Shadow Dancer - Shadow Displacement

[BobTheSkull]

Currently:
Shadow Displacement is a free action with bit delay (thank you Zaphiel!) to activate > then shadow shield particle effect > then player and shadow switch position. Any enemy currently targeting the Player at the time of displacement continues to target player, never dropping combat and running to where the player now stands.

In both PvE and PvP encounters the ability as currently functions has little benefit.
In PvE encounter, if used while both Dancer and Shadow are within melee of an enemy, the enemy is -guard by the shadow and no change occurs. If the Dancer needs to use it to change position at a distance or run away then the Dancer loses his -guard shield and all of his offensive sneak damage once the Shadow leaves, making the Dancer more vulnerable than running away with the Shadow.

In PvP encounter, if Displacement is used while both Dancer and Shadow are within melee of an enemy player, the enemy seamlessly retargets the Dancer and keeps hitting them, cause no benefit to the player other than requiring the Dancer to retarget the enemy, thus losing them the remaining round of attacks, so the ability is a significant power loss. If used at a distance by sending the shadow away during a PvP battle, the dancer loses all it's offensive sneak damage potential with the absence of the Shadow and thus would only do so if it was preparing to run away. This is currently the only viable use for the Shadow Displacement ability.

Recommended Correction:
1) Keep particle effect - this allows players a visual and audio indication that displacement has been used.
2) *removed due to Zaphiel's input* original suggestion was correct the delay in cast, but this is an engine limitation and not avoidable.
3) Have Shadow Displacement stop enemies from targeting the player. Ideally this should be done by displacing the character into stealth. As a QoL thing this should be done on a separate CD from HiPS. This will prevent enemy PvE and players from auto following the displaced players new location and fit the feel of an epic shadow dancer dancing and slipping in and out of the shadows. This would provide Displacement a viable - if long CD - option for tactical use during a fight in both PvE and PvP encounters instead of being used only as a get out of jail card. Also the choice to use it and place it on CD then makes the Dancer more dynamic as to choice of play style as it forces the Player to choose when and if to use its run away CD to start a fight off.


Balance Considerations:
*update 11/1* This was posted to the #Buildsmechanics and it is agreed across the board that deep SD is not a viable PvP class in that it's offensive PvP capabilities are non existent.

@ScurvyCurr was very adamant and colorful in his expression that they are annoying in that they can never be killed in PvP and doesn't want another HiPS action on the SD.

@Peppermint did indicate that the Dancer was not intended to be reliant on it's shadow but despite intentions that is the shape the class is at now. OK in PvE but can't do anything in PvP.

The remaining contributors indicated that the addition of a secondary HiPS CD at current Shadow Displacement scaling would not adversely effect PvP balance. All responses agreeing that SD with or without the change is not an offensive threat in PvP. HiPS is currently a 30 second CD and at full 20 level Dancer investment Shadow Displacement is only a 1 minute CD. And this would allow the ability to be used as a potential offensive or tactical tool during a fight and risking it being on CD when they need to run away.

[Zaphiel]

Shadow Displacement is an instant action but pressing W,A,S,D while using that ability prevents one to change places with shadow due to engine. It is why a bit delayed when you switch the places and try to move.