by JR Cook - 9 years ago     show comments

Books have often been society’s only bastion of light for passing along knowledge that would otherwise be lost to time or convoluted by the oral tradition. In order to provide new and old adventurers with as much knowledge of what to expect on their journey in Sanctuary, we created this tome of knowledge – Ars Arcanum. We will regularly feature a Legendary weapon or armor piece, discussing its stand-alone powers and capabilities, as well as how it may synergize with new builds or other items.

Last week, we discussed an item that was only specific to Demon Hunters. If that wasn’t your bag though, you may have felt a little left out in the cold. Well, no need to worry. This week’s selection is sure to feel right at home with you and your chilly disposition. In the Pantheon on useful Follower weapons, Eun-jang-do may just take the throne over past one-handed favorites – Thunderfury, Blessed Blade of the Windseeker and Azurewrath.

Why is it good?

Introduced in Patch 2.2.0, this one-handed dagger didn’t receive much fanfare at first. It has an effect that initially seems best paired with the power of Rimeheart, which would limit the blade’s synergistic potential to only Barbarians and Monks. Both of these classes have many many more viable options. However, while this weapon may have not found its way into the hands of our main characters, it should still come along for your solo adventures via your follower.

The Templar has been arguably lauded as the most useful choice of the three current options as he provides a major heal, gives you a bit of sustainability in life regen, can stun enemies, and also helps with your resource management. While it has been discussed nearly to death how potent the double Unity and Enchanting Favor combination is, there are still further ways to get mileage out of your follower. This is where you need to let Eun-jang-do shine.

At the max range of this weapon’s Legendary power, once any enemy you’re fighting goes down to 20% of their remaining HP, this weapon doesn’t just freeze them for 3 seconds; it essentially ends the fight by freezing the enemy indefinitely. This is best exhibited on rift guardians, where those who have fought them long and hard understand that the last 25% of their life is often when they’re most dangerous. Eun-jang-do is the direct counter. The freeze happens on hit and does not look like it runs through any proc check – it just happens. Since your follower will always be alive, whacking away at the enemy, the freeze will continue to constantly be refreshed, leaving the enemy to motion along at intervals in a style almost reminiscent of claymation. It cannot be understated just how powerful it is to shutdown a rift guardian this completely.

Who is it good for?

We’re talking about followers here, so this is going to be ideal for the Templar or the Enchantress. Unfortunately, Lyndon the Scoundrel cannot equip weapons that aren’t bows or crossbows.

Where can I find it?

Eun-jang-do is available out in the wild right now. Patch 2.2.0 has been live for some time, so good luck in your farming of this mighty piece. Once you put it on your Templar, I don’t think you’ll ever want to use another weapon on him.

The Fluff

These Xiansai daggers of silver and steel were often carried by Sisters of the Sightless Eye, engraved with oaths of fidelity to their cause. Enemies who closed quickly believed themselves safe from the Sister’s bow. And they were, but not from the Eun-jang-do.

We have two major lore references here, as Xiansai is the island famous for producing our spell-casting friends. The people of Xiansai are also skilled artisans, so it’s likely this blade was developed in their continuing efforts to innovate. The other major reference is to the Sisters of the Sightless Eye, who hail from Western lands unknown. Masters of the bow and arrow (well, second only to the Amazons), they preferred battle at range, but they still carried the daggers for up close and personal battling.