claw block or sheild?

[prion]

claw block or sheild?

Well I've read the guides and I'm still not sure what to do here.

I'm building an untwinked lightning trapasin that's mostly similar to the ghost build. The intent is for countess running. I don't have Enigma so the operative word will be *running*.

Here's her stats so far:
str: 55
dex: 59
vit: 151
nrg: 42

life: 604
98 points remaining at clvl 55

fire blast: 9
shock web: 8
CB sentry: 17
LS: max (22)
DS: 3

shadow tree: 1 all except fade at 5 and venom: 0

Gear: so far I only have a Rockstopper and +2 traps ammy, everything else is junk

Merc: a3 cold-- spirit sword, pdiamond sig sheild

So should I go for block or what? Keeping in mind also, that if I do get 75% block, it'll be reduced to 25% every time I run, which is going to be most of the way down to the countess. Do I dump those points in life instead, cloak, and just zip by?

 

[Zauzich]

Well if you go with Claw-Block I think your block will drop to 0% while running.

I think Claw block's advantage is it that it can stop spells - not that it remains in effect while running.

Really the question is Shield, Claw Block, or No Block.
I'm not 100% sure on the stuff I said about claw block - if someone could definitively confirm/deny?

I'd go with no block. But save some points for Dex anyway in case you get lucky and shop some godly trap claws with a higher Dex requirement.

 

[prion]

yeah that's my understanding of how claw block works.

maybe i should wait until i find a good sheild.

 

[AnimeCraze]

If you are running, your block is 25%, so effectively that's no block anyways. I would say have 1 point claw block and go for a vita build.

 

[stephan]

Also consider that a dual claw build has a much easier time getting higher damage.

 

[prion]

Is that the main difference--+skills on the off-hand?
I have yet to see any claws at all with +skills on them. I just reached a5 NM so maybe I'll try shopping here.

 

[Darkflight]

I would never go claw/shield on a Trapper.

You "need" the extra skills that you will get from the extra claw. Just shop a bit in NM and you will find claws with +3 traps easy. Claw Block is extramly good if you think while you fight. Don't run around aimlessly, lay down your traps and stand still. This way your block will not be reduced in the most critical moments of a battle, the moment when all the monsters are close to you and you need the block the most. Also, Claw Block will block Gloam bolts while you are throwing Fire Blast at them.