Guild Wars 2

This is my concept for a new Shadow Arts trait that I posted in another thread, but felt it may deserve a thread of its own for critique and consideration.

The main goal is to reward aggressive play while still allowing access to the Thief’s effective Stealth Attacks. Especially without having to spend so much time, initiative, or utilities to set up for a single attack. Again, it would be rewarding aggressive play, not passive play or Stealth camping.

Merge Shadow’s Embrace with one of Shadow Arts’ minor traits. Replace its Major Adept trait with a new one…

Shadow’s Fury
At the successful completion of a melee weapon’s Auto-Attack chain, grant Stealth for 0.5 seconds. (Is not affected by Meld with Shadows)

It would be a Major trait so it would be a player’s choice to use or not. Stealth only lasts for half a second, with the main purpose for it to provide access to a weapon’s Stealth attack during combat, though it would also cure one condition because of Shadow’s Embrace. The half second time frame should be just enough to cast the Stealth Attack animation. It has a built-in cooldown due to Revealed.

Alternatives:
1. Stealth lasts for a full second to give the player more options. He can position himself for a better Stealth Attack if needed (Backstab/Tactical Strike). Or he can use the opportunity for other actions such as escaping the fight or activating a venom or trap.

2. Do not grant Stealth at all. Simply make the next Auto-Attack a Stealth Attack (Backstab/Tactical Strike/Hook Strike). If not used within a limited time (1 to 5 seconds), the chain resets to normal. This trait could be placed into Critical Strikes or Trickery instead of Shadow Arts. Because it does not grant Stealth, there would be no Revealed-based cooldown. It would either have to be given a cooldown (which could get confusing) or the Stealth Attack would simply become an extra attack of every chain (which could definitely be OP and would imbalance weapon sets even more based on chain speed).

2b. In addition to 2, you could allow the Stealth Attack opportunity to carry over if you swap weapons (e.g. switching from Dagger main-hand to Shortbow would allow you to use Surprise Shot). The time limit would still be in place, however. Note: This would happen naturally in the original trait that does grant Stealth.

Thoughts? Opinions? Changes?