The Path of Khaine specializes in Offense and Great Swords. This path grants you, among other things, the tactic Balanced Accuracy which increases your critical strike chance each time you improve your Balance during a battle. Also, Ether Dance which requires Perfect Balance and a Great Sword, but will unleash 5 attacks in 3 seconds on your opponent. Though almost all of the Swordmaster's defensive abilities are damage based, this tree is good for players who want to push the DPS of this tank class even further.

The Path of Vaul focuses on Defense and Protection. This is the mastery tree for those that want to be the ultimate tank. It includes abilities like the Perfect Defenses tactic which increases your Parry and Block stats every time your Balance improves. And the Crushing Advance ability which uses your shield to not only damages opponents, but interrupts any spell casting. Also included are AE and knockback abilities.

The Path of Hoeth deals with magical attacks and effects. Through the Swordmasters enchanted blade, many new effects can be created. A good example is Volatile Enchantments. This tactic increases the proc rate of your blade enchantment by 50%. And Protection of Hoeth extends your weapon's enchantment to your armor, granting you a damage absorbtion shield.

One of the two tanks on the side of Order (the other being the Dwarf Ironbreaker), the High Elf Swordmaster is adept at dealing out the damage as well as taking it. With its enchanted Great Sword, Shield and natural dexterity, this is a great career for those who like a touch of magic in their warriors.