Cleave

Lore & Background

Historically, this maneuver was refined during the early conflicts between rival factions vying for territory on the island. Masters of the Great Axe learned to synchronize their breathing with the swing, creating a shockwave that could stagger armored foes. While not an ancient artifact itself, the knowledge required to execute Cleave effectively is passed down through weapon masters and training grounds, preserving its legacy as a symbol of martial prowess.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the cobblestones of the encampment as Kael raised his Great Axe high above his head. Shadows moved in the treeline—too many to engage one by one. He took a breath, feeling the hum of mana flow through his arms into the steel. With a roar that echoed off the cliffs, he swung downward and outward. The blade carved through the air, a crescent of force tearing through the ambushers before they could draw their blades.

Reader's Guide

Cleave functions as an Area of Effect skill designed to engage multiple targets in front of the player. Mechanically, it requires mana activation and has a moderate cooldown relative to basic attacks. Strategically, it excels at crowd control rather than single-target elimination, making it ideal for pulling groups or interrupting enemy movement patterns. Players should utilize this power when surrounded by weaker enemies to maximize damage efficiency. It generates threat quickly, which is useful for tanking roles but requires careful positioning to avoid retaliation from the edges of the arc. Combining Cleave with other Great Axe skills like Overhead Smash can create a rhythm that maintains pressure while managing mana pools effectively. In player versus player combat, timing is crucial. Using it during an enemy's commitment animation can stagger them, opening windows for follow-up strikes. However, due to its windup time, players must be wary of ranged attackers who may exploit the channel duration. Mastery involves knowing when to commit to the swing and when to retreat.

Did You Know?

• Cleave is exclusive to the Great Axe weapon tree in standard gameplay.
• The skill can be customized with different runes or enchantments depending on game updates.
• It was one of the original skills available at launch for heavy melee classes.