Guild Wars 2

it even has a similar ground marking…

This is something I’ve wondered about as well, I think it should be changed to be a symbol as well.

i considered making a thread in suggestions… but figured that it was so similar it was probably demoted for some reason…

It never was a Symbol. But I really can’t think of a good reason why it’s not, apart from running out of “defensive” boons to use. Vigor is an option.

The only reason you could argue is that having Smite be affected by Symbol traits, but I don’t see how that would push Smite or the Scepter in the “too powerful” category.

I think the reason it’s not a symbol, aside from its unreliable damage dealing mechanic, is simply the size. From memory, it’s about the same radius as a symbol affected by Writ of Exaltation, meaning if a Guardian did not bring that trait, Smite’s size would be painfully small. Imagine having Smite even easier to move out of! -cry-

It’s not something they couldn’t fix though. Personally, I pretty much always have Writ of Exaltation on. If you ask me, all symbols should be that size anyway. Have you ever used a writ-less Symbol of Faith against an Ettin? Their attack radius is large enough that they sit just outside the symbol. Yes, it’s simply a matter of walking back a few steps but they only last 4 or so seconds untraited and by then you’ve lost a most of the symbol’s ticks anyway.

The scepter is a balance tool and a placeholder almost – the three attacks on it all need work but it fills a gap that obviously needs some careful balance, rebalance, and balance some more work.

No symbol, a chain/invul ratio on #3 that is pretty arbitrary (I think), a workable idea for #1 that isn’t quite finished (speed/effect), and poor Smite…

Going to say this here first – wait for the a balance patch, which could (should even?) coincide with AI fixes – all pets and turrets need work which I think was put on hold to give mob AI a chance of being “OK” at release.

There is little point putting grand revisions in on these balance tools (hence staff tweak instead) at this point as working pets/turrents/spirits/mobs will throw the whole excercise out the window. I suspect you’ll see nerfs on some abilities that were boosted to compensate for this at the same time.