Skyhoof

The list of best in slot items in the Resto Shaman TTT has been updated and reformatted. Please take a look. You can point out any minor problems in the TTT such as item X is Horde, not Alliance, or item Y doesn't drop from that boss. Please also post there any items omitted from the list.

Any broader discussion, such as the value of haste vs. mp5/int vs. crit, should take place here. As always, I owe a great deal of thanks to Daidalos for helping me maintain the post. Updates for other sections are in the works.

 

Aéquitas

Shouldnt the badge ring be the ring without spirit? [Band of the Invoker] is a lot worse then [Heartmender Circle] in my eyes

Next to that for the 258 set you have listed the heroic ring twice but that might be because how we link wowhead items.

 

Zigizi

Stat weights are subjective, but most shaman value haste at such a high HEP rating nowadays, that even the wasted spirit itemization makes the Band of the Invoker a superior choice.

 

Bloch

With shaman not having mana issues on most fights, the value of mp5 is greatly decreased, and the value of crit is dimished slightly. These two factors, in conjunction with the high value most shaman place on haste, make the Band of the Invoker a superior choice for most fights (granted, there are several fights where you might consider using the Heartmender Circle for increased regen and more crit).

 

• Nagisamuro

I'd rank [Sunreaver Disciple's Blade] (heroic) above Suffering's End (normal) (your third option for weapon in the 245 list). It has 14 less stam, 9 less int, and 2 less crit rating, but it sports a red socket. I'd take a +20 haste gem (or 12 SP/10 haste or 23 SP) over that collection of stats any day.

Also, I'm a bit dubious that [Band of the Invoker] is better than [Starshine Circle]. With a +20 Haste gem, the comparison is (7 Int + 9 SP) <> (9 Haste + 24 mp5). With my HEP values I favor the Algalon ring.

While on the topic of the TTT article, how do you feel about the HEP section? Any time a shaman asks me about relative stat weights (which is rare, but anyway) I point them toward shaman_hep by stassart. On one level I think that's all that really needs to be said on the subject. On the other hand, running a Perl script to analyze your combat log shouldn't be a required step in playing this game passably well, so maybe there is a legitimate reason to expound a bit on the subject, or offer some 'safe' HEP scales for shaman not inclined to run shaman_hep on their own combat data. The TTT article, as it stands, does point the reader to shaman_hep, and then it also includes two HEP scales in a nice table. The problem is that the scales themselves bear little resemblance to any scales I've seen shaman_hep produce, assuming 3.2 class mechanics and current raid content. I think it would be worth revising them to better reflect the current state of the game.

It also appears that a very suspect HEP scale was used in making the claim
"You would need to have 3,654 Intellect for [Ember Skyflare Diamond] to be a better choice [than Insightful Earthsiege]." In reality, several posters in [Resto] shaman_hep reports have determined that the ESD is better (for them) than the IED.

 

Zigizi

I agree- if the TTT is going to be updated in bits and pieces, then the individual sections should indicate what version of the game it has been updated for. I would say that entire section should be blanked out or filled in with modern values as it probably causes a lot of confusion for new shaman coming to these forums.

 

Skyhoof

No, it was a mistake. I meant to link the heroic ring and then the nonheroic ring. Fixed.

Both Bloch and Zigizi are correct.

Using slightly adjusted HEP values from Daidalos' sheet
[Band of the Invoker] 42.63
[Heartmender Circle] 38.46

In general, mana is only an issue on the heroic versions of ToC. However, if you need more mana the first thing I would do is change my consumables and then my trinkets. Then it's usually a matter of making sure I use Mana Tide early enough in the fight that I get it back a second time.

You are absolutely correct about Starshine Circle. I also added a few other rings that are superior to the Band of the Invoker.

 

Zigizi

You may also want to add the [Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor]? If you have the cash laying around, it's easy to obtain and has perfect stat allocations for us.

 

Bloch

I believe this to be correct. With a Reckless Ametrine (+12 sp/+10 haste gem) in the red socket, you would gain (factoring in the socket bonus):

2 crit rating
10 haste
12 spell power

While losing:

14 Stamina
9 Intellect

Using the values from Daidalos's post on page 35 (#866) of this thread:

Haste rating = 1.2
Crit rating =0.64
Int = 0.67
Spell power = 1
Mp5 = 1

This amounts to a ((2*0.64)+(10*1.2)+(12*1)-(9*0.67)-(14*0)) = 19.25 HEP advantage for the [Sunreaver Disciple's Blade] over Suffering's End (non-heroic).

Edit: Fixed Wowhead link

 

Hrath

In regards to the BiS list on the TTT page, I have a correction-

Binding of the Ice Burrower drops from Northrend Beasts 25 Heroic (not Twins) and also, there is no section for waists on the 245 or below list.

Awesome job btw =) our guild just had me switch to Resto from Elemental and the BiS list update is exactly what I needed to get an idea of gear rankings.

Edit: I must fail at life because I cant get the belt to link properly from wowhead.

 

Skyhoof

Both Bloch and Nagisamuro are correct about the ranking of the weapons in the 245 section needing to be corrected. But hey, that's why I posted here. I greatly appreciate the scrutiny you give the TTT.

[Sunreaver Disciple's Blade] 165.52 HEP (with a yellow gem)
[Suffering's End] 160.83 HEP


Yes, you are absolutely correct. Since Patch 3.2, those HEP values have been completely out of whack. I have now revised the section. As you said, using Stassart's program is the best way to get your personal values since we all have our own healing habits and patterns. However, running Perl scripts is a bit daunting so I did include the HEP values I used in making the BIS list. I owe those values entirely to the spreadsheet that Daidalos so faithfully maintains. I did tweak them slightly however so you may find some minor differences between the loot ranking links on Wowhead.

In regards to [Signet of the Kirin Tor], what I would ideally like to do is create a third list of BIS items based on running the regular five-man ToC, the heroic ToC and whatever crafted or BoE items you could purchase. This list would be for the shaman who just hit 80 and wants to know how to gear up quickly and easily (although it might not be cheap).

However, my first priority is to update the existing section of the TTT, some of which are still horribly out of date. Please bear with me and forgive the fact that I didn't update this sooner. Work, life, spouse, guild, blah, blah, blah

 

Cm1

Just checking through the TTT and have the following comments for the ilvl 245 and below section:

Currently the Alliance and Horde versions of [Heartcrusher (A)] and [Heartsmasher (H)] are against the wrong faction.

I would also put forward the [Fluttering Sapphiron Drape] to the cloaks. It's only iLvl 232 however as it drops from Ony10 but it could be a nice item if the others are proving evasive.

For feet, I would put forward [Sabatons of Tortured Space (H)] and [Boots of Tortured Space (A)] as although the Mp5 isn't that high a stat, the double socket (Blue and Yellow) does enable easy additions. These drop from Lord Jaraxxus on 10man Heroic.

Great work with the TTT and BiS list. Much appreciated.

[e: Faction details on the items]

Arguing with a fool proves there are two. - Doris M. Smith

 

Daidalos

I should note that I factor over-healing into my calculations a little differently than Stass's HEP mod does (not just because I don't parse combat logs I actually calculate overhealing's impact on HEP differently). As always pay attention to your own experiences and modify HEP values accordingly.

Restoration Shaman calculations:http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?k...IWv3sPmcYnEJUg

 

Skyhoof

Specs for TTT

0-16-55
I believe this might currently be the best spec for raiding resto shaman to use and I've noticed several already using it, such as Zigizi.

I've been searching for instances of spell pushback in raids that make it worthwhile to take 3/3 in Healing Focus. It looks like it has no impact on the Snobolds on the Beasts, which allow you to only use instant cast spells no matter what spell push back talents you have. Can anyone think of some examples where it would be important to prevent spell push back. Are those situations so rare that it might be more beneficial to cast Earth Shield on ourselves and use a paladin's concentration aura than put 3 points in Healing Focus?

I analyzed some of the HEP logs posted, especially those of Draewind. Most assign a HEP value for Healing way of about 11 HEP, compared with the standard 45 HEP of Elemental Weapons. However, I'm reluctant to give up a 25% boost to HW. Therefore, I'm wondering if the best spec is 0-16-55 with no Healing Focus.

Meta Gems for TTT

[Insightful Earthsiege Diamond] still appears to be the best meta gem, especially given the amount of haste that most shaman have.

Using the HEP value of

mp5 = 1.0
Int = 0.7
Spell power = 1.0

[Insightful Earthsiege Diamond]

Cast Time	mp5	HEP
3.0	40.0	54.7
2.5	46.2	60.9
2.4	47.6	62.3
2.3	49.2	63.9
2.2	50.8	65.5
2.1	52.6	67.3
2.0	54.5	69.2
1.9	56.6	71.3
1.8	58.8	73.5
1.7	61.2	75.9
1.6	63.8	78.5
1.5	66.7	81.4

[Ember Skyflare Diamond]

Mana Pool	HEP
20,000	43.7
21,000	44.6
22,000	45.5
23,000	46.5
24,000	47.4
25,000	48.3
26,000	49.3
27,000	50.2
28,000	51.1
29,000	52.1
30,000	53.0
31,000	53.9
32,000	54.9
33,000	55.8
34,000	56.7
35,000	57.7

EDIT: Added comparison of chest enchants

Chest Enchants

Greater Mana Restoration = 10 mp5
HEP = 10

Powerful Stats ~ 4.8 mp5 (5.5 mp5 with mana tide), 3.3 crit rating and 1.8 spellpower, +10 stam

HEP = 8.6 HEP or 9.3 HEP with Mana Tide

 

Cheysuli

I think this spec is useful in situation when you know you will be raiding as "raid healer" in ToC25. I was testing 0/3 Healing focus in Ulduar 25 and in many situations it was okay. But in few cases I missed this talent. for example Freya add phase or Auriaya. I tried this spec even in Ulduar 10 and I missed healing focus even more. So I specced back into Healing Focus, because I think this spec is much more universal and can be used without problems even in 10 men hardmodes.

 

Skyhoof

I have to confess it's been a while since I've healed in Ulduar but here's my recollection:
* Auriaya: the small adds die so fast that it had no impact. Also, they aggro onto the DPS which is AOEing them, not the healers
* Freya: The detonating lashers constantly reset aggro so therefore healers can find themselves being attacked and getting spell pushback. However, given how quickly these adds die (especially on non-hard modes), I would suggest that the shaman should simply put on their ES for the duration of the add phase to avoid spell pushback rather than using 3 talent points.

Other posts on instances of spell pushback in Ulduar or Trial of the Crusader would be most helpful.

Also, added what I think will be a very popular section to the TTT:

Gearing Up

It's designed for the shaman that just hit 80, your alt and new players to the game that don't have the luxury of being run through Naxx/Ulduar to gear up.

 

Daidalos

I like the gearing up section. Good work! I would also note that [Totem of Misery] can be situationally very useful. I would recommend every shaman to have it in their arsenal after picking up a chain heal relic. For off hand don't forget [Protective Barricade of the Light] from badge vendor.

Looking at the items it seems like haste has a very high HEP value when picking your items. One thing to keep in mind the fresh 80 won't value haste as highly and (I assume) will most likely still need additional regen in many circumstances. I'd be curious if anyone has experiences of hitting 80 after the imp ws changes since I have been in 25 man raid gear for a very long time now.

Restoration Shaman calculations:http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?k...IWv3sPmcYnEJUg

 

Bloch

Skyhoof--

Excellent work with the gearing up chart. You have forgotten some of the gear available via Emblems of Conquest. These include the iLevel 226 helm and chest, along with solid legs and gloves. For the OH slot, there are a pair of BoEs created by Inscription that are fairly cheap and well-itemized. There is another (cheaper) craftable cloak as well (with Mp5 and crit). For the waist, the blue belt of chaos is a solid alternative (with no hit) to the Sash of Ancient Power. There are also a pair of rings available via Emblems of Valor (one has crit+mp5, the other spirit+haste).

The other thing that I believe should be mentioned is that for a shaman who just hit 80, the HEP ratings for key stats are going to be quite different from those that raiding shamans use. For instance, I believe that mp5 and crit, will have significantly higher values at lower gear levels than they will at high levels. I'm going to try to play around with some of my older gear and see if I can get some HEP values for shamans with entry-level gear.

 

Corunix

Our yesterday's Algalon 10 without Healing Focus almost made me cry -- Constellations randomly firing around cause spell pushback, leading to paladin tank crying "my Defender procced, wtf?".

 

jimmboo

The same thing happened to me both on our Algalon25 and 10 kills. I had problem with the Constellations pushbacked me all the time, so i advise to not go on Algalon without that talent.

 

Skyhoof

Yes, the [Totem of Misery] is great in any situation where we spam HW, a spell that drains our mana incredibly fast. I have added to both the 258 and 245 sections. Also added the shield.

To be honest, my research on the needs of the shaman who just hit 80 was limited to talking with my guildmates who had just hit 80 on shaman alts. The impression I got was that while mana was an issue healing 5-man fights on normal, and especially heroic, that they were able to make it through most fights using Mana Tide and then drinking afterward. Their biggest problem (and not just for them) was when the 5-man group lacked a replenishment. However, I am open to revising the order in which the gear for "Gearing Up" is listed.

Please always provide the specific name of any gear you want included in the TTT. Added the [Blue Belt of Chaos]. The [Wispcloak] costs about the same to craft as the [Deathchill Cloak]. I believe [Cloak of Kea Feathers] would be the better mp5 option.

Deathchill	Wisp
Frozen Orb	Frozen Orb
Siren's Tear	Siren's Tear
5 Bolt of Imbued Frostweave	5 Bolt of Imbued Frostweave
6 Fire	6 Life
4 Shadow	4 water

Anyone else have this problem on Algalon?

I did find this blue post from 07/01/09

* In the Mimiron encounter, the abilities Rapid Burst and Hand Pulse no longer cause spell pushback.

 

Bloch

Please always provide the specific name of any gear you want included in the TTT. Added the [Blue Belt of Chaos]. The [Wispcloak] costs about the same to craft as the [Deathchill Cloak]. I believe [Cloak of Kea Feathers] would be the better mp5 option.


Sorry about that. Here are the items that I referenced:

Head: [Conqueror's Worldbreaker Headpiece]
Chest: [Conqueror's Worldbreaker Tunic]
Legs: [Leggings of the Weary Mystic]
Hands: [Gloves of Augury]
Waist: [Windchill Binding]
Rings: [Renewal of Life]
[Band of Channeled Magic]
OH: [Faces of Doom]
[Iron-bound Tome]

 

Skyhoof

All the pieces you list are excellent. However, I wanted to avoid (as much as possible) listing items that require badges. I tried to reserve badges for items that you simply must buy, such as the relic and trinket. I really wanted to focus on things you can buy (if this is your alt), have crafted or get from the regular or heroic versions of ToC.

 

UberDrivel

Nice job on "Gearing Up." However, after attempting to heal H-ToC in mostly blues right after dinging 80 last week, I'd caution against the advice that it should be the "first instance you want to run at level 80." Yes, the gear is the best you can get from heroics, but I found my heals weren't hitting fast or hard enough, as a fresh 80, to keep up even a relatively geared tank (30k+ health) on Faction Champions and the Black Knight. But after a day or two of gearing, I've been able to one-shot it.

Here's some of the gear that I found helped, along with other stuff out of heroics. I'd argue that some of it is more easily obtained/superior to some of the spirit/hit items on the list, plus if you're farming 58 EoC for your helm (like me), it doesn't hurt to know what drops where. Items ranked roughly in good-to-badness, from what I can tell.

Main Hand: [War Mace of Unrequited Love] Nexus - Heroic
[Gavel of the Brewing Storm] Wyrmrest Accord - Revered
[Screw-Sprung Fixer-Upper] Group quest: The Champion of Anguish

Off hand: [Facade Shield of Glyphs] Azjol-Nerub - Heroic
[Tor's Crest] Utgarde Pinnacle - Regular

Helm: [Brood Plague Helmet] Old Kindom - Heroic
[Helm of the Lightning Halls] BoE - HoL - Heroic
[Nightshock Hood] - Leatherworking

Neck: [Amulet of Dazzling Light] Nexus - Heroic

Shoulders: [Pauldrons of the Deafening Gale] ToC - Heroic, yes it has hit, but it also has more throughput than any blue.
[Epaulets of Market Row] BoE, CoT: Strat - Regular

Back: [Wispcloak] - Tailoring, absolutely deserves to be on list, you'll want to save Emblems for T8, not [Cloak of Kea Feathers], regen is important as a fresh 80

Hands: [Grips of Fierce Pronouncements] Wyrmrest Accord - Exalted
[Fiery Obelisk Handguards] Old Kingdom - Heroic

(But yes, I'd go with the leather H-ToC gloves for ridiculous throughput - that's what I'm wearing right now.)

Wrist: [Limb Regeneration Bracers] DTK - Heroic

Legs: [Frozen Forest Kilt] Nexus - Heroic - Regen - again, the ToC legs are more focused on throughput, although I think it's safe to say they are better. Wear these until then.

Rings: [Wicked Witch's Band] - Headless Horseman, go kill him before he leaves!
[Annhylde's Ring] UK - Heroic
[Band of Guile] CoT: Strat - Heroic
[Signet of Hopeful Light] Argent Crusade - Exalted

Ever notice those last three are basically the same? Good thing we like haste.

Relic: [Deadly Gladiator's Totem of the Third Wind] 15,300 Honor

I think this totem is really overlooked. It costs about three Wintergrasp victories, has about twice the spellpower buff as Totem of the Bay, and is more or less ideal for tank-healing heroics. Plus, healing Battlegrounds is a great way to develop your timing, mana usage and "run away from bad things."

EDIT: @ Skyhoof: I wouldn't waste emblems on lower ilvl trinkets and a relic - T8 is going to give you far more massive stat boosts. I'd really recommend going for Jewelcrafting and getting [Figurine - Sapphire Owl], and socketing two +34 Intellect Gems, and then running ToC reg for [Tears of the Vanquished]. I'd be comfortable (and have been) taking those into Ulduar.

And again, I really want to endorse the Deadly Totem, because starting off, I don't think you'll have the haste/regen to just spam Chain Heal in your early raids. And you aren't "giving up" valuable Emblems to get it.

Just my opinion,

 

msty

What about spell pushback on Faction Champions? It's the most RNG in ToGC25 that prevents from Tribute to insanity, since all other fights can be more or less mastered. I believe you can't rely on paladin's aura on FC, since you may want to use other types of auras depending on NPC you face.

What about 250 mana on chest enchant?