BLM Stardust Rod Novus's Stats choices

[OctaviusEvergreen]

If the UI timing isn't there for me, I end up casting a Thunder and a Scathe before going back into fire3. If I have the MP, I cast Thunder III. My thunders are in a macro that casts the highest one I have enough MP for.

You are okay with spending 2 GCDs on spells that do relatively small damage after Blizzard III instead of being consistently efficient and casting a single Thunder II?

[scarebearz]

You are okay with spending 2 GCDs on spells that do relatively small damage after Blizzard III instead of being consistently efficient and casting a single Thunder II?

Using Thunder II after Bliz III won't always leave you at full MP once you cast Fire III.

[StouterTaru]

You are okay with spending 2 GCDs on spells that do relatively small damage after Blizzard III instead of being consistently efficient and casting a single Thunder II?

Scathe + Thunder I combine for more damage than Thunder II...

So yes, when I've switched to UI at a bad time, and it's going to be a full 6 seconds to get my 2 ticks of MP, I'm okay with casting 2 dink spells instead of waiting for MP to regen, thus wasting half a GCD.

[OctaviusEvergreen]

Using Thunder II after Bliz III won't always leave you at full MP once you cast Fire III.

I am aware of this. I used the word 'consistent' because in my experience, Thunder II will almost always fill the 2 ticks of MP you need to be full again. If it is not, I cast a single Blizzard I to fill the gap.

Scathe + Thunder I combine for more damage than Thunder II...

More damage yes, but less potency per second. Please see my calculations below.

StouterTaru I hope you don't mind me using what you have suggested in my explanation. I respect that each person can have their own playstyle and I by no means intended to make this a personal attack.


My current spell speed is 458 with a GCD of 2.39 sec. I did some math to help illustrate my point (I calculated each skill's potency per second or pps).

POTENCY:
Blizzard: 150 = 62.8pps
Scathe: (100, 20% chance of 200) = average 120 = 50.2pps
Thunder I: 30 + (35x6) = 240 = 100.4pps
Thunder II: 50 + (35x7) = 295 = 103.1pps
Thunder III: 60 + (35x8) = 340 = 101.8pps


StouterTaru's common umbral scenario:
Scathe + Thunder I = 360 potency in 4.78 seconds = 75.3pps

StouterTaru's uncommon umbral scenario:
Thunder III = 101.8pps


My common umbral scenario:
Thunder II = 103.1pps

My uncommon umbral scenario:
Thunder II + Blizzard I = 84.8pps


This math isn't perfect because it doesn't take into account the possibility of 'wasting' time by delaying your astral mode, but I think it still accurately shows that it is beneficial to have 251 piety so that you can use higher potency spells immediately after Blizzard III.

[StouterTaru]

This math isn't perfect because it doesn't take into account the possibility of 'wasting' time by delaying your astral mode, but I think it still accurately shows that it is beneficial to have 251 piety so that you can use higher potency spells immediately after Blizzard III.

The thing you leave out is what you sacrifice to get that 251 Piety. You have given up damage to get that Piety, so the two potencies you are comparing are not the same thing.

You also left out my actual common scenario, Thunder I. Under normal MP, Thunder I is enough to cover the 2 ticks of UI3 about 2/3 of the time. (Thunder II does it about 5/6 of the time, Thunder III is almost 100%)

Scathe vs Blizzard I is a side issue. Blizzard I will be more damage, especially under UI3, but I like having the flexibility of Scathe. It allows for movement and using Raging/Quelling Strikes/Lethargy off the GCD. Plus with limited crossbar space, Scathe is much more deserving of a spot than Blizzard I.

[OctaviusEvergreen]

The thing you leave out is what you sacrifice to get that 251 Piety. You have given up damage to get that Piety, so the two potencies you are comparing are not the same thing.

As a dunesfolk lalafell I naturally have 251+ piety with a SCH in the party. But even if I did not, I would glady still sacrifice a few stats for it. The benefits far outweigh the sacrifice.

You also left out my actual common scenario, Thunder I. Under normal MP, Thunder I is enough to cover the 2 ticks of UI3 about 2/3 of the time. (Thunder II does it about 5/6 of the time, Thunder III is almost 100%)

Your fractions are consistent with what I have also experienced. However, we have drawn different conclusions. I think Thunder II is far superior because of the very likely chance that it will leave you with full MP as opposed to Thunder I (as well as a higher chance of getting a Thundercloud proc). The goal is to use Blizzard I or Scathe as seldom as possible because of their very low potency per second. Any time you cast them, your DPS will drop. This is irrefutable.

Scathe vs Blizzard I is a side issue. Blizzard I will be more damage, especially under UI3, but I like having the flexibility of Scathe. It allows for movement and using Raging/Quelling Strikes/Lethargy off the GCD. Plus with limited crossbar space, Scathe is much more deserving of a spot than Blizzard I.

Just a small note, the potency of ice spells does not increase while in UI mode. I do agree that Scathe is useful for activating abilities right afterwards or for moving a little, but using it in every rotation is a noticeable DPS loss.

[TomTom1968]

I came to a decision for my BLM staff...I will enhance SS and Crit Chance to a certain extent and leave at least 30-40 points open. The final decision will be made when I have all the Alexandrite left. Then I know what stats I have and can either add DET if I have enough Accuracy and if not, I will make the Novus my Coil weapon and add the rest into ACC. Right now it is a decision into the blue. I do not know yet what items I will receive from T6 and onwards till I have the 75 Alexandrites together so I leave my options open to either full DMG or ACC buff. I also thought about adding 4 sec. stats (SS, CC, ACC + DET) but I think it would end in too low numbers for any of the stats.

[scarebearz]

I am aware of this. I used the word 'consistent' because in my experience, Thunder II will almost always fill the 2 ticks of MP you need to be full again. If it is not, I cast a single Blizzard I to fill the gap.

I think my must either be clicking slow or have very low spell speed, as for me it's only around 60% using Thunder II.

[Seiss]

I thought this forum was on Novus allocations not BLM rotations >.>

[Rufalus]

Yea, I also thought of PIE when I just finish posting. But can't really remember whether PIE was one of the stat choice or not for Rod's scroll (can't check since maintenance atm). If PIE is available for stat upgrade, wonder whether it would be beneficial or not. At least won't have to rely on having SCH in parties lol.

I just figured every secondary stat would be available for all weapons. You could probably put piety on the axe if you wanted.