Nightshade

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

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

Stat allocation

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)

Class skills

49 Critical Strikes, 40 Pierce/Blades, 39 Stealth, 39 Envenom, 18 Celtic Dual (Standard)

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

Champion skills

Lesser Group Revigoration

Lesser Group Regrowth

Shield of the Soul

Shield of the Elements

Shield of War

Resilience

Soldier’s Anticipation

Surge of Chaos

Damage Ward

Soldier’s Retaliation