining armor slots.</P> <P>Thanks,</P> <P>Kalen</P> <P> </P>

[Avigat]

<BR> <DIV>"I walk around in 500 lbs of Heavy Armor, I carry a shield bigger than Gnomes ...yet I can still do back flips and dance like no other avoiding 70% of my enemies hits"<BR></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I don't know about you, but my armor weighs 25.5 lbs (left side only).  If I add in the 3.5 lbs worth of jewelery and another 8 lbs for my sword and shield, im still not even close to that.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Yes, I realize this is a sig.  Problem I have is that the whole mentality that a heavy armor class can't avoid hits is what got (and is getting) us nerfed.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[RafaelSmith]

<span><blockquote><hr>Avigator wrote: <div>"I walk around in 500 lbs of Heavy Armor, I carry a shield bigger than Gnomes ...yet I can still do back flips and dance like no other avoiding 70% of my enemies hits"</div> <div> </div> <div>I don't know about you, but my armor weighs 25.5 lbs (left side only).  If I add in the 3.5 lbs worth of jewelery and another 8 lbs for my sword and shield, im still not even close to that.</div> <div> </div> <div>Yes, I realize this is a sig.  Problem I have is that the whole mentality that a heavy armor class can't avoid hits is what got (and is getting) us nerfed.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div><hr></blockquote> Hehe dont wanna derail the thread. Yeah its just a sig and an exageration meant to point out that as a Guardian i think I "avoid" DMG more than I think I should.  =P  Now back to original topic.  Wanted to stress that I think the 2 biggest advantages of Ebon armor is the AC but actually more importantly the resists.  I think when all these new combat changes go live we are going to find ourselves really wanting every bit of mitigation and resists we can get =P </span><div></div>

[Valian1]

To me its tempting on which pieces. Mostly everyone would pick BP and greaves cuz they match, if they could only buy 2 atm.  Keep changin my mind since i see gussets are real important too. Maybe go for a Legging and Spaulders, cuz with rubicite chest mostly everything would match. Of course the Shimmering Star Breastplate i want would throw things off, but I think i could live with it :smileyhappy:

[SanJ]

<P>Valian,</P> <P>A lot of people go with the BP/Leggings combo since both items may be imbued.  The chest will heal damage and the legs proc damage.  The rest of the slot with ebon can NOT (from what I understand) be imbued at this point.</P> <P>Good luck on your Shimmering Star Breastplate.  They have lowered some of the stats on the BP so it's not as uber as before, but should still be quite a find for any tank-class.</P> <P>Thanks,<BR>Kalen</P>

[MeridianR]

<span><blockquote><hr>SanJun wrote:<p>Valian,</p> <p>A lot of people go with the BP/Leggings combo since both items may be imbued.  The chest will heal damage and the legs proc damage.  The rest of the slot with ebon can NOT (from what I understand) be imbued at this point.</p> <p>Good luck on your Shimmering Star Breastplate.  They have lowered some of the stats on the BP so it's not as uber as before, but should still be quite a find for any tank-class.</p> <p>Thanks,Kalen</p> <div></div><hr></blockquote>Same thing I did here, just got my Imbued Ebon Greaves last night, and paired with the Imbued Ebon Chestplate I have, make a nice match. For the rest of my equipment I don't believe I will get any more Ebon, unless I get super lucky and get 2-3 pieces from Master Chests, or mining....I was thinking about getting an ebon 1h sword if I got another one, but since I am going to have to do the Hearts of Fear quest (about 50% done), I will just get Bloodfire from there. I really like my Ebon, but it is kind of annoying that our armor costs 5 fold that of other non heavy wearing classes. My Fury Guildie, bought 4 pieces of Augmented (Tier 5 Rare) Light armor last night for a grand total of less then 2 plat. While my two pieces of Ebon cost me a total of 5plat <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> We both created test servers toons because of the bonus XP (which I think is a great way to get more people playing) and I jumped on the opportunity to select a non heavy armor wearing class...lol (going to go Fury) Does the Shimmering Star BP drop from BlightFang? (the named Rat) or from any Rats?</span><div></div>

[Valian1]

<DIV>From what ive read SSB drops from Blightrats in RV (100% sure) and maybe the Fetid Blightrats. It drops from a master chest from these. Also drops from 2 named's but cant remember what they where, ill try to remember where i heard it. I wonder how much somebody would sell SSB for.</DIV>

[Tur]

<P>Sorry if I'm off-topic a bit but it seems like the discussion has moved to rare harvests.</P> <P>Which rares should I be looking for to equip my 40 Pally? I've gatherd from reading this thread that ebon clusters are are used in ebon armor but what other items are important to us? Can someone give a brief run down of things we should hang on to (for armor/weapons) and things that we should sell for cash?</P>

[Troodon]

Ebon for armour. Rhodium and Ruby clusters for adepts. Cedar for shields. <div></div>

[Valian1]

<DIV>I was very happy last night. Camping webclaw sucks because we were there for like 7-8 hours of killin ph's but atleast i got somethin out of it. Can you see what it is? :smileyhappy:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><IMG src="C:GamesEverquest2EQ2_000209.jpg"></DIV>

[SunT]

<P>IMO if you are 40 or close to it, go for Ebon armor.  Well worth it.  The biggest benefit to Rare Crafted is you can equip at 40.  Most other items you have to wait several levels.  So you get more wear out of a better item sooner...but for a very high price.   </P> <P>Get the legs first as the proc is more useful than the heal.  Legs, Chest, Shoulders then whatever your weakest slot is if you do more.  The One hand weapon is well worth the money.</P> <P>If you are 45 Plus, you might want to invest differently.  Black Ebon is nearly as good and much cheaper.  There are some other less common items I see from time to time that have nearly the same stats as Ebon and sell for the 20G range.  At 48 I have five pieces and I won't be putting on any more Ebon.  I will get one more for the EBBC for status reasons only.</P> <P>There is no better investment than good gear.  If you are deciding on whether to improve gear or spells go with the gear.  Only exception might be your taunts.</P>