Swashbuckling builds?

[Madame De Cruchot]

I know there's certain lines that are better and more common than others - are there any common fencing and florentine builds? Are you florentiners going on all out defence or.. a few hints and tips on worthwhile skills if you dont mind and have time.

[perih]

Im still new about florentine but Ive been going for the (second box) passives first and still havent decided what to do next.

[Fahrenheit]

My main is a Dirty Fighter, but I'll speak generally.


What I've found is that you need to pick a build that has a really good Preparatory Attack. Without this, you'll never get your target off balance, and nothing else matters.

After that, a mix of balance recovery (to keep yourself safe), and attack. One or two improved attacks (maybe one that bleeds, if you have the option), and an improved finisher.

Specials after that are optional.

AvCom is much easier, by the way, if you Ctrl-Click your Preparatory Attack. Kind of messes up CC, however.

[naturegoulet]

i 2nd the prepatory attack approach. the 20-24 balance loss with at least 10 initiative or higher is awesome.

after that i strongly recomend the balance restore skill, and the skill to give you initial initiative then more over however many seconds (if you go on to past that skill to transfer balance to a friendly target your waisting your time).

Finally look at finishing moves some finishing moves do more damage then other, and some also cost less balance then others. Its always nice especially if you happen to have 2 finishing moves to be at 100 initiative and be able to rock 1 after the other.