Warrior weapons and aggro in a group - what do you use?

[Lhancelot]

In a group setting 50+ lvl do most warriors use 1h proccing weapons to hold aggro, 2h weapons with procs, or high damage/great ratio weapons?

So far in groups I found that my 2h exquisite velium claidhmore holds aggro really well, ever since 24 level or so in fact. Will this weapon continue to be so effective at holding aggro once I am level 50+ or would I need an even better 2h weapon like a Reaver to hold aggro? Or will 2h weapons without procs stop being effective at gaining threat at 50+?

Do warriors use a Truncheon of Doom for aggro purposes, or is it solely used just to slow for moments when slows are needed on a mob? I know slows generate tons of aggro when shamans and chanters slow mobs so I assume this weapon would pull tons of aggro.

What about a Runed Blade? I was thinking maybe this would be a nice 2h weapon for aggro, perhaps even better than most because the rune would even draw aggro on pulls where multiple mobs are pulled.

As for 1h weapons, are Infestation and Frostbringer still considered a couple of the top aggro weapons, or are there other, better, accessible aggro weapons available?

I found an old post with a list of weapons in order of best to worst for aggro, but some were not listed that I have asked about here, and then others were listed that I didn't think were known for holding aggro. Like Blood Points were listed, and I was under the impression they were not that great for threat generation.

Any info on the weapons I mentioned, or new weapons brought up for discussion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[aaezil]

reaver sucks in places with undead.
2handers are poor in both dps and aggro compared to decent 1hand proccing weps... at least until they get the buff that may or may not be coming on this server. (i know there was a 2h patch around this era but this server isnt exactly following patches that closely so idk)

[RDawg816]

As a warrior you want to do as much damage as possible without having aggro issues. Carrying multiple weapons is the way to go.

Frostbringer is not the best aggro, but it's cheap and has a good ratio. It's popular because of that.

Blood points are ok for soloing and they're not horrible dps. They're also cheap and popular.

Infestation is great aggro... but hard to get.

Having a weapon for every occasion is a good idea. Some groups you won't have the best makeup. Some groups you will. You need to adapt to the current situation if you want to be good.

[Metalord]

I use an Infestation and WESS, and have found that the threat generation is superior than Frostbringer and WESS. I would say use the latter until you can get an Infestation or Dragon/Big Giant Nameds weapons.

[Jimjam]

I use infestation and a trochilic's skean on Jimjam.

Off hand not amazeballs dps to begin with, so having a long duration stun proc for pleb content is pretty handy. That's my thinking anyway.

I've been looking for runed blades for ages (hunting in kc on blue and just for general sale on red), and they just seem ridiculously rare. Probably similar drop rate to T staff, but with less chances to pop and phers that are much more rare to be pulled.

Something vaguely similar is the Vehement Sword of Reivaj (https://wiki.project1999.com/Vehement_Sword_of_Reivaj). Note str/rune procs don't seem to accumulate the same aggro as straight runes. As such, it's not really a group weapon. It's ratio is a hit to DPS too, however, it will let you more or less chain kill some mobs with no downtime, especially if you add in other ways to recoup hp.

At 51 you can kill the lower con sonic bats without disc and use evasive for the higher level ones. There will be a good proportion of greens by 54 and it takes circa 400 sonic bat kills for a warrior to complete that level solo. Take that as a warning against soloing, I guess?

[Lhancelot]

I've been looking for runed blades for ages (hunting in kc on blue and just for general sale on red), and they just seem ridiculously rare. Probably similar drop rate to T staff, but with less chances to pop and phers that are much more rare to be pulled.

At 51 you can kill the lower con sonic bats without disc and use evasive for the higher level ones. There will be a good proportion of greens by 54 and it takes circa 400 sonic bat kills for a warrior to complete that level solo. Take that as a warning against soloing, I guess?

I was wondering this about Runed Blade, if it would not only be good for aggro, but if soloing with it, would it benefit the warr much having that rune, say with regen on too? Maybe in a group it could alleviate some of the healing too, if it procs enough?

I have been using Frostbringer and an Infestation, switcihng them back and forth trying to sort out which should be pri and which should be secondary honestly I don't notice a difference in proc amount either way both seem to proc a lot even without dex buffs. They also hold aggro great, was with a shaman and had zero trouble holding aggro with him slowing or meleeing at times.

Which should I mainhand, the Infest or the Frostbringer?

I realize these are great weaps for aggro, but weapons like the Runed Blade and others could be alternatives which is why I asked about it too. I would like to use 2h weaps occasionally and be able to switch out aggro weaps when bored with Frostbringer or Infestation. :p

I will look up the Skean I don't even know how to get that atm. Thanks for the feedback!

[Lhancelot]

I use an Infestation and WESS, and have found that the threat generation is superior than Frostbringer and WESS. I would say use the latter until you can get an Infestation or Dragon/Big Giant Nameds weapons.

I really find the WESS annoying, the sound it makes, I never cared for whip weaps. I also used it in primary hand and forgot earlier, and when pulling ended up training mobs thanks to it blinding the mob I pulled with it haha. I realize how awesome of aggro it is, I just really hate this weapon. :p

[RDawg816]

Which should I mainhand, the Infest or the Frostbringer?
Infestation main. Offhand Frostbringer on pulls, then swap to WESS.

Trochilic Skean has a chance to drop off Renux in Steamfont, for rogue epic.

[evanderheide]

I use the WESS and Frostbringer. If I had Infestation, I'd go Infestation + WESS, though as RDawg said, be careful with WESS on pulls.

I understand the concerns with the WESS - get one and use it. Having used it for like 10-15 levels and seen the price go up, get another one.

The main thing with WESS you need to be aware of are circumstances where you're using ghetto CC like root. THe dilemma then is that if you switch targets after a proc goes off, you're in trouble. Otherwise, I haven't seen many problems. Being out of melee range causes the mob to flee and will cause a train, but as long as you're not using it with poor CC, you're good.

[Lhancelot]

I use the WESS and Frostbringer. If I had Infestation, I'd go Infestation + WESS, though as RDawg said, be careful with WESS on pulls.

I understand the concerns with the WESS - get one and use it. Having used it for like 10-15 levels and seen the price go up, get another one.

The main thing with WESS you need to be aware of are circumstances where you're using ghetto CC like root. THe dilemma then is that if you switch targets after a proc goes off, you're in trouble. Otherwise, I haven't seen many problems. Being out of melee range causes the mob to flee and will cause a train, but as long as you're not using it with poor CC, you're good.

I will consider it. If I find I have trouble holding aggro with Infestation and Frostbringer I will get a wess. That sound though, and the whip gimps my fashionquest.

I am going to test out a Runed Blade I managed to find in EC too, will share results when I get to 46 level and it procs.

Thanks Rdawg, I didn't know Renux dropped the Skean. Will read on it.

[Jimjam]

If I may ask, how much did the Runed Blade set you back in EC?

[Lhancelot]

If I may ask, how much did the Runed Blade set you back in EC?

Sent you PM.

[Samoht]

If I may ask, how much did the Runed Blade set you back in EC?

About 2k according to the wiki and auction sites. I don't see any reason to keep such a negligible amount so secret.

[Lhancelot]

About 2k according to the wiki and auction sites. I don't see any reason to keep such a negligible amount so secret.

He asked a question and what I paid for it is none of your concern. So, I sent him a PM.

Not sure why you care that I sent him a PM and did not tell the forumquesters what I paid for it. :rolleyes:

***My ingame financial uses and gains cannot be shared with random elfs on the forums, as it is a true business here and such information can be used against me! Even something as lowly and cheap as a Runed Blade purchase provides invaluable information to strange elfs, perhaps you just fail to see the importance of such info!

[evanderheide]

Damn Runed Blade looks awesome for aggro and tanking as a 2hser. Man, adding that to my list of things to acquire! Thanks for the tip Lhancelot

[Lhancelot]

Damn Runed Blade looks awesome for aggro and tanking as a 2hser. Man, adding that to my list of things to acquire! Thanks for the tip Lhancelot

NP, I seen it being sold 2 times in EC, and the first time went and looked it up on Allakhazam but really have not heard anyone's personal experience with it here on p99.

[evanderheide]

Yeah thanks for the tip! I'll be spending the next 4+ levels in Karnor's so hopefully I can catch me a Knight of Sathir or two in there. Apparently I'll need to find some rogues to group with :).

[RDawg816]

Damn Runed Blade looks awesome for aggro and tanking as a 2hser. Man, adding that to my list of things to acquire! Thanks for the tip Lhancelot

Comparing it to a SoB, since I know you have experience with that weapon...
It's a .837 ratio weapon, whereas the Runed Blade is a .65 ratio weapon. I haven't done any parsing on it, but I'd be surprised if the RB was better for tanking. The only thing I can see it being useful for, is the AoE aggro if you happen to have adds in camp (and you're already on their hate list.)

Even using it solo, I would imagine the loss of DPS would be more noticeable than the rune 3 procs. It's worth messing around with though, it's not an expensive item.

[evanderheide]

Comparing it to a SoB, since I know you have experience with that weapon...
It's a .837 ratio weapon, whereas the Runed Blade is a .65 ratio weapon. I haven't done any parsing on it, but I'd be surprised if the RB was better for tanking. The only thing I can see it being useful for, is the AoE aggro if you happen to have adds in camp (and you're already on their hate list.)

Even using it solo, I would imagine the loss of DPS would be more noticeable than the rune 3 procs. It's worth messing around with though, it's not an expensive item.

Gotcha - if you think the drop the DPS would be enough to offset the value of the AoE aggro for tanking than it isn't worth playing around, 2k or not. That's 2k I'm not saving for my RBB / CoF :)!!

Are there any 2 hand SLASH weapons that make for strong aggro weapons? I'm mostly asking since it's the only weapon skill that I have that sucks.

[RDawg816]

Are there any 2 hand SLASH weapons that make for strong aggro weapons? I'm mostly asking since it's the only weapon skill that I have that sucks.
You can skill up 2hs easily in a group. Threat (and procs for that matter) happen on misses as well. With max dex (shaman or enchanter can easily help here) you will get skill ups fast..

Reaver is a great weapon if you aren't fighting magic enemies. Out of your budget though.... Plenty of lower tier weapons from DN would suffice though. Also, you could look for an Axe of Lost Souls from CoM is a nice cheaper option.

[Naethyn]

A faster 2h will hold better agggro. Something under 40 delay. Dps is the primary aggro factor for 2h tanking so you need a good haste. Also, with root nets you can tank with any weapon.

[aaezil]

Holy shit a guy who plays ogre war is worried about fashionquest? Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off

[Lhancelot]

Holy shit a guy who plays ogre war is worried about fashionquest? Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off

wut?! ogres by far most handsome and awesome looking warriors, their gigantic plate pixels look best of all races. Clearly you are either blind, or have extremely poor taste.

[evanderheide]

Speaking as a troll, Barbarians are still what I envision when someone just describes a generic EverQuest Warrior.

That being said, Evil Races, their horrible plate graphics, and bad ass racial perks FTW!

[beargryllz]

The vicious combo of frostbringer and wrapped entropy serpent spine. If either procs, you'll almost never lose aggro unless you're both massively outgeared and dealing with a noob monk or rogue that doesn't know how to dump aggro

[evanderheide]

The vicious combo of frostbringer and wrapped entropy serpent spine. If either procs, you'll almost never lose aggro unless you're both massively outgeared and dealing with a noob monk or rogue that doesn't know how to dump aggro

Honestly, as a new player on this server rolling their first character as a warrior, I thank my lucky stars we're in Velious and not Kunark.

[Grizzler]

When should a warrior be looking to change weapons. I currently have a 20 war with Sword of Skyfire and A Jade Mace. The skyfire won't proc till 45 but it's AoE.

Should I be looking for proccing weapons nearer my lvl sooner or will these 2 serve me well till I'm mid 40's? What weapons should I be looking at as I lvl higher?

[evanderheide]

When should a warrior be looking to change weapons. I currently have a 20 war with Sword of Skyfire and A Jade Mace. The skyfire won't proc till 45 but it's AoE.

Should I be looking for proccing weapons nearer my lvl sooner or will these 2 serve me well till I'm mid 40's? What weapons should I be looking at as I lvl higher?

I'd say you're fine with those weapons until 40-50 range and would advise you to have successfully acquired a Frostbringer and 1st tier haste item (either FBSS or SCHW) by 40, though neither will really become outright necessary until 45 when the Sword of Skyfire starts proccing.

The reason I recommend setting a goal to have Frostbringer and haste by 40 is that if you're going the P99 traditional group leveling route (i.e. Unrest > Highhold Keep > Mistmoore > City of Mist > Karnor's Castle > Old Sebilis), your income once you get to City of Mist is going to drop considerably. For example, I probably made 7-8k levelling from 22-32 selling goblin ears in HHK, but only 3k levelling from 40-50 in City of Mist. Both me and my buddy who were levelling fresh on P99 basically got our main weapons (Frostbringer and Peacebringer) from HHK goblin ear money. Mistmoore is also pretty good, but things drop off for 10 levels when you're in CoM.

Just my 2 copper.

[RDawg816]

When should a warrior be looking to change weapons. I currently have a 20 war with Sword of Skyfire and A Jade Mace. The skyfire won't proc till 45 but it's AoE.

Should I be looking for proccing weapons nearer my lvl sooner or will these 2 serve me well till I'm mid 40's? What weapons should I be looking at as I lvl higher?
Grab a Staff of Battle. That will carry you until 40+ easy.

[Grizzler]

I'd say you're fine with those weapons until 40-50 range and would advise you to have successfully acquired a Frostbringer and 1st tier haste item (either FBSS or SCHW) by 40, though neither will really become outright necessary until 45 when the Sword of Skyfire starts proccing.

The reason I recommend setting a goal to have Frostbringer and haste by 40 is that if you're going the P99 traditional group leveling route (i.e. Unrest > Highhold Keep > Mistmoore > City of Mist > Karnor's Castle > Old Sebilis), your income once you get to City of Mist is going to drop considerably. For example, I probably made 7-8k levelling from 22-32 selling goblin ears in HHK, but only 3k levelling from 40-50 in City of Mist. Both me and my buddy who were levelling fresh on P99 basically got our main weapons (Frostbringer and Peacebringer) from HHK goblin ear money. Mistmoore is also pretty good, but things drop off for 10 levels when you're in CoM.

Just my 2 copper.

Well lucky for me, I have already gotten a SCHW the other day. So at this point, short of getting more armor pieces, I was more worried about what weapons. Since playing war, I know how dependant on weapons they are so wasn't sure when I should be looking to upgrade with what I currently have.

[Grizzler]

Grab a Staff of Battle. That will carry you until 40+ easy.
I actually have one already but never use it. Seems like it makes more sense to just run 1handers. Would it be better suited for groups than the 2 1 handers I already have?

[evanderheide]

Staff of Battle is another great weapon to acquire in the meantime. that is would essentially be your DPS or damage shield weapon.

Just plan on having a Frostbringer or Wrapped Entropy Serpent Spine by 50 - frankly, even a Sarnak Warhammer and Silken Whip of Ensnaring would probably do the trick 50+ for the proc aggro.

While I've invested / grinded for Frostbringer and WESS by 40 (sold a lot of ears and scalps LOL), I don't feel they're mandatory for me to get a group. That being said, having a WESS and Frostbringer makes aggro a cinch, even in groups with twinks / characters substantially wealthier than myself.

[Grizzler]

Staff of Battle is another great weapon to acquire in the meantime. that is would essentially be your DPS or damage shield weapon.

Ok this makes more sense. I have mainly been using it to lvl up 2h blunts, while I have another axe for 2h slash. I don't recall what axes I already have but I have 2. Will remember to use this one more when I have a DS or something.

[evanderheide]

Well lucky for me, I have already gotten a SCHW the other day. So at this point, short of getting more armor pieces, I was more worried about what weapons. Since playing war, I know how dependant on weapons they are so wasn't sure when I should be looking to upgrade with what I currently have.

Well damn, you're on the patented RDawg / evanderheide path already :)! Nice work!

Use the SoB for DPS in groups when someone else is tanking or when the mobs have damage shields and you want to avoid taking too much unnecessary damage. It's always good to keep as many skills up as possible too imo.

If you've already acquired SCHW, I'd start focus on getting the Frostbringer + WESS combo. My plan was to first get haste, then FB + WESS, and then DECENT armor;focusing on pieces in the 1-3k range that will last you. By 45 I was pretty much geared with stuff that will last me until Thurgadin armor. A couple of other non-obvious key items that I think LAST a while and are comparatively affordable....

Glimmering Mithril Torque, Antlered Mask, Crystal Chitin Armplates, Barbed Dragonscale Boots, Bracer of Scavenging, Mithril Plated Girdle (awesome pairing with the SCHW for a non IKS WAR), Heavy / Reinforced Dragonleg Breeches, and Cloak of Maelstrom

[Grizzler]

A couple of other non-obvious key items that I think LAST a while and are comparatively affordable....

Glimmering Mithril Torque, Antlered Mask, Crystal Chitin Armplates, Barbed Dragonscale Boots, Bracer of Scavenging, Mithril Plated Girdle (awesome pairing with the SCHW for a non IKS WAR), Heavy / Reinforced Dragonleg Breeches, and Cloak of Maelstrom

I will definitely look into these, thanks. (Barb War here)