Guild Wars 2

I’ve got to get my Charr ranger a fire wyvern so I can name it…Charrizard.

I was afraid it might be related. Thanks for the tip, and yeah, hope they fix that. I still do love my shared slots, though.

All but the first two of my bags keep closing. Only on one character, as far as I know. I don’t know why or how, and I want it to stop. It’s annoying having to open them back up each time I go into inventory.

Your event is bad and you should feel bad!

In our matchup, right now one server has everything. They’re just roaming around in small golem groups and wiping everyone they see.

Sounds interesting to me, at least.

You know those fixed position rifles in a (very) few places in PvE, like the western part of Ashford? Why not put those on the walls? Especially the inner walls of Stonemist, with long enough range to reach the outer wall. Possible upgrade traits could include tracer rounds to cause burning.

I appreciate basic courtesy in WvW. If someone is going for a vista, I pass them by. If they’re going for a mat (at least if its T6), I’ll wait and then snag it myself. We need more of that, even from people like me who primarily do WvW. Sure, it’s a war…in a game. No need to get too serious about it.

Upgrades seem bugged. The bar is full, there’s supply available, workers are standing around, but it won’t finish.

My warrior, Beraneostre:
Her armor is very mixed. T2 helmet and boots, gladiator chest, T3 legs, pit fighter epaulet, and Priory gauntlets. Phoenix Reborn axe, Mystic Sword, and Lionguard longbow. Oh, and of course, Rox’s Quiver!

Some kind of bare-handed or natural weapons, or take on aspects of nature. Fling sand and pebbles to blind, call up swarms of ants or wasps that poison, hands become wood with a bleeding grasp from splintering, imitate a wolf’s cry to grant stability and protection to allies.

Ehecatl.9172:

In order to protect small scale roaming from just being about who brought the most guards, I’d limit this to only be applicable within a tower or keep. Mostly to make keep defense easier. At the moment it’s almost more difficult to defend a tower than take it. Between all the AoE spam and the chance of getting plucked off the walls you just can’t do much in a siege defense without an arrow cart. Being able to reinforce a tower with extra archers on the wall would at least make invasions a bit harder.

Especially if guards were capable of body blocking. Put two or three along the stairs to stop people from literally running past all opposition to take out the lord. Set up archers around the walls to pelt attackers with arrows. You’d be able to hold off a much larger force of enemies with much fewer allies and make defense less utterly hopeless.

That sounds like a good way of implementing the OP’s suggestion. Defense is already a thankless job even when it works. Getting additional help is always a good thing, and can lead to better, more interesting battles.

How about, in addition to/in place of these extra guards and archers, something more like a Guardian? A support unit with heals and buffs and condi removal. Something that will let defending PCs not melt quite as fast…stupid ramparts that impede more than protect.

Miliko.5480:

Wanze.8410:

because gold ingots cant change your hairstyle

Viserys Targaryen disagrees.

Okay, I hate that series, but that was really funny…

Even before the finisher was added, I had hopes that if/when a new area was opened up, it would get new creatures. Not just mobs, but environmental ones as well. New World camelids were high up on that list. No real reason, I just like llamas.

So if it’s a desert, with American wildlife, what else could there be? As stuff gets presumably added. Mountain lions, perhaps? If so, should be new ranger pet!

Anymras.5729:

Naranek.3467:

I can’t help but think that this is a missed opportunity for growth beyond level 80. Why not use the unlocks to let us access traits outside of the trait lines we put points into? I’ll explain. First, assume that we revert to the old system of manuals (bought with gold only, no skill points) but keep the on-the-fly retraiting; 6 points or 30, doesn’t really matter for this

You’re a 6/6/2/0/0 whatever. Generally you’re happy with your build. You like the stats, you like the Grandmaster, you like how it works with your profession mechanic and your chosen skills. But then you start looking at those bottom lines, and find a few things that would really compliment it. A boost to your favorite weapon, a shorter recharge on that one skill you use all the time, a weapon swap bonus, maybe a handy out of combat trait like speed or (for those who do a lot of puzzles) reducing fall damage. Stuff that you really want to incorporate, but just can’t quite justify spending your limited # of points for this one thing.

That’s where the unlocks come in. You go off on whatever quest, and can access the particular trait without spending points. Now, because you’re not spending points, you don’t get the stat bonus or the minor trait, nor can you choose another major trait without doing that quest, too (though of course you can simply retrait with points as normal).

This would increase build diversity which is what this was supposed to do, it would give us greater customization of our characters, because it’s our choice of a bonus instead of what is supposed to be a core function of the game it’s easier to justify taking the time for these requirements, it doesn’t lock out alts or – even worse – new players, etc. People have been complaining for a long time about no meaningful endgame content. Well, here. Character optimization that you have to go out and earn.

Basically, if I’m reading this right, exemption from needing trait points to pick up Major Traits in other categories?

…I love this idea. This would actually give level 80s something to do that would matter besides the stupid bloody Living Story. This would give so much more customization and optimization potential.

Yes, that’s it exactly. But just the major traits. And that indeed was my thought, to give a new kind of endgame progression that a) takes some real effort while still being doable, b) offers a legitimate goal as a reward, and c) gives us greater control over how our characters operate.

ardasica.4531:

Naranek.3467:

This is a terrible move. I use those for dailies and monthlies, usually just one circuit of boar>troll>oak before going on to better things. And it’s not just Queensdale, either; it’s ALL starting zones. If they really want people off the train, then just don’t give loot after the first time.

The other starting zones were nowhere near as bad as Queensdale which is why Queensdale is the standard people speak about. Queensdale was the only place I actually saw a consistent champ train in the starter zones and I’m actually a little sad that they managed to ruin it for everyone else. Of course ANet had to treat the starter zones the same otherwise the champ train would have just moved to a new starter zone.

How about move to a higher level map to do those dailies and monthlies? With the Megaserver you will always have someone on the map with you. I believe in you. You can separate yourself from that train and find a new train addiction on another map.

How about you let me do what I want? No, can’t have that…I don’t appreciate the condescension at all.

Tanith.5264:

Naranek.3467:

This is a terrible move. I use those for dailies and monthlies, usually just one circuit of boar>troll>oak before going on to better things. And it’s not just Queensdale, either; it’s ALL starting zones. If they really want people off the train, then just don’t give loot after the first time.

I’m sure they’re still “events”. We’ll just have to find champs elsewhere.

Given the ratio of events to champions was already heavily tilted towards the former, I’m not seeing this as an improvement. Plus, if they’re no longer champions, are they no longer group events, as well? Can anybody confirm this? Because if you thought the lag on bosses was bad before…

This is a terrible move. I use those for dailies and monthlies, usually just one circuit of boar>troll>oak before going on to better things. And it’s not just Queensdale, either; it’s ALL starting zones. If they really want people off the train, then just don’t give loot after the first time.

I can’t help but think that this is a missed opportunity for growth beyond level 80. Why not use the unlocks to let us access traits outside of the trait lines we put points into? I’ll explain. First, assume that we revert to the old system of manuals (bought with gold only, no skill points) but keep the on-the-fly retraiting; 6 points or 30, doesn’t really matter for this

You’re a 6/6/2/0/0 whatever. Generally you’re happy with your build. You like the stats, you like the Grandmaster, you like how it works with your profession mechanic and your chosen skills. But then you start looking at those bottom lines, and find a few things that would really compliment it. A boost to your favorite weapon, a shorter recharge on that one skill you use all the time, a weapon swap bonus, maybe a handy out of combat trait like speed or (for those who do a lot of puzzles) reducing fall damage. Stuff that you really want to incorporate, but just can’t quite justify spending your limited # of points for this one thing.

That’s where the unlocks come in. You go off on whatever quest, and can access the particular trait without spending points. Now, because you’re not spending points, you don’t get the stat bonus or the minor trait, nor can you choose another major trait without doing that quest, too (though of course you can simply retrait with points as normal).

This would increase build diversity which is what this was supposed to do, it would give us greater customization of our characters, because it’s our choice of a bonus instead of what is supposed to be a core function of the game it’s easier to justify taking the time for these requirements, it doesn’t lock out alts or – even worse – new players, etc. People have been complaining for a long time about no meaningful endgame content. Well, here. Character optimization that you have to go out and earn.

These put my Saber to shame. I’m having trouble finding a good armor skirt…

What, you mean like Sword Art Online, where a deranged computer programmer with a god complex killed thousands of people? I have a hard enough time as it is, some of the death screams are nightmare fuel already.

Velektrian.5491:

I don’t mind Trait Unlocks that are like “Kill XX boss” when they are hidden away, it makes finding some traits fun.

As long as you can unlock those traits BEFORE 36.

A couple examples of good places for trait unlocks.

Queensdale, Beggars Burrow Mini Dungeon (Bad Neighboorhood)
Plains Of Ashford, Human’s Lament Mini Dungeon
Metrica Province, Old Oola Lab Mini Dungeon

These are great spots for Trait unlocks.
1. They are mini dungeons thus can still be solo’d
2. They are low level meaning you can EASILY go back if you feel like getting the trait
3. They are are hidden enough that it brings back Trait Hunting.

IMO, All traits should be tied to Mini Dungeons, Jumping Puzzles, and World Bosses. As long as everything can be unlocked before 36, which is when we really start designing our future build.

Okay, so that sounds perfectly reasonable. Why is it the ideas people come up with on the fly are so much better than the ones from the professionals?

Chadramar.8156:

WvW and dungeons should be off the list altogether IMO, given how hostile much of the community is towards non-“optimized” characters.

I didn’t even think about that, but you are exactly right. “So I can’t get this trait because I don’t run full zerker and no one will do the dungeon with me.” Like I said, you now need a very supportive guild to party up for goals that are purely personal.

P Fun Daddy.1208:

The sole reason he has limited this to engineers and elementalists is because these classes tend to OOC switch more than the others, mostly to a utility weapon, but also for different fights

So. You’re saying that this is for combat readiness in changing situations, yes? That you can tell your next fight is going to be a different scenario than the last and you want a quick change. Correct me if that is wrong.

Okay. Given that engi and ele have the fewest number of equipable weapons, I would argue that they would be the classes to least need/benefit from such an addition. On the contrary, it would be the warrior, with its 19 different weapon sets and all the specialization that that implies, who need it more. The difference between, to make up some completely random examples, a Sword/Horn + Greatsword warrior and a Mace/Shield + Rifle warrior is much greater than that of a Pistol/Pistol engineer and a Pistol/Shield engineer.

Old system: I buy and consume one item. Wow, look at all the options! I’ll spend the points and get X trait.

New system: I wander around on some self-appointed quest to unlock one trait. Some of which cannot be done solo, so I’d better hope I a) want the same build as everyone else or b) have a really supportive guild.

I wouldn’t even be opposed to these kinds of quests, but shouldn’t they be for like rare items that can’t be sold instead of, you know, BASIC GAME FUNCTIONS?

Kalavier.1097:

Tarreth.8914:

And then, a wild Iron Legion Centurion/Tribune appears just before Tiberia Falcongaze, while she’s protecting an Flame Legion rat.
Oh, hello there, traitor~

What then?

Besides the fact a flame legion member would never seek protection from a female charr?

She might be protective of any who need it, but if they refuse any aid or attack her they make themselves an enemy. Don’t jump to conclusions too fast :P.

Indeed. She might decide that the right thing to do is to keep this theoretical Legionnaire as safe as a newborn cub in its mother’s arms right up to the point where she delivers him to the Black Citadel’s jailor and then trust in the better judgment of her superiors, feeling that both duty and honor have been satisfied. The scenario is useful precisely because it is so far-fetched.

Tarreth.8914:

And then, a wild Iron Legion Centurion/Tribune appears just before Tiberia Falcongaze, while she’s protecting an Flame Legion rat.
Oh, hello there, traitor~

What then?

Ah. To be lawful or to be good, in other words?
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ToBeLawfulOrGood
First of all she’s naive, but not stupid beyond all self-preservation; she’d need to have some reason to believe that this particular Flame Legionnaire isn’t positioning himself to put a knife in her ribs. After that, it gets really interesting. Is it just to let a traitor go free? Is it just to betray another, even one already marked by betrayal? Loyalty to warband and Legion weighed against personal ethics and species commonality, given that the former are to a large part informed by the latter. If her warband sees her breaking her word or violating her code for selfish reasons, does it not mean that she might do the same to them? Isn’t upholding the Law a duty in itself? Is any crime irredeemable?
Can good be served through evil agencies, or do those agencies of necessity corrupt?

She doesn’t know. Her old farhar, Tullius Trumpetcall, used to challenge her and fellow students all the time. One day he’d say that “Law applied to its extreme is the greatest injustice”; the next he’d say, “We are not born, we do not live for ourselves alone; our country, our friends, have a share in us.”

H (or I), double click, double click. Doesn’t seem like much of a chore to me.

When stuck in traffic, you think, “this is what happens when you give people mounts instead of making them use Waypoints.”

When relatives give you clothes and you immediately tear them apart to salvage the mats.

When you try to exchange 100 pennies for pure silver.

When you read torchy romance novels looking for clues to doomsday weapons.

When you hear “LA” and automatically think of the place that got nuked by a pony-voiced plant.

Of my 3 charr, two support the treaty, and one is ambivalent. There, the similarities end, as they all have very different feelings towards the humans.

Sempronia Nightclaw openly despises them and doesn’t trust them. She understands the (momentary) need for the treaty, but treaties can be…amended…as situations dictate. It is a tool like any other; much like the humans themselves, who can be useful allies (read: cannon fodder) and maybe even a few exceptional individuals can earn her respect. Then again, an Ash Legion necromancer doesn’t have much trust to begin with.

Mordechai Frostmane is a Blood Legion warrior who joined the Durmand Priory (I always liked the idea of a cultured warrior) because he is inquisitive and fascinated by other cultures. He is interested in human history, society, beliefs, and so on; he doesn’t exactly like humans, but gets along with them fine. The treaty makes sense to him, and should form the base of a new period of peaceful relations.

Tiberia Falcongaze is compassionate, loyal, and just; a Guardian through and through. Anyone seeking her protection, be they human, ogre, dredge, even Flame Legion, may shelter behind her shield. And pray to whichever false god you believe in should you try to harm those to whom she has given succor. As a member of Iron Legion, she works for the betterment of all sentients (charr first, of course) and the defeat of the Elder Dragons. The treaty is not only useful, it is the right thing to do.

You make a few good points. I avoid fighting the yellow dredge, and can only sigh at the misplaced proletarian courage when one picks up a fallen soldier’s weapon to attack me – it helps that IRL I’m pretty far to the Left myself.

However, as people have said, they are rabidly xenophobic, well past anything the real Soviets did (more like Cultural Revolution, or even Khmer Rouge), to the point where they would invite massive destruction to kill a single dwarf who wasn’t even of the faction that enslaved them.

Also, it’s not entirely black and white. I haven’t played SE yet; but there are the rebels in Frostgorge, and (I think in the same area) an object on the ground that is a memorandum from a (female) dredge officer protesting to her superiors of the rampant sexism of the Flame Legion during the Molten Alliance, and warning against adopting similar policies. So we do have sympathetic dredge characters, and can even feel some degree of sympathy for the wrongs they as a race have suffered. Just because they are generally evil doesn’t mean they are always evil, and by the same token just because the Priory is generally good doesn’t mean that it (or its individual members) are always good.

Outside of a new map zone, housing is the #1 new thing I want right now. I would love to be able to customize my own little niche in this world, particularly given as much time as I’ve spent in it. To show off my trophies and get sociable with guildies. To do something that doesn’t involve killing whatever crosses my path.

Some people want mounts, I don’t care either way. Some people want dueling, I want no part of it, but if someone else does that’s fine. New races would be nice, especially with a new map, and new classes could be fun, although what they’ve got still needs work, and more on the story would be great, but at the moment what I really want is a house.

Taking down the Nageling giant (aka “George”) with just my mid-20s warrior and the 4 random people who wandered into the event one by one.

Every time someone in siege tries to be cute and jump over, get in a few hits, and duck back inside. My staff Guardian shows them the error of their ways: Line of Warding in front of the door = loot bag. I also like shoving people off cliffs with my shield bubble.

Make Scepter #1 faster, stronger, longer ranged, or more accurate; or any combination.

Scepter #3 longer ranged, and possibly a shorter cooldown.

Detonated Orb of Light blinds nearest enemy.

Maybe a fourth virtue? Passive gives faster Endurance regen, active grants (stability? retaliation? vigor?).

Combine Writ of Exaltation with Writ of Persistence.

Less windup for Hammer #4, 5.

A new weapon: some kind of polearm (halberd, glaive, naginata). #1 range attack – Lance of Light or something – #2 block/knockdown, #3 targetable heal symbol like Ele water staff, #4 skill to grant fury to nearby allies (does fury still exist? I’ve been out for nearly 2 months), #5 AoE field like Ele fire staff.

shogei.8015:

I think it’s worth nuking LA to get rid of those brats playing “ghost” behind the bank every 60 friggin seconds. And yes, I timed it. Good riddance.

…You have no soul. Those kids were adorable.

Some of the NPCs in Rata Sum can be kind of irritatingly repetitive. And it always throws me when two characters are having a conversation and talk over each other, definitely need to tighten up the timing. By and large though, I don’t really mind, and actually enjoy some of it.

One I remember seeing: Bosoms & Booty [TnA]
I think all-female, and the character names were in the same vein.

Excellent points, especially #4. Not only is that very annoying, but it breaks immersion, as well. So the archer on the battlements, with cover and elevation, is less effective than the one standing out in the open, shooting up? I know that IRL most sieges were long, boring, and unsuccessful, but that just doesn’t sit right. Even if they added some upgrade features – either as part of improved walls, or separately – like murder holes, crenellations, hoardings, etc, would be a big improvement. Also, what has already been said here and on other threads: defense is unpopular because there isn’t nearly as much reward for it, often none at all. So you’re gonna need some really dedicated altruistic players to sit around manning the ACs while you’re off actually having fun and getting paid for it.

I’ve been wanting this since…well, since I actually used my ranger as anything other than crafting weapons for my Guards or Warriors, so about a year and a half. And I don’t get why it hasn’t happened, other than not being a big priority. It’s a basic QoL improvement that doesn’t affect anyone other than rangers…and therein lies the problem. It doesn’t affect anyone other than rangers, and the devs don’t care about rangers.

My Mesmer NEEDS that sword (and possibly pistol). I’ve been wanting to get her a rapier; a heart-themed one is even better as she’s, well, on the seductive side. Norn Mesmer, the most voluptuous body type, not a lot of clothes, Charm, totem is Raven the Trickster…Valentine weapon is perfect.

Smooth Penguin.5294:

Naranek.3467:

Smooth Penguin.5294:

Lobo Dela Noche.5127:

no thanks, they already have the precedent set. They will eventually start selling those items that will get you to admit that this is P2W. You can only deny truth for so long.

Unfortunately you don’t understand what Pay 2 Win means. Give me time, and I’ll help explain it to you. Realize that any ideas of what “P2W” means to you, is inherently wrong. I’ll do my best to teach you, but you need to give me time so I can make a thread.

You are wrong. It was not Pay to Win until now, but with this item it is.

The game was sold on the promise that the Gem Store would not sell anything that gave an advantage unavailable in the game, only convenience or aesthetics. That promise was held until the introduction of this pick.

Does it offer an advantage unavailable in the game? Yes. Is it only obtainable via spending gems, which have a real value? Yes. It doesn’t matter how great that advantage is, or how those gems were purchased. The fact is that you can now spend real money (or an equivalent thereof) to get ingame rewards that those unwilling to make this purchase cannot get. That is Pay to Win.

Unfortunately you’re wrong here. The current Watchwork pick has been shown to give no advantage in the game. Research by players indicate that the +20% bonus chance to get sprockets replaced the ability to get bonus ore from nodes you mine.

Example: I mine an Orichalcum node. With any other pick (merchant or Molten), I get a chance at bonus Orichalcum ores. With the Watchwork pick, the bonus Ori are replaced by sprockets.

So in essence, the Watchwork pick is worse off, since the Orichalcum ore is far more valuable than sprockets.

tl;dr – Nothing in GW2 at the moment is P2W.

That does not change my assessment, nor does it improve the situation. If anything, this – if true, still waiting for any kind of official statement – means that right now ANet is screwing over their paying customers by letting them pay for something that is worse than what they would normally get. I say right now, because we don’t know what is going to happen to the price of sprockets.

So I will say it again. Does it offer an advantage unavailable in the game? Yes. Is it only obtainable via spending gems, which have a real value? Yes. It doesn’t matter how great that advantage is, or how those gems were purchased. The fact is that you can now spend real money (or an equivalent thereof) to get ingame rewards that those unwilling to make this purchase cannot get. That is Pay to Win. If you have an alternate definition, I would like to hear it.

Smooth Penguin.5294:

Lobo Dela Noche.5127:

no thanks, they already have the precedent set. They will eventually start selling those items that will get you to admit that this is P2W. You can only deny truth for so long.

Unfortunately you don’t understand what Pay 2 Win means. Give me time, and I’ll help explain it to you. Realize that any ideas of what “P2W” means to you, is inherently wrong. I’ll do my best to teach you, but you need to give me time so I can make a thread.

You are wrong. It was not Pay to Win until now, but with this item it is.

The game was sold on the promise that the Gem Store would not sell anything that gave an advantage unavailable in the game, only convenience or aesthetics. That promise was held until the introduction of this pick.

Does it offer an advantage unavailable in the game? Yes. Is it only obtainable via spending gems, which have a real value? Yes. It doesn’t matter how great that advantage is, or how those gems were purchased. The fact is that you can now spend real money (or an equivalent thereof) to get ingame rewards that those unwilling to make this purchase cannot get. That is Pay to Win.

frostyraziel.1854:

I don’t want to be that guy, but please, anet, stop forcing this crap down our throats. Same-sex relationships are not something that fits a fantasy game. This helps in no way the lore that has already been damaged by the living story. I know you want to make the characters more compelling, but this will just make most people scratch their heads. At least keep it subtle.

Don’t even get me started on the multiracial things with Rox and Braham, because if it’s going in that direction, then this is just gross territory.

There are other ways to make us care about the characters without forcing this. GW2 living story really lacks good characters at the moment and this is not helping.

Given that my favorite fantasy author is Robert Jordan, I would vehemently disagree with that assessment. Anne McCaffrey, Marion Zimmer Bradley, quite a few, in fact.

Also, what would be “gross” about Rox and Braham? The fact that they are different species? So are humans and Norn, but I don’t think anyone would deny that Norn are attractive (in fact there’s at least one thread about how Norn women are too pretty). If you were to say that a Norn-human relationship is fine but not a Norn-charr one, it would mean giving physical qualities primacy over emotional ones; basically that no matter how much they may or may not click, one doesn’t think the other looks good enough, so no luck.

I just finished leveling up my condi damage warrior this weekend. Longbow + ax/sword, and I went with Runes of the Undead to complement her condition damage while giving her more staying power; part of it’s the build, part of it’s the profession, and part of it’s the fact that my main is an AH staff guardian in cleric gear, but I’ve noticed my warrior tends to melt. Quickly. So hopefully the runes’ toughness boost will help survivability. She’s good at dishing out conditions, but not at taking them (especially poison); Lemongrass food is often useful, if expensive. Still making her equipment, so I won’t get a true field test until later in the week, but I have high hopes.

CharrGirl.7896:

Naranek.3467:

Thought I picked up a vibe from those two, despite limited play due to computer problems. Good for them, I think they’re cute together. So that means DON’T GO KILLING KASMEER! It’s like Personal Story all over again; entire time I’m running with the bomb tech from that nice Asura couple I’m thinking “yeah, he’s toast.”

Omg…you mean those 2 asura in one of the Orr missions? Yeah, actually with order mentor death this was the only other death that left me with a gaping jaw of disbelief when the little guy died. I remember there was real emotion and good writing there…

Yeah…we can stop killing good characters now. Hang in there Kasmeer! T-T

Exactly. And it was so telegraphed, too. Why didn’t he just show you pictures of their kids while saying he’s got two days left until retirement while he was at it? Poor little guy. Poor little wife. I get that it’s Guild Wars, no salvation without destruction, no hope this side of death and so on, but it would be nice to have a few happy endings.

Thought I picked up a vibe from those two, despite limited play due to computer problems. Good for them, I think they’re cute together. So that means DON’T GO KILLING KASMEER! It’s like Personal Story all over again; entire time I’m running with the bomb tech from that nice Asura couple I’m thinking “yeah, he’s toast.”

How about a buff (toughness, vitality, whatever) for the defenders? Automatic, separate from guild upgrades. Either in the form of the raw stats or in granting a boon like protection.

The problem is cyclical. Because defending is often impractical, no one does it. Because no one defends, it’s impractical. The fact that attacking is not only more glamorous but more lucrative is a further disincentive.

Parktou.4263:

Black African? hahaha, really?

Yes, as opposed to North African, the people of which are Arabic or related Semitic ethnicities. And for that matter there are Boers and other white Africans, the people of Madagascar are Austronesian, Mauritius is Indian (and there are also quite a few Indians on the continent), etc.

Now, in answer to the original question…
Yes, I have a Norn female warrior. She has very dark skin, and her facial features aren’t Caucasian. She has a shock of white hair, so she actually looks a bit like Storm, from the X-Men. I’ll try to put up a screenshot.

Like everything else, it depends on what kind of build you’re running and what you want to get out of the class. I’ve just returned after having been away for a while, so hopefully everything I say is still current.

I run a 0/0/30/30/10 staff/hammer guardian and absolutely love it. Writ of the Merciful + Writ of Exaltation mean that Staff #3 and hammer auto 3 are bigger, heal as well as grant boons, and heal me due to AH. I use Empower and then swap to Hammer with Superior Sigil of Battle for 15 stacks of Might (and I can push it higher, at the expense of Shouts and Virtues). Line of Warding is great; there are few things more satisfying than slamming it down in front of a door in WvW for easy kills. I would like to see a detonated Orb of Light inflict Blind, but other than that, I wouldn’t change it.

I think Sword and Staff take very different approaches to the class. The more likely you are to use the one, the less likely you are to use the other. I rarely use Sword, and even Greatsword doesn’t get as much use from me as Mace/Torch.

Obtena.7952:

I see that people don’t seem to understand that the time to fix a bug includes the time to understand what causes it. Just sayin’

Let us know if you see any of those people.

Hunter.4783:

Finnway.2183:

This feedback only represents a small portion of Guardian players.

This small portion is what truly matters,
the rest of the player base is running full PTV staff 0/0/30/30/10 without giving other skills a second thought. For me they are simply mindless drones and will run what is considered “effective” 4 months ago;.

I run AH staff 0/0/30/30/10 because I like it. I did not choose it because of its effectiveness, nor will I change it for the same reason.

Generally, we greatly appreciate the work the devs do in addressing bugs.

HOWEVER: runaway spinning, which actually sounds kind of fun, gets fixed in a couple of days; Symbol of Swiftness, our only weapon-based speed buff, was bugged for months, IIRC. Just sayin’.