E/A - does it work?

AndrewAtHome

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2006

Leeds, UK

Trinity Of The Ascended [ToA]

R/

Just created an E/A in cantha, trying to get a build similar to that new PvP preset build which involves shadow stepping then casting close range fire magic e.g. inferno. My question is, can this type of build be sucessful in PvE or is it a waste of time?

Maria The Princess

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

i dont realy think so...... cuz in PVE after u sadow step you will still get killed by rangers or even before u cast anything

Francis Crawford

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

In high-end PvE generally you need to either rely on Kinetic Armor/Armor of Earth (but that generally works only when you're soloing), or else really avoid aggro.

A caster who takes the aggro from a mob's first wave of firepower is a rapidly dead caster.

NevynZeddicus

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Feb 2006

Iowa

E/

I have used a similar setup to the E/A premade in PvE. The only changes I made are dropping Aura of Displacement (don't have it yet) and putting in Meteor Shower. Drop the shower on the biggest group of red dots and step in before the AoE Scatter kicks in and unload Star Burst, Inferno and Flame burst, then get out and let the henchies do the rest. Only problem is the getting out before dying, which AoD will help once i get around to it. I have also used the same build in Alliance battles to some success, but nothing to brag about since anybody currently targeting you can see what you're doing, whereas monsters in PvE don't have that luxury.

Bloodied Blade

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jan 2006

R/

The build is nice in PvE because you get the element of surprise... in PvP, everyone takes one look at your profession choices, thinks "Pre-made", and knows exactly what you're going to do.

AndrewAtHome

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2006

Leeds, UK

Trinity Of The Ascended [ToA]

R/

True.. I'm more of a PvE player anyway, and so far it's been working out quite well, although I haven't got many skills yet as I haven't left Shing Jea island. Deaths Charge and Inferno at the moment, with Shadow Refuge which is a great 'sin healing skill! I want to get Phonenix and Flame Burst, and would also like to know what other good shadow step skills there are.

EndersNight

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2005

N/Mo

Have you tried ride the lighting (very hard to cap) with adjacent skills? Its unusual since (as far as I know) the only skill that will "teleport" you to a target in the Ele list of skills.

Robin_Anadri

Robin_Anadri

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2005

Atlanta, GA

Girl Power [GP]

Me/Mo

After some experimentation I've found a build I'm having fun with.

I'm at work so these are guestimations.

Earth 12 + 1 + 3
Energy Stor. 9 + 1 (i think, energy's at about 72)
Shadow Arts 9
Deadly Arts (leftover points, if using Viper's Defense)

Armor of Earth
Earthquake/Dragon Stomp (pick your favorite, same difference)
Aftershock
Crystal Wave
Tenai's Crystals
Death's Charge
Shadow Refuge/Viper's Defense
Res Sig

I let the tankers engage then pick a nice target near the middle of a choice clump of red dots, cast Armor of Earth then Death's Charge. Cast Earthquake/Dragon Stomp immediately followed by Aftershock, then Crystal Wave and Tenei's Crystals. This may not kill the mob, but it certainly softens them up quite a bit. Shadow Refuge for healing if I took any damage, I rarely take enough to need it with the bonus from Armor of Earth. Since that's the case, you may want to substitute Viper's Defense as an escape option, if you're hit you teleport to a random nearby location and the attack is poisoned.

I tried and tried to make a fire magic version that would work, because I really wanted to use Double Dragon, but the armor just isn't there. You need the armor bonus in particular vs. Afflicted because of that accursed "Soul Explosion" crap they do when they die.

Maria The Princess

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

or maby..... how about this?

do a "trap" of bed of coals or anything similar that lasts relativly long time, tele back, let the ranger pull aggro in there

9th Requiem

9th Requiem

Academy Page

Join Date: Sep 2005

Guardians of the Stars

Mo/R

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin_Anadri
After some experimentation I've found a build I'm having fun with.

I'm at work so these are guestimations.

Earth 12 + 1 + 3
Energy Stor. 9 + 1 (i think, energy's at about 72)
Shadow Arts 9
Deadly Arts (leftover points, if using Viper's Defense)

Armor of Earth
Earthquake/Dragon Stomp (pick your favorite, same difference)
Aftershock
Crystal Wave
Tenai's Crystals
Death's Charge
Shadow Refuge/Viper's Defense
Res Sig

I let the tankers engage then pick a nice target near the middle of a choice clump of red dots, cast Armor of Earth then Death's Charge. Cast Earthquake/Dragon Stomp immediately followed by Aftershock, then Crystal Wave and Tenei's Crystals. This may not kill the mob, but it certainly softens them up quite a bit. Shadow Refuge for healing if I took any damage, I rarely take enough to need it with the bonus from Armor of Earth. Since that's the case, you may want to substitute Viper's Defense as an escape option, if you're hit you teleport to a random nearby location and the attack is poisoned.

I tried and tried to make a fire magic version that would work, because I really wanted to use Double Dragon, but the armor just isn't there. You need the armor bonus in particular vs. Afflicted because of that accursed "Soul Explosion" crap they do when they die. I run a similar build, but I replace Earthquake with Kinetic/Silver Armour, I have Aura of Displacement instead of Death's Charge (the health gain is silly - when you shadow step to a foe, you're moving in for an attack, and if you're doing that, chances are that you have full health anyway, and AoD lets you tele out after your combo). Finally, I use Earth Att instead of refuge/defence.

As I don't use EQ (and it's long cast time) behind battlelines, and have extra armour instead, so health loss isn't a problem at all. I deal out less damage - in particular lose the extra bonus on AS, true, but I can recharge quicker. I can teleport out to safety afterwards. I'm thinking about putting points in Fire (AoD is a non-attribute skill), and replacing Kinetic/Silver with Inferno, for a little extra damage.

Yes, an E/A can work in PvE, and quite nicely. Just remember to let your healer know what to expect before you do it. Depending on build, you probably won't take much damage, but still ...

As for E/A Fire in PvE, no. You just don't have the armour.

beanerman_99

beanerman_99

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2005

In the clouds

[Sage]

E/

I tried the Ele/assasin last night in the Fort Aspenwood PVP battles. I am set up for fire in my armor and weapons so I decided to give it a try.

My goal, of course, is to get in and get out quick quick! So I looked for close range spells with the shortest casting time. I don't want to rush/tele in and get whammed on while im trying to cast a long cast-time spell. So this is what I got to try.

I used Death's charge to get to my target and then I lay out the following spells:
Frozen Burst-with no points in ice, this spell isn't for damage but to keep enemy from running cause they probably have a good idea whats coming if I run in like that. This holds them in place for my fire spells.
Inferno- fast-casting major fire dmg
Flame Burst-fast-casting major fire damage
StarBurst or Double Dragon- with starburst you have to have an enemy selected before you can cast it, Double Dragon you don't. These skills are very similar so instead of worrying about having enemy selected I take double dragon and it has worked wonderfully.

ALL these skills have a 3/4 cast time, thats why I chose them. Anything longer will be interrupted for sure.

To fill out my bar I take Aura of restoration for heals while casting and Fire attunement for engery regains. That leaves my with one free spot. Now you can take what ever you want but for fun and to harrass the hell out people I take Tehnais (sp?) Heat. I hate to see people standing safely in the background spamming their skills with no worries. So T's Heat gets them moving and lets them know they are not entirely safe

So far this build has worked BEAUTIFULY! Even though people know about this build they still don't expect it or see it coming. I cannot count the numbers of dead Ritualists, Necros, Monks, and even Ele's that I have taken down with this. With Warriors high armor they take less damage so try to use it on the weaker ones. Although I have sent some warriors running when they see how much damage they are taking from me and they don't have their precious monk to save them.

I don't know if this works in planned battles like GvG but for random's it works.

Give it a go and see if you can tweak it into something better. Any input appreciated.

Termil

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Aug 2005

Protectors Of Peace (PoP)

N/

lol....nice job. Bet they think twice about that "easy squishy caster" when they see you a second time.

beanerman_99

beanerman_99

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2005

In the clouds

[Sage]

E/

LOL whats funny is some of the people on my team were like "WOW Circling, You are really good!" I was running around like a mad man taking out the squishy enemys with my Fire bombs. What they don't know is I SUCK at PvP This past week is the first time I have actually started to dabble in it and experiment some. I'm loving it so far and plan on seeing what else I can come up with.

Robin_Anadri

Robin_Anadri

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2005

Atlanta, GA

Girl Power [GP]

Me/Mo

Heh, I haven't capped AoD on my ele yet, or I would definately use it in place of Death's Charge in that build.

Circling, what about armor? Seems like you'd hit the same problem I was hitting, ie, getting pwnt before I had my combo set off due to squishy caster armor.

Katari

Katari

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2005

Upstate

Me/

Any "element of suprise" is lost after you fire off the first PBAoE. Those skills have very long aftercasts.

beanerman_99

beanerman_99

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2005

In the clouds

[Sage]

E/

You'd be suprised how often I kill the same enemy doing this. Ya, the suprise is gone but most of the time they are so focused on fighting they don't see me run in. Starburst has a soft recharge, but ya, Frozen burst can take a bit, but so far I don't find myself just standing around.

Armor- yes. This build total sucks at armor if you run up and try to take out warriors with this. I tend to wait until their health goes down to a point I think my spells can finish the job. However, against other squishys like me, it will make quick work of them.

Sad truth about this is that this build will probably only work in places like Fort Aspenwood, Jade Quarry, and any other random matched battles. For "real" PvP like GvG or Teams and such where you plan out your builds to coincide with the whole team...well this build I have been using would be guaranteed death. In places like the Fort, I have observed that since you are rezzed so quickly after death, well....death isn't really that much of a problem. You are back up and into the fray so quickly that trying to use a rez sig is pointless. I told my guild last night (while we were discussing my build) that I was thinking I was almost a suicide bomber. If I was going to die I was going to do Major damage to them before they got me.

If taking this build into planned out matches you will need to address the armor issue, some post up above us talks about using Armor of Earth of something. But then you would need attribute points into Earth, Fire and Storage unless you use the Earth PBAoE (which I may try soon if I find a good earth staff).

As my Fire build is set up now I have Fire maxed, I think 13 in Storage and the rest into Shadow Skills. You have to bump up the Shadow Attribute to increase the time the Death's charge works or you will tele away from the enemy in the middle of you combo.

Disclaimer I don't pretend to be a pro at PvP so take my builds with a grain of salt. What I have been saying is purely based on my own observations and playing. If you come across a better plan just let me know! As I said, I am just beginning to dabble in PvP so any constructive advice is always welcome!

AndrewAtHome

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2006

Leeds, UK

Trinity Of The Ascended [ToA]

R/

Thanks for your input beanerman_99, that sounds like a cool strategy. One thing I should note is that you say Deaths Charge tele's back, but it doesn't.

I need to go cap AoD before I'll have an effective build. Also, where in Cantha can I get Flame Burst? To be honest I only just got to Kaineng and I'm lvl 17 so there's a long way to go before I have a build I'm really happy with.

As for the armor issue, there are 2 things I currently do. One is to use Battlemage armor (+10 vs physical) which helps slightly. Also, I use Shroud of Distress which helps me evade when health is under 50%.

beanerman_99

beanerman_99

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2005

In the clouds

[Sage]

E/

You are totally right, I mixed up 2 assasin skills there. What I meant was that I used Shadow of Haste-"Stance. For 5...17 seconds you move 25% faster than normal. When Shadow of Haste ends, you return to the location where you activated Shadow of Haste"-from guildwiki. Sorry about the confusion there

You should be able to just buy Flame Burst at a Skill trainer.

Trylo

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jan 2006

[Here] | CKOD

E/R

Id rather do something like this build:

16 Earth magic
10 ES
rest in shadow, should be 10 or so

Deaths Charge
Recall (return?)
Earth Atunement
Tenai's Crystals
Crystal Wave
Shockwave {E}
Shadow Refuge (Obby Flame)
Rez Sig

Its a good killer, the aftercast of the spells is kinda long but it doesnt take long to get in and out...

Mr_eX

Mr_eX

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Dec 2005

Ice Tooth Cave

Opt and Niho Private Chat [lulz]

N/Me

I'm trying out E/A as well--I just started the character today, so I haven't gotten very far buildwise.

I see great potential in E/A for finishing off large groups with a PBAoE spike--since Eles are casters and aren't meant to take damage, you do NOT want your target(s) to survive your first couple of spells.

1. Shadow step to target
2. Cast any combination of Inferno, Incendiary Bonds, Phoenix, Flame Burst, etc. that floats your boat
3a. Celebrate the instantaneous death of your target
3b. If your target somehow survived your attack or somebody else is moving in to kill you, use another shadow step to get to safety

It's a fairly simple strategy that delivers a lot of damage in a short period of time. I would recommend Battlemage's Armor for this strategy since it will probably bring you in-range of enemy Warriors.

Beat_Go_Stick

Beat_Go_Stick

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Feb 2006

Quote:
Originally Posted by beanerman_99
I tried the Ele/assasin last night in the Fort Aspenwood PVP battles. I am set up for fire in my armor and weapons so I decided to give it a try.

My goal, of course, is to get in and get out quick quick! So I looked for close range spells with the shortest casting time. I don't want to rush/tele in and get whammed on while im trying to cast a long cast-time spell. So this is what I got to try.

I used Death's charge to get to my target and then I lay out the following spells:
Frozen Burst-with no points in ice, this spell isn't for damage but to keep enemy from running cause they probably have a good idea whats coming if I run in like that. This holds them in place for my fire spells.
Inferno- fast-casting major fire dmg
Flame Burst-fast-casting major fire damage
StarBurst or Double Dragon- with starburst you have to have an enemy selected before you can cast it, Double Dragon you don't. These skills are very similar so instead of worrying about having enemy selected I take double dragon and it has worked wonderfully.

ALL these skills have a 3/4 cast time, thats why I chose them. Anything longer will be interrupted for sure.

To fill out my bar I take Aura of restoration for heals while casting and Fire attunement for engery regains. That leaves my with one free spot. Now you can take what ever you want but for fun and to harrass the hell out people I take Tehnais (sp?) Heat. I hate to see people standing safely in the background spamming their skills with no worries. So T's Heat gets them moving and lets them know they are not entirely safe

So far this build has worked BEAUTIFULY! Even though people know about this build they still don't expect it or see it coming. I cannot count the numbers of dead Ritualists, Necros, Monks, and even Ele's that I have taken down with this. With Warriors high armor they take less damage so try to use it on the weaker ones. Although I have sent some warriors running when they see how much damage they are taking from me and they don't have their precious monk to save them.

I don't know if this works in planned battles like GvG but for random's it works.

Give it a go and see if you can tweak it into something better. Any input appreciated. Looks like fun.
Bring a Res Sig.
How about this?

Elementalist/Assassin

Energy Storage: 11 (10+1)
Fire Magic: 15 (11+4)
Shadow Arts: 10

- Shadowy Burden (Shadow Arts)
For 8 seconds, target foe moves 25% slower and while target foe has no other Hexes, that foe has 20 less armor against your attacks.
Energy:10 Cast:2 Recharge:15

- Caltrops (Shadow Arts)
Target foe and all foes adjacent to your target are Crippled for 12 seconds. Caltrops has half the normal range.
Energy:10 Cast:0.25 Recharge:20

- Inferno (Fire Magic)
All adjacent foes are struck for 135 fire damage.
Energy:10 Cast:0.75 Recharge:20

- Flame Burst (Fire Magic)
All nearby foes are struck for 120 fire damage.
Energy:15 Cast:0.75 Recharge:5

- Double Dragon [Elite] (Fire Magic)
For two seconds, foes adjacent to this location are struck for 112 fire damage each second. This spell causes Exhaustion.
Energy:15 Cast:0.75 Recharge:30

- Fire Attunement (Fire Magic)
For 60 seconds, you are attuned to Fire. You gain 30% of the Energy cost of the Spell each time you use Fire Magic.
Energy:10 Cast:2 Recharge:45

- Aura of Restoration (Energy Storage)
For 60 seconds, you are healed for 334% of the Energy cost each time you cast a Spell.
Energy:10 Cast:0.25 Recharge:5

- Resurrection Signet ()
Resurrect target party member. That party member is returned to life with 100% Health and 25% Energy. You may use this Signet only once per mission.
Energy:0 Cast:3 Recharge:0

Jayden_Angelus

Jayden_Angelus

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2006

Lunatics Running The Asylum [CRZY]

W/A

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beat_Go_Stick
Looks like fun.
Bring a Res Sig.
How about this?

Elementalist/Assassin

Energy Storage: 11 (10+1)
Fire Magic: 15 (11+4)
Shadow Arts: 10

- Shadowy Burden (Shadow Arts)
For 8 seconds, target foe moves 25% slower and while target foe has no other Hexes, that foe has 20 less armor against your attacks.
Energy:10 Cast:2 Recharge:15

- Caltrops (Shadow Arts)
Target foe and all foes adjacent to your target are Crippled for 12 seconds. Caltrops has half the normal range.
Energy:10 Cast:0.25 Recharge:20

- Inferno (Fire Magic)
All adjacent foes are struck for 135 fire damage.
Energy:10 Cast:0.75 Recharge:20

- Flame Burst (Fire Magic)
All nearby foes are struck for 120 fire damage.
Energy:15 Cast:0.75 Recharge:5

- Double Dragon [Elite] (Fire Magic)
For two seconds, foes adjacent to this location are struck for 112 fire damage each second. This spell causes Exhaustion.
Energy:15 Cast:0.75 Recharge:30

- Fire Attunement (Fire Magic)
For 60 seconds, you are attuned to Fire. You gain 30% of the Energy cost of the Spell each time you use Fire Magic.
Energy:10 Cast:2 Recharge:45

- Aura of Restoration (Energy Storage)
For 60 seconds, you are healed for 334% of the Energy cost each time you cast a Spell.
Energy:10 Cast:0.25 Recharge:5

- Resurrection Signet ()
Resurrect target party member. That party member is returned to life with 100% Health and 25% Energy. You may use this Signet only once per mission.
Energy:0 Cast:3 Recharge:0 Looks good, though it seems like you either have to run around to a single target or try to squeeze your way into a large group after it's been aggroed. Something that teleports you right into the center of the group after they've been aggroed would definitely give them a surprise.

Also is that build for PVE or PVP?

I'm really trying to find a good one for PVE that hopefully uses Fire.


~Jayden

Count Bloodfang

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: May 2006

Here's my build

Teinai's Wind
Aftershock
Ward Against Melee
Death's Charge
Return
Recall

I don't have any elites for this character (rather new) so this is what I'm using. I also tried using Bed of Coals and it seems to work great so far. The casting time of Teinai is fairly quick that they don't stop attacking fast enough.

So here's the breakdown with Bed of Coals in the mix.

Cast Recall, let energy regen. Let tank pull aggro then Death's Charge, Bed of Coals, Teinai's Wind, Aftershock and cancel Recall if need be. This should be around 3 seconds casting time for all spells. If you're not doing too bad, no need to recall out and then just cast Ward Against Melee.

I am in the neighborhood of 170 damage with -7 life regen for 5 seconds at level 16 and still missing my attribute quests. I'm not sure the actual damage done though due to ele resists.

OK, so break it out down and tell me how bad it is ^_^

AndrewAtHome

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2006

Leeds, UK

Trinity Of The Ascended [ToA]

R/

I would just like to mention that Aura of Displacement owns all shadow steps, and it's pretty easy to cap, so I use it now instead of Deaths charge.

Current set is:
Conjure Flame [this and fireball are for when I don't feel like teleporting]
Fireball
Shadow Refuge [for healing]
Shroud of Distress [high attack evasion]
Heart Of Shadow [for quick escaping]
Inferno
Flame Burst
Aura Of Displacement

Comments please!