I’ve seen many MM builds for Heroes, since, of course, MMs are awesome. However, most of these builds were designed by people who’ve never played a Necromancer (i.e. anyone who thinks that Flesh Golem is useful). Therefore, most of those builds are inherently flawed and/or very weak. All you need to make an MM is Blood of the Master and a Animation Spell. Two skills. That’s it. People overthink it. It’s what you do with the other 6 skills is important.
I, a long time Necromancer (and a Protector of Tyria/Cantha/Elona), however, have worked around with my trusty Olias and have devised the perfect MM build which utilizes all aspects of the AI.
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Necromancer/Mesmer
16 Death Magic (12 + 1 + 3)
11 Soul Reaping (10 + 1)
8 Inspiration Magic
Skills
[skill]Animate Bone Horror[/skill] [skill]Animate Bone Fiend[/skill] [skill]Blood of the Master[/skill] [skill]Icy Veins[/skill] [skill]Signet of Lost Souls[/skill] [skill]Leech Signet[/skill] [skill]Power Drain[/skill] [skill]Resurrection Signet[/skill]
AI Notes:
Animate Bone Horror: Hero will cast either Animation spell when a corpse is available, and will always cast when a corpse is available (to keep the active minions healthy). Hero will always cast Animate Bone Horror if he does not have the Energy needed for Animate Bone Fiend. It appears to be random which animation spell he casts, if both are able to be cast.
Animate Bone Fiend: See above.
Blood of the Master: Hero will cast Blood of the Master when needed, in combat or out of combat, but not while the party is moving.
Icy Veins (e): Hero will rarely cast Icy Veins on the same target, but will spread it around. (the intended use)
Signet of Lost Souls: Hero will search for a target less than 50% HP to use Signet of Lost Souls, and he will only cast on a target less than 50% HP (AI is wonderful).
Leech Signet: Hero can interrupt very quick skills. (AI is very wonderful) However, it appears the Hero will only interrupt Spells with Leech Signet.
Power Drain: See above
Ressurection Signet: Hero will immediately res anyone as soon as they die. (of course, the Hero are usually beaten by another Hero, since the Hero is usually casting an Animation spell)
This MM Hero build exploits one of the AI’s strengths: multitasking. This build can constantly maintain minions and interrupt at amazing speeds. Since the build has 2 Animation spells, he will always be able to summon a minion.
This build also has no Energy problems whatsoever, thanks to the 2 Energy-giving interrupts and Signet of Lost Souls (why didn’t ArenaNet nerf that?!)
What’s probably the most controversial skill in the build is Icy Veins, the elite. Mainly, I chose Icy Veins because all other options sucked. Flesh Golem, as I said, is overrated. Virulence, Discord, and Toxic Chill are too situational. The AI can’t use Wail of Doom correctly. Therefore, thanks to its ridiculous buff, Icy Veins is the Elite of choice. It does insane damage, and I’m surprised more people aren’t using it…
So, this build is guaranteed to make your MM Hero a force to be reckoned with. If you have questions, post here, or contact me in-game (Syria Blackblood).
Ultimate MM Hero Build
Zinger314
Sergio Leone
I think OoB is the typical choice of Elite and then another Damage skill is used in place of one of your E-Management skills. Either way it works fine. Good alternative that I will try soon!
-.-
Is your Necromancer hero on Offensive or Defensive?
MAdnRisKy
what on earth was wrong with reapers mark?
personally I run aura of the lich, since it has always and will always be the best mm elite. Combine with dark bond and blood renewal.
signet of lost souls is a wonderful approach, but your other interupts should be more offensive with all that passive e management coming in. Cry of frustration is simply fantastic even if unspecced.
personally I run aura of the lich, since it has always and will always be the best mm elite. Combine with dark bond and blood renewal.
signet of lost souls is a wonderful approach, but your other interupts should be more offensive with all that passive e management coming in. Cry of frustration is simply fantastic even if unspecced.
Urfin
The buff is indeed ridiculous, haven't noticed that. 5s recharge is insane. Damn, and I've spent 2 hours just now testing what the hell I could do with all the crazy energy. Beats anything, come to think of it.
The only prob with the build will be spikes - they do that to poor Olias sometimes if he doesn't have Dark Bond or Taste. And interrupts can really be more offensive, not that he needs energy really
Thanks for the heads up, off to cap icy
The only prob with the build will be spikes - they do that to poor Olias sometimes if he doesn't have Dark Bond or Taste. And interrupts can really be more offensive, not that he needs energy really
Thanks for the heads up, off to cap icy
Dazzler
Here is the build I have been running:
15 Death (12 + 1 + 2) - I don't want to shell out for the sup rune.
8 or so Inspiration - I don't remember exactly
11 or so Soul Reaping (10 + 1)
2 or so Curses
[skill]Animate Shambling Horror[/skill][skill]Animate Bone Horror[/skill][skill]Jagged Bones[/skill][skill]Shadow of Fear[/skill][skill]Leech Signet[/skill][skill]Blood Ritual[/skill][skill]Inspired Hex[/skill][skill]Resurrection Signet[/skill]
Notes
Animate Shambling Horror & Animate Bone Horror - As noted by OP, Olias will randomly cast either of these.
Jagged Bones - Olias uses this whenever any minions get low on health. He won't use it while you are running so you need to stop now and then to let him cast. I tend to stop let him cast, then run while it recharges then stop again to let him cast again. He can maintain a full 9-minion army with this skill without any sac'ing.
Shadow of Fear - This was a throw-away slot. I find that Olias has plenty of energy and health and does not need [skill=text]Signet of Lost Souls[/skill]. I figured this is a another good way to help the monks by slowing down all the mobs attacking the group. Even with no points in Curses, it lasts quite a while.
Blood Ritual - Again taking advantage of the hero AI. The AI knows exactly what everyone's energy is and so Olias will use this on anyone that is low on energy. Great synergy with my ele and the monks.
Leech Signet - Kitten killer
Revealed Hex - None of my other heroes have hex removal so Olias took this instead of another interrupt. I have not noticed him using the hexes he steals but then I don't pay *that* much attention.
I certainly did not know about the Icy Veins buff. I might have to try it out.
My new build will be similar to the OP:
[skill]Animate Shambling Horror[/skill][skill]Animate Bone Horror[/skill][skill]Blood of the Master[/skill][skill]Icy Veins[/skill][skill]Blood Ritual[/skill][skill]Signet of Lost Souls[/skill][skill]Revealed Hex[/skill][skill]Resurrection Signet[/skill]
15 Death (12 + 1 + 2) - I don't want to shell out for the sup rune.
8 or so Inspiration - I don't remember exactly
11 or so Soul Reaping (10 + 1)
2 or so Curses
[skill]Animate Shambling Horror[/skill][skill]Animate Bone Horror[/skill][skill]Jagged Bones[/skill][skill]Shadow of Fear[/skill][skill]Leech Signet[/skill][skill]Blood Ritual[/skill][skill]Inspired Hex[/skill][skill]Resurrection Signet[/skill]
Notes
Animate Shambling Horror & Animate Bone Horror - As noted by OP, Olias will randomly cast either of these.
Jagged Bones - Olias uses this whenever any minions get low on health. He won't use it while you are running so you need to stop now and then to let him cast. I tend to stop let him cast, then run while it recharges then stop again to let him cast again. He can maintain a full 9-minion army with this skill without any sac'ing.
Shadow of Fear - This was a throw-away slot. I find that Olias has plenty of energy and health and does not need [skill=text]Signet of Lost Souls[/skill]. I figured this is a another good way to help the monks by slowing down all the mobs attacking the group. Even with no points in Curses, it lasts quite a while.
Blood Ritual - Again taking advantage of the hero AI. The AI knows exactly what everyone's energy is and so Olias will use this on anyone that is low on energy. Great synergy with my ele and the monks.
Leech Signet - Kitten killer
Revealed Hex - None of my other heroes have hex removal so Olias took this instead of another interrupt. I have not noticed him using the hexes he steals but then I don't pay *that* much attention.
I certainly did not know about the Icy Veins buff. I might have to try it out.
My new build will be similar to the OP:
[skill]Animate Shambling Horror[/skill][skill]Animate Bone Horror[/skill][skill]Blood of the Master[/skill][skill]Icy Veins[/skill][skill]Blood Ritual[/skill][skill]Signet of Lost Souls[/skill][skill]Revealed Hex[/skill][skill]Resurrection Signet[/skill]
Bkobe7
Is Death Nova of any use?
gilgameshx
It seems that the AI doesn't use Death Nova often.
BTW, is there a reason not to take Vamperic Horror instead of Bone Horror? Is it because Bone Horror has a lower casting cost and recharge time? Would it be better for Olias to have Vamperic Horrors to make up for the lost of health using BoTM?
And when running Jagged Bones, why not use Bone Minions since you can get two minions on one corpse and both are the same level as Jagged Horror I think.
BTW, is there a reason not to take Vamperic Horror instead of Bone Horror? Is it because Bone Horror has a lower casting cost and recharge time? Would it be better for Olias to have Vamperic Horrors to make up for the lost of health using BoTM?
And when running Jagged Bones, why not use Bone Minions since you can get two minions on one corpse and both are the same level as Jagged Horror I think.
Star Alfur
Your suggested build is very similar to what I've been using for Olias, however, I've found that Virulence {E} + Epidemic work nicely with him. I realize it's situational, but that's easily fixed by speccing yourself and/or another hero with a spammable condition. (Enfeeble and/or Searing Flames are my usual choices)
XvArchonvX
Umm, why does your build have 3 energy management skills in a MM? I understand the interupts are nice, but if you are going to put 3 energy gain skills on his bar, you should probably put something useful on the bar also since your hero will be constantly flooded with energy that could be put to good use.
Zinger314
Quote:
Originally Posted by gilgameshx
On that note, Shambling Horror has a 25 second recharge, which makes it even more worthless.
Quote: Originally Posted by Star Alfur Your suggested build is very similar to what I've been using for Olias, however, I've found that Virulence {E} + Epidemic work nicely with him. I realize it's situational, but that's easily fixed by speccing yourself and/or another hero with a spammable condition. (Enfeeble and/or Searing Flames are my usual choices) Virulance is mostly overkill, IMO. It gives 8 Degen. A Searing Flame Ele can do 7 degen. Therefore, due to the max degen cap of 10, Virulence is overkill.
Quote:
Yes. Golem is overrated; it's way too slow in both movement and attack, and barely does more DPS than a Fiend.|
Originally Posted by XvArchonvX
Umm, why does your build have 3 energy management skills in a MM? I understand the interupts are nice, but if you are going to put 3 energy gain skills on his bar, you should probably put something useful on the bar also since your hero will be constantly flooded with energy that could be put to good use.
It's kinda impossible to be flooded with Energy when the Hero spams 25 Energy spells.
My Green Storage
Have none of you capped Golem ?
And since when does a MM have a mesmer secondary? That's like an SS having a Monk secondary. Blood Ritual? Trying to fit an interrupter, MM, SS and BR into 1 .. Have no room for BiP ? Wait, you also forgot Shivers.. Botm, Shambling, Golem, Fiend, Vamp Horror, Vereta, Healing Circle, Rez
Zinger314
My Green Storage...you fail as a Necro.
Originally Posted by My Green Storage
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Quote: Originally Posted by My Green Storage Blood Ritual? Your preference. I prefer to not force my Heroes to take 2 second to cast it.
Quote: Originally Posted by My Green Storage
Trying to fit an interrupter, MM, SS and BR into 1 .. Have no room for BiP ?
What the heck are you talking about?! If you are refering to the multitasking, the AI can handle that. Read my OP.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zinger314
On that note, Shambling Horror has a 25 second recharge, which makes it even more worthless.
I find it works great. Olias uses the quick recharging Bone Horrors while Shambling Horror recharges. I prefer it over fiends because of the lower energy costs and also because I want all my minions serving as body-blockers to allow the backline to nuke the mobs.Quote:
Interrupts are *extremely* nice in the hands of the AI heros. I don't really use them for energy management (my Inspiration spec is not that high). They basically have enough points to pay for themselves. Every single one of my heroes has 2-3 mesmer interupts or hex/enchant removals. This is because the AI is so damn good at "seeing" all the potential targets and dropping an interrupt or removal in between doing its regular job. I love going into fights and hearing all the clickity click sounds as the first 4-5 spells the enemy tries to cast are interrupted. Makes fights *real* easy.|
Originally Posted by My Green Storage
Wait, you also forgot Shivers..
???
Umm, why does your build have 3 energy management skills in a MM? I understand the interupts are nice, but if you are going to put 3 energy gain skills on his bar, you should probably put something useful on the bar also since your hero will be constantly flooded with energy that could be put to good use.
Quote:
I find that Olias is always at his minion cap as is even during battles. Why switch to [skill=text]Animate Bone Minions[/skill] for no reason? Especially since they are a little weaker than the single minion I raise from [skill=text]Animate Bone Horror[/skill]. Also when Olias is at max minion count and he sees another corpse, he will most likely Animate Bone Minions again which will: kill two of my more powerful and bleeding inducing Jagged Horrors or my more powerful and Jagged Horror producing Shambling Horrors. In short, I will have lowered the average power of my minion army.
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Quote: Originally Posted by My Green Storage
Have none of you capped Golem ?
And since when does a MM have a mesmer secondary? That's like an SS having a Monk secondary.
Blood Ritual?
Trying to fit an interrupter, MM, SS and BR into 1 .. Have no room for BiP ?
Wait, you also forgot Shivers.. Oh man. Golem ftl. What a waste of an elite spot. My jagged horrors are infinitely renewable just like the golem. So you can have 1 golem while I have 9 jagged horrors. I'll keep my nine that cause bleeding thank you.
Blood Ritual is to help all the casters in my party. As stated, the AI is privy to the energy levels of everyone in the party and knows exactly when to cast. I have found it very useful. I'd love to take BiP but since this is just a tertiary duty of Olias I spent my elite on his primary duty. You seem to think that b/c the build would suck for a real person that it is not suited for a Hero. What you do not grasp is that Heroes have different strengths and weaknesses than humans. Give them simple jobs and they excel. Simple jobs only require a few skills. Suddenly you find yourself with a bunch of empty skill slots after you have setup their simple job. Well guess what else Heroes excel at? Multitasking. You can give them several simple jobs and he will excel at all of them. My Olias is a MM, an interrupter and hex remover, and a low-powered battery. He does an awesome job at all 3 tasks all at the same time.
And since when does a MM have a mesmer secondary? That's like an SS having a Monk secondary.
Blood Ritual?
Trying to fit an interrupter, MM, SS and BR into 1 .. Have no room for BiP ?
Wait, you also forgot Shivers.. Oh man. Golem ftl. What a waste of an elite spot. My jagged horrors are infinitely renewable just like the golem. So you can have 1 golem while I have 9 jagged horrors. I'll keep my nine that cause bleeding thank you.
Blood Ritual is to help all the casters in my party. As stated, the AI is privy to the energy levels of everyone in the party and knows exactly when to cast. I have found it very useful. I'd love to take BiP but since this is just a tertiary duty of Olias I spent my elite on his primary duty. You seem to think that b/c the build would suck for a real person that it is not suited for a Hero. What you do not grasp is that Heroes have different strengths and weaknesses than humans. Give them simple jobs and they excel. Simple jobs only require a few skills. Suddenly you find yourself with a bunch of empty skill slots after you have setup their simple job. Well guess what else Heroes excel at? Multitasking. You can give them several simple jobs and he will excel at all of them. My Olias is a MM, an interrupter and hex remover, and a low-powered battery. He does an awesome job at all 3 tasks all at the same time.
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Originally Posted by Zinger314
Your preference. I prefer to not force my Heroes to take 2 second to cast it.
I can see that in your build. But since my build is not reliant on Olias constantly casting something it works great. Quote:
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