Venom actually does work on kicks,and u can actually see the damage if u use dragontail kick.Its just that the lcs(lying character screen) doesn't show the additional damage from elemental or poison when u use dragon talon or dragonflight.Another alternative to sword/shield is claw/claw with enuff points in weaponblock to hit 61%,which is actually better imo than shield block,as u have a chance to block elemental damage from spells and magic damage from bonespirit as well.Use a fury claw with venom skill mods for mass openwounds,and use a good rare fools claw w/ other good mods like ias and skills.Use a verdungo,and put a ber in the guillames face.Upped gores,like u said or +2 shadowdancers are the only real choices for boots.imo the shadow dancers are the best choice,as u will have enuff cb and openwound from guillames and fury.