28 May 2009 at 00:43 - 89
Well, it's not an Assassin elite, but it's unused. I was toying around with some random elites and gave this a try:
12+1+1 Dagger
10 Wind Prayers
8+1 Critical Strikes
[Onslaught][Leaping Mantis Sting][Jungle Strike][Trampling Ox][Falling Lotus Strike][Twisting Fangs][Natural Healing] -- [Resurrection Signet] or [Dash]
Yeah, Onslaught, I know. But it solves a few problems:
1. Lack of an appropriate IAS in general. Onslaught is stronger than [[Way of the Assassin] as far an IAS is concerned and doesn't take a stance slot which can be used for a number of other purposes (Dash in AB or RA if you neglect a self-heal gives a spammable IMS for capping/kiting).
2. Lack of a secondary that provides an IAS and a self heal. Monk secondary is decent for a self heal through [[Restful Breeze] and Warrior is typically used for [[Flurry] or [[Tiger Stance]. Either way, you limit yourself to one or the other.
3. A combination of IAS and IMS. Warriors in GvG saw [[Primal Rage] for a brief stint while it was effective and worth taking the double damage risk. Still, they have [[Frenzy] for IAS and [[Rush] for IMS (not worrying about cancel) within one profession, and can diversify with a secondary profession or a second attribute line. Onslaught, though strippable, provides the same benefit as [[Primal Rage]. Excellent ability to chase, kite, and spike, bundled up into one. Yeah, it's high recharge and it's not 100% maintainable, but consider a skill like [[Wastrel's Collapse] which is the same recharge. It's different, but it's quality.
Problems:
First off, [[Natural Healing]. I entertained [[Dwayna's Touch], but it's too little heal with only one guaranteed enchantment. [[Natural Healing] does a decent enough job of healing, and the energy cost is annoying, but with 4 regen pips and all cheap skills on the bar, it's fairly decent. If you're using it while attempting to stay in battle, that's when it gets bad. Suggestions for a different/better self heal would be great.
Secondly, stripping of [[Onslaught]. While it doesn't render you ineffective, it does diminish the effectiveness of the build. Still, a poorly used Wastrel's or [[Aura of Displacement] takes away effectiveness of the build and has a similar recharge. The spike, however, still goes through without the elite, just not as effectively. As a bonus, you can spam Natural Healing while waiting for recharge of Onslaught and therefore staying close to your target while it recharges.
Any thoughts/comments are appreciated. More than anything, this was a surprisingly effective mess-around with an elite I've never used.
