07-26-2003, 09:19 PM
Look at it this way then. Suppose that you have a modest 150 strength (usually +150% dmg), maxed Frenzy (+185% dmg), L5 mastery (+48% dmg), and the synergy bonus from the two base skill points in Taunt and Double Swing (+16% dmg), for a total of +3% damage bonus. Another level of mastery will grant you +5% damage and +1% critical strike. The effect of the later is to increase your average damage output by 0.01*(100+399+5)=5.04%, so the overall benefit is +10.04% for 1 additional level of mastery, and this trend will continue for a few more levels until diminishing returns kicks in.
On the other hand, if you invest in Taunt or Double Swing, you get +8% damage per level, which is then multiplied by your existing 12% critical strike, translating to a further 0.12*10=0.96% damage bonus, for a total of +8.96% per level.
As you can see, mastery is currently a better deal than either Taunt or Double Swing if you are only concerned about damage output. The advantages of mastery will also increase further when you play under the effect of damage enhancing auras. The best practical solution is probably an investment in both options however. Perhaps what you should consider is to raise Double Swing to L9 so the mana cost is reduced to zero, then shoot for L10 or L16 mastery with skill adders included.
On the other hand, if you invest in Taunt or Double Swing, you get +8% damage per level, which is then multiplied by your existing 12% critical strike, translating to a further 0.12*10=0.96% damage bonus, for a total of +8.96% per level.
As you can see, mastery is currently a better deal than either Taunt or Double Swing if you are only concerned about damage output. The advantages of mastery will also increase further when you play under the effect of damage enhancing auras. The best practical solution is probably an investment in both options however. Perhaps what you should consider is to raise Double Swing to L9 so the mana cost is reduced to zero, then shoot for L10 or L16 mastery with skill adders included.