Curse

gworroll · Jan 31, 2008, 05:47 AM // 05:47

This is my default build, mainly use it for farming or running quests with henchmen. Haven't grouped with actual other players yet.

Attributes:
Dagger Mastery: 11
Shadow Arts: 11
Critical Strikes: 10

Skills:
Jagged Strike
Golden Lotus Strike
Unsuspecting Strike
Fox Fangs
Death Blossom
Critical Eye
Way of Perfection
Shadow Refuge

Rationale: Way of Perfection and Shadow Refuge are my damage mitigation skills, Critical Eye and my points in Critical Strikes exist primarily to support Way of Perfection. Golden Lotus Strike is there primarily for the energy regeneration effect, supported by CE, WoP, and SR. The rest is there for damage output.

Combos:

-Opening combo is Jagged Strike, Fox Fangs, Death Blossom.

-Sustaining damage is Unsuspecting Strike, Fox Fangs, Death Blossom. If I have energy to spare and I'm still waiting on the FF cooldown, I'll throw out another US or a Golden Lotus Strike while I wait.

-Golden Lotus Strike is worked in about every two cycles to get some energy back. It's really rather wonderful, I pretty much never lack the energy I need to pull the combos off. If any one skill could be called the focus I built the build around, it would be this one.

This is working as I level, and I like how it plays. Any tips on developing this build as I level to 20 and start taking on more difficult content? I'd like the same basic playstyle, though I'm not terribly commited to the exact skills or attribute levels detailed here.

Would this be a reasonable build and skill rotation for grouping with real people? I realize the exact content being run would affect this, but if I'm just being taken along for basic damage dealing, would this work?

My secondary profession is Elementalist, in case theres anything from there that you think might work well for me. I've played around a bit with heavy defensive stuff from Earth Magic and nuking from Fire, haven't done much with the water or air magics yet.

And, the Ressurection Signet. If I'm in a situation where I need it, what skill would you suggest I drop from this build to make room?

bathazard · Jan 31, 2008, 06:11 AM // 06:11

itresting build.... alll i have to say

Drowned In The Sink · Jan 31, 2008, 06:57 AM // 06:57

Wouldn't it be better to lead with unsuspecting to get the high damage bonus for over 90%?

Also, once you get to Kaineng Center, replace fox with wild strike, as it is (IMO) far superior to fox fangs (slightly higher damage, half the recharge time, unblockable, and gets rid of enemy stances).

Otherwise, pretty decent build for PvE.

DDL · Jan 31, 2008, 12:03 PM // 12:03

The most useful things from the ele line, I would guess, would be conjures ([skill]Conjure Flame[/skill] for example) which, when used with the appropriate elemental damage daggers, will boost your otherwise pretty terrible 'autoattack' damage. Fun with [skill]Locust's Fury[/skill], but really more of a gimmick than anything else, since you're better off essentially ignoring autoattacks and focussing on the lovely armour ignoring bonus damage from attack skills.

The other ele skills would be the ones also used by warriors ([skill]Shock[/skill], for example) for on-demand non-conditional KDs, but that's primarily a PvP concern. Also, exhaustion really hurts.

Basically though, your build looks an awful lot like mine did for the levels up to 20, though you get plus points for sticking in a lower energy req lead (I stuck with just unsuspecting for a LOOOONG time): as Drowned in the Sink says, though: LEAD with unsuspecting strike, not jagged. US is a "one hit per monster" type attack, since it's not worth the energy cost if you're not getting the bonus damage from hitting a 90%+ health enemy.

Lead with it, then ignore it until the next monster. Hope your henchies don't hit that monster marginally before you do. :P

Also, since the early levels are a good time to experiment, play with shadowsteps. And [skill]Dash[/skill]. Everyone loves dash.

KalleDamos · Jan 31, 2008, 02:39 PM // 14:39

Thats interesting, I think you have a few too many lead attacks imo. with a good zealous dagger and a good couple enchants you won't need Golden Lotus, also bleeding is a decent condition but you can part with the spammable attack to get a more powerful attack in there.

Bowstring Badass · Jan 31, 2008, 04:44 PM // 16:44

Drop unsespect and golden lotus both those are garbage leads. Drop critical eye as it just sucks and redo your attributes you have way to much shadow arts. You only need 6 shadow (with a +1 rune you have) that way you can run 13 critcal strikes ( with the help of a +1 rune) I would suugest a simple shock-falling spider-twisting fangs or a L-O-D chain like Golden Fang Strike-Wild Strike-Death Blossom.

Sir Pandra Pierva · Jan 31, 2008, 06:03 PM // 18:03

[skill]Mobious Strike[/skill]

DDL · Jan 31, 2008, 06:59 PM // 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowstring Badass

Drop unsespect and golden lotus both those are garbage leads. Drop critical eye as it just sucks and redo your attributes you have way to much shadow arts. You only need 6 shadow (with a +1 rune you have) that way you can run 13 critcal strikes ( with the help of a +1 rune) I would suugest a simple shock-falling spider-twisting fangs or a L-O-D chain like Golden Fang Strike-Wild Strike-Death Blossom.

Having shock and twisting in the same chain is going to ruin your energy without adding some radiants/attunements and possibly a +5e weapon.

Exhaustion really isn't worth the trouble until you're happy you know exactly what you're doing, and even then it's potentially ruinous on poor low-base energy peeps. Especially energy-intensive-but-low-base energy peeps like us assassins. We don't, after all, have adrenaline skills to fall back on.

Tyla · Jan 31, 2008, 07:43 PM // 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDL

Having shock and twisting in the same chain is going to ruin your energy without adding some radiants/attunements and possibly a +5e weapon.

AoD Shock Sin uses both of them, i play it and run into NO energy problems.
No i don't use Radiants, i only use +5E.

@The OP: Why do you have 3 lead attacks? Lack of deepwound and has nothing to prevent kiting. Far too much Shadow Arts spec - its smart to go with 6 and only 6.

Bowstring Badass · Jan 31, 2008, 09:16 PM // 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyla salanari

AoD Shock Sin uses both of them, i play it and run into NO energy problems.
No i don't use Radiants, i only use +5E.

He is an idiot because twisting won't ruin your energy with zealous daggers... And in PvE with Critical Agility (why would you not use this) you get the 10e from twisting back in like 2 seconds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDL

Exhaustion really isn't worth the trouble until you're happy you know exactly what you're doing, and even then it's potentially ruinous on poor low-base energy peeps. Especially energy-intensive-but-low-base energy peeps like us assassins. We don't, after all, have adrenaline skills to fall back on.

Ok. You are officially an idiot.. You don't use shock on recharge and exhaust yourself to 1 energy. And guess what AoD shock sins still work to this day just need more then 2 attacks.

Pyro maniac · Jan 31, 2008, 09:26 PM // 21:26

[skill]Disrupting Stab[/skill][skill]Exhausting Assault[/skill][skill]Moebius Strike[/skill][skill]Death Blossom[/skill]

MS + DB as AoE damage dealer, EA as interupt

Bobby2 · Jan 31, 2008, 10:29 PM // 22:29

[skill]moebius strike[/skill] means more [skill]death blossom[/skill] and easily allows for [skill]critical strike[/skill] for e-management, pairs well with Way of Perfection too.

Definitely get Critical Agility as soon as you get to NF. It is magnificent. As for opening strikes, your best options are [skill]golden phoenix strike[/skill] or [skill]golden fox strike[/skill][skill]wild strike[/skill].

Wild Strike should replace your Fox Fangs in any case. It is simply far superior. As for Exhausting: IMO not worth it in PvE.

I went /D for Mystic Regen instead of your Shadow Refuge. If you wish to remain A/E, I would also suggest a Conjure X spell for +DPS. The Water Magic line also includes some useful armour spells (Frigid Armour is especially good with a decent Water investment). (EDIT: but once you have CritAgility, you won't need it

)

Sir Pandra Pierva · Jan 31, 2008, 10:31 PM // 22:31

if you have the money and nightfall then go for
[skill]Golden Fox Strike[/skill][skill]Wild Strike[/skill][skill]Shattering Assault[/skill]
that combo is win.

Jaigoda · Feb 01, 2008, 02:18 PM // 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowstring Badass

Drop critical eye as it just sucks

Critical Eye is an absolutely awesome skill for energy-management. You hit it and forget about it until it recharges, and it gives you more than enough energy to spam L-O-D or MBlossom. It only looks mediocre because you underestimate that extra +1 on critical, which is enough to keep your energy up without problems if you're using zealous daggers. Though I would say that putting Golden Lotus in as well is a bit over-the-top.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowstring Badass

I would suugest a simple shock-falling spider-twisting fangs

Epic phail. That's all.

EDIT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Pandra Pierva

if you have the money and nightfall then go for
[skill]Golden Fox Strike[/skill][skill]Wild Strike[/skill][skill]Shattering Assault[/skill]
that combo is win.

That over MS+DB in PvE? I think not.

KalleDamos · Feb 01, 2008, 08:35 PM // 20:35

Remeber, the OP is a new Assassin. Lets not give him overly complex builds that need a lot of equpiment and matience, something simple will sufice. Here is something I ran with moderate succes awhile back..

[skill]Golden Fox Strike[/skill][skill]Wild Strike[/skill][skill]Nine Tail Strike[/skill][skill]Flashing Blades[/skill][skill]Way of Perfection[/skill][skill]Critical Eye[/skill]Optional Slot, and any res you like, and its a good build to start off with.

DDL · Feb 01, 2008, 08:50 PM // 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowstring Badass

He is an idiot because twisting won't ruin your energy with zealous daggers... And in PvE with Critical Agility (why would you not use this) you get the 10e from twisting back in like 2 seconds.

Ok. You are officially an idiot.. You don't use shock on recharge and exhaust yourself to 1 energy. And guess what AoD shock sins still work to this day just need more then 2 attacks.

I like the way "measured responses" here often seem to be basically "leap to insults asap". It's fun. It's like "sensible" comments are the unwanted lead attacks, and people are keen to go straight the offhand insults and dual flames...

Anyway, if you actually take the time to read thoroughly, "Exhaustion really isn't worth the trouble until you're happy you know exactly what you're doing" might possibly be taken to mean "until you're confident enough to NOT use shock on recharge and exhaust yourself to 1 energy". Oh, well look at that.

Furthermore, running a build that requires a 30 sec cooldown on a KD spike is...really not the best thing for PvE, which as an up-and-coming sin who hasn't reached 20 yet, our original poster is most probably spending the majority of their time doing. Pressure >>> spike. And pressure at this stage amounts to a chain you can repeat frequently.

Don't get me wrong, shock sins are fine for PvP, but that's...not the issue here. And leaping straight into PvP without using PvE to get a feel for the class is just a good way to get your ass handed to you over and over again.

Having said all that, jaigoda said it better and more succinctly. Oh well.

Bobby2 · Feb 01, 2008, 09:54 PM // 21:54

Don't have too much 'going on' in your build in any case. Decide what works best for you (I've found Moebius Blossom's devastating DPS most to my liking, obviously) then work from there.

Maybe we should put up a list of skills that are good for beginners. God, how that Sticky Guide is needed.

Gambit Shinobi · Feb 02, 2008, 09:01 AM // 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaigoda

Critical Eye is an absolutely awesome skill for energy-management. You hit it and forget about it until it recharges, and it gives you more than enough energy to spam L-O-D or MBlossom. It only looks mediocre because you underestimate that extra +1 on critical, which is enough to keep your energy up without problems if you're using zealous daggers. Though I would say that putting Golden Lotus in as well is a bit over-the-top.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaigoda

Epic phail. That's all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaigoda

EDIT:

That over MS+DB in PvE? I think not.

Agreed X 3.

Bowstring Badass, instead of calling others idiots, you should look at your own posts and suggestions. Because a lot of what you said here are truly idiotic.

Gambit Shinobi · Feb 02, 2008, 09:02 AM // 09:02

@gworroll:

First of all, what games do you have and where are you in Factions?

If you have Nightfall, go with this build:

A/D

Jagged Strike
Wild Strike
Death Blossom
Moebius Strike (Elite)
Critical Defenses
Mystical Regeneration (Dervish/Nightfall)
Critical Eye
Critical Agility (Nightfall)

Try having 13 Critical Strikes for the +3 energy on crit. and 8 Earth Prayers for +3 Health Regen./Enchantment. Other that, keep your Dagger Mastery as high as you can have it.

This build will allow you to own about 85-90% of all Guild Wars content. The other 10-15%, you might have to go ranged (A/R) or tweak this build a bit. It's not the most original build, but that's because it's the best in my opinion.

You can also switch Jagged out for Golden Fox Strike or Sneak Attack (requires Eye of the North). Most other Lead Attacks won't work as well as either of the 3 I named above.

However, if you want some advice from the build you posted above and want to stay A/E, get rid of 3 Lead Attacks. You should only bring 1 max. Unsuspecting is decent as a newbie Sin, but you should probably take it out. Golden Lotus is pretty bad, so don't use that. Golden Phoenix Strike is good for farming, but not great for most fighting/quests/missions, due to the recast.

Fox Fangs suck, so get rid of that. Use Wild Strike like I said above instead. I sometimes use Way of Perfection and I guess it's a good "set it and forget it" type of minor self-heal, especially if you don't have Nightfall/Dervish secondary. Shadow Refuge is ok, but again, I prefer Mystic Regen.

I only go A/E to farm and if I want to be lazy and auto-attack mobs/quests that aren't too hard to beat. A/E for non-farming is pretty pointless if you don't bring a Conjure _____ skill, Critical Agility, and Locust's Fury. Just make sure you have at least 5 (I use 9) in the corresponding element's attribute, 13 in Critical Strikes, and a Lead, Wild Strike, Death Blossom combo for enemies that are harder to take down.

Oh, and to answer your question about taking Res. signet, take out 2 Leads and you should have room. But if you don't, Way of Perfection or Critical Eye would probably be the skills to take out for res. Thing is, you won't need res as a Sin in PvE.

Bobby2 · Feb 02, 2008, 06:03 PM // 18:03

Following up on Gambit

Golden Fox Strike > Jagged Strike
Critical Strike > Critical Eye (in MS build)