Book 8 Changes (Champs in particular)

Not sure everyone is aware of this, but these are the book 8 release notes on the test server in the US. I emphasize test server, especially for us champs. Hopefully we won't be completely useless as some suggest with the upcoming changes.

http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Release_Notes_Volume_2_Book_8_Bullroarer_Official

The discussion thread for changes to champs:

http://forums.lotro.com/showthread.php?t=268427

Of particular note is the imclusion of a 30% healing reduction when in fervour stance ....

... combining this with the legendary trait Continous Blood Rage and the champ actually is damaged when healed, as the cumulative healing reduction is 120%!

http://forums.lotro.com/showthread.php?t=269288

For those not familiar with the champ, fervour is how we get out dps. it's pretty much the only way really. We are useless almost useless without it. Not using it is a 15% reduction in overall DPS. So the changes to fervour are extremely worrying for fellowship quests and raids.

Not that having no Block/Evade/Parry in Fervour wouldnt be enough for using Fervour as tanking stance.

Now developers fix the issue where 5% of Champions can tank in Fervour (thanks to their well practiced fellowships). In first place the screw up happened with Moria combat revamp when avoidance was nerfed down considerably and DPS raised. To fix the issues developers have decided to destroy the Champions only DPS stance for all the people.

Effects:
-Champion are less needed for fellowships and raids cause they will demand lots of more healing than other DPS classes (that often stand away from area attacks anyway).
-All the Champions who have worked hard for Legendary items with Fervour Damage legacies need to try to max another weapon for... Ardour *giggles a lots*... and Champion Rune aswell *hasnt stopped giggling*
-The -30% to incoming healing doesnt effect with selfheals (and thus soloplay) or at Ettenmoors. Food will be effected and other classes casting heals will have to work harder to get the same healing effect (..and thus burn more power).

Well, adapting player can learn way to work with the new limitations, but as Fervour is already horrible handicapped stance the new nerf after 2 years isnt really acceptable. Somehow guardians Overpower (+26% damage and moderate avoidance) isnt too strong stance. I know how will I make my two-handed fighter type if the Champion nerf arrives to Laurelin.

Yes, I too felt sad when I read this. I haven't noticed a champ being overpowered by being in fervour. The efffect will be that champs need to use fervour more carefully by making sure they don't keep aggro, so they don't need as much healing. This means fights will be longer and champs taking aggro will soon learn how to use ebbing ire more effectively.

Not sure I like this, but I don't think it's the end of the champion.

I am glad I have a minstrel alt Renn, thats all I can say.

For raiding point of view, both Watcher and Turttle do huge area attacks. Thus having Champion there will be negative cause:

a) Without Fervour Champions cant DPS (penalty for not using Fervour is generally -15%, but with legacies it can be up to -24%). Effect: fight will last longer on bosses will get more opportunities to wipe the raid.
or
b) With Fervour Champions need extra healing. Effect: healer classes will have to work harder and group needs to re-think powerbattery strategies.

To say something positive about B8:

-Greatswords also drop from Filikul
-Crafting revamp waited from day one is finally coming (stuff with green portlait tells what craft uses it!!)
-Mmmooore Doootzzz to Ettenmoors! Oh... was this positive stuff list? Bah bollocks
-New areas around Mirkwood

To be honest for the champ changes, so long as I can do book 8 and the new raid with my friends (kin most certainly included) I'll be a happy bunny

There's quite a bit in book 8, and looking forward to the new changes and content. A challenge always makes the game more fun.