Curse

menelik_seth · Jan 04, 2006, 06:07 PM // 18:07

Inspired by Ensign's Elmo Griffon Farming Build I decided to take my Ele out for a little stroll and see what kind of solo action I can get out of him... never thought of soloing with an ele until now...

E/W FARMING BUILD (WIP)

Since my first character is an Elementalist, I've decided to see how well I can farm with this character. I know that Paladins do it better, but I consider this a challenge and a chance to really get to know the ins and outs of the Elementalist beyond the nuker role.

Through experimenting I've learned that there is no "One Build", at least not for the Elementalist. I chose the hydra as part of the experiment as I found them to be the most intimidating bunch due to their ability to absorb damage and dish it out quickly.

Actually the Devourers/Storm Kin are far worst because of their interrupts/de-buffing; but I'll post about them as I find a way to circumvent their defenses. Between missions with guildies and farming, it may take a while.

On to the build:

Hydra farming build (can only farm 3-4 hydra at a time):

Earth Magic: 15 (12+1+2)
Energy Storage: 15 (12+2)
Tactics: 3

Skill breakdown:

- Earth Attunement
- Aura of Restoration
- Balanced Stance
- Kinetic Armor
- Ward Against Elements
- Stone Daggers
- Aftershock
- Crystal Wave

Equipment used

I have tested this build using a +3 gold wand and collectors 20/20 artifact. I have yet to test it with the Galigords Staff I found, it has 20% enchants so it would no doubt be a bit easier to pull off.

I also used 60 AL collectors armor (no bonuses at all), and a Rune of Major Vigor

What to do:

Buff up with Earth Attunement and Aura. Hit kinetic armor when close to hydra, then aggro with daggers. Quickly throw up Ward against elements and spam daggers to keep Kinetic Armor up.

After their first lobby of Meteors and Fireballs, they should gather around and go into melee mode: hit aftershock and crystal wave.

Spam daggers to keep armor up, soften up one of the targets, and buy time until second aftershock/crystal wave spike; by then 1 hydra should drop.

With 3 in tactics, that will give you 10 seconds of balanced stance with 30 second recharge. With discriminate use, I found this to be more than enough to handle the Meteor spikes.

Hydra generally will use Meteor as their first or second spell; so it's up to your judgment when (if at all) u need to use it. Since its recharge is the same as meteors (both are 30 seconds) Assuming all hydra use meteor around the same time you should be able to have it up for each meteor spike (which is crucial, as around this time you will be busy renewing your wards and enchants).

In the heat of the battle Ready Balanced Stance to survive second wave of meteors (they usually cast it after the second fireball spike), so u don't get interrupted as you refresh your wards. By then, remaining hydra should be weakened enough to take them out with daggers/wand.

The only weakness in this build is energy management. Even with Earth Attunement, after 3-4 AS/CW spikes and ward casting you become pretty low on energy. So unless you can drop that hydra pretty quick, your pretty done for when that energy reaches zero.

I found Aura of Restoration to be sufficient for healing, especially during the casting of the more expensive spells.

The reason why more than 4 hydra is overwhelming is that even with the ward and KA, they can easily spike through it with enough meteors and fireballs. Perhaps swapping out one of the damage skills for Armor of Earth would help, but then you'll be in battle longer. Over all it's a very challenging build, but obviously cannot outmatch the Paladin or Invinci-Monk

But with careful study of the patrols, one should be able to clear the desert of hydra.

All critiques are welcome, even with alternative secondary professions. I'm still fine tuning this build for optimum damage dealing/defense, and will definitely try out some E/N and E/Me builds.

Good huntin',

Seth

Darkpower Alchemist · Jan 06, 2006, 06:05 PM // 18:05

I have an E/W as well. However,I noticed that you nearly abandon the warrior side of the character(Save Balance Stance;Good skill btw). Maybe you should find a way to use something like Ether Renewal or Bonetti's in your build. Also,since you are the focus of aggro, try whirlwind and aftershock. They recharge rather fast and they work well together.Another point would be to use an axe in the situation. No need to have the max dmg axe to wield,since you still are mostly ele based in the build,but it will gain adrenaline faster if you try to employ cyclone axe. Just my thoughts.

menelik_seth · Jan 07, 2006, 11:01 AM // 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkpower Alchemist

I have an E/W as well. However,I noticed that you nearly abandon the warrior side of the character(Save Balance Stance;Good skill btw). Maybe you should find a way to use something like Ether Renewal or Bonetti's in your build. Also,since you are the focus of aggro, try whirlwind and aftershock. They recharge rather fast and they work well together.Another point would be to use an axe in the situation. No need to have the max dmg axe to wield,since you still are mostly ele based in the build,but it will gain adrenaline faster if you try to employ cyclone axe. Just my thoughts.

Thanks for the insights.

Ya Whirlwind/Aftershock go great together

I use it a lot even after I unlocked Earthquake; however, since Hydra cannot be knocked down (at least as far as I've tried), the extra dmg from Aftershock can't be given. I use AS as a quick 100 dmg, along with crystal wave. Hydra seem to be squishy to Earth dmg so, AS is good even though you can't knock em down for the extra dmg.

I specifically switched to /W for the balanced stance. I use that along with Glyph of Concentration to protect me from interrupts while I cast Meteor Shower (or any other long casting spell). So I thought it would fit nicely in a hydra farming build.

I was told by a gulidie to give Bonneti's a whirl, but couldn't fit it in my build (I'm not that familiar with warrior skills, just leveling up my 13 w/me). It's a very attractive stance tho.

I think Bonneti's would work against griffons as they don't have KD for me to worry about; I could also bring whirlwind as well

. The only gripe with whirlwind is that the KD duration seems to be much shorter than Earthquake's, I could be mistaken though... you still cant beat the recharge, less energy cost and lack of exhaustion...

Anyhow thanks again for the insights. I'll definitely look into capping Ether Renewal for energy, and Elemental Att. As an ele I shouldn't have to worry about energy, but ironically I find myself at times in a drought lol.

Interesting thoughts on wielding an axe. If I can find a good Furious Axe of Enchanting, I'll check it out…

Darkpower Alchemist · Jan 07, 2006, 12:32 PM // 12:32

Glad to help.If you need any more help,hit me up ingame. I'm on alot.And you are correct in the fact that the hydras dont get knocked down,but I trk to interupt a few meteors when possible.

menelik_seth · Jan 08, 2006, 08:40 PM // 20:40

Kewl b33nz haha. My guildies, bless them, just helped me ascend my w/me lol. So I wont be online for a few days to get some actual work done. But once I've paid my dues I'll be back at it again

I'll keep you posted, and will look ya up Darkpower