Rod of Faith vs. Baton of Faith DPS

Vallanor · #1 03-04-2013, 08:02 PM

I have a question about the difference in dps between 1-handed and 2-handed weapons of the same damage/delay ratio, specifically the paladin-only 1hb Rod of Faith (24/32) and the paladin/monk-only 2hb Baton of Faith (30/40).

I'm trying to decide which of these weapons would give my paladin more dps, or if there would be a noticeable difference between the two. If it were simply a matter of damage/delay ratio, they would be equal. The 2hb would hit harder, but less often than the 1hb and over time, the dps will be the same. However, I understand that it doesn't really work that way. My internal, conflicting arguments are summed up below.

1) My understanding is that 2-handers get a higher damage bonus as you increase in levels than 1-handers. So, based on that, I would assume the 2hb would still out-damage the 1hb, and that this difference would only get larger as I gain levels.

2) However, I also understand that damage bonuses are static amounts that are added to the damage calculated each time you hit an enemy, which means they are more effective for faster weapons than for slower weapons, which would suggest that the faster 1hb could end up producing more dps than the slower 2hb.

3) Using the 1-hander also allows my paladin to use a shield. This adds bash to the equation. Granted, bash is more useful as a stun mechanism than as a dps mechanism, but it would help the 1hb dps slightly. More importantly though, using a shield can help in the stats department (I'm ignoring the additional armor class, since this is just a dps question). As an Erudite, my Shield of the Stalwart Seas grants me an additional 20 strength, which will both increase max damage and my attack rating, which should boost dps.

So... that's pretty much where I am at the moment. I think the 2hb damage bonus will be greater, but the 1hb has a shorter delay and would benefit more from the damage bonus over time. Additionally, using the 1hb allows some additional dps from bashing and increases my strength. Since these arguments lead in different directions, I figured I'd put the question out there and see if anyone has any ideas.

And before anyone chimes in to rain on my parade, I recognize that paladins aren't a dps class so dps will probably suck either way. But still, one has to be better than the other, right?

Ravager · #2 03-04-2013, 08:28 PM

I'm bad at math, but if you have both, it's just a matter of using both on the same mob several times each, parse and average it all out.

Vallanor · #3 03-04-2013, 08:32 PM

Yeah, that's very true. I don't have the Rod of Faith yet, mainly because it costs 20k whereas the Baton of Faith is dirt cheap. I'll likely by getting one either way and then I'll know for sure, but if anyone has any insight before I drop the big bucks, I'd love to hear about it.

Shizzam · #4 03-04-2013, 08:44 PM

Go with the 1 hander man. The str boost plus bash can interupt casters which is mint.

Vallanor · #5 03-04-2013, 09:03 PM

Totally agree that all-in-all the 1hb is going to be better. But I still don't know if it can actually out dps the 2hb. As Ravager pointed out above, I'll figure it out once I can scrounge up enough cash for the Rod, but I'm still really curious [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

webrunner5 · #6 03-05-2013, 10:33 AM

The Baton of Faith (30/40) will do more damage. But you will probably take more damage to you with the AC drop without the shield and stun from bash. Solo 1 hander, group 2 hander. God knows a Pally needs all the DPS they can get.

Alanus · #7 03-05-2013, 10:52 AM

From playing a paladin on live, including during the Kunark days (talk about difficult leveling), I can tell you the BOF will easily out damage the ROF. Two handers have better damage in general.

I would try to keep both. ROF + shield better when you are the main tank (or on "stop complete heal duty"), while BOF better when you are not the main tank or when soloing.

Vallanor · #8 03-07-2013, 08:04 PM

Thanks, that helps. I'll keep the 2-hander around for max dps, but ideally I'll be tanking, so the 1-hander and shield will hopefully see more use. Appreciate the input.

Lorraine · #9 03-07-2013, 08:47 PM

Unless you've already purchased the RoF, you should consider investing the pp in something better and longer-term wise; Perhaps upgrade your haste item, or if you're closing in the planar gap, start considering Book of Scale purchase (if you're not already in a guild that can assist you with getting burnt+frost books), or even work towards a Deepwater breastplate purchase.

Equiping a shield is a survivability measure; resists when needed, interupt casters where needed, some added stats and ac if your armor/buffs can't already cover that. FA and eventually FD will cover these sufficiently.

Vallanor · #10 03-08-2013, 10:20 AM

Hmmm. You make a good point. 20k is a lot to drop on a weapon I'll only be using when I'm tanking and not responsible for dps anyway... I have a Sword of Morning now. Should I maybe upgrade to Wurmy for around 2k instead and replace my fbss with a sash of the dragonborn or something? I suppose I could upgrade quite a few slots for that price. Haha now I'm all confused.