Curse

expugnare · Jul 29, 2009, 04:53 AM // 04:53

I currently use various incarnations of Assassin's Promise builds for nearly all of my HM needs, as I usually am able to bring along my discord heroes. However, I find myself with a serious lack of viable builds for non discord parties (I know AP is still good without discord, but its undoubtedly boring to use a variation of the same build over and over). I decided to go to the other widely used Elementalist build: Mind Blast.

Currently, my Mind Blast build is nothing to be proud of: its basically the generic MB Nuker (adept at blasting things to bits in NM).

[build prof=e/rt energy=12+1 fire=12+1+3][Mind Blast][Rodgort's invocation][Liquid Flame][Meteor Shower][glyph of lesser energy][Mindbender][Fire Attunement][flesh of my flesh][/build]

I keep hearing such good things about the skill (I used it in the past and was impressed by the results, but found nothing truly game-breaking). Mainly, I've heard of the nearly unstoppable ability for the skill to act as an "Energizer Bunny" for various overpowered PvE Skills. I decided to draft a build that would do such, but I have yet to come up with a cohesive build that can accurately be called such. When I try, the build usually ends up as a hodgepodge of nukes, supports and energy management without a clear focus or structure.

For example

([build prof=e/m energy=8+1 earth=10+1+1 fire=12][churning earth][eruption][ebon battle standard of wisdom][glyph of lesser energy][Mind Blast]["You Move Like a Dwarf!"][Aura of Restoration][Ward against Melee][/build]

This is as far as I've come. It, obviously, is merely mediocre; it leaves with with a low energy pool (as I generally use Survivors), effectively making the build impotent without its veritable energy battery.
As such, I've come to the forum for some advice and perhaps a general outline from where I can set up my Mind Blast build.

Thanks in advance.

On a side note, I seem to no longer be able to post builds in this forum. It would be great if someone told me how to. >_>

Ariena Najea · Jul 29, 2009, 05:19 AM // 05:19

Rule #1 of playing damage Elementalist in HM - Bring Weaken Armor. Even if it's on a hero, you'll love the extra damage.

Now then, you aren't really making the best use of your lolwut energy. Here is what I suggest running:

Mind Blast
Liquid Flame / Fireball
Rodgort's Invocation
Meteor Shower
Maelstrom
Elemental Lord
Support Skill A
Support Skill B

As for these skills, Liquid Flame is in there for decent AoE damage. Rodgort's because it is amazing damage. Meteor Shower for utility, and spiking with Rodgort's. Maelstrom won't be doing much damage, but the interruption is simply amazing. The first support skill should be something useful for offense outside of your straight nuking potential. If you're bringing 2-3 melee, bring Strength of Honor for a nice damage buff. If you don't have many melee, bringing YMLAD (should be used offensively and defensively) or Finish Him is a nice touch, or when appropriate, Lightbringer's Gaze. For Support Skill B, pick something defensive, such as Enfeebling Blood, Technobabble, Tryptophan Signet, or a Hard Res.

As for posting builds and using GWBB code, it has been disabled on the forum due to problems with server speed.

expugnare · Jul 29, 2009, 06:00 AM // 06:00

Eh.
That's unfortunate about posting builds.

I do bring Cracked Armor on both my Discord and Sabway builds, but I've found the margin of difference isn't stellar enough in HM to make Elementalists nukers in the sense that they can be in NM.

Thanks for the advice, however, I will try the build out next time I run with a PuG or something.

Xenomortis · Jul 29, 2009, 10:37 AM // 10:37

Cracked Armour in Discord teams is of marginal benefit, because the damage done is almost totally armour ignoring.
On an ele nuker however, it's invaluable in Hard Mode, just to make the damage acceptable.
Take Ebon Battle Standard of Honor for a much needed damage boost.

With actual regards to your example build, you've got a messy split. You've specced 12 into Fire just for Mind Blast, but most of your skills come from the Earth Magic line (which is only at 10+1+1). You really shouldn't need Mind Blast to keep your energy up, there are more than enough strong, non-elite options.

Your current Mind Blast build is in need of some tweaking. GoLE is unnecessary with Mind Blast and you can afford to drop the res.

Killamus · Jul 29, 2009, 02:21 PM // 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xenomortis

Cracked Armour in Discord teams is of marginal benefit, because the damage done is almost totally armour ignoring.

Eh. It's an AoE condition, and it's not all armor ignoring. There's a large difference in minion damage with weaken armor then not. It also has a decent recharge too.

If you want something fun to play, try
Sandstorm
Ward against Melee
Ward against Elements
Union
Pain
Armor of Unfeeling
Pain Inverter
PvE skill of choice

I find it very helpful, as most of the damage comes within the first 10 seconds or so, and this reduces that to a much more manageable amount. Precast Union and then AoU.

Xenomortis · Jul 29, 2009, 03:43 PM // 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killamus

Eh. It's an AoE condition, and it's not all armor ignoring. There's a large difference in minion damage with weaken armor then not. It also has a decent recharge too.

The minion damage is spread out, unfocused and largely unnoticable compared to the damage done from Discord and the other armour ignoring skills brought along.
If you want an AoE condition (and I don't go against this), bring Enfeebling Blood.

expugnare · Jul 30, 2009, 12:41 AM // 00:41

I bring both conditions actually.

I have that exact warder build, except with Unsteady, Summon Spirits and Technobabble or Air of Sup; I never liked Sandstorm, everyone just kites it.

Honestly, my largest problem with the build Ariena posted is the fact that the damage, even with Cracked Armor, will be nothing more than mediocre; at the same time, it fails to provide the utility the earth tree could (with the exception of MS or Maelstrom). Like I said before, however, I will try it out.

Thanks for the advice Xeno, I'll work on it further.

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I was thinking for Healing/Support with Mind Blast maybe I should do Breath of the Great Dwarf + TnTF? (Two party wide basically instant heals)