In observation of earlier MH axe-related threads, I may have to (unfortunately) draw a tedious defense of the axe (that should not be necessary). Some have called it too brutal for the Guardian. I beg to differ – we already have the mace, which, if anything, is more brutal. Some may call it an unfitting weapon type for a Paladin-based class. I must disagree, as our class is not a traditional Paladin, but rather a general user of inspiration and virtue-based power. From this base concept, it could be expanded to encompass anything. Lastly, I must assert that Anet has announced in the past that they would be expanding the weapons options of all professions. The most easily-fitting options for expanding the Guardian are the war-oriented weapons (Axe, Warhorn, SB/LB, Rifle, and/or Off-hand versions of any of our main-hand weapons). As such, we cannot and should not reject a weapon on the basis of a concept as silly as tradition or “image,” particularly when one person’s view of their profession may differ from another’s.
This Guardian axe concept would give the Guardian something that they lack: a bleed-inflicting weapon. To keep with the flavor of the Guardian, however, it is not a dedicated condition weapon, but rather a hybrid weapon designed to work well with just about any spec – but synergize particularly well with Celestial gear. It is, in some ways, a cousin to the Warrior’s MH sword.
All numbers are approximates compared to our other weapons (or those of the Warrior) and assume level 80. They exist strictly for comparison. Specifically, the weapon was scaled against Guardian MH mace and Warrior MH sword, with numbers that are (hopefully), if anything, conservative estimates.
For more general comparisons:
Auto-attacks are (as compared to MH Mace), less damaging, but faster (higher dps) with bleeding at the cost of lower and more selfish healing.
Mace comparisons (aside from maybe cooldowns) end there. Your 2nd and 3rd skills are not highly damaging but do provide valuable utility and (in the case of 2) bleed stacking. They are more similar to the Warrior’s MH sword at this point, though they also bare similarities to the Guardian Greatsword.
Skill One Combo
Zealous Axe
Swing your axe, inflicting Bleeding (5 seconds) and inflicting moderate damage.
180 base. 50% Power scaling.
(1/2 s)
Wrathful Blow
Swing your axe again, inflicting Bleeding (5 seconds) and inflicting moderate damage.
180 base damage. 50% Power scaling.
(1/2 s)
Blade of Offering
Imbue your axe with radiant energy and swing it downwards for considerable damage. If your foe was bleeding, heal for a moderate amount.
(3/4 s)
400 base damage. 120% Power scaling.
160 base heal. (15% scaling)
Skill Two – Zealot’s Razor
Swing your axe forward and release a wave of light, inflicting (3 Stacks) of Bleeding (7 seconds) and Weakness (7 seconds) and dealing minor (or moderate?) damage in a wide cone.
150 base damage. 50% Power scaling.
12 seconds
Skill Three – Long Arm of Justice
Throw a spirit chain axe at your target (Projectile Finisher). If it successfully hits them, it deals moderate damage and applies a short debuff to them. A successful hit allows you to use your subskill.
200 base. 50% Power scaling.
15 second cooldown.
600 range.
Subskill – Pursuit of Justice
Leap at your grappled foe. (Leap Finisher)
600 range.
*Note – if the foe was within range when you activated it, but exceeded the range after the jump initiated, your jump will be extended to meet them.
(edited by Duke Blackrose.4981)