Compilation of Narrated PVP Videos for WAR Swordmaster

Here is the complete list of narrated PVP / RVR videos I created for the Warhammer Online (WAR) Swordmaster (SM) class.

The description on YouTube for each video provides a link to an associated discussion thread over on WarhammerAlliance.com.

I spent the majority of my time in WAR playing SM as my main. I originally played a Bright Wizard (BW) as my main, but we had a real shortage of tanks in my guild and on our server, Phoenix Throne. So I decided to re-roll as a tank in November 2008. I chose SM over Ironbreaker (IB) for several reasons:

1. IB was much more popular than SM
2. SM was regarded as under-powered relative to the other 3 tank classes. My impression by mid-Tier 2 (esp at R14-16) was that the SM class was capable, if one played to its strengths. I was told “it would change by Tier 4” for the worse, and I wanted to see for myself
3. I figured the probability of the SM class getting nerfed was low, given the previous 2 points. Whereas I thought that the Grudge mechanic of IB faced the same issues as Combusion for BW: it scaled too well and therefore would be difficult to balance
4. the classic samurai-ish look appealed to me

Tier 2 Videos

The two T2 videos cover the basics of SM play. If you’re new to the class, I recommend checking these out first.

The following video covers our damage mechanics (Spirit damage FTW), target selection, and melee positioning.

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The following video covers our tanking mechanics in PVP.

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Tier 3 Videos

The following video discusses punting (knockback) mechanics. I’m grouped in this video with Keen the blogger, who is playing Stocky the Ironbreaker.

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The following video is my first SM video of 1v1 fights.

Keep Defense Tactics for Tanks

The following video shows what a tank should do in defending the ramp to the keep lord room.

Tier 4 Videos

For whatever reason, I never got around to making a scenario video in T4 with my SM. But I did create a lot of 1v1 videos against different classes. Some videos I packed a 1h + shield, in other videos I used a 2h.

The following video has 1v1s against casters and healers, with 1h + shield. I used a 1h while leveling to R40, because we don’t get the great ability Wall of Darting Steel until R40.

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The following video is my 1st video at R40. When I dinged R40, I had very mediocre gear, so I was still using a 1h + shield to boost my survivability in 1v1s.

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The following video is my 1st video video using a 2h in 1v1s. I was using Annihilator gear and the quest reward 2h sword Ninth Peak.

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The following video is one of my favorite ones. It’s a 1v2: me against a Discipline of Kaine and a Chosen.

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In the following video, I had just earned the 2h Bloodfist Greatsword influence reward, so I went looking for 1v1 fights.

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The following video shows 1v1s in Patch 1.2, during which I went back to 1h + shield due to the very high caster DPS. This video showcases the addons Aura and WSCT (Warhammer Scrolling Combat Text). I love Aura and WSCT, with ability names turned on, as you can see exactly what’s happening in a fight.

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The following video shows 1v1s against the same opponent, Skragg the Choppa, with a 1h + shield. I discuss tactics for beating Choppas, which are a very strong in 1v1s when they spec for Furious Choppin’ (the 6-hit ability that heals the Choppa for the damage done).

Addendum

For the record, before my subscription ran out on April 20, 2009, I did spend a couple weeks running with a 2h again, with 3 Sentinel and 3 Darkpromise pieces and BA/EA/PE/Rugged slotted (~610 Strength + 21 Melee Power, ~620 Toughness, ~895 Wounds). The results were good. I could output good burst damage while retaining solid survivability.