Guild Wars 2

This is an idea I’ve had in the back of my mind for a couple weeks now; I haven’t gotten around to testing it out, but I thought I’d post it here to see what you guys think.

Build: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZUQNAqaVl0Mh2mYZTw0Jw/EH8EFvEygRwHFPRVoPzfIAA-TlCFABVfIAwe/BAeAAFq+zVKBRSpiAnAgkUWFxRAIN9BBAQA4m38m38m3sQACGDA-w

In a nutshell, the idea is that Trapper runes give P/P the on-demand stealth it generally lacks, while the traps themselves create opportunities to land undodgeable Unloads. Synergy with Shadow Arts boosts survivability.

There are a couple things I haven’t really nailed down and which probably just need some testing. Some random thoughts:

- The 2nd trap doesn’t have to be tripwire. Either of the others might be good; ambush trap makes it tempting to slot venomshare in SA.

- The master and grandmaster traits in SA are a bit penciled in. That being said, Shadow Rejuv would help feed the init-hungry pistols, and Hidden Thief makes the fairly juicy combo of (precast)Tripwire – Steal – Sneak Attack – Unload quite easy to do. As a side note, if anyone knows how/if the SA minor traits interact with stealth from runes, let me know.

- The second weaponset doesn’t need to be shortbow, but it’s hard not to take it, especially since on-demand stealth makes the shortbow immob much easier to use. It may be that a melee set is needed though.

- Speaking of weapons, the sigils are just some generic sigils/what my own weapons currently have

- Trickery isn’t necessarily required, but it is really really good. It doesn’t have a lot of synergy with the rest of the build beyond the extra init, however. Critical Strikes definitely would yield harder-hitting Unloads, but I’m addicted to Sleight of Hand.

Suggestions/criticisms/thoughts?

I did a similar build but went Condition using pressure strikes and the headshot for damge. That said I do use a power p/p build as well.

What you MIGHT consider is this. Use a sigil of strength. Then use that boon duration food that also gives might on crit. An unload can easily get 12 stacks might from such a setup. Couple this with that shadow trap and or one of your other traps and you can get 20+ might stacks rather easily , more readily than using the signet build.

Now with sigil strength/air combo you do more damage than using air/fire. A sneak attack will also tick harder from bleeds even those yours not a condi build. If you stealth they will tend to try and dodge or block that attack out of hiding. You can use sneak attack here and hit them and hit them hard with the 5 shots (the total raw damge output between sneak attack and unload almost the same) out of hiding. If they take the hit you got those bleeds on if they blocked or dodged you followup with your unload.

Shadowtrap is a better trap than ambush which in theory when fixed will give 15 might stacks PLUS fury and those vulnerability stacks.. It a stun break and port and when you use the trigger you get a 6 second stealth.