(Very dumb?) AA concern

[Dray]

Hi people, I was going to start investing points in my achievements tables (got only 5 so far, but never used any)I mainly duo with a ranger and there play the "tank" role (s far as i can tank <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />) SO i play with a 1 hander and shield.Now i planned to start in the Wis line untill i read in game and in these forums : Wisdom Branch - Level 2Lunge Reversal The next time the Fencer or an enemy attacking the Fencer uses a defensive maneuver to avoid an attack, the Fencer returns with a melee attack. 20 sec duration. 20 sec recast. Offhand EMPTY required.Rank4: If target parries, ripostes, blocks, etc, inflict 249-416 melee dmg. Rank5: 285-475 dmg. Rank8: 356-594 dmg.Wisdom Branch - Level 3Freehand Reversal Increases riposte and Parry chance. Passive Spell. Offhand EMPTY required.Rank4: Caster will riposte 4.0% of frontal, and Parry for same % attacks from other quadrants. Rank5: 5.0% chance. Rank8: 8.0% chance.Wisdom Branch - Level 4Unencumberence Double attack chance buff. Passive Spell. Offhand EMPTY required.Rank4: 42% of attacks will be double attacks. Rank5: 48%. Rank8: 66%.This "Offhand EMPTY required" frightens me <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Does that mean you cannot have ANYTHING in the offhand which would be quite stupid IMO...) or just that you cannot dual wield to get the effect of those (so me with a 1 hander and shield = ok)Thanks in advance for the enlightment <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[DocEvil]

Wisdom really requires you to have an empty off-hand. No Shield or anything else, it really means "nothing" <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> But with maxed out double-attack your auto-attack damage will be higher than with dual-wield weapons. So you change in your off-hand weapon for having more dps.If you really want to tank, then Stamina line is your way to go. Increasing your overall ability to tank ( max HP, avoidance, mitigation, taunts ) and "allowing" (more forcing) you to wear a shield <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />.

[Jeffmaster]

stamina would be good for you and can even increase your damage with a shield..you can respec later on

[Sabatini]

<P>Yes it really is offhand empty. As in nothing whatsoever in the slot. Not weapon, shield, or symbol. And yes at first glance it does look pretty dumb. But...investing in the line really does make up for any percieved shortcomings. Much of what you do works off the main hand only anyways. Poisons, procs, combat arts...all these things dont care whats in your offhand. The main difference is autoattack damage, and the line is designed to offset and eventually surpass the loss of the offhand.</P> <P>I love the wisdom line and find its really great for the rogue who spends as much time in front of the target as behind. Its almost a hybrid of offensive and defensive. But if you're spending most of your time tanking, then Stamina is definately worth looking into instead. Once you're done with that line, pick a second line that matches your favored weapon type. The Str line is probably a very solid choice for you, but when I tank, I love 'Walk the Plank' from the Agility line since it lets me 'backstab' from the front. :smileywink:</P>