What is a Dervish's strength?

I've never really played a derv at all. Whenever I go into observe, it seems they arn't use often either. When I tried a pvp derv, it seemed that scythes were abit more damaging than hammers, but Prot spirit really screws over scythes while hammers can at least kd which is very effective. So what exacly are Dervishes good at? I was thinking of making a pve derv but after trying one out, there was somethin about em I didn't like.

In PvE monsters are much more likely to bunch up so you can hit up to three with a scythe. You can even give all three deep wounds, then an ele in the back can finish them off.

Their self healing capability is likely second only to Monks. Though that might not be so important in PvP.

Energy is usually not much of a problem because of Mysticism. Also with Mysticism, they can generally use enchantments from other professions effectively.

The Dervish elite Avatar skills (five, I think) are awesome. Check them out and see what you think. I know with Mysticism at 16, Avatar of Balthazar lasts for 95 seconds, and they aren't enchantments so can't be removed. They are also some of the hardest elites to cap

the dervish's place on the battlefield is a front line AoE nuker/spiker. dervishes can also work as tanks if they have some defensive skills.

making a dervish in PvE was very difficult for me. early on, when you have low mystisicm, your energy drops very fast if you're not careful.

Dervishes are good at killing shit. Fast. They are incredible spikers, and can apply a lot of pressure if played correctly.
True, prot spirit screws you over, but here comes the trick that turns a mediocre melee player into an above average one.
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switching targets
When you see the prot spirit animation on someone, just go kill someone else. Their monk has just waisted 10 energy, and you're just beating up another team member of his. It works with shield of absorption, guardian and all that kind of stuff too. If you want to be good at a melee role (spear paragons fit in here as well), you've got to learn this. Seducing (can't think of a better word right now) their monks to spend energy on overprotting and overhealing is the best way to apply pressure.
As for a build, try a Melandru's Dervish with Wearying Strike (=eviscerate on a 6s recharge), Eremite's Attack (3/4s attack speed for a quick follow up) and Heart of Fury (the one that makes you attack faster.
gtg now, hope this was of some help

Dervishes are compleatly different in PvE and PvP.

PvP: Avatars are king, imbue is like infuse without the sacrifice, greneth can make prot monks laughable, amazing pressure, decent spiking, good flag runners.

PvE: Avatars are crap, great self healing/protection, high aoe dps, good farmer, amazing runner.


i love dervishes

Thanks for the responses.....im tryin out a pve derv now and ill see how it goes