Still using Stormbringer Bulwark of the Unstoppable?

mindeen · 07-09-2009, 05:47 PM

I was wondering what everyone else is using now that there are better shields than "Stormbringer Bulwark of the Unstoppable"?

I had noticed that even Savage Wall from Tombs is the same stats avoidance-wise when equiped except it gives 2% more parry. And I understand that the RoK stuff didn't have Shield Block III on them so that is why the TSO shields are better for avoidance stats even though the protection is lower.

So I guess what I'm asking is everyone using the Trak shield for the buff pre-pull and then swapping to a better shield? Or does the hate buff not work when you have a different shield equipped after using the buff?

I've moved to equipping the shield, hitting the buff once, then going into the fight with better shields myself but I was wondering if that is the best way to do it now. Also I didn't know if you have to keep clicking the shield throughout the fight to "re-siphon" or if it just keeps siphoning for the 15 minutes the buff is up?

Steelbadger · 07-09-2009, 06:52 PM

Well now, firstly the difference gain in shield block when you switch from Bulwark to Savage wall should be between 0.5% and 0.1% block (depending on how much shield effectiveness you have on other bits of gear). That's not really a number to get your panties in a twist about (considering most guards will sacrifice waaay more survivability than that in other gear to help hold aggro).

Quite how Savage Wall gives 2% more parry than Bulwark I don't know, it doesn't have any parry skill on it and certainly doesn't have any native parry bonus. Are you sure it's not that you forgot to put a balanced strut on your Bulwark? (Even then that's only 1%...)

As far as I'm aware the transfer from Bulwark requires the shield to be equipped to work, I'm pretty sure I remember them patching that ages ago.

It is a transfer, like swashy, coercer or assassin transfers and does not need to be reapplied except when the duration expires. It is well worth telling the lowest hate generators to cancel the buff on themselves though as you only gain the benefit of 50% of incoming transfers, so if you have the coercer transfer and assassin/swashy transfer just get everyone but the scout and coercer to drop the aoe transfer effect manually, that way you get most bang for your buck.

The only shield I personally would use over the Bulwark (if I had it

) would be the Shield of the Dwarven King (off Avatars).

Trumak · 07-09-2009, 06:52 PM

Use the clicky, put on a better shield. When the buff is nearing expiration use the clicky again.

Steelbadger · 07-09-2009, 06:57 PM

Ahhh, yeah, Trumak is right. The change I remember reading was part of the now defunct fighter update and never went to live it seems.

Trumak · 07-09-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelbadger

Well now, firstly the difference gain in shield block when you switch from Bulwark to Savage wall should be between 0.5% and 0.1% block (depending on how much shield effectiveness you have on other bits of gear). That's not really a number to get your panties in a twist about (considering most guards will sacrifice waaay more survivability than that in other gear to help hold aggro).

Quite how Savage Wall gives 2% more parry than Bulwark I don't know, it doesn't have any parry skill on it and certainly doesn't have any native parry bonus. Are you sure it's not that you forgot to put a balanced strut on your Bulwark? (Even then that's only 1%...)

As far as I'm aware the transfer from Bulwark requires the shield to be equipped to work, I'm pretty sure I remember them patching that ages ago.

It is a transfer, like swashy, coercer or assassin transfers and does not need to be reapplied except when the duration expires. It is well worth telling the lowest hate generators to cancel the buff on themselves though as you only gain the benefit of 50% of incoming transfers, so if you have the coercer transfer and assassin/swashy transfer just get everyone but the scout and coercer to drop the aoe transfer effect manually, that way you get most bang for your buck.

The only shield I personally would use over the Bulwark (if I had it

) would be the Shield of the Dwarven King (off Avatars).

50% cap for siphoning transfer and 50% for hate being transferred to you. Also the ykesha shield is better than the dwarven shield.

Steelbadger · 07-09-2009, 07:04 PM

Yeah, that's what I get for not actually having done the content. I've seen the Ykesha Shield but completely forgot about it.