I have never been a fan of CoF. 1 Confusion per Clone is an incredibly weak effect, so weak in fact that we can add CoF’s effect to Mind Wrack and Diversion with a mere 5 points into a tree. I don’t even generally consider CoF worth using over the other Shatters without the trait to DOUBLE it’s effect – and it’s still a close bet. Confusion, and such a weak stack, rarely comes close to what you can do with Mind Wrack, Diversion, or Distortion.
Adding Torment to CoF both fits thematically and makes sense to make the skill more viable. The idea that the target can neither move or attack for the duration without taking additional damage epitomizes this skill. At least even if they stand still and don’t attack you get the weaker Torment ticks.
However, though I think this is a needed change I also think Illusionary Retribution would then be too powerful. It’s not difficult to do a quick full Mind Wrack + CoF with IP for 12 Confusion, never mind the 4 Torment and MW damage. Therefore since this is now our intro trait I also suggest the following:
Change Illusionary Retribution to:
“Mind Wrack now inflicts Confusion and Cry of Frustration grants Retaliation”. (Remove Confusing Cry)
This is the perfect trait for starting the Illusion line, which focuses on Shattering. It takes Mind Wrack, a power based Shatter, and makes it more useful to Condition Builds and it takes COF, a Condition based Shatter, and makes it more useful for Power builds. In essence it says, “Hey, you’re specializing in Shattering, lets make your two main Shatters work with power or condition builds”.
Now you have a trait open where you removed Confusing Cry. Add in something the tree could use, like:
“Hexcraft: Diversion inflicts Weakness”
The end result is that CoF is now a more viable Shatter on it’s own and has something to make up for Confusion’s unreliability. And the Illusion tree now actively works to make Shattering more viable, whatever your build, by providing upgrades for all of your shatters.