This build optimizes the Marais Executioner Sword, which is an extremely powerful weapon, probably the strongest in the game, thanks to its unique skill, Dancing Blade of Eochaid. It shoots out the blade in a corkscrew attack that hits with the blade a lot of times, and will simply shred anyone who it touches.
Stats
Strength is the most important stat in this build, because the Marais Executioner Sword scales best off of it, followed by Arcane. Vigor should be high so that you can tank a few hits while performing the skill, which has somewhat of a lengthy animation. Mind and Endurance are also important because we need it to be able to use the skill a lot, although 2-3 uses should be enough at max power for any boss in the game, so you may not need any more. Faith is at 33 so we can cast Howl of Shabriri, our body buff, but doesn’t need any more. Intelligence is useless, and dex can be kept at 9 only if using the Millicent’s Prosthesis. Past level 200, focus on Arcane, Endurance, and maybe Mind.
Equipment
We use the Dragon Communion Seal in addition to the sword for optimal Arcane scaling in our singular offensive spell, Dragonice, which is optional anyway. You can also use a Finger Seal. The Dancer’s Set will increase the power of the skill by 10% while wearing the full set. You can also use the Rakshasa Set for 8% extra damage and better defense, or any other set you like to wear if you don’t care about the extra damage.
Spells
We use Golden Vow and Howl of Shabriri to increase our damage by around 40% when stacked and also take 19% extra damage. Dragonice can be used at the beginning of the battle to proc frostbite, which will take a small portion of the opponents health away as well as increase all damage dealt to the opponent by 20%.
Talismans
The Shard of Alexander is used to boost the skill by 15%. The Godfrey Icon will increase the damage of the skill by another 15% when charged. The Rotten Winged sword insignia will boost our successive attack damage (+6%, 8%, then 13%) from the skill. Finally, Millicent’s Prosthesis is used to boost our successive attack damage (+4%, 6%, then 11%) as well as give us the necessary +5 to dexterity that will let us wield the Marais Executioner Sword. Other Talismans you could use is the Old Lord’s Talisman, for more buff time, or the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman, for more defense. Be sure to manage your dexterity, though.
Buff Routine
- Drink the Flask of Wondrous Physick, triggering the crystal tears and starting a slow HP drain. Don’t worry, the battle will be done very quickly.
- Cast Golden Vow.
- Cast Howl of Shabriri.
- Enter the fight.
- Optional: Cast Dragonice.
How to use this build
It’s pretty simple. One use of Eochaid’s Dancing blade will deal damage in the 5 digits, in the base game or the dlc. If you want to play it safe, you can use charged heavies to trigger a stance break, then use the skill with absolutely no problems, or you can use it whenever you find an opening. Casting Dragonice will make you deal more damage. This weapon is so good that there is no skill spamming. It will just destroy whatever in probably 2-3 hits.
