Can hit twice. Like I said somewhere higher up the thread, it’s good for AI and stupid people. That, or if you can set it up to hit and turn around in almost the same moment, but it’s not easy on another person. The projectile is huge and obvious though (I mean it’s quite literally the difference between a greatsword and a dagger) and unless you’ve traited into immobilise on cripple they should, if they’ve any idea what’s going on, just dodge. If not before it hits at all then at least before it comes back.
It’s also not very good for chasing IME because it still has to catch up to them, and therefore won’t actually work from 900 range. If I was going for that trait I’d much prefer the rifle’s #2 ability (1200 ranged, faster, and piercing), the hammer’s #3 (speaking of AoE…) or better yet, avoid the trait altogether and use off hand mace’s line of knockdown. It travels (very) slowly as well, but has 1200 range and… is a knockdown. Once you get used to it it’s a really awesome skill for fighting and catching people, not to forget interrupting.
As for DD, I never said I agreed with the way the nerf was done, but for a cripple I much prefer it. It’s quick (or at least I’ve never had issues with it being outrun or sidestepped), harder to see, and will bounce from one person to another (and back again, if there’s only two) without me having to line them up. I do think they should reduce its cost now that it’s lots so much damage, though, because frankly cripple isn’t that awesome.
EDIT: I forgot to mention the axe’s ranged cripple can be traited to also immobilise and combined with the o/h mace’s knockdown line for awesomeness.
EDIT2: I accidentally an apostrophe.
