Overview
The Thidranki Bolstering system ensures fair and competitive gameplay by temporarily scaling lower-level characters to match the battleground's intended power level. This system allows players of all levels (10-35) to compete on equal footing.
How Bolstering Works
Automatic Activation
- Activates immediately upon entering Thidranki
- Scales your character to Level 35 regardless of actual level
- Effect persists through death, resurrection, and skill changes
- Automatically removed when leaving the battleground
Visual Indicator
- Effect Icon: Shield icon
- Name: "Thidranki Bolster"
- Delve shows exact stat bonuses gained
Stat Scaling System
Primary Stats
Your character's stats are intelligently scaled based on:
Stat Type | Scaling Method |
Primary Stat | +1 per level gained through bolstering |
Secondary Stat | +1 every 2 levels (starting at level 6) |
Tertiary Stat | +1 every 3 levels (starting at level 6) |
Constitution | Always receives primary stat treatment |
Item Bonus Scaling
- Current item bonuses are calculated as a percentage of your maximum potential
- This percentage is maintained when scaled to level 35
- Minimum guarantee: Class-important stats maintain at least 30% effectiveness
- Formula:
New Bonus = (Current Bonus / Current Cap) × Level 35 Cap
Example: If you have 15 STR bonus at level 20 (50% of cap), you'll have 26 STR bonus when bolstered (50% of level 35 cap).
Specialization & Spell Scaling
Specialization Points
Your specializations scale proportionally to level 35:
- Base line specs scale at 100% rate
- Trained specs scale based on their percentage of your current level
- Example: 15 points in a spec at level 20 becomes 26 points when bolstered
Spell Upgrades
- Spells are automatically upgraded to higher-tier versions
- Upgrade mapping preserves your spell selection pattern
- If you have the first 3 spells in a line, you'll receive the equivalent first 3 spells at the bolstered level
- Spell groups (AoE, instant, targeted) are preserved during upgrade
Combat Scaling
Weapon Damage
- Weapon DPS is normalized to level 35 standards
- Formula:
DPS = 12 + 3 × 35 = 117 (11.7 DPS)
- Quality and condition modifiers still apply
Armor Factor
- Cloth armor: Level × 1
- All other armor types: Level × 2
- Base AF buffs apply before cap calculations
- Armor bonuses scale based on current gear percentage
Special Adjustments
- Miss chance calculations use bolstered armor bonus values
- Damage against NPCs receives additional effectiveness bonus for lower-level players
Entry Requirements
Level Range
- Minimum: Level 10
- Maximum: Level 35
- Players above level 35 cannot enter Thidranki
Access Points
Speak to battleground teleporters in your realm's main city:
- Albion: Camelot Hills teleporter
- Midgard: Jordheim teleporter
- Hibernia: Tir na Nog teleporter
Strategic Considerations
- Higher actual level provides access to more abilities and spells
- Better gear quality at lower levels can provide advantages when scaled
- Specialization distribution matters - focused specs often perform better than spread specs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I be as strong as a natural level 35?
A: You'll be very close in terms of stats and damage output. Natural 35s will have advantages in ability selection and realm abilities.
Q: Do I keep my bolster if I die?
A: Yes, the bolster effect persists through death and resurrection.
Q: Can I respec while bolstered?
A: Yes, and your new specialization distribution will be recalculated for the bolstered level.
Q: What happens to my buffs when entering?
A: All buffs except the bolster effect are removed upon entering Thidranki.
Q: Does gear level matter?
A: Yes, the percentage of stat cap your gear provides is maintained when scaled, so better relative gear gives better bolstered stats.