1) I see that u use for PVP one complete set of Profound Instigator. It's better to use a entire set to gain the deflection bonus, or it's better to use 2/2 to gain the extra critical?
I'm actually using the Grim Instigator for the HP bonus, and I'd recommend using the full 4/4 set... I just like the 4 set bonus, and 5% Deflection is hard to get anywhere else.
Greater Plaguefire is also nice (especially when going into open world pvp )
Yes, Greater Plaguefire is very good for PvP in the current meta, particularly open world! It's DoT effect, and ability to proc stacks, is very helpful to say the least... :cool:
Hey Kolat, I just respecced to SM, and have almost exact same as your build. I did 2 PK runs to compare as IV and SM. As SM, I slot Battlefury/IBS/Mighty Leap with Destroyer/steel blitz during entire run, except final boss where i replaced blitz with weapon master.
Up to reaching the final boss, my overall dmg reduced by about 40% compared when i was running IV with deep gash+sots.
Now this may varies cuz my CWs rarely pop singularity during my SM runs, and me still getting used to new encounter rotation + alternate weaving of WMS+wicked/SS.
So my question is this;
do u use battlefury during adds phase in dungeon clearing? If you are, i think something is wrong with my rotation, and Mighty leap might not be a viable 3rd encounter.
do u not use wicked strike at all during adds? cuz since there are no more WMS animation cancelling, and WMS dmg is inferior to wicked.
Hey Kolat, I just respecced to SM, and have almost exact same as your build. I did 2 PK runs to compare as IV and SM. As SM, I slot Battlefury/IBS/Mighty Leap with Destroyer/steel blitz during entire run, except final boss where i replaced blitz with weapon master.
Up to reaching the final boss, my overall dmg reduced by about 40% compared when i was running IV with deep gash+sots.
Now this may varies cuz my CWs rarely pop singularity during my SM runs, and me still getting used to new encounter rotation + alternate weaving of WMS+wicked/SS.
Ok, thanks for the info/research bud, always good to have information!
So my question is this;
do u use battlefury during adds phase in dungeon clearing? If you are, i think something is wrong with my rotation, and Mighty leap might not be a viable 3rd encounter.
do u not use wicked strike at all during adds? cuz since there are no more WMS animation cancelling, and WMS dmg is inferior to wicked.
1. I use Battle Fury for Adds/Bosses both.
2. I don't use Wicked Strike at all, ever. Weapon Master Strike + Sure Strike.
3. Third encounter is: Restoring Strike
4. Weapon Master Strike is used to set up increased damage on your Sure Strike and Encounter attacks.
Ok, thanks for the info/research bud, always good to have information!
1. I use Battle Fury for Adds/Bosses both.
2. I don't use Wicked Strike at all, ever. Weapon Master Strike + Sure Strike.
3. Third encounter is: Restoring Strike
4. Weapon Master Strike is used to set up increased damage on your Sure Strike and Encounter attacks.
You're welcome mi amigo! :cool:
I see. So during trash, you spam WMS huh.. About that third encounter, you use Restoring Strike during trash clearance as well? Since its a single target encounter, I think we could probably squeeze a bit more dps with AoE encounter.. perhaps Not So Fast, Roar, Punishing Charge ?
BTW, I'm loving the huge IBS numbers on WMS+BF buff
Note: I prefer Weapon Master over Steel Blitz, even on adds with a Perfect Vorpal. Not sure if that will change things for ya, just wanted to note that!
Note: I prefer Weapon Master over Steel Blitz, even on adds with a Perfect Vorpal. Not sure if that will change things for ya, just wanted to note that!
Thanks for the info bud. I'll try to do couple of runs to test them DPS wise
Hey there hope everyone has had a good weekend. Kolat not sure if you remember my post a couple pages back but man I have respecced so many times between now and then. Think I have found my place for now but I thought I would share my thoughts on steel blitz.
Hey there man, and yea I remember your post... So thanks for the info, more testing is always good! :cool:
I have done parsing and the best I was able to manage was steel blitz doing a 20th of my overall damage. And this was on a hard carry run in Karr where I did 16 mil. The less carrying that you do the worse steel blitz seems to do.
I can see that point, as obviously the more you are swinging at multiple baddies you'll proc Steel Blitz more and the better the overall party the less opportunity you'll have to do that. Makes sense to me...
Hello, Kolat. Looking back a page you note that you never use wicked strike, just WMS, even for clearing large groups. Could you clarify whether this is due to ideal damage, not wishing to switch powers between trash/boss, the always-irritating WS rubberbanding, etc.? Thanks very much!
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exaaMember, Neverwinter Beta UsersPosts: 1Arc User
edited May 2014
Hey kolat!
I'm really glad to see that almost everything I've been thinking in my own little testing and theorycrafting sessions was confirmed by you in this really nice spec for module 3! I guess it's either the only way to go right now, or I learned something from you in mod 2. Anyway, I find very interesting the way you use restorating strike, but there are a few things that make me think, and I'd like to know your opinion on these:
- Is the survivability you get from those 6 CON points actually noticeable while dealing with hard encounters?
- Don't you feel like 20 Dex is a little bit low? My toon has got a broken initial roll, and that's why I'm rerolling now.
- The Lightfoot Thief is indeed an interesting choice, but thing is: how much does it tick for?
- I'm also considering testing the Vanguard's Banner, mainly because the activation of the gwf's sigil is really slow, and i could use a few more hit points, not to mention it would benefit the whole party. What do you think of it and would you ever change it over your Thayan Book of the Dead, given the chance to get optimal stats anyway?
Hello, Kolat. Looking back a page you note that you never use wicked strike, just WMS, even for clearing large groups. Could you clarify whether this is due to ideal damage, not wishing to switch powers between trash/boss, the always-irritating WS rubberbanding, etc.?
This is because, in my experience, Weapon Master's Strike is used to set up increase my damages on my Encounter Powers and Sure Strike. It is, for a Swordmaster, superior to Wicked Strike for that fact.
I'm really glad to see that almost everything I've been thinking in my own little testing and theorycrafting sessions was confirmed by you in this really nice spec for module 3! I guess it's either the only way to go right now, or I learned something from you in mod 2. Anyway, I find very interesting the way you use restorating strike
It's worked well for me, and with the damage buffing/debuffing baddies Restoring Strike crits for nice numbers.
but there are a few things that make me think, and I'd like to know your opinion on these:
- Is the survivability you get from those 6 CON points actually noticeable while dealing with hard encounters?
It equated out to about 2.5-3k more Hitpoints I think, and it helps a bit yes... Though Con was raised more to be able to skyrocket Power by not having to stack as much ArmPen.
- Don't you feel like 20 Dex is a little bit low? My toon has got a broken initial roll, and that's why I'm rerolling now.
It's been fine for me, though it's 2% less Deflection and 4% less Critical Strike, the increase in Power from this stat allocation seems to make up for it IMO.
- The Lightfoot Thief is indeed an interesting choice, but thing is: how much does it tick for?
It ticks for 300 damage that is lowered by adds resistances... It's more for additional sustained damage and the DoT effect. Could be changed, but I've liked it thus far.
- I'm also considering testing the Vanguard's Banner, mainly because the activation of the gwf's sigil is really slow, and i could use a few more hit points, not to mention it would benefit the whole party. What do you think of it and would you ever change it over your Thayan Book of the Dead, given the chance to get optimal stats anyway?
I like the damage % increase from the Sigil of the Great Weapon Fighter, along with it's damage decrease. I'd have to look at it, as the Thayan Book of the Dead's stat's are pretty nice IMO. Worth testing though of course...
Hey, i really like this build(why i've been asking quite a few questions) but on the 2nd boon of IWD,why did you take Stamina/guard gain? My reason to say this is because the 250 healing bonus=3%, though i heard that 3% adds to lifesteal, Regen. etc. so wouldn't Restoring Strike work a little more effectively with it,Because i have sometimes got hit with Restoring that has given me 32k health(so instant heal) but when i don't that extra 3% would be nice.What is your thoughts on this??
Possible scratch that out,now i'm hearing it doesn't effect anything except DC heals and pots
I didn't think it impacted Life Steal or Regeneration, however if it does then that is definitely something to take... lol
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sorcerer78Member, Neverwinter Beta UsersPosts: 12Arc User
edited June 2014
Hello and thnx for the a great read!!!
Any update on the last 2 IWD boons??
EDIT: What do you think about the new Chicken companion!?
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binto1Member, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 11Arc User
edited June 2014
Holy HAMSTER....perfect bonding runestones are worth 7 mil each...and you have 3. I've been playing for a year and I haven't made anywhere near that kind of AD. Care to share your secret? Deep pockets?
EDIT: What do you think about the new Chicken companion!?
I am getting one for novelty alone! LOL
Not good for a Destro build, as since they fixed the 'Poultry Power' ability to not trigger Bonding Runestone, it's offensive capabilities are lacking and Ioun Stone of Might is still better for PvE.
Holy HAMSTER....perfect bonding runestones are worth 7 mil each...and you have 3. I've been playing for a year and I haven't made anywhere near that kind of AD. Care to share your secret? Deep pockets?
Gotta work the Auction House, buy Zen low and sell high, while making awesome trades...
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binto1Member, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 11Arc User
edited June 2014
I am not worthy sir...
Also, what do you think of Flourish? I see a lot of GWF's using restoring strike, but I've always like Flourish better. I could be wrong.
Also, what do you think of Flourish? I see a lot of GWF's using restoring strike, but I've always like Flourish better. I could be wrong.
Flourish is solid. I have just found that the quicker animation, and shorter cool down time, of Restoring Strike (and Takedown for that matter) to simply be better when using the Swordmaster Paragon path.
Just my experience talking here bud... :cool:
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sorcerer78Member, Neverwinter Beta UsersPosts: 12Arc User
Not good for a Destro build, as since they fixed the 'Poultry Power' ability to not trigger Bonding Runestone, it's offensive capabilities are lacking and Ioun Stone of Might is still better for PvE.
What exactly does 'Poultry Power' do while we are at it?
Hello mates. First, thx kola for a great guide. I started to play as a GWF and read a lot about guides and builds. I would like to choose between yours or Misa's pve/pvp hybrid build, or maybe merge both a bit. Is your build viable in domination pvp? Not against premades, but just pugs? I cant afford to have separate characters to pve and pvp due of lack of time, u know, children and so Any advices about what to do? Cheers!
Hello mates. First, thx kola for a great guide. I started to play as a GWF and read a lot about guides and builds. I would like to choose between yours or Misa's pve/pvp hybrid build, or maybe merge both a bit. Is your build viable in domination pvp? Not against premades, but just pugs? I cant afford to have separate characters to pve and pvp due of lack of time, u know, children and so Any advices about what to do? Cheers!
I think you will struggle to pvp with this build. Swordmaster lacks mobility and you'll find without threatening rush, some classes will be impossible to touch. I imagine that Leroy can get away with murder due to his fairly high end gear setup. Most people don't have the time or the disposable income to manage it. I think you'll be forced to go Iron Vanguard.
Punishing is the shining when it comes to building Ap especially with cw's in party
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fr3akout3Member, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Knight of the Feywild UsersPosts: 72
edited June 2014
Great guide Leeroy, seems like you are playing a bit of DPS and Support, that's nice of you
You should give the new IV a go, you may like it. (Test Servers of course Personal preference as always). I assume you have Rank 10's? and pretty much everything maxed? I was running SM as well, doing perfect rotations etc, new module and recent changes I have changed to the IV, loving it! The surviverbility is just far too great.
Surprised you didn't go with the Feat "Toughness" as well? A bit of HP always helps.
If you give IV a go, try these Passives sometimes, Destroyer + Trample / Encounters always slotted Front Line + ISB and optional, depending on the situation (NSF/ROAR/BATTLE FURY/RESTORING) Whatever you want to bring to the party + enchant. Have a squash soup + potion of Heroism + Feat Vicious Adv and your crit chance should be around 47% (not bad without WM slotted)
You will see of course a lot of 100K + ISB hits + 50 - 80 K yellow, non crit hits.
A bit of life steal, and you will be the ultimate Support/Dps Machine/Tank
We are always here to learn new things but SM seems a bit too squishy now in my opinion
Swordmaster, even with Roar, is rough in PvP so I'd highly recommend Iron Vanguard if you plan on PvPing on a regular basis. You can use Swordmaster, however it just isn't as good... At all, for PvP.
I am currently working on a Iron Vanguard PvE Destroyer build, which would still be decent at PvP. Hope to have it updated in the coming week...
Did a lot of traveling for work and school the past few weeks so I am behind on Icewind Dale, but I'll be updating on Black Ice testing as soon as I can also!
Comments
I'm actually using the Grim Instigator for the HP bonus, and I'd recommend using the full 4/4 set... I just like the 4 set bonus, and 5% Deflection is hard to get anywhere else.
I still run Perfect Vorpal man, as +50% Crit Severity is just still too good to pass up.
You're welcome... :cool:
Up to reaching the final boss, my overall dmg reduced by about 40% compared when i was running IV with deep gash+sots.
Now this may varies cuz my CWs rarely pop singularity during my SM runs, and me still getting used to new encounter rotation + alternate weaving of WMS+wicked/SS.
So my question is this;
do u use battlefury during adds phase in dungeon clearing? If you are, i think something is wrong with my rotation, and Mighty leap might not be a viable 3rd encounter.
do u not use wicked strike at all during adds? cuz since there are no more WMS animation cancelling, and WMS dmg is inferior to wicked.
Thx in advance bud!
1. I use Battle Fury for Adds/Bosses both.
2. I don't use Wicked Strike at all, ever. Weapon Master Strike + Sure Strike.
3. Third encounter is: Restoring Strike
4. Weapon Master Strike is used to set up increased damage on your Sure Strike and Encounter attacks.
You're welcome mi amigo! :cool:
I see. So during trash, you spam WMS huh.. About that third encounter, you use Restoring Strike during trash clearance as well? Since its a single target encounter, I think we could probably squeeze a bit more dps with AoE encounter.. perhaps Not So Fast, Roar, Punishing Charge ?
BTW, I'm loving the huge IBS numbers on WMS+BF buff
I can see that point, as obviously the more you are swinging at multiple baddies you'll proc Steel Blitz more and the better the overall party the less opportunity you'll have to do that. Makes sense to me...
Good deal bud, many thanks for the information!
I'm really glad to see that almost everything I've been thinking in my own little testing and theorycrafting sessions was confirmed by you in this really nice spec for module 3! I guess it's either the only way to go right now, or I learned something from you in mod 2. Anyway, I find very interesting the way you use restorating strike, but there are a few things that make me think, and I'd like to know your opinion on these:
- Is the survivability you get from those 6 CON points actually noticeable while dealing with hard encounters?
- Don't you feel like 20 Dex is a little bit low? My toon has got a broken initial roll, and that's why I'm rerolling now.
- The Lightfoot Thief is indeed an interesting choice, but thing is: how much does it tick for?
- I'm also considering testing the Vanguard's Banner, mainly because the activation of the gwf's sigil is really slow, and i could use a few more hit points, not to mention it would benefit the whole party. What do you think of it and would you ever change it over your Thayan Book of the Dead, given the chance to get optimal stats anyway?
Thank you for sharing your hard work with us
- Sanctuary -
You're welcome bud!
Hey there!
It's worked well for me, and with the damage buffing/debuffing baddies Restoring Strike crits for nice numbers.
It equated out to about 2.5-3k more Hitpoints I think, and it helps a bit yes... Though Con was raised more to be able to skyrocket Power by not having to stack as much ArmPen.
It's been fine for me, though it's 2% less Deflection and 4% less Critical Strike, the increase in Power from this stat allocation seems to make up for it IMO.
It ticks for 300 damage that is lowered by adds resistances... It's more for additional sustained damage and the DoT effect. Could be changed, but I've liked it thus far.
I like the damage % increase from the Sigil of the Great Weapon Fighter, along with it's damage decrease. I'd have to look at it, as the Thayan Book of the Dead's stat's are pretty nice IMO. Worth testing though of course...
No worries man, my pleasure!
Any update on the last 2 IWD boons??
EDIT: What do you think about the new Chicken companion!?
As yet no, but I'll try and throw something up in the coming days...
I am getting one for novelty alone! LOL
Not good for a Destro build, as since they fixed the 'Poultry Power' ability to not trigger Bonding Runestone, it's offensive capabilities are lacking and Ioun Stone of Might is still better for PvE.
Gotta work the Auction House, buy Zen low and sell high, while making awesome trades...
Also, what do you think of Flourish? I see a lot of GWF's using restoring strike, but I've always like Flourish better. I could be wrong.
Flourish is solid. I have just found that the quicker animation, and shorter cool down time, of Restoring Strike (and Takedown for that matter) to simply be better when using the Swordmaster Paragon path.
Just my experience talking here bud... :cool:
What exactly does 'Poultry Power' do while we are at it?
I think you will struggle to pvp with this build. Swordmaster lacks mobility and you'll find without threatening rush, some classes will be impossible to touch. I imagine that Leroy can get away with murder due to his fairly high end gear setup. Most people don't have the time or the disposable income to manage it. I think you'll be forced to go Iron Vanguard.
You should give the new IV a go, you may like it. (Test Servers of course
Surprised you didn't go with the Feat "Toughness" as well? A bit of HP always helps.
If you give IV a go, try these Passives sometimes, Destroyer + Trample / Encounters always slotted Front Line + ISB and optional, depending on the situation (NSF/ROAR/BATTLE FURY/RESTORING) Whatever you want to bring to the party + enchant. Have a squash soup + potion of Heroism + Feat Vicious Adv and your crit chance should be around 47% (not bad without WM slotted)
You will see of course a lot of 100K + ISB hits + 50 - 80 K yellow, non crit hits.
A bit of life steal, and you will be the ultimate Support/Dps Machine/Tank
We are always here to learn new things but SM seems a bit too squishy now in my opinion
I am currently working on a Iron Vanguard PvE Destroyer build, which would still be decent at PvP. Hope to have it updated in the coming week...
Did a lot of traveling for work and school the past few weeks so I am behind on Icewind Dale, but I'll be updating on Black Ice testing as soon as I can also!