Curse

Morvydd · May 13, 2010, 10:15 AM // 10:15

So I've been thinking about what insignia to take for a ranger if I were to make a +armor set.

All ranger insignias are quite specific, i.e. +armor vs. specific elements, while your pet is alive or while under a preparation.
The latter seems most useful, as most builds (at least the ones I run) do use a preparation.

But what about stalwart (+armor vs. physical)? Since being a ranger already offers +30 ar vs. elemental dmg.
Or even blessed (+ar while ench) or brawler (+ar while attacking)?

What do you guys use? Do you have any tips or recommendations?

Thanks,
Illuin

**Marty Silverblade** · May 13, 2010, 10:47 AM // 10:47

I'd say Brawlers is a pretty safe bet. No matter what kind of build you're running (dagger and scythe builds included), you'll basically always be attacking. I wouldn't bother with the while preparation one because it's +10 (same as Brawlers) but won't help you if you want to run dagger or scythe builds. +armor vs. ele aren't really useful because Ranger armor gets +30 armor (as you mention). Survivors is another failsafe, but this is a +armor thread so it's irrelevant.

Amy Awien · May 13, 2010, 11:43 AM // 11:43

You'd probably be enchanted when you need +AL the most, so Blessed is likely the best choice.

Eragon Zarroc · May 13, 2010, 11:50 AM // 11:50

I'd say stalwart since as a ranger u are already pretty ele resistant. It will give you a nice balance of armor against both physical and elemental dmg that is not conditional (i.e. only existing while performing some specific action). Give u perma 80vsPhys and 100vsElem.

Swahnee · May 13, 2010, 12:09 PM // 12:09

If you often use positions (for example the defensive ones, like Escape, Lightning Reflexes, Whirling Defense, Natural Stride etc.) you can consider also to use Sentry's Insignias, since you need them while you're in danger, hence while you are activating your defensive stance. However, also the previous answers are all good ones.

Fay Vert · May 13, 2010, 04:47 PM // 16:47

In parties rangers generally won't get targetted so having radiant gives you more build options.

Aldric · May 13, 2010, 05:43 PM // 17:43

If i absolutely had to run a +Al insignia I would pick beastmaster simply because my pet accompanies me 90% of the time. 2nd choice would be Stalwart's

However I'd have to agree with Fay on radiants

I have sets of Scouts/Beastmaster/Stalwart and Survivor and rarely have I ever bothered to use them.My basic armour coupled with the 570-600 health I run with means that I can run radiants without any real problem.

AndroBubbles · May 13, 2010, 07:20 PM // 19:20

Stalwart insignia gives you the most useful and consistent armor bonus. If you're looking for an armor boost insignia, it is the most logical choice.

Tenebrae · May 14, 2010, 07:28 AM // 07:28

Well for bow usage to avoid some nasty crit explorer ( i think this is the one that gives armor if using a prep ) is the best choice and if you plan to go "physical" ( melee with scythe or whatever ) then +10 vs phys and add +7 vs phys on weap if you like too.

maxxfury · May 14, 2010, 03:31 PM // 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tenebrae

if you plan to go "physical" ( melee with scythe or whatever ) then +10 vs phys and add +7 vs phys on weap if you like too.

Yah, dont go for the night stalkers equivalent (+armour while attacking), as you dont gain the benefit when swappng targets or moving into the group..the permanent +armour is the way to go there.

Age · May 16, 2010, 12:57 AM // 00:57

I go with radiant or survivor it is what I have on my sets of armour.

Morvydd · May 16, 2010, 08:44 AM // 08:44

Thanks for all your answers everyone!

Although it doesn't really matter all that much in pve, I was just wondering what others would think about this.

Rikimaru · May 22, 2010, 03:20 AM // 03:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxxfury

Yah, dont go for the night stalkers equivalent (+armour while attacking), as you dont gain the benefit when swappng targets or moving into the group..the permanent +armour is the way to go there.

The "while attacking" is actually quite literal and nearly useless, as I've found from using Flashing Blades. On top of what you mentioned, it doesn't work while activating skills either, or while the target kites you.

I would have to say Stalwart, hands down. You won't find another with the same level of universal benefit and build flexibility for a Ranger in regards to just +Armor insignias.

Redvex · Jun 18, 2010, 09:47 AM // 09:47

Radiant or Survivor

wilson · Jun 18, 2010, 12:24 PM // 12:24

Stalwart's or Beastmaster's if you happen to bring your pet.

Enchantments are easily removed in most areas. Mobs are expert at it. The +AL vs elemental damge isn't very useful for Rangers.

byteme! · Jun 18, 2010, 04:23 PM // 16:23

There's no right answer to this. It all boils down to the individual and his/her play style. How you play will determine what's best for you. You have many different scenarios laid out for you in the above posts. See which of those scenarios fits you and go accordingly. Personally for me, I play with builds with preparations so for me Scout's is an obvious choice but that's only for me. Again there is no right or wrong answer.