Abstract:
With the most recent patch and the subsequent restructuring of the functionality of both traits and runes I attempted to re-envision the condition meta. Through trial and error I have created a build that I believe will change the way condition thief is played. The build I propose today requires no prerequisite skills and can deal far more burst damage than any condition spec to date.
Usage:
This spec works by using tonics to simulate weapon swaps and heals. The game registers entering a tonic as a weapon swap and leaving it as a heal skill. This build uses a geomancy sigil, a hydromancy sigil and Balthazar Runes to deal AoE condition damage when you enter and leave a tonic. The internal cool down on weapon swap and heal effects are 9 and 10 seconds respectively so every 10 seconds you can enter and leave a tonic to give 4.5 seconds of AoE burning, 3 seconds of AoE chill and 3 stacks of AoE bleed.
Edit: If you bring another p/d set with 2 more weapon swap sigils ( I like leeching and doom personally) you can switch weapons after you activate the hydromancy and geomancy sigils with your tonic to activate 2 more weapon swap sigils. This lets you activate 4 weapon swap sigils every 10 seconds as well as Balthazar runes.
Note: I will refrain from referring to a tonic swap as an “exploit” in this text as whether this build uses an exploit must be defined by ArenaNet and not us. If this is build does use an exploit I assume ArenaNet to patch it promptly so any argument about it is moot. I AM NOT ATTEMPTING TO ADVERTISE AN EXPLOIT.
Build:
With 1 Set of P/D only:
With 2 Sets of P/D:
Burst Combo:
The cookie cutter burst combo is executed as follows:
Steal + Cloak and Dagger + Sneak Attack + Enter Tonic + Leave Tonic + Shadow Strike
I have demonstrated it in the video below (excuse the poor video quality):
If you are using a second set of P/D as well to activate 4 weapon swap sigils the burst is as follows:
Steal + Cloak and Dagger + Sneak Attack + Enter Tonic + Leave Tonic + Change Weapons + Shadow Strike
FAQ:
Do you click on the tonic mid fight?
Yes. Double click on it and quickly exit it afterwards.
Why not just use the traditional weapon swap?
Many thieves, including myself, like to run either D/P or SB backup when roaming in order to escape or be more mobile. Running two sets of P/D to do a traditional weapon swap would preclude the use of both those weapons. Additionally, Balthazar Runes can only be used offensively if you use a tonic.
<Some insult about me being a noob or an exploiter> (Not a question really)
Since I began dueling with this spec in OBS I have received overwhelmingly negative responses from people I’ve fought who claim that I am an exploiter. I personally do not consider this an exploit as everything it does can be accomplished by other legitimate means. If ArenaNet claims it is an exploit I hope everyone promptly cease using it until a patch is implemented. Until then I view it as another overpowered spec just like D/P with 30 SA or P/D perplexity. Enjoy 
Written by,
Babylonian Assassin
Maguuma
(edited by Ismael.6074)
