[MichaelJordanNoVbelt]

I just recently completed full Iron Ram Hauberk set, and as I'm getting ready to gear for eventual fight vs Ultima, I just want to try to gear whats best for things like Citadel Buster and other magic attacks. Some are saying use Coral+1 gear, others are saying use Iron Ram, and I'm still sorta confused after Wiking MDB/MDT. Was hoping if someone can explain the difference and what's superior for taking magic damage.

If I understand it correct (well just regurgitating Wiki) 1 MDB is just a little bit less than 1 MDT? If that's the case, Iron Ram set would set would still win out due to having more MDT overall piece vs piece?

[Wolf~Knight]

Which is better depends on your current amount, and if you're capping -mdt[50%. and shell V max merit is 27%].
It's figured like this:
[base damage] * [1 - mdt/100] * [[1+MAB/100]/[1+MDB/100]] = damage

Basically MDT offers increasing returns in damage reduction until you cap, while MDB offers decreasing returns in damage reduced, but doesn't have a limit.

[MichaelJordanNoVbelt]

Yeah I'm not a math person so I didn't get any of that.

In short, with Shell V, Lamia Kaman+1, Lamia Mantle +1, 2x Merman's Ring, 2x Merman's Earring, Resolute Belt, am I better off in full Iron Ram or full Coral +1?

[Kaparu]

MDT is better than MDB until you get to the 50% MDT cap.

Shell V is 27%.

[TresDuendes]

Just to offer an example of how this works and why one is better than the other:

Going to assume 2200 base damage, no MAB, 20 MDB and capped MDT for CB - just for an estimate and the fact that I have no idea how much MAB Ultima has.

2200 * (1 - 50/100) * [(1+0/100) / (1 + 20 / 100)] which turns into

2200 * .5 * .83 = 912

Now let's subtract 5 MDT and add 5 MDB.

2200 * (1 - 45/100) * [(1+0/100) / (1 + 25 / 100)]

2200 * .55 * .8 = 968

This is a little more extreme than most magic things you'll get hit with, but it also provides bigger numbers to show you how much better MDT is than MDB until you cap.

[TresDuendes]

MichaelJordanNoVbelt, on 22 January 2010 - 09:21 PM, said:

Yeah I'm not a math person so I didn't get any of that.

In short, with Shell V, Lamia Kaman+1, Lamia Mantle +1, 2x Merman's Ring, 2x Merman's Earring, Resolute Belt, am I better off in full Iron Ram or full Coral +1?

Also in this case, you're 13% short of MDT cap. Grab an Iron Ram lance and, if building specifically for Ultima, a Resentment cape and drop merman's earring for HP. Otherwise, Coral legs+1. Then fill out other slots with MDB and/or HP gear.

[MichaelJordanNoVbelt]

Appreciate the knowledge guys, thanks.

Hmm trying to work out what would be the optimum set where I can cap MDT, cram in as much MDB as possible, and still have room for some HP+ gear.

Iron Ram Lance, merited Shell V, 2x Mermans Ring and Earring and Askar Feet puts me over MDT cap, which leaves room for me to use Lamia Mantle over Resentment cape, and no need for Coral legs+1.

And TresDuendes, what do you mean by using Resentment if it's specifically for Ultima? With the set above, I'd still be over MDT cap for Ultima, without Resentment. Something magical about Resentment cape for Ultima? >.>

[TresDuendes]

Well, it technically puts you at 49%. Resentment cape is just a huge boost for -MDT builds when it's active, and frees up a lot of other slots. Say with your build, you could throw on Resentment and change a Merman's ring to BQR, netting you a lot of hp. That way you won't lose it swapping all this equipment and then don't need it cured directly after as well. After you cap MDT it's all just minor upgrades here and there though, but focus on getting that 50%.

[MichaelJordanNoVbelt]

Gotcha, that's what I was working towards, working in BQ Ring. But yeah, thanks a lot for the help man.

[TresDuendes]

NP, shit's pretty easy as long as you know the formula and order of operations.