With the addition of caster and whirlwind frames, and sunsetting on the horizon, swords are in a unique spot as of now. On the one hand Dark Drinker returns better than ever. On the other hand lightweight and aggressive frames are most likely going to be left behind in favor of the less exclusive and more powerful adaptive, caster, and whirlwind frames. Plus a lack of perks and exotics are resulting in a bland loot experience. The solution... I don't know but here are some ideas anyway. [u][b]With so many possible swords, the relatively small perk pool should be enlarged to aid in sword longevity and variety... [/b][/u] [u]Blade options: [/u] Afflicted blade- Increase sword charge rate and reserves at the cost of impact and swing speed. Overcharged blade- Greatly increase sword impact, reserves, and charged rate however, while your sword is equipped it will passively drain ammo over time. [u]Guard options:[/u] Passive guard- Adds a passive damage resistant from nearby combatants at a hefty cost of a reduction to all guard stats and sword charge rate. Afflicted guard- maxes all guard stats at a cost of an added ammo drain while guarding. [u]Perk slot 1:[/u] Regenerative slice- While at full sword energy, light attacks have a high chance to not consume ammo (75 to 80% chance per swing) Sheathed strike- light attacks immediately after equipping your sword will have a chance to deal double damage and not consume ammo (50 to 60% chance) [u]Perk slot 2:[/u] Fusion charger- While at full sword energy increase damage and move speed (30% dmg 25% move speed) Templar's march- For every guardian using a sword nearby, increases your sword damage and charge rate (15% dam and +10 charge rate per stack. Max 5 stacks) [b][u]To introduce some of these new perks and help alleviate the lack aggressive and lightweight frame swords, new exotic sword should be added.[/u][/b] Exotic #1 [b]Blade-dancer[/b]: Blade- [u]Afflicted blade[/u] Guard- [u]Swordmasters guard[/u] Perk slot 1- [u]tireless blade[/u] Perk slot 2- [u]Assassins blade[/u] Exotic perk/lightweight frame Move faster with this blade equiped. use (heavy attack) while at full sword energy to send a wave of arc along the ground that ignores elemental shields and knocks enemies into the air (similar to the super attack on hive swords). attacks partially bypass elemental shields. Exotic #2 [b]Titian Rampage[/b] Blade- [u]jagged edge[/u] Guard- [u]Passive guard[/u] Perk slot 1- [u]Regenerative slice[/u] Perk slot 2- [u]Fusion charger[/u] Exotic perk/Aggressive frame Powerful and heavy swings. Use (heavy attack) launch a slam attack that is more powerful at full sword energy Take reduced from all sources while wielding this sword (powered). This effect grows in strength the more enemies around, and when surrounded gain moves speed and damage. (30% dmg and 50% move speed) attack partially bypass shields. [b][u]And finally to even the playing field across all class with sword while still making them feel unique we should buff/change strongholds and add sword exotics to the other classes. [/u][/b] [b]Strongholds[/b]: Clench fist- maxes all guard stats and allows swords to parry attacks and regen health on perfected guards <Blocking immediately after taking damage will completely absorb all damage and reflect projectiles while healing for the damage taken. Maxes guard defense, endurance ,and efficiency. [u](Note: [i]the perfect guard/parry period of the guard is now identified by pointing the blade to the right in a guard instead of the left and by generating a small flash and an audible ring to improve the feed back of use and to visual show the invulnerability period when fighting against[/i])[/u] [u]Hunter Sword Exotic[/u] [b]Jousting Mount[/b]: Charge- Maxes all guard stats and increases move speed and control while wielding a sword. No moment penalty for guarding <Increases Mobility, move speed, move control, and arial control while wielding a sword. While guarding you can still move at full speed and sprint. Maxes guard defense, endurance, and efficiency. [u]Warlock Sword Exotic[/u] [b]From All Fronts[/b]: Warped guard- Maxes all guard stats and improves guard area around you. healing field while guarding for teammates. <Your sword guard now 100% covers you in a protective bubble and while guarding you generate a healing field for nearby teammates. Maxes guard defense, endurance, and efficiency. What do you think of these changes, additions and ideas? Would you add anything to the list ? How would you improve what I said? Let me know with a reply