I’ve looked for an answer to this in many threads, and I have basically found no consistent answer (meaning this might have changed throughout the builds before release…).
Are things that proc when you are hit/crit or when you block/etc. considered “retaliation” for the sake of the damage modifiers? What about reflect damage? Or is “retaliation” damage modifier only used when the word “retaliation” is used in the affix?
For example, I’m making a retaliation Warder, and I’ve taken Targo’s Hammer. Will that damage (or any other “chance when hit” proc for that matter) go up with Menhir’s Bulwark or Oak Skin?
Finally, I’ve read that retaliation only works when you are hit, meaning blocks and misses don’t retaliate, but damage reflection would work in those instances. Has this changed recently, because I’ve also read varied accounts of this. If this is still the case, how does that interact with damage absorption? If I do not block, and 100 damage would have hit me, but I absorb all of it, would I still retaliate? Or do I need to actually take damage to retaliate? Thanks.
A skill that procs on hit/block whatever is just that, a skill which deals damage. Unless it specifically says retaliation, it doesn’t scale with retaliation, keeps things simple.
Much appreciated. That definitely makes sense and keeps things simple.
Anyone have any input on the final question regarding retaliation and damage absorption? Retaliation requires being hit in melee to function, from what I read, but does it require actually “taking damage?” If I’m being protected by a damage absorption shield and get hit in melee, effectively taking 0 damage, would I still retaliate?
I don’t have the resources to craft a Sanctuary relic, which I’m eyeing, just to test in case it turns out that it does negatively impact my retaliation. Thanks.
You still retaliate if you take 0 damage. Take a look at the Blade Barrier skill from Nightblade, it gives 100% damage absorption, piercing retaliation and damage reflection. So, yes, retaliation and reflect work when you take 0 damage.