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I don't like the starting Earth skills. One is Contamination, which will turn a large chunk of the battlefield into toxic, flammable pools which are more likely to hurt you than the enemy.
Another is Magical Poison Dart. Okay, but not that great for the undead-infested second half of the island.
The only Earth-damage skill is Fossil Strike, which is earth damage, but also produces a huge oil slick which is flammable and has an slow effect which can't be resisted by armor. This contributes to the messy battlefields which can easily backfire on your own party or hamper their advances.
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I understand your complaint and as someone whos loving to play meele chars I do feel likewise BUT this is how this gamplay mechanic is supposed to be. And it is working very well so far, even in multiplayer.
There are lots of options to prevent your meele chars from receiving damage or to recover health and armor.
