Your preference: Scouting, Skirmishing, or Assault?

[Shadow_Warrior]

So we know our 3 spec lines now, obviously most of us will be a mix of the 3 and not rely on just one style of play, but which of the them appeals to you most?

Taken from the official descriptions:

"Scouting maneuvers focus on moving into territory ahead of the vanguard and striking out at critical locations from long range"

"Skirmish maneuvers focus on hit-and-run tactics using powerful short range bow attacks that can be unleashed on the run.

"Assault maneuvers focus on slaying their opponents at close range with quick, graceful strikes of a longsword."

[Wiveron]

Skirmish seems like it would fit me best. Running in with the rest of the team and dealing out some strong bow attacks.
Assualt just seems plain odd in my book. A ranged DPS dealer running to the front of combat to melee damage? I know assualt will be doing some ranged damage too, but still...

[Shalaa]

I'm guessing the end result will be whatever helps them run away faster :rolleyes:

Q. How many insults does it take to get decent realm vs realm banter going?

A. Insert banter here

[Axxar]

Assault. But then I'm not a shadow hunter! HA!

[Flash Gitz]

I'm guessing the end result will be whatever helps them run away faster :rolleyes:

Q. How many insults does it take to get decent realm vs realm banter going?

A. Insert banter here

We have better things to do than listen to some half dressed tart spouting nonsense. Go back to your silly gothship before I unleash the winds and smite your ruin into the dust.

Also, I bite my thumb at you! (better?;))

On topic: Skirmishing for sure.

[Shalaa]

On topic: Skirmishing for sure.

Well that confirms my original post about running away :mrgreen:

[Kosme]

Scouting if I find a good rvr guild. Assault if i'm going to play solo in word pvp.

[ImixZinz]

I'm confused, choosing between them? Thats like asking a Warrior in WoW which stance they prefer.

You'll need to use all of them if you want to be successful.

[ChosenOne]

Are you kidding me? I plan to try out different combinations of all three. As if I am going to limit myself.

Probably two different specs in mind. One that is probably mostly scouting. The other would be a majority in skirmish with a lesser amount based in assault.

I doubt I would ever go just skirmish or just assault. To me they kind of go together if you have to be close range with skirmish skills.


With scouting I might do some skirmish skills as well for when they get closer range.

[ChosenOne]

Well that confirms my original post about running away :mrgreen:

This coming from one who is trained specifically in how to run away fast. (jumpback skill)

[Shalaa]

This coming from one who is trained specifically in how to run away fast. (jumpback skill)

Q. At last decent reply well done 7/10

A. At least we don't have a whole tree dedicated to this skill :mrgreen:

[ChosenOne]

Q. At last decent reply well done 7/10

A. At least we don't have a whole tree dedicated to this skill :mrgreen:

Ahh, but you see, this is where we differ greatly. You have a desire for the spilling of blood, any blood, including your own.

We, on the other hand, simply wish to spill yours. Something of which we will gladly aid you in.

[Shalaa]

Ahh, but you see, this is where we differ greatly. You have a desire for the spilling of blood, any blood, including your own.

We, on the other hand, simply wish to spill yours. Something of which we will gladly aid you in.

Who says i have to use it to escape i could turn around and use it to backflip towards you :cool:

[ChosenOne]

Who says i have to use it to escape i could turn around and use it to backflip towards you :cool:

Then you will be stuck within our ranks. I am sure such a maneuver is very taxing and cannot be repeated soon after.

[Kaeldor]

Proabably a mix of scouting and skirmishing, not yet sure what would be the "main" aspect. Can't wait until we really get some info about the skills.

[Gemini]

I'm gonna try everything, but for now I think I'd like to do a lot of Skirmish with a decent chunk of Scouting, and a touch of assault. I mean, Skirmish is what makes the SW special, firing while moving.

[Aviator]

Scouting and Skirmish both sound appealing. No interest in Assault at all; if I wanted a melee class I'd roll something more suitable.

[Shalaa]

Then you will be stuck within our ranks. I am sure such a maneuver is very taxing and cannot be repeated soon after.

Not as taxing as dragging your sorry corpses to the cauldron, hmmm i need volunteers to help with that part. ;)

[vehemoth]

scouting improves your shoot+move abilities, long range attacks, and limited recon abilities while skirmish improves fancy shorter range bow attacks like interupts and such. Is this a proper interpretation? It seems a hybridization of skirmish then scouting then assault would be the most proper for how I'd play a shadow warrior if my interpretation is correct.

[Mercer7]

I'm very glad to hear scouting is in. I think they did a perfect job with this career (as far as we know at this point).

[Kaeldor]

scouting improves your shoot+move abilities, long range attacks, and limited recon abilities while skirmish improves fancy shorter range bow attacks like interupts and such. Is this a proper interpretation? It seems a hybridization of skirmish then scouting then assault would be the most proper for how I'd play a shadow warrior if my interpretation is correct.

I'd think mostly the same, exept that move&shoot seems to be skirmish, not scouting.

[sanderke]

I'm probably going for a 50/50 Scouting/Skirmish build though I might end up leaning a bit more towards Scouting.
Hence, voted Scouting but Skirmish is a -very- close second.

[Fere]

I'm a huge fan of scouting, to be honest. Now, I don't believe it's the best spec for solo play, but anything that emphasizes the ranger, wildlife character.

[Mercer7]

I'm a huge fan of scouting, to be honest. Now, I don't believe it's the best spec for solo play, but anything that emphasizes the ranger, wildlife character.

I totally agree with you on the scout type, in that solo players might be disappointed. As for the ranger or wildlife type, you could roleplay it and they certainly look the part but they're not the "leap out of the shadows" type. Or the wildlife loving type. The closest you'll come to ranger is tactical positioning, patience, and the ability to move quick... oh right, and looks.

For example, when it mentions being most effective, you have to wait for an enemy to be properly wounded so that you can finish him off quick. In other words, you'd do best to wait and observe and plan your attacks rather than just firing arrows at every target that's available. I love the concept but I don't know if it's for everyone. We'll know more when we see the mastery list, I hope.

[Covenant Prophet]

A combination of Scouting and Skirmish with a bit more invested in Scouting would do me just fine. Maybe throw in a bit of Ambush if it's practical.

[c_vadnais]

I know I intend to go heavy scout with some in skirmish from the sounds of things

[Velryn]

I'm definitely into the whole Hybrid thing, but after hearing the actual abilities, I think I'm going to spec mostly into Scouting, and once I get the best abilities I'll use whats left over (if any) to spec assault. Then again I might do the same thing only for Assault being my main speccage. :rolleyes:

[nWe]

Skirmish + assault would be fun.

Great damaging attacks while running and when they get to close you just finish 'em off.

[Kailes]

For the most part, Scouting seems like lvling and PvE play. Emphasizes on out of combat mobility and on taking your opponent out from range burst. Grinding wise, this seems the most efficient: Killing the mobs with the least amount of set back and quickly. If you take them out from far away, they can't hit you and you move quickly from one mob to the next. In terms of Dungeons and PvE, staying far away means less chance of being killed and it will focus on your nuking with a bow, yielding high sustained damage.

Skirmish is what I see for RvR. Strong mid-combat mobility thanks to the move&shoot strengths Skrimish brings to the table. Hit-and-run for group RvR will help as well as roaming in RvR areas thanks to Skirmish. Assault will probably be dipped into for the inevitable encounters where you HAVE to melee and you don't want to suck.

I can't imagine why someone would go full Assault. You roll a range class and focus on your sword? I'm sure theres some goodies in there like a disarm or longer roots and slows, but taking the goodies in the other trees will probably mean you wouldn't need such skills in the first place.

[Graven]

Scouting seems... appealing. I've always prefered longer ranged ranged classes (duh... this looks so stupid written like that), but it remains to be seen how well scouting will work out in RvR. I think at least some degree of skirmish has to be in, probably 75/25 scouting/skirmish. Assault - no.

[Ashon]

I enjoy pure RDPS like everyone else who plays these classes, so naturally my preference is for long range- skirmishing, but I find assault to be the most interesting to speculate about so I chose Assault on the poll.
I would like to experiment with different builds, but to me applying a hybrid skirmish(hit and run tactics) while having Assault to use if those Mdps get close since they're our archetype weakness.
Let me explain further, in the Assault tree I could see more disabling skills rather then damage. Slowing of movement speed, snares, expose weakness type spells( e.g +50% damage with next skill), debuffs/Dots (e.g lower attack power/armour of opponent and bleeding effects)
Then if you're Scouting, you could have ambush type abilities(e.g +200% damage on first strike with melee+ causing 2-3 second stun so you can get distance again), then you could have finisher melee combos, i.e after using 2 long range skills it allows you to use "finisher" which does 300% melee damage. I can see the damage skills being more burst damage considering you don't get to use them as often
A problem comes with having to add stats to both Strength and Ballistics, while trying to balance how much defensive stats is necessary too. To off-set this, there may be a couple of skills that give passive bonuses to certain stats or give +X% to dodge/parry, extra HP etc. It should be important that these cost a fair amount of points or require pre-requisite otherwise everyone will be happy to lose a bit of dps for a lot more survivability.
If Mythic do their job well it should be reasonably balanced, by speccing into melee you lose some of your ranged power for some survivability and usefulness in melee range.
The power ratio would be around~Range/melee:70/30 - 80/20 would be safe.
They wouldn't have as much variety or as powerful direct damage melee attacks compared to a Mdps class either. I think it's good to blur the lines a bit between archetypes allowing unconventional hybrids. It just adds options for the person playing and adds the element of surprise to an opponent because they can't just assume and use the same strategies they use for every RDPS class.
Anyway, that's my Speculation. I think Shadow Warriors have huge potential and a variety of playstyles that most who get to end game with one shouldn't get bored with them so easily.

[Konrad Siegesruf]

If I roll a Shadow Warrior alt, I would most likely prefer skirmishing.
Remember though that these are not just the spec lines, but are "strategic maneuvers" that can be switched around in battles. The devs themselves called it a kinda stance-like mechanic.
Certainly the specs will be centered around each of the maneuvers, but one will most likely have to use all the three maneuvers in the same combat to be most effective, but that's just speculation on my part there.

[Valkrin]

maybe skirmish for leveling and scouting for when i hit 40 but we do not know which spec is better yet so i will wait till is see the skills.

[VeriusCarth]

Well that confirms my original post about running away :mrgreen:

Running Away is only one part.



... The other is turning around and loosing some arrows at you.

You must be disappointed because you'll have to catch us to even touch us, now won't you? We'll have the pleasure of being able to take you down at our own leisure, and under circumstances dictated by us. ;)

That said, I'm probably going to end up being more heavily focused in Scouting, though, with the way the tree systems are supposedly set up (how you can change load-outs after being out of combat for a certain amount of time, assuming that's still in effect), I'll probably switch it around to meet the changing needs on the battlefield.

[Cetla]

I would choose scouting. For any arch type I would choose the mastery that best enhances that arch. As a shadow warrior being able to hit for high dps at long range while leaving myself open to melee attacks seems the best way to make use of a shadow warrior. I could see a skilled shadow warrior carefully picking off their enemies with ease.
In DAOC I played a scout. It was the most fun I ever had in a MMORPG. Even in groups, being able to deal more damage than the mdps was great. So I was squishy. Thats why I hung out with paladins. I feel that a scouting shadow warrior could definitively recreate this feeling for me.

[kizen]

Most likely a skirmish - assault hybrid. But this is obviously a tentative choice, and will almost definitely change by the time the game comes out, since I will have seen the skills.

I do agree that scouting is going to be the best for pve scenarios though. I had a lurikeen ranger in DAOC and I demolished mobs before they even got close.

[Unforsaken]

I voted for SKirmish, but I know my play style, and will be heavily utilizing every single aspect. Im a pretty hyper player so I do not tend to use a narrow focus.

[Velryn]

I voted for scout way back when... but zomg I wish I could change it to skirmish and Assault. I've explained it enough on this sub-forum I think.

[Eredhel]

I must say I can't really decide without playing them first. They all sound awesome so I'll wait until I get to play before deciding. That being said, I have always liked the ranged stuff more.

[ChosenOne]

The sweet part is you can do all three. While doing all three you will figure out which direction you like best, which direction works best in certain situations, and which direction will work best in what you plan to be doing.

Knowing all that will allow you to spec properly and heighten the abilities you plan to use the most.

Shadow warriors are going to be a blast.

[Eredhel]

Shadow warriors are going to be a blast.

Oh hell yeah. I'm already planning to get a job in the next week or two so that that when WAR is released I can quit and playing nothing but my SW :D

[Eleazar]

Scout/Skirmish. Unless the Assault line has amazing things in it I think it'll be too situational for me to spec heavy in.

[Hubris]

Definitely going Assault first. When leveling you don't want to be running around kiting mobs too much... or else you'll pull more. I'll probably leveling solo, and heavy assault/light skirmish looks like the best for solo pvp and pve. The reason for PvP is that most every fight you're going to get into close range with your enemy. Casters you WANT to get in range, melee want to get in range and bash YOU, so it's most likely gonna happen. Against melee it seems the best strat would be to kite as long as you can, then once they get in melee, burn all your strong melee abilities on them, then use one of your escape methods, rinse, repeat.

Besides... an Archer with Backstab? That's just WAY TOO COOL not to use it.

[Rmedies]

I plan on being a scout, checking out where the enemys are concentrated.

That said I plan to balance spec between range and medium range.
As a semi squishy frontline fighting will be avoided.

[mister chief]

humm skirmish assault would be good 1v1 but scout skirmish will be for combat with alot of people i would probably be skirmish assault

[Nightz]

Scouting. Picking off melee Dps from "squisher targets" :D. Shadow Warriors arn't the squishiest you know. :p

[Teraven]

Personally seems like skirmish is a good choice no matter what way you go. Can use it for scout and then once the enemy closes use skirmish moves to finish them, or do something like start in skirmish range and then close to assault (or vice versa). Either way by the sounds of it skirmish should complement any combination quite well. Then again how much information can you really get from a few one line descriptions :p.

[Mapex]

If I were to go SW I'd probably do a mix of Scouting and Assault.

This is how I perceive this combination will work in game, to a fair degree:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3pOljQqvX8

Ambush people with ranged attacks, then run in and finish them off. In WAR, for balance purposes, there will probably be more of an emphasis on the ranged part, but no matter.

[Eien]

probably scouting/skirmish combo. I love it when someone gets an arrowhead without him noticing it

[owningu]

I wanna one shot casters :cool:

[Reiden]

Can't really pick a setup just yet as most bow classes I have played generally come with some form of stealth, however with combining scouting and skirmish and running with a good group, should probably be able to do some serious damage without having to be stealthed. But, probably focus on scouting and then if they decide to charge me, have my skirmish built up so I can finish them off on the run.

[Morelius]

Not saying I would go the assualt mastery, but I can see the appeal in it.
Its kind of like being a hunter and rogue combo. You shoot em from afar, soften em up, then when they reach you, you decimate them up close. This would actually make quite a good solo build (probably combine with scouting to have a great range dps with great melee dps).

Obviously you can do all actions, range dps, kite and melee, but these masteries will increase your power in one or two of these fields.
To highlight and exaggerate the aspects of these:

Scouting will make you hit hard from range, but be weak up close.

Skirmish will allow you to hit reasonably hard from range, and keep them away from you so you can continue to hit from range longer (kiting)

Assault will have weaker ranged attacks, but when they do reach you, you hit hard in melee.

The reason I don't mind the idea of Assault is that it sounds fun, to do a good mixture of ranged and then do well in melee, the whole soften them up approach and a good mix of 2 play styles as opposed to one.

Each mastery will be more suitable against certain classes or roles. Assault will be handy against those that are vulnerable up close, for example, a sorceress.
Skirmish will be handy against those that needs to be close, keep kiting them and keeping them away.
Scouting would be handy when shooting from behind the lines, dealing out great damage to all and hoping not to get the enemies attention.

At a guess, I figure each mixture of 2 would be more suited for different game styles:

* Solo = scouting and assault (shoot the mob hard, hit it hard when it reaches you = dead mob, fast)

* Group RvR = hmmm, Skirmish and Assault (skirmish/kite the melee folk, melee the ranged dps)

* Instances/Public Quests = Scouting and Skirmish (stand back behind your tank and shoot em, applying skirmish-type debuffs to keep em away and from threatening anyone bar the tank)

Just throwing some ideas and musings out there, take it as you will :D

[Borrus]

I wanna one shot casters :cool:

ahh i remember doing this in wow on my rogue good times. ive retired so waiting on warhammer :D

[Covenant Prophet]

I wanna one shot casters :cool:

Sorry, not gonna happen in WAR.

[flameseeker574]

We have better things to do than listen to some half dressed tart spouting nonsense. Go back to your silly gothship before I unleash the winds and smite your ruin into the dust.

Also, I bite my thumb at you! (better?;))

On topic: Skirmishing for sure.
i think its thee... silly highelf

[Warenthu]

If I were to go SW I'd probably do a mix of Scouting and Assault.

This is how I perceive this combination will work in game, to a fair degree:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3pOljQqvX8

Ambush people with ranged attacks, then run in and finish them off. In WAR, for balance purposes, there will probably be more of an emphasis on the ranged part, but no matter.

My thoughts exactly 8)

[Gawain]

Hard to say without knowing what the individual skills are in each spec line. Two things to note, however.

1) They've changed the battlefield objectives to keeps. IF it pans out that keep sieges play a prominent part in open world rvr, long range DPS is king (both on defense and offense).

2) Most of our cc seems to be in the assault line. CC works both ways. i.e. In open field, you can use it to keep the target in range of melee too, not just for you to gain distance for bow again.

If both holds true, I'll likely spec scout/assault (with only 1 point in skirmish). Skirmish, to me is more useful as an interupt (while gaining or closing distance) than as a damage device. e.g. If I need to close distance on caster, I just need to limit his/her ability to cast damage or cc on me while I do so. I don't need much damage because the assualt spec will take care of that when I reach him/her. If caster runs before I reach him/her...I go back to scout.

Cheers

[ChosenOne]

Hard to say without knowing what the individual skills are in each spec line. Two things to note, however.

1) They've changed the battlefield objectives to keeps. IF it pans out that keep sieges play a prominent part in open world rvr, long range DPS is king (both on defense and offense).

2) Most of our cc seems to be in the assault line. CC works both ways. i.e. In open field, you can use it to keep the target in range of melee too, not just for you to gain distance for bow again.

If both holds true, I'll likely spec scout/assault (with only 1 point in skirmish). Skirmish, to me is more useful as an interupt (while gaining or closing distance) than as a damage device. e.g. If I need to close distance on caster, I just need to limit his/her ability to cast damage or cc on me while I do so. I don't need much damage because the assualt spec will take care of that when I reach him/her. If caster runs before I reach him/her...I go back to scout.

Cheers

Sorry but I must correct a mistake of yours just so others are not misinformed.

They did not replace battlefield objectives with keeps. They ADDED keeps. There are still battlefield objectives. Tier 1 just has BO's, it has no keeps. In the rest of the tiers at least some of the battlefield objectives affect the keep. Some examples are the number of guards. Perhaps also how well outfitted the guards are. They are still there and you still have to defend them as they have real affects to the world.

Now, when fighting in a keep long range dps isnt Always king. Its definately handy in the earlier stages, but from experience in Daoc sieges when you get up into the main part of the keep its much more tight quarters. The skirmish and melee lines will be extremely helpful in such. So really all aspects of the shadow warrior will come in handy, but at different points of the keep siege.


Your plan for your spec is sound though, IF it works out like you think it will. We dont know what abilities will be in the skirmish line. If some of them are undeniably good you may change your mind and realize you have to put in more then 1 point in order to get high enough in mastery to get them.

I myself am waiting to make such a choice. When I see the trees then I will make my decision on such.

[Eredhel]

Sorry but I must correct a mistake of yours just so others are not misinformed.

They did not replace battlefield objectives with keeps. They ADDED keeps. There are still battlefield objectives. Tier 1 just has BO's, it has no keeps.

Actually if I remember rightly, The Hickman said in the Paris RvR presentation that Tier 1 zones have 1 keep each.

[ChosenOne]

Actually if I remember rightly, The Hickman said in the Paris RvR presentation that Tier 1 zones have 1 keep each.

No, I am sorry they dont. It was even shown in a graphical way. Tier 1 doesnt have keeps, Tier 2 has small keeps. Tier 3 has Keeps with an outer wall and then the tier 4 keeps are just big.

[Eredhel]

No, I am sorry they dont. It was even shown in a graphical way. Tier 1 doesnt have keeps, Tier 2 has small keeps. Tier 3 has Keeps with an outer wall and then the tier 4 keeps are just big.

Really? Huh I remember it differently. I dont have the video any more and cant afford to stream it again so I'll take your word for it :D

[ChosenOne]

Really? Huh I remember it differently. I dont have the video any more and cant afford to stream it again so I'll take your word for it :D

Yeah, Tier 1 is noobtown. Keeping it pretty basic when it comes to the RvR area. When I get home I will try to find that vid for ya.

[Eredhel]

Yeah, Tier 1 is noobtown. Keeping it pretty basic when it comes to the RvR area. When I get home I will try to find that vid for ya.

I stand corrected. I just watched that new HE keep video you posted on the HE forum and the guy says that Tier 2 and up have keeps. Maybe it was just my love of keep warfare that blinded me earlier :D

[Medallion]

I had a tough time choosing between Scouting and Skirmish but I ultimately chose Skirmish. I pictured my character running circles around her target, unleashing a mess of arrows as she goes.

Yeah, it made me smile. :)

[Dairor Gavreel]

I'm gonna gonna go with a scout/assault or skirmish/assault hybrid type of "I wanna maim you with my sword then shoot you in the eye" kind of build. You know?

[Syrak]

I'll probably go skirmish/scout to maximize my bow abilities.

I"ll focus on skirmish, but it will good to have high scout for those long range stand offs until I can get closer and cause some carnage.

[Velryn]

I'm gonna gonna go with a scout/assault or skirmish/assault hybrid type of "I wanna maim you with my sword then shoot you in the eye" kind of build. You know?


I know the feeling, only for me it's I wana shoot you in the face then maim you with a sword.

[Foul Being]

How it looks now; A combination of skirmish and assault.
But i'll just look at the talenttree's when i bought the game and see what appeals to me the most. (Just like with any other class)

[Gemini]

I'm actually thinking scout and assault now, even though I voted for skirmish. Maybe scout and skirmish though...

[Hrafn]

Looking at a Assault/Scout build if and when I role a Shadow Warrior. May not be viable but we'll see.

[Dairor Gavreel]

Hmmm I've been thinking about going skirmish and have decided to go for an Assault hybrid. I can't really think of a plausible way of actually running and kiting someone once they start to charge at you since in the videos walking backwards seems to be slower.

But then again I guess we'll have to wait for the game to release or even open beta to see how well all of it fairs, although the idea of a Shadow Warrior that won't get decimated in melee combat when the time comes does intrigue me.

[Warhammer Tarthir]

Scouting...playing a Warg in Lotro when i create my SW i like to already know how my role Scout head in first fire from long range piss off the enemy by hitting and running good stuff

[BeldarinSkysabre]

Personally I'm going Scout / Assault unless things turn out drastically different from expected. I saw a video where the different types were being discussed somewhere, and he was talking about the types of builds people were using for shadow warriors (I think this video is linked in another forum here, forget which one though).

Anyway, he said that the people who were doing skirmishing weren't doing a whole lot of damage but were really annoying. Personally, I find that a little disappointing, but then, I honestly hope the big damage is with scouting.

He said the Scout / Assault people were like "pullers" though, using Scouting to weaken someone that by the time the person got to them they'd finish them off with a sword. That sounds like what I want to do.

Plus, I intend to put points into assault simply because staying at a range all the time will not happen. Imo, expecting to be ranged 100% of the time is overly optimistic. Basically, I want to be ready to survive for a bit when those people inevitably close on me, so I can get away and continue what I believe will be the big damage - scouting.

[Ferry]

Skirmish/Scout sounds like the way I'd go, although I could go the other way round and spec Scout/Skirmish. Depends really what each spec will have in it. Assault doesn't really sound interesting to me at the moment, but as I said, I'll wait until I see what the spec lines all look like.

[Xander_119]

i would spec scout skermish if i had a strong tank group and could stay at range for the whole time. Otherwise i think that skermish/assult is the way to go, the combinaton of strong medium range attacks, where your silence effects are located aswell, and powerful snares and good melee attacks to finish off a mob that has closed the distance.

[Chzrm3]

When I found out Shadow Warriors were in the game, I about wet myself. :D Seriously, this is far and away the class I'm most excited for. (Huh, I should probably update my profile. XP)

That said, I'll try out all three paths as much as possible. As it is right now, though, only knowing the limited info I know about the paths, I'd say a mix of primarily assault, backed up by some skirmish, would be a good starting point. Since assault is all about up-close attacking, it'd be very 'forgiveable' as far as if I make mistakes with running away, getting backed into corners, etc... whereas, if I go full on into scouting without knowing what I'm doing, I stand to get pummelled into the ground.

[Apocalis]

I think I''l mix Skirmish and Scout. Skirmish looks to be our bread and butter kiting spec. Which I plan to do mostly. Staying at max range (Scout) might look good on paper, but as a seasoned ranged DPS player, i realize mobility is our main asset.

[Exacerberus]

I think I''l mix Skirmish and Scout. Skirmish looks to be our bread and butter kiting spec. Which I plan to do mostly. Staying at max range (Scout) might look good on paper, but as a seasoned ranged DPS player, i realize mobility is our main asset.Look at my signature... ;) IMHO if you want mainly to do RvR, put 18-20 points in Skirmish and then all the others in Scouting for better DPS and some nice sniper job.

[Ferry]

Skirmish/Assault seems to be pretty good survival spec overall.

Scout/Skirmish seems to be good DPS, but more than likely a PvE style spec.

Skirmish/Scout seems interesting to me though, I'll admit.

I'll see at the end of the day, but at the moment Skirmish/Assault seems to be the most reliable PvP spec from judging how important each stance'll be, during RvR.

[WarGreek01]

Skirmish/Assault seems to be pretty good survival spec overall.

Scout/Skirmish seems to be good DPS, but more than likely a PvE style spec.

Skirmish/Scout seems interesting to me though, I'll admit.

I'll see at the end of the day, but at the moment Skirmish/Assault seems to be the most reliable PvP spec from judging how important each stance'll be, during RvR.


I find it funny we are mentioning most "reliable" PvP specs, when we have no clue what these specs are going to play like.

Take into consideration that in RvR you are going to be with a group, which will include tanks and mDPS (who will be, to some extent, controlling the amount of enemy mDPS that breaks through the lines and starts stomping on you). Sure, you will probably have to kite now and again, regain some distance to start firing away, but honestly in a game like this where it is remarkably team-oriented, I am going to be going for max rDPS, with some points in skirmish for those occassions when I have to regain distance between my target.

[VeritasFW]

I loved running in a small group for rvr in DAoC so I'm most likely going to have most of my points in skirmish but ill pick up a few things in assault and scouting too .. gotta be flexible to be a gankster. :D

[Korta Galathil]

I'm planning to play assault/skirmish, this is mainly because I play archer type classes in most games and hate it when you get into combat and are still shooting at someone right in front of you.

I think this build would be good for my playstyle because you've got the best of both worlds and are able to weaken any opponent to a reasonable level before taking the initiative and finishing them off up close and personal..... Check out the elf on the Mark Of Chaos cinematic trailer when he runs in, kills some chaos dues with arrows through the eyes before whipping his sword out and killing a load more... What more do you want...

[Ferry]

I find it funny we are mentioning most "reliable" PvP specs, when we have no clue what these specs are going to play like.

Take into consideration that in RvR you are going to be with a group, which will include tanks and mDPS (who will be, to some extent, controlling the amount of enemy mDPS that breaks through the lines and starts stomping on you). Sure, you will probably have to kite now and again, regain some distance to start firing away, but honestly in a game like this where it is remarkably team-oriented, I am going to be going for max rDPS, with some points in skirmish for those occassions when I have to regain distance between my target.

I was just making my own personal judgements about what I think will be useful when the time comes. Of course, we'll see.

[Eien]

skirmish/assault, i prefer this kind of playstyle, pepper a few arrows in and finish off with a blade

[SorrowingDarkened]

A mix of Skirmishing and Assault for me. =]

[phr0ggy]

Mostly interested in Assault, since I lean towards melee more than ranged(never been a fan of kiting/being kited:P). Even thou I think the assault tree will end up more of a utility tree rather than a main one, since Shadow Warriors are focused mainly on bows/ranged, with melee always being secondary(AFAIK). I'm willing to sacrifice my preferred playstyle for the coolest class in WAR thou. ;)

[LikwidSteel]

Pretty much skirmish all the way, depends on the skills, but I might put a respectable amount into scouting to pull mobs...

[KiyokaMakibi]

Skirmish/Scouting for me. Being a huge fan of ninjas and snipering I love being hidden and striking from a hidden position.

[Gisgo Elim]

I plan on Scout and Assault so I can help protect archmages in assualt and still be able to be a good RDPS in the back.

[Simonious]

I'm going to go mostly scouting, a bit of skirmishing, and I'll probably ignore assault completely.

[ChosenOne]

I'm going to go mostly scouting, a bit of skirmishing, and I'll probably ignore assault completely.


Same here, especially with cooldowns on the stances. Wanting to stay away from the fighting as much as possible.

[Velryn]

Man I can't just get into the fray. Gonna go into skirmish so I can kite for a little while, then finish my prey with some assault hybrid ownage.

[Sgt Mc Badass]

I IZ gonna call ma char LEGOLASPWNAGE and pwn all ya'll.

*shudders*

I must say these masteries (they are masteries right) seem a bit strange. I would have thought they'd make it all bow based. BTW if you see someone say or post my first comment in all seriousness, shun them.
Sarge

[Dellathon]

I think i will enjoy the scouting the most, i want to see the bigger and more powerful shots and what not. It was very hard to pick between that and skirmish though,and even though i picked scout, ill most likely be defaulting in skirmish while questing until the others a capable of better usage.

[trytodie]

i voted assaut but hey maybe i am a shadow warrior but i dont know anything about the game xD

[Aenigma]

If I were to roll a Shadow Warrior, I'd spec most points in Scouting, and the rest in Skirmishing. My tactic: wearing your opponent down with big shots from afar (scouting), and when they get close, finish them off while running away from them (skirmishing).

[ChosenOne]

It really doesnt matter. Stances only give bonus's and apparently you can use skills from each of the stance paths in any stance you use.

Sound confusing? Thats because it doesnt make that much sense really.

[FlakJacket]

Full assault. Fear me.

[Exacerberus]

Full assault. Fear me.:rolleyes: No, sorry...

[FlakJacket]

:rolleyes: No, sorry...You will sing a different tune when I own your pants off shortly after release. Ah, the beauty of beta-testing...

[Exacerberus]

You will sing a different tune when I own your pants off shortly after release. Ah, the beauty of beta-testing...:confused: !! :confused: :? :-|
A Beta Invite!??!!
OMG!!!
Now I'm sure that you're a better player than me and becoming half a MDPS class and half a sucky RDPSer will give you an archetype advantage on me (but I'm sure you can also tank Chosens for breakfast, and you do :rolleyes:). Good choice!!
Hope to snare me long enough, it's no way an easy job to stay close to me for more than a couple of seconds, hope you'll have a good view of my... back.
See you on the battlefield :cool:

[FlakJacket]

:confused: !! :confused: :? :-|
A Beta Invite!??!!
OMG!!!
Now I'm sure that you're a better player than me and becoming half a MDPS class and half a sucky RDPSer will give you an archetype advantage on me (but I'm sure you can also tank Chosens for breakfast, and you do :rolleyes:). Good choice!!
Hope to snare me long enough, it's no way an easy job to stay close to me for more than a couple of seconds, hope you'll have a good view of my... back.
See you on the battlefield :cool:Why would I want to tank a Chosen? Fail. Posts were laden with sarcasm anyways. Technically I'll be going Skirmish/Assault. Scouting is for pansies IMO.

[Exacerberus]

Why would I want to tank a Chosen? Fail. Posts were laden with sarcasm anyways. Technically I'll be going Skirmish/Assault.This makes far more sense, IMHO.

[FlakJacket]

This makes far more sense, IMHO.Mhm. I am still interested in what a Str-Heavy assault build could do with burst damage though.

[Exacerberus]

Mhm. I am still interested in what a Str-Heavy assault build could do with burst damage though.Depending on the target armor... Against squishy casters with high DPS/few CCs it's good, against a MDPS you can handle it half in range, half in melee, against a tank or a good healer, dunno...
Better to have a little more Skirmisher, snare a lot, silence and root a little, shot very much and come close for a cool finisher.
It's more reliable, more balanced (against a RockPaperScissors orientation) and maybe a little less situational, again IMHO ofc.
Well, the Beta-Tester is you, if you don't know... :)

[FlakJacket]

Depending on the target armor... Against squishy casters with high DPS/few CCs it's good, against a MDPS you can handle it half in range, half in melee, against a tank or a good healer, dunno...
Better to have a little more Skirmisher, snare a lot, silence and root a little, shot very much and come close for a cool finisher.
It's more reliable, more balanced (against a RockPaperScissors orientation) and maybe a little less situational, again IMHO ofc.
Well, the Beta-Tester is you, if you don't know... :)CB is for bug-finding. Once OB starts I will be testing out all my weird and obscure builds.

[Therion]

I like to be versatile and active. Just standing in one place shooting from the back is dull. Similarly, only charging into melee and staying there isn't what I want, either.

That doesn't mean I don't like Scouting. But as it is, I'm likely to go into Skirmishing and Assault. Skirmishing because it's fast and allows me to be more mobile. Assault because I like empowering melee so I can go ranged and melee.

I don't know enough about them to choose between those two, though.

[Iwishiwasalizardman]

as my alt ( perhaps main now as i dont knwo what my main will be anymore) I am going to say assualt as I have already heard of the ability to use cover and concealment while dishing out dmg so it sounds like fun

[whisy]

when i roll a SW i'll probably use assualt and skirmish but im gonna use assault the most :P

[Remiel]

I'll be assault at first but I'll make other Shadow Warriors so I'mm mix and match but Up clos and personal has always been my primary style

[Ambrosiah]

I'm thinking more along the lines of a skirmish/assault mix. It just seems to me that dealing powerful blows with your bow first then going in for a slice is the perfect combination.

[Eleven]

Scouting, Skirmish mix, all day!
I'm not big on Melee aspects of an archer class.
I stay with the bow son!

[Ris Aulendrel]

I'm probably going to go withs a hybrid spec about 55% Scout and 45% Assault. There's something about staying back and hitting people with long-range, big-damage attacks and drawing them in only to finish them off with a few quick strikes that appeals to me. This kind of tactic suits my play style, drawing them in and finishing them off when they are weak. It could also be quite handy for taking out those nasty casters, as long-range big damage could easily rip through their armor and take them out fast. The only fear as of right now with this build is the DoK. It would seem the DoK could take the hits from long-range scouts and easily shrug them off with heals and then get up close where he can dish some damage while gaining some back on his own. Scary blood-drinkers :(

[Kaeldor]

For me it'll be either scout/skirmish, or skirmish/scout, I love being ranged, and moving while shooting sounds great.

[NiteBlade]

personally i would scout until they got too close to use scout skills effectively and use assault to finish the job would be my combo unless effective :p

[Azerael Daemon]

Unless your going to spec only in assualt (which would be weird), Shadow Warriors are going to be a major pain, which is part of the fun for me. Just scout and skirmish till and if anything comes to close start kiting. Run in close, deal some dam,age, and go back out again.

[Marsares]

I love how the vote is so even between Scout and Skirmish!

It of course depends on all the skills, and I have no idea what they'll be. Any CB tester care to elaborate?

Both are appealing to me. But at the end of the day, I choose this class for its versatility so I'll want a combination of long (Scout), medium (ranged Skirmish) and Short (melee Skirmish) range damage.

I'll review the Assault stance, but although it'll surely add some melee strength, it'll never make you a very strong melee class and it'll be at the expense of your ranged damage I fear.

Therefore, I'll probably go for a balance between Scout and Skirmish, but leaning more towards Scout. There also don't appear to be that many good ranged phys classes, so a slight emphasis on Scout will not hurt I reckon.

Having said that, I may roll Skirmish/Assault. Just seems to be something else than a box-standard RDPS.

I really want what's most useful for RvR as I plan to be doing that mostly.

[Nwah]

Scout/skirmish all the way love the range and my bow.

[MasterChief]

I'm going to start with full scouting...then maybe try skirmish/melee

[Skage]

So we know our 3 spec lines now, obviously most of us will be a mix of the 3 and not rely on just one style of play, but which of the them appeals to you most?

Taken from the official descriptions:

"Scouting maneuvers focus on moving into territory ahead of the vanguard and striking out at critical locations from long range"

"Skirmish maneuvers focus on hit-and-run tactics using powerful short range bow attacks that can be unleashed on the run.

"Assault maneuvers focus on slaying their opponents at close range with quick, graceful strikes of a longsword."

I'd say Assault, but how does that even work for a ranged DPS class?

[Yionel]

I'm confused, choosing between them? Thats like asking a Warrior in WoW which stance they prefer.

You'll need to use all of them if you want to be successful.

you can only spec in one tho

[Kaeldor]

you can only spec in one tho

You can spec into all of them if you want to. We don't know if speccing into just is better, than devide it into two or even three.

[Craven85]

I am still have to choose between Scouting and Skirmish.

But if I look at my playstyle (in general) I think I will be switching alot between skirmishing and assault as I will be shooting as I charge in (behind the tanks and Mdps) and quickly unsheathe my blades as the frontlines come close.

(and probably that will be my signature to my own death contract.)

[absolute10]

I am really interested in being able to use some awesome melee skills while maintaining the advantage of raged dps. Assault seems appealing. I watched a gametrailers video on the Shadow Warrior career and it seems that even assault specc'd warriors are going to be using the bow very frequently. At least that's what I gathered from the vid...maybe that's changed a bit.