A little help with weapon choice.

[Spag]

<DIV>I am a bit out of my league here so I have no idea what my options are.  I have a lvl 39 Paladin in my guild who has been very helpful to me and many others in my guild.  I am a Tailor and a Sage, both of which are of no use to a Paladin.  I am working on an Alchemist, but too low to be of any use for him.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I have made many things for all the other people in my guild, but there is nothing I can make for him, and I would really really like to get him something special as a thank you for all he has done for everyone (last thing I got him was an adept3 for Oath Strike, which I had to get made special for him months ago).  He is going to be hitting lvl 40 here soon, which should open him up to be able to use a whole new slew of weapons and armor.  I am thinking this time I would like to get him a really nice weapon to use, something he can be really proud to have.  Since I am only lvl 35, my loot options are limited, but I figure I can purchase from the market, or get someone to make a nice rare weapon, but I do not know what to look for.  I am not opposed to spending a few plat on this, as to be honest, he is worth every copper.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Any suggestions would be great, any stat info or pictures of the examine window would be even more so.</DIV>

[djhbeek]

awww ... posts like this make these forums worth reading.  <span>:smileyhappy:</span> there's always the easy answers: pristine imbued ebon vanguard cuirass pristine imbued ebon 1h I currently still use both of these at 50.  I would pick 1h weps over 2hs, since most pallies in the 40-48 range tank with shields.  Ebon items run about 3.5p on the Nek broker ... I'd think of quested weps, but on my server at least, they are hard to find.  Screaming Mace for one would be ideal if you could find someone selling one ... not sure if that's NO TRADE either ... <div></div>

[KBern]

<P>Anything ebon and imbued would probably make him drool.</P> <P>The two suggestions above are great, an imbued ebon breastplate will take him to 50 and beyond and the same goes with a nice imbued ebon 1 hander.</P> <P>There are some very nice two handers out there that are pretty common but a nice 1 hander seems to be more rare.  I love my imbued ebon warhammer still.</P>

[MeridianR]

I agree, anything Ebon would make him very happy.  The Pristine Imbued Ebon Chestplate is a nice selection, and I believe L50 Armorers can make it. <div></div>

[SK_Phantas]

<P>As mentioned, the pristine imbued ebon weapons/armor are good.</P> <P>However, a much cheaper, but still desirable alternate to the ebon weapons if to get the T5 Cedar rare and have a 1H cudgel made. Proc/DPS/Stats are more or less the same as the ebon, but its not nearly the cost (on Befallen ebon is ~2.5 plat, whereas Cedar drops to as low as 30GP). Of course some people prefer swords over cudgels.</P> <P>Another alternate is a Adept 3 Spell - As pallys we get some good spells in the early 40's. You said you got him Oath Strike Adept 3 - well the upgrade is Sworn Strike at 43 iirc, so that would be a good investment.</P> <P>Perhaps a better one would be Refusal of Grace (41/42) - a DD spell on par damage wise with Oath/Sworn strike line, and since he alreayd has Oath Strike Adept 3 that can last him awhile past the upgrade.</P> <P>The heal or buff spell's we get around 40 (cant remember names off hande, Devotion Aura iirc) wouild also be good adept 3 choices.</P> <P> </P> <P>Hope this helps!</P>

[djhbeek]

refusal of grace was my first adept3 ... not the most critical adept3, but omg is it fun seeing those big numbers float up from a mob. <div></div>

[Spag]

I am working on getting my alchemist up there, and plan to help him upgrade his spells.  I really want to get him a nice weapon over anything else, though not sure why.

[Spag]

<P>Looking at some stats and screenshots, what would you all have to say about the Imbued Ebon Flamberge?</P> <P>The stats and a picture can be seen in this post by GilfalasElaandrin:</P> <P><A href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=a8&message.id=3290#M3290" target=_blank>http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=a8&message.id=3290#M3290</A></P> <P>Is this basically worth the ebon?</P>

[djhbeek]

i'd say yah ... it's similar to what i use at 50 ... as far as i know the diff 1h crafted wep types are similar if not identical in stats.  the only diff is the type of damage done. <div></div>

[Troodon]

I believe (Im not sure) the best stats for a one handed slashing weapon are on the Assault Axe. You might want to have a chat with a weaponsmith friend concerning the options. Is worth considering whether he prefers the style of a sword over a one handed axe though. <div></div>

[hylozoist]

<DIV>Yes, as far as weapons, the assault axe has the best stats.  Sytle is important, too, to many.  There are pictures of craftable weapons on the weaponsmith forum.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The flamberge and longsword are both solid choices for a weapon.  Personally, even though I am a weaponsmith, I would advise to upgrade armor first, either BP or legs.  Your call, though, as both are good choices in the end!</DIV>

[Roble]

If i could only afford one good weapon, i would make sure it was a crushing one.  More mobs are resistant to slashing and piercing than crushing.

[hylozoist]

<DIV>Hm, I had forgot about that.  That's true that crushing weapons are more useful (if you fight named mobs), and cedar weapons are much less expensive.  An imbued cedar club, while not exactly the most attractive weapon, is incredibly effective and the best value of tier 5 legendary weapons.  I use one, and I am a weaponsmith.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The other option for a crushing weapon (other than Ebon or Cedar) is to buy him or camp with him the starter for the Screaming Mace (camping with him is something that would probably be above and beyond all human kindness, and he'd actually need to level up a bit to use the starter and handle the mobs.)  It's called the ill-fated cleric's journal.  That is probably the best weapon he can get at this point in the game in terms of overall usefulness and versatility.  </DIV>

[Korza]

<P>Personally I would get him the cleric diary needed for screaming mace quest. It starts the quest. Depends on server but I have seen it as low as 50g which can be what a level 40 weapon would go for. But the diary opens the quest for him and gives him xp as he works to get the mace him/her self. This to me would be the gift that keeps on giving...Now along those same lines camping in SH for sword of thunder drop or even buying one of those which on my server are more rare then the cleric diary would also be a good gift. </P> <P>Those would be a heck of a thank you in my eyes as a paladin. </P>

[SanJ]

<DIV>I would highly recommend you determine (ask maybe) what weapon style your friend prefers.  Although I could have gone with slightly better stats having an imbued axe made, I choose a pristine imbued ebon longsword simply because I like the "look."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I was trying to think of a good weapon to suggest for your friend when I realized your best option at this stage would likely be a pristine imbued ebon breastplate.  Why?  Starting at level 40 your friend will group with you or others to camp the named mob "Agony" for the quest starter "Ill Fated Cleric Journal" that will begin the heritage for the Screaming Mace (1 handed crushing).  The imbued cedar club, although much cheaper then ebon with similar stats, pails in comparison to the screaming mace.  Your friend could be upgrading the "club" you buy him as early as level 40 if he camps that zone a lot <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I would not buy the journal.  I have duoed with many in guild to collect up to 15 journals for various healers that have taken the time to come and camp with me.  Agony now spawns around ever 2 hours and 15 minutes instead of the old 1 hour spawn time.  Likewise, it's common to see him/her at level 46 now instead of 44 and 45.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Additionally, you're friend will likely spend a lot of time in Cazic-Thule camping named mobs for the Screaming Mace and leveling up on good XP, so it's not out of the question your friend will likewise finish another quest that grants "Moonsoon, Sword of the Swiftwind," a powerful two-handed slasher.  I have the Advisors Great Sword now which has pretty nice stats ESPECIALLY considering I picked it up for 3-4 gold on the broker one evening.  That might be a good starter weapon that is very cheap that could lead to a weapon gift and the armor gift!  I also purchased an ebon great flail on the black market for a decent 2 handed crushing weapon until I pickup the royal great flail.  The cost was again under 4 gold.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If you can buy an ebon cluster and work out a good deal with a crafter friend you might only have to pay for resources (fuels/tempers/resins/etc.) to have the breastplate imbued.  On my server, ebon is down to around 2ish plat now.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Other options for consideration would be Pious Aid Adept 3 (last 5 second heal upgrade we get through 50) and Sworn Strike Adept 3 (our upgrade to Oath Strike).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Heritage quest items like the Screaming Mace may not be traded, so you will not have the choice to purchase this item.  Each individual must quest for the item.  Of course if you complete the quest and sell the item, you can buy it back from an NPC for an inflated price, but you may never trade the item.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hope this sheds more light on options.</DIV> <DIV>Thanks,<BR>Kalen</DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Spag]

<P>Wow, alot of good information there.  Maybe I should just get him that imbued chestpiece.  I did a quick inspect on him and he is currently using Mammoth as his weapon which is I believe a 2 hander.  Though upon inspection, it appeared that it may not yet be maxed out for him.</P> <P>You all have given me a good deal to think about, I guess I really should look at what will be best for him, now and in the long run.  I would feel better if I could actually craft something nice for him, I already decked him out with bags.</P>

[SK_Phantas]

Mammoth goes blue around 40/41 iirc

[GilfalasElaandrin]

AS a tailor couldn't you make him a very nice hex doll or belt? Hex dolls are quite nice, esecially some of the slow effects and the rare crafted belts are ALWAYS usefull.

[Spag]

Yeah, made him a pair of hex dolls already, which he uses just for the stats.  I can't make belts or sashes, as that would be a jeweler, though I can make the satchels for the throwing items, but I was under the impression Paladins could not equip those satchels.

[djhbeek]

that is correct.  no ranged weps for pallies at all ... <span>:smileysad:</span> <div></div>

[Dureck_]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Spagma wrote:<BR> <P>Looking at some stats and screenshots, what would you all have to say about the Imbued Ebon Flamberge?</P> <P>The stats and a picture can be seen in this post by GilfalasElaandrin:</P> <P><A href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=a8&message.id=3290#M3290" target=_blank>http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=a8&message.id=3290#M3290</A></P> <P>Is this basically worth the ebon?</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>he'd be very happy with that.   But honestly i'd go with a piece of ebon armor myself.  He's got a whole array of nice<BR>weapons availible to quest for at that level.   I go with armor /  a chest piece Make it ebon imbued if you can do that<BR>the ebon disks from raid mobs on the market are not that expensive..  remember he's a tank.. job is to get hit. :smileywink: <P> </P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00>Canthalion Autumnleaf<BR>lvl 46 Paladin<BR>Co-leader Order of the Phoenix<BR>Guild level 20 - lavastorm</FONT><BR></P> <DIV><BR></DIV>

[GilfalasElaandrin]

<P>Honestly if your going to buy an ebon, make him an imbued breastplate from it. I am a Paladin and a weaponsmith and even <STRONG><EM>I</EM></STRONG> would say make him armor. Ebon is FAR too costly and really GOOD armor far harder to get than a weapon.</P> <P>There are at least 7 heritage quests at tiers 4-5 that supply weapons. And if your Paladin friend is one who likes clubs (I know it is odd but there is all sorts of RP) then a rare wood club is as good as an ebon longsword and run's 1/8 to 1/4 the price depending on your server.</P> <DIV>Or perhaps get him an adept 3 of his level 40 skill Refusal of Grace. It hits like a battle tank at App 4 and at Adept 3 it is oen of his primary attack powers for that entire tier.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>It really all depends on how much your looking to spend.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If your dead set on a rare weapon then I would ask what race Paladin is he and what kind of weapons does he like to use?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>AS mentioned the Cedar Imbued Club is fine or if your set on Ebon, then the Longsword, Flamberge, Claymore (2H), Warhammer (2H), Battle Axe, Battle Hammer or Assault Axe are all nice (the last three especially for Dwarves).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Purely stat wise the Assault axe is probably best due to the power and HP it adds (about 50% more than any other one handed).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Of course the Longsword is the 'classic' Paladin weapon. But the Flamberge is very, very nice looking as well . Though is not ideal stat wise for Paladins, it is far from being bad for them either.</DIV><p>Message Edited by GilfalasElaandrin on <span class=date_text>07-21-2005</span> <span class=time_text>12:50 PM</span>

[Spag]

<DIV>He is Barbarian, and uses slashing, and luckily does not read the forums, or there would be no surprise.  lol</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Anyway I think I am pretty convinced now that the breastplate would be best for him.  I just might have to take a week or so to scrape up the plat for him.  I am by no means rich, but usually have enough to be comfortable.  I think I have about 2 plat spread across my toons, and the cheapest Ebon is 2p40g, so I have a little fund raising to do, but would gladly empty my bank to get this for him.  The funny thing is my guild thinks I am the rich one, because I am always giving stuff away.  I guess maybe I would be rich if I was a scrooge.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks again everyone for all your helpful responses, ideas and alternatives.  I appreciate it very much.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[hylozoist]

<P>Pretty much what I said, Gil (and thus of course I'd agree with you): armor probably is the best.</P> <P>Since we threw so much information at you at once, here's the big "list" of everything that was mentioned.</P> <P>1.   Ebon armor (pristine imbued ebon vanguard curiass, pristine imbued ebon vanguard )</P> <DIV>Pro's: lasts a long time (for raiders, legs last longer, but for most players, both pieces are great)</DIV> <DIV>Con's: expensive!  may see tier 6 soon?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>2.  Ill-fated cleric's journal (screaming mace HQ starter)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Pro's: probably best paladin weapon, probably cheaper than other options, or free if you sit there and camp Agony (level 44 heroic)</DIV> <DIV>Con's: lots of camping to do quest, requires group, needs 40+? to scribe quest</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>3.  Pristine imbued cedar club</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Pro's: good damage, cheap (relatively)</DIV> <DIV>Con's: looks like a big tree stump; see part about other weapon options</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>4.  Ebon weapons</DIV> <DIV><BR>Pro's: good damage</DIV> <DIV>Con's: expensive!  other weapon options than armor options; personally, I see more fabled weapons on broker as well, also EBBC / screaming mace heritages</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>*Edit: oops, I am slow, I guess you decided before I summed it up.  Aww well, wish him luck!</DIV><p>Message Edited by hylozoist on <span class=date_text>07-21-2005</span> <span class=time_text>01:20 PM</span>