Update 10: Runekeeper Armor Sets

In continuing to look at changes for Update 10, I will dissect what the new RK armor sets are and how existing armor sets changed. For this article, I will consider the Runemakers’ set, the three level 85 Moors armor sets, the three Hytbold sets, the three Erebor sets, and the three Greater Erebor sets.

Some general observations:

(1) The armor sets have been standardized to not offer stat increases for set bonuses. The armor sets have also been standardized to offer bonuses on 2-piece and 4-piece only.

(2) With the removal of stats as armor bonuses, some non-Erebor armor pieces changed. I originally examined many of the Update 9 armor sets and level 75 armors in the post, rohan-85-rk-hytbold-and-moors-armor. For example, Hytbold Peace-caller set decreased 214 morale and 1148 mastery, and gained some crit (due to the change in Critical calculation) since the previous version. I have re-reviewed all armors’ stats to reflect the changes for U10 (as of March 20).

(3) There are non-set armor pieces that are even better than any of these pieces. As they are rare and random versus being bartered and earned, I will not review those, but acknowledge that they exist and are awesome (and “gold” quality).

(4) The Erebor armors can only be bartered once you have completed all seven of the Rohan instances on T1. The Greater Erebor armors can only be bartered with wins in Rohan instances T2.

(5) There isn’t a big gap at all between the level 75 armor sets from TOO or Moors level 75, so don’t feel badly if you already have those. The U10 changes made the previous post at  rohan-85-rk-hytbold-and-moors-armor incorrect, but it gives indication that many of the level 75 armors are (or at least were) reasonable options.

(6) In the Moors, the Moors armors are a must due to their “Audacity” bonuses (I’ll explain Audacity another post, but for perspective, here is how Audacity looked prior to U10, ettenmoors-75-rk-armor-audacity.

Set Bonuses:

So, let’s look at armor set comparisons. I will start by looking at the “set bonuses” for each armor set at 2-piece and 4-piece. As you see in Table 1, there are a lot of repeat bonuses. Most are situational and tied to certain skills. Since now for U10 there are no more stats included as bonuses, you will have to decide whether you really use these skills and utilize the bonuses.

Table 1: Set bonuses for RK Armor sets (click on image to enlarge)

I have a lot of data… so I decided to present the full sets and then present snapshots by piece. I am going to benchmark everything to the Rune-makers’ armor since those pieces can be found at the skirmish vendor and otherwise require no effort at all, except the cost of marks and medallions.

For simplicity, I am going to continue presenting only my “4 pillars of the Runekeeper”: Morale, Tactical Mastery, Critical, and Tactical Mitigation.

Full Sets:

You just turned level 85 and have the option of going to the skirmish vendor to get a set of armor, going to the Moors and hunting Creeps for Commendations, going to rebuild Hytbold and earning tokens, or going through Rohan and Erebor raids.

Ok, Table 2 is a wall of data related to full RK sets. I will translate some observations. Do keep in mind, aside from the numerical data, there is Table 1 to consider, so be mindful of the potential set bonuses, if they are important.

Observation 1: The Moors sets have much less Mastery than the basic Runemakers. However, Moors Audacity of the pieces is essential for the Moors. With 5-7% less Mastery than basic Runemakers, the Moors armor is not worthy anywhere else except the Moors.

Observation 2: The Hytbold armor sets are slightly better than the Runemakers. The set bonuses in Table 1 are better also. Did you do enough quests in Rohan to earn reputation and barter for Hytbold armor? Which makes more sense to earn, 9k marks and 3k medallions, or Rohan rep and Hytbold tokens?

Observation 3: Erebor armors cost a more Marks, Medallions, and Seals but there is almost no benefit versus the basic Runemakers armor. Even if the price was the same, is it worth it?

Observation 4: Greater Erebor armors are the most expensive and hardest to obtain. One would think they are the best, right?

Example: Runemaker vs Greater Erebor Healer (Peace-caller): GE Peace has less morale (-263), better Mastery (+2%), better Critical (+2%), and better tact mit (+2%). GE Peace has slightly better set bonuses (not a fan, but they are better). GE Peace cost “a lot” more. Is it worth it?

Table 2: Cost and stat data for level 85 RK Armor sets, (stats vs Runemakers)

When looking at a single category, it becomes clear that many of the pieces are built similarly. If all things cost the same, which would you choose? Is there an obvious difference between these pieces? I will show a snapshot of the stat differences between the set pieces for each category.

Head:

Shoulders:

Chest Armor:

Gloves:

Leggings:

Boots:

What Would Dana Do?

Because I have as a goal to do all quests and deeds, I have some options available to me as by-product of Completionism, i.e. Hytbold, marks, unlocks.

I’m also told that the number of Marks and Medallions for Runemakers set is a lot. I lose perspective sometimes on what “a lot” means. Is 9k marks and 3k medallions a lot for a 6-piece set of armor? If so, then Hytbold is probably where you want to go, and Runemakers and Erebor are not for you.

I got the Hytbold Thunder-caller set just by doing the quests and following the path. I love to use “Epic Conclusion to reset Shocking Words” and habitually hit Shocking Words, Epic Conclusion, Shocking Words in quick succession with enjoyable effect… I’ve seen the set of three skills critically hit an opponent for over 22k damage during that explosive second.

Hytbold armor is very easy to obtain. For example, to get this Thunder-caller armor you would need Kindred rep with the 4 factions of Rohan (actually, only Ally with Norcroft), and some Hytbold tokens. By the time you got the Reputation, because it would have involved doing Hytbold daily quests, you would have enough tokens to build the correct pieces of town and barter for the armor. Reference here (to-be-a-thane).

Hytbold is one of the cheapest and best options, and as is evident from this article, all the non-Moors armors are fairly close to one another statistically.

If you are going to the Moors, get some Moors armors. I got 2 of each set of Moors armors because there wasn’t apparent value to me to go after the 4-piece bonuses. It isn't as useful for everyday use since it has noticeably less Mastery but is a must in the moors.

Though I have access to it, I won’t barter for the Erebor armor as it has little benefit. 

For comparison from Table 1, for Hytbold Thunder vs Erebor Thunder: Hytbold has +614 morale and +3% Mastery and my preferred set bonuses VS Erebor has +1.5% Critical. The Greater Erebor Thunder is slightly better than the Erebor though not enough that I would choose it even if the price was equal to the Hytbold (and certainly not at the increased cost).

Journey toward Dunland

(archived from October 19, 2011)


Exciting times in Middle Earth! A few weeks ago, the free people were on a dash to 75 while helping the “Men of Dunland” and “Theodred's Riders”. Some people were really helpful to those factions, reaching level 75 in lightning speed. Me? Not so much. I plug along at my pace, skipping absolutely nothing, and probably taking at least twice as long to actually accomplish anything, while taking thousands of pictures. However, with persistence, I made it to 75 after about 18 days. My friend Lynrial? She wears rocket-shoes. I believe she hit the cap by the 4th day.

Here is a picture of 75 Lynrial greeting people to Galtrev the first week.

In typical mosey-fashion, I started off toward Dunland by saying goodbye to friends. Here is the story of my start toward Dunland.


The Letter…
Winds have been whispering of the push into the Dunland for some time now. Recently, that moment arrived.

The evening started like any other; and not surprisingly for a Monday, I received a letter from Elrond. Why he sends mail every Monday... well that is not part of this story (what happens in Rivendell between two elves is none of your business ).

But this Monday was different. He wanted me to go to Dunland. The new journey had begun.

Hambrennil...
It may be a while before I venture north again, likely not til fall festival...

So, I need to stop in to see some friends.

My first love as a tailor means that I could not leave without visiting Hambrennil, the tailor's guild leader. We reminisced of an earlier time, back in lorien, studying under the guidance of Galadriel. I took the teachings to heart and learned Galadriel's art; Hambrennil became the leading tailor in this land. To each, her own path be true.

After our meeting and her encouragement, I leave for Dunland as a Master of the Guild; I will represent well that which I have learned. I carry her stamp of approval, which bodes well in dealing in rohirrim lands.

Toby...
Those who serve under Hambrennil had a few parting words as well.

Toby Eatwell, Bob Rosethorn, and the dwarf Jamarr taught me a few new things they had learned recently in the craft of sewing to protect the Free People.

Though they remain behind, I carry their knowledge forward. May it be used to fight Sauron with whatever means we can devise. The enemy will be formidable; we must be better.

Garchadron...
A few more stops before my journey south...

Many bards are in the land, but it has been long since I visited with Garchadron.

"Hast thee any words for me, sage one?"

After meditating with me,
Garchadron says, "As you journey forth, keep your spirit of Idealism, your Zeal for adventure, have Confidence, be Wise in your dealings, and be Loyal to who you are. After you get settled, meet with the bard in Dunland to refocus."

Good words dear bard. Good words.

Danaish…
Of the lil danas, where I go, you cannot follow.

Those of you who can, craft relics. I will need your talent in the weeks and months ahead.

Those who can't, keep spirits high by continuing to greet people to Thorin's Hall. I will send mail once I arrive in the south.

Farethewell lil danas. We shall meet again at festival.

Some Dude...
Interestingly enough, once I got to Dunland, down in Galtrev, there is another Tailor Guld Leader in the craft hall.


Authorized by Hambrennil, you say? Fair enough. You don't even really need a name do you. I feel sad for you, people just call you "some dude!" Well you have a point; most people who come to Galtrev don't even realize you are down here in the basement of the crafting hall. It is a nice place to be, although it could use some better lighting. I would hate to poke myself with a sewing needle. Touche, I did just get my leg chewed on by a warg... but that doesn't mean I want to stab myself with a needle also. See you soon Some Dude.

This one originally had comments also. :) (final-comments)