Nightshade
THE SHADOW-MASTER
AVAILABLE ON: Eden, Blackthorn, Live
If you walk far enough into the forest, the soft shadows of the canopies will eventually turn darker. An unnatural darkness, as if a living ancestor of the pale imitation that merely happens to exist thanks to obstructions of the sun’s rays. A sinister darkness clinging to everything, as if painted onto the world by malicious hands. In this darkness is where the Nightshades of Hibernia hunt and train, stemming the tide of twisted abominations from beyond the shadows, in preparation of saving their homeland from much more mundane threats.
Nightshades are the assassins of Hibernia, capable of quickly killing all the but toughest opponents as they emerge from the shadows with poisoned daggers in hand, landing critical strikes in rapid succession and smothering the life from their enemy with magics inspired by the same shadows they train amongst.
PvE:
Nightshades are capable of soloing decently well, as long as they do not pick fights against enemies that are tougher than themselves. Focus on overwhelming damage and hope to defeat the enemy within the opening gambit for best results. The shadow magics they wield include a damage-reflecting shield spell, as well as instant direct damage and damage-over-time spells, all of which can be very helpful in turning the tide of battle in their favour.
In groups, simply focus on doing as much damage as possible. Poisons can help out your teammates by de-buffing the enemies. Nightshades can help out, mainly in smaller groups, by pulling enemies with their shadow magics, should no other ranged class be available.
RvR:
In solo RvR, Nightshades are one of the strongest classes. With access to Stealth, debilitating poisons, shadow magic and special powerful Critical Strikes, Nightshades can, with a bit of careful planning, successfully engage and defeat any target. Thanks to your high Stealth, you have the privilege of not just choosing your fights but also starting them. Your most common targets will typically end up being spellcasters, archers or out of position supports.
Nightshades do not typically get invited to organized RvR groups, outside of dedicated Stealth-focused groups.
Character planners:
Eden: https://eden-daoc.net/charplan?c=Nightshade
Blackthorn: https://blackthorn-daoc.com/class/Nightshade
Live: https://daoc.gg/charplanner/overview#c=NIGHTSHADE
Suggested starting stat point distribution:
10 Constitution / 10 Dexterity / 10 Strength (Elf/Lurikeen)
10 Constitution / 10 Strength / 10 Quickness (Celt)
10 Dexterity / 15 Strength or Constitution (Elf/Lurikeen variant if intending to use Blade weapons)
15 Strength / 10 Quickness or Constitution (Celt variant if intending to use Blade weapons)
Suggested class skills:
49 Critical Strikes, 40 Pierce/Blades, 39 Stealth, 39 Envenom, 18 Celtic Dual (Standard)
Suggested realm skills:
Purge
See Hidden*
Mastery of Stealth
Mastery of Pain
Vanish
Passives to fill stat gaps (Augmented Str, Dex, Con, Mastery of Parrying etc.)
*Blackthorn exclusive
