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View Full Version : SM's (lack of) DS use

Dezante
14-01-2009, 23:48
I have an issue with my SM, to which I hope there is a solution of sorts. She seems very reluctant to use DS even when the ground is littered with corpses and there are still plenty of foes standing.

Is there any way to better the chances of her employing DS? Perhaps summon a new SM in the heat of battle with the hope she might resort to DS? Does she have a certain level barrier above which it is more likely for her to use them?

My current SM is at skill level 25 if that information is of any help. I've made a build specifically without using the Traps tree, because I was calculating with my SM laying them for me, most prominently DS of course.

Any and all validated tips and information will be welcome.
BAMFSpecialOps
15-01-2009, 02:27
Put more hard points into DS.
Dezante
15-01-2009, 12:14
Put more hard points into DS.

So I need to have a high skill in DS myself in order for my SM to employ it herself more often? I thought her use of skills worked totally independent from what skills in which your character has invested points. Like I wrote, my build is without any points spend in the Traps tree.

But is your tip tested and validated?
Sass
15-01-2009, 17:24
If you want a low level DS (not focusing on traps) but want the SM to cast it, 2 base points min will boost her AI to cast it.

It's no guarantee with that kind of thing since she doesn't cast it often anyway. MB tends to see a big result in the boosted points / cast ratio, but she'd usually do CBS or Shockweb...=/
Dezante
15-01-2009, 18:00
If you want a low level DS (not focusing on traps) but want the SM to cast it, 2 base points min will boost her AI to cast it.

It's no guarantee with that kind of thing since she doesn't cast it often anyway. MB tends to see a big result in the boosted points / cast ratio, but she'd usually do CBS or Shockweb...=/

So your own skills do have an influence of the probability of what skills your SM use? Bummer. I had hoped her AI would be wholly independent, and smarter.

Thanks for the feedback.

Back to the drawing board :coffee:
BAMFSpecialOps
16-01-2009, 01:59
Is 1 extra point into DS trying to force your SM to cast it going to wreck your whole build?
Dezante
16-01-2009, 13:38
Is 1 extra point into DS trying to force your SM to cast it going to wreck your whole build?

Well, there are also the 4 prerequisite skills to add into the equation. So that's at least 5 skills points; more if the odds of her employing DS must be risen through additional hard points.

Looking at my build I guess I could shred a planned point here and there to achieve this. But toying with the skill calculator, I've found another build I want to try, so this Assassin will be put on hiatus for a while.

Thanks again for the feedback.
stephan
16-01-2009, 15:23
"If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."

You can't rely on the SM to take any jobs off your hands.
Dezante
16-01-2009, 15:48
"If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."

You can't rely on the SM to take any jobs off your hands.

True enough. I had just hoped her AI would be somewhat smarter; "Ooh, corpses on the ground and plenty of enemies still standing... why don't I just drop a DS or two?" But rare indeed were the times when she did, and at less opportune moments at that.

I've read various build guidelines and I mostly found SM to be rather highly praised, but I suppose that's more due to her survivability and MB crowd control. I know she can be rather fickle in her performance, but I had simply hoped for more help than annoyance from her side. Thus I see myself forced on the side of the less praising crowd.

All in all it comes down to preferred play style, as with anything.
DoomBoy
17-01-2009, 08:07
Maybe you can gamble/find some claws that have death sentry on them?
Dezante
17-01-2009, 12:32
Maybe you can gamble/find some claws that have death sentry on them?

I thought about that, but I'd have to have it readied pretty much all the time, except for bosses, which would mean packing away either +3 to Shadow Disciplines from the off-hand claw or Crushing Blow from my main-hand claw.

In addition, this build of mine uses DTalon with the Crushing Blow, and with the annoying bug of losing your main claw effects on your boots when weapon switching back and forth until you have re-equipped your claws it will be tedious playing.

Anyway, it's a somewhat moot point as I have put this Assassin on the shelf for now. Whilst toying with a skill calculator I found another Assassin build I want to pursue instead. And right now I'm building up a Tesladin, just so I don't run sour in all my wicked Assassin play :dizzy: