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What is Dual Stance Fencers?
Simply speaking, dual stance fencer is a build that utilizes two stances and takes advantage of the synergy between both stances: 1. Shield + Spear for tanking; 2. Rapier + Dagger for dpsing. To properly swap between 2 stances, it is highly recommended you bind your weapon swap to one key that suits your comfort while not interfere with your combo. For me in keyboard mode, I bind weapon swap to “0” on the number pad.
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New:
Dual Stance Fencer : Stats and Combo
Tank Stance
- You benefit from finestra which increase your block by 20% at lv9 while tanking.
- Your spear throw with a Geras spear has an aoe attack ratio of 14 which 9 from initial skill, 3 from finestra and 2 from Geras spear itself. Spear throw is a 0 cd skill that can be spammed at point blank which contributes greatly to a party when grinding since you can swashbuckling and spear throw to hold aggro.
*Note: my current spear throw attributes is at lv31
Here is an example of spear throw with Geras Spear:
Spear throw in Evac:
DPS Stance
- You benefit from Rapier Mastery: Aggression which adds 15% dmg when you are in DPS stance with a rapier and dagger.
- You benefit from spear lunge, preparation and Attaque Coquille for buffing yourself with x2 next pierce damage while debuffing enemy to take more pierce damange. Debuff wise, spear lunge > Attaque Coquille, as it makes enemy take 50% more pierce damage which is huge when combined with preparation, meanwhile, Attaque Coquille only makes enemy take 400~500 more pierce damage at most or potentially more for boss.
- You benefit from Peltasta attributes Guardian: Evasion which adds 18% evasion. Guardian does not require a shield to activate.
- You benefit from Fencer Skill lunge which boosts your evasion greatly, namely 100% at lv10 lunge.
Below is the evasion comparison with / without buffs:
Base Evasion
https://imgur.com/peFlTBa
Evasion with Guardian
https://imgur.com/EOjrlEL
Evasion with Guardian and Lunge (at lv12)
https://imgur.com/7vqPjih
As you can see, in my build, I am favoring Str over Dex, as you can reach cap Evasion with decent leather set and high lvl of lunge. As Ktos is buffing Str stats, heavy str build might become more relevant as it comes to iTos.
Here is the planned stats at lv280 as you get 35 bonus stats from statue as well quests. With 25k base hp and buffed evasion could potentially prep you more in end game content like ET or and grind party at a higher lvl map.
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https://imgur.com/fZ7nkqq
New:
DPS Stance Combo and Example
Dual Stance Fencer Solo lv200 Boss:
Meta Build Fencer Solo lv200 Boss:
With Spear Lunge stabbing:
Without Spear Lunge stabbing:
VS Blue Siphon:
VS Truffle:
Gear wise: You should aim for Superior Bandit Set, Venier and Karacha dagger for DPS stance, Geras Spear and Aias for Tank stance. Accessory should be x2 sissel and max petamion.
In short, why go dual stance fencer?
- You will be very capable tank as you can hold aggro and contribute to party grinding via 0 cd big aoe skill instead of just holding c.
- You will be very capable single target burst dmg dealer as your buff and debuff makes every boss / mob paper thin. You will do a lot of burst damage in a fairly short amount of time.
- You are bored with meta cookie cutter build and want to challenge yourself with something new and practice to fast swap weapon to use every bit of your gear to your greater advantage.
- Potentially future-proof, you can go Shinobi for amplified kunai attack (clone x5 and prep x2) or whatever fencer 3 class could bring.
Thank you for reading through this guide, this my first time making a guide, comments and criticism are all welcome.