With the introduction of essences came a great degree of customization. With this however, also comes a great deal of calculations to maximize what pieces of gear you choose and what essences to slot in to it. Math is not everyone’s forte and the choices can become muddied.

Ex. Runekeeper

You want to max out your Tactical Mastery: should you choose to slot Will essences or Tactical Mastery?

Supreme Essence of Will = 149 Will + 374 Tactical Mastery

149 x 8 = 1,192 Tactical Mastery (1 Will = 8 Tactical Mastery )

374 T. Mastery already on it

Total = 1,566 Tactical Mastery

Supreme Essence of Tactical Mastery = 1,310 Tactical Mastery + 374 Critical Rating

Therefore, you should choose Will over T. Mastery as it will give you 256 more points in to Tactical Mastery.

Fortunately there is an online tool (available in English and German) to help you plan your gear and essences without relying on in game trial and error.

LOTRO ONLINE ESSENCE CALCULATOR (created by CaerArianrhod of the LOTRO forums)

LOTRO Essence Calculator (LOTRO Essenz-Kalkulator)

Available in English and German

Only works with characters that are 105

Level 100 gear and level 105 gear works

Includes the 18.2 raid gear

Ability to toggle between T1 and T2 caps

Shows you stat caps

Ability to link your stats

Instructions and FAQs

U18 Essence Guide: http://dadislotroguides.com/u18-105-essence-guide/

Essence Gear Bartering: http://dadislotroguides.com/2-slotted-essence-gear-tradable/

Essence Gear Drop Locations: http://dadislotroguides.com/105-featured-instance-gear-drop-locations/

Getting Essences With Rep: http://dadislotroguides.com/105-essences-without-relying-on-a-rng/