Curse

Siren · Mar 28, 2006, 07:47 AM // 07:47

Assassin

Quote:

Shroud of the Leech - Foe Enchantment
For 5-10 seconds, whenever target foe takes damage or receives healing, half of that damage and healing is re-directed to you.
Attribute: Shadow Arts. (10,2,30)

I suppose I should explain what I mean by "Foe Enchantment." Usually, enchantments are for allies and hexes are used against foes, but I'd like to see that get mixed up a bit.

Shroud of the Leech functions similarly to an enchantment in that it mitigates damage the target foe receives, but it's also a hex because it halves the healing that target foe receives. We don't see many skills like this, and considering I expect Assassins to change a lot of how the game is played (Flag runners and NPC death in GvG, for example), I'd love to see a skill of this type.

I tend to view it as similar to Siphon Speed and Siphon Strength, and it seems giving it an Elite status would be appropriate.

Thoughts?

Quote:

Shadow Stalker - Stance
For 1-15 seconds, you move 5-15% faster. When you approach an enemy for melee combat, you enter Shadow Form, concealing yourself from all eyes except Ritualists. While in Shadow Form, you move 20% slower than your normal speed and your Critical Strikes attribute is boosted by two. Shadow Stalker ends if you use a non-attack skill, including enchantments.
Attribute: Shadow Arts (10,0,30)
This is an Elite skill.

I had suggested this as a variation in another thread, but I didn't see the original concept of the idea developing at all, so I figured I'd "re-introduce" the skill. I personally love the idea, and I think Shadow Form fits perfectly with the "feel" of Assassins.

Some may see the speed boost as unnecessary, but it's really the only way for the Assassin to get close enough before becoming invisible, especially since it's a Stance, which means Dash can't be used.

The 15-second duration is for the skill entirely, including the Shadow Form duration. Figure the Assassin would take 1-2 seconds, maybe 3, to get in-range, then vanish and spend roughly 10-12 seconds in Shadow Form.

Also, "concealed from all eyes" applies to both the opposing team and the Assassin's team. Only Ritualists on both sides will be able to see them. Makes sense, too, since Ritualists don't use their eyes, instead relying on a more spiritual perception.

Thoughts?

Ritualist

Quote:

My Eyes Are Your Eyes - Enchantment Spell
For 5-15 seconds, target ally is able to see Assassins concealed in Shadow Form.
Attribute: Communing Magic (15,1,30)

I'd imagine it's pretty obvious what this is focused on.

To counter Shadow Stalker, you need to have a Ritualist with this skill, to enchant a Warrior or a Necro, possibly Mesmer, so they can mitigate the Assassin.

But it also keeps Shadow Stalker in check, because without Ritualist support for your Monk, the Assassin using Shadow Stalker can't even be healed. It creates a neat profession synergy, and I know I'd like to see the two new professions working in such a manner.

Thoughts?