Flintlocks of Brutality (Lv26) - in depth look

[JaytB]

Introduction


Some people, including myself, have been wondering about what's so special about those flintlocks of Brutality.


In order to find out, I bought myself a pair of those hot looking -pun intended- blades.


I tested them out and like to share the results here. That way, you can make an informed decision on whether or not they would be worth it for you or not.


Looks and stats

The orange smoke in the picture below is the 10seconds weapon proc being active (discussed later in this topic)

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/9103b59a4a5e449bc015c2c2fe92eee2_zps95b3e280.jpg



Let's take a look at the stats and compare them with the current fairly popular Depraved Blades of Potency (DBP)


http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/e8bbfbaf9d28ea06221a71b65cf62ba0_zpsa7cdceb4.jpg


As you can see in the picture above, the flintlocks have a lot less dps as compared the the DBP and you'll also sacrifice some int. On the other hand, the flintlocks add some Dmg and survivability (HP).


At first sight, it seems that the little increase in Dmg isn't worth the huge sacrifice in DPS.



Let's look into a little more detail...


1. Weapon attacks


Unlike the DBP, the flintlocks are actually Area of Effect (AOE) blades, meaning you'll Dmg multiple target with each tap of the attack button.


I think you can see it by looking at the weapon symbol. For mages for example, when a staff shows a whirlwind around it, it means it's an AOE staff. I only tested a few weapons, so I can't be 100% sure yet, but so far it seems as follows...


http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/f5be953594cfa610afd9402ee707fa3b_zpsfd13a174.jpg This symbol indicates an AOE weapon.


http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/3a6334e59c6ca61485936405d5ecc1ba_zps180564e1.jpg This would indicate a single target weapon.


As said, I'm not 100% sure, so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.


Whatever the case may be, the flintlocks did AOE Dmg on normal weapon attacks, so basically they could possibly outperform the DBP in large mobs in therms of pure weapon Dmg.




2. Dual Procs


The flintlocks actually have 2 weapon procs that activate simultaneous, as can be read in the description below...


http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/a97027eb5a4df7d65622163f6861d4ce_zps3b8862c8.jpg


* The first one, the barrel explosion, basically procs an AOE explosion, damaging enemies that are in fairly close proximity.


Here's a short video to show the proc (sorry for the crappy quality). Watch for the very brief explosion of orange circles, that's the proc going off. You can see them in the very beginning of the video and around the 8 seconds mark again. Ow, and please don't say my skill build sucks, I was just trying out an alternative build... Again :D


http://youtu.be/Ph6ZrifqRUI




* The second proc is 15dex increase and lasts for 10 seconds.


The cool thing about it is that it procs even when there isn't an enemy around. In practice this means that it can be kept active, to get that nice amount of dex increase before attacking the next bunch of mobs.


Below I pasted a link to a video showing off the proc. As soon as the orange smoke appears, you'll know the proc is active. At the start of the video I'm showing my inspect page to show you the stats before the proc, while at the end I did the same but while the proc was active. You can see the 15dex added and the Dmg increase it brings with it.


http://youtu.be/uMizessCNZ4


The stats before the proc...
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/6143fbce3c5c2c3e842bda0c80a5bf73_zpse67b4772.jpg


And after...
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/2b27a2bcae64077bee99a744b4c15c05_zps3653c09d.jpg


What's worthy of notice, because we're looking at a Dmg focussed build, is the increase in Dmg from 221.7 to 228.4 or another +6.7Dmg.


In the next topic about skill Dmg, it will make more sense what this means exactly.




3. Skill Dmg


I've made a topic in the sorcerers section a while back. It compared DPS vs Dmg. As with sorcerers (and probably warriors), rogues' skill Dmg is also linked with their Dmg stat in their stats screen. So basically, the higher your Dmg stat, the higher your skill Dmg. Or in other words, the more Dmg all of your skills do.


Let's compare skill Dmg of Aimed shot for DBP vs Flintlocks with and without the 15dex proc of flintlocks.


DBP
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/5ca9dbd052e44e02301930cb10d22549_zps0ae7916f.jpg


Skill dmg: 370-463


Flintlocks without weapon proc
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/73f904c5b7bbfa69613d23d610e6cfbf_zps3ba0dd1e.jpg


Skill dmg: 385-482 (or +15min, +19max Dmg vs DBP)


Flintlocks with weapon proc (+15dex)
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/26c2a558704ec8c90057944d1f1d5ce6_zps05c9589b.jpg


Skill dmg: 397-496 (or +27min, +33max Dmg compared to DBP)




Conclusion


Because of it's AOE weapon attack, AOE Dmg (barrel) proc and 15dex increase proc, the flintlocks seems, on 'paper' at least, to (more than?) make up for their lack of single target DPS as compared to DBP.


In therms of skill Dmg, especially when keeping that 15dex proc charged, it should provide a noticeable Dmg increase as all Dmg skills (including all of your DOT's -Damage over Time-) will deal more pain to your opponents.


Personally, I think the weapon is best suited for fast elite mob killing. The AOE/skill Dmg increase should make killing mobs quicker. I haven't tested it a lot yet, I simply wanted to share the details about this weapon here.




As always, your constructive feedback is appreciated :)

[Jellowpy]

Does having those symbols tried and tested?

How about with Hooks? It has the first symbol(AoE symbol) on character page( left side) but have. The second symbol (single target symbol) if viewed in Inventory page (Right Side)..

[JaytB]

As said in the post, I'm not 100% sure about those symbols.

[Zuzeq]

I appreciate the research, thank you. If I farm em, i'll try them out. I try not to use diggers on elite dives(unless there is no tank and i have to get dirty..lol.), but wouldn't mind having em for normal maps. Seriously go work!..

[JaytB]

I appreciate the research, thank you. If I farm em, i'll try them out. I try not to use diggers on elite dives(unless there is no tank and i have to get dirty..lol.), but wouldn't mind having em for normal maps. Seriously go work!..

I almost always use daggers during elits runs. Guess it's just personal preference.

But yeah, sometimes random games can suck when there's a bad/no tank in the group.

[Zuzeq]

Yeah, I like to keep my distance in elite unless im popping smoke or laying traps. When I go bow in elite I don't die hardy at all.

[gundamsone]

Not too sure about the symbols as I still seem to run solo Hatunlet runs faster when using DBP over my ALP
but since this weapon actually procs now it seems to make up for it's high value
do you also know how often it procs at?

[JaytB]

do you also know how often it procs at?

It's hard to say how often it procs exactly, but my guess is that it procs about once every 10'ish hits or so? It seems, but that can be subjective, it procs more when fighting mobs as compared to just swinging it in thin air.

All in all proc rate seems fairly high.

[wvhills]

i want some!

[FluffNStuff]

I assume you have a Shipmaster's Bow ( or enough change behind your couch cushions to buy one since they are like 200g now) so would you be able to post the Stat's and Aimed Shot with that equipped. I am curious to see it. Good job by the way.

[gundamsone]

It's hard to say how often it procs exactly, but my guess is that it procs about once every 10'ish hits or so? It seems, but that can be subjective, it procs more when fighting mobs as compared to just swinging it in thin air.

All in all proc rate seems fairly high.
That's a very decent rate then b/c before the buff I had a pair (bought for 100k) and couldn't proc at all.

I'm so accustomed to using a bow now for pvp but I will give these a shot since they seem to give max skill dmg now (next to hooks)

[MakadeMakva]

Very interesting and informative post. Thank you!
I like your attacking build: SP, AS, NB, SSS. Could you please tell me in details how you spent your skill points?
How easy is it to solo farm on elite maps without Shadow Vail and Razor Shield?

[wvhills]

I assume you have a Shipmaster's Bow ( or enough change behind your couch cushions to buy one since they are like 200g now) so would you be able to post the Stat's and Aimed Shot with that equipped. I am curious to see it. Good job by the way.

Fluff, if I remember right flintlocks of brutality add 0.3 damage over shipmaster's bow of tactics (I saw some in auction). So skill wise they should be about the same. Big advantage of flintlocks is the aoe and the procs. Is it a 2.7 million gold piece advantage? Heck yes! If I had the gold I'd def be using them!

[gundamsone]

Fluff, if I remember right flintlocks of brutality add 0.3 damage over shipmaster's bow of tactics (I saw some in auction). So skill wise they should be about the same. Big advantage of flintlocks is the aoe and the procs. Is it a 2.7 million gold piece advantage? Heck yes! If I had the gold I'd def be using them!
In some situations the bow will be better...perhaps lets say a beefy warrior is chasing you down in PVP
I would love if STS starts giving us some elite bows or maybe even of arcane/mythic rarirty

[FluffNStuff]

In some situations the bow will be better...perhaps lets say a beefy warrior is chasing you down in PVP
I would love if STS starts giving us some elite bows or maybe even of arcane/mythic rarirty


Fluff, if I remember right flintlocks of brutality add 0.3 damage over shipmaster's bow of tactics (I saw some in auction). So skill wise they should be about the same. Big advantage of flintlocks is the aoe and the procs. Is it a 2.7 million gold piece advantage? Heck yes! If I had the gold I'd def be using them!

I just want to see a 1 to 1 comparison of the Aim Shot Skill Damage.

[JaytB]

I just want to see a 1 to 1 comparison of the Aim Shot Skill Damage.

Here's a screenshot with exactly the same equips, except using a Shipmaster's bow of tactics...

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/Screenshot_2013-03-22-21-19-33-1_zps61320f4e.png

As WvHills said, it's fairly similar. A bit less without the 15dex proc, a bit more with it.

[Pandamoni]

Thanks Jay! You explained it in a way that was very well laid out and easy to understand. :D

[FluffNStuff]

Here's a screenshot with exactly the same equips, except using a Shipmaster's bow of tactics...


As WvHills said, it's fairly similar. A bit less without the 15dex proc, a bit more with it.

Thanks! Just what I was looking for.

[JaytB]

Very interesting and informative post. Thank you!
I like your attacking build: SP, AS, NB, SSS. Could you please tell me in details how you spent your skill points?
How easy is it to solo farm on elite maps without Shadow Vail and Razor Shield?

I only had that build very briefly so can't remember the exact points I put where. I basically upgraded everything that added dmg.


Thanks Jay! You explained it in a way that was very well laid out and easy to understand. :D

Lol, thx :)


Thanks! Just what I was looking for.

You're welcome :)

[Noobiam]

nice. thanks for this. question: which would you prefer DBP or flintlocks?

[crazyliketat]

Flints are better than dbp imo.. but in terms of dmge ill go for bow of tactics wich is less 0.03% dmge but with 2.sumth % of crit and mana

[Slashiroth]

Just something to add I tested them myself and the 15+ dex proc actually stacks so you can have 30+ dex.

[Aplyed]

So if the proc stacks on these blades one would think that the kraken skewer 15intel proc should stack also . Making it one mean little beast also .

[Slashiroth]

I can't speak for the kraken skewer but I would imagine so.

[Slashiroth]

Also the barrel proc rarely ever hit for me something around 40+ hits in between procs (actually stopped counting after 40).

[Tavya]

Thank you for this rundown. I just hate that these are 2 mil + in the CS. I may never see them in my hot little hands, but this post also helped me realize how useful the Shipmaster's is can be.

[Azepeiete]

I've also heard(emphasis on heard I don't have these) that the procs stack. Which would be worth mentioning. With +30 dex...these blades definitely dish out awesome damage (temporarily ofc)

EDIT: feel like an idiot now....didn't read posts after OP was done.

[Zyphruss]

I was always wondering "why is the Flintlocks of brutality (26) is so expensive?" and "How good is it?" I was really curious about this weapon. You made it really clear to me. Thank you for this thread. Nice research. :)

[JaytB]

nice. thanks for this. question: which would you prefer DBP or flintlocks?

I'd say they're both valid choices, but I prefer the flintlocks so far. Love the orange smoke effect :D



Just something to add I tested them myself and the 15+ dex proc actually stacks so you can have 30+ dex.

Ow, that sounds sweet! Haven't been able to replicate that yet, I'll have to look into that more.



EDIT: feel like an idiot now....didn't read posts after OP was done.

Lol! :D



I was always wondering "why is the Flintlocks of brutality (26) is so expensive?" and "How good is it?" I was really curious about this weapon. You made it really clear to me. Thank you for this thread. Nice research. :)

Haha, it was the same for me. I basically made this topic to better understand those flintlocks myself. Good to hear others found it useful as well :)

[Zuzeq]

What are your thoughts on the Flintlocks of Tactics? I see that they're slightly lower DPS wise, but pretty much the same weapon. After this reserch, how much gold would you put on the pricetag of the Flintlock "family"?

[JaytB]

What are your thoughts on the Flintlocks of Tactics? I see that they're slightly lower DPS wise, but pretty much the same weapon. After this reserch, how much gold would you put on the pricetag of the Flintlock "family"?

Prices? That's is always a 'touchy' subject, so I won't even go there.

What I can tell you though, is that people pay a lot of gold to get that tiny edge in stats. Take pendants and rings for example... Some sell for 500-750k, while there are super cheap (in comparison) alternatives that are only slightly lesser in specific stats. So, is it worth it? For people looking to maximise specific stats or overall dmg dealt it apparently is.

For the flintlocks, if people are looking to maximize their skill dmg and AOE dmg, the little differences in stats for the brutality vs tactics are apparently worth a lot. Assuming I believe some friends of mine, the brutality ones have been going for 1.7-1.8m+. I think it also helps that the lv.26 brutality ones are still fairly rare at this point in time.

Are they worth it? I think that's for each individual to decide.

[Zuzeq]

Prices? That's is always a 'touchy' subject, so I won't even go there.

What I can tell you though, is that people pay a lot of gold to get that tiny edge in stats. Take pendants and rings for example... Some sell for 500-750k, while there are super cheap (in comparison) alternatives that are only slightly lesser in specific stats. So, is it worth it? For people looking to maximise specific stats or overall dmg dealt it apparently is.

For the flintlocks, if people are looking to maximize their skill dmg and AOE dmg, the little differences in stats for the brutality vs tactics are apparently worth a lot. Assuming I believe some friends of mine, the brutality ones have been going for 1.7-1.8m+. I think it also helps that the lv.26 brutality ones are still fairly rare at this point in time.

Are they worth it? I think that's for each individual to decide.


Well said. You should be a Politician with answers like that...lol. I tried the "Tactic" version of the Flintlocks and the proc hit more often than i expected. Still rolling with DBP, but it was fun seeing the mob go flying from the explosion for a while.

[Slashiroth]

15+ dex has stacked 3 times for me or my eyes are deceiving me, I'll try and do it again and screeny it for proof, but the barrel process is still elusive as hell for me I've gone 75+ hits In between procs.

[Zuzeq]

15+ dex has stacked 3 times for me or my eyes are deceiving me, I'll try and do it again and screeny it for proof, but the barrel process is still elusive as hell for me I've gone 75+ hits In between procs.


I found that the barrel hits often when charged. Try that out

[JaytB]

15+ dex has stacked 3 times for me or my eyes are deceiving me, I'll try and do it again and screeny it for proof, but the barrel process is still elusive as hell for me I've gone 75+ hits In between procs.


I found that the barrel hits often when charged. Try that out

Wouldn't it be cool if they made it so that a weapon always procs when charged? Even if only for PvE, that would make weapon procs way more usable.

[Slashiroth]

That would be awesome! But what about weapons with 2 procs? Still that would be awesome.

[JaytB]

But what about weapons with 2 procs?

Both should proc simultaneously. It's the case now too, at least for flintlocks. When slashing a mob, right after the barrel explosion you'll see the orange smoke of the second +15dex proc.

[Conradin]

Its late and I read your title as buttocks of brutality. I need to get off the Internet...

[Zuzeq]

Proc from charge hit would be awesome. That would be way too much fun

[Uicheusa]

Can i try to sell my flintlocks of brutality lv26 here?

[kingoburgo]

Can i try to sell my flintlocks of brutality lv26 here?

you are already doing this

[JaytB]

Can i try to sell my flintlocks of brutality lv26 here?

This is not a selling thread. If you wish to sell them, make a thread in the AL traders' market section. Thx.

[wvhills]

yeh, you should really start you're own thread. But I will give you 600k.

[FluffNStuff]

yeh, you should really start you're own thread. But I will give you 600k.

Agreed, and but I will go 500k.

[wvhills]

^^^^ fluff post

[Carapace]

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/f5be953594cfa610afd9402ee707fa3b_zpsfd13a174.jpg This symbol indicates an AOE weapon.


http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/3a6334e59c6ca61485936405d5ecc1ba_zps180564e1.jpg This would indicate a single target weapon.


As said, I'm not 100% sure, so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.



I'll chime in on the icons.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/f5be953594cfa610afd9402ee707fa3b_zpsfd13a174.jpg
This represents Elite and powerful weapons, typically found in the wild. Elite drop items and Crate weapons can fit into this category.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/3a6334e59c6ca61485936405d5ecc1ba_zps180564e1.jpg
This indicates the item is a normal legendary (not Elite) or that the item is purchased through one of the item packs.

This only applies to legendary, mythic, and arcane weapons. All rares and epics and commons with these images it's just a randomly chosen image to represent the weapon and liven up the inventory a bit.

In short, a quick glance lets you know that the legendary in the consignment shop or your inventory is special indeed for Legendary+ weapons

[Zuzeq]

Thanks for clarifying the icons.

[FluffNStuff]

I'll chime in on the icons.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/f5be953594cfa610afd9402ee707fa3b_zpsfd13a174.jpg
This represents Elite and powerful weapons, typically found in the wild. Elite drop items and Crate weapons can fit into this category.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/3a6334e59c6ca61485936405d5ecc1ba_zps180564e1.jpg
This indicates the item is a normal legendary (not Elite) or that the item is purchased through one of the item packs.

This only applies to legendary, mythic, and arcane weapons. All rares and epics and commons with these images it's just a randomly chosen image to represent the weapon and liven up the inventory a bit.

In short, a quick glance lets you know that the legendary in the consignment shop or your inventory is special indeed for Legendary+ weapons

Thanks. Now as to the AOE status, any indicator?

[Slashiroth]

No there is a market place for that

[caosha]

I can confirm that Depraved Blades are also AoE weapons.
If you are in front of a group of mobs, you can easily see that it gives damage to all of them.

Best place to use it is Elite Southern Seas.
As you know, people generally gathers in the corner there.
If you use your swords charged you can see several 300-500 damage to the group.

[Aplyed]

I can confirm that Depraved Blades are also AoE weapons.
If you are in front of a group of mobs, you can easily see that it gives damage to all of them.

Best place to use it is Elite Southern Seas.
As you know, people generally gathers in the corner there.
If you use your swords charged you can see several 300-500 damage to the group.


Yea deprave does hit everyone

[JaytB]

I can confirm that Depraved Blades are also AoE weapons.
If you are in front of a group of mobs, you can easily see that it gives damage to all of them.

Best place to use it is Elite Southern Seas.
As you know, people generally gathers in the corner there.
If you use your swords charged you can see several 300-500 damage to the group.

When I tested them, they only did AOE when charged. Are you sure it's not just the pet (like Malison) dealing AOE?

I still have DB's, I'll check it out myself sometime soon again to be sure.

[Azepeiete]

All charged attacks are AOE..but here I think the question is if the uncharged attacks are. Try doing solo somewhere in non elite with no pet and group up the mobs.

[JaytB]

All charged attacks are AOE..but here I think the question is if the uncharged attacks are. Try doing solo somewhere in non elite with no pet and group up the mobs.

That was what I was trying to say lol. When I tested DBP, they didn't do AoE dmg on normal non-charged weapon attacks.

Maybe I'll test it out soon, but I'm having too much fun with those flintlocks and that new dmg pet at the moment :D

[JaytB]

My rogue's on fire!!

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/JaytB1/Image-7235_zps50608f66.jpg

Sorry for the double post, but I just love the look of that new pet with the flintlocks :D

[Nikkiii]

Well Appreciated. It is so helpful . Thank you Jay :)
So , I'll use Slicing Flintlocks of Brutality :( :D

[Nikkiii]

And , I want to know about the symbol. The Blue blades is AOE? :O

[Yakiniku]

Haha scroll up a lil, Nikkiii. Carapace made a mention about the icon differences. Blue blades are I guess "more elite" than the regular ones. No mention of AOE though.

Jay, or anybody, any updated thoughts on these Flintlocks versus the standard DBP? I mentioned them amongst another group of friends and was promptly slammed for having equipped "crap" lol.

[Nikkiii]

According to my test, i tested the blue blade icon. It really damages multiple enemies. It means it is AOE Blade. Why dont u try yourself? I tested it.