Curse

kazuhiro · Dec 16, 2008, 03:07 AM // 03:07

I just bought a caster modded sword for the first time, and I'm all excited about it.

I just, uh, can't figure out a build that works with it. What kind of build would best take advantage of this cool Zealous mod? Currently I'm using Shockwave, which is not that impressive and doesn't keep me swinging my sword.

Admit it, a mesmer swinging a sword would be as sexy as hell. Obviously I could go with Illusionary Weaponry, but then I'll just be shooting myself in the foot with my zealous mod.

I imagine my Mesmer primary would make it easier to cast spells while under pressure, and it has some nice defensive stances, and I could use Inspiration/Illusion to punish attackers or protect myself.

Please help me make use of this sword!

zelgadissan · Dec 16, 2008, 03:12 AM // 03:12

Um, zealous mod =/= caster modded. In fact it's reducing your energy since you really shouldn't be attacking with your sword.

Rhamia Darigaz · Dec 16, 2008, 03:19 AM // 03:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazuhiro

I just bought a caster modded sword for the first time, and I'm all excited about it.

I just, uh, can't figure out a build that works with it. What kind of build would best take advantage of this cool Zealous mod? Currently I'm using Shockwave, which is not that impressive and doesn't keep me swinging my sword.

Admit it, a mesmer swinging a sword would be as sexy as hell. Obviously I could go with Illusionary Weaponry, but then I'll just be shooting myself in the foot with my zealous mod.

I imagine my Mesmer primary would make it easier to cast spells while under pressure, and it has some nice defensive stances, and I could use Inspiration/Illusion to punish attackers or protect myself.

Please help me make use of this sword!

trolling hasn't been cool since like, 2006 dude.

kazuhiro · Dec 16, 2008, 03:26 AM // 03:26

Ha! I'm an idiot, then. I had the impression that it would help me during those times when I'm hovering my finger over the key and waiting for the right moment. If I'm going to be twiddling my thumbs it might as well be with a Zealous weapon. That's what I thought.

Still, I wish I could make a build that has me actually using this sword.

Rakim B · Dec 16, 2008, 03:56 AM // 03:56

[illusionary weaponry]
[flurry]

12chars

what do i win?

joshuarodger · Dec 16, 2008, 03:57 AM // 03:57

i really can't tell if the OP is serious or not so i'm going to go with Yes and assume you're fairly new to the game.

"Caster Weapons" don't have anything to do with actually using the sword to deal damage. using a martial weapon is a way to hide energy and allow you to use a shield for extra armor and health. generally caster modded weapons have a +health/+enchant mod(depending on preference), -5 or +5 energy mod (depending on preference), and a random damage mod (crippling most of the time).

using a martial weapon and shield in PvE is a way to stop the enemy AI from casting anti caster hexes on you such as [[shroud of si]. in PvP, they're used to hide energy in case you get hit with something like [[shame] or [[guilt].

basically, if you're a mesmer don't use your sword to attack...ever. well, unless you're doing some random farming or something with [[illusionary weaponry]. and don't use [[shockwave], use [[visions of regret].

Masseur · Dec 16, 2008, 03:57 AM // 03:57

Look up Illusionary Weaponary builds revolving around that skill.

MegaVolti · Dec 16, 2008, 04:18 AM // 04:18

Caster modded 1hand weapons (sword, axe, spear) are good only if you need 20% additional enchantment duration. You can't have that on wands so if you want to go with a focus, a sword (or axe or spear) is the only way to get 20% ench.
Caster mod = 20% ench and stuff like +5e or 10% casting time and stuff like that
They are not for attacking, just for the mods.

Since a Mesmer rarely ever needs to buff enchantment duration a caster weapon is wasted. For anything else then ench duration, a wand usually is better then a caster weapon.

Zodiac Meteor · Dec 16, 2008, 04:34 AM // 04:34

I know a perfect build to go with this!

[Sever Artery] for bleeding.
[gash] for deep wound and damage.
[Final Thrust] to do double damage!
[Pure Strike] for extra damage.
[Blackout] it can shut down an enemy! very useful against high powered foes.
[Backfire] for amazing damage against casters!
[Empathy] to do really go damage against foes with weapons!
[Healing Signet] just incase your monk is dead or your taking heavy damage.

An elite isn't necessary you don't need one. A rez isn't needed either, because your allies will have them. With this build you cast cast backfire and empathy on foes and they will take lots of damage! Blackout if for bosses. And the sword skills for mesmers explain themselves.

mrmango · Dec 16, 2008, 05:00 AM // 05:00

Love the new troll hang out.

MegaVolti must be trolling because +30 health > 20% enchantment for tons of caster builds.

TrippieHippie89 · Dec 16, 2008, 05:01 AM // 05:01

Fevered Dreams
Fragility
Sever Artery
Gash
Virulence
Glyph Sac
Meteor Shower
Rebirth

can haz cookie nao?

jackinthe · Dec 16, 2008, 05:29 AM // 05:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rakim B

[illusionary weaponry]
[flurry]

12chars

what do i win?

slash winsthread

newbie_of_doom · Dec 16, 2008, 08:30 AM // 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rakim B

[illusionary weaponry]
[flurry]

12chars

what do i win?

you need [imagined burden] [healing signet] [hamstring] [sever artery][gash] [resurrection signet]

But how is making an IW mesmer a challenge? Because you have to unlock the skills?

Gforce · Dec 16, 2008, 09:25 AM // 09:25

lol adren skills on a IW bar? He said he doesnt want to play IW because its retarded with his zealous mod..

Thats why I have the mesmer version of hamstorm:
Chaos Storm
Hamstring
Sever Artery
Gash
Power Spike
Gladiator's Defense
Healing Signet
Res Sig

FengShuiDove · Dec 16, 2008, 09:32 AM // 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrippieHippie89

Fevered Dreams
Fragility
Sever Artery
Gash
Virulence
Glyph Sac
Meteor Shower
Rebirth

can haz cookie nao?

I hate playing against these stupid Me/W/N/E/Mo characters in RA. Plus, if you're using Monk as your quinary profession, you might as well use Restore Life. You're Fast Casting it and you're frontlining so you can make use of the touch range.

avilia · Dec 16, 2008, 10:10 AM // 10:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrippieHippie89

Fevered Dreams
Fragility
Sever Artery
Gash
Virulence
Glyph Sac
Meteor Shower
Rebirth

can haz cookie nao?

I wish I could make a build like this. Two elites and skills among four professions.

But seriously, [Illusionary Weaponry] is really your only serious choice if you want a melee sword mesmer. You can then choose to either go warrior and bring [Flurry] like Rakim B mentioned, or you can go assassin and bring things like [Feigned Neutrality] and [Shadow Sanctuary]. I actually prefer the assassin variant as it offers more survivability and it makes better use of your enchant mod on the sword.

mystery666 · Dec 16, 2008, 11:14 AM // 11:14

Blackout
Healing Sig
Frenzy
Sever Artery
Soldiers Defence
Complicate
Confusing Images

MegaVolti · Dec 17, 2008, 04:38 AM // 04:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmango

Love the new troll hang out.

MegaVolti must be trolling because +30 health > 20% enchantment for tons of caster builds.

Yea right. Who needs longer enchantment duration ... totally wasted.
30 HP on the other hand are essential in PvE. You just can't precast [[Protective Spirit] before facing a huge boss and besides those boss encounters there are just so many spikes that will melt your HP so the 30 more are going to save you.

In other words: 30 HP are almost always totally useless in PvE. PvP is different there, yes, but in PvE, HP just don't matter nearly as much.
20% ench duration on the other hand maks stuff easier. Less time wasted on re-casting enchs* means more time for faster killing. And that is what PvE is all about.

*which usually doesn't affect Mesmers but is relevant for many other classes which rely on enchantments more then Mesmers do

Lourens · Dec 18, 2008, 10:54 AM // 10:54

Sun and Moon Slash x Savage Strike x Distracting Strike x Distracting Blow x Protectors Strike x Illusionary Weaponry .. ok build up adrenaline then spike away 252 dmg in 5,5 second rinse and repeat until your target is dead

and if you add frenzy switch IW for hundred blades thats like 375dmg just what you like

upier · Dec 18, 2008, 11:03 AM // 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lourens

Sun and Moon Slash x Savage Strike x Distracting Strike x Distracting Blow x Protectors Strike x Illusionary Weaponry .. ok build up adrenaline then spike away 252 dmg in 5,5 second rinse and repeat until your target is dead

You deal no damage with your weapon when using IW - so there will be no adrenaline involved.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lourens

and if you add frenzy switch IW for hundred blades thats like 375dmg just what you like

AND switch to a real warrior ...