Dragoons Max Status?

[Silvano]

I've actually been using the Gate Guard, but Doblyns sound a lot better for quick testing; where are they

[Hyrist]

My aplogies, Sphere Doblyns are the level 58 camp for group testing, getting my camps mixed up.

http://mooglebox.com/blackshroud/ind...filter=level41

There are two low-fifties camps far off on different sides of Black Shoud. One is the Shirkers (shooms) at 3.75,36, on the bottom floor.

The others are the Efts at 43.75,44.

Be aware that both camps are more dangerous testing zones, but you'll get more targets in quicker succession. They will also give you a better average range to include impact of level correction.

Bring a friend though, those crows can be nasty and they're not particularly safe camps to get to.

[Silvano]

Hrm. The guards are always 52 though, so I'll probably stick with those for more consistent testing.

[Riv]

You can actually cap with a single PIE meld Darksteel Haub+1, and using DL eyepatch too. I believe the setup is:

DL Eye
DS Haub+1 with PIE meld
Militia Sub or double PIE Kecks
Triple STR gloves
DL Caligae

I forget the jewelry, but i think it's all STR. And i don't have the numbers this nets you off the top of my head, but i'm pretty sure it gets you to caps and it's the set i am going for. It's arguably better than using a STR head or the crown.

[Silvano]

Actually, if you are using Ifrit's, I don't think you need any melds to hit caps, since they're lowered. 350/310 moved to Garudas

[Hyrist]

Can't confirm that. I noticed a marked difference dropping from a STR melded Hart+1 to a Crit Attack Hart +1 and the stat cap on Hart is supposedly lower than Ifrits. If there is a lower Stat Cap on Ifrit's, it's not by much.

Also keep in mind it is possible to hit Piety cap with just double melded gear if you are using melds on your weapon. I'm at 350/305 after food with nothing but double melds and a single STR meld on my Giantsgall spear, and the melds on my bracers are IIIs not IVs. If I upgraded to IVs and switched to a Darksteel +1 Double Meld I'd likely be able to maintain my stats without the meld on my Spear, but it would require high IVs on both Body and Hands. Or alternatively I could just go Piety/STR on my spear and be done with it.

Given the bomb that was dropped about gear stats having less of an impact in 2.0, I'm in a holding pattern for gear development. Probably going to go for my GC staff and pieces just for the fun of it and hold off there.

[Silvano]

Based on research a friend of mine has done, the Ifrit caps are significantly lower, as in more than 20pts on strength and more than 15 on piety. The STR you had on the Hart may have put you below the stat cap on the hart. Also; if you are at cap, STR still works in a 3:2 ratio with attack power, so instead of ~.8 per point, it drops to like ~.35, so that needs to be factored in as well ^^ Its all very annoying, but hey, stat melds are changing in 2.0; go attack power!

[Hyrist]

That's probably the case.

I'm using a Giantgall now so I'm not entirely sure where the caps balance out there - but I always try to maintain around 350/310 (though currently still at 305 piety)

Ideally I want to do away with the Strength Meteria on my weapon and switch to other stats on Giantsgall like attack or Critical Attack. Though the process of doing so is cost prohibitive - more profitable for me to maintain where I am and work up crafting/gathering jobs so I can build my own gear sets and make a profit off the attempts.

[Silvano]

Let's just say this; I switched form Sergeant Spear and 350/310 to an Ifrit's Harpoon, where I'm currently at like 334/302, and am dong more damage because the switch allowed for more crit power/attack power.

[Hyrist]

Hmm. I'll have to play around with my build then, see if I can't squeeze around some higher numbers. If what you say is true then Giantsgall has an even lower stat cap than Ifrits, which means I should be able to completely bypass my need for extra strength to make up for the weapon meld.

Problem is, something like that is a risky venture to take without a massive income to either have multiple weapons or throw away meteria on, just to test. Giantsgall hasn't dropped in price value yet.

Once it does I should be able to do a fair comparison. Two Giantsgalls with different melds on them.