Rainey015 on Aug 27, 2017 wrote:

This is driving me crazy. When fighting the Royal Guards they dodge everything and my guys, even with their dodge increased, just stand there and get creamed. Also, they do not block but the guards do. How are you to work a strategy when your crew stand around like sheep for the slaughter. It does not matter who I pick they just stand there and say kill me.

Rainemiester

I get where you're coming from, believe me. Since this thread is called "Dodge" I'm assuming you're a Swashbuckler and having trouble in Duomo with the Royal Guards. This is how I beat them solo without Blood's Jacket on my own Swashbuckler. The companions I used were Old Scratch, Gracie Conrad, and the Valencian Crab Hermit. Since you cannot rely on Black Fog for raw damage, I used it to hide and buff up using Old Scratch's Mojo buffs. After my mojo was increased, still hidden, I poisoned the guards while using Gracie's land mine to nuke them. Also, while I hid I used Gracie's minion, Crab Hermit's Crawlie, and Old Scratch's summon to distract them guards. Then when it was time for me to attack, it did not matter if First Strike 3 got rid of my hide. The real trick is the Old Scratch buffed bleed out damage Assassin's Strike will do. Combined with Poison from your Assassin's Gloom, you should have no trouble defeating the enemy, without relying on op gear or op pack companions like Moo's Boots, Blood's Jacket or Armada Companions. The Royal Guards have insane agility and insane dodge, so you'll always get crit on while missing, so new strategies are certainly needed in Valencia part 2. Good luck out there and let us pirates know if you need any more helpful tips or advice. In my opinion, people need to understand that Swashbucklers aren't the Black Fog Powerhouse they once were and need to adjust to not having the raw damage boost from Black Fog and come up with new strategies.
Sincerely,
Stormy Elijah Silver (Max Swashbuckler)
Corrupt Zane Silver (Max Privateer)
Dark Blaze Sharp (Max Witchdoctor)
Sly Brady Silver (Level 30 Musketeer-in-Training)

Hello! I assume you are talking about the Duomo and know that this dungeon has gotten quite the reputation for being a wake up call that prepares for the challenge of valencia part 2. I have 3 recommendations for you

1) Get better gear! Gear that increases dodge or gives you powers that increase dodge and accuracy are essentials for Valencia part 2.

2) Use companions that can dodge while dealing heavy damage. I HIGHLY recommend El Toro as he can increase dodge easily in the first round and can do 300 damage per hit easily. The goal with this battle is to take out the enemies before they take out you. I would also recommend Bonnie Anne and none of the enemies here are muskets so Bonnie is free to sit in the back and overwatch while other companions take the brute of the damage.

3) A bit of an obvious one, but team up exists. Find a group of pirates willing to help! It's ok to go to Skull Island and ask for help as maxes are always looking for something to do.

Hope this helps and see you in the spiral!

- Honest Alexander Templeton Lvl 70
- Cunning Alexander Templeton Lvl 69

Thank you, but I am a wizard. Level 69. All my crew that I use are the same level. Am I not strong enough?
It is not that they don't have dodge but they and myself never seem to use it.

Rainemiester Wizard

so you are a witchdoctor? if that be the case I see where you are having trouble. witchdoctors are the most fragile of any class. my strategy for you is to hide in the back with Scratch while you have a bulky companion or two up front to take the damage while you and Scratch set up. after your Spell Power and Juju are pumped use your Mojo Storms and fry them all. your best weapon to use is a Darkwood Wand in bazaar. you have a range of 6 with it which is really helpful for all your ranged attacks. and your Charm power is a godsend. it will help you greatly.

Thanks everyone. I can but try - do or die.