Curse

reaper with no name · Feb 18, 2011, 10:40 PM // 22:40

This build has been in the making since long before the update (yay leaks!). The actual update ended up differing slightly, so I had to change a few skills, but I still think the concept works splendidly (and certainly better damage-wise than anything else I can see in the update right now).

I'm still testing it out, but here's what I have so far:

Aura of Holy Might
Pious Fury
Pious Renewal
Pious Assault
Irresistible Sweep
Eremite's Attack
Optional
Optional

The basic idea is to use PR's instant recharge to get around the fact that flash enchantments have prohibitively high recharge times. It also doubles as energy management. This allows for maximum use of attack skills and maximum triggering of AoHM.

AoHM goes on first, then you use PR and PF.

PA is the preferred removal skill. However, you can't use it constantly. That's what the other two attack skills are for; they get used while PA is recharging.

So, you go in, use PR+PA. Then, while PA is recharging, use PR+IS. Now PA is recharged. So, use PR+PA again, then PR+EA. Now, both PA and IS are recharged, so start the cycle over again.

When Pious Fury runs out, use PR+PF again.

Discuss.

-Makai- · Feb 18, 2011, 10:52 PM // 22:52

I knew you'd cook up some interesting builds. I've been meaning to give AoHM a try, but obviously this last update was an information overload. Thanks for sharing.

Edit: What attribute splits are you using, or does it even make a difference?

Edit II: Just did some basic testing and as expected from you, this is a really awesome build.

LifeInfusion · Feb 18, 2011, 10:56 PM // 22:56

Why not put an adrenaline skill in there (for your optional)? You have no adrenaline skills and with Pious Fury you will have boatloads of it. Radiant scythe (big damage if you have lots of energy) or Aura slicer (to boost damage from elemental), whirlwind attack (better than eremite's in every way) or even Save Yourselves.

I like it though. It makes excellent use of Pious Renewal.

reaper with no name · Feb 18, 2011, 11:02 PM // 23:02

You only need Scythe Mastery and Mysticism.

Save Yourselves is what I'm currently using as my optional.

The problem with adrenaline attack skills is that none of them can be charged fast enough.

Literally, the only reason IS and EA are in there is to be used while PA is recharging. Adrenaline skills don't charge fast enough to do that. Therefore, there is no place for them in this build.

Xenomortis · Feb 18, 2011, 11:10 PM // 23:10

Hmm.
Zealous Renewal probably isn't necessary, or at least shouldn't be if Pious Fury were replaced by Heart of Fury and Eremite's Attack replaced by Twin Moon Sweep. Eremite's might be preferable against large surrounding mobs though, I dunno (Whirlwind Attack instead?) - the adrenaline gain should be quick enough for your DPS not to suffer. I hit 80-100 on the MoD if I don't mess up the skill timings without any buffs with the two alterations. Then again, I don't think I got any less using your exact copy.
To the Limit could replace BFury I suppose. Recharge is a little higher and its cost is not reduced.

I really want to use Onslaught, but Pious Renewal is damn useful.

ensoriki · Feb 18, 2011, 11:12 PM // 23:12

oh damn I had similar ideas for PR when I looked at it this morning.
Anyways that aside for pve, I would think perhaps Zealous sweep over Zealous renewal.

Zealous renewal doesn't seem needed, if your suffering from energy Zealous sweepwill probably manage you just fine that or a zealous scythe. Your gaining 3/4 energy every 3 seconds and pious assault only recharges every 3 seconds. Even with Eremites you should still be good for it.
This build seems like it needs 11 mysticism to meet the PR break point, 12 not being needed since through my glance through there are no 10 energy enchants in here.

Life Bringing · Feb 18, 2011, 11:14 PM // 23:14

First thing i tested when update went live <3. Unfortunately, lack of ascan makes the damage really depressing compared to prenerf

Xenomortis · Feb 18, 2011, 11:14 PM // 23:14

10+1 Myst gives you the 4e breakpoint on PR and lets you spec 8 Tactics which hits the 4 adren breakpoint on TTL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Life Bringing

First thing i tested when update went live <3. Unfortunately, lack of ascan makes the damage really depressing compared to prenerf

The lack of AScan probably means no new Derv build will match the old ZV build.

ensoriki · Feb 18, 2011, 11:18 PM // 23:18

Well with Aura of Holy might pusshing out damage every time an enchantments, with Pious renewal & assault AoHM is triggering every 3 seconds
Whenever you do PA or eremites your getting additional damage so it may not be so weak.

Xenomortis · Feb 18, 2011, 11:21 PM // 23:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ensoriki

Well with Aura of Holy might pusshing out damage every time an enchantments, with Pious renewal & assault AoHM is triggering every 3 seconds

It's not even close. The old AoHM and AScan combo was significantly more powerful than this and AS went further by boosting SoH (and GDW if you had).
A mere 20-25 adjacent range damage every second or two can't hope to compete.

reaper with no name · Feb 18, 2011, 11:31 PM // 23:31

Yeah, I'm beginning to think that ZR isn't necessary too. I'll replace it with I am the strongest or something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Life Bringing

First thing i tested when update went live <3. Unfortunately, lack of ascan makes the damage really depressing compared to prenerf

Really? Could it be because we were having all those conversations about just how effective it was going to be? Nah, couldn't be that.

In any case, the original version of this build (based on the leaks) would have made all scythe builds ever made cry, but the changes to Asuran Scan and AoHM changed all that (as well as the fact that the leaked PA was instant recharge; that hurts it too).

Chthon · Feb 19, 2011, 12:11 AM // 00:11

I think I saw cuilan running a build similar to this last night.

I'd say that core skills are:
Aura of Holy Might
Pious Fury
Pious Renewal
Pious Assault
SY!

What's left is to plug the gaps in between PA. I'm not sure Irresistible Sweep and Eremite's Attack are the best choices. Some other things that come to mind are Wearying Strike, which is basically +100 so long as you only have to use it once per foe; Aura Slicer + Reap Impurities for more AoE fun; Twin Moon for doubling buffs (Orders, SoH, Barbs, etc); Radiant, for decent +dmg if the energy works well; and Victorious for decent +dmg on a quick recharge. Using some adr attacks should also clear up energy problems.

Also, might consider splitting into Tactics, Earth, or Wind for a non-attack skill.

All-in-all, this is surely one of the best build patterns out of the update. Now let's get the details ironed out.

Life Bringing · Feb 19, 2011, 12:26 AM // 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chthon

I think I saw cuilan running a build similar to this last night.

I'd say that core skills are:
Aura of Holy Might
Pious Fury
Pious Renewal
Pious Assault
SY!

What's left is to plug the gaps in between PA. I'm not sure Irresistible Sweep and Eremite's Attack are the best choices. Some other things that come to mind are Wearying Strike, which is basically +100 so long as you only have to use it once per foe; Aura Slicer + Reap Impurities for more AoE fun; Twin Moon for doubling buffs (Orders, SoH, Barbs, etc); Radiant, for decent +dmg if the energy works well; and Victorious for decent +dmg on a quick recharge. Using some adr attacks should also clear up energy problems.

Also, might consider splitting into Tactics, Earth, or Wind for a non-attack skill.

All-in-all, this is surely one of the best build patterns out of the update. Now let's get the details ironed out.

I think eremite's earns its spot on the bar, as it has the possibility to do far more than double buffs. Chilling's aoe is pretty low, but you should be able to spam it every 2-3 attacks which might make it worth it as well.

LifeInfusion · Feb 19, 2011, 12:27 AM // 00:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chthon

I think I saw cuilan running a build similar to this last night.

I'd say that core skills are:
Aura of Holy Might
Pious Fury
Pious Renewal
Pious Assault
SY!

What's left is to plug the gaps in between PA. I'm not sure Irresistible Sweep and Eremite's Attack are the best choices. Some other things that come to mind are Wearying Strike, which is basically +100 so long as you only have to use it once per foe; Aura Slicer + Reap Impurities for more AoE fun; Twin Moon for doubling buffs (Orders, SoH, Barbs, etc); Radiant, for decent +dmg if the energy works well; and Victorious for decent +dmg on a quick recharge. Using some adr attacks should also clear up energy problems.

Also, might consider splitting into Tactics, Earth, or Wind for a non-attack skill.

All-in-all, this is surely one of the best build patterns out of the update. Now let's get the details ironed out.

I also think this is the most solid build to come out of the update.

Pious Assault, Wearying strike, Irresistible Sweep are probably the most solid teardown attacks.

Radiant Scythe/Victorious sweep are the stars for non-teardown skills. Mystic Sweep is outright depressing now.

Avatar Exico · Feb 19, 2011, 01:05 AM // 01:05

another good Mystic Moon Sweep for heal, removal a enchantment that heals for 150-200 is just outright sick.

Kunder · Feb 19, 2011, 01:41 AM // 01:41

I'm just not seeing it with this build. If you have that many adjacent foes you should be using things like VoS/Sand Shards/Etc. If AoHM was at least in the area I would consider it, but if I need to ball up the entire group onto my face to use AoHM I'll take something much better than it at wiping them.

Chthon · Feb 19, 2011, 01:54 AM // 01:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Life Bringing

I think eremite's earns its spot on the bar, as it has the possibility to do far more than double buffs.

How? Have 7+ adjacent foes on average?

Quote:

Chilling's aoe is pretty low, but you should be able to spam it every 2-3 attacks which might make it worth it as well.

Chilling remains crap. Triggering "more health than foe" is hard vs. PvE monsters. Them when you do trigger it, you get armor-sensitive cold damage. That's a little less bad now that dervs have access to easy Cracked Armor, but still sucky.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeInfusion

I also think this is the most solid build to come out of the update.

I'm not sure if it's the most solid. Just one of the most solid. VoS is going to outperform it if paired with AP+MoP. I've got a feeling that Reap Impurities spam may also be very, very strong. I've also got a plan for a dervish caster I need to test out.

Quote:

Pious Assault, Wearying strike, Irresistible Sweep are probably the most solid teardown attacks.

Who says it **has** to be a teardown attack. PR doesn't do anything great on its own, so the only reasons to favor a teardown attack are (1) the AoE burst on AoHM and (2) any advantages inherent in the attack skill.

reaper with no name · Feb 19, 2011, 02:12 AM // 02:12

Wearying Strike could replace Eremite's Attack, but with a cost of 5 adrenaline you won't be able to consistently get it off without FGJ.

Of course, since that helps with SY spam, it might be a good idea anyway.

Cuilan · Feb 19, 2011, 02:15 AM // 02:15

Used a build just like that but with SY and I Am the Strongest. They're shouts and not flash, so you won't get the one second thing. If you think you're about to be stripped, you have a little resistance with Pious Renewal.

LifeInfusion · Feb 19, 2011, 02:39 AM // 02:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chthon

I'm not sure if it's the most solid. Just one of the most solid. VoS is going to outperform it if paired with AP+MoP. I've got a feeling that Reap Impurities spam may also be very, very strong. I've also got a plan for a dervish caster I need to test out.

Who says it **has** to be a teardown attack. PR doesn't do anything great on its own, so the only reasons to favor a teardown attack are (1) the AoE burst on AoHM and (2) any advantages inherent in the attack skill.

Well AoHM triggers are armor ignoring and this fits the idea of a Dervish with enchants better than a 100B wannabe with VoS :P. This build is distinctively dervish.

The problem with Reap Impurities I find is you might remove something you don't want to such as deep wound, cripple, weakness, or blind. It's less likely if you use it right after Aura slicer but the chance remains. Probably FGJ+ Onslaught/Avatar of Balthazar will let it work.