[Swordmaster] Perfect Defenses revamp

[peterthepan3]

Identify the issue:

SnB SM lacks any significant means of buffing his block; this leads to the SM being squishier when equipping a shield than when going 2H and using WoDS. I have played SM extensively and am well aware of the potency of 2H SM's. That is why I believe that a viable way to improve endurance in SnB spec is by buffing his block since this in no way can affect 2H.

Why it’s an issue:

SnB spec should provide overall more endurance to the tank archetype than 2H, since you trade in quite a lot of damage and thus pressure.

Propose solution:


Proposals impact the Perfect Defenses tactic.

Deactivate the block and parry gained by stance and simply make it so that when Perfect Defenses is slotted Eagle's Flight also gives 25% block, make it 10 sec duration and make the effect cleansable/shatterable. Change position of Perfect Defenses with Lingering Intimidation.

[Penril]

Declining. BO/SM/KotBS/IB can buff it by the same amount (10%). Chosen/BG don't have a +block tactic/skill; they are more parry-oriented.

SM can still achieve very good parry while in SnB. You could say SM is kinda similar to Chosen since they can get a +25% parry buff while SnB (Mixed Defenses/Eagle's Flight, though EF can also be used while in 2H and Chosen has no +parry while using a greatweapon). You might lose WoDS but you gain block (40%? maybe more?) which also negates guard damage, and combined with your Parry (and Eagle's Flight) makes you tanky enough. Not to mention you get Hold the Line, which is better than WoDS for RvR/Warband play.