[Swordmaster]Why are our tactics so bad?

[TenTonHammer]

My issue is that the SM has no useful tactics

Thats not completely fair to say:

balanced accuracy, lingering intimidation, ishas protection, impeccable reactions, potent enchantments, and ofc the classic rugged


Just because you cant run as much shennagins as Le Balanced Bananna Knight dosnt mean all that all SM tactics are “garbage”/useful

[Azarael]

I think the issue is that many of the tactics that have been listed are for personal defense:

- Calming Winds, Rugged, Isha's Protection, Impeccable Reactions, Perfect Defenses and Vaul's Buffer.

Then you have tactics that are for attack:

- Greatweapon Mastery, Balanced Accuracy, Ensorcelled Agony, Potent Enchantments, Deep Incision (lol)

Lingering Intimidation is the only one that can be defined as both group-benefitting and useful.

Meanwhile, tactics like Encouraged Aim, Slice Through and Dirty Tricks benefit the entire group. I hold a special hatred for Slice Through, because one of the benefits of the Balance mechanic (quick double snare) is made a mockery of by it, and as is consistent with KotBS, the implementation requires no brains.

[altharion1]

My issue is that the SM has no useful tactics

Thats not completely fair to say:

balanced accuracy, lingering intimidation, ishas protection, impeccable reactions, potent enchantments, and ofc the classic rugged


Just because you cant run as much shennagins as Le Balanced Bananna Knight dosnt mean all that all SM tactics are “garbage”/useful

U are wasting your time as SM if u can't find a single good tact...
To name some: Ensorcelled Agony (only 1 i'd call must have for every build atm); Potent Enchantments (spir dps? or crappy corp?); Calming Winds (wonderful anti-caster tool if u manage to stay in PS as much as possible); Perfect Defenses (same but for parry/block %); Lingering Intimidation (25% less crit chance spammable); Vaul Buffer (perfect synergy with both CW and PD); BA (must have for a offence/tank).
Plus rugged/Isha prot which are shared.
How can't u find 3 good tacts? xD

I like both changes proposed by aza, that 2 tact are almost useless atm, Forceful Shock for sure

Lingering intimidation is the only tactic mentioned above that is actually of any use.

-EA, PE Terrible low ticking dots. Go play a DPS class and see just how bad these are in comparison.
-Calming Winds, vauls buffer and Perfect defences - Zero group benefits, selfish suvivability tactics - grats you'll be the last to die in your group.

Play a serious 6v6 as a SM. You'll never feel so pointless

[Gobtar]

Meanwhile, tactics like Encouraged Aim, Slice Through and Dirty Tricks benefit the entire group. I hold a special hatred for Slice Through, because one of the benefits of the Balance mechanic (quick double snare) is made a mockery of by it, and as is consistent with KotBS, the implementation requires no brains.

Playing a knight has actually been too much of a "cushioning" experience, with how good knights are, Tank Mechanics seem more like a handicap more than a boon. I definitely don't feel the Effort=Reward of playing mechanic based tanks. You need to put so much effort to make these classes "mediocre" at best. While the Knight can practically AFK and still be the best tank to take.

[Vaul]

How about some new tactics that make Blade Enchants better. E.g. Higher proc rate, proc on defence as well as attack, reduced AP cost so they can be switched more readily. Or an added effect, like a snare.

[Azarael]

SM would benefit from losing some of its offensive and defensive tactics in exchange for ones with better group utility, imo. Of the offensive tactics, I would rework Centuries of Training (I know it's a racial) and remove Deep Incision. Of the defensive tactics... honestly, I don't know.

Oh, and some of the existing supporting tactics need a look at. Blessing of Heaven is one I've never seen used, and it being a constant-power effect doesn't help. Bolstering Enchantments is another one. These ones also spread their effect too thinly for anyone to care.

[Gobtar]

How about some new tactics that make Blade Enchants better. E.g. Higher proc rate, proc on defence as well as attack, reduced AP cost so they can be switched more readily. Or an added effect, like a snare.

I know the 1.4.9 changes have been brought to Az's knowledge...so i am not going post them here but maybe tactics that support their implementation would be favoured. The two core tactics Az mentioned would already add a alot more in the ways of group utility. I agree that Lingering Intimidation is the only real tactic that brings group utility, more tactics that follow suit would be welcomed.

[Azarael]

1.4.9 could be linked into tactics, Hoeth 13 giving Heaven's Blade the 1.4.9 buff for example.

[Gobtar]

1.4.9 could be linked into tactics, Hoeth 13 giving Heaven's Blade the 1.4.9 buff for example.

Do you feel the 1.4.9 enchantment/bellow buff would be too powerful without a tactic concession?

[Azarael]

If I remember correctly, Heaven's Blade was buffed supremely to be an AoE armour + resistance steal for the group. I think that's pretty insane, and it stinks like KotBS. I'd rather not see that become core on SM.

Either stealing for the group or debuffing the enemy would be what I'd advocate, but of course the group steal runs into a little problem called "armor pots" in terms of its usefulness... items killing abilities yet again.