I say, Master of the Fist + Harrying Swarm Commander! Go the Gun Fu path!
As for defense, well, the Rattling keyword helps. Also, if you flank and point blank Paint The Bull's Eye, you can pretty much use Vengeance is Mine for retaliation. The guy hitting you will be regretting it quite a bit... (Int Mod x 2 to damage for 2 hits at least) and oh yeah, you can grab a Power Jewel too.
In more dangerous fights, you can hang around a little behind the front line instead - the ranged options will be still there, just that your build's offensive synergy will dip a bit. But those fights usually force us to rethink our strategies anyway, cos they're pretty grueling endurance matches.
Plus, Chien's a Lifespirit Warden. We can afford to make more risky plays now!
As for defense, well, the Rattling keyword helps. Also, if you flank and point blank Paint The Bull's Eye, you can pretty much use Vengeance is Mine for retaliation. The guy hitting you will be regretting it quite a bit... (Int Mod x 2 to damage for 2 hits at least) and oh yeah, you can grab a Power Jewel too.
In more dangerous fights, you can hang around a little behind the front line instead - the ranged options will be still there, just that your build's offensive synergy will dip a bit. But those fights usually force us to rethink our strategies anyway, cos they're pretty grueling endurance matches.
Plus, Chien's a Lifespirit Warden. We can afford to make more risky plays now!