Accuracy of Gravelord Miracle

Hey, I'm really trying to get better with the GL sword dances, but the issue is the fact that I'm missing 9/10 times. I know anyone with a brain is not going to rush me when they see me charging it up and I'm trying to find an optimal use to cast it in areas where my foes still have some room to manuever. Often times I follow up a backstab or parry with GL sword dance/ great sword dance and I watch them still manage to get away.

Are there any other situations in which I could use it with more success?

Don't know how long you have been trying, but timing is everything....you'll get it eventually. I had a toon that practically specialized in Fire Tempest,

The part I really hate is that is has such a long range, but it rarely maxamizes the range. I will see a person roll to the max range of it, and see a blade come up right next to them. I just facepalm at that point....

The best thing to do is practice the timing and use it when the opponent thinks they'll get a free attack but instead get GLS blades to the face.

A great trick when using it is to limit the possible places it can spawn without making your opponent feel constrained.

Try walking up to a wall before or as your casting, the attack still spreads out however the full amount will only have half the space so chances of a hit double. Also areas with pitfalls or multiple levels work very well.

If you have good poise corner your opponents whenever possible when casting.

Try luring them into areas they cannot easily escape like
-the bottom of a ladder
-Oolicile elevators
-small well know drops
-bridges, bridges, bridges (The GLGS dance will spread an incredible distance and be forced to stack.)

I'm fighting most of my invaders right after Atorias(often in the square), but I think you have a point. Fight invasions more like invasions.

Issue is I have is I have only 40 poise, but...I think you gave me an idea. What if I start facing a wall, while I'm casting or atleast turn and face is right after I finish. Try to bait them for the backstab and instead nail them with the spell.

Well even in duels most players don't look down on using the environment to your advantage once the fight starts although obviously devious tricks should be reserved for invaders and hosts while invading.

The bs bait can be effective however it's very very easy to get yourself lag-stabbed and the second half of the spell may even be an attack animation meaning your "back" doesn't more until after. Basically don't plan to turn and take the hit at close range, make sure the spell will hit as or before they reach you.

The gravelord dance has to be used as an offensive attack first and foremost as it's cast is just too long for most situations where a fire storm would be used, but for me the best defense has always been impaling my enemies with lord Nito's wrath

Corners will be your friend, it's excellent for running around a corner, and if they come close start casting it as they come around to hit you. Best used against dumb players.

Thanks for the info, I will try to keep that in mind with my duels.

But Tolvo...not all players are morons!

Not all players are morons, but if you run away with very little HP left, some may be just...impatient to seal the deal, and they get reckless.

I use tempest a lot, part of the difference is that glgsd blades are focused outwards in a cone from the caster, so if you can face where they are going to be rather than where they are it should improve your hit rate.

Surprise casts work well (around corners, from behind pillars) and canceling a few times will get them to lowr their guard so your actual attamp is more likely to succeed. Having 30+ dex is also a good idea, the cast time reduction is rediculiously helpful with the slow aoe spells.

Another trick is to try to get them to charge you for a running attack, it makes it difficult for them to dodge out in time and adds counter damage, but you may take a hit to get that to work so knowing if you can survive the incoming blow and how quickly they can get in and out once they start is crutial.

It all comes with practice.