Curse

Canadian · Jun 12, 2005, 07:26 AM // 07:26

I have tried W/Mo, and Mo/W... and... well... the Mo/W has definately done its job more effectively (I have found). Although, this is conditional that your allies are playing well also (as you will be the one taking the focus fire, you will need your allies to do something while you're being a big damage destraction). Isn't the monk what gets hit first? Isn't that who everyone wants dead right away?

Here is the stats (runes and base stats are separate):

10 swordsmanship
11 smiting prayers + 1(minor rune) + 1(head piece)
8 healing prayers + 1(minor rune)
6 divine favor + 1(minor rune)

Skills:

1: Sever Artery (swordsmanship)
2: Gash (swordsmanship)
3: Bonetti's Defense (tactics)
4: Healing Touch (healing prayers)
5: Defensive Stance (tactics)
6: Shield of Judgement (smiting prayers)
7: Balthazar's Aura (smiting prayers)
8: Symbol of Wrath (smiting prayers)

Explanation of Build:

This character is basically a swordsmanship person, and not much of a caster; that is: although this character is monk primary, it is meant to be offensive and melee, with the benefits of a caster, but the theme of a melee brawler.

I will explain the skills:

Savage Slash and Gash: are a combo. They work together. It gives some offense, as well as a use for the andrenalin that is built up.

Bonetti's Defense: is a great skill. This skill doesn't require any tactics to be used. Five seconds of blockage is enough to earn anywhere for 5 or 10 mana, to a full mana rejuvination. This skill is mainly meant for bringing back all a char's mana, but can also work well as a defensive blocking skill.

Healing Touch: is a defensive, useful skill. This is the only healing skill used on this character, but it comes in handy. This skill heals for approx. 100 life... and for only 5 mana!. Great for keeping yourself alive, as you will be a target right off the bat. (this heals for about 100 after adding healing prayers, and doubling the divine favor).

Defensive Stance: doesn't require any tactics whatsoever. Great skill, too. You cast a couple spells before you cast this, then use this; you get some focus fire, but to no avail for your opponent: you will probably kill them off single handedly, if they stand around. Balth's Aura + Symbol of Wrath being out, and blocking 75% for 10 seconds... pretty nasty.

Shield of Judgement: makes you a dangerous target. Any person attacking you may think twice... and if not, they will pay the price. Lots of damage, slows their attack capabilities (knocking them down), and let's you beat on them while they're down. You can cast spells with a reduced fear of interuption, you can heal much more effectively, you can run away if need be, and you can go into your defensive stance. Not to mention: this skill lasts for about 20 seconds (because your smiting is above max with stats added)... you can almost have this on 24/7.

Balthazar's Aura: is the damage of this character. Combined with symbol of wrath, any foe will die very fast. The greatest thing about holy damage is that people have little defense against it. Generally, you will be dealing full or extra damage with smiting damage. While having balth's aura and symbol of wrath on at the same time, you'll be dealing over 60 damage to a target per second (including your attacks)... and over 40 damage a second to all adjacent foes. With shield of judgement, it's increased even more when attacked. And, while blocking 75% of the time - if need be, that is - you will be doing quite well.

Symbol of Wrath: has been talked about in previous skill explanations. Major damage, low mana cost, all AoE... works well in 8v8. :-)

Conclusion:

So, I'd like some feedback. I may have overexagerated a tad, but idk. I'd like to hear some constructive critisism. Also, inform me if I've made any errors anywhere. Ummm, finally: keep in mind that I have used this char in 8v8 Guild Battles, as well as HoH, and it has worked out well. When this character gets too much focus fire, you will generally have a monk ally to back yourself up. One big thing you must inform your team about is what sort of monk you are, so they don't assume they'll get heals from you.

theclam · Jun 12, 2005, 07:58 AM // 07:58

I'd consider switching out Healing Touch with Reversal of Fortune. Each individual time you cast it, you'll usually get a bit less health with Reversal of Fortune, but it's also a much more spammable spell and it's a great counter against burst damage. In addition, your Divine Favor is so low, that you're only getting an additional 22 points of healing per Healing Touch. Even Orison of Healing might be better. It would heal for slightly less, is spammable, just like Reversal of Fortune, and it's more versatile.

Aaaaagh · Jun 12, 2005, 08:24 AM // 08:24

I have wanted to make a character very similar to this for a while now, but I cant. The reason, no group would ever let me play it...they demand that I heal, they just cant understand a build like this...how do you pull it off?

funkenstein · Jun 12, 2005, 11:07 AM // 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaaaagh

I have wanted to make a character very similar to this for a while now, but I cant. The reason, no group would ever let me play it...they demand that I heal, they just cant understand a build like this...how do you pull it off?

I have a similar build. I mostly just stick to groups with people I know, or my guild, or a friend's guild. Most people have no problem with it after having grouped with me and seeing how effective it is

Just a side note, instead of swords I use axe. Cyclone axe combined with baltz aura is great for when you get the rush of guys trying to kill you for being a monk, and disrupting chop is just icing.

Deathlord · Jun 12, 2005, 07:37 PM // 19:37

On my mesmer, i was doing the ascalon missions and i partied with two Mo/W friends. They tanked very well and when i asked them why they weren't W/Mo insted, they gave me the answer whereas they needed the energy regen. It made alot of sense and i complimented them on the build. If you're having trouble finding people to party with you then start the party. If you have a healing skill or two it'll help, just make sure that they're ok with a fighting mo/w, if they're unaware of the effectiveness then you just have to show them. Smiting enchantments could help alot such as judges insight and/or strength of honor could help.

Canadian · Jun 12, 2005, 09:28 PM // 21:28

I never actually play this build in PvE. Although it works in PvE, i played healer the whole way through. I play this build usually solo farming, or PvP.