Druid shifter weapon choice

[Nicodemus Phaulkon]

Grab your Grandfathers, unsheath your Schaeffers and loose the Lightsabres

Yes and no. Even a Lightsabre, equipped, is slower than molasses in January compared to the IKMaul. The Grandpa really isn't that much of a reach from a Buriza, really... and a hellova lot slower. Schaefer's is lovely, given the Static Field discharges... but still, even shaeled, resembles Matrix's "bullet time" to me.

My penchant for using two-handers came well before I read Dragoon's Bible on the subject. I found the PAINFULLY slow block animation to be a huge detriment in melee. Even today, with a Barstar (which is fast, admittedly) and Tiamat's on the weapon switch for dealing with PIs in Hell, I still grit my teeth whenever my big wuff blocks. I much prefer to build up the fast hit recovery (which is a far easier task than block) and take the hit. With Feral Rage charged up and Fury going, you hardly notice it (especially if your life steal is in the 60% range when taking equipment into account). Then you have your other wuffs that make use of the DR and %DR equipment. *sniff* I've never had any truck with those mongrels. ;) Even at lower levels, using only Feral as the main attack, you have to concede that a fast two-hander is a lovely choice.

And then, of course, there must be a nod given to Whappity Factor™. IKMaul's Whappity Factor™ is undisputed when taking the very high average-on-damage and Crushing Blow into account. Paired with Gore's on the footsies and a nice set of Blood Gloves, you've a killing machine. And lastly, of course, you have to take STYLE into account. :D

But! To get back to your original point, Brista: I've used differing types of weapons to achieve speed when needed. The most apparent one is an old KOTH (or Ironman) trick of finding a Hunter's Bow for your werewolf. Speed and unlimited ammo make for a deadly combination with that type of game.

*tips helm*