Vengeful Cleric
Motivation:
I have been running a Rabid condition build almost exclusively since launch. But some recent posts (see below) got me to thinking about a different mindset that would address some issues with the condition build, such as damage to structures and better single-target DPS. I wanted a build which offered me several things for PVE:
- survivability, including passive healing
- ranged attacks
- useful boons for group event utility
- ability to swap functionality by swapping traits without respeccing
- ability to do damage to structures
- good single-target damage but also good AOE
- low-ish cost
The Vengeful Cleric provides all of the above. Although it can be retraited to use wells, I prefer the BiP+Epidemic combination for AOE damage, and Locust signet for mobility. Epidemic also lets me leverage conditions placed by other players, so it acts as a “force multiplier”. This combination of skills lets me move around freely without having to put myself wherever I might want to drop a well.
The use of cleric gear (HP/P/T) provides the three components for survivability, single-target & structure damage, and group boons, as well as being low cost on the TP. (I used Mhenlo’s armor.) The Soldier crests (P/V/T) are quite inexpensive but cumulatively make the build tankier and stronger.
This build was inspired by Dr Spook’s Sacred Ground build, and s h i z o’s build:
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/necromancer/Dr-Spook-s-Sacred-Ground-Build/1753172
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/necromancer/Full-healing-vit-toughness-build/1778191
In summary, it is a (comparatively) inexpensive build, yet seems to be quite resilient, flexible and effective. I am finding it to be a very enjoyable and potent all-rounder for soloing and events. I use it for PVE, so I can’t speak to its applicability to PvP or WvW.
Gear:
Weapons: Cleric axe/Cleric focus + Cleric staff
Armor: Cleric
Trinkets: Cleric
Upgrades: Crest of the Soldier
Consumables: Plate of Orrian Steak Frittes and Superior (or Hardened) Sharpening Stone
With consumables:
Power: 2382 (2732 w/10xMight from BiP + 230 if using Bloodlust = 2962)
Toughness: 1968
Health: 23,672
EHP: 37,236
Healing Power:1186 (Regen = 278hp/s, Well of Blood = 6260)
Boon Duration: 25%
Condition Duration: 20%
Traits
Traits are 20/0/25/25/0. This allows good synergy via Death into Life (5% power to healing), Deadly Strength (5% toughness to power) and Blood to Power (5% more dmg when health over 90%). Also, traits can be swapped to support wells or minions or group healing as needed without respeccing. However, traits could be easily modified to variants such as 30/0/20/20/0 or 10/0/30/30/0.
Utilities
Rather than wells, I prefer a more mobile style where I can move quick, dodge around, and spread the love with BiP and Epidemic. Even though it is a power build, BiP still packs a wallop and it also provides an additional 350 power from the might boon for almost 19 sec. The third utility is the Locust signet, and I swap it out situationally.
Survival
Thanks to the toughness, Bloodthirst and Vampiric traits, along with high regen, this has good survivability. With Staff Mastery, Mark of Blood is 4.75 sec recharge, and with 25% boon duration the regeneration from it lasts 6.25 sec, so you can have essentially constant regen + siphoning of 280+ per sec total. This helps to stay above 90% health for that extra 5% dmg. The high regen also helps keep minions such as Flesh Wurm alive and even the Jagged Horror can last for quite awhile, defying its degen. Clearly, a full PVT-with-well-siphoning build can have more survivability, but this suffices for my needs.
Consumables
The choices shown are a suggestion. Clearly, depending on the scenario, one might opt for condition duration or other choices.
Sigils
One might opt for Bloodlust, Life , or Peril instead of the Soldier crest. I’m still undecided.
(edited by TheAgedGnome.7520)