Guild Wars 2

So I’ve been through every typical build suggested to me within the Power side of things, and I have to say they were all good but not well thought out. The typical Zerker/Strength Rune, full Glass Cannon with Spite, Soul Reaping and Reaper was ok but I found out quickly how weak that build actually was. It’s a great starter build, taught me a lot, but it just wasn’t optimal. Then there was the more tanky Power build that ran Valk/Wurm Runes, huge health pool with huge Crit Damage and average Power, but no Crit Rate. I found myself lasting longer, but my damage output just wasn’t enough to justify the additional defenses. Fights would go on for far too long or all I’d end up doing was delaying the inevitable. So I sat down, looked at all of my options within the Specializations and decided to actually craft my own build for once (rather than running with a meta build or drawing inspiration from someone else’s).

First thing I did was turn to Blood Magic. I absolutely love lifesteal, every game I’ve ever played I always made sure to build into that. Blood Magic itself is actually pretty powerful, if used properly. I tinkered with it for a bit, and it proved very useful and helped me change the tide of quite a few battles (as well as save a few extra lives) but after a bit I felt like it just didn’t suit what my goals were, and decided it’d be best on a Condi-build where I can heal off of Minions and Condi-damage from a safe distance.

Next I looked into Soul Reaping (a common Specialization for Power Reapers). From the start I wasn’t a big fan. Too much emphasis is placed on Shroud, and I found out that having a larger LF pool actually made it more difficult to fully regen my LF. The only good aspects about the Specialization (for me) was the reduced degeneration while in Shroud and Death Perception, but (again) neither of those Traits contributed towards my goals so I decided to file this Specialization as best for a Tanky build.

Spite was always a must for me, so that was a no-brainer and so was Reaper, Curses is clearly for a Condi Necro so all that left me with was Death Magic. I’d honestly heard a lot of people saying how terrible it is, how it’s only good for being Tanky and only if you were running MM, etc etc, so I never really cared much for it. Well, I’m happy to say that’s the last time I’ll ever listen to the masses lol

Death Magic INCREASED my base Power, gave me slightly more Toughness while rewarding my aggressive playstyle by giving me more Toughness while I’m in the fight, all of which ends up getting converted into MORE Power. I was able to finally find a build that fit my hyper-aggressive playstyle while covering the holes I hated seeing exposed. More Toughness while in Shroud, Condi Removal every 3s while in Shroud, increased LF regen from nearby deaths, 7% Toughness converted into Power (14% if you’re in Shroud), gain 3s of Protection when exiting Shroud (or when knocked out of Shroud), and gain a stack of 30 Toughness and -2% Incoming Condi Damage for each Condition you inflict, for a max of 10 stacks that last for 8s (that ALSO adds to the Toughness-to-Power conversion). How this isn’t a staple on Power builds (that require you to be in your opponent’s face) I’ll never understand, but needless to say my Power is HIGHER than it was on my traditional glass-cannon build, my Toughness is higher as well, my Health is higher than the glass-cannon’s, my Crit Rate is solid and my Crit Damage packs a punch. The only real weakness I tend to have is hard CC (Stun, Knockdown/back, Pull, etc), other than that I’m able to hit harder than before and take heavier hits. Heck, I was able to solo the Viscount with this build, something I COULDN’T do with any of my other builds. Here it is for those interested:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vRAQNAnYRnMbCdbilbC22A0bilfBL+IGFniSvgn2UDKpFA+AA-TxRBQBYR5nB3fYRKBtk6PU4UAoH9BA4JAEA4A43+23fDc+5nf+5n3v/+7v/+bA-e

Am I saying this is the best Power build? Nope, and you’ll never hear me make such an arrogant claim either. No such thing as ‘best’ or ‘perfect’ builds, considering the never ending combination of playstyles out there and personal tastes. But what I will say is my build is best for my playstyle, which is being hyper-aggressive and fast-paced, and works perfectly for my needs. I’ve even had a few people question why I never went down while drawing the Labrynthine Horror’s attention and taking straight shots to the face from him and his chainsaw over a dozen times. Needless to say, after I found this build I’ve never been happier as a Necro. For those of you reading this: don’t give up, if you love the class then work with it and make the best of it!

Yeah, I’ve been using that build pretty much since Hot dropped for open world content, but I use focus instead of OH dagger and swap out the heal for CC as needed.

Its certainly survivable, and is easily great when you are going into a new zone and don’t know what you are going to find, the mindless condi clear is addictive.

That said, soul reaping does do more damage (mostly through greater trait synergy despite the reduced power, but also reduced CDs), but as you said, is squishier.

Main issue it has is that the power boost from toughness, might gen, vuln application and your condi-clear want you to stay in shroud as much as possible, but lack of soul reaping really hurts that.

Sorry to say this but death magic is terrible since it has one of the most useless minor traits namely soul comprehension. And for the other traits only shrouded removel is decent the rest are medicore at best.

Since the horror nerf there is absolutly no reason to take deathmagic unless you want to run some minion master build.

Well if you like the current death magic take it if you want, but please dont claim it is good when in fact it isnt.

Klaeljanus.7695:

Yeah, I’ve been using that build pretty much since Hot dropped for open world content, but I use focus instead of OH dagger and swap out the heal for CC as needed.

Its certainly survivable, and is easily great when you are going into a new zone and don’t know what you are going to find, the mindless condi clear is addictive.

That said, soul reaping does do more damage (mostly through greater trait synergy despite the reduced power, but also reduced CDs), but as you said, is squishier.

Main issue it has is that the power boost from toughness, might gen, vuln application and your condi-clear want you to stay in shroud as much as possible, but lack of soul reaping really hurts that.

That’s why I run Dagger off-hand and Suffer!, Dagger removes up to 3 Conditions with a low CD of 18s, Suffer can remove up to 5 if I’m in a crowd or an additional 1 if it’s just one target. Also applies Chill which applies the Vulnerability for Decimate Defenses. Dagger 5 is pretty useful too with that Weakness and Boon removal. But Focus is a good choice too for the HoT/Vuln Stacks and triple Boon removal. I honestly find myself having no problems staying in Shroud for long periods of time, my Toughness at max is almost 2600 (it’s like 2556 or something like that to be relatively exact) so that’s actually less damage I’m taking in Shroud (plus more Power) which means less LF lost in the fight. Besides, I find no need to be in Shroud longer than you need to get your full combo rotation off, after that you’re better off using your skills to regen LF and keep your pool full (in my opinion).

Idk, it’s definitely just me cuz when I ran Soul Reaping I didn’t do this much damage before. I also hate bunkering in Shroud, I’d rather use it for burst and put it on CD, it has great Break Bar skills and I’d rather cleave through a mob with GS real quick than waste my LF. The Condi removal in Shroud is really just icing on the cake for me, if I seriously need to remove some Condis (like I said) I have Dagger/Suffer! to take care of that for me (hasn’t failed me yet).

You do know you get the Power boost from Corrupter’s Fervor stacks outside of Shroud right? Yeah, being in Shroud allows you to deal the most damage but outside of Shroud you’re still doing more damage than a typical zerker glass-cannon while maintaining good survivability. Glad to know someone else is thinking outside the box, would you say this is your favorite build or do you prefer a different one?

How is Spite/BM/Reaper D/F+GS with Scholar Runes and Berserker gear not optimal for solo open world play? Your build seems overly defense imo, with only two sources of chill (one being suffer, one being CttB), four if you have your GS out. Your build most likely generates a lot of vuln but does so “too slow” for most fights, since most trash doesn’t really survive for long. Reaper’s Touch and Death Spiral are great vuln-bursts, well of suffering does its part too while also having really high damage. Blighter’s Boon is, lightly put, kitten now. Rise is something that should NEVER be slotted by default, only if you really, really need it. You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor. With you’re looking at 98 and 221 respectively. At the same time you give up bonuses you could get from better runes and the bonus effects from Blood Magic. Not to mention you dropped Chilling Nova, Spiteful Talisman and Shiver of Death.
etc.

If you enjoy your build that’s great, but I don’t see it being more effective in anything but the “pls no die” department, which is something that shouldn’t be an issue for any class in open world pve really.

NovaanVerdiano.6174:

You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor.

Deathly strength doesnt work with corrupters fervor.

Its my favourite power build for open world, or if I’m going into new content and am unsure. Currently experimenting with a straight up shroud build of SR, DM and Reaper that uses chill for might gen and stays in shroud long, using reapers on-kill CD reduction.

Muchacho.2390:

NovaanVerdiano.6174:

You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor.

Deathly strength doesnt work with corrupters fervor.

Well that makes it even more useless then. Never bothered to try both traits in combination since there was no point for me.

NovaanVerdiano.6174:

How is Spite/BM/Reaper D/F+GS with Scholar Runes and Berserker gear not optimal for solo open world play? Your build seems overly defense imo, with only two sources of chill (one being suffer, one being CttB), four if you have your GS out. Your build most likely generates a lot of vuln but does so “too slow” for most fights, since most trash doesn’t really survive for long. Reaper’s Touch and Death Spiral are great vuln-bursts, well of suffering does its part too while also having really high damage. Blighter’s Boon is, lightly put, kitten now. Rise is something that should NEVER be slotted by default, only if you really, really need it. You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor. With you’re looking at 98 and 221 respectively. At the same time you give up bonuses you could get from better runes and the bonus effects from Blood Magic. Not to mention you dropped Chilling Nova, Spiteful Talisman and Shiver of Death.
etc.

If you enjoy your build that’s great, but I don’t see it being more effective in anything but the “pls no die” department, which is something that shouldn’t be an issue for any class in open world pve really.

I personally hate Dagger Main-hand, it just feels really weird to me. Here you have a melee weapon, with all of its skills range-based except the autos. Yeah, I tried it but couldn’t get used to it. Also not a fan of Focus, by far my least favorite Off-hand due to the slow cast times and the fact that Spinal Shivers is only good if your opponent has Boons. I have 4 sources of Chill without GS, 6 with GS (this is including Shroud). I’ve tried Scholar Runes but didn’t like the part about having to keep your health above 90%, like I said I’m hyper-aggressive so I’m normally facing down the enemy head-on rather than safely. Scrapper actually gives more overall Power than Scholar’s would in the long-run, I believe (I could be wrong and am open to being corrected) since it’s adding to both your Power AND Toughness (Deadly Strength converts more) and you gain that permanent mini-Protection buff (incoming damage reduced by 7%). This has done me far more good than Strength Runes ever did me.

Axe is there for range-coverage if I have a finicky enemy that won’t stay still for GS; provides decent LF regen, solid Vuln stacks and the Retaliation before swapping into GS or Shroud is always nice. Just hopping into Shroud and doing the full combo is enough to instantly cap Vuln stacks, since Shroud 5 is a huge Ice Field, Shroud 3 Fears (which causes Chill which causes Vuln Stacks) and using Shroud 4 in the Ice Field causes Icy Bolts which further adds to the Vuln stacks rapidly piling up. Rending Shroud also applies 3 stacks of Vuln every 3s. Blighter’s Boon is the only form of consistant LF/Health regen within the build, and since having max Vuln is easy and gives me a free 50% crit boost, Crits are easy which means the Might Boons from the Strength Sigils are almost constant. I will admit though that I wish it either healed/regen’d more or if Reaper’s Onslaught applied that attack speed buff to GS as well as Shroud I’d grab that in a heartbeat, but out of the 3 last options BB just works the best for me. Deathly Chill grants me full CF stacks on the last auto chain alone, but without Condi Damage outside of Might there’s just really no point in DoTs in my eyes. Rise provides more DpS with easy to spam Minions (if you’re surrounded that’s 5 Minions) and you also take 33% reduced incoming damage while the Minions are alive and fighting. I’ve never had a problem with them, and they draw aggro.

With DM I actually did the math the other night: Without Shroud you gain 21 additional Power from CF stacks alone, In Shroud you gain 42. With total Toughness: Without Shroud you gain 94.68 Power while in Shroud you gain 356.58 Power. Not to mention the additional defenses you gain that contribute to your survivability.

Yeah it is a bit on the defensive side, simply because of how aggressive I am I wanted to create a build that catered directly to that. What I love about this build over the classic glass-cannons is my defense is being used for offense, and I legit honestly never got my power above 2696 until I found this build, and even with 2696 Power I was worse than squishy (couldn’t take a single hit without dying, and we have very limited evasiveness as we all, sadly, know) and had to either completely sacrifice Crit Rate for Health or vice versa.

I never said other builds weren’t optimal in general, I meant they weren’t optimal for me and my playstyle. My apologies there, I didn’t clarify enough. Obviously a Condi Necro who knows what they’re doing is going to do far better than me trying that very same build, because I’m just that guy that wants to be bashing on the Boss’s skull giving em a headache lol XD

Muchacho.2390:

NovaanVerdiano.6174:

You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor.

Deathly strength doesnt work with corrupters fervor.

I don’t know where you got that info from, but from what I’ve witnessed my Power goes up as my Toughness goes up with the Stacks. I mean, it wouldn’t make sense NOT to, all Deadly Strength does is convert 7% (or 14%) of your current Toughness into Power, all CF does is increase your Toughness and gives you Condi Resistance. Logic screams the two go hand in hand, otherwise it would either have to be a bug or ANET needs to clarify some details in the Traits description.

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

NovaanVerdiano.6174:

You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor.

Deathly strength doesnt work with corrupters fervor.

I don’t know where you got that info from, but from what I’ve witnessed my Power goes up as my Toughness goes up with the Stacks. I mean, it wouldn’t make sense NOT to, all Deadly Strength does is convert 7% (or 14%) of your current Toughness into Power, all CF does is increase your Toughness and gives you Condi Resistance. Logic screams the two go hand in hand, otherwise it would either have to be a bug or ANET needs to clarify some details in the Traits description.

Traits never give extra % conversion from temporary sources. That is the way it has always been.

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

NovaanVerdiano.6174:

You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor.

Deathly strength doesnt work with corrupters fervor.

I don’t know where you got that info from, but from what I’ve witnessed my Power goes up as my Toughness goes up with the Stacks. I mean, it wouldn’t make sense NOT to, all Deadly Strength does is convert 7% (or 14%) of your current Toughness into Power, all CF does is increase your Toughness and gives you Condi Resistance. Logic screams the two go hand in hand, otherwise it would either have to be a bug or ANET needs to clarify some details in the Traits description.

I know it because i tested it when corrupter frevor was introduced to the game. But hey extra for you i tested it again and nope it still doesnt work.

Also it is consistent. The deathly strength trait (like all the other stat conversions) seems works only with normal toughness (white number) but not with temporary ones (the green number).

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

NovaanVerdiano.6174:

You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor.

Deathly strength doesnt work with corrupters fervor.

I don’t know where you got that info from, but from what I’ve witnessed my Power goes up as my Toughness goes up with the Stacks. I mean, it wouldn’t make sense NOT to, all Deadly Strength does is convert 7% (or 14%) of your current Toughness into Power, all CF does is increase your Toughness and gives you Condi Resistance. Logic screams the two go hand in hand, otherwise it would either have to be a bug or ANET needs to clarify some details in the Traits description.

I know it because i tested it when corrupter frevor was introduced to the game. But hey extra for you i tested it again and nope it still doesnt work.

Also it is consistent. The deathly strength (like all the other stat conversions) seems works only with normal toughness (white number) but not with temporary ones (the green number).

Hmm, I could just have a lot of things jumbled up in my head but why is it, then, that when we go into Shroud your Damage goes up to compensate for the additional Toughness boost we get if that’s a green number? I’m legit confused here.

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

NovaanVerdiano.6174:

You’re not getting much out of death magic, 77 power outside of shroud and 180~ while inside, though that is before Corrupter’s Fervor.

Deathly strength doesnt work with corrupters fervor.

I don’t know where you got that info from, but from what I’ve witnessed my Power goes up as my Toughness goes up with the Stacks. I mean, it wouldn’t make sense NOT to, all Deadly Strength does is convert 7% (or 14%) of your current Toughness into Power, all CF does is increase your Toughness and gives you Condi Resistance. Logic screams the two go hand in hand, otherwise it would either have to be a bug or ANET needs to clarify some details in the Traits description.

I know it because i tested it when corrupter frevor was introduced to the game. But hey extra for you i tested it again and nope it still doesnt work.

Also it is consistent. The deathly strength (like all the other stat conversions) seems works only with normal toughness (white number) but not with temporary ones (the green number).

Hmm, I could just have a lot of things jumbled up in my head but why is it, then, that when we go into Shroud your Damage goes up to compensate for the additional Toughness boost we get if that’s a green number? I’m legit confused here.

You mean the toughness from armored shroud? That is a white number hence it works with deadly strength.

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Lahmia.2193:

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Oh man trust me I LOVE Blood Magic, lifesteals are my thing for sure and they’re super fun. Being able to heal while attacking is the best thing ever in my book. I hear it gets a lot of flack too for ‘not being good’?

Okami.7049:

Lahmia.2193:

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Oh man trust me I LOVE Blood Magic, lifesteals are my thing for sure and they’re super fun. Being able to heal while attacking is the best thing ever in my book. I hear it gets a lot of flack too for ‘not being good’?

Well compared to the past bloodmagic is indeed good. The only critic bloodmagic should currently be getting is about the situation of the gm traits. Not that they are bad but because none of them is selfish but that was intentional from Anet so we shouldnt expect any change in that regard.

Okami.7049:

Lahmia.2193:

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Oh man trust me I LOVE Blood Magic, lifesteals are my thing for sure and they’re super fun. Being able to heal while attacking is the best thing ever in my book. I hear it gets a lot of flack too for ‘not being good’?

On the face of it, I can understand why people doubt it until they see your 2 wells procing 3 sources of life steal on 5 targets + your basic attacks. It reminds me a lot of Guardians Altruistic Healing.

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Lahmia.2193:

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Oh man trust me I LOVE Blood Magic, lifesteals are my thing for sure and they’re super fun. Being able to heal while attacking is the best thing ever in my book. I hear it gets a lot of flack too for ‘not being good’?

Well compared to the past bloodmagic is indeed good. The only critic bloodmagic should currently be getting is about the situation of the gm traits. Not that they are bad but because none of them is selfish but that was intentional from Anet so we shouldnt expect any change in that regard.

I can see Unholy Martyr and Shrouded Removal working pretty well together. The only problem with that is I lose my Decimate Defenses pretty much cuz I lose my solid Chill-to-Vuln combo. Also, Unholy Sanctuary would be better than CF? That with Blighter’s Boon and Blood Magic seems like a LOT of Sustain.

What do you think about what I asked you earlier btw? About Shroud gaining Toughness and that Toughness being applied to Power? Is that a different mechanic at work or are you just as baffled by it as I am?

I might get rid of Force Sigil for Frailty Sigils to keep Decimate Defenses alive, and I’ll keep the Strength Sigils so I still have some solid Might generation.

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Lahmia.2193:

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Oh man trust me I LOVE Blood Magic, lifesteals are my thing for sure and they’re super fun. Being able to heal while attacking is the best thing ever in my book. I hear it gets a lot of flack too for ‘not being good’?

Well compared to the past bloodmagic is indeed good. The only critic bloodmagic should currently be getting is about the situation of the gm traits. Not that they are bad but because none of them is selfish but that was intentional from Anet so we shouldnt expect any change in that regard.

I can see Unholy Martyr and Shrouded Removal working pretty well together. The only problem with that is I lose my Decimate Defenses pretty much cuz I lose my solid Chill-to-Vuln combo. Also, Unholy Sanctuary would be better than CF? That with Blighter’s Boon and Blood Magic seems like a LOT of Sustain.

What do you think about what I asked you earlier btw? About Shroud gaining Toughness and that Toughness being applied to Power? Is that a different mechanic at work or are you just as baffled by it as I am?

I might get rid of Force Sigil for Frailty Sigils to keep Decimate Defenses alive, and I’ll keep the Strength Sigils so I still have some solid Might generation.

Well i really like unholy sanctuary but it is not good for a gm trait sadly (it needs higher base healing). So corrupters frevor is the better choice.

And yes deadly strength works with armored shroud (the 180 toughness in shroud trait) like i already said above.

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Lahmia.2193:

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Oh man trust me I LOVE Blood Magic, lifesteals are my thing for sure and they’re super fun. Being able to heal while attacking is the best thing ever in my book. I hear it gets a lot of flack too for ‘not being good’?

Well compared to the past bloodmagic is indeed good. The only critic bloodmagic should currently be getting is about the situation of the gm traits. Not that they are bad but because none of them is selfish but that was intentional from Anet so we shouldnt expect any change in that regard.

I can see Unholy Martyr and Shrouded Removal working pretty well together. The only problem with that is I lose my Decimate Defenses pretty much cuz I lose my solid Chill-to-Vuln combo. Also, Unholy Sanctuary would be better than CF? That with Blighter’s Boon and Blood Magic seems like a LOT of Sustain.

What do you think about what I asked you earlier btw? About Shroud gaining Toughness and that Toughness being applied to Power? Is that a different mechanic at work or are you just as baffled by it as I am?

I might get rid of Force Sigil for Frailty Sigils to keep Decimate Defenses alive, and I’ll keep the Strength Sigils so I still have some solid Might generation.

Well i really like unholy sanctuary but it is not good for a gm trait sadly (it needs higher base healing). So corrupters frevor is the better choice.

And yes deadly strength works with armored shroud (the 180 toughness in shroud trait) like i already said above.

Sorry, I wasn’t clear enough (my mistake): I meant why does Deadly Strength proc with Armored Shroud if that’s technically a green number? Toughness is being temporarily increased, but it’s counting it like it’s part of the base, so why convert that part instead of Corrupter’s Fervor? That’s the part where I’m confused.

Agreed, Unholy Sanc could use a base heal buff (maybe switch the flat numbers into a low percent of like 5% HP per second?), I was just wondering how that and BB would contribute to the overall lifesteal regen from Blood Magic.

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Lahmia.2193:

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Oh man trust me I LOVE Blood Magic, lifesteals are my thing for sure and they’re super fun. Being able to heal while attacking is the best thing ever in my book. I hear it gets a lot of flack too for ‘not being good’?

Well compared to the past bloodmagic is indeed good. The only critic bloodmagic should currently be getting is about the situation of the gm traits. Not that they are bad but because none of them is selfish but that was intentional from Anet so we shouldnt expect any change in that regard.

I can see Unholy Martyr and Shrouded Removal working pretty well together. The only problem with that is I lose my Decimate Defenses pretty much cuz I lose my solid Chill-to-Vuln combo. Also, Unholy Sanctuary would be better than CF? That with Blighter’s Boon and Blood Magic seems like a LOT of Sustain.

What do you think about what I asked you earlier btw? About Shroud gaining Toughness and that Toughness being applied to Power? Is that a different mechanic at work or are you just as baffled by it as I am?

I might get rid of Force Sigil for Frailty Sigils to keep Decimate Defenses alive, and I’ll keep the Strength Sigils so I still have some solid Might generation.

Well i really like unholy sanctuary but it is not good for a gm trait sadly (it needs higher base healing). So corrupters frevor is the better choice.

And yes deadly strength works with armored shroud (the 180 toughness in shroud trait) like i already said above.

Sorry, I wasn’t clear enough (my mistake): I meant why does Deadly Strength proc with Armored Shroud if that’s technically a green number? Toughness is being temporarily increased, but it’s counting it like it’s part of the base, so why convert that part instead of Corrupter’s Fervor? That’s the part where I’m confused.

Agreed, Unholy Sanc could use a base heal buff (maybe switch the flat numbers into a low percent of like 5% HP per second?), I was just wondering how that and BB would contribute to the overall lifesteal regen from Blood Magic.

Well the aswer is simple. The toughness from armored shroud is not a green number (you can see that look at your hero panel and change into shroud the toughness number will still be white). After all it is not really a temporary buff but one depended on shroud.

For unholy sanctuary i think more in line of extra 70% of basehealing (would be around 221). But 5% of our health is to much. That would be nearly 1k HP per Second without extra vitality.

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Muchacho.2390:

Okami.7049:

Lahmia.2193:

Okami.7049:

I mean either way, if it didn’t convert CF that’s still additional Toughness that works for me, and that was the prime reason why I fell in love with this Specialization path. I get rewarded defensively for fighting aggressively lol as far as Power is concerned, I’m too tired to do the math right now but looking at Scholar’s Rune, that’s a rather risky/gambly route to go in my opinion. It’s super easy to fall below 90% health and struggle to get it back, especially when dealing with annoying Bosses and their splash AoEs. Sigil of Force increases Weapon Damage by 5%, so that doesn’t play a part in Power. I still honestly feel like Scrapper is providing more Power than Scholar’s would, at least in the long-haul of the fight.

I guess I fell in love with Blood Magic in a similar way. I just love the sustain from Vampiric/Vampiric Aura, it makes keeping my health above 90% easy.

Oh man trust me I LOVE Blood Magic, lifesteals are my thing for sure and they’re super fun. Being able to heal while attacking is the best thing ever in my book. I hear it gets a lot of flack too for ‘not being good’?

Well compared to the past bloodmagic is indeed good. The only critic bloodmagic should currently be getting is about the situation of the gm traits. Not that they are bad but because none of them is selfish but that was intentional from Anet so we shouldnt expect any change in that regard.

I can see Unholy Martyr and Shrouded Removal working pretty well together. The only problem with that is I lose my Decimate Defenses pretty much cuz I lose my solid Chill-to-Vuln combo. Also, Unholy Sanctuary would be better than CF? That with Blighter’s Boon and Blood Magic seems like a LOT of Sustain.

What do you think about what I asked you earlier btw? About Shroud gaining Toughness and that Toughness being applied to Power? Is that a different mechanic at work or are you just as baffled by it as I am?

I might get rid of Force Sigil for Frailty Sigils to keep Decimate Defenses alive, and I’ll keep the Strength Sigils so I still have some solid Might generation.

Well i really like unholy sanctuary but it is not good for a gm trait sadly (it needs higher base healing). So corrupters frevor is the better choice.

And yes deadly strength works with armored shroud (the 180 toughness in shroud trait) like i already said above.

Sorry, I wasn’t clear enough (my mistake): I meant why does Deadly Strength proc with Armored Shroud if that’s technically a green number? Toughness is being temporarily increased, but it’s counting it like it’s part of the base, so why convert that part instead of Corrupter’s Fervor? That’s the part where I’m confused.

Agreed, Unholy Sanc could use a base heal buff (maybe switch the flat numbers into a low percent of like 5% HP per second?), I was just wondering how that and BB would contribute to the overall lifesteal regen from Blood Magic.

Well the aswer is simple. The toughness from armored shroud is not a green number (you can see that look at your hero panel and change into shroud the toughness number will still be white). After all it is not really a temporary buff but one depended on shroud.

For unholy sanctuary i think more in line of extra 70% of basehealing (would be around 221). But 5% of our health is to much. That would be nearly 1k HP per Second without extra vitality.

Huh, well I apologize for my stupidity on that one. I always thought it acted just like any other stat-booster, never thought Shroud would be seen as an add-on rather than a boost. That does make more sense, then.

The 5% was just me throwing out a random example, I agree that would be insanely OP (especially when coupled with Blood Magic). Your suggestion makes far more sense. I’ve been tweaking the build to see what all I could ‘fix’ to better suit it with my playstyle (now that I know CF doesn’t add Power, that gave me a ‘worthless’ (for what I’m aiming for) Trait so I had to go back to the drawing board. How does something like this look?

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vRAQNAnYRnM0AdbilbC22A0biFrBLODOCLhSBgQ2vaKBEBCWA-TxRGAB3pE0M9BAcKAC4JAI/+DEp8TQ1fCAcA8bf77vBO/8zP/8z73f/93f/NA-e

Since I can’t really turn my defense into offense like I originally tried, I’m thinking about just reverting to a full Sustain build with moderate defenses and good offense. Obviously not nearly as effective as a full glass cannon DpS like Thief or Elementalist but I’m aiming to deal consistant damage, have consistant sustain and hold my ground throughout the entire fight rather than ‘kill or be killed’.

Death Magic is a tough one for me. I do like some of the traits that are going on there but I don’t feel like they’re quite up to scratch for me when factoring it into my power build. Spite is a must for me, I can’t give up Soul reaping because of that extra %5 damage and the 7 second stunbreaker + stability and I like Blood magic too kitten much, Having vampiric Aura + innate lifesteal + extra lifesteal on wells coupled with my axe gives me some crazy good burst when I need it.