Warhammer Online Career Info:

High Elf Swordmaster

Official information from EA Mythic

“Enlightenment is achieved by mastering not only the body, but the soul. Only then can a warrior truly understand the value of life, and why it should be protected at all costs.”
- Belannaer of Hoeth, Bladelord of the White Tower

The White Tower of Hoeth, the greatest seat of learning in the world is home to a cadre of warrior-scholars, known as the Swordmasters of Hoeth. These warriors train arduously, honing their exceptional agility, and mastering every nuance and facet of sword fighting. Swordmasters wield the greatswords of Hoeth, elegant blades often six to seven feet long from pommel to tip. Such is a Swordmaster’s skill with the blade that he can raise his sword, sever an enemy’s neck and return his sword to rest before a lesser warrior can even raise a shield to block him.

Sword Master Specialty
The warrior scholars of Hoeth are first and foremost masters of the blade, and are capable of weaving a wall of impenetrable steel with either a greatsword or longsword. This is achieved through rigorous training to master both body and mind. Each flowing form requires agility and balance. As the Swordmaster moves through forms, balancing each maneuver with the next, he creates a graceful yet deadly dance. However, the blade is not the only tool at the Swordmasters disposal. Trained by the loremasters of Hoeth, the Swordmaster is also capable of calling upon the winds of magic to enhance his blade, bringing powerful magics to bear where simple steel will not suffice.

Playing as a Swordmaster
A single Swordmaster can hold the line against numerous lesser foes. Graceful and agile, the Swordmaster is capable of responding to a variety of threats quickly and efficiency. The key is to maintain a balanced approach to combat. Every movement a Swordmaster makes is designed to balance the body in preparation for the next. It is through this preparation that the Swordmaster is capable of chaining numerous attacks into powerful offensive or defensive combinations.

Fighting the Swordmaster
At first glance a Swordmaster is a daunting opponent, and many foes quickly fall to their shining blade if they do not approach the fight with caution. The key to defeating these master swordsmen is to interrupt their dance. A Swordmaster relies on footwork and balance to launch his attacks, and while the reach of his Greatsword is long it cannot reach a well hidden marksman. As with all melee opponents, the best approach is to keep a Swordmaster at range, blasting through his powerful defenses with well timed missile and magic attacks. If you find yourself in close combat with these masters of the blade, interrupt their graceful dance with a powerful blow that will take them off their feet.

The Look of the Swordmaster

Heavily armored with intricately tooled heavy armor layered over supple scale mail.
Wears tall elegant helms simply adorned with long flowing manes.
Wields the Great Sword of Hoeth, a long and elegant blade containing powerful enchantments.

The Ten Ton thought:

Welcome to the tank class of the High Elves. Very similar to the Samurai of feudal Japan, the Swordmasters of Hoeth spend a lifetime mastering the blade until it becomes an extension of their will. The speed of their blade is the same as the speed of thought. Going toe to toe with a Swordmaster is probably not going to be one of the wisest choices, especially if they've had a chance to get moving. It sounds as though their power will ramp up through special attacks and chain into a massive special maneuver. As if the blade wasn't enough, they'll be able to use limited magic as well. Fighting from ranged may even be difficult as the Swordmaster video released in early September shows that there are defensive maneuvers built into their repertoire as well. This is going to be one powerful tank class.