Swordmasters: What Do We Know?

[Vikingkingq]

From the Presentation:

ARCHETYPE:
TANK
DEFENSIVE MELEE
- CENTURIES of training
- Swords, swords, swords!

CORE MECHANIC:
MARTIAL PROWESSE
- Speed and Finesse
- Combos
- Powerful Finishers

Paul Barnett "described the Swordmaster as a mix between a U.S. Marine and a Jedi...."This is my sword. There are many like it. But this one is mine!"

EDIT:

Sword Masters use Blade Dancing to fight.

The vid clip - Swordmasters twirl their swords very fast in very complex patterns and cool blue lightningy stuff happens. Hard to describe.

[dynamo112]

DANG IT, they are the HE tank career. :-( Oh well Black Guards are in so im happy. :)

[Axxar]

Will swordmasters be able to use hammers?

[Amehnas]

Will swordmasters be able to use hammers?

- CENTURIES of training
- Swords, swords, swords!

I think this answers it.

[Vaeronthar]

What about crossbows?

[Vikingkingq]

Will swordmasters be able to use hammers?

/affects High Elf Accent.

"Use hammers, old bean? Don't be ridiculous. Hammers are for dwarfs and humans, my dear boy....they're commoners' weapons. Used for trade and manual labor, don't you know? No, no. We use swords, swords that exemplify the grace and martial artistry of our people, that bear the tradition of millenia - this one was my great-great-great-grandfather's sword that he bore to the battle of Maledor, don't you know? I say, how about some more wine? Jeeves! More wine!"

[Vikingkingq]

What about crossbows?

Only a Druchii would be foul enough to use such a loathsome weapon. You're not a Druchii sympathizer, are you?

[Axxar]

So they can use hammers, right?

[Estebar]

One thing that should definitely be noted is that Jeff Hickman says that the game mechanic, "Martial Prowess", can also be called "Blade Dancing".

This leads me to believe that they will have a system of different Blade Dances, just as several people have predicted on these forums.

"Speed, finesse, combos and finishers" sounded a little too vague and generic for me anyway. My guess is they're currently developing stances or "dances" for them.

EDIT: The transcript of Paul's summary confirms dances.

Paul: "...they wander around doing Jedi-type stuff, going..." (*does a quick multi-slash, followed by a zapping hand gesture repeatedly*) "...and they do it through dancing. That's how they fight!"

Jeff: "Cos he's a High Elf!"

Paul: "They do things like..."The Severed-Head Pogo", and "The Wheel-of-Death Tango"...they do the "Gut-You Lambada". That's what they do."

The zapping-hand Jedi thing might suggest Loremaster-type lesser magic at higher levels. They are the guardians of the White Tower of Saphery, after all.

[VeriusCarth]

So. The fact that they mentioned The High Elf Swordmaster as being like a Jedi, has now made me decide that they're more than worth trying. Assuming they don't do:

[Melee Button!][Defense Button][Melee DPS NO TANKING button!] I'll be happy. If the dances are skills, and give different tanking effects and such, say... one attack does some damage, but the "Dance" also gives an increased rate of dodge for some such seconds, or an increased likelihood of blocking an arrow or something.
I think Mythic might be on to something good, and we'll be in for a surprise with this one. :)

[Vikingkingq]

One thing that should definitely be noted is that Jeff Hickman says that the game mechanic, "Martial Prowess", can also be called "Blade Dancing".

This leads me to believe that they will have a system of different Blade Dances, just as several people have predicted on these forums.

"Speed, finesse, combos and finishers" sounded a little too vague and generic for me anyway. My guess is they're currently developing stances or "dances" for them.

EDIT: The transcript of Paul's summary confirms dances.

Paul: "...they wander around doing Jedi-type stuff, going..." (*does a quick multi-slash, followed by a zapping hand gesture repeatedly*) "...and they do it through dancing. That's how they fight!"

Jeff: "Cos he's a High Elf!"

Paul: "They do things like..."The Severed-Head Pogo", and "The Wheel-of-Death Tango"...they do the "Gut-You Lambada". That's what they do."

The zapping-hand Jedi thing might suggest Loremaster-type lesser magic at higher levels. They are the guardians of the White Tower of Saphery, after all.

Yeh. I think that the dancing is the combo part (could also be a stance thing), and there will be some magic, like knockback effects, that focus on defense and tanking.

[Thoden Firehammer]

I can't believe they put the Swordmaster in as a tank class, I really thought they'd put a different class for that Archtype

Hmm, wonder what yall are going to get for the melee dps

[Estebar]

Hmm, wonder what yall are going to get for the melee dps I'm hoping for a White Lion. That's definitely the class I'd play rolling a High Elf.

[Delolith]

I have to admit I kinda got disappointed with Swordmasters being the defenssive melee class. Unparallelled weaponskill + 2h weapon + tremendous initiative =/= tank in my vocabulary. Anyway, I will be playing one no matter what due to the theme of the swordmaster...and if you add the bladedancing concept...man they really made them amazing in concept...now only if they were the melee DPSers:) I won't even think playing the dreadful White Lions even if they are in the game as melee DPS or nuker throwing lions out of catapelts....2h axes FTW! the favorite High elven weapon in all elven mythologies...a really elegant approach /sarcasm off. Enough with the rant...I hope they implement them correctly as they should.

Delolith

[Thoden Firehammer]

From the Presentation:

ARCHETYPE:
TANK
DEFENSIVE MELEE
- CENTURIES of training
- Swords, swords, swords!

CORE MECHANIC:
MARTIAL PROWESSE
- Speed and Finesse
- Combos
- Powerful Finishers

Paul Barnett "described the Swordmaster as a mix between a U.S. Marine and a Jedi...."This is my sword. There are many like it. But this one is mine!"

EDIT:

Sword Masters use Blade Dancing to fight.

The vid clip - Swordmasters twirl their swords very fast in very complex patterns and cool blue lightningy stuff happens. Hard to describe.


I found it odd that he seemed to describe them as a melee DPS..

I know it's paul here, but what if the HE's tank class is a melee dps with slightly heavier armor? it would kind of make sence

[Krulltak]

Or MAYBE it's a dodge tank!

[Kazek Ironfist]

Or MAYBE it's a dodge tank!

It has to be a dodge tank, elves are too flimsy to be your ordinary tank.

[Krulltak]

It has to be a dodge tank, elves are too flimsy to be your ordinary tank.


Exactly..........

[Warboss]

Can the Swordmasters use axes?

[Krulltak]

Can the Swordmasters use axes?


No. Strictly swords. White Lions use axes, and maybe other high elves, but not SWORDmasters.

[Vaeronthar]

...Blowdarts?

[Kazek Ironfist]

No. Strictly swords. White Lions use axes, and maybe other high elves, but not SWORDmasters.
To a degree you are right. In game Swordmasters will most likely just use swords. They are quite capable of using any weapon including their bare hands, but they are called Swordmasters for a reason.

[Adythiel]

I'm hoping for a White Lion. That's definitely the class I'd play rolling a High Elf.

Unless Mythic plays the Create-a-Career, there is nothing else left for an Offensive Melee character.

Phoenix Guards are heavy, heavy defense and based on the lore behind them are unplayable. Shadow Warriors are a Ranged career. Nothing else really fits without Mythic having to go the route of the Zealot.

I was really hoping Swordmasters would have been the Offensive Melee career, it would have allowed Mythic to truly capture what makes the unit special. I'd never use my unit of Swordmasters as a front line tank setup. They are too soft to be tossed in like Spearmen. I plan to play a Swordmaster as I won't be able to play a Dragon Prince now, but I really want to see more on these dances and find out just how they tank.

[Gemini]

I found it odd that he seemed to describe them as a melee DPS..

I know it's paul here, but what if the HE's tank class is a melee dps with slightly heavier armor? it would kind of make sence

What makes a tank is the abilitiy to mitigate/avoid damage through armor, blocks, parries, and dodges, and also and more importantly tank abilities. Taunts, guarding allies, getting allies out of harms way(like 'Outta My Way!' from the black orc). I'm sure the Swordmaster will have cool tanking abilities, but probably still do good damage.

[Vikingkingq]

What makes a tank is the abilitiy to mitigate/avoid damage through armor, blocks, parries, and dodges, and also and more importantly tank abilities. Taunts, guarding allies, getting allies out of harms way(like 'Outta My Way!' from the black orc). I'm sure the Swordmaster will have cool tanking abilities, but probably still do good damage.

Well, if Paul's jedi comments are a reliable guide, they'll be able to knockback opponents.

[Jonas]

It has to be a dodge tank, elves are too flimsy to be your ordinary tank.

Dodge, Dodge, Parry, Dead is ftl in any situation.

[Axxar]

Well, if Paul's jedi comments are a reliable guide, they'll be able to knockback opponents.Sounds pretty cool. Do you think they'll be able to knockback opponents by using spears?

[Vikingkingq]

Sounds pretty cool. Do you think they'll be able to knockback opponents by using spears?

Oh, come on now, you're not even being subtle anymore.

[wellsy]

*Paul Barnett voice*

So, we're here talking about the Swordmasters, and the question is asked:

Will swordmasters be able to use hammers?

and you point at his name, and go "He's a Swordmaster. Have a guess." The answer is, he uses swords, and that aaaall he uses. So, everytime we got asked:

What about axes?

Swords!

What about spears?

Swords!

What about crossbows?

Swoooooooords!

Swords. What does he do with the swords? He cuts things! And you've got the Quickdeath, the Choptrot, and he's got poses and you can't hit him and he's absolutely fantastic.

Thats what he does.

*End Paul Barnett voice*

Adapted for the High Elf Swordmaster from the original (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VRgZo7ezNVQ) by wellsy.

[Grrblt]

Hmmm.... what about throwing axes?

[Axxar]

He also didn't rebuke blowdarts. Anyway, I wonder if he'll be able to go choose between different "modes" of bladedancing. Like he could have a stance where he attacks faster than usual but does less damage per hit, or a dance where he improves his parry ability but forgoes offense. His current choice of "dance mode" could also unlock / bar certain skills.

[Vikingkingq]

He also didn't rebuke blowdarts. Anyway, I wonder if he'll be able to go choose between different "modes" of bladedancing. Like he could have a stance where he attacks faster than usual but does less damage per hit, or a dance where he improves his parry ability but forgoes offense. His current choice of "dance mode" could also unlock / bar certain skills.

My guess is that the dancing will be similar to the different "Ways" that Eltharion, the Swordmaster special character used:

* Way of the Willow Branch: Eltharion's body twists and contorts like a reed in the wind, and his sword deflects incoming blows with astounding speed, making him virtually impossible to hit. Any close combat attacks against Eltharion require 6s to hit, before any other modifications, and regardless of relative Weapons Skills or any other special rules.

* Way of the Winter Breeze: Weaving his sword in a bewildering, swirling arc, Eltharion is able to guide his blade through even the most steadfast defence. Eltharion attacks at +1 to hit in close combat.

* Way of the Swooping Eagle: Eltharion summons all of his speed and might into a few deadly blows. Eltharion's attacks are resolved at +2 Strength.

* Way of the Breaking Storm: Unleashing his speed and strength in a flurry of blistering attacks, Eltharion rains down blow after blow on the enemy. Eltharion gains +2 Attacks.

So I think the different modes will have different purposes, and may unlock different combinational abilities. For example, I can see Way of the Breaking Storm being used to pull people off other targets, so there might be some tanking abilities tossed in there; Way of the Willow Branch is more suited to defense once you've peeled someone off, there might be some parry/dodge-reaction abilities there; etc.

[Vikingkingq]

Update: Swordmaster attacks build up Balance, which is used to power finishing attacks.

[Vikingkingq]

Update:

http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/warhammer-online/815892p1.html

"While a Swordmaster can use a sword and shield, they're at their best using a two-handed sword. Like the Black Orc, their offensive power comes from building up combos to powerful finishers. Unlike the Black Orc, their focus is on speed and agility. As an example, Swordmasters' "Wall of Darting Steel" ability lets them simply swat incoming projectiles from the air. We're curious to see how well an agility-focused tank comes together in gameplay, but the idea seems fun."

A bit of happiness for you sword and boarders. Myself, I'll be sticking with the greatsword.

[Grrblt]

Update:

http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/warhammer-online/815892p1.html

"While a Swordmaster can use a sword and shield, they're at their best using a two-handed sword. Like the Black Orc, their offensive power comes from building up combos to powerful finishers. Unlike the Black Orc, their focus is on speed and agility. As an example, Swordmasters' "Wall of Darting Steel" ability lets them simply swat incoming projectiles from the air. We're curious to see how well an agility-focused tank comes together in gameplay, but the idea seems fun."

A bit of happiness for you sword and boarders. Myself, I'll be sticking with the greatsword.

Well, that same article also says "Enemies with no mana pool will find their action points drained instead". Clearly the guys at gamespy aren't as updated as they pretend to be.

[Morag]

Those aren't the only bits of misinformation in that article. I'm not sure the writer follows the game after reading it. Either that or he is using creative license to make his article sound more interesting. While it's certainly possible Swordmasters can use a sword and board I would take anything you read in that article with a grain of salt.

[VeriusCarth]

Well, that same article also says "Enemies with no mana pool will find their action points drained instead". Clearly the guys at gamespy aren't as updated as they pretend to be.

Y'know, considering that AP works in the exact same way, I don't see why people are getting into such a big issue with the, "No mana in WAR" thing. There's no "mana" in GW, even though it's the exact same thing.

It's a difference in name of two things that do the exact same thing. The only difference in this case is that every class has AP, when only casting classes usually have "mana" even though the mechanic is exactly the same.

You have a pool of points. You spend those points to do things.

Different, how? It's just a name. People are bound to do it when most games refer to it as mana, it's a common term, where as AP is not.

[Gemini]

Yeah, but he clearly isn't confusing AP with mana because he refers to them as two seperate things. If they were the same thing, how on earth would a player be out of mana, but still have AP to be drained? It just dosn't make sense.

[Aethelbeorht]

The writers just used to games where only casters have mana, while the other classes use... something else. I don't really blame him. I don't think of beating classes as having mana, while AP is not quite mainstream enough for him to have used that alone. He could have, but using both appeals to the masses more.

[Jumpe]

Anyone know if Swordmasters can wield 2 one-handers instead of two-hand sword?

[Grrblt]

Y'know, considering that AP works in the exact same way, I don't see why people are getting into such a big issue with the, "No mana in WAR" thing. There's no "mana" in GW, even though it's the exact same thing.

It's a difference in name of two things that do the exact same thing. The only difference in this case is that every class has AP, when only casting classes usually have "mana" even though the mechanic is exactly the same.

You have a pool of points. You spend those points to do things.

Different, how? It's just a name. People are bound to do it when most games refer to it as mana, it's a common term, where as AP is not.

It's ok to think of AP as mana but it's not ok to think of mana and AP as two separate resources available in this game. Doing so only shows your ignorance.

[Vikingkingq]

Anyone know if Swordmasters can wield 2 one-handers instead of two-hand sword?

Yes. The concept art of the swordmaster male shows him carrying two swords, and certain of the Swordmaster abilities specially require two-handed swords, suggesting that others do not.

[Shenryu]

The blade dancing styles and modes sounds awesome. What I am hoping for is different dancing modes than you can switch in battle depending on the situation. Switching dance styles would involve tactics on how to best protect your allies and also kill your opponents.

In WoW PvP I played a warrior and had a great time "stance-dancing" - I hope WAR Warmasters take that concept to a higher level where you are switching your dances constantly to stay alive and keep your allies alive too.

[Vikingkingq]

The blade dancing styles and modes sounds awesome. What I am hoping for is different dancing modes than you can switch in battle depending on the situation. Switching dance styles would involve tactics on how to best protect your allies and also kill your opponents.

In WoW PvP I played a warrior and had a great time "stance-dancing" - I hope WAR Warmasters take that concept to a higher level where you are switching your dances constantly to stay alive and keep your allies alive too.

It's possible that we'll see something like this, but at the moment, it looks more like Blade Dances being different combo-type attacks that build up Balance, require Balance to use, improve when you have good Balance, or spend Balance.

[Resistance]

I want to see some footage for this fighting style.

[Vikingkingq]

I want to see some footage for this fighting style.

Check out the Swordmaster intro video. They show off some of the Blade Dances.

[Barundin162]

I to am surpirsed they are making the Swordmaster the Tank, I thought he was for sure going to be the Melee DPS, cause it just fits more.

I thought they were probably gonna do the Phoenix Guard as a tank, but maybe they didnt want them to be playable...? More likely they are similar to the Black guard and Mythic wanted more differences.

Anyways I assuming the Swordmaster isnt a tank due to his tougness (whitch no elf is known for) but more his ability to parry and dodge enemy attacks

[Konrad Siegesruf]

I thought they were probably gonna do the Phoenix Guard as a tank, but maybe they didnt want them to be playable...? More likely they are similar to the Black guard and Mythic wanted more differences.


Each Phoenix Guard swears a magical oath of silence because they seen the future in the Chamber of Days = They can't speak at all! ;)

[Tirath]

I have to admit I kinda got disappointed with Swordmasters being the defenssive melee class. Unparallelled weaponskill + 2h weapon + tremendous initiative =/= tank in my vocabulary. Anyway, I will be playing one no matter what due to the theme of the swordmaster...and if you add the bladedancing concept...man they really made them amazing in concept...now only if they were the melee DPSers:) I won't even think playing the dreadful White Lions even if they are in the game as melee DPS or nuker throwing lions out of catapelts....2h axes FTW! the favorite High elven weapon in all elven mythologies...a really elegant approach /sarcasm off. Enough with the rant...I hope they implement them correctly as they should.

Delolith


Swordmasters being tanks makes good sence, seeing they are very very proffesional Elite Bodyguard unit for mages going abroad and on missions for the hite tower.

[Vankador]

If I've learned anything from reading this thread, it's that Swordmasters may be able to wield powerful hammers.

[Federline]

If I've learned anything from reading this thread, it's that Swordmasters may be able to wield powerful hammers. ROFL , and dual wield fist weapons for sure!

But seriously, limiting the poor elf to just swords, I can see people getting tired of this character very fast and rolling.... Witch Huntard # 100000000000000001 .

[Lucrece]

ROFL , and dual wield fist weapons for sure!

But seriously, limiting the poor elf to just swords, I can see people getting tired of this character very fast and rolling.... Witch Huntard # 100000000000000001 .

Don't witch hunters only use swords for close combat, too?

[Federline]

Don't witch hunters only use swords for close combat, too? I think they have guns also. I understand the lore is important and obviously I don't expect to see a caster wearing a humongous 2h battleaxe, but restricting these characters to the point of just 1 type of weapon is kinda sad in my humble opinion.

[Thoden Firehammer]

I think they have guns also. I understand the lore is important and obviously I don't expect to see a caster wearing a humongous 2h battleaxe, but restricting these characters to the point of just 1 type of weapon is kinda sad in my humble opinion.


Thoden want's his axmer, or better known at the haxe!

[Vaeronthar]

Thoden want's his axmer, or better known at the haxe!
Too bad, then.

[Pandemonium]

Will swordmasters be able to use hammers?

I hope your just joking, otherwise I would be seriously concerned if you are truely wondering if a SWORDmaster could use hammers. That would be like asking if a HAMMERer would use a sword. It would be an insult to a Hammerer asking that, and EVEN if its just a silly elf with pointed ears it would be an insult to him as well.

[Thoden Firehammer]

Too bad, then.


You make Thoden cry Dwarfy tears...

[Pandemonium]

You make Thoden cry Dwarfy tears...
Man Up! Theres no such things as dwarfy tears! Dwarfs have busier things to do like hit orcs with hammers!

[Thoden Firehammer]

Man Up! Theres no such things as dwarfy tears! Dwarfs have busier things to do like hit orcs with hammers!


Exactly, there's no such thing as Dwarfy tears, so i'm not crying :P

Thoden logic <-----:cool:

[Konrad Siegesruf]

Exactly, there's no such thing as Dwarfy tears, so i'm not crying :P

Thoden logic <-----:cool:

Thoden logic fails :p.

[pooter26]

Will swordmasters be able to use hammers?

Lol, i seriously loled.