Blade Cloak

WikileaksEU

This skill is ok, but it lacks a purpose. Does it want to do damage or does it want to defend?
Please change the morphs and buff them up. Because right now it feels weak compared to other skills in certain builds.

The damage is every 3 seconds and you take 20% less dmg from aoe. I like the concept, but it's just much weaker than other skills.

Bouldercleave

I have thought the same thing many times. I want to use it, but I just can't find any really good situation for it.

WikileaksEU

Bouldercleave wrote: »

I have thought the same thing many times. I want to use it, but I just can't find any really good situation for it.

It would be good if there was an offensive morph and a defensive morph. Then it would be available in alot of situations.

The offensive morph could increase the damage and the pulse from 3 sec to 1.5 sec. While keeping the 20% aoe dmg reduction.

The defensive morph could steal health from enemies every pulse instead of the
increased dmg. While keeping the 20% aoe dmg reduction.

Bouldercleave

I like the way you think!

Rataroto

its a defensive skill, and it rocks on trials, its a free dps skill, as steel tornado is no longer on our bars, also reducing the damage from aoe

WikileaksEU

Rataroto wrote: »

its a defensive skill, and it rocks on trials, its a free dps skill, as steel tornado is no longer on our bars, also reducing the damage from aoe

I use both in my build. It's pretty underwhelming compares to other skills though.

leepalmer95

It reduced the dmg of jabs/sweeps by 20%, useful in a duel.

UltimaJoe777

There actually IS an "offensive" and "defensive" morph. Deadly cloak increases the damage and Quick Cloak gives speed buff.

Xelrick

Deadly cloak used to be a 3 in one skill as you could threw a blade afterward <-- made flying blade pointless at the time...also the no stamina cost blade also was bug so you could spam knife throw for 10 seconds while debuffed with silence.

It on my main bar to do that little extra damage while using other skills and save me from high damaging AoEs
I used to used this with proxy det. Because it help knock away damage shield and protect from seiges.

WikileaksEU

UltimaJoe777 wrote: »

There actually IS an "offensive" and "defensive" morph. Deadly cloak increases the damage and Quick Cloak gives speed buff.

Not enough. It's too weak.

Gargath

I use it on my DK tank, usually on start with group of mobs, followed by Inhale/Draw Essence - very good both for taking aggro on mobs and doing first damage before DDs use whirlwind/other finishers. I like both.

stevepdodson_ESO888

a perfect addition to this skill would be to give the 20% Weap Dmg boost here instead of Flying Blade... that way you don't actually have to target something to get the buff (and then you no longer need 2H on the other bar)

WikileaksEU

stevepdodson_ESO888 wrote: »

a perfect addition to this skill would be to give the 20% Weap Dmg boost here instead of Flying Blade... that way you don't actually have to target something to get the buff (and then you no longer need 2H on the other bar)

True. I only use Hidden Blade for the 20% extra dps. Otherwise it's just a pretty useless skill.
Hidden Blade could instead get an AoE version morpg and a hard hitting single target version morph.

Brutusmax1mus

Quick cloak is amazing. On pve it will save you life by either reducing damage, or helping you get out of 1 shot mechanics. In vet coh i taunt and run on a stamina nightblade. Boss didn't even touch me.

In pvp it decreases damage taken from so so so many skills by 20% including siege! 6 seconds of speed for dirt cheap and using the stamina pool is incredible. Couple the speed buff with a snare and you literally can run circles around people.

There is a reason zos continuously nerfs speed. Bc it's a big that when combined with skill can be used very effectively.

The damage it gives of just a perk.

UltimaJoe777

WikileaksEU wrote: »

stevepdodson_ESO888 wrote: »

a perfect addition to this skill would be to give the 20% Weap Dmg boost here instead of Flying Blade... that way you don't actually have to target something to get the buff (and then you no longer need 2H on the other bar)

True. I only use Hidden Blade for the 20% extra dps. Otherwise it's just a pretty useless skill.
Hidden Blade could instead get an AoE version morpg and a hard hitting single target version morph.

I beg to differ. I find Flying Blade is quite useful as a ranged attack that gives the Major Brutality buff AND snares.

If you think it's weak then I'm thinking you probably want everything's damage on par with Snipe, Crystal Frags, Uppercut, etc.

Jar_Ek

My issue isn't so much what it does but thematically. It just doesn't feel much like it has anything to do with using 2 weapons. Based on an old thread I would think something like:

New Skill Suggestions
These are intended as possible replacements for Blade Cloak and Hidden Blade.
The Parry/Riposte and Ferocity skills both work off a similar premise (i.e. combine offensive and defensives buffs) and are suggestions as replacements for Blade Cloak, the Feint and Leaping Strike skills are suggestions to replace Hidden Blade.
The best options are probably “Feint” (with Hidden Blade and Wind-runner’s Illusion) to replace “Hidden Blade” and “Parry and Riposte” (with Flashing Blades and Deadly Ferocity).

Parry and Riposte
Suggestion:
New skill called “Parry and Riposte” to replace Blade Cloak.
This provides a minor evasion and minor protection buff for 20s, and grants major Brutality for 20s.
If a melee attack is evaded (or blocked), then the attacker is immediately/automatically struck by a light attack and is immobolised for 1.5s.
Reason:
This provides a utility skill which gives set of minor defensive buffs and provides a (weapon) damage buff that can be pre-cast. It has a chance to trigger a secondary effect, triggering all light attack effects and causing a short immobolisation (which triggers Ruffian).
Possible morphs
Lightning Reflexes (Morph of Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
This now provides major evasion (rather than minor) and ability duration is increased to 30s at max rank
Reason:
Has a greater chance to trigger the secondary effect and provides a good short-term defence.
Flashing Blades (Morph of Parry and Riposte or Ferocity)
Suggestion:
Skill provides a major expedition buff as Quick Cloak did.
Reason:
This allows the melee fighter to stay in melee combat more easily.

Ferocity
Suggestion:
New skill to replace blade cloak.
This skill provides defensive and offensive buffs based on the weapons used (20s to 30s at max rank):
Weapon: Offensive(MH). Offensive (OH). Defensive (MH). Defensive (OH)
Axes: Brutality. Berserk. Evasion. Vitality
Maces: Brutality. Brutality. Resolve. Vitality
Swords: Brutality. Brutality. Resolve. Protection
Daggers: Force. Force. Evasion. Evasion
The buff is minor for a single occurrence of a specific buff and major for two occurrences [i.e. Twin Daggers would give major Force and major Evasion].
Reason:
This is a pre-cast buff that can be tailored to play-style through weapon selection and provides the equivalent of a major offensive and defensive buff – however this could be somewhat complex.
Destructive Ferocity (Morph of Ferocity or Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
Light and Heavy attacks (alternatively critical strikes) made whilst the Ferocity (Parry/Riposte) buff is active apply / reapply a debuff to targets hit:
Axes: Mangle (3s)
Maces: Fracture (3s)
Swords: Maim (3s)
Daggers: Defile (3s)
The buff is minor for a single weapon of type and major for two weapons of type (weapon swap will change the current effect).
Reason:
This morph can be tailored to play-style through weapon selection and provides synergistic debuffs to support melee combat.
Deadly Ferocity (Morph of Ferocity or Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
Whilst Ferocity (Parry/Riposte) buff is active, all bleeding, debuffed, and snared opponents are affected by the Ruffian passive (as well as the disabled ones).
Reason:
Provides a passive damage boost to all DW skills through skill line synergy

Feint
Suggestion:
New skill called “Feint” to replace Hidden Blade.
This is a misdirection and attack in one move, feinting with one weapon and striking with the other. It is a melee range, high damage, instant, single target attack that provides Empower (extra damage on next attack) and snares the target hit.
Reasoning:
This is a direct replacement for Hidden Blade, but makes it melee ranged and hence higher damage and it provides an Empower buff (assuming Brutality has been moved to another skill – otherwise it would probably need to be major Brutality).
It is also far more in keeping with the use of two weapons in melee combat.
Possible morphs
Hidden Blade (Morph of Feint)
Suggestion:
This is a misdirection and a thrown attack in one move. It is a ranged version of Feint but also interrupts and has the same range and damage as Flying Blade currently has.
Reasoning:
This keeps a ranged option within the skill line
Wind-runner’s Illusion (Morph of Feint)
Suggestion:
This is a charging misdirection attack, rushing in and body feinting past the target to strike with both weapons at their back. The result is a melee range, high damage, instant, single target attack that ends behind the opponent. It works as a charge at range (and as an attack when close) and provides Empower (extra damage on next attack) and snares the target hit.
Reasoning:
This provides a gap closer to the skill line that still works in melee range – and also provides a movement mechanic that can move you out of some AoE abilities (i.e. has a defensive element). This ability might need to have a stacking cost.

Leaping Strike
Suggestion:
New skill called “Leaping Strike” to replace Hidden Blade.
Leap up and strike at your opponent (with a run-up if at range), striking with both weapons for (high) damage. This strike interrupts and disorients your target (for 2s).
Reasoning:
Provides a gap closer and deals single target damage.
May be re-used whilst in melee range.
Synergises with Ruffian passive.
Possible morphs
Somersaulting Strike (Morph of Leaping Strike)
Suggestion:
Leap over your opponent (with a run-up if at range), striking with both weapons for (high) damage and landing behind them (and facing them). The leap is considered to be a dodge roll (i.e. you take no damage during its execution) and the strike interrupts and disorients your target (for 2s). However this ability has a 33% cost increase for every use within a 4s period – this cost increase is shared with a standard dodge roll.
Reasoning:
Provides a defensive mechanism built into the attack, but this comes at a cost increase.
Shattering Leap (Morph of Leaping Strike)
Suggestion:
Run and then leap at your opponent (gap closer), striking with both weapons for (high) damage. This strike interrupts and disorients your target. This strike causes a major fracture debuff on the target (4s).
Reasoning:
Provides a useful debuff to the line that works with the other skills.

UltimaJoe777

Jar_Ek wrote: »

My issue isn't so much what it does but thematically. It just doesn't feel much like it has anything to do with using 2 weapons. Based on an old thread I would think something like:

New Skill Suggestions
These are intended as possible replacements for Blade Cloak and Hidden Blade.
The Parry/Riposte and Ferocity skills both work off a similar premise (i.e. combine offensive and defensives buffs) and are suggestions as replacements for Blade Cloak, the Feint and Leaping Strike skills are suggestions to replace Hidden Blade.
The best options are probably “Feint” (with Hidden Blade and Wind-runner’s Illusion) to replace “Hidden Blade” and “Parry and Riposte” (with Flashing Blades and Deadly Ferocity).

Parry and Riposte
Suggestion:
New skill called “Parry and Riposte” to replace Blade Cloak.
This provides a minor evasion and minor protection buff for 20s, and grants major Brutality for 20s.
If a melee attack is evaded (or blocked), then the attacker is immediately/automatically struck by a light attack and is immobolised for 1.5s.
Reason:
This provides a utility skill which gives set of minor defensive buffs and provides a (weapon) damage buff that can be pre-cast. It has a chance to trigger a secondary effect, triggering all light attack effects and causing a short immobolisation (which triggers Ruffian).
Possible morphs
Lightning Reflexes (Morph of Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
This now provides major evasion (rather than minor) and ability duration is increased to 30s at max rank
Reason:
Has a greater chance to trigger the secondary effect and provides a good short-term defence.
Flashing Blades (Morph of Parry and Riposte or Ferocity)
Suggestion:
Skill provides a major expedition buff as Quick Cloak did.
Reason:
This allows the melee fighter to stay in melee combat more easily.

Ferocity
Suggestion:
New skill to replace blade cloak.
This skill provides defensive and offensive buffs based on the weapons used (20s to 30s at max rank):
Weapon: Offensive(MH). Offensive (OH). Defensive (MH). Defensive (OH)
Axes: Brutality. Berserk. Evasion. Vitality
Maces: Brutality. Brutality. Resolve. Vitality
Swords: Brutality. Brutality. Resolve. Protection
Daggers: Force. Force. Evasion. Evasion
The buff is minor for a single occurrence of a specific buff and major for two occurrences [i.e. Twin Daggers would give major Force and major Evasion].
Reason:
This is a pre-cast buff that can be tailored to play-style through weapon selection and provides the equivalent of a major offensive and defensive buff – however this could be somewhat complex.
Destructive Ferocity (Morph of Ferocity or Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
Light and Heavy attacks (alternatively critical strikes) made whilst the Ferocity (Parry/Riposte) buff is active apply / reapply a debuff to targets hit:
Axes: Mangle (3s)
Maces: Fracture (3s)
Swords: Maim (3s)
Daggers: Defile (3s)
The buff is minor for a single weapon of type and major for two weapons of type (weapon swap will change the current effect).
Reason:
This morph can be tailored to play-style through weapon selection and provides synergistic debuffs to support melee combat.
Deadly Ferocity (Morph of Ferocity or Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
Whilst Ferocity (Parry/Riposte) buff is active, all bleeding, debuffed, and snared opponents are affected by the Ruffian passive (as well as the disabled ones).
Reason:
Provides a passive damage boost to all DW skills through skill line synergy

Feint
Suggestion:
New skill called “Feint” to replace Hidden Blade.
This is a misdirection and attack in one move, feinting with one weapon and striking with the other. It is a melee range, high damage, instant, single target attack that provides Empower (extra damage on next attack) and snares the target hit.
Reasoning:
This is a direct replacement for Hidden Blade, but makes it melee ranged and hence higher damage and it provides an Empower buff (assuming Brutality has been moved to another skill – otherwise it would probably need to be major Brutality).
It is also far more in keeping with the use of two weapons in melee combat.
Possible morphs
Hidden Blade (Morph of Feint)
Suggestion:
This is a misdirection and a thrown attack in one move. It is a ranged version of Feint but also interrupts and has the same range and damage as Flying Blade currently has.
Reasoning:
This keeps a ranged option within the skill line
Wind-runner’s Illusion (Morph of Feint)
Suggestion:
This is a charging misdirection attack, rushing in and body feinting past the target to strike with both weapons at their back. The result is a melee range, high damage, instant, single target attack that ends behind the opponent. It works as a charge at range (and as an attack when close) and provides Empower (extra damage on next attack) and snares the target hit.
Reasoning:
This provides a gap closer to the skill line that still works in melee range – and also provides a movement mechanic that can move you out of some AoE abilities (i.e. has a defensive element). This ability might need to have a stacking cost.

Leaping Strike
Suggestion:
New skill called “Leaping Strike” to replace Hidden Blade.
Leap up and strike at your opponent (with a run-up if at range), striking with both weapons for (high) damage. This strike interrupts and disorients your target (for 2s).
Reasoning:
Provides a gap closer and deals single target damage.
May be re-used whilst in melee range.
Synergises with Ruffian passive.
Possible morphs
Somersaulting Strike (Morph of Leaping Strike)
Suggestion:
Leap over your opponent (with a run-up if at range), striking with both weapons for (high) damage and landing behind them (and facing them). The leap is considered to be a dodge roll (i.e. you take no damage during its execution) and the strike interrupts and disorients your target (for 2s). However this ability has a 33% cost increase for every use within a 4s period – this cost increase is shared with a standard dodge roll.
Reasoning:
Provides a defensive mechanism built into the attack, but this comes at a cost increase.
Shattering Leap (Morph of Leaping Strike)
Suggestion:
Run and then leap at your opponent (gap closer), striking with both weapons for (high) damage. This strike interrupts and disorients your target. This strike causes a major fracture debuff on the target (4s).
Reasoning:
Provides a useful debuff to the line that works with the other skills.

Despite what some may believe, gap closers are NOT superior to ranged attacks. Hidden Blade isn't going anywhere and if it does I quit because it is a mandatory asset to Ninja-based builds.

Tavore1138

UltimaJoe777 wrote: »

WikileaksEU wrote: »

stevepdodson_ESO888 wrote: »

a perfect addition to this skill would be to give the 20% Weap Dmg boost here instead of Flying Blade... that way you don't actually have to target something to get the buff (and then you no longer need 2H on the other bar)

True. I only use Hidden Blade for the 20% extra dps. Otherwise it's just a pretty useless skill.
Hidden Blade could instead get an AoE version morpg and a hard hitting single target version morph.

I beg to differ. I find Flying Blade is quite useful as a ranged attack that gives the Major Brutality buff AND snares.

If you think it's weak then I'm thinking you probably want everything's damage on par with Snipe, Crystal Frags, Uppercut, etc.

Agreed, Flying Blade is my second most killing-est skill in PvP and the only ranged skill for stamina if you don't carry a bow.

susmitds

UltimaJoe777 wrote: »

Jar_Ek wrote: »

My issue isn't so much what it does but thematically. It just doesn't feel much like it has anything to do with using 2 weapons. Based on an old thread I would think something like:

New Skill Suggestions
These are intended as possible replacements for Blade Cloak and Hidden Blade.
The Parry/Riposte and Ferocity skills both work off a similar premise (i.e. combine offensive and defensives buffs) and are suggestions as replacements for Blade Cloak, the Feint and Leaping Strike skills are suggestions to replace Hidden Blade.
The best options are probably “Feint” (with Hidden Blade and Wind-runner’s Illusion) to replace “Hidden Blade” and “Parry and Riposte” (with Flashing Blades and Deadly Ferocity).

Parry and Riposte
Suggestion:
New skill called “Parry and Riposte” to replace Blade Cloak.
This provides a minor evasion and minor protection buff for 20s, and grants major Brutality for 20s.
If a melee attack is evaded (or blocked), then the attacker is immediately/automatically struck by a light attack and is immobolised for 1.5s.
Reason:
This provides a utility skill which gives set of minor defensive buffs and provides a (weapon) damage buff that can be pre-cast. It has a chance to trigger a secondary effect, triggering all light attack effects and causing a short immobolisation (which triggers Ruffian).
Possible morphs
Lightning Reflexes (Morph of Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
This now provides major evasion (rather than minor) and ability duration is increased to 30s at max rank
Reason:
Has a greater chance to trigger the secondary effect and provides a good short-term defence.
Flashing Blades (Morph of Parry and Riposte or Ferocity)
Suggestion:
Skill provides a major expedition buff as Quick Cloak did.
Reason:
This allows the melee fighter to stay in melee combat more easily.

Ferocity
Suggestion:
New skill to replace blade cloak.
This skill provides defensive and offensive buffs based on the weapons used (20s to 30s at max rank):
Weapon: Offensive(MH). Offensive (OH). Defensive (MH). Defensive (OH)
Axes: Brutality. Berserk. Evasion. Vitality
Maces: Brutality. Brutality. Resolve. Vitality
Swords: Brutality. Brutality. Resolve. Protection
Daggers: Force. Force. Evasion. Evasion
The buff is minor for a single occurrence of a specific buff and major for two occurrences [i.e. Twin Daggers would give major Force and major Evasion].
Reason:
This is a pre-cast buff that can be tailored to play-style through weapon selection and provides the equivalent of a major offensive and defensive buff – however this could be somewhat complex.
Destructive Ferocity (Morph of Ferocity or Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
Light and Heavy attacks (alternatively critical strikes) made whilst the Ferocity (Parry/Riposte) buff is active apply / reapply a debuff to targets hit:
Axes: Mangle (3s)
Maces: Fracture (3s)
Swords: Maim (3s)
Daggers: Defile (3s)
The buff is minor for a single weapon of type and major for two weapons of type (weapon swap will change the current effect).
Reason:
This morph can be tailored to play-style through weapon selection and provides synergistic debuffs to support melee combat.
Deadly Ferocity (Morph of Ferocity or Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
Whilst Ferocity (Parry/Riposte) buff is active, all bleeding, debuffed, and snared opponents are affected by the Ruffian passive (as well as the disabled ones).
Reason:
Provides a passive damage boost to all DW skills through skill line synergy

Feint
Suggestion:
New skill called “Feint” to replace Hidden Blade.
This is a misdirection and attack in one move, feinting with one weapon and striking with the other. It is a melee range, high damage, instant, single target attack that provides Empower (extra damage on next attack) and snares the target hit.
Reasoning:
This is a direct replacement for Hidden Blade, but makes it melee ranged and hence higher damage and it provides an Empower buff (assuming Brutality has been moved to another skill – otherwise it would probably need to be major Brutality).
It is also far more in keeping with the use of two weapons in melee combat.
Possible morphs
Hidden Blade (Morph of Feint)
Suggestion:
This is a misdirection and a thrown attack in one move. It is a ranged version of Feint but also interrupts and has the same range and damage as Flying Blade currently has.
Reasoning:
This keeps a ranged option within the skill line
Wind-runner’s Illusion (Morph of Feint)
Suggestion:
This is a charging misdirection attack, rushing in and body feinting past the target to strike with both weapons at their back. The result is a melee range, high damage, instant, single target attack that ends behind the opponent. It works as a charge at range (and as an attack when close) and provides Empower (extra damage on next attack) and snares the target hit.
Reasoning:
This provides a gap closer to the skill line that still works in melee range – and also provides a movement mechanic that can move you out of some AoE abilities (i.e. has a defensive element). This ability might need to have a stacking cost.

Leaping Strike
Suggestion:
New skill called “Leaping Strike” to replace Hidden Blade.
Leap up and strike at your opponent (with a run-up if at range), striking with both weapons for (high) damage. This strike interrupts and disorients your target (for 2s).
Reasoning:
Provides a gap closer and deals single target damage.
May be re-used whilst in melee range.
Synergises with Ruffian passive.
Possible morphs
Somersaulting Strike (Morph of Leaping Strike)
Suggestion:
Leap over your opponent (with a run-up if at range), striking with both weapons for (high) damage and landing behind them (and facing them). The leap is considered to be a dodge roll (i.e. you take no damage during its execution) and the strike interrupts and disorients your target (for 2s). However this ability has a 33% cost increase for every use within a 4s period – this cost increase is shared with a standard dodge roll.
Reasoning:
Provides a defensive mechanism built into the attack, but this comes at a cost increase.
Shattering Leap (Morph of Leaping Strike)
Suggestion:
Run and then leap at your opponent (gap closer), striking with both weapons for (high) damage. This strike interrupts and disorients your target. This strike causes a major fracture debuff on the target (4s).
Reasoning:
Provides a useful debuff to the line that works with the other skills.

Despite what some may believe, gap closers are NOT superior to ranged attacks. Hidden Blade isn't going anywhere and if it does I quit because it is a mandatory asset to Ninja-based builds.

You can use FG skill Silver Shards for the same effect.

UltimaJoe777

susmitds wrote: »

UltimaJoe777 wrote: »

Jar_Ek wrote: »

My issue isn't so much what it does but thematically. It just doesn't feel much like it has anything to do with using 2 weapons. Based on an old thread I would think something like:

New Skill Suggestions
These are intended as possible replacements for Blade Cloak and Hidden Blade.
The Parry/Riposte and Ferocity skills both work off a similar premise (i.e. combine offensive and defensives buffs) and are suggestions as replacements for Blade Cloak, the Feint and Leaping Strike skills are suggestions to replace Hidden Blade.
The best options are probably “Feint” (with Hidden Blade and Wind-runner’s Illusion) to replace “Hidden Blade” and “Parry and Riposte” (with Flashing Blades and Deadly Ferocity).

Parry and Riposte
Suggestion:
New skill called “Parry and Riposte” to replace Blade Cloak.
This provides a minor evasion and minor protection buff for 20s, and grants major Brutality for 20s.
If a melee attack is evaded (or blocked), then the attacker is immediately/automatically struck by a light attack and is immobolised for 1.5s.
Reason:
This provides a utility skill which gives set of minor defensive buffs and provides a (weapon) damage buff that can be pre-cast. It has a chance to trigger a secondary effect, triggering all light attack effects and causing a short immobolisation (which triggers Ruffian).
Possible morphs
Lightning Reflexes (Morph of Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
This now provides major evasion (rather than minor) and ability duration is increased to 30s at max rank
Reason:
Has a greater chance to trigger the secondary effect and provides a good short-term defence.
Flashing Blades (Morph of Parry and Riposte or Ferocity)
Suggestion:
Skill provides a major expedition buff as Quick Cloak did.
Reason:
This allows the melee fighter to stay in melee combat more easily.

Ferocity
Suggestion:
New skill to replace blade cloak.
This skill provides defensive and offensive buffs based on the weapons used (20s to 30s at max rank):
Weapon: Offensive(MH). Offensive (OH). Defensive (MH). Defensive (OH)
Axes: Brutality. Berserk. Evasion. Vitality
Maces: Brutality. Brutality. Resolve. Vitality
Swords: Brutality. Brutality. Resolve. Protection
Daggers: Force. Force. Evasion. Evasion
The buff is minor for a single occurrence of a specific buff and major for two occurrences [i.e. Twin Daggers would give major Force and major Evasion].
Reason:
This is a pre-cast buff that can be tailored to play-style through weapon selection and provides the equivalent of a major offensive and defensive buff – however this could be somewhat complex.
Destructive Ferocity (Morph of Ferocity or Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
Light and Heavy attacks (alternatively critical strikes) made whilst the Ferocity (Parry/Riposte) buff is active apply / reapply a debuff to targets hit:
Axes: Mangle (3s)
Maces: Fracture (3s)
Swords: Maim (3s)
Daggers: Defile (3s)
The buff is minor for a single weapon of type and major for two weapons of type (weapon swap will change the current effect).
Reason:
This morph can be tailored to play-style through weapon selection and provides synergistic debuffs to support melee combat.
Deadly Ferocity (Morph of Ferocity or Parry and Riposte)
Suggestion:
Whilst Ferocity (Parry/Riposte) buff is active, all bleeding, debuffed, and snared opponents are affected by the Ruffian passive (as well as the disabled ones).
Reason:
Provides a passive damage boost to all DW skills through skill line synergy

Feint
Suggestion:
New skill called “Feint” to replace Hidden Blade.
This is a misdirection and attack in one move, feinting with one weapon and striking with the other. It is a melee range, high damage, instant, single target attack that provides Empower (extra damage on next attack) and snares the target hit.
Reasoning:
This is a direct replacement for Hidden Blade, but makes it melee ranged and hence higher damage and it provides an Empower buff (assuming Brutality has been moved to another skill – otherwise it would probably need to be major Brutality).
It is also far more in keeping with the use of two weapons in melee combat.
Possible morphs
Hidden Blade (Morph of Feint)
Suggestion:
This is a misdirection and a thrown attack in one move. It is a ranged version of Feint but also interrupts and has the same range and damage as Flying Blade currently has.
Reasoning:
This keeps a ranged option within the skill line
Wind-runner’s Illusion (Morph of Feint)
Suggestion:
This is a charging misdirection attack, rushing in and body feinting past the target to strike with both weapons at their back. The result is a melee range, high damage, instant, single target attack that ends behind the opponent. It works as a charge at range (and as an attack when close) and provides Empower (extra damage on next attack) and snares the target hit.
Reasoning:
This provides a gap closer to the skill line that still works in melee range – and also provides a movement mechanic that can move you out of some AoE abilities (i.e. has a defensive element). This ability might need to have a stacking cost.

Leaping Strike
Suggestion:
New skill called “Leaping Strike” to replace Hidden Blade.
Leap up and strike at your opponent (with a run-up if at range), striking with both weapons for (high) damage. This strike interrupts and disorients your target (for 2s).
Reasoning:
Provides a gap closer and deals single target damage.
May be re-used whilst in melee range.
Synergises with Ruffian passive.
Possible morphs
Somersaulting Strike (Morph of Leaping Strike)
Suggestion:
Leap over your opponent (with a run-up if at range), striking with both weapons for (high) damage and landing behind them (and facing them). The leap is considered to be a dodge roll (i.e. you take no damage during its execution) and the strike interrupts and disorients your target (for 2s). However this ability has a 33% cost increase for every use within a 4s period – this cost increase is shared with a standard dodge roll.
Reasoning:
Provides a defensive mechanism built into the attack, but this comes at a cost increase.
Shattering Leap (Morph of Leaping Strike)
Suggestion:
Run and then leap at your opponent (gap closer), striking with both weapons for (high) damage. This strike interrupts and disorients your target. This strike causes a major fracture debuff on the target (4s).
Reasoning:
Provides a useful debuff to the line that works with the other skills.

Despite what some may believe, gap closers are NOT superior to ranged attacks. Hidden Blade isn't going anywhere and if it does I quit because it is a mandatory asset to Ninja-based builds.

You can use FG skill Silver Shards for the same effect.

Ninjas don't use Crossbows. Also Hidden Blade costs less than Silver Bolts.

code65536

WikileaksEU wrote: »

This skill is ok, but it lacks a purpose. Does it want to do damage or does it want to defend?
Please change the morphs and buff them up. Because right now it feels weak compared to other skills in certain builds.

The damage is every 3 seconds and you take 20% less dmg from aoe. I like the concept, but it's just much weaker than other skills.

It's a defensive skill with some damage thrown in as bonus cherry on top.

And as a defensive skill, it's awesome. 20% mitigation is a lot, and there is a lot of AoE damage in both PvE and PvP. There are some fights in PvE where stamina users pretty much have to use Blade Cloak (e.g., vAA HM).

Jar_Ek

@UltimaJoe777 thats why there is a morph in there that keeps the hidden blade ranged attack.