Perhaps Dark Arts should be given a cooldown? Maybe have a recast timer like TBN (15 seconds). It'll still cost MP of course, but having a 15sec recast timer would solve any worry for Dark Arts spam. Heck, I wouldn't mind Dark Arts and TBN working in conjunction with each other.
  • Both skills would share the same recast timer.
  • Dark Arts would be used for offense while TBN is used for defense
  • Dark Arts would still enhance a few skills like it did back in 3.0 and 4.0.
  • TBN would work the same as 5.0. If the shield broke, it grants "Dark Arts". But instead of giving the player a free Edge or Flood of Shadow, you are free to use a Dark Arts enhanced skill. This rewards players for playing well defensively.

I don't know. I never played HW or StB DRK, but I still want to contribute to the discussion. I really would like to see the real Dark Arts come back.