Goblin Squad Member
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Trying to find synergies when using a longsword and shield (yes I know shields suck and not all effects are working on mobs) and its a bit confusing. For this post I am ignoring Basic Longsword Strike/Exploit and Basic Shield Exploit as they don't level and I already have a +1 sword and shield. Also, this is for a solo Fighter 4 dwarf in heavy armor with longsword, longbow, hammer and axe proficiency, no criticals or reactives as I don't understand them.
(I imagine a fighter with a rogue or wizard as a party member would make different choices, but that is advance math. Baby steps....)
Starting with longsword primaries:
False Edge (Distressed (1 Round, 25% chance), Oblivious 5)
Iron Gate Wind (Parrying (1 Round) to Self)
Slash (Improved Critical +10)
Understike (Improved Critical +20, Distressed (1 Round, 50% chance))
And the shield secondary's:
Shield Bash (Interrupt||Exhausted 20 if Target has Opportunity)
Shield Block (Parrying (1 Round) to Self||Interrupt if Target is Dazed)
Shield Charge (Charge (10 meters) to Self||Knockback (10 meters) if Target has Unbalanced, Knockdown (2 seconds) if Target has Unbalanced)
Shield Slam (Knockdown (2 seconds) if Target is Distressed)
Step 1: Eliminate 2 choices as only 6 slots available: dropped Iron Gate Wind and Shield Block; both have "parry"; dropped just because...
Step 2: Look for words/conditions that match: False Edge, Understrike and Shield Slam (Distressed).
Step 3: Create combat queue;
(1) False Edge
(2) Slash
(3) Understrike
(4) Shield Bash
(5) Shield Slam
(6) Shield Charge
Step 4: Solicit Feedback
Is this a good rotation? How can I do better? What criticals would help in this case?
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Goblin Squad Member
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To my mind losing lunge and whirlwind hampers the longsword too much to ever consider a shield.
Shields would be far more viable if you could slot a combo of shield and weapon secondaries in the UI.
Translation: Shields Suck
I agree, but I need detailed info as to WHY they suck, so I can join Proxima Sin and her quest to get them improved. This is part of the effort, you objections noted. LOL
Not really. You have to think seriously about what "role" you're trying to fill in a group fighting situation. If you're just playing solo, then ignore my statement.
In a group, shield charge, bash, and slam could be quite useful for tackling.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Actually shield charge substitutes ok for lunge - but losing whirlwind is a game breaker.
If you're fighting in a group, particularly if a cleric is trying to stay close enough to heal you, slotting Whirlwind can be the game breaker. I think we're going to have to start using separate slot load-outs for solo combat and group combat.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Actually shield charge substitutes ok for lunge - but losing whirlwind is a game breaker.
The biggest problem with Shield Charge is it is only 10m, compared to Lunge 20m (and Passing Step, Charge, and most of the other gap-closers.)
To me, that is the nail in the coffin of Shields. Give up Whirlwind? Maaaaybe. Give up Whirlwind, Lunge, AND Thousand Cuts (which procs off of Distressed)... No chance.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Actually shield charge substitutes ok for lunge - but losing whirlwind is a game breaker.If you're fighting in a group, particularly if a cleric is trying to stay close enough to heal you, slotting Whirlwind can be the game breaker. I think we're going to have to start using separate slot load-outs for solo combat and group combat.
Well, the biggest issue with this, at this stage, is just player knowledge and communication. Once people become more accustomed to the fact that AoEs can hurt their friends, and their friends know the same, it should resolve itself. Make sure to develop a solid strike plan!
My usual combo is:
1. Lunge - nearest enemy to pull aggro on the whole camp
2. Whirlwind - While the all group on me and before my team-mates have entered the fray
3. Understrike > Thousand Cuts - once other melees are around
4. Iron Gate Ward - between Understrikes if they aren't proc'ing Distressed and if I need the defense
If you position and time that Whirlwind properly at the beginning, the rest of the battle should be easy-peasy.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Is this a good rotation? How can I do better? What criticals would help in this case?
As far as Reactive Feats, the most useful I find is Deafening Critical to key on the Oblivious state caused by False Edge and MOO: Stumble to key off Knockdown (if target is Distressed) caused by Understrike + Shield Slam.
Is there a better choice for Reactive Feats given the combat rotation above?