So far in TDS i've seen 4 different power sources. Healer Power Source Ocean Purification Stone from Caverns of Endless Song Caster Power Source Combine Power Shard from Degmar Tank Power Source Geomantic Steelstone from Combine Dredge Crappy All Around Power Source Thaell Ew Totem from Thuliasaur The top 3 power sources I listed are great for their classes. They are huge upgrades to Xorbb's Caged Hatred. They also are somewhat common drops. The Ocean Purification Stone has dropped for me on about half of my named kills. Either I just haven't found the melee power source yet or we got screwed. Is there a 5th power source that i'm missing or am I stuck using the crazy rare Xorbb's Caged Hatred still?
Soddan's current Magelo has Thaell Ew Totem: http://eq.magelo.com/profile/3202615 Even in raid gear the Totem (and itemization in general) leaves him 235 points short of max Sta. The only notably Sta booster is Shaman Focus line which boosts cap as much as it boosts current value so doesn't get him any closer. Infusion of Spirit 45sta in Slot6, Primal Essence 20sta in Slot3, not sure if they stack with Focus line but seem to and I don't know any non-Focus sta buffs that came out in the last 10 years off the top of my head since I had no use for the buff. Thaell Ew Totem at 100 (105) Purity AC: 32 (33), HP: 100 (105), Mana 450 (472), End 450 (472) Str: 25(26)+3(3) Sta: -20(21)-2(2) Int: 15 (15) Wis: 15 (15) Agi: -25(26)-2(2) Dex: 10(10)+2(2) End Regen: 4 (4), Heal 5 (5), SplDmg 5 (5), Clair 5 (5) Geomantic Steelstone at 100 (105) Purity AC: 50 (52), HP: 800 (840), Mana -175 (183), End -175 (183) Str: -15(15)-2(2) Sta: 15(15)+2(2) Int: -10(10)-2(2) Wis: -10(10)-2(2) Agi: 20(21)+2(2) Dex: 20(21)+2(2) HP Regen: 4 (4) That's a really big penalty largely for 32 End Regen. Oath of Marr or other 30 Purity aug being essentially 2ac 40hp with Geomantic makes them a lot better than they were prior to TDS. Ocean Purification Stone at 100 (105) Purity HP: 300 (315), Mana 500 (525), End -500 (525) Str: -10(10)-2(2) Int: -25(26)-2(2) Wis: 25(26)+3(3) Agi: 15(15)+2(2) Dex: -25(26)-2(2) Mana Regen: 4 (4), Heal 15 (15), SplDmg -10 (-10), Clair 15 (15) Combine Power Shard at 100 (105) Purity HP: 300 (315), Mana 500 (525), End -500 (525) Str: -10(10)-2(2) Int: 25(26)+3(3) Wis: -25(26)-2(2) Agi: 15(15)+2(2) Dex: -25(26)-2(2) Mana Regen: 4 (4), Heal -10 (-10), SplDmg 15 (15), Clair 15 (15) Swap Wis and Int, swap Heal and SplDmg, then again looking at the Totem maybe it's for the best that so little thinking was involved. Maybe they will add Powersource to Bandolier.
I don't understand why the upgrade in Power Source is so marginal. Some may even say the Xorbb power source is better. A power source from 2 expansions ago is better than current content. Developers should look at this again.
Funny I posted this in beta about these powersources and no one listened to me at about time someone else starting talking about this issue and redo this powersources. Bottom line is no tank or melee powersource should be giving negative stats at all!
Because why? I have 3 of the 4 power sources and swap them on raids where applicable. I see no problem taking a loss to make a gain. You can't have balance without pros and cons to your decisions.
With Thaell Ew you lose hp and ac over using Pure Elemental. Also you only gain 8 heroic strength over using Xorbb. I still use Thaell Ew since it is a common drop and a minimal dps boost but I don't think it should be less hp / ac than the power source I've used since lvl 75. The other power sources have a much greater gain for their classes and I don't see any major negatives for them either.
Except the priest one is horrible, especially for druids... go go making me only have 2 linked fast heals because I can nuke.... except all our gear has low +spell damage. I agree in principle, if you want to do trade offs, make them substantial enough to care. If druids have to sac spell damage, then give us healing we may actually notice, ect ect Mugs
Looking at the stats cited by Maeryn, I really do not have any desire whatsoever to stop using my Metal powersources. Now, if they made a version of Xorbb's that was crafted, I'd consider changing to that, maybe. But the things listed above? Nope, no way no how.
Are you a tank? Because the tank PS is better than sliced bread. 90 purity level 100 cultural armor with raid focus and my war gains 300 ac and 9000 hitpoints. That isn't even a question. Use 'em. Group armor may be a different story as described above, but still strongly worth considering.
The problem is for many classes both for PS and other stats, the tank stuff is better than sliced bread for many classes.