[Kayoto]

Sub-Job Choices
This field has quite a bit of debate circulating around it among Samurai. There are only so many viable options, though, among which include: Warrior, Thief, Ranger, Ninja, White Mage [very few instances]. I'll cover each one of these in-depth, and in the order I've stated.

Equipment is generally in order from best to worst.

Warrior: Although SAM/WAR is generally effective in most EXP parties, for the entire level range of 1-75, it's not quite as useful in HNM fights. SAM/WAR does fine damage against almost every HNM (barring incredibly evasive things, like Byakko) thanks to the advent of sushi, but SAM/THF is generally much more effective due to superb hate control. It's true that, on things such as Fafnir/Nidhogg, SAM/WAR outdamage SAM/THF by a good margin, but what choice is superior for that particular fight generally depends on what your linkshell needs at the time. I also tend to pull hate a lot when spamming WS with a Hagun while on /WAR, and having Berserk up when something like a God, or Fafhogg is hitting you, generally means you're going to die. However, if you are going to go SAM/WAR, here's a list of ideal equipment:

Equipment while meleeing
Main: Hagun. (Alternatives: Kamewari, Ushikirimaru, Shinsoku, Onimaru, Soboro Sukehiro [EXP and certain HNMs only])
Ranged: Ifrit's Bow, Olibanum Satchet (Elv. only), Tiphia Sting, Arco de Velocidad, Lightning Bow+1
Head: Ace's Helm (everything), Saotome Kabuto+1, Optical Hat, Saotome Kabuto, Shura Zunari Kabuto (EXP), Walahra Turban, Myochin Kabuto+1, Wyvern Helm
Neck: Justice Torque, Peacock Charm, Chivalrous Chain, Spectacles, Ryl. Guard Collar, Merman's Gorget
Earring: Brutal Earring, Bushinomimi, Merman's Earring, Minuet Earring, Triumph Earring, Vampire Earring, Diabolos' Earring (At night)
Body: Haubergeon(+1), Shura Togi(+1) (If you use Shura, switch to Hachiman Domaru for WS)
Hands: Bandomusha Kote, Ochiudo's Kote, Noritsune Kote, Hachiman Kote+1, Alky. Bracelets, Pallas's Bracelets [Saotome Kote for Meditate]
Rings: Rajas Ring, Toreador's Ring, Sniper's Ring*(+1)x2, Flame/Triumph Rings
Back: Forager's Mantle, Amemit(+1)
Belt: Swordbelt+1 (Using Sushi), Life Belt or Saotome Koshi-Ate (Using Meat Dishes)
Leggings: Byakko's Haidate, Shura Haidate(+1), Galliard Trousers, Dusk Trousers, Myochin Haidate+1, Ryl. Knight's Breeches, Myochin Haidate, Hachiman Hakama
Feet: Saotome Sune-Ate+1, Amir Boots, Saotome Sune-Ate, Hmn. Sune-Ate(+1), Myochin Sune-Ate+1, Rasetsu Sune-Ate(+1) for melee; Rutter Sabatons, RSE Boots with STR+3 or greater, Hmn Sune-Ate(+1) for WS

Weapon Skill Equipment

As /WAR (And as /THF using only TA), your WS equipment should be a mix of Accuracy, Attack, and STR based upon your preference, Great Katana skill level, and what food you're using. Mix and match until you find a set of equipment that will ensure that you hit everytime, without sacrificing too much Attack or STR.

Thief: SAM/THF is an extremely effective subjob for HNM use. Since SA(TA)+WS guarantees a single hit, SAM/THF is incredibly useful for hate control, and just overall damage on the vast majority of HNMs. SAM/THF, like SAM/WAR, requires (at least) two sets of equipment: one for regularly attacking / building TP, and a WS set-up. I must let it be noted in this guide that, contrary to my previous statements in this section, STR+ is not everything for WS damage. It's very important, though, but Attack+ is important too. STR is not the be-all end-all of WS damage.

Equipment while meleeing
Main: Onimaru for 300% TP WS (Alternatives: Ushikirimaru, Shinsoku), Hagun for everything after that.
Ranged: Ifrit's Bow, Olibanum Satchet (Elv. only), Tiphia Sting, Arco de Velocidad
Head: Ace's Helm (everything), Saotome Kabuto+1, Optical Hat, Saotome Kabuto, Shura Zunari Kabuto, Walahra Turban, Myochin Kabuto+1, Wyvern Helm
Neck: Justice Torque, Peacock Charm, Chivalrous Chain, Spectacles, Ryl. Guard Collar, Merman's Gorget
Earring: Brutal Earring, Bushinomimi, Ethereal Earring, Merman's Earring, Minuet Earring,, Triumph Earring, Diabolos' Earring (Vampire Earring: Only at night)
Body: Haubergeon(+1), Shura Togi(+1)
Hands: Bandomusha Kote, Ochiudo's Kote, Noritsune Kote, Hachiman Kote+1, Alky Brc., Pallas' Brc., Myochin Kote+1 [Saotome Kote for Meditate]
Rings: Rajas Ring, Toreador's Ring, Sniper's Ring(+1)x2, Flame/Triumph Ring,
Back: Forager's Mantle, Amemit(+1)
Belt: Swordbelt+1 (Using Sushi), Life Belt or Saotome Koshi-Ate (Using meat dishes)
Leggings: Byakko's Haidate, Shura Haidate(+1), Galliard Trousers, Dusk Trousers, Myochin Haidate+1, Ryl. Knight's Breeches, Shinimusha Haidate, Myochin Haidate
Feet: Saotome Sune-Ate+1, Amir Boots, Hmn. Sune-Ate(+1), Myochin Sune-Ate+1, RSE boots with STR+3 or higher, Rasetsu Sune-Ate(+1)


Equipment for SATA + WS
Main: Onimaru for 300% TP WS (Alternatives: Ushikirimaru, Shinsoku), Hagun for everything after that.
Ranged: Ifrit's Bow, Olibanum Satchet (Elv. Only), Arco de Velocidad, Tiphia Sting
Head: Shura Zunari Kabuto(+1), Myochin Kabuto+1, Wyvern Helm(+1)
Neck: WS Gorgets from Sea, Justice Torque, Chivalrous Chain, Spike Necklace
Earring: Brutal Earring, Bushinomimi, Triumph Earring/Minuet, (Vampire Earring: Only at night)
Body: Kirin's Osode, Hachiman Domaru(+1), Haubergeon(+1)
Hands: Alkyoneus's Bracelets, Pallas's Bracelets, Myochin Kote+1, Enkelados's Bracelets [Saotome Kote for Meditate]
Rings: Rajas Ring, Flame/Triumph Ring, Ruby Ring
Back: Forager's Mantle, Amemet(+1)
Belt: Warwolf Belt
Leggings: Shura Haidate(+1), Myochin Haidate+1, Myochin Haidate, Galliard Trousers, Dusk Trousers
Feet: Rutter Sabatons, RSE boots with STR+3 or higher, Hachiman Sune-Ate(+1)

Ranger: Due to the patch affecting ranged attacks, I would no longer recommend SAM/RNG for EXP. The only situations I'd recommend using SAM/RNG is kited mobs such as King Behemoth and Chelvnik, the Wyrm KS99, and possibly Kirin.

Equipment while shooting
Main: Trailer's Kukri, Archer's Knife, Soboro Sukehiro (EXP & Ballista only)
Shield: Musketeer Commander's Shield or Tatami's Shield
Bow: Shigeto Bow(+1) or Mst. Cst. Bow
Ammo: Kabura Arrows
Head: Optical Hat
Neck: Hope Torque, Peacock Charm, Diabolos' Torque, Spectacles, Merman's Gorget
Earrings: Vision Earring, Beater's Earring, Drone Earring
Body: Kirin's Osode (or Hachiman Domaru[+1] if you don't have an Osode)
Hands: Seiryu's Kote, Hachiman Kote, Fed. Tekko
Rings: Behemoth Ring(+1)x2 or Merman's Ringx2
Back: Amemet Mantle+1
Belt: Saotome Koshi-Ate, Ryl. Knight Belt+2
Leggings: Dusk Trousers(+1), Amir Dirs, Galliard Trousers, Hachiman Hakama
Boots: Fuma Sune-Ate, Hachiman Sune-Ate(+1), Jaridah Nails, Fed. Kyahan, Leaping Boots (Hume: RSE2 Boots)

Equipment for Sidewinder
Main: Trailer's Kukri / Archer's Knife, Soboro Sukehiro (EXP & Ballista only)
Shield: Musketeer Commander's Shield, Tatami Shield
Bow: Shigeto Bow+1 or Mst. Cst. Bow
Ammo: Kabura Arrows
Head: Optical Hat
Neck: WS Gorgets from Sea, Hope Torque, Peacock Charm, Diabolos' Torque, Spectacles, Merman's Gorget
Earrings: Vision Earring, Beater's Earring, Drone Earring
Body: Kirin's Osode or Hachiman Domaru(+1)
Hands: Seiryu's Kote
Rings: Behemoth(+1)x2 or Merman'sx2
Back: Amemit+1 or Commander's Cape
Belt: Saotome Koshi-Ate, R.K. Belt+2
Legs: Hachiman Hakama(+1), Dusk Trousers, Amir Dirs, Galliard Trousers, Shura Haidate(+1)
Boots: Hachiman Sune-Ate(+1)


Ninja: Samurai do have the ability to tank some stuff most people wouldn't expect them to. We need the help of someone /THF or a THF to keep hate [sometimes], but Samurai have B+ in evasion, close to A+ in parry, and with the right gear, can main tank against things like Serket, Simurgh, Bune, Amikiri [a lot more dangerous, a back-up tank is recommended], Roc, even Charybdis, etc. Of course, you don't have to tank if you go SAM/NIN. SAM/NIN is used to handle adds during Aspidochelone fights, and just to avoid getting mauled by certain AoEs. In any situation that you don't believe you'll be required to use Spirits Within, wielding a Great Katana would be ideal. The only uses of /NIN, though, are survival via Utsusemi [whether tanking or not], and Dual Wield (useful only in very few situations). Ideal equipment is as follows:

Tanking (Think like a Ninja!)
Main: Hagun (Alternatives: Kamewari/Ushikirimaru/Shinsoku/Onimaru) If you're lucky enough to have a Ridill, and can maintain a decent hitrate with it, just mainhand that with nothing off-hand. If you have a Kraken Club, off-hand it to something like a Seiryu's Sword or Ridill main-hand.
Ranged: Fenrir's Stone, Happy Egg, Ifrit's Bow, Olibanum Satchet (Elv. only), Arco de Velocidad, Lightning Bow+1
Head: Optical Hat (Alternative: Arhat's Jinpachi+1, Genbu's Kabuto), Ace's Helm or Walahra Turban for Utsusemi: Ni recast
Neck: Evasion Torque, Harmonia's Torque, Parrying Torque, Justice Torque
Earrings: Evasion Earring, Elusive Earringx2, Ethereal Earring, Brutal Earring, Dodge Earringx2 (Alternative: Bushinomimi, Genin Earring)
Body: Amir Korazin, Scorpion Harness(+1), Saotome Domaru(+1), Myochin Domaru+1, Narasihma/Vishnu Vest, (Arhat's Gi[+1] for Enmity)
Hands: Rasetsu Tekko(+1) or Seiryu's Kote, Praefectus's Gloves, Amir Kolluks, Myochin Kote+1
Rings: Rajas Ring, Flame Ringx2 (or Ruby), Breeze Ringx2, Sniper's Ring(+1)x2, Maybe even a Mermaid's Ring for enmity.
Back: Boxer's Mantle, Toreador's Cape (macro it out if you lose all of your shadows), Corse Cape, Bat Cape, Forager's Mantle, Amemet+1
Belt: Warwolf Belt (For Enmity), Life Belt, Saotome Koshi-Ate, or Survival Belt [Macro in Quick, Swift, or Speed Belt for Utsu: Ni)
Legs: Byakko's Haidate, Myochin Haidate+1, Saotome Haidate(+1), Arhat's Hakama(+1), Rasetsu Hakama(+1)
Feet: Myochin Sune-Ate, Rasetsu Sune-Ate(+1) or Fuma Sune-Ate or Suzaku's Sune-Ate (Fuma Kyahan/Sune-Ate to be macro'd in if you go with Rasetsu)

Building TP off Too Weak~Tough mobs
Main: Ridill (Alternative: Ifrit's Blade or Seiryu's Sword, then Off-hand a low-delay dagger like Garuda's), Hagun
Sub: Low delay dagger or sword (or Kraken Club)
Ranged: Fenrir's Stone, Happy Egg, Ifrit's Bow, Olibanum Satchet (Elv. only), Arco de Velocidad, Lightning Bow+1
Head: Ace's Helm, Walahra Turban, Saotome Kabuto+1, Optical Hat, Saotome Kabuto, Shura Zunari Kabuto, Wyvern Helm
Neck: Peacock Charm, Chivalrous Chain, Spectacles, Justice Torque, Merman's Gorget,
Earrings: Suppanomimi, Brutal Earring, Bushinomimi, Minuet Earring, Triumph Earring
Body: Hachiman Domaru(+1), Shinimusha Hara-Ate, Haubergeon(+1), Shura Togi(+1)
Hands: Dusk Gloves(+1), Hachiman Kote(+1), Noritsune Kote, Bandomusha/O. Kote, etc. (Saotome for Meditate)
Rings: Rajas Ring, Toreador's Ring, Sniper's Ring(+1), Flame/Triumph Ring,
Back: Forager's Mantle, Amemet+1
Belt: Speed Belt, Swift Belt, Quick Belt, Saotome Koshi-Ate, Life Belt
Legs: Byakko's Haidate, Shinimusha Haidate, Myochin Haidate+1, Shura Haidate(+1)
Feet: Fuma Sune-Ate, Hachiman Sune-Ate(+1), Fuma Kyahan, Saotome Sune-Ate

Equipment to boost your HP (for Spirits Within, once you have 300% TP)
Main: Ridill
Sub: Seiryu's Sword (or Kraken Club)
Bow: Fenrir's Stone, Rosenbogen(+1), Happy Egg, Arco de Velocidad, Lightning Bow+1
Head: Genbu's Kabuto
Neck: Shield Pendant
Earrings: Cassie Earring (If you have Osode, and MP merits don't hurt), Bloodbead Earring, Pigeon Earring(+1) (Or Pigeon Earring(+1)x2)
Body (In order of greatest to least HP bonus): Dusk Jerkin(+1), Saotome Domaru(+1), Byrnie, Scorpion Harness, Myochin Domaru
Hands: Seiryu's Kote, Alkyoneus's Brc, Bandomusha Kote (This is the best piece, depending on how high your HP goes. Just switch it with Seiryu's Kote to test which one nets better results once you have all of your HP+ gear on), Saotome/Myochin Kote
Rings: Bomb Queen Ring, Bloodbead Ring, Bomb Ring
Back: Gigant Mantle, Behemoth Mantle(+1) or Desert Mantle(+1)
Belt: Most of the RSE belts add HP+ (Forest Sash, Ocean Sash, etc.)
Legs: Dusk Trousers(+1), Saotome/Myochin Haidate
Feet: Dusk Ledelsens(+1), Saotome/Myochin Sune-Ate


If you go SAM/NIN just to survive AoEs, and still use a Great Katana, just use the same equipment suggested for SAM/WAR.

White Mage: Shortest section you'll find here. Only use this when you're fighting Fafnir or Nidhogg. However, if your linkshell has a Summoner present that can keep applying Earthen Ward to the melees, this subjob is fairly useless. All you do here is toss in a couple Curagas when needed and keep your Stoneskin up. Since I have a little bit more experience with Fafhogg now, here's a recommended equipment set-up:

Equipment for SAM/WHM while fighting Fafhogg
Main: Hagun. (Alternatives: Kamewari, Ushikirimaru, Shinsoku, Onimaru, Soboro Sukehiro)
Bow: Ifrit's Bow, Olibanum Satchet (Elv. only), Tiphia Sting, Arco de Velocidad, Lightning Bow+1
Head: Walahra Turban, Ace's Helm, Saotome Kabuto+1, Optical Hat, Saotome Kabuto, Shura Zunari Kabuto, Wyvern Helm
Neck: Justice Torque, Peacock Charm, Spectacles, Ryl. Guard Collar, Merman's Gorget
Earring: Brutal Earring, Bushinomimi, Minuet Earring, Merman's Earring, Vampire Earring (At night)
Body: Kirin's Osode (MP+30 helps a lot), Haubergeon(+1), Shura Togi(+1) (Hachiman Domaru for WS)
Hands: Bandomusha Kote, Ochiudo's Kote, Hachiman Kote(+1) [Saotome Kote for Meditate], use STR+ Bracers for WS
Rings: Rajas Ring, Flame/Triumph Rings, Sniper's Ring(+1)x2 (Astrals/Electrum if you need MP)
Back: Forager's Mantle, Amemet(+1)
Belt: Swordbelt+1, Saotome Koshi-Ate, Life Belt, or MP+ rope
Leggings: Byakko's Haidate, Shura Haidate(+1), Galliard Trousers, Myochin Haidate+1, Ryl. Knight's Breeches, Myochin Haidate, Hachiman Hakama
Feet: Saotome Sune-Ate+1, Amir Boots, Saotome Sune-Ate, Hmn. Sune-Ate(+1), Myochin Sune-Ate+1, Rasetsu Sune-Ate(+1) for melee; Rutter Sabatons, RSE Boots with STR+3 or greater, Hmn Sune-Ate(+1) for WS



Addendum - Level cap equipment suggestions (Everything in order from best to worst):

Lv.20
Weapon: Gunromaru
Range: Power Bow(+1), Happy Egg
Head: Mrc. Hachimaki
Neck: Bloodbead Amulet, Van Pendant
Earrings: Bone Earring+1 x2
Body: Power Gi
Hands: Kingdom Gloves, Republic Mittens, etc. (Any of the Attack+3 gloves)
Rings: Courage Ring(+1)x2
Back: Dhalmel Mantle(+1)
Belt: Brave Belt, Warrior's Belt(+1), Dash Sash
Legs: Mercenary's Sitabaki, anything with Defense/VIT on it
Feet: Leaping Boots, anything with good defense

Lv.30
Weapon: Kotetsu
Range: Melee-based RSE Satchets, Great Bow(+1), Happy Egg
Head: Emp. Hairpin, Republic/Windurstian/Mrc. Hachimaki
Neck: Spike Necklace
Earrings: Beetle Earring+1 x2
Body: Power Gi
Hands: Federation Tekko
Rings: Rajas Ring, Courage Ring(+1)
Back: Nomad's Mantle(+1)
Belt: Brave Belt
Legs: Republic Subligar, Garrison Hose
Feet: Federation Kyahan

Lv.40
Weapon: Kagehide
Range: Melee-based RSE Satchets, Battle Bow+1, Happy Egg
Head: Emp. Hairpin, Rep/Win/Mrc Hachimaki
Neck: Peacock Charm, Spike Necklace
Earrings: Beetle Earrings+1 x2
Body: Jujitsu Gi
Hands: Ochiudo's Kote, Fed. Tekko
Rings: Rajas Ring, Sniper's Ring(+1), Venerer Ring, Puissance Ring
Back: Nomad's Mantle(+1)
Belt: Tilt Belt, Brave Belt
Legs: Rep. Subligar, Garrison Hose, certain RSE, Jujitsu Sitabaki
Feet: Federation Kyahan

Lv.50
Weapon: Soboro Sukehiro, Koryukagemitsu, Odenta, Mikazuki(+1)
Range: Melee-based RSE Satchets, War Bow+1, Happy Egg
Head: Valkyrie/Walkure Mask, Voyager Sallet, Emp. Pin, Rep/Win/Mrc Hachimaki
Neck: Peacock Charm, Spike Necklace
Earrings: Beetle Earrings+1 x2
Body: Shinimusha Hara-Ate, Jujitsu Gi
Hands: Ochiudo's Kote, Enkelados' Brc, Fed. Tekko
Rings: Rajas Ring, Sniper's Ring(+1), Venerer Ring, Puissance Ring
Back: Jaeger Mantle
Belt: Swordbelt+1, Life Belt, Vanguard Belt, R.K. Belt
Legs: Shinimusha Haidate, Rep. Subligar, Garrison Hose, certain RSE, Jujitsu Sitabaki
Feet: Federation Kyahan

Lv.60
Weapon: Daihannya, Soboro Sukehiro, Jindachi+1, Raikiri, Gold Musketeer's Uchigatana
Range: Tiphia Sting, Melee-based RSE Satchets, War Bow+1, Happy Egg
Head: Valkyrie/Walkure Mask, Voyager Sallet, Sipahi/Abtal Turban (WS Macro) Emp. Pin, Rep/Win/Mrc Hachimaki
Neck: Peacock Charm, Chivalrous Chain, Spectacles, Royal Guard's Collar, Merman's Gorget (Spike Necklace for WS)
Earrings: Spike Earring x2
Body: Haubergeon(+1), R.K. Chainmail, Shinimusha Hara-Ate
Hands: O. Kote, [Pallas' Bracelets, Enky Brc. for WS], Fed. Tekko
Rings: Rajas Ring, Sniper's Ring(+1), Victory Rings, Venerer Ring
Back: Jaeger Mantle
Belt: Swordbelt+1, Life Belt, Vanguard Belt, R.K. Belt(+1/+2)
Legs: R.K. Breeches, Myochin Haidate (for WS), Shinimusha Haidate
Feet: Federation Kyahan

Lv.70
Weapon: Kamewari, Kazaridachi, Onikiri (For demons)
Ranged: Tiphia Sting, Melee-based RSE Sachets, Shigeto Bow, Fenrir's Stone, Happy Egg
Head: Optical Hat, Valkyrie/Walkure Mask, Voyager Sallet, Emp. Pin (Hachiman Jinpachi[+1] for WS)
Neck: Peacock Charm, Chivalrous Chain, Spectacles, R.G. Collar, Merman's Gorget (Spike Necklace for WS)
Earrings: Merman's Earringsx2, Fenrir's Earring
Body: Haubergeon(+1) (Hachiman Domaru[+1] for WS)
Hands: O. Kote, Hachiman Kote+1 (Alky, Pallas, or Enky Bracelets for WS)
Rings: Rajas Ring, Toreador's Ring, Sniper's Ring(+1), Assailant's Ring
Back: Amemet(+1)
Belt: Life Belt, Swordbelt+1, Vanguard Belt
Legs: Shinimusha Haidate, RK Breeches, Myochin Haidate
Feet: Hachiman Sune-Ate(+1)


Elemental Gorgets, and how they apply to Samurai

If you have access to Al'Taieu, you'll want to look into In The Name of Science, a quest which can grant (among other things) Elemental Gorgets (Flame, Aqua, Soil, Breeze, Thunder, Snow, Shadow, Light) that are pretty much the 'best' neckwear to use while Weapon Skilling. How these Gorgets work is pretty simple: If you've ever used Aden's Renkei Chart, whichever element the weapon skill "chains" on the chart (For instance, Tachi: Enpi has both Transfixion (Light) and Scission (Earth) properties, and Aden has the areas colored/fixed up with spiffy graphics accordingly) can be used when determining which Gorget to use. However, I'm going to list which Weapon Skills correspond with which Gorgets, for the hell of it, and I'll list their organ requirements.

Flame Gorget (10 Phuabo, 5 Xzomit, 1 Yovra) - Works for Tachi: Kagero, Tachi Kasha

Snow Gorget (10 Phuabo, 5 Aern, 1 Yovra) - Works for Tachi: Yukikaze, Tachi: Gekko, Tachi: Hobaku, and Impulse Drive.

Aqua Gorget (10 Aern, 5 Hpemde, 1 Yovra) - Works for Tachi: Gekko, Tachi: Koki, Sidewinder

Breeze Gorget (10 Phuabo, 5 Hpemde, 1 Yovra) - Works for Tachi: Yukikaze, Tachi: Jinpu, Sidewinder

Shadow Gorget (3 Phuabo, 3 Aern, 7 Hpemde, 2 Yovra) - Works for Tachi: Kasha, Impulse Drive, Penta Thrust

Light Gorget (3 Phuabo, 7 Aern, 3 Hpemde, 2 Yovra) - Works for Tachi: Kasha, Tachi: Enpi, Tachi: Goten, Sidewinder

For end-game Samurai, I'd recommend either getting the Snow Gorget first, and then Flame. That way, you have Yukikaze, Gekko, and Kasha covered from just 2 Gorgets (Snow works for both Yuki and Gekko, and Flame works for Kasha). However, it should be noted that the greatest bonus these gorgets offer is the accuracy bonus, so SA'd weapon skills will do more with the Gorgets, but not anything substantial. Regardless, the Gorgets are better than anything you can fit on that neck slot except for a Justice Torque. If you're a SAM/RNG nut for some reason or another, go with Aqua first to cover Sidewinder and Gekko simultaneously. It's best to keep other jobs you might level in mind when choosing your Gorget, as the effects are much more noticeable with multi-hit WS (Soil Gorget for Asuran Fists and Rampage, Breeze or Thunder Gorget for Blade: Jin, etc) because the accuracy bonus is much more important for those Weapon Skills. If anyone has any suggestions for this subsection, please feel free to post them.


Miscellaneous Notes
*In almost every situation except for evasion-tanking mobs, as a Samurai, Woodsman's Rings are perfectly fine to use instead of Sniper's Rings. Jaeger Ring is also perfectly acceptable.

1) Make sure your Sword skill is at least 175 for Spirits Within. <- No longer really necessary, except for maybe Aspidochelone. Even then.. meh, just cap it anyways. There's no reason not to.

2) Have your various subjobs appropriately leveled. In order of priority: WAR = THF > NIN > RNG > WHM.

3) Although they're pretty difficult to obtain, try to get the SAM AF2 gloves. That enhance meditate, which stacks with the AF1 Helm, gives you 140-160% TP [sometimes 180%] per Meditate.. and it really helps in all situations.

4) Removed because my wife is a Dragoon and she finally found this guide and read this part. ; ;



Update notes
12/18/2004: Updated SAM/THF equipment with the new Warwolf Belt (+5 STR). (Thank you.) SE ^^/ And also added the Trailer's Kukri (+14 R. Acc) as a great option for SAM/RNG.

03/21/05: Got off my lazy ass and edited stuff around with the latest patches. Notable changes include the Hachiman set being introduced, the Hagun, and the Forager's Mantle.

06/01/05: Updated with things such as the Commander's Cape, Onimaru, etc. and changed minor details within the guide around.

09/28/05: Major update, added a bunch of new items, deleted a lot of the outdated rambling in the sub-job section, and added an equipment guide for level-capped events.

01/16/05: Added a little section about the Gorgets from sea. I wrote it when I was really tired, so I'm probably missing a lot. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to post them! Also added Brutal Earring in. Next update I'll add in SAM AF1+1 as alternatives for certain things and I'll also cover which pieces of SAM AF2+1 are good.

06/06/06 (Oooh, evil!): Updated the lists with AF1+1 items, AF2+1, and some other recently introduced items. Also included a Lv.70 cap equipment guide, since Assaults can be capped at Lv70. I'm probably still missing a lot of stuff (notably for level capped events), so feel free to chime in.

[Sectorseven]

Good job!

[Sintaro]

Really great job Kayoto, not really anything to criticize.

/kneel

[Silentwind]

i have a question.

why is lightning bow +1 > shigeto bow?

apart from the lower delay and dex +3, is there another reason why lightning bow +1 is better?

we know that around +35 acc is pretty good already for sam (most sam are poor, they usually only have around +25 acc at best), so lets say you have +35 acc, is the dex +3 necessary? ok, so dex raises the acc cap, but do you not have haubergeon or other gears to raise dex too? perharps the added damage and rng acc provided by shigeto bow can help more? (provided you cap your archery which is taken for granted that you should) one can argue that your arrows wont land at that high lvl, then what is the rng acc provided by the bow for?

maybe this guide does miss something. it does not cover different style of playing within the various job combos itself. within each job combo, there are also other style of playing. for example, sam/war can use 1 handed sword + shield for spirit within too right? maybe its not as effective as sam/nin that has dual wield and the almighty utsusemi, but if you arent kiting the HNMs, why not sam/war? sure, a sam/nin can dual wield, but how many dual wield enhancement can you get from a /nin? the weapon delay will still be more or less the same, and more importantly, you get more hp for slightly more damaging spirit within.

i'm only a clueless lvl 57 sam, so obviously i'm ignorant. please dont flame me. thank you.

/bow

[Zendell]

Very well writen and very complete.....btw i assume
you're not too burned out on Amikiri camping to come
along on my inevitable and futile camps >_>

[illthis]

Nny :

Kayoto :
Damage (Spirits Within)
Main: Ridill
Sub: Seiryu's Sword (or Kraken Club)
Bow: Lightning Bow+1
Head: Optical Hat
Neck: Merman's Gorget
Earrings: Accurate Earring, Suppanomimi
Body: Haubergeon+1
Hands: Noritsune Kote, Shura Kote(+1), Ochiudo's Kote, Saotome Kote (For enhanced Meditate)
Rings: Sniper's Ring(+1)x2
Back: Amemit(+1)
Belt: Life Belt
Legs: Byakko's Haidate (Haste is nice) or Shura Haidate(+1)
Feet: Saotome Sune-Ate

That's not very much HP. :/

Infact, that's a lot of -HP.

Need +HP for Spirit's Within.

Only mobs you'd be doing it on, you have monsters around to TP up on, and don't need accuracy for them.

With that much lack of HP, it'd be stronger doing /THF WS then Spirit's Within.

yeah i was thinking about this.. i would say sub whm and get cassie ring and electrum rings and a bunch of +hp crap

[Fae]

Why would someone need a guide for end-game? People can't be THAT clueless when they get to that level, can they?! lol;

It's a nice guide, though. (' v '*)

[Lokki]

However, it's something for up and coming samurai to prepare themselves for ahead of time. Nice guide.

[Kayoto]

Nny :

Kayoto :
Damage (Spirits Within)
Main: Ridill
Sub: Seiryu's Sword (or Kraken Club)
Bow: Lightning Bow+1
Head: Optical Hat
Neck: Merman's Gorget
Earrings: Accurate Earring, Suppanomimi
Body: Haubergeon+1
Hands: Noritsune Kote, Shura Kote(+1), Ochiudo's Kote, Saotome Kote (For enhanced Meditate)
Rings: Sniper's Ring(+1)x2
Back: Amemit(+1)
Belt: Life Belt
Legs: Byakko's Haidate (Haste is nice) or Shura Haidate(+1)
Feet: Saotome Sune-Ate

That's not very much HP. :/

Infact, that's a lot of -HP.

Need +HP for Spirit's Within.

Only mobs you'd be doing it on, you have monsters around to TP up on, and don't need accuracy for them.

With that much lack of HP, it'd be stronger doing /THF WS then Spirit's Within.

Erm.. sorry, everyone. That's the set-up you'd use to -hit- with your swords to build TP. I didn't mean you'd actually use that equipment when you use Spirits Within.. you'd switch out to as much HP+ gear as you could. Sorry, I'll add that in now.

EDIT: Interesting side-note.. 75 SAM can get +473 or more HP in gear, dependent on race. Check it out: http://characters.shirtninjas.com/profile.php?profile=318

Silentwind :
why is lightning bow +1 > shigeto bow?

apart from the lower delay and dex +3, is there another reason why lightning bow +1 is better?

for example, sam/war can use 1 handed sword + shield for spirit within too right? maybe its not as effective as sam/nin that has dual wield and the almighty utsusemi, but if you arent kiting the HNMs, why not sam/war? sure, a sam/nin can dual wield, but how many dual wield enhancement can you get from a /nin? the weapon delay will still be more or less the same, and more importantly, you get more hp for slightly more damaging spirit within.

First of all, the reason that Lightning Bow+1 is in some of those set-ups, is that unless you gear Samurai specifically to hit with your Ranged Attacks, you're not going to land jack on any HNM. If you're planning on meleeing, any arrows you fire will be a complete waste.. and the Shigeto Bow doesn't aid your melee stats at all.

And SAM/WAR can work for Spirits Within.. but don't blame me if you pull hate and die. =p And the HP boost from /WAR is marginal compared to /NIN, and Berserk, Warcry, Defender, and the rest of the /WAR Job Traits don't really help when your sole focus is to build TP off things. If you're building TP off surrounding weaker mobs, the only thing you'll want to do is hit faster/consistently to get more TP as quickly as possible. If you're actually trying to build TP off the HNM, your damage with the Sword is probably neglible, even with Berserk, and you should still focus on just swinging/hitting fast and often.

Now, that's not to say that SAM/WAR can't do a decent job at it.. SAM/NIN is just preferred.


Oh, and Fae.. yeah, like Iskendar said, there are a bunch of 70+ people who still have no idea what the hell they're doing. =p

[Gilthanes]

Samurai I know woud sub Monk, he could get his HP over 1700 for SW. Monk sub gives a very large boost to HP

(oh ya, he was Elvaan too)

[Marvul]

*Witty Comment* Nah, just kidding Kay. Nice guide, although I am too much of a noob to use it yet. :boing

[illthis]

yeah this guide helps out alot being pre70 getting prepaired for post 70 ._.

[Coav]

I gotta agree with lillia at the end of the game i dont see those items like "+8 attack or +5" to really be much of a addon...
but the ACC does help you need ACC nomatter what anyone says the more ACC the more Hits the more hits the more TP.
Im dying to get my optical hat and kamewari.
Trying to get a hold of the scorpions TOD to get my hands on that katana i need it bad

[Sotatale]

/praise Kayoto.
Good stuff bud. And you even including my "secret" when it comes to fighting HNM that are too hard to hit at my level like Roc. If you dont mind me elaborating for the rest of the gang.

Any Samurai at lvl 63-66 (my current level) will agree when you engage with Roc be prepared for a miss-festival. What i started doing to counter that was to target a adjacent mob (Gob, Beetle, Courel .. Too Weak..) and take a few swings until my tp is full or almost full (meditate)depending who has TP in the Alliance. then just switch target back to the Main target, in this case Roc and SATA+ WS unload.

I dont think anyone in the LS has figured out what ive been doing the past 3 kills but /dance for me. ^^

Once again Kayoto great job! ^^

/bow

[Kiaza]

I'm curious...with a B+ evasion and a fully subbed leveled NIN, at level 75 would SAM's be able to solo certain HNM's and NM's using the same tactic as a NIN or THF?
Considering SAM's can also wear a lot of the evasion+ gear NIN's have access to, a few /equip macros between offensive and evasive gear, commonly done by NIN's, Third Eye can also serve as an emergency to buy you a few secs for the Utsu recast's and being able to SPWT at a much faster rate could be taken into consideration also.
Has any 75SAM tried this?
Just curious thats all, almost makes me want to pick up my Great Katana once more thinking about it.

[Khalea]

SAM/NIN can usually tandem kill a lot of the lolhnms but they can't solo them as well as a THF or NIN... not because of the lower evasion, but because of the lack of status bolts/capped ninjutsu.

A NIN main can blind/slow/para with powders
A THF main can blind/leech hps with bolts

A SAM needs a mage partner to help with the above. Their WS can add some statuses, yes, but according to SAMs I've spoken with on the issue they're generally not as effective as being able to "spam" them with powder/bolt.

Oh, and rangers get A- in bows and marksmanship Kayoto... no Arching/Heavy until 66 and we have to wait until like 72 or 73 to work on Quest WS. I think WAR can do freaking Retribution (yes, staff) at the same level or sooner than we can get ours ><;

[Kiaza]

I thought there were similar arrows with status inducing effects?

[Khalea]

Not with HP drain though, and that's huge if you can't slow.