Simple question about caster weapons in HA

I see an increasing number of Rits, Eles and other casters using one handed axes/spears/swords and shields in HA.

I'm wondering what is the reasoning behind these choices? I'm assuming the weapon is +5 energy, but what about the shield?

What are the benefits aside from good looks? What are the drawbacks?

I want to know EXACTLY which mods these people put on their weapon and on their shield/offhand. What is the "popular" choice?


Can such setups be used efficiently in PvE? Heck, I want to look wierd too!

Even if you don't meet the requirement for a shield, you still get 8 armor from it, which is what people use it for. Most people have it on one of their sets so when they're getting pounded on they can swap to their shield set and minimize the damage. The sword is a +5e +30h, and the shield a +30h +10 armor vs X. Most people have +10vsSlashing as standard, but swap it out depending on what's attacking them or what the opponent's build is, such as thumpers or sins. You should have a shield with a +10 mod for slashing, blunt, piercing, and each of the elements (although you really won't use those as much; you can pretty much get away with just having a +10vsFire). The really nice thing about having a shield out is that the potential +18 armor is universal, meaning it always activates, as compared to armor bonuses, where they only activate based on a percentage of where the opponent hits you.

There aren't any real drawbacks, except for the lack of extra energy and casting mods. Once you practice weapon swapping a bit, you should be able to sit on a staff or wand/focus set, and only swap to the shield when you're about to take a significant amount of damage.

i think trevor summed it up nicely for us noobs...thanks trevor...i had always realized that you get +8 armor from a shield but never put together the +10 AL vs xx to bring the total to +18.

Thanks again

I wouldnt say there is an increase though. smart casters in pvp have always been using axe/sword/spear + shield

true. but maybe more "not so smart" players are catching on? (and thus joining the ranks of the smart casters)

Using caster weapon means you can spike better too. Without the 20HCT.