Been theorycrafting a little bit as well as doing some tests. Been trying to find which kind of condition build I like the best and I think I’ve found an answer.
I’ve used it in sPvP and tPvP solo and I found it to be really successful and it can handle a variety of different builds 1v1 as well as be an asset in a team fight.
http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=-so-F-0-VKkN0_4RL-60;9;59TT;22;017A08B;1K-F4V;1ZF18ZF182VC
It is really tanky, has decent sustain, can hold points really well, can stack lots of bleeds, does decent damage, stacks lots of might (at least 12+) and is a condition removing machine.
While it lacks hard CC (i.e, Stuns, Knockdowns, etc) it does have a lot of immobilize potential allowing you and your team to focus down targets easier.
I have thought about many possible builds but for some reason I keep coming to this one because it is the one I feel most comfortable and do the best with.
In terms of traits, there are many variations you could derive from the build I have shown.
You might decide that longer bleeds and bleeding on crits isn’t as important and may opt to put the 10 points in Discipline for Vigorous shouts for faster adrenaline gain. And in turn switch out Signet of Fury for something like Balanced Stance or Endure Pain.
You also might decide to remove 10 points from Defense instead and put 10 points into Discipline for the same reason (which is probably a better option than removing 10 from arms) and opting to get balanced stance (as you will be getting rid of Last Stand I assume)
You may also decide that you want to take it a step further and want Fast Hands, by removing 10 in defense and 5 in arms.
All are definitely good alternatives. However I like the 30 in defense for the extra boost in toughness and healing power and having a source of stability. I also like going into fights having full adrenaline, spending it, pop signet of fury, switch weapons and unloading another burst.
To me most of the trait choices are pretty much set in stone. 50% bleed duration is kind of a no brainer if you pump 10 in arms. Dogged March, Cleansing Ire and Last Stand I feel is the best combination. I can’t really imagine not having Cleansing Ire with this build and not having a source of Stability since it isn’t in my utility bar. As far as Tactics goes, Leg Specialist and Shout Heals are a must have. However what you want to put for your Master Trait really boils down to preference. Lung Capacity or LB cooldowns.
I chose Quick Breathing due to the ability to convert conditions and lowering CDs. I feel like this trait is really underrated, though it will convert bleeds half of the time. However the conversion of burns into Aegis and the vulnerabilities to Protection or Poisons to Regen could be what saves you in many cases. While many will think it foolish to leave your fate to converting a condition to a useful boon and that you cannot control it, in fact, you actually can.
I have taken shout runes which remove conditions on use. Since bleeds will usually be the condition that will be removed, use your shout to remove the bleed and that leaves you with other conditions you can convert into useful boons. And with 30 in tactics those boons will last you quite a bit. You can never have too much condition removal in PvP I say.
In terms of weapons for this build, I don’t think there are any other options. Longbow is a no brainer for a condition build because of the burns and bleeds it can stack, and a more than useful combo field for stacking burns and tons of might, on top of having a blind and an immobilize.
Sword is also a no brainer as well, it will proc Leg Specialist often, can stack many bleeds and has a leap for mobility.
I have tried every single offhand possible but the Warhorn by far brings the most utility, survivability in 1v1s and in team fights. First off, Warriors lack a dependable source of vigor and it is pretty important to have it IMO, not only for yourself but your team. Second off classes like Mesmers, Necros and perhaps some Guardians lack swiftness. Mobility and getting from point to point is important for yourself and your team. Third, it clears chill, immobilize and cripple for your whole team. Fourth, it applies Weakness to the enemy team, Weakness with the rework is pretty amazing and will do wonders for your survivability. Fifth, for a not so heavy boon class, converting conditions twice every 15 seconds or so is awesome.
Another route I was contemplating was using the Shaman’s amulet instead. Haven’t tried it out yet but it gives you a huge boost to toughness and healing which could lead Guardian like sustainability. However, you do lose a lot of your ability to apply bleeds (due to less precision) and quite a bit of condition damage.
Anyways, I will try to get a video up as soon as possible with this build in action in s/tPvP. Try it out for yourself as well, and see how you like it.