AA question: offense + defense (and PVP question)

[Darthor]

I plan on using the str line with bare fists at least until I find one of the better weapons to replace it, but instead of going all out DPS I also want to boost defenses so I'll be going 4-4-8-8 STR.  Now my question is what would be the best companion to add either 4-4-8-8 or 4-4-4-4-8?WIS and STA would add about the same as far as procs go, while the decision is between added deflection or added health.  Int on the other hand adds 22% crits at level 8.  How much more damage would this add than mantis bolt / crane twirl?  Also, 1.6 deflection (STA) per point adds more avoidance than does 2.1 parry (INT), correct?  Being on a pvp server, two skills look useful right off the bat to me: eagle spin, which is as good as a stun in many cases, and I assume wouldn't interfere with the stun immunity from pvp.  Anyone have a positive experience with it?  I have also considered strongly mantis leap (STA) which teleports you instantly to target.  Any pvp'ers had the chance to try this out?  It seems like an awesome way to catch up with runners, but with 1 minute refresh it may be less useful than I see on paper.  Thanks for any answer. <div></div>

[Darthor]

Just to add something to my above post...I'm interested in general how eagle spin works in pvp.  Can a person still run foreward and backwards, and just not turn?  I think it would be hilarious to smack someone from behind with this who is running to a zone line and make him come right back.  <span>:smileyhappy:</span><div></div>

[Sslarrga]

<DIV>IMO - invest in the Int line if you are going to go up the Str line to get the riposte bonus.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Crits will in the end give you more added DPS than either mantis bolt or crane twirl.  Although in a relatively long fight against multiple mobs crane twirl can post decent DPS.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Also ripostes work off of successful parries, so investing some points into the +parry AA would be a somewhat nice match to the riposte bonus from the Str. AA line.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>More useful for soloing and PvP maybe.  Neither of wich is a focus of mine.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Regards,</DIV> <DIV>Croaker</DIV>