Raid Guide: The Fires of Smaug

Dadislotroguides March 6, 2016August 30, 2020 0 Comments

At this point in the game (U17) the Erebor T2C content is the most challenging raid content to complete. For this reason I thought it would be good to create a comprehensive guide to this raid; an upgrade to my older one.

Disclaimer: There are many ways to complete this. I offer up a strategy that works for me.

IDEAL GROUP MAKE UP

2 Tanks
3 Healers (Minis or RKs work best)
1 Hunter Tank with high DPS
1 Captain (for damage buffs & IC rez)
1 Lore-master (for damage buffs and power restore)
1 Burglar (for damage buffs)
3 DPS classes (RKs are nice for Do Not Fall)
PRE-BATTLE
MITIGATIONS

Before you begin it should be noted that in T2 all mitigations are reduced (essentially the true cap is hidden). You can read more about this here;

LOTRO Wiki Mitigations

LOTRO Forums: Hidden Mitigation Caps

ARMOUR TYPE	T1 Cap Rating	T1 Cap %	T2 Cap Rating
LIGHT	12,500	40%	19,250
MEDIUM	18,750	50%	25,500
HEAVY	16,650	60%	23,400

This means that it is necessary to ensure your mitigations are at the T2 ratings (ignore your percentage). For the ranged classes, you only need to worry about over-capping your Tactical Mitigation. For the melee classes, you should consider over-capping both Tactical and Physical Mitigations.

UI SETTINGS

The Tanks and Hunter (Boss DPSer) should switch their UI Settings to allow for health to be displayed as a percent. Go to OPTIONS > UI SETTINGS > VITAL BAR TEXT DISPLAY and change it to PERCENTAGE.

PLUGINS

There is a plugin for this raid; Smaug Plugin that can be installed. It can be buggy and unreliable as it has not been updated since 2013.

MECHANICS

There are a lot of moving parts to this raid. It will take coordination and patience to complete. Voice communication is an absolute must.

PROGRESS BARS

TIMER: There is a 25 minute timer to complete the raid. It ticks one gold bar every 30 seconds.
SMOKE: The Grim will send smoke down 4 pipes and in to the caves throughout the fight (more on this later).

T1 – No more than 199 units of smoke can enter the caves
T2 – No more than 199 units of smoke can enter the caves
T2C – No more than 9 units of smoke can enter the caves

SMOKE

Smoke is pumped from the Grim, through the pipes, to the caves at regular intervals (percent of the Grim’s morale). The following chart is expressed in units of smoke at each of the valves. This will be explained further in the Strategy Section.

BOSS MORALE	SOUTH BOTTOM	SOUTH TOP	NORTH BOTTOM	NORTH TOP
100%	0	0	0	0
99% – 96%	5	5	5	5
95% – 91%	2	2	2	2
90% – 86%	2	2	2	2
85% – 81%	2	2	2	2
80% – 76%	2	2	2	2
75% – 71%	5	5	5	5
70% – 66%	2	2	2	2
65% – 61%	2	2	2	2
60% – 56%	2	2	2	2
55% – 51%	2	2	2	2
50% – 46%	5	5	5	5
45% – 41%	2	2	2	2
40% – 36%	2	2	2	2
35% – 31%	2	2	2	2
30% – 26%	2	2	2	2
25% – 21%	5	5	5	5
20% – 16%	2	2	2	2
15% – 11%	2	2	2	2
10% -6%	2	2	2	2
5% – 0%	2	2	2	2

In addition to the smoke mechanics as a percent of the Grim’s morale there is also a timer component.

If the valve is fully closed (0) it will tick open one notch after 1 minute 30 seconds if the Grim is active (no Fire Tender alive).

If a valve is partially open (1-4) it will tick open one notch every 30 seconds if the Grim is active (no Fire tender alive).

VALVES

There are 4 valves (some people call them levers) within the instance; Northeast (North Bottom), Northwest (North Top), Southeast (South Top), and Southwest (South Bottom). See map below for locations.

The valves have 5 notches to them, with 0 being fully closed and 5 being fully open.

A view of what it looks like as you close the valves; look at the gauge as well as the mouth of the dragon.

It is imperative that after you close a valve (pull a lever) that you check below your character portrait for the cool down icon. If the icon is not there, the valve did not activate (this happens frequently when two people try to use the valve at the same time) … close it again.

MECHANICS (CONTINUED)

BELEGNOR – THE GRIM

Belegnor (Fire Grim) is the boss for this raid. He is situated in the center (SEE MAP) and does not move. Anyone within 10m of the Grim will lose 25% of their health every 4 seconds (except when the Fire-Tender is alive), watch your positioning !!!

T1 Stat

Belegnor – 2,455,972 morale

T2 Stat

Belegnor – 6,139,931 morale

ADDS (WARRIORS AND ENGINEERS)

Adds will spawn in two locations (one North and one South – SEE MAP) when the Grim’s health is at 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, and 10%. Note: In the T2 version the Fire-Tender will potentially heal the Grim from 75% to 85% (see below); new adds DO NOT spawn again at the 80% mark. There will be times when no adds spawn at the 10% increment, this is normal. Typically the next spawn has more adds, so be ready.

Adds will also spawn near the Fire-Tender (SEE MAP – FT ADDS) at the 75%, 50%, and 25% mark of the Grim’s health (does not recur if the Fire-Tender heals the Grim back up over these thresholds). DO NOT kill these while the FT is still alive as they will just respawn 20 or seconds later. Tank holds them until FT is dead and then the group kills them.

There are two types of adds (Warriors and Engineers).

T1 Stats

Warriors – 39,471 morale
Engineers – 84,712 morale

Engineers should always be taken out first as their 360 degree AoE attacks can be problematic.

T2 Stats

Warriors – 98,677 morale
Engineers – 212,705 morale

Engineers should always be taken out first as their 360 degree AoE attacks can be problematic.

FIRE-TENDER

At 75%, 50%, and 25% of the Grim’s (Belegnor) health a Fire-Tender will spawn to the east side of the Grim (SEE MAP). The Fire-Tender does not move, nor attack. While the Fire-Tender is active it is not possible to attack the Grim (Belegnor).

T1 – He does not heal the Grim and he does not reflect damage. Killing the Fire-Tender quickly is important so you can get back to killing the boss, melee classes will do the most DPS on him.

Easterling Armour – -80% incoming ranged and tactical damage
Uncommon Fortitude – Immune to fellowship maneuvers
Permanent State Immunity – Cannot Stun, Daze, Fear or Root

T2 – He heals the Grim so taking him down quickly is important. However, he reflects damage at a rate of 150% so big melee skills can be dangerous.

Retribution – Reflects all damage at a rate of 150%
Easterling Armour – -80% incoming ranged and tactical damage
Uncommon Fortitude – Immune to fellowship maneuvers
Permanent State Immunity – Cannot Stun, Daze, Fear or Root

THE MAP

In order to fully understand the mechanics of this raid, and the positions that people need to be in, I created a map (CLICK TO ENLARGE).

Throughout this write-up I will refer back to this map often, keeping with the colour coding.

STRATEGY

There is a lot going on during this raid and it is imperative that everyone be focused on the leader’s directions.

You may wish to try this under-level, or under tiered, as a group first to make sure everyone gets the mechanics and positioning.

ROLES

Boss DPS – Typically a Hunter Tank

Boss DPS Healer – Dedicated healer for the Boss DPSer (Mini or RK work best for this)

Tanks (2) – One Tank for the North Side and one Tank for the South Side

Group Healers (2) – One Healer for the North Side and one Healer for the South Side

Valve Closers / Lever Pullers (6) – Three for the North Side and Three for the South Side

GROUPS

Boss DPS

1 Hunter Tank
1 Healer

North Side Valve / Lever Team (5)

1 Tank
2 Valve Closers / Lever Pullers – DPS Classes (North A)
1 Healer + 1 Valve Closer / Lever Puller (North B)

South Side Valve / Lever Team (5)
1 Tank
2 Valve Closers / Lever Pullers DPS Classes (South A)
1 Healer + 1 Valve Closer / Lever Puller (South B)

THE START – POSITIONS

NORTH SIDE

Follow the white-dotted line, sticking tight to the walls (away from the boss).

The Boss DPS group positions themselves on the North Side (SEE MAP – HTR HEALER).

The North Side Tank positions themselves on the North Side at the Spawn Spot North (SEE MAP).

The rest of the North Side Valve / Lever Team positions themselves on the North Side at the white circle by the Tanking Location (SEE MAP).

SOUTH SIDE

Follow the white-dotted line, sticking tight to the walls (away from the boss).

The South Side Tank positions themselves on the South Side at the Spawn Spot South (SEE MAP).

The rest of the South Side Valve / Lever Team positions themselves on the South Side at the white circle by the Tanking Location (SEE MAP).

READY CHECK … GO !!!

SHORT EXPLANATION

There are 4 times when all 5 people on a team (North / South) will be required to close valves at the bottom and top;

– At the start immediately after all adds are dead (Grim held at 96%)
– After each Fire-Tender and their adds are dead (75%, 50%, and 25%)
– Continue DPS on Grim only if all valves are closed

At each 5% of the Grim’s morale (95%, 85%, 65%, 55%, 45%, 35%, 15%) [75% and 25% are Fire-Tender spawns – see below for instructions];

– North A and South A will close valves at the TOP
– North B and South B will close valves at the BOTTOM

At each 10% of the Grim’s morale (90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%*, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%**);

– North B and South B will close valves at the TOP

– Tanks pick up adds from their respective spawn locations and moves them to the tanking location (*at 50% there will also be a Fire-Tender) [**at 10% they kite the adds]
– North A and South A will close valves at the BOTTOM and then DPS adds

If at the X6% and Y1% of the Grim’s morale the valves are not fully closed;

– do not roll over the DPS to X5% and Y0%
– STOP, let the valve teams get them closed
– the tank may be able to help with a valve (if no adds up)

At 76%, 51%, and 26% of the Grim’s morale STOP DPS;

– 76% and 26% tanks wait at their respective FT Add spawn spots
– 51% tanks wait by their respective normal spawn spot (there will be a spawn here and at the FT add location)
– Everyone else runs to the Fire-Tender spawn location
– When in place, ranged will DPS boss to spawn the Fire-Tender

At 75%, 50%, and 25% the Fire-Tender will spawn;

The Fire-Tender will spawn. Minis should use Fellowships Heart and/or RKs can use Essay of Exaltation. Debuffs that increase damage are okay but melee classes have to be careful of the reflects +150% (T2 Only). The FT has a -80 IC Ranged and Tactical to the reflects are only +70% on them. The group needs to DPS the Fire-Tender down as quick as possible (note the mechanics of the Fire-Tender in the above section).

As soon as the FT is dead, the Hunter + Mini (Boss DPS team) head back to their position and begin DPSing the boss, a Captain can drop Oathbreaker’s on the boss. (STOP AT 71%).

At 14% left the tanks should kite the adds (10% mark) and everyone else all out DPS on the boss. NOTE: For T2C you need to see how much smoke is in your progress bar. If there is 1 unit you must continue to close valves; if there is 0 units you DPS the boss.

To accomplish T2C the group must be fluid. The valve teams are almost always in continuous motion from Bottom to Top, and back again with brief pauses to kill adds. If it is a smooth run the DPS on the boss should only stop at the following points; 96%, 76%, Fire-Tender, 71%, 51%, Fire-Tender, 46%, 26%, Fire-Tender, 21%.

FULL EXPLANATION

This next bit will seem overwhelming, but there is a 2 cycle pattern interrupted by the Fire-Tender (75%, 50%, and 25%).

BOSS HEALTH 100% – 96%

Hunter begins DPSing the boss with their dedicated Healer for support.

North team takes down the North adds; North Side Valve / Lever Team heads to the North Bottom Valve (SEE MAP) and each person closes the valve one notch. The entire North Side Valve / Lever Team then heads to the North Top Valve (SEE MAP) and each person closes the valve one notch. Both valves should now be completely closed. The North A team stays at the North Top Valve and the North B team heads to the North Bottom Valve. The tank heads to the Spawn Location North.

South team takes down the South adds; South Side Valve / Lever Team heads to the South Bottom Valve (SEE MAP) and each person closes the valve one notch. The entire South Side Valve / Lever Team then heads to the South Top Valve (SEE MAP) and each person closes the valve one notch. Both valves should now be completely closed. The South A team stays at the South Top Valve and the South B team heads to the South Bottom Valve. The tank heads to the Spawn Location South.

Once all valves are closed the Hunter begins DPS again

BOSS HEALTH 96% – 91%

North A closes the North Top Valve and runs to the North Bottom Valve. North B closes the North Bottom Valve and runs to the North Top Valve. Tank waits at the Spawn Location North.

South A closes the South Top Valve and runs to the South Bottom Valve. South B closes the South Bottom Valve and runs to the South Top Valve. Tank waits at the Spawn Location North.

All valves should be closed. Hunter continues DPS.

BOSS HEALTH 91% – 86%

At 90% adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North and the Spawn Location South. The respective tanks pick these up and bring them to their respective Tanking Locations.

North B closes the North Top Valve and runs to theTanking Location and DPSes the adds, they then head to the North Bottom Valve. North A closes the North Bottom Valve and runs to the Tanking Location and DPSes the adds, they then head to the North Top Valve.

South B closes the South Top Valve and runs to the Tanking Location and DPSes the adds, they then head to the South Bottom Valve. South A closes the South Bottom Valve and runs to the Tanking Location and DPSes the adds, they then head to the South Top Valve.

All valves should be closed. Hunter continues DPS.

BOSS HEALTH 86% – 81%

North A closes the North Top Valve and runs to the North Bottom Valve. North B closes the North Bottom Valve and runs to the North Top Valve. Tank waits at the Spawn Location North, however, if an extra tick has occurred and a valve opened they can run to it quickly and come back.

South A closes the South Top Valve and runs to the South Bottom Valve. South B closes the South Bottom Valve and runs to the South Top Valve. Tank waits at the Spawn Location North, however, if an extra tick has occurred and a valve opened they can run to it quickly and come back.

All valves should be closed. Hunter continues DPS.

BOSS HEALTH 81% – 76%

At 80% adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North and the Spawn Location South. The respective tanks pick these up and bring them to their respective Tanking Locations.

All valves should be closed.

EVERYONE heads to the Fire-Tender Spawn Location (SEE MAP). Tanks back up a bit to the FT Add Locations (SEE MAP).

Hunter DPSes to 75%.

BOSS HEALTH 75%

Adds will spawn at the FT Add Location. Tanks pick them up and hold them.

As soon as the FT is dead, the Hunter + Mini (Boss DPS team) head back to their position and begin DPSing the boss, a Captain can drop Oathbreaker’s on the boss. (STOP AT 71%).

BOSS HEALTH 71% – 66%

At 70% adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North and the Spawn Location South. The respective tanks pick these up and bring them to their respective Tanking Locations.

All valves should be closed.

BOSS HEALTH 66% – 61%

All valves should be closed. Hunter continues DPS.

BOSS HEALTH 61% – 56%

At 60% adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North and the Spawn Location South. The respective tanks pick these up and bring them to their respective Tanking Locations.

All valves should be closed.

BOSS HEALTH 56% – 51%

All valves should be closed.

EVERYONE except the tanks head to the Fire-Tender Spawn Location (SEE MAP). Tanks go to their respective Spawn Location North/South and wait. Once the boss is at 50% there will be a spawn. Drag those adds to the FT Add Location and grab them too.

Hunter DPSes to 50%.

BOSS HEALTH 50% (WARNING – TWO SPAWN LOCATIONS FOR ADDS)

Adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North, Spawn Location South, and the FT Add Locations. Tanks pick them up and hold them.

As soon as the FT is dead, the Hunter + Mini (Boss DPS team) head back to their position and begin DPSing the boss, a Captain can drop Oathbreaker’s on the boss. (STOP AT 46%).

BOSS HEALTH 46% – 41%

All valves should be closed. Hunter continues DPS.

BOSS HEALTH 41% – 36%

At 40% adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North and the Spawn Location South. The respective tanks pick these up and bring them to their respective Tanking Locations.

All valves should be closed.

BOSS HEALTH 36% – 31%

All valves should be closed. Hunter continues DPS.

BOSS HEALTH 31% – 26%

At 30% adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North and the Spawn Location South. The respective tanks pick these up and bring them to their respective Tanking Locations.

All valves should be closed.

EVERYONE heads to the Fire-Tender Spawn Location (SEE MAP). Tanks back up a bit to the FT Add Locations (SEE MAP).

Hunter DPSes to 25%.

BOSS HEALTH 25%

Adds will spawn at the FT Add Location. Tanks pick them up and hold them.

As soon as the FT is dead, the Hunter + Mini (Boss DPS team) head back to their position and begin DPSing the boss, a Captain can drop Oathbreaker’s on the boss. (STOP AT 21%).

DEPENDING ON TIME REMAINING AND SMOKE IN THE TUNNELS YOU MAY ELECT TO SKIP THE REMAINING STEPS AND ALL OUT DPS ON THE BOSS (T1 and T2 ONLY) BY HAVING EVERYONE MOVE TO WHERE THE FIRE-TENDER SPAWNS. THE ADDS WILL IGNORE YOU HERE.

BOSS HEALTH 21% – 16%

At 20% adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North and the Spawn Location South. The respective tanks pick these up and bring them to their respective Tanking Locations.

All valves should be closed.

BOSS HEALTH 16% – 11%

All valves should be closed. Hunter continues DPS.

DEPENDING ON TIME REMAINING AND SMOKE IN THE TUNNELS YOU MAY ELECT TO SKIP THE REMAINING STEPS AND ALL OUT DPS ON THE BOSS WITH THE TANKS KITING THEIR RESPECTIVE ADDS (T1, T2, and T2C). FOR T2C, IF AFTER THE 15% THERE IS NO SMOKE IN THE TUNNELS, EVERYONE SHOULD ALL OUT DPS THE BOSS.

BOSS HEALTH 11% – 6%

At 10% adds will spawn at the Spawn Location North and the Spawn Location South. The respective tanks pick these up and bring them to their respective Tanking Locations.

All valves should be closed.

BOSS HEALTH 6% – 0% (DEAD)

Everyone all out DPS on the boss.

—————————-

If you have found this information to be helpful please consider making a small donation to buy me a coffee (or beer).

Dadi's Lotro Guides

Raid Guide: The Fires of Smaug

Like this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Share this:

Like this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply