5 replies to this topic

[Darklupine]

Most people, it seems, believe that the axe off-hand is pretty terrible. And while I'll agree it isn't as great as the warhorn, which really is overpowered, I've found something that makes it a very effective choice.
Whirling Defense has obvious merits; massive vulnerability stacking, projectile reflection, and whirl finisher status. But what most people consider the great weak link is Path of Scars. What most people don't seem to realize though, is that it has 100% projectile finisher status and hits any foe in its path - TWICE.
Say for example that you use the fire trap on a group of enemies, then throw Path of Scars through it. You'll light the axe and apply extra burning to every single foe in its path twice over.
The axe off-hand to me seems practically built around taking heavy advantage of combo fields, and is therefore very effective when paired with traps.

[Palthiron]

Nevermind me.

Edited by Palthiron, 14 October 2012 - 12:31 PM.

[Trei]

By repositioning yourself before it boomerangs back, we also have limited control over the return trajectory of the axe.
Uses for this can include maximizing return hits on clumps of moving targets.


But does the whirl finisher on WD actually work?
I'm not sure if I ever saw any combos when I use it.

Edited by Trei, 16 October 2012 - 03:37 AM.

[Darklupine]

Trei, on 16 October 2012 - 03:35 AM, said:

But does the whirl finisher on WD actually work?
I'm not sure if I ever saw any combos when I use it.

It's supposed to, but I'm starting to think it really doesn't.

[Dexwyn]

The finisher on WD seems to work fine for me--I run Sword/Axe as a support combo, dropping Healing Spring and Leap/Whirl inside it to keep allies alive. For not having very high Healing Power, the combo does a pretty good job of keeping my pet at max health with several things beating on it.

I just find myself using warhorn more often, though. The speed boost is just way too handy.

[Falchoin]

I want to like axe off-hand but I can't since moving while using Whirling Defense interrupts the skill and puts it on cooldown.  Pet swap for quickness + Whirling Defense is a great AoE vuln stacker, but risky since you're unable to move without interrupting the skill.

Until that happens (not likely, but I can dream) I'll be using a torch off-hand with my sword.