Curse

ak347 · Aug 22, 2006, 02:40 PM // 14:40

Not sure if its been posted before, but this build is alot of fun. It revolves around the idea of continuous energy degeneration, and in its own way can be more effective than a mesmer e-drainer.

Skills
Read the wind
arcane echo
echo
debilitating shot
guilt/shame (the one that interrupts foes that are casting against enemies - the 5 energy one)
Blackout
Whirling defense
Resurrection Signet

Attributes
13 expertise (11+1+1) => this is crucial to reach the breakpoint
Split rest with marksmanship and domination (try and get the 5s breakpoint for blackout). I use a major rune of marksmanship too.

Gear
Zealous Recurve Bow of Defense (or fortitude if thats what tickles your fancy)
Full Druids Armor (you really need this)

Tactic
Set up RtW, then cast arcane echo, echo, then debilitating shot (DS). This is your first DS. Next cast the arcane echo'd copy of echo, then the second DS. Finally, cast the third copy of DS on your skillbar. By this time, your first copy of DS should be recharged, so fire it off, etc....

Even if you miss a casting of echo, the recharge of DS is low enough that pressure can be maintained.

Recharge your energy by firing normal shots off from your bow and leeching from zealous, or cast guilt/shame (the one that interrupts an enemy targeting foes) on an enemy necro/ele/mesmer and watch your energy jump.

This build is effective against every build except most warriors (hence whirling defense). Blackout can be a big lifesaver against warriors (prevents them using eviscerate), and is a great offensive; it also costs very little (2 energy) when your expertise is at 13. Use your skill downtime to shoot off a few zealous arrows to recharge your energy.

Benefits over mesmer energy drainer:
You could technically say that each debilitating shot is a low level energy burn (approx 30 dmg), but you can fire these babies off nearly constantly when combined with zealous + expertise (debilitating shot costs only 4 energy) + natural energy regeneration. Don't be scared to use arcane echo, even though it looks horrendous on your energy.
Another bonus is that unlike mesmers, you are not a squishy target nor a person that is likely to be targeted first.
Third, you can "spread the love" to multiple targets. Take note of what people are casting - enemies like necros are excellent primary targets because they start off with a plethora of high energy cost spells, leaving their energy at a vulnerable position. 2-3 debilitating shots will have the necros running for the hills when they realize they have nothing left. Monks and elementalists are good secondary targets after the initial DS wave. Monks because they don't start casting till they see teammates dying, and eles because they have such a large energy pool that it takes some time to deplete. Take close note here - even if your arrow misses due to guardian or aegis, the DS will STILL take off -10 energy from your target (you see no damage numbers, but the purple -10 still appears). This absolutely ruins boon prots and bonders, leaving them to resort to signet of devotion and blessed signet.