Today I'm going discuss (once again, as the title implies) Libram switching. A very simple concept that I don't see many paladins use, or at least that I notice, I'm sure there are a bunch out there.
As it is now, there are two seals that Retadins should be using: Seal of Command and Seal of Vengeance. Some say Seal of Righteousness is a better seal over Command, I have yet to do the proper testing on it. However, since SoR doesn't have a good libram for overall dps (extra 94 sp for JoR only? woopdeedoo), and I'm talking Librams, I'm leaving it out. Plus for the average mob sizes these days, SoC can do outrageous damage. I have on a few occasions broken 10k dps on trash in Heroic Forge of Souls and Pit of Saron with it, although I usually average out anywhere between 6k - 8k dps on those mobs, depending on how the Random Number Generator is liking me that day. Now, let's continue.
When to use what:
Seal of Command: AoE mobs, or enemies with less than 200k hp (this is implying that you are in a group of 5, and you're assuming that they are well enough geared). I tend to not count any form of boss in that mob number, since keeping SoV up on them is rather important. Now the cutt-off on target hp is debatable, that's just how I personally feel. When using this seal, always attack your kill target (kerr-duh). Expect some aggro, as the cleave can hit some unexpected enemies, such as casters in AoE mobs that the tank doesn't quite have enough hold of. Remedy this by practicing basic threat prevention, either jump into the fray a few seconds after the tank has used an AoE threat ability, or jump in a second or two after the tank and pop your Hand of Salvation.
Libram(s): Libram of Reciprocation is the one I currently use. It's...meh. It's got a 15% proc rate, and as I'm writting those words out, I'm suddenly glad I put the word 'noob' in my blog name. For those of you who don't know, Libram of Reciprocation is the first level 80 libram you can get. It USED to offer 173 haste proc on judgement, but was redesigned shortly after to crit. Still a piece of crap, considering its intended use for AoE mobs. However, it still has a use. To make things easier, I'm going to list good accompany Librams, and why.
Libram of Reciprocation: 15% proc on Judgement to increase critical strike rating by 173. Very specific use in my opinion. AoE mobs are a no, better with Libram of Discord. Single target, or a target with an add or two. Not great, but like I said, it has it's uses, unless you have Libram of Three Truths.
Libram of Discord: The best with AoE mobs. Increases damage done by Divine Storm by 226. Contrary to popular belief, SoC can proc off DS, it still only affects 3 targets though, not 3 per DS hit. Best used with mob sizes 4 or larger.
Libram of Three Truths: Best libram to use with less than 4 target in my opinion. 44 strength per Crusader Strike, stacking up to 5 times, totaling 220 str. Usually you'll get 2 CS' in before mobs of that size die, but 88 str. with a 100% proc is still better than Reciprocation.
Seal of Vengeance: The boss seal. It has a slow build up, making it horrid for targets with low hp, but once you get your 5th stack, you get some very nice numbers. Unlike SoC i don't feel like I have to justify why you should use this seal, but when to us it is a bit different. Anything below 200k hp while in a 5 man group. Reason being is that you most likely won't get vengeance stacked up fast enough to make good use of it while was the bursty effect of SoC provides enough DPS to cover it. That's honestly about it.
Libram(s): I currently use Libram of Valiance, as I'm sure almost all you ret's out there do. Simple enough mechanic with a large proc rate and low ICD (if any). It's almost 100% uptime providing 200 str. is very very hawt. However, with the introduction of Libram of Three Truth's we now have an issue. Which one to use? I can almost guarantee that Valiance will be up faster giving you a big str. boost early on. But the problem with Valiance is that it can go away, no such problem with Three Truths. Three Truths will reach it's maximum in about 20 seconds, providing you use Crusader Strike right as it comes off its CD. With GCD interference you may be looking at 22ish or so seconds. I have yet to do any testing with Three Truths yet, as I saving up NOW for Shadowmourne and I bought my first Primordial Saronite last night (1 down, 24 to go!). Meaning this post is still incomplete, and I will be coming back and editing this information at a later date.
Macros: This is the handy part. The goal for this is also very simple. When you switch a seal, you switch a libram. The tricky part is that changing librams activates the GCD in combat. That sucks greatly. However, there is a way around this. If you cast the Seal first and equip the Libram second, you aren't hindered by the GCD. So your macro should look something like this:
/cast Seal of Vengeance
/equip Libram of Valiance
Very simple, highly effective.
For thickheads, here's an outline:
/cast -insert seal name here-
/equip -insert libram name here-
OK, like I said earlier, this post is going to be subject to change as I test more and I get more info. Thanks for reading for my first post guys! So far that's...no one I think...But hey, gotta start somewhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment