Stats, Caps and Gear optimization for WAR.

[Madruk]

The efts aren't a very good test subject just because their specials can't be blocked or parried (or just more annoying because you'd have to go through the log and count how many bombs etc they did). I parsed awhile ago on lvl49 3rd Cohort Hoplomachus as all their specials can be blocked or parried with 205 Dex 470 parry vs. 250 Dex 470 parry, the end result was about a 2% increase in block and 1% increase in parry. Further testing with 278 Dex and 470 parry yielded the same results as 250 Dex 470 parry (which I expected since it seems like all stat thresholds seem to follow the same tier formulas).

Testing also resulted a roughly 5% increase in parry rate without shield equipped.

Also the results were roughly the same training a bunch of lvl1 squirrels and letting them beat on me for a good hour with the same stat variances. Level seems to make no difference in the rate of parry or blocks (although I have yet to test on a lvl50, so this may change but I doubt it).

In short, you would need massive amounts of Dex to make any noticeable difference. Parry also seems to be gimped somewhat on a paladin and the returns are less just because I think shield block takes precedence over parry. Vit still remains the best stat point for point in terms of pure mitigation.

Edit: Thought I'd add the parses just so people can look, all parses are from the lvl49 3rd Cohort Hoplomachus:

205 Dex, 470 Parry
http://cdn.guildwork.net/albums/imag...6ccc42bab3.jpg

205 Dex, 470 Parry, No Shield
http://cdn.guildwork.net/albums/imag...6ccd8ab1c4.jpg

250 Dex, 470 Parry
http://cdn.guildwork.net/albums/imag...6ccc42bafa.jpg

250 Dex, 470 Parry, No Shield
http://cdn.guildwork.net/albums/imag...6ccd8ab23b.jpg

278 Dex, 470 Parry
http://cdn.guildwork.net/albums/imag...6ccd8ab23c.jpg

This isn't to say that you should always put your points into Vit. There are several instances where as an offtank the raid or group would benefit more from you speccing into STR, or using gryphon skin jewelry/dps gear. It just varies depending on the encounter so it's always best to be prepared.