Deft Strike

Ranged Attack. If this attack hits, target foe takes 18...30 damage. If that foe has Cracked Armor, it begins Bleeding for 18...30 seconds.

Ranged Attack. Deals 18...30 damage. Inflicts Bleeding condition (18...30 seconds) if target foe has Cracked Armor.

Progression
Ebon Vanguard rank Armor-ignoring damage Bleeding duration	0 18 18 1 20 20 2 23 23 3 25 25 4 28 28 5 30 30 6 30 30 7 30 30 8 30 30 9 30 30 10 30 30

Acquisition[edit]

This skill also works with spellcasting weapons, not just bows and spears.
This skill inflicts the longest bleeding duration amongst all player-useable skills in the game for attribute ranks below 19.
Amongst the ranged attacks with an activation time of 0.5½ second or less, Deft Strike has a short recharge time. This can make the skill somewhat useful for skills that trigger on attacks or attack skills, such as Nightmare Weapon or preparations.

Despite the skill icon showing the Ebon Vanguard making a deft strike with his sword, this skill is ranged.
This generic ranged attack skill is the only one that can be used by player characters. It is also the only pure attack skill that can be used with a wand or staff. Previously, Smite was considered an attack skill and worked similarly, but was changed before the release of Nightfall.
In Dungeons & Dragons, Deft Strike is the name of a Rogue attack. That attack, however, can be used with both melee and ranged weapons.