About SM: is there a good dps build or should i stick to the tanking role?

[Oficinaman]

Just as the title says, I'm totally new to the game and wanted a dps/tank hybrid. Also, I played High Elves in WH fantasy so my choice was clear. Anyway, I saw that the dps tree follows the Path of Khaine, but it seems that the abilities tied to Path of Hoeth and Vaul are better. I'm I right or it's just because I'm a noob? Any advice on how should I spec a and if the dps build is viable or its better just to tank or a dps/tank hybrid?

[peterthepan3]

khaine - ether dance, balanced accuracy, great weapon mastery, ensorcelled agony, potent enchantments. rest of points into hoeth. thats mine anyway, 950str

[roadkillrobin]

SnB dps spec is pretty decent aswell and you get more utillity.
RoR.builders - Sword Master

[Oficinaman]

Tyvm all. And where should I spend Renown Points? Crit %, crit resistance, weapon skill?

[Tolfhic]

Definitely not weapon skill. You can't stack near enough of it as a SM to make any real difference.

Only an amateur SM atm, but I'm placing my renown into Stength and Melee Crit and going for the same build peterthepan3 posted. Also went enough into Hoeth for the kd.

If you want more group utility though the build roadkillrobin posted is good for that. Whispering Winds is great for groups.

[GodlessCrom]

You definitely want a coordinated group for WW spec though. PUGs dont often take advantage of its effects, so it can end up being a bit wasted on them. Ether dance spec is more fun IMO, but 2h tanking is just more fun in general

[Marsares]

Tyvm all. And where should I spend Renown Points? Crit %, crit resistance, weapon skill?

If you go sword-n-shield: first block, then parry
If you go 2-hander: first parry, then strength

Weapon skill is no good... many of your skills are spirit based and you can debuff that yourself.

Or at least, that's what I do. You can reach ridiculous levels of parry with an SM (Renown Points, Gear, Eagles Flight, WoDS) which makes you much more survivable than any 2-hander tank I'd argue.

Yes, you can swap parry for melee crit, but if you're solo you are better off having more defense. Balanced Accuracy gives you sufficient melee crit.

[peterthepan3]

Aim for 900 str, run with a ww sm in your group, and enjoy chaining 3 ether dances on your target. Mdps sm.

[Marsares]

Aim for 900 str, run with a ww sm in your group, and enjoy chaining 3 ether dances on your target. Mdps sm.

Stick a WL in the party that benefits from your spirit debuff and the WW from the other SM, whilst using the tactic that turns one of its abilities (forgot the name!) into Spirit one and profit even further.