At first I was excited when I got Shadowdance (+2 critical chance). But after trying it out many times I noticed almost no increase in criticals during those 3 rounds, AND it takes away a turn to cast. So it seems a total waste of a turn to me when I could be doing at least normal damage instead. Does anyone regularly have a different experience with Shadowdance?

Vicious J on Mar 21, 2014 wrote:

At first I was excited when I got Shadowdance (+2 critical chance). But after trying it out many times I noticed almost no increase in criticals during those 3 rounds, AND it takes away a turn to cast. So it seems a total waste of a turn to me when I could be doing at least normal damage instead. Does anyone regularly have a different experience with Shadowdance?

I use it all the time. The key for me with Shadowdance is placement. I need to be surrounded by enemies (preferably melee enemies), usually after getting into position with a poison. While you may think you are wasting a turn by casting it....it does increase your chances of critical hits. Remember, every Riposte you successfully do with high dodge is an attempt to hit and if Shadowdance is up that is a chance for a critical each time. Your normal hit is actually less potential damage.

The only issue I have encountered with this strategy is the Swashbuckler talent Peaceful, where enemies are less likely to attack you. To counter this, I keep up Gallant Defense while Shadowdance is active.

I'm so hoping for an ability/power to increase threat temporarily!

Hi

I'm sure some other people have given you some answers, but on my swashbuckler I usually use shadow dance or grand shadow dance before I attack because I consider that any chance for a critical is worth taking. You could also test it out and see how much more you end up getting a critical when using shadow dance ( or grand shadow dance) and how much you critical without it. I hope this helped you some, or anyone else reading this.

Noble Ryan Thompson