Curse

supa_tim · Mar 24, 2008, 05:40 PM // 17:40

I've been looking for a good hammer build for ABs and I came across the Linebacker. The thing sorta confused me so I figured I'd ask the Guru Gurus about it. They are kinda random "tradition" questions over usage questions though...

1) Why is it called a linebacker? A linebacker is a defensive position which needs versatility to do a lot of jobs (blitz, pass coverage, tackle, etc). The linebacker seems like an offensive build which applies KD pressure on frontliners (and sometimes mid-backline). Given this understanding I could see it maybe being called a "lineman" but linebacker confused me.

2) It seems most hammer pressure builds follow a similar style and skill bar. If, in Guild Wars, a linebacker's job is to pressure the frontline, why are other hammer builds with the same purpose not refered to as linebackers. Given the understanding that a linebacker is a versatile position, why can only a W/E shock hammer be refered to as a linebacker?

3) Do people refer to other pressure hammer builds as linebackers?

4) Am I misunderstanding the role of the linebacker, or how to "lineback" properly? (my understanding being to apply KD pressure on the frontline in GvG)

5) Is this still a viable strategy? If so, in what forms of PvP?
Thanks for the help!

Mortis · Mar 24, 2008, 05:46 PM // 17:46

It's a very old GvG build. The purpose was to harass the other team's warriors while still being able to assist in spikes.

Div · Mar 24, 2008, 06:12 PM // 18:12

1) Because if you're a warrior and you see Augie coming at you, you know you won't be doing any more damage.

2) A linebacker generally has more "defensive" skills, such as counter blow (which isn't used so much anymore)

3) Nowadays, hammer warriors can either lineback during times of need or pressure. There aren't designated linebacking builds meant to piss off other warriors.

4) You're on offense mode until your monks start crying, then you lineback as necessary.

5) Yes. At least in GvG.

See Augie's (Big Mchugelarge) bar here for an example: http://www.teamquitter.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3969

supa_tim · Mar 25, 2008, 02:17 AM // 02:17

Ok, thanks.

So basically Hammer warriors now should have some means of "linebacking" in order to alleviate pressure on monks depending on the situation. When they are not linebacking they are doing other things, like smashing face.

Racthoh · Mar 25, 2008, 03:11 AM // 03:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by supa_tim

So basically Hammer warriors now should have some means of "linebacking" in order to alleviate pressure on monks depending on the situation. When they are not linebacking they are doing other things, like smashing face.

From what I see every hammer bar is identical. Triple stance, triple KD, Crushing, and res. Elite is sometimes Earthshaker over Devestating, although not sure how Magehunter's Smash is being used after the 8 adrenaline update. As well as Heavy Blow over Hammer Bash when using Devestating.

masta_yoda · Mar 25, 2008, 03:38 AM // 03:38

backlining fails generally, u do it to p*ss people off in ra thats about it
if ur team is taking too much melee pressure then its good to lineback other than that it fails

offense is the best defence ......

blue.rellik · Mar 25, 2008, 03:44 AM // 03:44

I'd consider Disarm now if you're line-backing. The condition is easy to meet and totally annoys any good warrior