Folenor 
Friend of the Crows
Posts: 340
(7/3/03 12:17 pm)
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Crush Spec Guide (Updated 9 Jul 2003)
This is an early draft, feedback appreciated. I wanted to get some of this info in the hands of those who were looking for it.
Crush Spec Guide-
v0.13 - 09 July 2003
Folenor Aandrang Martelo Nyersen, 50 Armsman, Palomides
Seeing as how crush isn't one of the "popular" specs within the DAoC world and I get lots of questions on the spec, I decided that it may be a good idea to put a guide together (with additional prompting from my guild, thanks folks). This document is a work in progress, and I will do my best to cover facets of crush that apply to all classes with crush as a trainable spec. This is written from the perspective of an armsman, but the information applies to all crushers. I will note where the information applies to certain classes or group roles.
0. Crush intro
1. Crush style breakdown
2. Crush in the PvE group
3. Crush for the PvE soloist
4. Target mobs for the crusher
5. Crush weapon breakdown
6. Crushing weapons worth noting
7. Credits and shouts
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0. -++ Crush intro ++-
One of the first questions I'm asked on the topic is "Why crush?" The answers for me personally had lots more to do with roleplay-ish reasons than game mechanics.
- nobody else does it!
- in dark colors, a crush/shield tank looks like a cleric
- I enjoy fighting undead, especially bony types
- less competition for the top end weapons of type
But since then I've come to the conclusion that crushing has a number of good things going for it in today's (summer 2003, patch 1.72) environment.
- strong positional and reactive styles
- group oriented
- good weapons
- high level mobs are most often crush vulnerable
I'll get more into these and other mechanical topics as we go.
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1. -++ Crush Style Breakdown ++-
The damage with crushing weapons is influenced by strength. This makes Avalonians and Inconnu poor choices for crush, Saracens passable crushing pallys or armsmen, but the Highlander and Briton excel with this spec as any class. Lets take a look at the styles available to crush, beginning with the starter style.
(2) Daze
Anytime, high fatigue, 'first style' damage.
Just like the first style on any spec, the only notable thing about Daze is that it's the first style icon to put on the hotbar. The high fatigue consumption makes it a very disposable (as in, get rid of it) style. Not used at 50.
(4) Back Crush
Rear positional, low fatigue, medium atk bonus, no def bonus, medium dmg bonus, 2 second stun.
The first positional, and a good style for learning the place of crush in a group. The damage bonus is more like a medium-low bonus in my experience. Possible but unlikely use at 50.
(6) Maul
Anytime, high fatigue, high atk bonus, low def penalty, low dmg bonus, no effect.
Anytime, but not all the time. This style is part of a number of crush chains. The high fatigue with low def penalty make this a style used only as the root of a chain. Possible but unlikely use at 50.
(8) Bludgeon
Chain from Maul(6), low fatigue, medium atk bonus, medium def penalty, low dmg bonus, taunt.
The taunt effect doesn't seem to justify the loss of defense from the Maul/Bludgeon chain, more aggro can be generated from getting a rear position and spamming back crush. . Possible but unlikely use at 50.
(10) Bruiser
Chain from Back Crush(4), medium fatigue, medium atk bonus, no def bonus, medium dmg bonus, 3 hp bleeding.
Wonderful style for the level. The Back Crush/Bruiser chain is a blessing for the peeler or dmg tank, and useful for the main tank who needs to regain aggro. More useful than spamming Back Crush, due to the stacking of effects (stun and bleed). Unlikely use at 50.
(12) Concussion
Anytime, medium fatigue, low atk bonus, no def penalty, high dmg bonus, slowed 20 secs.
This is the anytime style that will never leave your hotbar again. This style is a more effective taunt than the Maul/Bludgeon combo. Especially considering the def penalties of maul/bludgeon, this will keep your healers happier too. Used at 50.
(15) Contusions
Chain from Bludgeon(8), medium fatigue, medium atk bonus, no def bonus, medium dmg bonus, 6 second stun.
A nice style at the level it is received, too bad its 3rd in a chain. It is worth putting on the bar if there's an open space. When trying to pull a mob's attention and the first Bludgeon doesn't get the job done, follow up with a Contusions to get in a stun. Even if the stun doesn't stick, the extra damage may do the trick. A Maul/Bludgeon/Contusions sequence creates more aggro than Maul/Bludgeon twice in my experience. Not used at 50.
(18) Blackjack
Chain from Maul(6), high fatigue, medium atk bonus, no def bonus, medium dmg bonus, 2 second stun.
Nearly worthless style, not worth using. Second in a Maul/Blackjack sequence, both are high fatigue, and the net result is a 2 second stun. Save the endurance for a series of Concussions. Not used at 50.
(21) Protector
Anytime, medium fatigue, no atk bonus, high def bonus, no dmg bonus, detaunt.
Like any detaunt, its not something to use in every fight, but nice to keep it handy. I don't see justification for an armsman or pally to keep it on the main bar, but mercs should strongly consider it. Since the best crush styles are positional, there is a valid use for this style. Get rid of that aggro so you can get the back or side position. The one concern is that it is medium fatigue, so it should be weighed against using a series of Concussions and reactive styles to finish the foe. Likely use at 50.
(25) Divine Hammer
Rear positional, medium fatigue, medium atk bonus, no def bonus, medium dmg bonus, no effect.
This is the first style that begins to capitalize on the crushing approach to combat. Using Protector (or delaying the attack by a second or two) the rear position can be exploited. Good style for group PvE, don't bother in RvR. On those PvE targets that have high armor factor, this style allows an unchained medium atk and dmg bonus while capitalizing on the lack of block and parry from the rear. Suggested use: set Divine Hammer with Concussion as the backup style. Thus, if the mob turns on you from the massive crushing its receiving, you will still be able to get a style with bonus atk and dmg on the target. I keep this style on my positional combat bar. Likely use at 50.
(29) Skull Breaker
Block reactional, low fatigue, high atk bonus, low def penalty, high dmg bonus, no effect.
This is the first reactional style, and it is a wonderful thing. It has limited (none) utility for DW mercs, but for any crush/shield user, it is a must have. This style takes advantage of most shield users going to at least Slam(42) in spec. Its easy to use as well, just listen for the thump and fire it. Even if it wasn't your block, the low fatigue cost offsets spamming the style. When I am the main tank or solo in PvE, I land at least 6-8 Skull Breakers in each fight, even on reds. This style isn't good at gaining aggro (since you have to be hit to use it in the first place), but works well at holding aggro with the high dmg bonus. A must have style. Used at 50.
(34) Side Crush
Side positional, medium fatigue, medium atk bonus, no def bonus, medium dmg bonus, 8 hp bleed.
Another good style to keep on the bar when not the main tank. Nothing spectacular, but the medium atk/dmg bonus without a defensive penalty is nice to have available. This style may be used in the 50s as raids like Krondon and Sidi often have situations where this style is useful. Used at 50.
(39) Bone Crusher
Parry reactional, low fatigue, medium atk bonus, medium def bonus, medium dmg bonus, 23 second hindered.
I can't say enough about this style. This style has the greatest utility across the board for all crushers of any other, short of Concussion. Combine low fatigue with medium atk/def/dmg bonuses, the hindering effect, and the recent 'fixes' of block/parry in RvR, and this is an excellent part of a 2 style queue in RvR (Bone Crusher/Concussion). Based on the damage add I have seen come from this spec, I would even call it medium-high. You must have a high parry spec (and I definitely recommend it) to make this style worthwhile. Have I said that this is a good style yet? Used at 50.
(44) Body Masher
Chain from Skull Breaker(29), medium fatigue, medium atk bonus, no def bonus, medium dmg bonus, 20 second slow.
Not worth the spec points. The only advantage this style has over Concussion is a higher atk bonus, but that isn't worth removing an anytime style and adding a 2nd in a reactive chain. The dmg bonus on a successful hit isn't significantly higher than Concussion, either. Possible use at 50.
(50) Devastate
Chain from Side Crush(34), high fatigue, high atk bonus, medium def penalty, high dmg bonus, no effect.
Wow, the damage from this style is incredible, works as a supertaunt. I've saved a few wizzies from mobs in PvE with the Side Crush/Devastate chain, but it left me way low on endurance. This is a 'primal scream' style, all or nothing. Unfortunately, to justify getting this style there needs to be a guarantee that there will always be a pally in the group for end regen (like the crusher being the pally). Going to 50 spec is a huge spec point investment, but this style just doesn't justify it. Its great fun for use on Pendragon though. Possible use at 50.
My suggestion for all crushers is to stop putting points into crush at 39, since Body Masher is a weak chained style easily replaced with the anytime Concussion, and going all the way to 50 for Devastate is hard to swallow.
Crush strengths: positionals and reactives
Crush weaknesses: taunt, chains, low anytime style
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2. -++ Crush in the PvE Group ++-
PvE offers numerous opportunities to play the strengths of crush. If playing the main tank, reactive opportunities will come frequently. Have Concussion, Skull Breaker, and Bone Crusher on the tanking hotbar. These will be the main 3 the main tank will need. If the main tank has slam as well, one technique to use is to wait for a block or parry. Instead of using the reactive style, slam the mob. This will freeze the condition (block or parry) and allow 2-3 Skull Breakers or Bone Crusers to be used while the mob is stunned. A very effective sequence, and the low fatigue use of the reactionals offset the high fatigue of the slam.
If playing 2nd tank, peeler, dmg tank, or any other role, the positionals will be your domain. Concussion, Protector, Divine Hammer, and Side Crush are must haves for the positional hotbar. Also, /stick and strafe will be quite useful. The 'stick and strafe' is done by /sticking the mob you are on, the using the strafe keys to get into the correct position (side or back). By strafing after /stick, the mob will always be in melee range, even if it changes targets, and you will always be facing it so as to not waste attacks when repositioning. Remember to only use this where /stick is allowed. When playing the 2nd tank or peeler, once your aggro is established on your mob using reactionals, switch to the positional hotbar to assist the main tank. Isn't crush versatile?
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3. -++ Crush for the PvE Soloist ++-
This works much like the main tank setup for PvE groups. Reactionals will be your best friend in this situation, but soloing presents a slightly different issue. When pulling groups of blues, it may be hard to tell when the current target is blocked or parried. This makes fighting single yellows and oranges more effective for the crush tank as compared to the slash or thrust tank, especially where the mobs are crush vulnerable.
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4. -++ Target Mobs for the Crusher ++-
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5. -++ Crush Weapon Breakdown ++-
Type Level Delay DPS(bronze)
---- ----- ----- -----------
Hammer 1 3.0 1.5
Mace 2 3.3 1.7
Flanged Mace 3 3.4 2.1
Spiked Mace 4 4.0 2.4
War Hammer 5 4.2 2.7
Advanced Weaponry
-----------------
Needle Mace
War Mace
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6. -++ Crush Weapons of Note ++-
This list is by no means complete, nor is it meant to be. It is intended to provide a list of weapons I feel are of interest at various levels. I have omitted weapons that are class specific in order to provide maximum usability. Note that most of these are from SI, I strongly recommend SI for any crusher for this reason. Dartmoor is an excellent source for weapons if SI isn't available.
*Ariach's Mace
DPS:6.0 Spd:3.4 Bonus:10% Crush:2 Crush Resist:4%
Proc: None
Quest: Drakoran Watchers
*Arm Bone Scepter
DPS:5.1 Spd:3.4 Bonus:1% Smite:2
Proc: None
Drop: Gray Warg
*Avalon's Victory
DPS:11.7 Spd:3.2 Bonus:35% Crush:3 Parry:2 Hits:9 Body Resist:4%
Proc: None
Quest: Reports
*Azure Breaker
DPS:16.5 Spd:3.5 Bonus:35% Dual Wield:4 Crush:4 Strength:15 Quickness:22
Proc: Lvl:49 Str/Con decrease:56 Duration:1.0min
Drop: Caer Sidi
*Bladeblocker Flanged Mace
DPS:11.3 Spd:3.5 Bonus:14% Dexterity:6 Parry:3 Strength:9 Rejuvenation:1
Proc: None
Drop: Decaying Marshman
*Breaker
DPS:6.5 Spd:3.0 Bonus:10% Crush:2 Piety:4
Proc: None
Quest: Contyth's Hammer
*Brilliant Saeor's Fiery Hammer
DPS:16.1 Spd:3.7 Bonus:25% Hits:30 Crush:5 Strength:7
Proc: Lvl:? Heat DoT:64 per tick Duration: 20sec
Drop: DF Princes
*Bushwhack Mace
DPS:5.6 Spd:3.3 Bonus:5% Crush:1 Matter Resist:2% Body Resist:2%
Proc: None
Drop: Spriggarns
*Dark Mace
DPS:8.1 Spd:3.4 Bonus:10% Strength:2 Piety:3
Proc: None
Drop: Keltoi Fogou
*Deathscent Mace
DPS:5.7 Spd:3.5 Bonus:5% Crush:2
Proc: None
Drop: Salisbury Plains
*Deathward
DPS:11.6 Spd:3.7 Bonus:10% Hits:9 Crush Resist:8% Piety:2
Proc: None
Drop: Arawnite Headhunter
*Despoiled Flanged Mace
DPS:10.1 Spd:3.5 Bonus:15% Crush:2 Constitution:3
Proc: None
Drop: Catacombs of Carvoda
*Despoiled Mace
DPS:10.2 Spd:3.1 Bonus:15% Crush:2 Strength:3
Proc: None
Drop: Catacombs of Carvoda
*Diamond Mace
DPS:16.2 Spd:3.1 Bonus:35% Parry:4 Slash/Matter/Cold Resist:6%
Proc: Lvl:50 Energy DD:95
Drop: Diamondback Toad
*Ebony Crusher
DPS:16.5 Spd:3.3 Bonus:35% Parry:4 Crush:4 Strength:15 Constitution:22
Proc: Lvl:49 Energy DD:95
Drop: Caer Sidi
*Ellyl Hammer
DPS:16.2 Spd:4.0 Bonus:20% Crush:5 Piety:7
Proc: Lvl:49 Heat DD:95
Drop: Ellyls
*Fate's Gavel
DPS:16.5 Spd:4.5 Bonus:35% Constitution:22 Piety:22 Smite:5 Power:6
Proc: Charges:10 Dmg Shield:4
Drop: Caer Sidi
*Feather Light Granite Hammer
DPS:16.2 Spd:2.2 Bonus:35% Crush:4 Dual Wield:3 Body Resist:2%
Proc: Lvl:50 Cold DD:95
Drop: Dartmoor
*Fiery Pious Bludgeoner
DPS:16.2 Spd:4.2 Bonus:35% Piety:9 Constitution:7 Strength:7
Proc: Lvl:50 Heat DD:95
Drop: Dartmoor
*Glowing Broken Lever
DPS:16.1 Spd:2.8 Bonus:25% Crush:3 Strength:16 Hits:44 Slash Resist:8%
Proc: Lvl:49 Spirit DD:95
Drop: Tower Keeper
*Goblin Crusher
DPS:9.6 Spd:3.0 Bonus:15% Dual Wield:1 Quickness:4
Proc: None
Drop: Tepok's Mine
*Goblin War Hammer
DPS:8.1 Spd:4.2 Bonus:10% Strength:3 Dexterity:3 Constitution:1
Proc: None
Drop: Tepok's Mine
*Granite Pulverizer
DPS:16.1 Spd:3.7 Bonus:35% Hits:18 Piety:7 Constitution:6
Proc: Lvl:50 Heat DD:95
Drop: Dartmoor
*Gruz
DPS:6.9 Spd:2.9 Bonus:10% Strength:6 Hits:12
Proc: None
Quest: Willing Sacrifice
*Hair Wrapped Mace
DPS:16.1 Spd:3.3 Bonus:25% Crush:6 Strength:7
Proc: Charges:3 Energy DD:97
Drop: Bearded Gorger
*Hammer of Crushing Might
DPS:16.2 Spd:4.2 Bonus:35% Crush:3 Strength:4 Quickness:4 Parry:2
Proc: Lvl:50 Heat DD:95
Drop: Dartmoor
*Hammer of the Plains
DPS:5.1 Spd:3.7 Bonus:1% Strength:3
Proc: None
Drop: Salsbury Plains
*Lapis-Inlaid Spiked Mace
DPS:9.5 Spd:3.7 Bonus:15% Constitution:10 Piety:10 Power:6
Proc: None
Quest: Falling Magic
*Mace of Crushing
DPS:6.0 Spd:4.0 Bonus:5% Crush:1 Soulrending:1 Constitution:4
Proc: None
Drop: Salisbury Plains
*Mithrian Mace
DPS:5.4 Spd:3.5 Bonus:5% Piety:3
Proc: None
Drop: Tomb of Mithra
*Mithril Building Hammer
DPS:10.1 Spd:2.9 Bonus:15% Crush:2 Constitution:3 Quickness:4
Proc: None
Drop: Lyonesse Farmer
*Morbid Hammer
DPS:16.1 Spd:3.7 Bonus:35% Hits:18 Strength:7 Constitution:6
Proc: Lvl:50 Heat DD:95
Drop: Priest of Arawn, Lyonesse
*Ogre King's Decider
DPS:6.0 Spd:4.2 Bonus:10% Crush:1 Strength:1
Proc: None
Drop: Wood Ogre Lord
*Pygmy Needle Mace
DPS:14.3 Spd:3.0 Bonus:30% Crush:3 Strength:6
Proc: Lvl:45 Cold DD:86
Drop: Pygmy Goblins
*Reaver's Fist
DPS:11.6 Spd:3.7 Bonus:20% Crush:2 Strength:3 Quickness:3
Proc: Lvl:33 Cold DD:68
Drop: Dartmoor
*Render's Bone Breaker
DPS:16.5 Spd:3.5 Bonus:35% Soulrending:4 Crush:4 Shield:4 Strength:15
Proc: Lvl:49 Str/Con decrease:56 Duration:1.0min
Drop: Caer Sidi
*Royal Arcane Mace
DPS:16.2 Spd:3.4 Bonus:35% Crush:3 Strength:7 Spirit Resist:8%
Proc: Lvl:50 Spirit DD:95
Drop: Lady Dara, Hall of the Corrupt
*Seething Runed Mace
DPS:16.5 Spd:3.3 Bonus:35% Parry:5 Crush:5 Shield:5 Quickness:15
Proc: Lvl:49 Lifedrain:65
Drop: Caer Sidi
*Slaver Hammer
DPS:5.4 Spd:2.7 Bonus:5% Crush:1 Quickness:1 Spirit Resist:2%
Proc: None
Drop: Slave Master, Salisbury Plains
*Smoldering Sable Mace
DPS:15.3 Spd:3.3 Bonus:25% Crush:2 Piety:5
Proc: ?
Drop: Vigilant Souls
*Spiked War Scepter
DPS:11.6 Spd:3.7 Bonus:20% Crush:2 Strength:3 Piety:3
Proc: Lvl:33 Cold DD:70
Drop: Emperor's Room, Catacombs of Carvoda
*Stone Breaker
DPS:15.5 Spd:3.3 Bonus:25% Crush:3 Piety:6
Proc: None
Drop: Dartmoor
*Sulfurous Basher
DPS:16.1 Spd:3.7 Bonus:35% Crush:3 Strength:7 Slash Resist:8%
Proc: Lvl:50 Heat DD:95
Drop: Dartmoor
*Sys'sro's War Mace
DPS:16.2 Spd:? Bonus:35% Crush:5 Dexterity:15 Quickness:15
Proc: Lvl:47 Energy DD:95
Drop: Sys'sro the Ruthless, AC Sewers
*Warlord's Golden War Mace
DPS:16.5 Spd:? Bonus:35% Crush:5 Strength:15 Quickness:15 Constitution:15
Proc: ?
Drop: Caer Sidi
*Worn Asterite Hammer
DPS:12.3 Spd:4.0 Bonus:0% Crush:2
Proc: None
Drop: Barrows
*Yog's Iron Fist
DPS:11.7 Spd:4.1 Bonus:15% Crush:2 Piety:10 Strength:6
Proc: Lvl:35 Cold DD:68
Quest: Impossible Mission
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7. -++ Credits and Shouts ++-
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EOF
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled."
-Plutarch
_____________________
Folenor, Briton Armsman, Palomides, DAoC Edited by: Folenor at: 7/9/03 2:33 pm
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