The underestimated Mantra of Frost

I never see anything said about any of the Mantra stances for the Mesmer. I look under the skill listing on the site and don't see any build listings for them either. But I found an awesome use for Mantra of Frost. My build is a R/Me. I then equip my ranger with Fur-lined armor. I cast the Winter spirit, so now all elemental damage is cold damage, then I cast Mantra of Frost. So not only do I have about 115 armor against cold damage, but it is also reduced by about 47% due to Mantra of Frost. So now I don't have to worry about any elemental damage. I laugh at Elementalists trying to damage me. I see their big powerful spells doing single digit damage. It's pretty cool. I then try and max out my marksmenship so that I can do damage myself. But, this is such a great way to protect yourself from elemental damage with only a 2 spell combo. And they last a long time too. Both spells last over a minute long, so you don't have to worry much about recasting them. You all should try it, it's a great combo!

Totally false. Greater Conflag, Winter, and Mantra of Frost is one of the most common "OMFG PWN!" ideas posted on the board. It's not underestimated at all. If anything, it's overestimated. Consider that HALF of the classes in GW use Armor-ignoring skills (smite monks, necros, and mesmers).

While you might be almost untouchable with 115 armor and 47% damage reduction, the winter spirit is not, and will get taken down by 1 or 2 well-placed spells. Then you're stuck with 2 skills on your skillbar that are practically useless, and no form of defense. Think about that before you blow 2 skill slots on that winter/mantra of frost combo.

Now having many instances of the same spirit backed up by fertile season is a different matter, but that requires a specialized build that is beyond the scope of this topic.

I would love to have someone take the time to go kill my spirit, because it is usually never located near me.

I never really thought it was overused either, seeing as how I rarely see it in PvP. I've seen Greater Conflagaration a lot, but winter not so much.

And only two skill slots to give you immunity to 4 damage types, that's pretty damn good I'd say. That still leaves plenty of room for additional defense and some more offense.

Didn't say it was the best, but it's still pretty sweet. That's what I love about this game, everything has a counter, WOOT!

I'm pretty sure greater conflag + winter = all cold dmg doesn't actually work. (along with the numerous other broken skills) And quite frankly, it does't matter that much if your ranger is practially immune to elemental damage because nobody in their right mind wastes dmg spells on a ranger anyway.

Quote:

greater conflag + elemental resist is better i reckon:
-no pts in inspiration and you still get 30secs of protection
-70+30+40=140 armor vs. all physical/elemental damage
-can still use druid armor for better energy
-cheaper to use by about 5 energy

now you can spec pts into cheap ranger interrupts to pwn those casters who would use holy/shadow to circumvent your damage resistance.

a 12 in wilderness gives you trolls to offset degens.

a pin down keeps smiters away from you or you could even take natures renewal and quickening zephyr - coz it doesnt hurt your defense.

infact:

6 expertise +mask +minor
12 marksmanship +sup
11 wilderness +minor

greater conflag {E}
elemental resistance
apply poison/kindle arrows
distracting shot
trolls unguent
natures renewal
quickening zephyr
res sig

not too bad, your damage output is ok, youre doing some energy denial with the QZ up, and a fast recharge distracting shot is a nice shutdown, plus you can really tank well.

ps. while i acknowledge ive not tested it myself, ive had quite a few people mention that GC+W does not equal ALL cold damage, ie. doesnt stack.