Melee Paragons, viable? (Soldier of Symbols)

So, I thought Paragons needed a change from the typical spear/shout based builds, and like others, want to create a build based on melee combat. I'm just wondering if you guys (a) think this build is somewhat useful, or (b) how I can improve on the build a little bit. This build would be used for general PvE. It's based around the skill Symbolic Strike, and is coupled with the paragon's different signets, to create a high damaging attack with an alternative unblockable attack (soldier's strike) to alternate with.

Swordsmanship 12
Tactics 10
Leadership 10+1

Pref. Axe/Sword, maybe Hammer (works w/ any weapon)

Skills:
Soldier's Strike
Symbolic Strike
Anthem of Flame
"For Great Justice!"
Signet of Aggression
Remedy Signet
Healing Signet
Signet of Return

Usage:
Before combat, use FGJ!, then Signet of Aggression, which fully charges Symbolic Strike. Then use Anthem of Flame.

Lead with Symbolic Strike, and continue alternating both attacks and Anthem of Flame.

Use Healing Signet and Remedy Signet for defensive purposes.

... any suggestions?

I see one major flaw: lack of an IAS. Otherwise, I guess it's not horrible. But it's kinda... dull. I ran a Symbolic Strike war just for fun a while ago. Not the best bar ever, but at the same time it wasn't completely horrible. The lack of an IAS and KD makes me sad.

I suppose this would work just fine in PvE and maybe RA or AB. (you could probably run more efficient builds in either pve or pvp though)

Maybe swap out either soldier's strike or anthem of flame for an IAS?

Dragon Slash warrior gets +38 damage @14 sword, with FGJ it's every attack at the cost of two skill slots.

This uses six skill slots to get +40 damage every two attacks, has lower armour, and no IAS

I see no reason to use this over a warrior. If it's for the sake of being different I'll just go roll a different profession entirely.

No Aggressive Refrain makes kittens cry.
Also, you're using a large number of skills on worthless fluff to make a pretty shit skill - Symbolic Strike - work.

Try Dragon Slash instead.

12 Sword
12+1+1 Leadership
[skill]dragon slash[/skill][skill]barbarous slice[/skill][skill]gash[/skill][skill]anthem of flame[/skill][skill]aggressive refrain[/skill][skill]signet of return[/skill]
... or something.
Or you could use "FGJ!" over Anthem, or Brawling Headbutt + Steelfang Slash over Slice + Gash.

Leadership: 10+1+1
Command: 8+1
Swordsmanship: 12

[skill]Enduring Harmony[/skill] [skill]"For Great Justice!"[/skill] [skill]Aggressive Refrain[/skill] [skill]Dragon Slash[/skill] [wiki]Brawling Headbutt[/wiki] [skill]Steelfang Slash[/skill] [wiki]"Save Yourselves!"[/wiki] [wiki]"There's Nothing to Fear!"[/wiki]

This is a variation on the DS warrior that works for a paragon. Not sure about the cracked armour from Aggresive refrain if you go into melee range it might bother you, but I couldn't think of a better alternative.

I've used this build and it works. Not as good as a DS warrior for damage, but you get TNTF for more defense to compensate. Enduring harmony helps for a longer FGJ and a longer AR is easy to keep up with TNTF.

Quote: Originally Posted by X Crusader

I will try the build of "Stormlord Alex". It will be very funny.^^

Viable? Yes.
Logical? No.

there has been a very good melee build around:

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...php?t=10094729

ive been using this on Morgahn for ages (with a backup sf ele), but with a sword - since theres no axe in my /bonus items i just exchanged triple chop with hundred blades and added savage slash. other skills you might try out are burning shield or glowing signet.

Regardless of what weapon you use, if you have leadership, you should take a spear and go spear swipe. It won't do damage but the daze will be awesome for killing stuff.

I don't see a melee paragon being better than a spear paragon; (I don't really see any melee short of an Assassin being better than a spear paragon, to be honest) seems to me like people just want to be able to hit stuff in melee.

Quote: Originally Posted by Stormlord Alex