Curse

Sweet Baby Ray · Jun 02, 2013, 06:24 PM // 18:24

Hey everyone, I'm new here, hope this site is still populated to some extent. I've been a Guild Wars member since release, but took a break for a while. Just got back into GW1 and I'm trying my hand at a R/A Dagger-Pet build. How does this sound?

Skill Bar:
Golden Lotus Strike- Dagger Mastery (Damage, +Energy if Enchanted)
Fox Fangs- Dagger Mastery (Damage)
Death Blossom- Dagger Mastery (AoE Damage)
Moebius Strike- Dagger Mastery (Damage + Skill Resets)
Shadow Refuge- Shadow Arts (Enchant, +Health Regen, Heals when over)
Brutal Strike- Beast Mastery (Damage)
Throw Dirt- Expertise (AoE Blind)
Charm Animal- Beast Mastery

Basically, I'd pop Shadow Refuge for the survivability and to proc the energy regen from GLS. Do the dagger rotation while using Brutal Strike to take out low health targets. If things start getting messy, I can use Throw Dirt to blind the pull.

As far as Attributes go, I would aim for the highest possible Dagger Mastery and Beast Mastery while leaving Expertise at 8. All of the skills I picked cost 5 energy, except for Brutal Strike. At 8 Expertise the cost of the 5 energy skills is reduced to 3.

I just need some help with Attribute statting, gear/runes, possible skill replacements, etc. Thanks!

**Marty Silverblade** · Jun 02, 2013, 11:35 PM // 23:35

Ok, I might be a little rusty because I haven't logged on in 8 months (graphics card is busted; have had more important things to do in the meantime). Anyway...

Drop Charm Animal for Comfort Animal. I'm not sure if you've seen the change. Comfort now allows you to take the pet, making Charm only necessary for the capture itself.

Ditch Shadow Refuge.
-One, the healing isn't significant, and if you need protection get it from your healers. Melee bars (especially hybrid ones) tend to be super cramped. You don't NEED the healing on your bar, so get it off.
-Two, you can't afford the attributes. You already need to invest heavily into Dagger and BM and a good dose of Expertise is needed as well. Rule of thumb, don't split attributes four ways unless you really really don't have a choice. Having two attributes from your secondary (=no runes) doesn't help the situation either.
-Three, Strength of Honor. This is so effective for melee characters it's almost ridiculous. Slot it on a hero somewhere. It fits easily onto Necro or Rit bars, though running a full smiter bar is nice too. Covers the enchantment req for GLS too.

Dagger attacks
-They look fine. Some people use different ones, such as Wild Strike for the offhand. Just so you know. If you're a melee it's super convenient to have a way to remove blocking stances like this. If you anticipate that being an issue swap it for Fox Fangs.

Increased Attack Speed
-Increasing your attack speed (and your pet's) leads to a significant damage boost. Increasing attack speed by 25% means you'll hit 33% more, and increasing your attack speed by 33% means you'll hit 50% more. Not sure if that's quite correct given double strikes, but it'll be close enough. Unfortunately, Rangers don't really have many good options. Never Rampage Alone looks to be the best option though it's expensive (having a better Sunspear rank to extend the duration will help). Call of Haste looks nice but is pet only. Meh. I don't particularly care for Throw Dirt so I'd replace that, though I'd have dropped Shadow Refuge already so there's a spare slot.

Attributes
-I'd be content leaving Expertise at 8+1. No worries there if you get hit by weakness.
-That said, a three way attribute split could go 12/10/8 or 11/11/8. Figure out what works for you.

Cuilan · Jun 03, 2013, 11:02 AM // 11:02

I use this with zealous daggers for energy:
http://gwpvx.gamepedia.com/Special:P...ame=&Go=Submit
The link shows the PvP version of Expert's Dexterity for whatever reason. It does 33% in PvE. It doesn't have a pet. Major rune of expertise on expertise head piece, rune of clarity, health runes, and a full set of Sentry's Insignia.

http://gwpvx.gamepedia.com/Special:P...ame=&Go=Submit
Enraged Lunge does damage and gives deep wound. I suggest zealous for this, too.

You want the best attack chain. You have a lot of weaker attack skills on your bar. That needs to change.

Use +5 armor or 30 health dagger mods and proper heroes instead the stuff you're using for defense. Heroes with Protective Spirit and Shield of Absorption. Maybe a Soul Twisting hero. It helps you and the rest of your group.