tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872162580492321772.post9045217568692572005..comments2023-10-03T03:48:35.523-07:00Comments on ThinkTank: [Druid]Continuing the conversation about arpenKalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05193899462301079034noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872162580492321772.post-65459749736697464732009-09-18T13:32:46.849-07:002009-09-18T13:32:46.849-07:00Grumpy, I think you can still reasonably have some...Grumpy, I think you can still reasonably have some shared pieces (belt, boots, chest, gloves) that are gemmed for agility. It might not be optimal, but chances are it'll be good. This is especially true if you have one of the arpen trinkets and can go arpen everywhere else; that should put you very close to the cap and giving you a lot of agi.<br /><br />Anon, that's sad - but it's great for them too.<br /><br />Anon2 - I think part of the point is that I didn't stack arpen exclusively, it just happened - so if you're low on arpen now, just get some upgrades. I really didn't notice a big change in my damage until about 500 armor pen. Then it became quite large. Now I'm opening with 14k shreds on a banner of victory proc. It's kinda nuts.<br /><br />Alaron, I think consistent burst is better for armor pen, but you'll end up getting better results if during the 'burst' period more of your results are crits. Going from 50 to 60% crit rates in a 30 second period gives you a lot more opportunity for FBs in that time, and that's what really matters. Sure, getting a big FB is nice, but if you can get two FBs instead that's much better - and that happens much more often with a higher crit rate.<br /><br />Jace, that's a very astute observation, and it's very likely true - and more accurately, it (unlike the old times) means that there is an actual balancing point. Before it was pretty well shown that agi wins always - now, not so much with agi/arpen. <br /><br />Anon, that's the whole point - it's not straightforward, and you really need to use your brain and common sense to get where you want to go. You won't be horrible with going one way or another - but you might be better or happier another way.Kalonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05193899462301079034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872162580492321772.post-2826407379509156222009-09-18T06:04:05.335-07:002009-09-18T06:04:05.335-07:00So much written about ArPen lately on the various ...So much written about ArPen lately on the various blogs, Ive read it all and Im not sure Im any the wiser! Actually, thats not true, Ive learned a hell of a lot but I still arent sure what to gem for. Comments seem to range from "go with what feels best" to "go ArPen at 800" to "go Agi" and lately "go ArPen if your gear is 226 or better"...guess I can at least conclude its not straightforward any more :) <br /><br />My gear is decent I think without being marvelous (Dabeasty, Lightbringer EU). I have been gemming, eating food etc for ArPen for a while now (to get 667 ArPen) and it seems to do ok for me. I've tried very hard to get Grim Toll from Naxx with no success. I think I will probably stick with ArPen for now (dont fancy paying to regem) and see what happens when the "nerf" patch comes in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872162580492321772.post-36165322785118176302009-09-16T21:21:57.633-07:002009-09-16T21:21:57.633-07:00Actually, what I am doing now is adding ArP throug...Actually, what I am doing now is adding ArP through gems as I get ToC upgrades which improves my Crit.<br /><br />Where the old balancing act was agility/strength (Toskk) I would argue that since the ArP buff and Rip crits that has changed to agility/ArP balancing.<br /><br />I really wish I would just get the ArP trinket already off of Thorim so I can softcap and be done with it... lol... maybe tomorrow night.Jacemorahttp://jacemora.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872162580492321772.post-66736806317402724732009-09-16T18:16:42.167-07:002009-09-16T18:16:42.167-07:00Kalon, thanks again for the kind words. Your varia...Kalon, thanks again for the kind words. Your variable summation is exactly the type of thing I was looking for before I detoured into the mathematical weeds. ;)<br /><br />One theoretical quibble- I'd argue that burst damage fights are better for arpen, overall. Sure, you can roll a lucky string of crits with agi, but you can also roll an unlucky string. :) For burst damage, you'll have more time under the effect of CD's, which boosts your base stats, which favors ArPen.<br /><br />@Grumpy-<br />You can still share cat gear just fine...the only problem is that you're missing out on a bear tank's greatest advantage (stam stacking), which leaves you vulnerable to burst. It's fine for heroics/Naxx/whatever, though.Alaronhttp://thefluiddruid.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872162580492321772.post-60822706138869948192009-09-16T13:38:44.577-07:002009-09-16T13:38:44.577-07:00But isn't that the point? The devs don't w...But isn't that the point? The devs don't want a clear signpost to 'stack crap loads of this to rulz-land'.<br /><br />Part of me is irritated by ambiguity as I want to ensure I have a clear understanding of how to max out my dps, but another part rejoices that stats can be a little more 'interpretive'.<br /><br />I've just started to stack arp, but not before I started hovering in the 58% crit raid buffed zone. I'm not sure if thats the best thing to do, but it seems to 'feel ok' to me (but then arp hasn't been nerf batted yet... at least I don't think!). I am sure I am seeing some level of benefit, but it isn't neon sign posted yet. Early days and now hard to get a stable group together to grab Grim Toll or to try for Thorim Hard Mode.<br /><br />Anyhoo. Thanks for your blogs :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872162580492321772.post-57574215870531717252009-09-16T12:33:54.371-07:002009-09-16T12:33:54.371-07:00I lost Hellion Glaive to a ret paladin in my guild...I lost Hellion Glaive to a ret paladin in my guild last night....made me throw up a bit in my mouthAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872162580492321772.post-42446800475250305052009-09-16T11:59:48.186-07:002009-09-16T11:59:48.186-07:00Not apropos of this post, I have a question - are ...Not apropos of this post, I have a question - are we back to the point where bear and cat require seperate sets of gear or should I still plan on sharing most of my gear between the two? Right now, I'm sharing a fair amount and anything shared gets agi gems of some sort. It's over 50% of my gear, but I haven't been raiding much since Ulduar came out so I really haven't been watching gear posts.teflaimehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12858992182120624497noreply@blogger.com