Give Shield Warrior more DPS options

[Arionthe]

Give SW a weaker (compared to DW) bleed DPS option to open up more playstyles.
This can be done rather easily by change one weapon bonus/set bonus.

Sanguinarius: instead of a low proc % 5% max HP heal, a weaker version of Grievous Wounds: Your critical hits cause the target to bleed for 5% extra damage over 6 seconds.

The Vampiric Blades Set bonus: Grievous Wounds effect increased by 200% (thus 15% extra damage like it currently is).

So DW still reigns supreme with bleed, but now SW can use bleed if they want to.

The real advantage of this change is two fold. One easier bossing compared to now (6+min boss is a chore). Alternative way to achieve recovery. Instead of relying on LoH, which SW isn't optimized for (slower attack speed), now SW can use sw (shockwave) for HP based heal. To maximize bleed dps, one has to be strategic about timing of skills. Currently there isn't much timing needed for SW build. This will give it a little more depth. Also goes someway to address one of SW's biggest handicaps should the player devote the LoH budget to vit (armor bypassing attacks).

[Vinataba]

you just care about your SW. How about DW? they lose 5% max HP heal and nothing to compensate.

[Arionthe]

DW bleed uses shockwave constantly. You do know that's about 120% over 6 secs right? So 5% max HP is rather minor especially as I was told the proc % is very low. But to satisfy any no nerf cries... just add that 5% heal to the other sword... there you lose nothing.

[Arionthe]

In a fantasy setting, a shield warrior is typically thought of as the paladin, smiting foes and what not. Dual wielding barbarians are the more savage kind, whirling destruction to all that come into their path. In our beloved game, DW has two DPS models, direct damage (WW, Devastate etc) and bleed. Why can't the shield warrior have access to both as well?

Just as a tribal warrior can be both good or evil, a shield wielding armored tank can be both the God Fearing Paladin, or the antithesis Antipaladin.

Btw Blackguard is closer to antipaladin than paladin. So just the existence of a set named after blackguard should suggest that shield warrior aren't all do-gooders. They aren't a fun bunch.

Red (Developer) Adrian (Developer)

Here is my suggestion to revamp the weapon sets for shield warrior. Also taking cue from the DW weapon sets, one for direct damage, one for bleed.

Set Name: Templar/Crusader's Vestments
Goal: Direct Damage
Shield: Aegis of Faith, Special: Aura of Protection, 30% chance a successful block to trigger a shield bubble and gain 30% Max HP heal over 5 secs. This can not proc more than once every 5 secs.
Weapon: Holy Avenger (sword), Special: Smite, 10% chance to trigger shield slam on attack, ICD 5 attacks
Set Bonus: Holy Smite, Selected Target takes 50% extra damage from shield slam, extra damage stackable to 5

Set Name: Blackguard's Cruelty
Goal: Bleed Damage
Shield: Vile Shroud (buckler), Special: Aura of Vengeance, 30% chance to immediately recover 1 Shield Block charge on successful crit block, can not proc more than once every 30 secs
Weapon: Blackguard's Morningstar (mace), Special: Grievous Wounds, 7% extra damage as bleed over next 10 secs (weaker, longer duration than vampiric blades)
Set Bonus: Unholy Resilience: Takes 50% less damage when HP less than 50%

There they are. Thematically compatible. Both addresses the bossing problem SW has.

[Arionthe]

Seems like for DW, the bleed set is far superior than the WW/direct damage set. Here is a thematic suggestion for a weapon set to change all that.

Set Name: Path of the Berserker
Goal: Direct Damage
Axe 1: Berserker Axe, Special: +1000 parry while WW
Axe 2: Unleashed Fury, Special: Devastate also triggers BR (lvl10)
Set Bonus: Berserker Rage: Target receives 10% more damage on crit for 5 secs, stackable to 20.

Gives DW a way to ramp up damage when bossing as well as making WW more durable. Plus giving the free BR will allow DW to have another skill in the battle.

[Shilien]

I love your suggestions as much as fanfic alternative scenario for GOT. It means a lot.

[Arionthe]

I love your suggestions as much as fanfic alternative scenario for GOT. It means a lot.

Thanks... just looking for more options and diversities. If the suggestions can fit thematically, even better.