Patch 1.13 gave some modest class skill changes here and there, but hypothetically I believed that the Druid Werebear build received the best changes, at least to make the build more viable. It is my belief that any good Werebear is first a tank and then whatever else you will it to be. Following that thought, the increased benefits to the transformation, including substantial upgrades to health and a marginal one to defense, as well as a decent revamp of damage, are all good news.
Official Blizzard Quote:
Druid
-Werebear - Damage bonus increased by 15% across all ranks.
-Werebear - Increased health by 25% and armor by 1% per point.
-Shockwave - Synergy from Maul adds 5% damage per point.
On the PTR I used gear with attributes that added to my bear's already enormous health benefits, like +VIT modifiers, as well as gear to supplement poor attack speed ( Shael runes are wonderful in that regard- get a majorly socketed maul and cram it with Shaels). Cranking up things like resistances and defense only added to the effect, and before I knew it, I was simply wading through mobs throwing negligible damage at me.
Of course, potions did almost nothing to combat that, so gear with Life Steal modifiers was necessary ( String of Ears Demonhide Sash, which also has a nice Damage Reduction modifier, and a pair of Dracul's Grasp Vampirebone Gloves). At lower levels I also used varies grades of Skulls in my weapons to leach back health (and some mana for my skills).
I used my Grizzly, fully leveled, as a secondary tank to sit there by my side. Add in a defensive Act II mercenary and between the three of us we were something akin to a trinity of Stonewall Jackon's. Shockwave, while my initial prejudice against the skill compelled me not to waste anything in it, turned out to be pretty useful in circumstances to blow off enemies for a bit while I took care of others. I mostly used Maul, however, for its build-up for damage and attack rating. [/HR]
In other, completely non-related news, Curse has managed an interesting interview with both the CEO and Vice President of Bioware for their upcoming title Mass Effect 2, sequel to the popular Sci-Fi RPG- you can check out all the buzz here!
Official Blizzard Quote:
Druid
-Werebear - Damage bonus increased by 15% across all ranks.
-Werebear - Increased health by 25% and armor by 1% per point.
-Shockwave - Synergy from Maul adds 5% damage per point.
Of course, potions did almost nothing to combat that, so gear with Life Steal modifiers was necessary ( String of Ears Demonhide Sash, which also has a nice Damage Reduction modifier, and a pair of Dracul's Grasp Vampirebone Gloves). At lower levels I also used varies grades of Skulls in my weapons to leach back health (and some mana for my skills).
I used my Grizzly, fully leveled, as a secondary tank to sit there by my side. Add in a defensive Act II mercenary and between the three of us we were something akin to a trinity of Stonewall Jackon's. Shockwave, while my initial prejudice against the skill compelled me not to waste anything in it, turned out to be pretty useful in circumstances to blow off enemies for a bit while I took care of others. I mostly used Maul, however, for its build-up for damage and attack rating.
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