lobo
Luminario
Dark Souls made me realize how awkward it is for this game to not have prominent hitstun.
*intentional double post*
there is a whole, independent property of moves called stagger. it is extremely viable. this isn't PvP, so specific hitstun properties aren't that important. utilize stagger. i don't know on melee builds, but my mage can doublecast any augmented magic or use my primary dragon shout and 'hitstun' any enemy into a counter hit susceptible state and give me time to retreat or regroup.