Zhijn: Danceofmasks harpies probably the worst choice to prove a point about igni, since they are incredible easy to set on fire even with a standar fire rune or level 1 igni (them being all feathery). xD

That ofcourse dosnt mean igni isnt good, it really is, especially upgraded.

I myself prefer swords tho, and a quen here and there. And i dont really need more then 3 vigor as a sword master. =)

Ianis: Hmm , it was interesting to read your post because you make very different choices than me and play differently , i don't use traps , axii or yrden (i use yrden only against bosses like draug or kayran ) .

Also you put points in vitality skills that give you only +10hp ( i never put any point in synthesis nor hardiness ) when you put the first point , i consider this a serious waste of points , i use mutagens instead for adding hp , the only talent that give hp that i put 2 points in is the "invincible " talent which gives you +150hp , so this one is worth it in my eyes

Otherwise i agree with you with Schemer , although i would put 2 points there , because it doubles your vigor (as parrying cost only half a vigor point with 2/2 ) , and i would prefer to to put 2/2 in tough guy ( with huge damage reduction bonus instead of wasting points in hardiness or synthesis IMHO )

But i understand and respect your philosophy of having as many hp as possible , as soon as possible in the game , its just that since we have only 28 points to put (after unlocking trees ) , when i put a point , i really want big numbers or new ability . For hp boost early on in the game , i use potion like white raffard's decoction and i value more hp regen ( gadwall potion ) than total hp number

Aaden: In my opinion, especially for an Insane run, playing safe is the key element.

So for me, it's about getting high vitality and ways to avoid damage early on. This does not include Quen though, since I think that's cheesy. I do use it for safety's sake (esp in early game/prologue) when I deem it necessary, but wouldn't ever bother upgrading it.


So, here's what I'd do:

Hardiness 2/2 It's a significant HP boost by lvl 3 - Awesome!
Parrying 1/2
Arrow Redirection 1/2
Fortitude 2/2 Additional vigor is always welcome

Alchemy Tree:
Synthesis 2/2 More vitality

Swordmanship:
Feet Work 1/2 makes positioning and avoiding damage a lot easier
Schemer 1/2
Tough Guy 1/2
Hardy 2/2 Yet more vitality

Now you're Level 14 with massive vitality. At that point you can do pretty much whatever you want with the remaining skill points to lvl 21 and it hugely depends on the way you play:
If you feel like you still can't take enough hits, continue onward with a talent of your choice followed by 2/2 in Invincible (and possibly an early Combat Acumen, if that's what pleases you).
If you like traps and bombs, you can return to the Alchemy tree, grabbing Alchemist 2/2.

My personal style of playing involves pro-longed 'preparation' at the beginning of the battle - using axii (yeah, i actually like it, when there's enough space to use it), placing Yyrden and maybe using a trap or two. Afterwards I like to engage in close combat, so I try to keep the dodging to a minimum (it can't be avoided, but I (try to) dodge primarily when engaging large groups, so that I don't get surrounded and to place another Yyrden etc, or in small amounts to outmaneuver enemies, regain position etc) and instead parry a lot, split up groups and gain space by using Aard, and the like. So my next skill points will most likely be put into the "first block" of the Swordsman tree (Position, Riposte, Whirl, Guard, Schemer, Violence, in whatever combination and order I feel like) and upgrading Aard 2/2, before continuing onward into deep Swordsmanship. I know that this means a long time before you get additional (you have the 2 from Training tree) Mutagens, but to be honest, I personally don't see them as the huge advantage and must-have, some people claim them to be.
Side-Note: It's likely not the most effective way of fighting, but I like to keep it somewhat 'realistic' and 'lore-like' instead of dancing and rolling around like a lunatic.

macspitter: I found easiest way to deal with Letho (both times) and Draug was to hit then with superb or robust well balanced daggers. No need to worry about anything else if you have about 20 daggers in your inventory. Fights end in seconds!! also good for wraiths in claws of madness and fantastic for endrega queen. obviously no good against kayran or dragon but otherwise the best weapon IMHO. same on any level especially hard. At one point i have over 50 daggers of various types!!