Blade shield or Claw Mastery?

**MonkeyFace** · 11-07-2011, 17:02

Hey all,

Thinking about re-trying out an Assassin, as I haven't played one for a pretty long time. I want to max Phoenix Strike, Shadow Master, Venom and Claws of Thunder (as a synergy to Phoenix Strike). Then I'm thinking of sticking 10-15 into Blade of Ice as a further synergy, which leaves me with a few spare points. Is it worth a one-hit-wonder in Blade Shield or dumping the remaining few into Claw Mastery? I'll be using a one-handed weapon and a shield but I can't guarantee it'll be a Claw class weapon, so this could end up being a waste...

What do you think?

Thanks!

**kestegs** · 11-07-2011, 17:39

Blade shield is pretty worthless IMO.

You are missing some good skills in your plan like: finishing skill, BoS or venom, death sentry.

Also, you won't get much damage out of the 3rd charge of Phoenix, even with maxed synergy. Its mostly just used as crowd control. You can get good damage out of fire though, and you can proc them super fast since it is the first charge.

Claw mastery is nice, but with some +skills it becomes less useful to max.

**MonkeyFace** · 11-07-2011, 18:00

Originally Posted by kestegs

Blade shield is pretty worthless IMO.

You are missing some good skills in your plan like: finishing skill, BoS or venom, death sentry.

Also, you won't get much damage out of the 3rd charge of Phoenix, even with maxed synergy. Its mostly just used as crowd control. You can get good damage out of fire though, and you can proc them super fast since it is the first charge.

Claw mastery is nice, but with some +skills it becomes less useful to max.

Thanks for replying.

I've got Venom in there, no fear

What do you suggest, then? Put those points into another synergy for Phoenix, or another sill entirely?

**kestegs** · 11-07-2011, 18:57

Well, I liken a sin that doesn't use death sentry to a necro that doesn't use ce, so I would put some points there. More points is good for a larger radius.

Fade vs BoS is tough without gear selection, but use a weapon speed calculator and see what you think. A few points in BoS can almost eliminate the need for much other ias, as it is calculated more favorably. But fade can dramatically increase your durability in battle, and open up other gear spots.

I like a maxed fire and light setup, unless you are using infinity. I also think a few points in dragon talon are well spent, mainly to help your cth on finishing move, since a normal attack will be lacking in ar.