Curse

Siphon · Aug 20, 2005, 03:35 AM // 03:35

I currently run the Fragility/Virulence build on my Me/N. I use the typical:
Fragility
Phantom Pain
Shatter Delusions
Virulence
?
?
?
Resurection Signet

However, those 3 slots I left open I believe I am not using efficiently with my build. What other skills should I get to effectively run the build?

Morganas · Aug 20, 2005, 05:31 AM // 05:31

Most fragility builds I've run blow their energy pretty fast, so you'll want at least two energy restore spells, I use inspired hex and drain enchant. My third spell is usually diversion, which ensures that that first attempt at hex removal is the last.

pagansaint · Aug 20, 2005, 05:41 AM // 05:41

enfeeble works...
and some energy regain of some sort would be VERY helpful.

Calibretto_9 · Aug 20, 2005, 05:47 AM // 05:47

A skill to restore energy is of the utmost importance. Wouldn't say it again if it wasn't worth stating.

Kampfkeks · Aug 20, 2005, 07:14 AM // 07:14

Yeah, and here we have another Flavor of the Month. I haven't seen mesmers in ages, not in PVE and not in PVP. Even in tombs they have become rare but all of a sudden mesmers are swarming the place and they're all Mesmer/Necromancer and use all the same build.

arredondo · Aug 20, 2005, 07:46 AM // 07:46

Lol, ahhh yes. Mesmers haved gotten a bump of popularity in recent weeks. Energy isn't a problem with Fragility builds if you play them properly. To the OP, here's a link to the info I posted here awhile back. The stuff there should help you a lot. The only switch I've made since then on the build is that instead of IoW I usually have Hex Breaker. Why? Because now I have to face OTHER Fragility+Virulence addicts.

Asplode · Aug 20, 2005, 08:37 AM // 08:37

Take out shatter delusions, you'll shoot yourself in the foot with that.

-edit-

Oh, and for the record, Me/N virulence spike builds suck.

arredondo · Aug 20, 2005, 09:28 AM // 09:28

Oh pretty please, with extra sugar on top. Can we see your example of a non-sucking build?

White Designs · Aug 20, 2005, 04:13 PM // 16:13

Well, he probably means one that doesn't become useless when the enemy uses one skill. You hit a Hex Breaker and you're useless. And even if you don't, Inspired Hex/Smite Hex is very, very common...

arredondo · Aug 20, 2005, 07:29 PM // 19:29

Hex Breaker doesn't make the build "useless". That simplifies the game overall by ignoring what actually happens on the field. There are ways to deal with a Hex Breaker, but the easiest and most effective IMHO is simply choose another target. You may be the Hex Breaker champion on your Arena team as an example, but if the Fragility+Virulence combo finishes off two of your opponents, no amount of HB in the world can save you from being outnumbered.

Let's just say that HB is an awesome defense on one who carries it (one skill of one class), and the Mesmer in general is the best anti-Fragility class along with a decent Monk. But those obstacles alone won't easily stop this combo's impact on the field. All builds have counters, but very few are as effective in killing the enemy as this one is.

Oh, and Hex Removal skills are non consistent enough to be a good answer. check out my link above to the main thread where I show how easy it is to deal with 98% of all removals using only the skills listed. There's simply not enough time to remove Fragility if the caster is playing smart.

White Designs · Aug 20, 2005, 08:38 PM // 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by arredondo

Hex Breaker doesn't make the build "useless". That simplifies the game overall by ignoring what actually happens on the field. There are ways to deal with a Hex Breaker, but the easiest and most effective IMHO is simply choose another target. You may be the Hex Breaker champion on your Arena team as an example, but if the Fragility+Virulence combo finishes off two of your opponents, no amount of HB in the world can save you from being outnumbered.

I am not saying the mere existence of hex breaker makes the build useless. However, Hex Breaker is a virutally indetectable stance, so you have to be very, very cautious in using Fragility. And if you do hit HB, you are useless, period. Is it worth having an entire character where one quick stance makes you completley worthless until Fragility recharges?

Entropius · Aug 20, 2005, 09:29 PM // 21:29

Well, there's your answer to your other slots.

Run some random other hex with a quick cast time and low energy cost. If you're afraid of hex removal, use it as a cover hex; if you're afraid of Hex Breaker, cast it first.

arredondo · Aug 20, 2005, 10:38 PM // 22:38

The MeNe has two excellent choices for that.... Wastrel's Worry and Parasitic Bond. Fast casting spells with very quick recharges, and only 5E a use.