Curse

Windf0rce · Jun 18, 2009, 09:14 PM // 21:14

Hmm I know this is not optimal, but I'd like to try a melee build with my Monk, mostly for fun in Normal Mode, when H/H or helping a friend doing a lowly mission.

The options would be Mo/D, Mo/W or Mo/A.

I'm tending to Mo/W for the ability to use a one-handed weapon and spec 9 points in Tactics for an extra 16 armor from Shield, and Adrenaline skills for easier e-management. I was thinking of something like adapting a Dragon Slash bar or AoE Axe bar (Triple Chop, Whirlwind, etc). Hammer would be less effective with 2 second KDs and no use of Shield.

Mo/A has reasonably fast base attacks with Daggers but no IAS options at all and e-management could get hard without critical strikes.

Mo/D, I'm not very good with Dervs and don't remember if they have any viable IAS outside of Mysticism I can use. Aura of Holy Might is pretty tempting.

A smiter RoJ hero is to be used so you can assume Strength of Honor on me.

The main issues I want to address are indeed IAS and e-management. Any ideas?

PS: I just remembered of the Dwarven skill that grants IAS and IMS (more when drunk).

Snow Bunny · Jun 18, 2009, 09:20 PM // 21:20

Just go warrior-dslasher godmode...may as well have SY!...

Johny bravo · Jun 18, 2009, 09:25 PM // 21:25

The main issue you need to address is the lack of armor. You are definitely going to need something to boost your armor.

That issue aside you will still be lacking as a warrior or sin as the primary attribute greatly increases their effectiveness in melee situations.

In this case maybe a warrior adrenaline based build would be effective with some attributes parked in smiting for some AoE with benefits (hex removal, condition removal, etc...)

^^^SY doesn't effect you just your allies, There's nothing to fear (TNTF) would work. You could also try teaming up with an Imbagon, then you would have both of those buffing you.

Squishy ftw · Jun 18, 2009, 09:26 PM // 21:26

Errrfff Shakurrr

Whenever I'm tired of keeping stupid AI alive I often go earthshaker on my monk.

Something along the lines of Earth shaker, crushing blow, Whirlwind attack, frenzy, rush, FGJ, PS, SOA

PS/SOA is used when rushing in, after that ES/ww will keep everything under control.

Don't just post 'Erf Shakur'. That would be of very little use to the OP. Expand (as you have) or don't bother posting - Marty.

Yes sir, Marty sir.

Helix Dreadlock · Jun 18, 2009, 09:38 PM // 21:38

I would assume armor is the toughest issue. There's really no point in being melee monk, but if you want, go for it. D-slash war is probably best. Axes aren't my favorite even on my war.

absolutcrobi · Jun 18, 2009, 09:41 PM // 21:41

well My ele has fun running once in awhile with a hammer build, with the knock down capabilities of the smiting line with some hammer skills that knockdown and do things to knocked down foes (belly smash) it could be fun.

Age · Jun 18, 2009, 10:08 PM // 22:08

You forgot frenzy with hammer you need it.

jazilla · Jun 18, 2009, 10:39 PM // 22:39

S&H/By Ural's would be nice combo for a monk. Just a starting point really.

sonofthort · Jun 19, 2009, 07:06 AM // 07:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squishy ftw

Errrfff Shakurrr

Whenever I'm tired of keeping stupid AI alive I often go earthshaker on my monk.

Something along the lines of Earth shaker, crushing blow, Whirlwind attack, frenzy, rush, FGJ, PS, SOA

PS/SOA is used when rushing in, after that ES/ww will keep everything under control.

Don't just post 'Erf Shakur'. That would be of very little use to the OP. Expand (as you have) or don't bother posting - Marty.

Protective spirit reduces the need for any armor what so ever, definetly works well with frenzy too. I would throw on a cove enchantment that lasts longer than SoA, tho SoA is really good at reducing damage, I'm assuming you are going to have healers. Maybe cast prot spirit followed by vigorous spirit. Hammer actually has alot of aoe attacks + whirlwind attack, and vampiric is a great mod for hammer + frenzy + aoe attacks, 5 life stealing. Crude swing and Yeti smash are good aoe hammer skills. Since ur already using prot and hammer for this idea one of the hammer elites already suggested would be a good idea (earth shaker), or a prot elite, maybe life sheath, Divert Hexes, shield of deflection, or shield of regeneration. You could also have your hero maintain Balthazar's Spirit on you. The hundred bladeds + whirl wind combo is also nice, again vampiric is a great mod to use, what ever weapon you decide to go with, I think prot spirit + vigorous spirit + frenzy would be a great choice.

_Nihilist_ · Jun 20, 2009, 03:02 AM // 03:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonofthort

Hammer actually has alot of aoe attacks + whirlwind attack, and vampiric is a great mod for hammer + frenzy + aoe attacks, 5 life stealing. Crude swing and Yeti smash are good aoe hammer skills.

Crude Swing - hits multiple foes, Vampiric mod would deal damage to all enemies hit

Yeti Smash - hits a single foe, deals AoE bonus damage to adjacent foes, Vampiric mod deals damage to the (single) target not the adjacents

Earth Shaker - hits a single foe, KD's target and adjacent foes, Vampiric mod deals damage to the (single) target not the adjacents

Whirlwind Attack - hits multiple foes, Vampiric mod would deal damage to all enemies hit

flettir · Jul 04, 2009, 12:04 AM // 00:04

If you're worried about armor...
Shield of Regeneration + zealous mod & Balthazar's Spirit
Tack on Mending Touch or something like that, SoA in case you get swarmed, and whatever attack skills from whatever weapon you want. Personally, I'd be inclined to try a scythe.

Burst Cancel · Jul 04, 2009, 12:40 AM // 00:40

Asuran Scan and Strength of Honor are missing from this thread.

Armor shouldn't be an issue with the prots you can run.

Since you're doing this for shits and giggles, I'd run Dervish just to see the big numbers. With Aura of Holy Might it doesn't even matter that you can't spec 14 into your weapon attribute.

Life Bringing · Jul 05, 2009, 09:09 PM // 21:09

Armor means absolutely nothing in PvE. The optimal choice here would be a Mo/D, for big pew pew dommage. Throw in WS, eremite's, mystics, zealous sweep and Asuran Scan and fill in the rest with w/e. Maybe something like Strength of Honor, AoHM, and Castigation signet.

MagmaRed · Jul 05, 2009, 10:08 PM // 22:08

If running a melee Monk, I'd suggest running Smiting yourself, and let a hero run Protection and/or Healing. Takes some microing, but not hard. Strength and Honor as mentioned is now a very nice option, but if you use anything to cause a knockdown, Smiting has Holy/Stonesoul Strike. You also have hex/condition removal the help deal damage as well as allow you to keep fighting. Faintheartedness and Blind are 2 of the biggest shutdowns for a melee character in PvE, so take Smite Hex and Smite Condition to make those monsters sorry they used them on you.

For IAS, you really don't have many options that are effective. Most of the useful ones are in primary attributes or rely on them (Heart of Fury, Critical Agility, Flail, etc.). Frenzy and Flurry are your only 2 options outside of Dervish does have Whirling Charge and Onslaught though. Although taking up the elite, Onslaught could be kept up 18 of 20 seconds with only 10 attribute points invested. You could run a 12-10-8 or 11-10-10 split to get that.

Frenzy is the 'optimal' IAS, but the double damage is risky. Make sure you take self preservation skills and/or a cancel stance if you use it.

FoxBat · Jul 06, 2009, 12:23 AM // 00:23

Assassin's Promise
Shadow Walk
Holy Strike
You Move Like A Dwarf!
Stonesoul Strike
Finish Him!
Castigation Signet
Dash/Random Stance

Not exactly melee, but it is close range and absolutely hilarious.

AngeliqueSynner · Jul 06, 2009, 01:20 PM // 13:20

My roomate uses somethig based off Alecia's build from the NFT on his monk.
I'm not exact on the spread, but it's something to the effect of:

10 Swordsmanship
8+1 Divine Favor
12+1+1 Healing Prayers

Savage Slash, Sever Artery, Gash, Healing Hands, Orison of Healing, Vigorous Spirit, Mending, and Renew Life

He sometimes subs his res for technobabble if the team has another solid source of resurrection.

Haxor · Jul 06, 2009, 01:39 PM // 13:39

Give your friend a slap in the face if he actually runs that. Mending, Healing Hands and Orison are terrible.

AngeliqueSynner · Jul 06, 2009, 01:53 PM // 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haxor

Give your friend a slap in the face if he actually runs that. Mending, Healing Hands and Orison are terrible.

No slap for him. :P

One: It's PvE. He could go out with a naked bar and win.
Two: He has fun with it. That is the point of a game, no?
Three: He's bigger than me and could kick my ass. x__x¿

dark4190 · Jul 06, 2009, 11:16 PM // 23:16

Mo/Me
http://guildwars.wikia.com/wiki/Illusionary_Weaponry

theres yer damage. Now what can you do to stay alive? (besides the obvious 'Distortion' and 'Illusion of Weakness')

forgot to mention, increase attack speed with some PvE skill since that'll be insanely useful to increase damage. and use a scythe for nearly 100 dmg per swing. (34*3)

Vazze · Jul 12, 2009, 06:35 PM // 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoxBat

Assassin's Promise
Shadow Walk
Holy Strike
You Move Like A Dwarf!
Stonesoul Strike
Finish Him!
Castigation Signet
Dash/Random Stance

Not exactly melee, but it is close range and absolutely hilarious.

yeah I loved these touch builds, lots of fun teleporting. I used to play with shadow fang or shadow sanctuary instead of shadow walk/dash (btw u have only one kd for two touches in the build).