In most places, a 4% tome would make the upgrade to Ward (f) completely negligible, if an increase at all. There's no room for a shield between ward and ward (f) unless they increase the scale of mage% offhands (they should also definitely do this)
#Osto-Ayak Drop Proposal
hazy veldt
dusk pendant
It is probably a negligible difference but I imagine it would land nicely price wise. There is only a 2 strength difference between Faceguard and Torva helm but when you have the gp you buy the best. So until you have the money and level to afford an Elidnis' Ward (f) you use the tome?
clever prism
1% magic damage and 2 str are not comparable in that way really, also why not just buff the ward more? That way we actually create 1h weapons that can stand against shadow better
stiff cairn