Ninja: Walk in shadow.

[Eardstapa]

Yeah we really need more info but I don't think it's gonna be possible to keep every single thing up to be honest. Also Raiton can only be done every minute right? Not counting using kassatsu of course. So I don't think we'll be able to rely on raiton to replace aeolian edge 100%. Especially if you are trying to keep buffs up. You'll run into a situation where you have to decide between that AA speed for sustain or Raiton for burst.

We do need a bit more info and testing to actually decide on anything though. I do agree with what you've said.

From what was shown, Ninjutsu's have a 20 second cooldown. SATA a 60 second, and Kass is 180. Of course, this was taken from the video demonstration eons ago...

[Dynza]

And what proof do we have it isn't GCD? GL says the same thing, increases attack speed, and reduces GCD whilst reducing AA Delay as well.

I seem to recall that Pugilists and Monks strongest attacks don't even cross 200 potency. Think about that for a second.

Yeah we really need more info but I don't think it's gonna be possible to keep every single thing up to be honest. Also Raiton can only be done every minute right? Not counting using kassatsu of course. So I don't think we'll be able to rely on raiton to replace aeolian edge 100%. Especially if you are trying to keep buffs up. You'll run into a situation where you have to decide between that AA speed for sustain or Raiton for burst.

We do need a bit more info and testing to actually decide on anything though. I do agree with what you've said.

Well, Aeolian Edge would be used in more case-specific situations, such as burning down adds or soloing. As part of a strict rotation... probably not too often. I mean I can see cases where you would use Aeolian Edge over debuffs or dots, and Raiton, I just see it as a more situational move right now.

As for Ninjutsu, with Huton lasting so long and Mudras on relatively short cooldowns (20 to 30 seconds), it should be easy to fit in another spell or two. There may be situations where you want to get out as much damage as you can than over time and Huton isn't going to be the optimal choice for that.

[Eardstapa]

I seem to recall that Pugilists and Monks strongest attacks don't even cross 200 potency. Think about that for a second.

Really hate to be a jerk here, but I will. Bootshine auto crit puts it at 225 potency. Also, Monk has a LOT of steroids. Dragon Kick, Twin Snakes, Fists of Fire, Greased Lightning itself.

EDIT: And if Huton works like Greased Lightning, it would seem for single targets, since SATA can be used every minute, a rotation of Huton/Raiton/Suiton (Suiton allows you to use SATA without hide) would be optimal... Considering Ninjutsu CD is around 20 seconds, that gives you enough time to prioritize it as Huton -> Suiton -> Raiton, with Huton being reset around 10 seconds, Suiton allowing you to use another SA or TA, and Raiton adding in a nice 360 potency attack, or 540 with Kass up.

EDIT 2: And do not discredit how useful it is, even if it is only Auto Attacks. I seem to recall someone stating their general auto attacks increased by around 40 hits... That is still DPS.

[Cynric]

snip

Yes I agree with you, honestly I really can't wait to play with this and start testing out the damage potential it has. It seems a little crazy. There's also tons of options and situations for you to do lots of different things. If it's 20 seconds like you say that really makes things a lot easier in terms of using it. The only thing I'm kind of wanting to really get my hands on to test out, is when you use Trick, and when you'll use sneak. It also seems like Mug ,Perfect Dodge, along with other survival skills will really help you out in in maxing that damage if you decide to go the frontal route.

I really really want to see the CD's on everything first hand now though so I can go crazy. Needless to say excitement level is peaked. The class looks genuinely fun.

@ Eardspota : Ninja has A LOT of steroids as well as more than just a couple of high potency attacks. Huton ( 70 S 15% ASPD buff ) 10% Slashing Debuff (20% with a warrior using storms path while also giving you more leeway in combos) Poison as well as a 20% DMG +(possibly more with trait) 10% DMG from Trick, and an OGCD that will let you always crit dat Raiton when its up. Those are some serious steroids. and we don't even have the traits yet!

[Leonus]

I still think mnk will be top ST DPS.

[Eardstapa]

@ Eardspota : Ninja has A LOT of steroids as well as more than just a couple of high potency attacks. Huton ( 70 S 15% ASPD buff ) 10% Slashing Debuff (20% with a warrior using storms path while also giving you more leeway in combos) Poison as well as a 20% DMG +(possibly more with trait) 10% DMG from Trick, and an OGCD that will let you always crit dat Raiton when its up. Those are some serious steroids. and we don't even have the traits yet!

Those are hardly steroids as power as Monks. A 3 minute Cooldown to make Raiton crit is hardly a 'steroid'; Rather, it's similar to Perfect Balance. You also failed to read the patch notes, and I do not mean to say that offensively.

EDIT: Straight from the patch notes;
Dancing Edge
Delivers an attack with a potency of 100.
Combo Action: Gust Slash
Potency increased to 260 when executed from a target's flank during combo. Combo Bonus: Decreases target's slashing resistance by 10% and HP recovery via healing magic by 20% Duration: 20s
Cannot be stacked with the Storm's Eye status.

Trick Attack only lasts for 10 seconds, with basic GCD, that is only 4 skills. And it can only be used once a minute... Poison does offer a sort of steroid, but you have to consider, Monk gets 27% from Greased Lightning 3, 5% from Fists of Fire, and 10% from Twin Snakes. As well as an overall 6% increase from Dragon Kick, and the lower GCD and auto attack delay... 15% attack speed increase.

Compare this to Ninja, who at best will have a 20% boost from poison (Pretty sure this is with the trait, dev ones were leaked a while ago. 6% overall from Slashing Debuff, and 10% from Trick Attack, which Monk will also have access to if they are in the group. Plus their 15% attack speed increase, which may or may not be similar to GL3 (I am assuming it is, since it is the ONLY other thing in the game that is comparable.)

[Dynza]

It looks like ninja will be in quite the gear grind once hitting 50. With no cheap access to i90 gear, they'll have to rely on lower level 50 dungeons to farm up tomes just so they can touch the i80 dungeons. Not to mention gearing up accessories and more.

Former monks will have an easier time - especially those who completed or went through Coil/Syrcus Tower or farmed enough to pick up a set of i100/i110. Those stuck in their i90 AF+1s will be in a similar position. On the positive side, there's still some Grand Company gear gained through seals at the i70 range (IIRC), so those ninja who level up through Fates should have quite a stockpile the quickly get them up to speed for Hard Mode Primals or CT for relics. Other than that, it's relying on drop-rates from 4-mans and farming tomes to gear. It shouldn't take too long, depending on how patient and focused they are.

[Omegakiyohime]

I do wonder how the unreleased traits are going to enhance this skills.

[Eardstapa]

I do wonder how the unreleased traits are going to enhance this skills.

If the dev traits that we saw eons ago are what we are getting... Then the best one from that bunch is turning Shadow into a 45 potency DoT vs 40.

[JakzChurchill]

Here's a question I haven't seen asked yet, What will Ninjas LB be?

They're DEX based and so far the DEX LB is just the healer one, will ninja use this aswell?

Will they just be given the STR LB?

Or have they created a new LB we have yet to see?