Blademaster

Everything within this guide should ultimately only be treated as suggestions, as there are many ways to play and I encourage you to experiment and find your own playstyle.

AVAILABLE ON: Eden, Blackthorn, Live

No living creature on Hibernia can escape being touched by the all-encompassing magical energies that suffuse the land and sea, and of course Hibernia’s Blademasters are no exception. Through their quiet contemplation of the blades they wield and the effect drawing them has on themselves and the world around them, Blademasters learn to call upon the spirits of the wild to temporarily inhabit a sacred sword that they carry with them at all times. This sacred sword then begins to move in perfect synchronicity with the Blademaster, turning a single warrior into a whirlwind of slashes and cuts that always find their mark.

A straightforward melee fighter, the Blademasters of Hibernia are a fast and highly consistent damage dealing class, with easily manageable unique mechanics.

Their unique mechanic is called Triple Wield. When used, a floating third sword will appear next to the Blademaster and causes a third hit of damage to be dealt whenever the Blademaster attacks.

PvE

Whether playing solo or in groups, you exist for one simple reason: To do as much damage as possible.

If you are solo, all you need to do is kill stuff before it kills you.

If you are in a group, then simply assist your group’s tank once they have stabilised the enemy aggro to take down targets quickly and efficiently one-by-one.

RvR

Much like in PvE, it does not matter if you are grouped or solo, you are still here to do as much damage as possible.

Blademasters as strong in duels or even when slightly outnumbered, so they are a solid class for players seeking that kind of play-style. It is in these kinds of scenarios where the depth and complexity of the class can really shine. Switching weapons depending on enemy armour, strategic usage of potions, etc.

In groups, Blademaster you should focus on learning to quickly determine what enemy class is what, pick the target it would best suit to remove first, sticking to them and either securing the kill quickly or at the very least forcing them or their healers and support to use one or more of their defensive abilities. Due to the incredibly high damage of Blademasters, as well as the speed with which they can deliver this damage, your first targets should usually always be the enemy’s casters, who you can frequently kill before they have time to properly react.

What sets Blademasters (and Albion’s Mercenaries) apart from Midgard’s Berserker is their ability to specialize into the Shield skill line. While this does allow for a sword & shield type build for these classes, it is not the recommended play-style. Shield skills are typically only used by solo players, as openers for group play or in very rare cases or for emergency peeling. Blademasters and first and foremost damage dealers and that is what you should be focusing on.

Racial differences

Character planners

Eden: https://eden-daoc.net/charplan?c=Blademaster

Blackthorn: https://blackthorn-daoc.com/class/Blademaster

Live: https://daoc.gg/charplanner/overview#c=BLADEMASTER

Stat allocation

10 Constitution / 10 Strength / 10 Quickness

10 Strength / 15 Quickness (Firbolg)

Class skills

50 Celtic Dual, 42 Shield, 39 weapon*, 13 Parry

44 Celtic Dual, 44 Piercing, 42 Shield, 18 Parry

*both your weapons should match, so specialize into the type of weapon you’ll be using in both hands.

Realm skills

Long Wind 1

Purge

Charge

Reflex Attack

Ignore Pain

Determination

Passives to fill stat gaps (Augmented Str, Dex, Con, Mastery of Parrying etc.)

Champion skills

Lesser Group Revigoration

Lesser Group Regrowth

Shield of the Soul

Shield of the Elements

Shield of War

Backfire OR Recoil

Kickback OR Counter Assault

Graceful Fall

Hardened Soul

Spend last point as you wish