I have been a faithful believer that WC should just use 1 handed weapons and shields. But, lately, I am having 2nd thoughts about this. I've got a Bloody Orchid and Avadon shield on her atm (and planning to get a Majestic set somewhere down the road). But I'm seriously considering putting a 2h sword or 2h blunt on her. She is level 68. FYI, most times, she boxes with my Destroyer, but occasionally she is a party buffer while the Destroyer isn't even logged, and I very, very occasionally solo her. Any thoughts on this?
Just thinking a bit further here, I guess I can rule out the blunt, and perhaps put one of my 2h swords on the WC. (I do know the Fear actually works with a 2h sword, so I think even though it's a fighter weapon, it just might work decently as a mystic weapon also.) The thing is, I'm wondering about not using a shield. Early on, when playing the WC and Destroyer togther, it seemed like a good idea to use a shield, because I recall the WC getting creamed a couple of times in the cats. However, offhand, it seems like I don't recall seeing too many high-level Orc Mystics using a shield. So, at the moment, that's what I'm most interested in feedback on. (I do appreciate Tha_Don's reply on using blunts.)
Yes, shields in PvP are a must for us. The only way it seems to slow archers damage down. I have not checked out if the shield affects the mage attacks against me, but everything time I see the shield block sucessful message, I know it helps.
For pvp shield and acumen wep is a must. In PvE Dragon slayer is good DPS especially with BD dances. If no dances then use a dagger. Both weapons must have focus. You said you got a destroyer try to take the weapon from destroyer and damage test, and see the difference yourself. At high end xp I find 2 handed swords are better, but maybe because I have a BD in party.
If you assist in PvE damage any weapons is good. A dagger or a 2-hand sword or duals with focus do the trick (I use elysian though, beacause my mage weapon is not blunt). Parties don't expect a WC to turn the tide of exp by killing fast. They simply apreciate the help. For me a necessity is to have at least one blunt on you to use hammer crush (it helps in exp)
The question is more meaningful if you solo. In that case, you should choose the weapon based on your total setup. A dagger works fine for me as long as I don't fight evasion mobs. In that case I pull out the elysian.
What seems a good setup for me is: If you hunt solo with heavy armor a 2-hand sword with focus (good crit rate, good accuracy). If you solo with light/robes a dagger with a shield (and try to avoid high evasion mobs). If you are in a party, it doesn't really matter.
PS: I haven't solo'ed with heavy for a long time. But when I did (a lot from 40-60) it was with the setup I described. I guess it will not be all that different. I am pretty sure though on the light/robe thing since I do it now from time to time.
If you use a 2 handed, then you need heavy armor to compensate for no shield. I like the tip on the hammer crush. I'll have to try it next time I party!