Assasin Guide: 'XIII' Low Level Kicksin

[Svalin]

Introduction:
I started making a low level kicksin (lvl 29) about 2 years agoo. After trying it out and improving it I was astonished by her strenght; succesfully bringing down level 91 bowzones and others way above my level. :innocent: Eversince I made about 6-7 kicksins in the level 29-31 bracket. And I would like to share my experience with them here. Because it was these characters that brought me unquestionable the most joy in this game. Mainly because you have to use a wide asset of skills and good timing to make up for the missing levels. I Suggest you take a look at it, it's 2 years of testing, tweaking and forum searching. If there is anyway to improve this build or any suggestions I would LOVE! to hear it.

Special Note:
The name XIII is not something special. Its just I started of naming my Assasin's with I or II in their names. When I was done with my last Kicksin her name was XIII and I decided to write this guild.
This guide is worked towards a level 31 Assasin boosted through Hell act 5 and finished all quests. If you insist of playing level 29 or only finish normal, there will only be some minor changes. But gear will be more expensive and the build will be less effective.
I will base gear on what I use and what is common to find. So I won't mention rare gloves, crafted boots. Some items will be really cheap and for this build to become expensive it involes alot of charms, which can be done without ofcourse.
Also a think to note is that you should aim to get level 24 Dragon Talon with +skills which will grant another kick! Bringing it to a total of 6.

Breakpoints and kicking facts. (Thanks to the Assasin Forum)
What works
- Leech (both from equipment and CS)
- Elemental Damage/Venom
- Crushing Blow
- Open Wounds
- Prevent Monster Heal
- Chance to Cast on Striking
- Hit Causes Monster to Flee
- Ignore Target Defense
- Hit Blinds Target
- Hit Slows Target
- Hit Freezes Target
- Chance to Cast on Attacking
- KnockBack (natural)

What doesn't work
- Weapon damage
- Pierce Target
- Deadly Strike (includes Critical Strike from Claw Mastery)

Hit Recovery Frame Rates
0% - 9 frames
7% - 8 frames
15% - 7 frames
27% - 6 frames
48% - 5 frames
86% - 4 frames
200% - 3 frames
4680% - 2 frames

Faster Cast Frame Rates
0% - 16 frames
8% - 15 frames
16% - 14 frames
27% - 13 frames
42% - 12 frames
65% - 11 frames
102% - 10 frames
174% - 9 frames

Block Frame Rates (applicable for both Shield block and WB)
0% - 5 frames
13% - 4 frames
32% - 3 frames
86% - 2 frames
600% - 1 frame

This helps to explain my favorite gear of choice, frames are an important issue to keep in mind while building any character.

Skills:
Traps:
Fire blast 1
Wake of fire 1
Wake of fire in combination with Mind Blast for stun.

Shadow Disiplines:
Claw Mastery 1
Physical Hammer 1
Burst of speed 1
Weapon Block 1
Cloak of Shadows 1
Fade 1
Shadow Warrior 1
Mind Blast 1
Venom 2
Burst of speed, to get the maximum kicking speed on the non-initial kicks.
Cloak of Shadow, to lower defense.
Shadow Warrior, just to annoy them, distraction, minor dmg.
Venom, level 6 Venom adds a nice amount of damage.

Martial arts:
Dragon Talon 20
Dragon Tail 1
Dragon Claw 1
Dragon Flight 8
Talon, your main source of damage. These can get into 800+dmg with 4k AR.
Flight, 'moderate' damage and ar. This will teleport you to them.
(Funny how many people still don't know that it teleports you!)

Stats:
Str: 110
Dex: Enough for max block (Around 65)
Vit: Rest
Eng: Base
(Pretty simpel, lots of stenght, needed for the boots!)

Gear:
Gear... This char is BASED on gear, with ofcourse skill in a good second. I'm not saying this is the most expensive build. You can make it totaly work cheap (Talking about less then 1 Ist here). But If you really wanna feel the power it involves alot of charms and perfect gear.
More notes on skills come with the items.

Helm
Peasant Crown
+1 Skill, 15% fr\w, 20 Eng, 20 vit
This is the number one choice. +Skills, +vit and +energy make this item great!

Weapon
Spirit Long Sword
+2 Skill, 35% fcr, 55% fhr, elemental damage, mana, vit
I used to run around with 'General tan do li ga' which had a 50% slow. This item was great, but bad manor and after using this for a while, I think it might be even better. It shoots straight through all the breakpoints. Make sure to make it in a Long Sword because it has a -10 base speed.

Chest
Vipermagi
+1 Skill, +35% Res, 30% fcr, good defense
This armor makes me very, very happy. It gives you another skill, improving Venom, number of kicks, ar, dmg! Helps you getting max resist and many other usefull stuff.

Shield
Rhyme Grim Shield
Cannot be frozen, 25% Res, 20% increase block, 40% block speed
This shield is it. I used Sigon's a couple of times, but then I had to make up for the missing CNBF, which was not worth it.

Belt
String of ears
15% physiscal dmg reduce and other minor usefullness.
No comment.

Gloves
Immortal King's Forge
+20 Dex, +20 Str, high defense
Set: +25% IAS
I love these gloves, you need a load of str for the boots and this makes it way easier. Also the 25% IAS is a MUST and makes up for the fact that Spirit doesn't have it.

Boots
Immortal King's Pillar
40% Fr\w, 110 ar (600ar with Kicks), 44 life, good defense
This turns you from a pushover into an immortal queen! Insane kickdamage, great ar, 40% fr\w and helps you get IAS. These are THE boots.

Rings and amu
Angelics Raiment
+115 life, 10 dex, 744 AR!, 20% damage taken to mana
Again, no comment.

Sockets
This gear gives you two free sockets. You are free to do with them as you like. :grin: If you don't have charms put 2 shael's in just to make it to the breakpoints.

Strategy:
Always buff up before a fight, have Venom, Burst of speed, Shadow Warrior out.

Most of the fights against level 9-40 will excist on Dragon Flight. Dragon Talon and they die somewhere around the second or third kick. Which is ofcourse fun and many times you end up with 4 times '... was slain by <your name>' on your screen. However, this is not a strategy and thinks can get alot, ALOT, rougher.

Against harder enemies you cast Cloak of Shadows, a couple of flame traps, throw on a mind blast, so they will be locked, Dragon flight, Dragon talon. Then if they are not dead. Depending on how much life they have left and what class they are there are four things you can do.

1. Their live suffered great or their energy\bone shield broke and you are still alive and kicking :wink3:. Or you are kicking and they can't recover. Just give it some more Dragon Talons, you will have another ear soon!

2. Their live went down, you are in control, but they damage you too. All in all a close fight. Throw a flame trap or 2 and a mind blast, Dragon Talon, repeat.

3. They are really though, or smiters, well all you can do is try. Get them into stun. Dragon Flight, Dragon Talon, get away, re-stun. Also, sometimes just running and telekicking is enough. This is somewhat lame and takes ages but sometimes it's the only way.

4. Get your body and hope they didn't steal your gold.

Final words:
There you go! 2 years of testing in 1 page. It's up to you if you make one. I can just say it's really fun and it gives you something what we all play this game for...

The evil grinn! :evil:

-Svalin, Ladder Europe SC, *XG_mffacc

NOTE: English is my 5th language. I try to correct. If it's an error let me know.

[Svalin]

Reserved

-Svalin :wave:

[HappyAssassin]

This is a very cool guide. I saw a kicker like this recently on US West Ladder. She murdered my poor lvl 16 kicker, but also the rest of a duel game that included at least 1 skilled lld hammerdin. I might give this a try, I'm getting sick of hlds.

[Kijya]

First off, good job on the guide. Also I'm really supprised to see how cheap the items for this pvper would be, excluding charms. Might even make one ...

Secondly, any reccomendations on the prebuff/stash items? Maybe malice claw in stash for lamer, tactic telekicking (cuppled with fhr charm to compensate for losing spirit).

Thirdly, sorry, but just have too thanks for laught :badteeth:
I try to correct. If it's an error let me know. Yes it's and error to correct :grin:

[NewForumBloke]

Ah, an answered prayer to those who keep asking for lld guides! This is a very great guide, great descriptions. Id say your 2 years of hard work have definately paid off.

On to my questions,

Have you considered looking for a +2 Shadow/Martial or +1 Sin skill 30% faster r/w circ with life/str/dex/mana/etc etc?

Also, what all is your prebuff for your venom; and how high is your venom after your prebuff?

Are your charms all 15 lifers w/ res/ar/str/dex or w/e mods?

Did you decide you socket your Peasent and Viper with sheals? Or did you choose some special stat/res/etc etc moded jewels?

Again, great great job on this man. Ive been working on a few lld fun builds myself, ill definately have to give this build a shot!

-BLoke :smug:

[Arbedark]

Above average guide, but missing gear options.

Points that may help:

Stop at 4 Kicks, this is the optimal for PvP. More for PvM is better, but in PvP longer kick sequences are bad against skilled opponents - Level 18-23 Dragon Talon.

Spirit Long Sword is Range 2. If going Weapon / Shield aim for either an Amped Flail with fools, Ias and cold damage, or just a regular Steel Flail for the range 3 and OW.

Twitch vs Viper. Twitch offers fbr, ias, fhr, dual stats. Hard to beat, especially as you dont need the fcr from viper, so it's only offering res and +1 skill...

Pre-buff: Get 2 x 2 shadow claws on switch at absolute minimum, aim for hand scythes with 2 shadow skills and 3 Venom, double hel them so you can meet the dex req's for them without over-shooting from max block. +2 Shadow circ with 30% frw and 2 sockets in stash if you want. If you're still missing stats for the hand scythes, put 2 x stat jewles / gems in here and bung that on for each pre-buff.

Soj vs Angelics.. Anything above 2k AR is more Than sufficient for LLD against anything except defensive concers or defiance zealots. And then again, adding AR wont help vs a good defiance zealot, and assas already have advantages over concers...

Hope the input's helped! :thumbsup:

[Baranor]

meh. some additions:

clvl 31 build:
helm:
rockstopper
ammy: maoim oak curio thingie (+10 to all stats, 10% AR, 10% res all)
ring1: good rare
ring2: good rare
belt: string, or deaths sash, or bladebuckle
shield: whitstans (eld) (then deaths sash for belt) or grim shield shael-eth
boots: ik boots
gloves: ik gloves or bloodfists
armor: pruby spirit shroud, 4 sock prubies, upped twitch (pruby)
weapon: amn-tir claw. DOH! 20 str and 10 vit and 25% CB, the only choice.

you missed a *few* options in your guide ;)

[Svalin]

This is a very cool guide. I saw a kicker like this recently on US West Ladder. She murdered my poor lvl 16 kicker, but also the rest of a duel game that included at least 1 skilled lld hammerdin. I might give this a try, I'm getting sick of hlds.

Go for it!

First off, good job on the guide. Also I'm really supprised to see how cheap the items for this pvper would be, excluding charms. Might even make one ...

Secondly, any reccomendations on the prebuff/stash items? Maybe malice claw in stash for lamer, tactic telekicking (cuppled with fhr charm to compensate for losing spirit).

Thirdly, sorry, but just have too thanks for laught

1. Thanks!

2. Never thought about prebuffing\stash. But there is definatly room and a point in doing so. I will look into it! For laming I always took Generals Tan Do Li Ga (50% slow) and had malice on switch if I can remember correctly.

3. Your welcome! :badteeth:

Have you considered looking for a +2 Shadow/Martial or +1 Sin skill 30% faster r/w circ with life/str/dex/mana/etc etc?

Also, what all is your prebuff for your venom; and how high is your venom after your prebuff?

Are your charms all 15 lifers w/ res/ar/str/dex or w/e mods?

Did you decide you socket your Peasent and Viper with sheals? Or did you choose some special stat/res/etc etc moded jewels?

Again, great great job on this man. Ive been working on a few lld fun builds myself, ill definately have to give this build a shot!

1. Yes! I had one of those. Reason for me not to mention because it would change all other suggested equipment. But indeed, one of these circlets would give you great oppertunities!

2. I had venom level 6. But with prebuff and maybe item switching this can be much higher! I will look into it shortly! Waiting for more feedback to change the gear suggestions. I will also make a GODLY gear setup. I just love to theoriecraft :)

3. I had 15 life SC's Mostly. A couple of FHR charms to make it to the 4th frame of FHR. Also mana is nice thing. And ofcourse max resist if you switch out for example Viper. Secondary mods to look for is cold resist and maybe lightning resist, AR etc. A thing I always think about when picking charms is, look what your character is missing and try to comprimise it with charms and ofcourse more life = better.

4. Jewels are better then Shaels. With FHR sc, You have free spot in sockets and the ability to insert a powerfull jewel! Again with mods your char is missing.

5. Thanks, give it a shot. Its worth it!

Stop at 4 Kicks, this is the optimal for PvP. More for PvM is better, but in PvP longer kick sequences are bad against skilled opponents - Level 18-23 Dragon Talon.

Spirit Long Sword is Range 2. If going Weapon / Shield aim for either an Amped Flail with fools, Ias and cold damage, or just a regular Steel Flail for the range 3 and OW.

Twitch vs Viper. Twitch offers fbr, ias, fhr, dual stats. Hard to beat, especially as you dont need the fcr from viper, so it's only offering res and +1 skill...

Pre-buff: Get 2 x 2 shadow claws on switch at absolute minimum, aim for hand scythes with 2 shadow skills and 3 Venom, double hel them so you can meet the dex req's for them without over-shooting from max block. +2 Shadow circ with 30% frw and 2 sockets in stash if you want. If you're still missing stats for the hand scythes, put 2 x stat jewles / gems in here and bung that on for each pre-buff.

Soj vs Angelics.. Anything above 2k AR is more Than sufficient for LLD against anything except defensive concers or defiance zealots. And then again, adding AR wont help vs a good defiance zealot, and assas already have advantages over concers...

First off..THANK YOU! This was exactly the feedback it needed. These kinds of feedback will turn this from a soloproject into a masterpiece. :grin:

1. Im gonna try this. Really never done it before. But then I will have to get the initial kick to the fastest speed. Im gonna look into it soon!

2. Hmm your right. But then we will have to make up for ALOT of missing FHR. Well I will see how this will work out. Charms are our friends, but it makes this alot more expensive. Also 2 Skillpoints is nice for venom :( And without we might require more points into BoS. What do you suggest about the FHR?

3. IAS might be needed with the new weapon of choice. Change to block I dont see so much improvement. Well I havent ran the numbers yet. But less then 65 dex is easy to come by. Well everypoint in vitality helps!
Without Viper and Spirit we will drop from 11 frame to 16 frame casting speed.
Lesser resistance will be compensated by charms I guess. Again, more expensive but might be worth it! 20% FHR and dual stats, impressive indeed. This armor is definatly worth a look and im gonna try to fix it into the build and compensate for the losses.

4.+10 Venom, +10 Fade, +10 Shadow Warrior and +10 Bos! Man thats awesome! Im so gonna look into this. I know this was kind of a cheap and very effective build. But im gonna look how this build could be PERFECT. And this certainly helps ALOT.

5. What do you suggest here? Using 1 Angelic and1 SoJ? Dual SoJ? If yes, what will the amulet be? Rare? what mods we are looking for? What mods are possible? Alot of questions :shocked:

clvl 31 build:
helm:
rockstopper
ammy: maoim oak curio thingie (+10 to all stats, 10% AR, 10% res all)
ring1: good rare
ring2: good rare
belt: string, or deaths sash, or bladebuckle
shield: whitstans (eld) (then deaths sash for belt) or grim shield shael-eth
boots: ik boots
gloves: ik gloves or bloodfists
armor: pruby spirit shroud, 4 sock prubies, upped twitch (pruby)
weapon: amn-tir claw. DOH! 20 str and 10 vit and 25% CB, the only choice.

First of thanks,

Rockstopper, indeed nice, missing the +skill the f\rw and the energy. But the returns might be far greater, especially if a 6kick sequence isnt needed. Looking into this!

Jewlery, I still go for my sacred angelics, unless I know what rings you are talking about to make it up for +\- 800 AR

Belt, Indeed string, other might be viable too though

Shield, Cannot be frozen and blockrate from Rhyme cannot be beaten imo.

Body, definatly gonna take a look at Twitch!

Weapon, sorry but I totaly disagree here. Crushing Blow isnt that effective in Pvp. 1/10th of current life with a 20% chance. I think there are FAR better weapon mods out there to supplement your kicks.

Again, Thanks all! Im gonna look into all your suggestions and change the build here and there! Soon holidays so got time.

-Svalin

[Svalin]

Can anyone tell me how I can actually change my second post? I made it reserved space. Thinking about making a 'Special Thanks' for all the people that helped me with the posts and some great sites out there.

Best regards,

-Svalin

[HappyAssassin]

One issue I came up agaisnt when I sat down to try and make this char was the mind blast situation. Now, on my WW/Trapper, I often spam mind blast, and i certainly use it a lot. With this char, the low mana seems to make it very hard to actually keep an opponent locked, since you have low level mb and cant cast it more than a few times. How do you get the best use out of yours? I mostly ask because it seems like a non-fcr route might be best from my initial trys, since MB spam isnt viable due to mana constraints. Maybe with dual sojs it'll be different.

[Svalin]

One issue I came up agaisnt when I sat down to try and make this char was the mind blast situation. Now, on my WW/Trapper, I often spam mind blast, and i certainly use it a lot. With this char, the low mana seems to make it very hard to actually keep an opponent locked, since you have low level mb and cant cast it more than a few times. How do you get the best use out of yours? I mostly ask because it seems like a non-fcr route might be best from my initial trys, since MB spam isnt viable due to mana constraints. Maybe with dual sojs it'll be different.

Hi again HappyAssasin,

Yes I know about the lousy mana situation. I made it up for a long time using mana pots. Also I carried around some mana charms. For know I, really dont know how to fix this. The thing I mostly do is: Use just 2-3 traps and mind blast to get them into lock\recoveries. Then go for the kicks. Just throw 2 traps and another Mind Blast. The mana is limited but you can manage with it.

[Baranor]

err, yeah, well, suit yourself ;)

what we use on HC, cheapskateish, to kill off idiotic high levels with a 27 kicksin:

2 strength claws. Yes, I know its only 25% CB, but the +40 str and +20 vit more than make up for any shield.
3 socket pruby crown
4 sock pruby armor
angelics
deaths sash
bloodfists, or deaths gloves
some 20% run/walk elite boots. for max kick dam ;)

you strength bug the boots, so that you can equip them, and then simply remove all the strength charms, even though the boots turn "red' the damage stays, and you can boost your life. This particular build can pretty much work with base str/dex. 40 str +20 base= 60 str, easy as pie.

as for the 1/10th life, and 25% chance of getting it... well, with a 7/2/2/2 kick cycle it will happen once per kick cycle. Against a 3000 life barbie, that's another 300 in a hit. With a bit of luck, it kicks in two or three times, and it will shred the opposition to bits. Rely on 4 years of killing people on hc experience ok? You cannot kill a guy fast enough, and venom coupled with CB will shred his health like there's no tomorrow.

[Svalin]

err, yeah, well, suit yourself ;)

what we use on HC, cheapskateish, to kill off idiotic high levels with a 27 kicksin:

2 strength claws. Yes, I know its only 25% CB, but the +40 str and +20 vit more than make up for any shield.
3 socket pruby crown
4 sock pruby armor
angelics
deaths sash
bloodfists, or deaths gloves
some 20% run/walk elite boots. for max kick dam ;)

you strength bug the boots, so that you can equip them, and then simply remove all the strength charms, even though the boots turn "red' the damage stays, and you can boost your life. This particular build can pretty much work with base str/dex. 40 str +20 base= 60 str, easy as pie.

as for the 1/10th life, and 25% chance of getting it... well, with a 7/2/2/2 kick cycle it will happen once per kick cycle. Against a 3000 life barbie, that's another 300 in a hit. With a bit of luck, it kicks in two or three times, and it will shred the opposition to bits. Rely on 4 years of killing people on hc experience ok? You cannot kill a guy fast enough, and venom coupled with CB will shred his health like there's no tomorrow.


Well, I guess we both look at this from different ways. Notting mentioned above affects level 31 Kicksin AT ALL. But more information on low level kickers is always welcome. About anything above you said applying to a level 31.
I just can't see how +20 strenght and +10 Vit beats max block? Claw Block?
I have less HC experience but how do you make it with 0% ress? Claw Block?
I guess a 27 kick will do around 100ish damage (1/8 pvp penalty), is it really worth it to add that 300 damage each 4th kick? Or more like 50 damage in the middle of a fight against non-barb classes?

Thanks for your input again Baranor. :smiley:
Ill see how this build would work with your weapon mentioned.

[Svalin]

Here is an update on gear and the change in skills that comes along with it. Special note, I made a very intresting discovery, more about that at the end of this post.

Gear:
Helm
Rockstopper
Damage Reduced By 10%
30% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +40%
Fire Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +40%
+15 To Vitality

Weapon
Steel Flail
+50 To Attack Rating
50% Chance Of Open Wounds
25% Increased Attack Speed

Chest
Twithtoe
25% Increase chance of blocking
20% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Increased Attack Speed
+10 To Dexterity
+10 To Strength

Shield
Grimshield Rhyme
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
40% Faster Block Rate
All Resistances +25
Regenerate Mana 15%
Cannot Be Frozen

Belt
String of ears
8% Life Stolen Per Hit
Damage Reduced By 15%
Magic Damage Reduced 15

Gloves
Immortal King's Forge
12% Chance To Cast Level 4 Charged Bolt When Struck
+20 To Dexterity
+20 To Strength
+25% Increased Attack Speed

Boots
Immortal King's Pillar
40% Faster Run/Walk
+110 To Attack Rating
+44 To Life

Rings and Amulet
Angelics Raiment (1 Ring, 1 Amulet)
+95 to life
+10 to Dexterty
+372 to Attack Rating
20% Damage Taken Goes to Mana

Stone of Jordan
+1 To All Skill Levels
Increase Maximum Mana 25%
Adds 1-12 Lightning Damage
+20 To Mana

Socket
2x 15% IAS Jewels

Switch
Hand scythe with 2 shadow skills and 3 Venom (Hel)
Hand scythe with 2 shadow skills and 3 Venom (Hel)

Notes:
You still have 40 inventory spots left!
50% FHR. just above the 5 frame. Add 36% in charms or for 4 frame.
0% FCR. Think it will be little thougher to stun, but all in all, must be possible still.
40% FBR. Stays the same. 3 Frame

Kickspeed
70% IAS Allows us to easely surpass the 7/3/3/3 breakpoints. This is however with atleast level 1 BoS on and granted you are using a flail [WSM -10].

However now comes an even more intresting part. If we could manage to reach 95% IAS we could still have maximum kickspeed but also be able to use fade! The way to do this is 15% Ias Jewels!

So if you socket your Helm and Armor with 15% IAS Jewels. You reach 100% IAS which grants us the ability to combine the maximum kicking speed with a fade aura!!!

Skills:
NOTE:
1. Only use this skillsetup if you reach more then 95% IAS with a [WSM -10]
2. I go for a maximum of 4 kicks.
3. More points in fade because we will actualy be using it!

Traps:
Fire blast 1
Wake of fire 1

Shadow Disiplines:
Claw Mastery 1
Physical Hammer 1
Burst of speed 1
Weapon Block 1
Cloak of Shadows 1
Fade 8
Shadow Warrior 1
Mind Blast 1
Venom 2

Martial arts:
Dragon Talon 20
Dragon Tail 1
Dragon Claw 1
Dragon Flight 1

Conclusion:
Wow! :grin:
This gear gives us level 13 Fade while not lowering our kickspeed!
This means:
-7/3/3/3 Kickframes
-Level 13 Venom (265-285)
-120+% All res (Capped at 75%)
-38% PDR
-High kickdamage
-High Attack Rating
-50% OW

-Svalin

[Baranor]

Not bad, not bad at all. That's some nice research you've done mate.

You see, from a HC point of view, in HC, we use those fat Full Rejuvination potions. We could discuss this a bit, if you please, but that's rather unneccisary ;)... the differences between HC and SC duelling, as well as their different approaches and attitudes, aren't really that interesting.

At any rate, that's a very nice build you've got there for SC duelling. 7/3/3/3 with level 13 fade, not bad at all. How's the stat placement on it? I can imagine you'd still be able to kick it to about 1000 life, and with 38% PDR, and 125% res all you'd definately have a monster. Oh, and its nice to see you incorporated some of my gear suggestions :laugh:

By nice rare rings I mean something with +10 dex/str, 160 AR and dual res, or 80 mana or something cute like that. I know, they're pretty hard to find (try making a classic ringseeker, classic rings don't have all that % to cast crap).

[Svalin]

Ty again Baranor, Ill calculate stat placement here:

Stats
(Non strength-bugged.)
Strength 100
Dexterty 26
Vitality Rest
Energy 0

Strength, enough for IK-Gloves, which gives you enough +Str for IK-Boots.

Dexterty, enough for maximum block.
Total Blocking = [(Blocking * (Dexterity - 15)) / (Character Level * 2)]
75 = [((45+20+25) * (Dexterity - 15)) / (62)]
75 = [(90 * (Dexterity - 15)) / (62)]
90 * (Dexterity - 15) = 4650
Dexterity for max block = 67
+40 from items.
Handscythes require 72x0.8 (Hel rune) = 58 Dexterty

Vitality, Rest goes here.

Energy, forget about what I said. All points here.... :wink3:

[Bash_]

Here is an update on gear and the change in skills that comes along with it. Special note, I made a very intresting discovery, more about that at the end of this post.

Gear:
Helm
Rockstopper
Damage Reduced By 10%
30% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +40%
Fire Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +40%
+15 To Vitality

Weapon
Steel Flail
+50 To Attack Rating
50% Chance Of Open Wounds
25% Increased Attack Speed

Chest
Twithtoe
25% Increase chance of blocking
20% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Increased Attack Speed
+10 To Dexterity
+10 To Strength

Shield
Grimshield Rhyme
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
40% Faster Block Rate
All Resistances +25
Regenerate Mana 15%
Cannot Be Frozen

Belt
String of ears
8% Life Stolen Per Hit
Damage Reduced By 15%
Magic Damage Reduced 15

Gloves
Immortal King's Forge
12% Chance To Cast Level 4 Charged Bolt When Struck
+20 To Dexterity
+20 To Strength
+25% Increased Attack Speed

Boots
Immortal King's Pillar
40% Faster Run/Walk
+110 To Attack Rating
+44 To Life

Rings and Amulet
Angelics Raiment (1 Ring, 1 Amulet)
+95 to life
+10 to Dexterty
+372 to Attack Rating
20% Damage Taken Goes to Mana

Stone of Jordan
+1 To All Skill Levels
Increase Maximum Mana 25%
Adds 1-12 Lightning Damage
+20 To Mana

Socket
2x 15% IAS Jewels

Switch
Hand scythe with 2 shadow skills and 3 Venom (Hel)
Hand scythe with 2 shadow skills and 3 Venom (Hel)

Notes:
You still have 40 inventory spots left!
50% FHR. just above the 5 frame. Add 36% in charms or for 4 frame.
0% FCR. Think it will be little thougher to stun, but all in all, must be possible still.
40% FBR. Stays the same. 3 Frame

Kickspeed
70% IAS Allows us to easely surpass the 7/3/3/3 breakpoints. This is however with atleast level 1 BoS on and granted you are using a flail [WSM -10].

However now comes an even more intresting part. If we could manage to reach 95% IAS we could still have maximum kickspeed but also be able to use fade! The way to do this is 15% Ias Jewels!

So if you socket your Helm and Armor with 15% IAS Jewels. You reach 100% IAS which grants us the ability to combine the maximum kicking speed with a fade aura!!!

Skills:
NOTE:
1. Only use this skillsetup if you reach more then 95% IAS with a [WSM -10]
2. I go for a maximum of 4 kicks.
3. More points in fade because we will actualy be using it!

Traps:
Fire blast 1
Wake of fire 1

Shadow Disiplines:
Claw Mastery 1
Physical Hammer 1
Burst of speed 1
Weapon Block 1
Cloak of Shadows 1
Fade 8
Shadow Warrior 1
Mind Blast 1
Venom 2

Martial arts:
Dragon Talon 20
Dragon Tail 1
Dragon Claw 1
Dragon Flight 1

Conclusion:
Wow! :grin:
This gear gives us level 13 Fade while not lowering our kickspeed!
This means:
-7/3/3/3 Kickframes
-Level 13 Venom (265-285)
-120+% All res (Capped at 75%)
-38% PDR
-High kickdamage
-High Attack Rating
-50% OW

-Svalin

Really really nice, and i agree with everything, however i wish there was some way to get open wounds and use spirit. Ive thought of using Swordback Hold spiked shield (50 OW, 20 ICoB) - and use death set for cannot be frozen instead of rhyme. But this is a loss of 15% DR.

Any ideas, guys?

Also, instead of steel flail, there is a handaxe with 8 str, 25 CB, 50 OW.

[Bash_]

Really really nice, and i agree with everything, however i wish there was some way to get open wounds and use spirit. Ive thought of using Swordback Hold spiked shield (50 OW, 20 ICoB) - and use death set for cannot be frozen instead of rhyme. But this is a loss of 15% DR.

Any ideas, guys?

Also, instead of steel flail, there is a handaxe with 8 str, 25 CB, 50 OW.

A slight update: This is how i would build my kicksin:

Weapon: steel flail
Armor: Twitch w/ ias +stats jewel
shield: Rhyme boneshield
helm: +1 all or +2 shadow circlet with 20 faster cast and life mana stats res w/ ias+stats jewel
gloves: ik
boots: ik
belt: string
ring 1: 10 fc, mana life res stats
ring 2: angelic
amu: angelic

charms: life/mana, fhr (just enough to hit 86) run (enough for acceptable runspeed with fade

Skills:

Dtalon: 20
Fade: 11
venom: 2
pre's: 10

ias jewels in helm and armor insures fastest kick with fade.

[Baranor]

:rolleyes:

heres why I like Whitstans/Deaths sash btw:
Whitstans Guard offers a 92% chance of blocking, and with an Eld this number jumps to 99%. twitchthroe adds a further 25% chance of blocking , so total blocking is 124%, the blocking calcualtion and dexterity required for it chances to:

Dexterty, enough for maximum block.
Total Blocking = [(Blocking * (Dexterity - 15)) / (Character Level * 2)]

75 = (124 * (Dex-15))/(31*2), or 75*62= 124 * (dex-15) or 75*62/124=dex-15 ==>dex-15= 37.5 so total dexterity needed for max block = 53 (52.5)


since you get 40 from items, you can go base dex. aint that nice?



ill do more calcs tonight, gotta watch mrs doubtfire with the wife now :)


--------------------------------
Whitstan's Guard
Round Shield Defense: 154 (Base Defense: 47-55)
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 53
Durability: 64
Chance To Block: Pal: 97% Ama/Asn/Bar: 92% Dru/Nec/Sor: 87%
Paladin Smite Damage: 7 to 14
+175% Enhanced Defense
Half Freeze Duration
40% Faster Block Rate
+55% Increased Chance Of Blocking
+5 To Light Radius

[Svalin]

A slight update: This is how i would build my kicksin:

Weapon: steel flail
Armor: Twitch w/ ias +stats jewel
shield: Rhyme boneshield
helm: +1 all or +2 shadow circlet with 20 faster cast and life mana stats res w/ ias+stats jewel
gloves: ik
boots: ik
belt: string
ring 1: 10 fc, mana life res stats
ring 2: angelic
amu: angelic

charms: life/mana, fhr (just enough to hit 86) run (enough for acceptable runspeed with fade

Skills:

Dtalon: 20
Fade: 11
venom: 2
pre's: 10

ias jewels in helm and armor insures fastest kick with fade.

Yes, in very short this is how I think its close to the best you can get. This makes me wonder what is the best way to get one of those circlets, I was thinking about gambling on a level 31 and keep gambling till you get one that suits.

Furthermore, if you can't find a appropiate circlet you can use Rockstopper or Peasant crown.

If you can find a ring you can use a SoJ or another Angelics.

By the way, I don't think the handaxe cuts it. You won't make the 7/3/3/3 with 100% IAS because its base speed [0]. Moreover the range is 1. Which was a reason not to use Spirit :sad2:

Im gonna look into the use of the shield though. But 50% OW is enough for Dragon Talon due to its Damage over time. Although a 100% would be nice for Dragon Flight and running. :laugh:

heres why I like Whitstans/Deaths sash btw:
Whitstans Guard offers a 92% chance of blocking, and with an Eld this number jumps to 99%. twitchthroe adds a further 25% chance of blocking , so total blocking is 124%, the blocking calcualtion and dexterity required for it chances to:

Dexterty, enough for maximum block.
Total Blocking = [(Blocking * (Dexterity - 15)) / (Character Level * 2)]

75 = (124 * (Dex-15))/(31*2), or 75*62= 124 * (dex-15) or 75*62/124=dex-15 ==>dex-15= 37.5 so total dexterity needed for max block = 53 (52.5)


since you get 40 from items, you can go base dex. aint that nice?



ill do more calcs tonight, gotta watch mrs doubtfire with the wife now


Yeah I have been thinking about this combination alot. Its really nice block and a good way to get Cannot be frozen.
However, the 15% DR, resistance and the fact that you only need 6 Dexterty for max block, keeps Rhyme my personal favorite.

PS: How was the movie. Me and my girl watched Brokeback Mountain and the Punisher this weekend :grin:. Didn't like brokeback but punisher was ok.

Oooh one more thing wondered. What is a classic ring seeker? :embarassed:

[Svalin]

By the way, how do I change my first, second post? Im thinking about updating it after all these changes took place. :)

[Bash_]

Im still thinking of a way to use spirit without losing either DR, OW or CBF... anyone?

[Baranor]

Mrs Doubtfire was amusing, we had some great laughs. Robin Williams is really good as a voice actor, so to speak... go watch it ;)

classic ring seeker=classic mf-er... rings in classic lack the % of firebal mods

[ddiabloo]

TY thought it was good ( close to what I have been saving up for )

[Silent Shaddow]

ok, everybody is going to look at me funny about this but,

i carry on my lvl 31 kicksin (just like this)
a 6soc crystal sword filled with orts and a thul irrc
this adds 250 light damage and adds some cold damage! wow is this a good weapon,

I like the twitch thing by the way atm i use rockstopper which adds to DR and i run BoS but since mostly use 2x Strength claws in that fast weapon base i can go a head and run fade!

the best base for my elemental damage weapon switch is infact Military Pick as it has a faster base, the elemental damage is a very nice way to catch people out as they dont exactly expect it :laugh:

[Silent Shaddow]

oh and i found OW useless....

[crawlingdeadman]

i know that this is an old guide (dont really understand how it got bumped really), but i wanted to point out that spirit is about the worst weapon for a kicker because of the elemental damage.

kinda explained why here. (http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=549866)

moral of the story: avoid elemental damage like the plague.

[mannymanny]

Let me just start by saying I am a very poor player, so I try to avoid the more expensive items. Would it be viable to use a 4-6 shael'd flail? I could then use fade instead of burst of speed. Also, why did you remove all skill points in dragon flight? Are you planning on it to be a one-hit-wonder, or are you simply not using it anymore? It's true that if you use it simply to teleport to your opponent, damage really isn't an issue... Also if anyone would be willing to help me out item-wise, it would be greatly appreciated.

[DaemonAkuma]

OKay, so I've read through all this. I am glad that I opted to read through every post before allocating stat points and whatnot. Here's the set up I'm seeing:

"Strength" Weapons for glitching? Feasible?

"Steel" Flail (General's for immobilizing)
"Rhyme" Grim Shield
Peasant Crown
Twitchthroe
SoJ
Angel Ring
Angel Ammy
IK Gloves & Boots
String of Ears

Enough small charms to hit 86% FHR right? Also I see that one requires IAS jewels to hit the IAS from base flail, that requires two of them yes? So that would be an IAS+Stat jewel in my Twitchthroe (Did you all upit?) & Peasant Crown. I'll try to get my hands on the appropriate pre-buff gear, but that is right so far? The reason so that BoS doesn't have to be used and Fade can instead (likewise offsetting the res deduction from losing Skin of the Vmagi). For prebuff a circ ammy, another soj, vmagic, and handscythes. Have I got the gist of things?

[crawlingdeadman]

after doing it 3 times you'll hate stash prebuffing. if you up your twitch and put a lvl 31 req jewel in it, it will wind up with a higher level req than you want. dont use an soj or any other source of low elemental damage. see the thread i linked 2 posts ago and again in my sig.

31 isnt LLD.

[Arbedark]

31 isnt LLD.

Quoted for truth...

In general on a LLD sin, unless you can get crazy claws you'll wind up using a BoS setup.

[crawlingdeadman]

In general on a LLD sin, unless you can get crazy claws you'll wind up using a BoS setup.

nah, it's not that hard. it took me about 6 hours of shopping (spread out over a week) to get 1sin/ias blade talons. they arent godly, but they're all i needed. you only need 70 ias with blade talons to hit the desired kicking bp. then you can use fade no problem. mine wound up having 1sin/10ias, only got one socket (shael) but it was enough with gloves and twitch to get where i needed to get.

the only thing that flails or whatever have over claws is range. then if you dflight in range doesnt matter a whole hell of a lot.

[The Cow King]

31 isn't LLD.


Tell that to everyone in pubs :lipsrsealed:

Now where did I place my General's... :grumble mumble:

Some good claws that can reach the 70 IAS mark (with some IAS from gear).

* Artisan's Blade Talons of Amplify Damage :evil: = 70 w +10 OWIAS
* Sensei's Blade Talons of Swiftness = up to 70 IAS with 2x sox.
* Sensei's Blade Talons of Amplify Damage = 70 with 2 sox + Twitch + bfists

I'm using Blade Talons of Switfness (plain) atm... have been shopping for weeks without fruit :(

[DaemonAkuma]

What do you all use for boots? I wanted to use IK but I see now that it has a clvl req of 31. That's inconvenient. Just find some nicely modded high-dmg rare footwear?

[crawlingdeadman]

upped gtoes until you can find some nice rare war boots (or greaves and up them like i did). i use 20frw/10fhr/dual res ones atm. they let me use no fhr scs in my inventory (think i'm at 20+20+10 = 48fhr bp) and get me a tad more res. at one point i was using eth/repair ones. eth doesnt add damage but they'll save you 10 stat points...not that big of a deal because more str = more kick damage anyway.

[DaemonAkuma]

Hmm that's good. The extra FHR frees up 2 small charm slots, so 30 more life. I'm confused atm whether to go Duel claw or weapon/shield. A friend of mine seems to think using a Grim with 3 sols would be useful, but it seems to me that for a kicksin dealing dmg is more important. I'm leaning dual claw though, aiming for 1sin/ias claws, other mods useful too. I don't suppose you could tell me the major strengths and weaknesses between the builds? You seem to know a lot. :)

[crawlingdeadman]

there's something to be said for a sin built as a caster killer, she'd use something like spirit shroud (for cbf) and dual claw (no dex) as well as some other gear changes. the way i usually go though is more of a vs. everyone set up. to that end i use grim shield rhyme with max block. if i then want to mess around with dual claw (vs fire sorcs, bone necs, and some hammerdins) i have a spare 2shadow/ias claw that i put on.

sols might be useful vs other kickers or smiters, but i dont think they'd be that useful vs a high damage character like a ww barb or zealot.

[DaemonAkuma]

So it is feasible to build a sorc centered on weapon+Rhyme GS that can use dual claws also? I suppose it would mainly be the same with the exception of the claws on weapon switch and perhaps having Spirit Shroud in stash. What weapon to you use in conjunction with Rhyme? "Steel" flail or do you us a claw there also?

[crawlingdeadman]

1sin/ias blade talon all the way. i'd think that 2ma would be better, but i'm happy w/ my 1sin/ias atm and i didnt want to shop any more.

[KellKheraptis]

Well, going on the basis of this build as a "PK" and not a "PvP" or "LLD", has anyone tried using the full IK trio for the massive strength boost? Mine was geared almost identical to the initial setup listed except for subbing out the SoE for an IK belt, and rarely if ever lost to anything below level 45 (and even then, it would take more than 2 of them). Also, further expanding on the titan side, with Twitch and Rhyme, would it be feasible with some nice 15 lifers (read : 30+ of them) to make a base vit build? I can't test it tonight as I am about to leave for work, but in theory so long as you have 800 life or so, you should be set in 99.9% of pubs if you have max block and high res.

[The Cow King]

Well, assuming you have around ~ 70 dex for max block the difference is not that big.

This assumes your base strenght is 100 (Twitch -> Gloves) instead of 115 (for the boots) and that Dragon Talon lvl is 18 instead of 24.

Kick damage with IK trio -> STR 100 + 10 + 20 + 25 = 155


Total damage = 1092-1920Kick damage with War Boots and 125 STR
Total damage = 964-1712Full titan build 193 STR (lvl 31 with Twitch + Angelics + Rhyme for max block)
1244-2180And you lose ~ 160 life. I think it would kick butt. Some of these numbers might off by a few points or so.

[The Cow King]

Sorry for double but since I'm building a lvl 31 assa right now, I just have to ask.

Is Wake of Fire / Mindblast really worth it? I mean I'll be using Twitch / Rhyme, so FCR is non-existant. 16 frame cast is not going to stunlock anyone, so would I be better off totally scrapping WoF and MB for more points into fade? To my understanding this is the 'basic' route to begin with.

Also how useful is shadow? I imagine it's a fun decoy to suck arrows and stuff, but is it really worth the two points into hammer -> CoS?

[KellKheraptis]

I have found it to only be a one point expenditure anyhow, as I always put a point in CoS for the pure confusion factor when raiding games. Once the screen goes dark, 99% of the time for some reason they go limpbrained in pubs. I will be totally ignoring the trap tree and electing to add any extras into DFlight, as I won't be exceeding normal difficulty (easier to find games that way). I might put one point in MB, for initial stun/surprise factor, but the real meat of the build will be pure physical damage.

The Cow King - By those numbers, it looks as though the titan would have a moderate advantage, given the lower amount of damage being done in Normal. Since the first 15-30 seconds of a raid are the most crucial, I would say the added damage offsets the life loss. Also, while fade is nice, with max res in normal, I don't see too many characters having massive -res gear. BoS will make killing easier, even if it doesn't add to kick speed with a fast weapon, since it will increase the only means of transport when not DFlight-ing.

One final thought, going the route of ALL strength (gear and stats) could probably net some impressive numbers, though going overboard seems suicidal. I would still preserve max block and max resistance in this setup, and BoS would be crucial for the IAS, as I don't plan on using jewels when I can PAmethyst for more Str. I'll browse around and see what the highest strength combos are that still meet the requisite minimums and post them here.

EDIT : Sorry if it seems a little disjointed, been working 50 hour weeks and just woke up a little while ago.

[HappyAssassin]

mb + wake still stuns people even if you don't spam the mb, though at a low level it is less effective.

[The Cow King]

Also, while fade is nice, with max res in normal, I don't see too many characters having massive -res gear.


That's true, but against cold sorcs stacked resists help a whole lot. Also dont forget Fade gives %PDR, having now finished my kicker, I really really appreciate my 40% PDR :laugh: -> might be especially important with a low life build. Then again if you dont bump into a PvP build it doesnt really matter.

You could use BoS with just one point (slvl 5 with dual +2 shadows claws), to travel near the prey, and then switch to Fade for kicking butt.

[Socialism]

IIRC CTC on Attacking doesn't work for kicks. Correct me if I'm wrong?

[Master Zap]

IIRC CTC on Attacking doesn't work for kicks. Correct me if I'm wrong?

CTC's do work on kicks, surely you've noticed the lifetap/ decrep being cast when we play ...



What affects kicks?
Physical kick damage is calculated from Strength, Dexterity, Skill Bonuses (kicks and Pally Auras), Boot Damage, and %ED from equipment, only. This is not including mods such as elemental damage. Weapon physical damage is completely useless, meaning you want to choose weapons for other mods. Here are the other properties that do work with kicks:
Crushing Blow, Open Wounds, Slow Target

Magic, Elemental, and Poison Damage (not displayed on the character screen)

Knockback (Dragon Talon and Tail have their own knockback, only works for Dragon Flight)

Life/Mana steal and Life/Mana after kills

%Chance to Cast on Attack/Strike

+% Damage (except from weapon)

+AR (except on your weapon)

+% AR (from anywhere)

Blind, Freeze, Prevent Monster Heal

MF and Gold find

Weapon Range
Properties that do not work with kicks:
Deadly/Critical Strike

+% Damage to Demons/Undead

+ Min damage, +Max damage, or +X Damage (so no max damage charms for kickers)

Bonuses from Claw Mastery (boots aren’t claws)
Does Venom work with kicks?
Yes. There is a display bug which does not show any poison/magic/elemental damage on the LCS (Lying Character Screen) when using Dragon Talon or Dragon Flight. It is added to kicks but not displayed.

[Socialism]

Well, there's a difference between Chance to Cast on Attack and Chance to Cast on Striking - I know CTC on Striking works on most and CTC on Attack works on some skills - I just don't know which.

I've read the page where you quoted that from. I'mna do a search real quick; I'm pretty sure I read something that disputes CTC Attack working with kicks.

Here:
eclipsedk's Weapon/Shield and Dual Claw kicker PvP Assassin
http://forums.diabloii.net/showpost.php?p=1360710&postcount=19
Search for: "The following modifiers is not transferred to dragon talons attack"

SilentShadow's Assassin Kick/Trap guide
http://forums.diabloii.net/showpost.php?p=5663141&postcount=1
Search for: "Now, these modifiers do not transfer to your kicks"

jrichard's Kicking Basics (my most trusted source)
http://forums.diabloii.net/showpost.php?p=1297467&postcount=1
Search for: "The following effects are carried by the kicking skills" (don't see "on attack" show up in this list)

[Sonolegolas]

Hi, I have a question regarding the weapen of a kicksin, does it really need to be a flail for the strength runeword or can it be a long sword/military pick.

and I'd like some tips on my equip:

Helm: peasant crown
Shield: rhyme
Armor: Vipermagi
Rings: angelic
Amu: angelic
Boots: Immortal king
Gloves Immortal king
Belt: String of ears
Weapen: (currently spirit, I want strength)

Thanks in advance!

ps: sry if I bumped this topic unneeded.

[crawlingdeadman]

the main reason to use flail is the range you gain. personally i think strength isnt such a great option. you're short on ias atm too from the looks of it... unless you're using bos and then you're missing out on fade's dr%/level.

[Sonolegolas]

so what do you advise? Replace the peasant crown by a rockstopper for DR and socket it with 15% IAS? And what do you advise for a weapon?

I was thinking of socketing my viper and peasant with perf rubies for life (+78 life) Because I had already hit the breaking point of kicking with bos.

[crawlingdeadman]

what i'd advise is to delete that character and make it level 30, since that's the point LLD stops.

you should be using fade for any chance vs melee. the %dr/level is unbeatable. get ias from gear, not skills.

[Jerkazoid]

put 1 pt into tigerstrike.
charging TS globes boosts kick dmg, and last i played my 29kicker the charges can stay for multiple kicks.. only the 1st kick can release them. (u dont get many chances to use it but it will come in handy, anytime a bone wall, druid oak, shadow,, zon valk,, anything like that u can take adavantge of them)

i use to take my 500 kick dmg into 1400 for potentially multiple kicks. (lvl 29)


and for 29 smiters use a range 5 strength brandistock with 7 sols from helm/armor <thumbs up> this will allow u to start ur kicks 1st and keep u from being kb'd. the smiter will smite u but u will hold ur ground and get some good hits,, no need for shield when u cant block anyway, and claw block is not as good imo.. also a tele sorc can be tough to hit unlesd u have the added range)

plus its alot of fun to psychout a confident bone necro,, start tiger striking for wimpy 10 dmg on his armor,, then launch triple-dmg kicks in his face. (i would sometime sjust swipe and swipe and wait for amp to trigger, that was s-ball-hilarious, i highly recommend shopping an amp claw :) )

(also watch out for 7-10 sol runes on your opponents cause you will want to charge TS to boost kcik dmg to beat them, i had that gear all the time ready in my stash to take on smiters/kickers, its a fun ace up the sleeve, but i also had it used on me.)

[theBanger]

Any one ever try a Woestave with kicks? (thinking pk here)

Woestave
Halberd
Two-Hand Damage: (14-16) To (54-62) (34-39 Avg)
Required Level: 28
Required Strength: 75
Required Dexterity: 47
Durability: 55
Base Weapon Speed: [0]
+20-40% Enhanced Damage (varies)
50% Chance Of Open Wounds
Slows Target By 50%
Hit Blinds Target +3
-50 To Monster Defense Per Hit
Freezes Target
Prevent Monster Heal
-3 To Light Radius

Range 5, 50% OW, 50% slows(max pvp), and freeze. Maybe with BoS to supplement, it doesn't look to bad. And since this would be PK I'm guessing 31 for IK trio would be the only way go. Any thoughts?

[glenthemann]

I know the reasons for using certain boots, but I didnt see these mentioned so I thought id bring them up; upgraded goblin toes. They have 25% CB and upgraded are battle boots which damage wise is only slightly less than IK war boots.

[crawlingdeadman]

gtoes are a must for anyone who's going to possibly be dueling barbs or shapeshifters. crushing blow isnt all that big of a damage dealer unless the opponent is over 1k life.