Retaliation -- how does it work?

[AlphaMagnum]

Topic title says it all. I've seen lots of different posts about retaliation but each one has described it differently.

 

Is it melee range only? Does it work against enemies at range?

What triggers it? Spells? Autoattacks?

Is it related to weapon damage? Is it a Primary Attack or a Full Attack?

 

Thanks!

[Raven Darkholme]

It's melee range triggered by melee only afaict.

It only works in between your attacks but that doesn't matter if you are surrounded and get hit plenty you will retal i ate plenty.

[AlphaMagnum]

Interesting. I had people saying spells triggered it so I was quite confused. Do you know if it relates to weapon damage in any way?

[Ruminate]

It is a thorns effect. It always hits. It does a set amount of piercing damage(regardless of weapon), which is then reduced by enemy DR. Weapon-only damage bonus does not affect it, but all-around damage bonus does.

[Infares]

It also counts as a melee attack for purposes of proccing Draining and the barbarian ability, One Stands Alone, though I think these interactions may not be intended. The big problem is most likely OSA's flat 20 damage increase.

[Ruminate]

Draining doesn't work with it, unless you're referring to the rogue version that retaliates with a Full Attack.... but the rogue doesn't have One Stands Alone, so you can't be referring to the rogue ability. Draining only works on weapon hits. Retaliation from items does not count as attacking with your weapon.

 

One Stands Alone and Carnage works with it, but that is because they work with any attack that is considered melee, not just weapons.