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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fedifensor" data-source="post: 4726231" data-attributes="member: 7289">As mentioned by others, a Fighter's mark triggers on an attack against an ally, or a shift.  An assault swordmage has his mark triggered only on a hit.Some Swordmage powers are designed to be used with Aegis of Shielding, and they're better.  The top of the Aegis-specific powers is Transposing Lunge.  It's the first power I've seen that I'd be willing to keep on a character all the way from level 3 to level 30 - it's just that good.By comparison, the best power that Aegis of Assault has (Maelstrom Blade) is a [3W] attack in a close blast 1 with no other effects besides damage.  Yes, using it as a reaction is nice...but negating an attack entirely is better.Nothing prevents a shielding swordmage from getting CA.  In fact, since there's a strong incentive for the foe to go after the shielding swordmage, it's not hard to force that foe into a flank in order to get to you.It's still nowhere near what a striker can do, and your mark's sole contribution to protecting your ally is a -2 to hit.<s></s><s>For both types of swordmages.</s><s></s><s></s><s>Two points can make a great deal of difference at the top end.  If you have your AC maximized and a defensive weapon in hand, it's quite possible for your foe to need a natural 20 to hit you.</s><s></s><s>On the flip side, the difference between a 1H weapon and a 2H weapon is 1 to 2 points per [W].</s><s></s><s></s><s>Really?  I would consider stopping someone in their tracks so they don't get to your allies to be very, very valuable.  A well-built fighter can dish out just as much damage, mark multiple targets, and stop foes with Combat Superiority.</s><s></s><s>From what I've seen, the total damage an Assault Swordmage dishes out between normal attacks and their mark is significantly less than what a striker delivers, and not enough of a deterrent against foes to protect allies in the way that a Fighter or Shielding Swordmage can.  The shielding swordmage can dish out damage (and status effects) as an interrupt with multiple powers - while still reducing the damage of the attack.</s><s></s><s>It's possible for every encounter power a Shielding Swordmage has to be usable as an interrupt or reaction.  The powers are Transposing Lunge (3rd), Countering Thunderclap (11th, Coronal Guard PP), Thunder Riposte (23rd), and Circle of Devastation (27th).  Three can completely negate an attack if they hit (as they are all interrupts that move the target), and two hit not only the marked target but those around the target.  The ones triggered by the Aegis can also be used without the Aegis, giving a lot of flexibility.  I just don't see that flexibility in the Assault-oriented powers.</s></blockquote>

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