The Daily Deal

Also excellent for 1hp quests.

 

Ewix's Evolving Ensemble (U)
Peon's Prescription for Prodigious Multiplayers
Ewix's Evolving Ensemble is the only heavy armor with Adaptable and the only non-helmet item with Mimetic Crown. It is hands down the most powerful of all the Adaptable items but it is also the hardest to equip. Warriors are the most dependent on major tokens since the vast majority of their best weapons require them. When push comes to shove, it's generally going to be better siding with weapons. Purchase if you want to build around Adaptable or Mimetic Crown and you have a suitable weapon setup in mind.

Peon's Perspective for Penny-Pinching Singleplayers
There are two things going against Ewix's Evolving Ensemble in singleplayer. It isn't consistent and, more importantly, it will take a chunk out of your damage output. You could argue that Mimetic Crown gives you extra attacks but you're only getting one copy and Spiked Tlahuiztli can dish out extra damage against melee attacks for no tokens. Would not purchase.

Substitutes
None

Did Peon Buy It?
Yup. I sort of commited myself to getting it when I picked up the other 2 Adaptable items. I'm crossing my fingers that they'll be some awesome reason to play Adaptable in the future.

Epics
Manhunter (P)
A low token way to get extra melee blocks but pretty unremarkable otherwise.

Risky Trickery (P)
Elven Trickery is an undercosted Scamper with benefits and Flanking Move is an all-star when comboed with ranged attacks. Warriors tend to have step attacks that work better with Cautious Mobility and elf wizards don't have the hp to run in with Elven Trickery so you're basically limited to vamp priests with heavy token commitments.

Turnbull's Energy Vest (P)
Decent but Explorer's Force Suit and Overheated Force Suit both have higher upsides.

Notable Rares
Mail Of Absorption (NV)
Mail of Absorption doesn't have good enough armor to play on any warrior but it does have one thing going for it. You get the electricity immunity of Grounding Plates without the Encumbering Heavy Armor on Stormward Pauldrons. This is especially important because electricity using mobs are all ranged so you will need to chase them down. There are legendary options such as Aranak's Chain Web and Ozone Plates but they are a lot more expensive and not much better. You could also go for the major token epic Spaceproof Carapace which is much more suitable for general use with its inclusion of Force Field.

Powerpike (P)
Prior to Powerpike, the best Stab weapons had at most 3 premium stabs with Double-Edged Sword topping the list. Powerpike ups the count to around 3.5 with a solid Penetrating Stab. Add on a pair of double digit laser attacks and you've got a powerful weapon indeed.

Spoiler: Item Rating Code

(B)est of the Best
This item is the best of the best of the best. With honors. It is not only powerful but also fits in well established multiplayer or farming archetypes.

(N)iche
This is a great item but fits in a very specific build. You should only consider purchasing if you have that particular strategy in your sights.

(P)layable
Not the best. Not the worst. This item is simply solid all around and I believe could see play. If that isn't enough of a ringing endorsement then I don't know what is. Oh, and you can go ahead and assume that any rare that falls into other categories is playable as well. I will not list things that I would not be willing to play myself.

(U)nique
There is nothing quite like this item. Its cards are not found on other items of the same slot or not on other items period. If this item catches your fancy you should take a second look because you won't find anything similar elsewhere.

(V)alue
There may be better options but this item won't bust your piggy bank.


You could probably engineer a situation where this item wouldn't suck but it's more trouble than it's worth.


This item makes me sad and will probably make you sad too if you buy it. There are no circumstances where I'd consider playing this item.

 

I recommend that whenever you decide to say something, you think about it for 10 seconds first and then reconsider whether you should say it.

 

Hawlic's Glowing Shirt

Spoiler: Previously Reviewed

Peon's Prescription for Prodigious Multiplayers
Chain Harness is very weak in terms of damage prevention so you need to run armors with triggers to make them worthwhile. Without access to the heavy armor slot, you are limited to Spiked Mail. If dealing 2 damage from getting hit with melee attacks sounds lackluster to you that's because it is. Increasing the odds of triggering slightly does not make it much better. It is best to avoid Chain and Leather Harnesses altogether but if you do end up running them it's even more important to keep the heavy armor slot free for heavy hitters like Barbed Platemail. Would not purchase.

Peon's Perspective for Penny-Pinching Singleplayers
Ditto. I'll just add that the deterrence factor roll boosting Harnesses have on human players is gone singleplayer.

Substitutes
Quornic's Armor (E)
The Daily Deal

Did Peon Buy It?
Nope. If I'm going to run run Harness shenanigans, I'm going with Enchanted Harness and I'm definitely not using up the heavy armor slot to get them.

Epics
Mithril Mesh Slippers (P)
While a fine item, I'd rather run more consistent items like Crafted Monkey Boots and Kerrick's Steel Boots.

Starknife (P)
A neat set of cards but a little low on the damage side. Having mostly Penetrating attacks to go with Impaler does help though.

Sturdy Mail (P)
Technically playable but also strictly worse than True Mail.

Notable Rares
Captain's Coat (P)
Dynamic Armor is an extremely cool card that previously suffered from poor itemization. However, slap a Force Field next to it and you've suddenly got a good excuse to play it. If you're looking to exploit the movement half of Dynamic Armor with Elven Maneuvers, you may be interested in the less powerful but more synergistic Ogre Hide Armor. Force Field lovers can also turn to Spiked Forcemail and the epic Spaceproof Carapace for more defensive options.

Tough Leather Cap (P)
Both All Out Attack and Dash, Team! can be extremely powerful given the right circumstances which makes Tough Leather Cap one of the few minor token helmets worth investing a token in. All Out Attack gets much worse when you run a lot of low damage utility attacks like Nimble Strike and is extremely weak to blocks and Toughness so I would hesitate before throwing Tough Leather Cap on any warrior. Your other option for All Out Attack is Necalli Cap, which is much less impressive once you no longer need the speed boost. On the command front, you can upgrade to Sprint, Team! using various helmets, with the legendary Forrtescue's Feathered Cap and Wenham's Leather Coif topping the list. And if you're just looking for the best all around minor token helmet, my pick would be Angry Jack's Helmet with it's solid mix of armor, team movement, and melee buffing.

Spoiler: Item Rating Code

(B)est of the Best
This item is the best of the best of the best. With honors. It is not only powerful but also fits in well established multiplayer or farming archetypes.

(N)iche
This is a great item but fits in a very specific build. You should only consider purchasing if you have that particular strategy in your sights.

(P)layable
Not the best. Not the worst. This item is simply solid all around and I believe could see play. If that isn't enough of a ringing endorsement then I don't know what is. Oh, and you can go ahead and assume that any rare that falls into other categories is playable as well. I will not list things that I would not be willing to play myself.

(U)nique
There is nothing quite like this item. Its cards are not found on other items of the same slot or not on other items period. If this item catches your fancy you should take a second look because you won't find anything similar elsewhere.

(V)alue
There may be better options but this item won't bust your piggy bank.


You could probably engineer a situation where this item wouldn't suck but it's more trouble than it's worth.


This item makes me sad and will probably make you sad too if you buy it. There are no circumstances where I'd consider playing this item.

 

Thanks to that disappointing repeat, I'm all caught up now. Turn that frown upside down.

 

Edit: Sorry, Sturdy Mail is in the DD instead of Sturdy Armor.

 

Yes I know the Ensemble isn't available anymore, but just for the sake of truth I have to notice that this opinion is valid only for the seasoned veterans who want just to farm scenarious faster.
If you're a newb and you simply cannot win some scenario, the Ensemble may help. Yes you may have to repeat several times until you get Adaptable, but once you get it, you can win that damned scenario! I recall how difficult were Storges for me, despite all my goodies - one warrior could easily kill them one by one with Adaptable.

 

Mimetic Crown + Enchanted Harness is great in Return to CoC with a nimbus + buffing priest. It requires extra tokens of course but at the highest levels Mimetic > Barbed.

 

Golden Wings (N)

Spoiler: Previously Reviewed

Peon's Prescription for Prodigious Multiplayers
With the exception of leagues, multiplayer maps are designed so that no one is required to play let alone own items that give Fly. For the most part, Fly allows you to reach victory squares faster than your opponents. There are also some fringe benefits such as hopping over impassable terrain to put some distance between you and a melee character or bypassing defenders that are put out front to protect more valuable targets. You can use Fly to get directly behind and enemy for a back attack but that requires them to be unable to turn or you to have a cantrip move though Surestrike Blessing is much better for that task. Wings Of Faith's effect is pretty marginal and takes up valuable real estate in regular matches but leagues are a whole different ballgame. I can't count the number of times I've seen a match end before it started because one player was unaware that their characters would be stranded on their own private islands in Wicked Waterways. Fly is absolutely necessary on some league maps and highly advantageous in others but everyone has access to Flight Aura for indefinite airtime. So what is Wings of Faith actually good for? Saving tokens on your offensive melee characters. The vast majority of Flight Aura items require a major token and even marginal ones charge minor tokens. If your character is getting Wings of Faithed, odds are you will be able to overpower an opposing character that is spending their tokens on Flight Aura or Nimble Strike. Golden Wings is incredibly narrow but it is a necessary evil if you want to excel with melee characters in certain leagues. Would purchase if that is your plan, would not purchase for regular play.

Peon's Perspective for Penny-Pinching Singleplayers
There are no maps where Fly is required. There are some where Fly will get your melee characters across the map faster but wizards are much better in those situations. Would not purchase.

Substitutes
None
The Daily Deal

Did Peon Buy It?
Nope. For all those leagues where Wings Of Faith would be useful, I Volcano spam right out of the gates with a Burst chaser instead.

Epics
Nova Axe (P)
The best way to get Purge effects on a warrior and a strong candidate for best weapon to come out of Expedition to the Sky Citadel.

The Soulstone (P)
Flash Flood is amazing against melee characters on cramped maps. If you're looking for a minor token source of Flash Flood, The Soulstone is the strongest option. A major token gets you the legendary Twizel's Water Talisman.

Yolop's Talisman
Weak cards all around. Vamps have access to higher damage attacks on tokenless items like Wuuna's Vampiric Shroud.

Notable Rares
Slippery Shield (V)
Movement isn't very glamorous next to flashy attacks but it is every bit as important and often even more so. However, you can't go replacing key cards in your deck with movement or you'll risk being able to get anywhere you want with nothing to do. That is where hybrid cards like Hard To Pin Down come in. Flexibility does have a cost and with Slippery Shield it costs a major token. The legendary Hawlic's Surging Shield is generally preferable with its move on blocking Surging Shield Blocks although there are some fringe benefits in having a more reliable block and moving an extra square instead.

Tough Leather Cap (P)
Both All Out Attack and Dash, Team! can be extremely powerful given the right circumstances which makes Tough Leather Cap one of the few minor token helmets worth investing a token in. All Out Attack gets much worse when you run a lot of low damage utility attacks like Nimble Strike and is extremely weak to blocks and Toughness so I would hesitate before throwing Tough Leather Cap on any warrior. Your other option for All Out Attack is Necalli Cap, which is much less impressive once you no longer need the speed boost. On the command front, you can upgrade to Sprint, Team! using various helmets, with the legendary Forrtescue's Feathered Cap and Wenham's Leather Coif topping the list. And if you're just looking for the best all around minor token helmet, my pick would be Angry Jack's Helmet with it's solid mix of armor, team movement, and melee buffing.

Spoiler: Item Rating Code

(B)est of the Best
This item is the best of the best of the best. With honors. It is not only powerful but also fits in well established multiplayer or farming archetypes.

(N)iche
This is a great item but fits in a very specific build. You should only consider purchasing if you have that particular strategy in your sights.

(P)layable
Not the best. Not the worst. This item is simply solid all around and I believe could see play. If that isn't enough of a ringing endorsement then I don't know what is. Oh, and you can go ahead and assume that any rare that falls into other categories is playable as well. I will not list things that I would not be willing to play myself.

(U)nique
There is nothing quite like this item. Its cards are not found on other items of the same slot or not on other items period. If this item catches your fancy you should take a second look because you won't find anything similar elsewhere.

(V)alue
There may be better options but this item won't bust your piggy bank.


You could probably engineer a situation where this item wouldn't suck but it's more trouble than it's worth.


This item makes me sad and will probably make you sad too if you buy it. There are no circumstances where I'd consider playing this item.

 

I disagree. Bimson's Water Stone is more all-encompassing and useful, especially because Acid Blast can block off paths like Flash Flood and act as armor removal at the same time.

 

True, but I still think The Soulstone keeps people away a little bit better, which is what you're playing Flash Flood for in the first place.

 

Azgul's Orb (BN)

Spoiler: Previously Reviewed

Multiplayer
Dedicated Firestorm builds have gone the way of the dodo. A Firestorm wizard needs to get close to the enemy to do anything which is the opposite of what wizards want to do. So why is everyone going crazy over Azgul's Orb? It is the only arcane item with 3 burning attacks that aren't crappy low range cone spells like Fire Spray. A dedicated burning wizard will most likely have spent 4 tokens on staves and 3 tokens on arcane items. If you want to spend a token on Focused Pyromancy you will need a tokenless arcane item. Your other option is to run Novice Pyromancy but the downgrade of Firestarter to Ember Spray is massive when compared to Flame Jet/Glob Of Flame to Firestorm.

Singleplayer
Firestorm. Enough said.

Peon's prescription for prodigious players- Would get Azgul's Orb if you want a tokenless arcane item for a burning wizard, like the smell of burnt kobolds in the morning (aka killing things in the campaign blisteringly fast), or know in your heart of hearts that Firestorm is going to make a comeback tour in multiplayer.
The Daily Deal

Did Peon Buy It?
Yes, but not today. Still too light on funds to pimp out my low level Firestorm party and I've got enough for multiplayer burning wizards.

Epics
Demon's Golden Blade (P)
Painful and a bit light on spells but strong attacks and an Unholy Wellspring make up for it.

Quornic's Armor
Harnesses get a lot worse when you don't have a good armor to buff in the heavy armor slot.

Tome Of Pain
Weaksauce. There are better items for unholy card draw like Ebony Prayer Beads.

Notable Rares
Displacing Staff (NV)
One hp quests can be very tricky. For lower levels where tokens are scarce, you need a high damage ranged attack that allows you to stay away from melee mobs/kill ranged mobs before they can get a shot off. Punishing Bolt is that attack. Mobs groups have shared hands which makes Punishing Bolt all the more punishing. Displacing Staff is widely unplayable and less efficient compared to the best minor token Punishing Bolt staff, the epic Staff Of Chask, but it's a good deal cheaper if you're not planning on using either staff outside of quests.

Disruptive Warp Pistol (NV)
If you're looking to run Accelerate Time, you've probably got some damaging terrain going on. However, one lousy movement card from your opponent and your plans fall apart. That's where Whirlwind Enemies and Force Cannon come in. Together, they potentially counteract 4 movement cards to help make sure that your freshly cast Volcano doesn't go to waste. Of course, there's always a chance for Whirlwind Enemies to backfire, in which case you might want the more reliable legendary Reality Warper instead. If you're looking to abuse Accelerate Time with attachments instead, the legendary Flame Warper would be more suitable.

Spoiler: Item Rating Code

(B)est of the Best
This item is the best of the best of the best. With honors. It is not only powerful but also fits in well established multiplayer or farming archetypes.

(N)iche
This is a great item but fits in a very specific build. You should only consider purchasing if you have that particular strategy in your sights.

(P)layable
Not the best. Not the worst. This item is simply solid all around and I believe could see play. If that isn't enough of a ringing endorsement then I don't know what is. Oh, and you can go ahead and assume that any rare that falls into other categories is playable as well. I will not list things that I would not be willing to play myself.

(U)nique
There is nothing quite like this item. Its cards are not found on other items of the same slot or not on other items period. If this item catches your fancy you should take a second look because you won't find anything similar elsewhere.

(V)alue
There may be better options but this item won't bust your piggy bank.


You could probably engineer a situation where this item wouldn't suck but it's more trouble than it's worth.


This item makes me sad and will probably make you sad too if you buy it. There are no circumstances where I'd consider playing this item.

 

Highbolt Jerkin

Spoiler: Previously Reviewed

Peon's Prescription for Prodigious Multiplayers
Never mind that Leather Harness is terrible, Highbolt Jerkin is strictly inferior to Aranak's Chain Web (way less stylish too). It would be one thing if Highbolt Jerkin were cheaper or powerful enough that a slight drop in card quality would be acceptable but it is neither. Would not purchase. If anyone is wondering, I wouldn't purchase Aranak's Chain Web either.

Peon's Perspective for Penny-Pinching Singleplayers
There are a few modules where electricity immunity really shines like Cliffs of the Wyverns and Lair of the Yellow Dragon. However, if you aren't looking to boost armors with secondary triggers, it's best to avoid Leather Harness and Chain Harness altogether. You can get better armors with Grounding Plates for much cheaper. Would not purchase.

Substitutes
Mail Of Absorption (R) , Stormward Pauldrons (R)
The Daily Deal

Did Peon Buy It?
Nope. Aranak's Chain Web is a strictly better item that costs the same.

Epics
Booming Ring (P)
The only tokenless source of Path Of Knives and a pretty darn good one at that. If you've got the token, go for Sarigo's Rod or Blood Locket.

Dark Chain Shirt (P)
The best tokenless divine armor for armor. Most priests avoid engaging in combat so Ritual Straps tends to be the go to tokenless option. Personally, I'm also partial to the occasional Rusted Angel Mail.

Ring Of Appropriation (BV)
A control wizard staple. The legendary Luke's Iron Hand is a little more consistent but you can't beat the value you get from an epic price. Plus, there will be many situations where Gusts Of War will be preferable to Telekinesis.

Notable Rares
Powerpike (P)
Prior to Powerpike, the best Stab weapons had at most 3 premium stabs with Double-Edged Sword topping the list. Powerpike ups the count to around 3.5 with a solid Penetrating Stab. Add on a pair of double digit laser attacks and you've got a powerful weapon indeed.

Spoiler: Item Rating Code

(B)est of the Best
This item is the best of the best of the best. With honors. It is not only powerful but also fits in well established multiplayer or farming archetypes.

(N)iche
This is a great item but fits in a very specific build. You should only consider purchasing if you have that particular strategy in your sights.

(P)layable
Not the best. Not the worst. This item is simply solid all around and I believe could see play. If that isn't enough of a ringing endorsement then I don't know what is. Oh, and you can go ahead and assume that any rare that falls into other categories is playable as well. I will not list things that I would not be willing to play myself.

(U)nique
There is nothing quite like this item. Its cards are not found on other items of the same slot or not on other items period. If this item catches your fancy you should take a second look because you won't find anything similar elsewhere.

(V)alue
There may be better options but this item won't bust your piggy bank.


You could probably engineer a situation where this item wouldn't suck but it's more trouble than it's worth.


This item makes me sad and will probably make you sad too if you buy it. There are no circumstances where I'd consider playing this item.

 

#writingatuni

Zoltan's Laser Scourge is the best warrior's weapon for Laser Whip and I've been waiting for a long time to get one... I shouldn't have gone for the Booming Ring and Ring of Appropriation the previous day, I could double-dip that one.

It gets my...

 

Zoltan's Laser Scourge (P)
Peon's Prescription for Prodigious Multiplayers
Perhaps I'm way off base but I believe Zoltan's Laser Scourge single handedly enables a new archetype, the Bashy Stabber. There simply wasn't all that much support before. You could get plenty of Bashes but the best Stab weapons, like Double-Edged Sword, had off theme filler. Now I realize that 2 Laser Whips is not enough to reliably finish enemies off so you will need to turn to the aforementioned Stab weapons but Zoltan's Laser Scourge is a step in the right direction. Maybe we get a slightly Bashy weapon and/or mostly Stabby in the future but for now Powerpike, Crazy Sal's Halberd, and Blazing Shortsword will have to do. Purchase if you want to try out this specific strategy.

Peon's Perspective for Penny-Pinching Singleplayers
While using Lunging Bash and Laser Whips against hard hitting melee mobs seems like a good plan on paper, using beefy attacks in conjunction with Impenetrable Nimbus is better in every way. You can handle more mobs at the same time, you are getting rid of their attacks for future turns, and most importantly you aren't hampering yourself with wimpy control cards. Would not purchase.

Substitutes
Scourge Of The Overmind (E)

Did Peon Buy It?
Yup. Playing a bunch of Blocking Maces is probably more effective but is it more fun? I think not. This is my first draft.

Spoiler: When a Problem Comes Along...

Maedhel
Level 21 Elf Warrior

Zoltan's Laser Scourge
Powerpike
Eixocl's Hammer
Perilous Ringmail
Shield Of Ultimate Dodging
Crusty Helm
Reynoldo's Boots
Cautious Mobility
Novice Bruising

1 x Bludgeon
1 x Blind Rage
1 x Scouting Run
2 x Fiery Stab
2 x Bruiser
1 x Penetrating Stab
1 x Impaling Stab
4 x Dodge
2 x Escaping Run
2 x Laser Strike
7 x Lunging Bash
1 x Hardy Mail
1 x Thickened Mail
2 x Reliable Mail
1 x Obvious Maneuver
2 x Laser Whip
2 x Elven Maneuvers
2 x Pressing Bash
1 x Traveling Curse
​

Epics
Foley's Footwear (P)
The poor man's Lewin's Boots, although I would just opt for Vinorkin's Boots over either one. Jump Back is almost pre-nerf Dodge level of annoying to play against and I'm surprised it doesn't get more love.

Madman's Maul
St. Olf sends his regards.

Staff Of The Fire God (NV)
Can pass for Searing Pain and legendary burning staves in a pinch but nowhere near as powerful as the real deals.

Notable Rares
Orb Of Flames (NV)
It can be incredibly expensive to make a great Firestorm farming party but a bare bones version will still be significantly faster than anything else you can conjure up. Enter Orb of Flames. Definitely not the most glamorous with its short range cone spell but what matters is that it'll get you started on the path to Firestorming the countryside. For Firestorm on the cheap, you can also turn to Storm Circlet. For a little extra there's epics like Banik's Bubbling Bauble, Crown Of Mad Eskin, and Stookster's Amulet which have control spells to help you get into optimal Firestorming position. You'll definitely want to be looking out for the double Firestorm legendaries in Azgul's Orb, Chartwell's Ring, and Brin's Storm Locket.

Savvy Attacker (BU)
Warrior traits are bland and underwhelming so finding something better to do than a slight damage boost with your martial skill slot is often correct. Not only does Team Walk add much needed mobility to a melee team but it is only otherwise found on boots. Savvy Attacker is the most powerful and commonly played minor token martial skill. A must have for anyone who plays warriors.

Spoiler: Item Rating Code

(B)est of the Best
This item is the best of the best of the best. With honors. It is not only powerful but also fits in well established multiplayer or farming archetypes.

(N)iche
This is a great item but fits in a very specific build. You should only consider purchasing if you have that particular strategy in your sights.

(P)layable
Not the best. Not the worst. This item is simply solid all around and I believe could see play. If that isn't enough of a ringing endorsement then I don't know what is. Oh, and you can go ahead and assume that any rare that falls into other categories is playable as well. I will not list things that I would not be willing to play myself.

(U)nique
There is nothing quite like this item. Its cards are not found on other items of the same slot or not on other items period. If this item catches your fancy you should take a second look because you won't find anything similar elsewhere.

(V)alue
There may be better options but this item won't bust your piggy bank.


You could probably engineer a situation where this item wouldn't suck but it's more trouble than it's worth.


This item makes me sad and will probably make you sad too if you buy it. There are no circumstances where I'd consider playing this item.

 

I want to add, that you can build with Zoltan like you'd build with, say, The Lunginator, except you kinda have to manage your tokens in a different way. You just give your warrior Crusher and Blind Rage for the easiest +4 dmg, and you swing your 8 damage bashes. Stuff like Porior's Nimble Mace or Warrior's Mace helps tremendously. Hell, even Thick Club can do.

I've been using a build that takes advantage from that and I'm almost ready to post it, I just need to deal with one small problem...

 

I already have four, do I need more?

 

I love Zoltan (got 3 from chests), but I need to have a good supply of Flanking Move to actually use those whips.

 

I have one Zoltan's and I guess that would be enough, as the build shouldn't have too many Whips.

 

I'm going to busier than usual so I'm taking a break from reviews. Hopefully I'll be back in a week once I get settled in to the new schedule.