Curse

Sir Mad · Aug 16, 2013, 11:09 AM // 11:09

Greetings guys.

I started playing again, and I'm having fun with an alt, not to say my Rit. I'm going for GWAMM with this toon as well. I'm already done with Legendary Vanquisher, which was kinda easy with this build. I'm currently working on WoC and the EotN titles with this setup.

However, it's just a variant of what I run on my main (a ranger), and therefore could be imporved.

Here is the build:

As you can see, there's little healing, and everything is about reducing the damage taken. It requires some microing for the Necro (to use AotL) and the Paragon (to make him use Splinter / Barrage on the right targets), but that's it.

So... What's wrong with this build?

- Possibly too many Hex removals - I think I could drop one.
- Too many energy management skills. I've just added BR recently, and I'm gonna see how well it works, but I think I'm gonna drop a few energy skills to have more free slots.
- I could use more nuking. You always do.
- No spike healing skills. I don't need any 95% of the time. But sometimes, when a boss casts a huge AoE or when you come across a dozen of Cry of Frustration / Panic Mesmers, it can turn ugly. Having a resto Rit (see below) could probably solve that. Also, keep in mind Spirit's Gift plays a key part - it's amazing with SoS.
- I'm not so sure about all the fire-dependant skills of the Paragon. That works great with my ranger, in this case, it's just good. Any way to improve it? I don't want to drop him since he's great at reducing damage, and Barrage + Splinter Weapon is awesome, but I have the feeling either I should replace those skills with something else, or add a player with skills inflicting burning.

Here's the plan now. I play a Rit, and I want a Rit team. I'm working on WoC to get a 3rd Rit hero, and he will be specced Restoration, which is gonna solve the spike healing issue. I'm also bored with SoS, I wanna change, and I'm gonna let a hero do this job. I'm gonna either play Resto or SoGM. Resto is more fun, but SoGM could do better since I would have an extra spirit compared to a hero (Vampirism). Any input's welcome.

Now the question is... What hero to drop when I'll have a 3rd rit unlocked? And what build for my future Resto?

The 2 candidates for early retirement atm are the Keystone Mes et the RoJ, the Mes being the most obvious choice. I already have a bunch of interrupts, and the Para could eventually take Distracting Shot if needed, so I think droping him would be ok. But I yet have to figure a build with both resto skills and AoE damage to replace the Mes.

On a side-note, if there's any PVE skill that I missed and would do great this this build, let me know.

PS: All the heroes have sup vigor runes, survivor or +AR runes, and +60/+75^ench HP staves. I may replace their weapons by a +30 hp spear and a +30/45^ench focus - not sure about that yet.

hirush · Aug 16, 2013, 07:30 PM // 19:30

Hi welcome sir mad :-) hopefully more ppl come back to this game. As for your hero setup, in no way of bashing or disrespecting, but you can try take the heroes to slavers' exile hard mode, and complete the whole run there. Monsters there are mix with physical and spellcasters, also rez, they will expose a team weakness whenever possible.

One thing i notice is the energy issue that st rit might have, do you have energy issue with st rit? Also playing a healer role in hero team is little awkward unfortunately. It is not as rewarding and easy playing an offensive role in hero team.

I would probably drop smite monk in favor of 3rd rit. About the build you can make 3rd rit hybrid healer. SoS, bloodsong, splinter, ancestor rage, spirit siphon plus other restoration goodies. And your rit can run sogm. Then there should leave the original rit that runs sogm unnecessary, but I've yet to think what to run for that rit.

Cuilan · Aug 17, 2013, 10:59 PM // 22:59

People use Smite bars for SoH and RoJ when playing melee.

Your paragon seems random and useless. There's no reason for one while playing a ritualist.

Your team build needs moar damage. Less hex removal.

Sir Mad · Aug 18, 2013, 05:53 AM // 05:53

Thanks for the input, but I beg to differ concerning the Paragon. He provides massive damage reduction, and Barrage + Splinter Weapon is an amazing combo damage-wise in areas where foes are massively packed (most of the end game content, that is).

Talking about him, I definitely need to drop something to take Anthem of Envy (and possibly Anthem of Disrupt), which alone could be a reason to take a para with so many spirits in the team. That's 240 damage for a skill that generally recharges in 2 shots with Barrage at the beginning of the fight (when microed properly).

@ hirush: you were right about the RoJ. The build is good on the paper, but heroes ain't humans and can't understand the subtilities of healing with Divine Favour.

I replaced him with a SF / resto ele, and even though he's just a filler, it's MUCH better.

The ST Rit is ok energy-wise. I dropped Boon of Creation when I gave Blood Ritual to the SoGM, and he's doing just fine. Only the new ele has some issues. Taking Soothing Memories instead of Mend Body and Soul could be an option (since Spirits Gift is already a great way to remove Conditions, when used by a player and not heroes

)

Here's the build after the changes.

Cuilan · Aug 18, 2013, 08:28 AM // 08:28

I like Complicate, but it's more of skill based on the area. EotN has mobs with the same monster skill and other areas depending on what they are. Surely you can use something else when not in such a situation.

Xenomortis · Aug 24, 2013, 08:47 PM // 20:47

I don't like the Paragon.
You already have minions, spirits (with Shelter/Union/Dissonance),the usual prot skills and two hardcore interrupters.
I'd cut it for a caster to be honest. If you keep a Barrage build though, take GDW instead of Splinter Weapon.

If that goes, then the SF Ele needs to be changed to. With the Paragon, it makes sense for SF only be used to maintain burning. Otherwise, it does not make sense for SF to be on a bar with heals; the time required for SF spam is simply too high to permit heals. That and heroes are just bad with energy and so your healer has a very volatile energy bar.
I'd change it to EA+Rodgorts and the heals.

Replace Well of Suffering for Bone Minions. That bar makes no sense without Bone Minions; it's built to for minions but you won't have many.

I'd prefer ESurge over Panic for damage.