STR AA maxxed out, should I now go with STA or WIS?

[SpineDoc]

<p>Hey guys, I'm level 43 now.  I maxxed out my STR line, I like to maximize my group effectiveness so really wanted the taunt and crit bonuses.</p><p>Now I have to decide which line to go to next.  I'm debating between STA and WIS.</p><p>STA from what I hear is a lot more dps, which will help with aggro.  Does using the buckler decrease my defense noticeably when in groups?  Is it worth the trade off?  I chose Guardian because of the huge tower shield look and the feel of being the ultimate "defender", which would be lost with the tiny little buckler, but if it helps out in group situations then I'm all for it.</p><p>Also does the STA line help with soloing?  ie: will I still 2h/DW while soloing, or would I choose to use 1h and buckler with soloing due to the increased dps?</p><p>WIS also looks juicy though, I see  a dps bonus and a physical mitigation bonus which sound very nice, but the end ability sounds killer, no penalties to stances.  Is this really worth it?</p><p>When it's all said and done I would rather enhance my group with my AA choices, although I do solo a decent amount.  Group 70, solo 30 % I would say.</p>

[Yourbestfriend]

Sta line is by far the best line Guardians get. For grouping it's insane, for raiding it's insane. I would of gone down that line first. It will help the hell out of your dps/agro especially while soloing. Wisdom is just for mitigation which you don't really need.

[SpineDoc]

OK so I will go STR/STA.  In relation to soloing, should I now solo with a 1h and a buckler, or continue to solo with 2h/DW?

[SpineDoc]

Also in relation to the buckler line, I have been told by a couple of higher level guardians that the EOF slaughtering choice is more viable for dps, especially the end double attack ability.  Anyone care to comment?

[Aristigon]

go slaughtering AFTER speccing stamina. you can't beat the stamina line. slaughtering results in 10% double attack while stamina results in 76%. double attack > damage increases from slaugtering. I went 4-4-7-8STR 4-4-8-8-1STA and maxed out the left path down slaughtering also branched off for improved recast of reinforcement and rescue. Then I'd suggest spending points into improving your timered mitigation buffs

[SpineDoc]

<p>OK so STA first then slaughtering, TY much guys for the advice.</p><p>Last, I'm still curious as to solo play.  Should I use buckler and 1h or no?</p>

[Xalmat]

The entire point of the STA line is to use a buckler and 1h. Any other combination of gear is a waste of those AA points.

[Ep]

once you go down sta, line, you'll never, ever need any other duel wield or 2h again, ever. you will always have a 1h and a buckler.(except for the 2 seconds when you need to tos)

[SpineDoc]

Thanks guys, much help.  On the plus side it will save me from buying extra weapons for solo.  Now to find a good buckler!