casters with sword and shield
wef1988
Just a quick question here. I have been seeing alot of caster types using a shield and sword. I was wondering what the benefit for this was over using a staff/scepter and focus.
End
defence and usually martial weapons/shields look cooler.
Occassionally enchanting but meh
Occassionally enchanting but meh
Icecream
u can use a enchants last 20% longer on the sword, shield just cuz it looks cool.
wef1988
I see, so for function, a staff/ scepter and focus combo is better?
Marty Silverblade
Not necessarily. If you plan to sit around casting a lot, you'll want to have a wand/focus set with 40/40 mods. Some reasons for casters using a martial weapon + shield are:
*More defense (especially useful on spirit spammers because they don't cast spells).
*A one handed weapon that can hold a 20% enchanting mod.
*An unconditional +5e.
*Triggering physical damage buffs like Mark of Pain, Barbs, and Order of Pain (you'll need a spear so you can do it from range).
There are probably others, but I can't think of them right now.
*More defense (especially useful on spirit spammers because they don't cast spells).
*A one handed weapon that can hold a 20% enchanting mod.
*An unconditional +5e.
*Triggering physical damage buffs like Mark of Pain, Barbs, and Order of Pain (you'll need a spear so you can do it from range).
There are probably others, but I can't think of them right now.
wef1988
I see what your saying Marty, and that helps for some of characters. So, for a nuker elementalist, a wand/focus would be best for him?
Marty Silverblade
Yes, because you'll be casting most of the time and will want the reduced casting time and recharge that a 40/40 set offers.
wef1988
ok thanks man. ill keep what you said for the martial/shield combo in mind as well as the wand and focus.
Boogz
martial weapon/shield set is crucial for casters at PvP. Its ideal to have a shield with +10 armor against every damage: slashing, piercing, blunt, fire, lightning, ice, earth
the best option is r7/8 tactics, since casters (usually monks) don't run anything higher than this. more frequently r9 due to rarity/price of r7/8 shields. Eles usually grab r9 command shields (fall back, make haste) since they hardly ever will run a warrior stance. mesmer/necros can benefit from some tactics stances, rits almost never run them so it doesn't matter the attribute of the shield
the best option is r7/8 tactics, since casters (usually monks) don't run anything higher than this. more frequently r9 due to rarity/price of r7/8 shields. Eles usually grab r9 command shields (fall back, make haste) since they hardly ever will run a warrior stance. mesmer/necros can benefit from some tactics stances, rits almost never run them so it doesn't matter the attribute of the shield
Wildora Fox
The main reason to wear a shield is to increase your armor when you are receiving damage.
But many people just wear it to look "pro". It is completely stupid when a monk is all the time wearing his "black dyed voltaic spear+tormented shield set" even when not receiving damage. For a casting caster it is worst to wear a shield, a shield porpouse is just to increase armor. So while caster is not under attack it is useless.
But many people just wear it to look "pro". It is completely stupid when a monk is all the time wearing his "black dyed voltaic spear+tormented shield set" even when not receiving damage. For a casting caster it is worst to wear a shield, a shield porpouse is just to increase armor. So while caster is not under attack it is useless.
darthsabbath
It's also not uncommon for people to have a "low energy" caster weapon... with a -5e "Brawn Over Brains" inscription. This is useful for hiding energy from e-denial casters.