Guild Wars 2

Please return Zibbeh to us. He transferred gold from one of his accounts to his second and was unfairly banned as a result. They are both his accounts.

Anet, please fix your seriously flawed gold selling detection mechanism. You are catching innocent players.

Free Zibbeh!

I see, thank you. My build is P/D, so I don’t invest in Deadly Arts. Wasn’t aware that Sigl of Agony stacked. That is good to know, although I believe I’m also at the 7-second mark since I run the same setup you do, with slightly better quality pizza.

Sarrow/Anyone,

How does one achieve a minimum of a 7-second Bleed tick with Pistol/Dagger? Can you list the bare minimum runes/gear/food required?

Thank you.

We aren’t suffering when it comes to clone production with or without D.E.. Dropping target would be fantastic, and fall in line with A.Net’s “tricky” philosophy for our class.

My main wish is that an A.Net dev addresses the question. Hey, one can dream right?

I’m aware. I mentioned that in my initial post. I want to know what A.Net’s intent is given the name. It’s currently not “deceptive” at all, except in PvE against AI.

That’s a good point that didn’t occur to me. It really is unavoidable to have a clone out unless you’re forgoing the use of skills like Mirror Blade (and why would you do something so silly)?

Blargh.

I’m curious as to the intent behind the trait Deceptive Evasion (Master Trait slot X in Dueling). Is this trait intended to fulfill its name and deceive your opponent by forcing a target-drop? Currently, this trait does NOT remove the enemy’s target-lock on you.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours in WvWvW fighting Mesmers with this trait (and using this trait myself), and know first hand that this trait does not force a drop of target-lock.

A response from A.Net regarding the intent of this skill would truly be helpful. Is it simply a Clone-battery skill to empower Shatter builds? That is how it currently plays.

Build 1: http://goo.gl/ztpc1 (20/15/0/25/10)

Build 2: http://goo.gl/uvscY (20/20/0/25/5)

As you can see, the builds aren’t very different. Build 1 eschews Deceptive Evasion (create clone on dodge) in favor of Compounding Power (gain 3% power per active illusion; 9% total). You also lose 50 Precision and 5% Crit Damage and gain 50 Condition Damage and 5% Shatter Recharge Rate. However, builds don’t really consider the stat-gains so let’s put that to the side.

So, keeping in mind that a Phantasm-build generally doesn’t shatter as frequently as a Shatter build, Compounding Power is quite a substantial boost. A lot of people think Deceptive Evasion (D.E.) is a “must have”, but there are a some problems. One, Phantasm builds want 3 Phantasms out to maximize the build’s potential. With 3 Phantasms out, dodging with D.E. overwrites a Phantasm. Bad. Also, contrary to popular belief, D.E. does NOT force a drop-target on the enemy. If it did, this skill would be unquestionably a must have. I’ve spent far too many hours in WvW targetting and killing enemy Mesmers to know that D.E. does not drop my target-lock on them. D.E. is essentially a Shatter-battery.

So, what are your thoughts? Losing D.E. worth it for Compounding Power in a Phantasm-build? Feel free to share your own Phantasm-builds herein as well, with justifications!

Yeah, I intend to run full Carrion, or some combination of Rabid/Carrion (Rabid-armor, Carrion-trinkets).

I will also keep an eye on your claim about the stealth runspeed trait. The reason I haven’t slotted dodge-trops is because the Caltrops produced by the dodge is significantly weaker than the utility skill. I discovered this when I compared the two and saw that Caltrops can produce 10 stacks of bleed all by itself. I’ve yet to see dodge-trops produce more than one. Am I wrong?

As for my runes, I realized that I linked the wrong build. Those are definitely NOT the weapon-runes I’ll be using. They must have been defaulted in. Fixed now.

Thanks for the informative reply!

I’ve only just turned 80, so keep that in mind. Still a lot to learn.

I exclusively play WvW. Current build is a condition-build using Pistol/Dagger with a Shortbow on swap. My playstyle is survivalist / hit-and-run with heavy dependence on getting into stealth as often as possible. I depend on stealth to apply Bleed, and also to regen my HP and remove conditions. I travel across the map using SB 5 and the 5-trait in Acrobatics.

Current build is 0/0/30/20/20 (note Runes): http://goo.gl/UW3gp

A typical encounter goes as follows:

- Target enemy
- Steal to get into melee-range and to buff myself
- Dagger 5 to stealth
- Pistol 1 from stealth to apply bleed
- Drop Caltrops if slotted to apply bleed and cripple (I’m also playing around with Spider Venom a bit)
- Use Pistol 3 to add pressure and gain distance while the “Revealed” debuff is in effect
- Re-engage in melee and repeat from step 3 (step 1 if Steal is ready) until enemy is dead.

I’m liking this style a lot, especially given that I’m not well-geared at the moment (again, recent 80). I am thinking about changing my build to 10/0/30/10/20 (http://goo.gl/CKA8c) though, because I want to take advantage of the high damage of Mug, and additional pressure from Poison added by the 5-trait in Deadly Arts. I think losing 10 in Acrobatics is well worth it. Any thoughts?

Any advice on other condition-builds or condition-builds in general? What about thoughts on runes? 5x Krait seems solid, but the 4th bonus (5% chance to apply a bleed when struck) seems lousy. What about running 3x Krait and 3x Afflicted? You lose condition damage, but you gain 15% condition duration, for a total of 30%.

That’s… pathetic. Thank you for the testing. 14.286% in most cases, excluding the iDuelist, which is 12%. Human error?

If those numbers are right, it seems Phantasmal Haste decreases the delay between attacks by 15%. Terrible trait.

What about food and potion buff icons?

So it’s confirmed that Portal Entre functions as a Glamour field that can place conditions on enemies if properly traited? Does the Portal have to be fully opened in order to work or can you just drop the entrance?

I had heard mixed reports and I’ve personally not tested it.

Not a fan of build 2 for its purpose, though given that you’ve got the flexibility of the other two builds, I suppose it’s good.

Confusion damage just doesn’t impress me at all currently, certainly not in WvWvW. You’re not applying a high amount of Confusion to anyone outside of a few combos (often involving Confusing Images). Even then, you’re looking at 1.5k-2k per Confusion activation.

From a damage/ease-of-use standpoint, I found myself very underwhelmed with it. I’d rather just play “easymode” and slap down Duelists/Berserkers/Mind-Wracks and use attacks that do equivalent or better damage without gimmicks and can’t be eradicated with the myriad Condition-removal abilities all classes have.

Maybe once theorycrafters start churning out the numbers and show me I’m a kitten, I may change my tune, but my experience with the build had me holding Confusion in low-esteem.

On the other hand, it’s not just about damage in WvWvW. When it comes to area-denial, ground-control, and sowing chaos, Glamour/Confusion is very fun and potent. It’s always good for a laugh too. Still, I guess I just like killing regularly and effectively a wee bit too much.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand! Sorry.

Surprised to see you advocating for Confusion-builds

I’m not happy with our ability to meaningfully stack Confusion. Maybe if/when I get bored of my current build, I’ll revisit the Glamour-focused Confusion-build I was running for some time in WvWvW.

In WvWvW, there is little to no doubt in my mind that you should be using 6/6 Superior Rune of the Centaur. Iconoclast explained why above, and did it well. Frankly, I’m stunned it took so long for someone to even recommend the rune in this thread.

The gains you obtain, primarily one that negates our biggest weakness (mobility), far exceed the value of extra DPS. It also doesn’t hurt any that Centaur adds respectable Power, and also works well with Sharper Image builds.

If you slot Mantra of Recovery, you can proc the Centaur’s runspeed buff 3 times without the Mantra-trait. Simply preparing the Mantra procs the buff. Consuming the 2 heal-charges also proc the buff.

Centaur is a fantastic rune for this class.

alanis.6094:

I’d imagine your crit is pretty high since all pieces have precision. Your toughness should also be at least decent with 6/6 Knights.

If you want to increase damage, while still helping out somewhat with your survivability, I’d consider the Valkyrie stat (Power> Crit Damage=Vit) on your weapon.

Thanks for your advice. I’m going off memory here, but I am currently >2100 in Power, around a 50% crit-rate, and with approximately 1400 Toughness.

Currently, my Mesmer is wearing 6/6 exotic Knight’s (Tough>Power=Precision) pieces slotted with 6 Superior Rune of the Centaur. My Mesmer is also wearing 6/6 exotic Berserker’s jewelry (Power > Precision, Crit Damage).

I’m not sure which exotic weapon-stats I should be going for. Do I want to ramp up my damage at the cost of survival by taking Berserker stats in my weaponry (typically Greatsword with Sword/Pistol or Sword/Focus swap)?

Alternatively, should I add some HP to my build by favoring weapons with Power/Precision/Vitality (edit: Meant Power/Crit Damage/Vitality)? My build already has an added 250 Vitality from 25-points in Inspiration. Despite that, I’m at approximately 18.5K HP without buffs.

Or should I go full-bore survival-stats with Power/Toughness/Vitality badge-weaponry?

Regarding Sigils and Runes for weaponry: What combination have people found to be the most potent? I’m looking for something that greatly improves DPS on the Greatsword (e.g. Sigil of Air or Flame), and Sigils/Runes that empower my character’s stats (e.g. stack-based upgrades) on the swap.

Please advise with your thoughts. Please keep in mind this build is strictly focused on WvWvW. I don’t care about sPvP or PvE efficacy.

Anyone have in-game experience with Mantra of Recovery and the Mender’s Purity trait? I’d like to know if each cast of MoR (2x or 3x) strips a single condition, in contract to Ether Feast’s one condition removal.

Regarding your build: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/external?l=http%3A%2F%2Fgw2skills.net%2Feditor%2Fen%2F%3FfgQQBYk4kCAscUPAAA%2BOJFAI1A

I’m not sure I value Greatsword Training is highly as you do. The 20% cooldown is nice, but I consider the Power to be negligible. Given that the 15 trait is also unimpressive, I was thinking I’d put those ten points elsewhere.

Template: http://gw2skills.net/editor/en/?fgQQBYkw8BAcSBAWOqHAAAfH

Logic:

• Losing 20% Mind Wrack in WvWvW isn’t a huge loss, as we both seem to agree that Shatter isn’t very good in WvWvW, I think.

• On the other-hand, increased survivability is definitely useful and regeneration is plentiful in organized WvWvW. You don’t sow discord and chaos when you’re a corpse.

• It also leaves 5 points, which I haven’t yet determined the placement for. Having Vigor-on-crit could be useful for clutch evades, but that depends on Precision-gear and luck. Going 25 in Inspiration to squeeze more out of the Warden and Berserk is another option. Going 20 in Chaos gives you Mirror of Anguish, which may be potent in WvWvW skirmishing as well.

Thoughts on this build (others feel free to chime-in as well please)? Thoughts on my undervaluation of 20 Domination? Sell me, please Thoughts on where to invest the remaining 5 points?

Thanks for the informative reply. I have a lot to think about.

Clones don’t appear to get into melee/shatter-range very often as they seldom survive the gauntlet of AE-death-spam. I usually cast iBerserker into a horde, have him wreck havoc, then shatter to apply Cry of Frustration or Mind Wrack, both of which apply Confusion.

Why are you a fan of Illusionary Persona? I’ve found that skill to be pretty disappointing due to its mechanics (i.e. it’s essentially an AE around your character). It seems as though it’s only truly good against melee or for clutch Distortion life-saving usage.

Do you think Carrion/Rampager’s and some combination thereof is an ideal outfit for WvWvW?

Also, for traits like Crippling/Debilitating Dissipation, is that exclusively a property of clones, or do Phantasms apply the effect on death as well? If the latter, iBerserker/iWarden will die once they do their thing, making them more potent.

Hi Mesmers,

I would like your input on the following builds. Keep in mind that both of these builds are focused on WvWvW siege-warfare and in no way shape or form am I concerned with having an effective PvE (although it turns out this build is effective in PvE, especially for support/dungeons) or sPvP build.

The build I am currently using is 10/0/10/20/30, seen here: http://gw2skills.net/editor/en/?fgQQBgkwUhgfSBzXOqHX36VnUhSD

I’m currently wearing Carrion-gear (Condition, Power, Vitality), though that is likely to change. The logic behind the build is as follows:

• 10 Domination: Allows for Crippling Dissipation, which provides an AE cripple useful for skirmishing.

• 10 Chaos: Allows for Debilitating Dissipation, which provides the ability to provide AE conditions, taking advantage of my condition-focused damage output. It also allows me to slow in Decent into Madness when needed for gimmicks/tricks. 10 points for two useful slot abilities.

• 20 Inspiration: Allows me to slot three useful slot abilities, as follows. First, you can slot Glamour Mastery, to take advantage of some of our most useful abilities (Glamour skills, including Feedback and Null Field). Second, I can slot Mender’s Purity when needed (e,g. If Null Field is not used). Third, Compounding Celerity has its place and can also be slotted. The Master slot brings us to the reason 20 Inspiration is taken: Warden’s Feedback. This trait allows us to really put our useful Focus offhand to purpose, as the warden can serve as both protector and healer (Phantasmal Healing) for our melee during door-sieges, but also let’s us use Temporal Curtain for defensive and offensive purposes. The Focus is already an incredible siege-weapon, and now it’s even more useful due to this trait.

• 30 Illusions: Allows me to slot Master of Misdirection to extend the duration of Confusion, further taking advantage of my condition-focused build. I can also slot Dazzling Glamours and Blinding Befuddlement in tandem to make Feedback and Null Field even more potent. Swap possibilities include Illusionary Elasticity when using the staff to increase condition stacking, and Phantasmal Haste to make the Warden an even more potent force when sieging.

The build has been pretty effective so far, but the weakness is a near total lack of synergy with one of our best weapons: The Great Sword. Without Sharper Images, the Great Sword fails to take advantage of condition-builds almost utterly. With Sharper Images, it becomes pretty solid in a condition build thanks to the triple-damage tick (and each tick can crit) of the first skill (which is also used by the clones). The Phantasmal Berserker is also incredibly effective in skirmishes/ground-battles due to its cripple, ability to trigger linear-combos, and high-crit rate to apply bleed (empowered by high condition-damage) to a swath of people.

Therefore, to address these issues, here’s a second build: http://gw2skills.net/editor/en/?fgQQBgkwUhgfSBzXOaGX36lPgbA (0/15/10/20/25)

This build allows the Great Sword to have synergy with condition-damage. You lose Crippling Dissipation / Mental Torment (the loss of minor trait Illusion of Vulnerability is negligible). You also lose the Grandmaster Trait in the Illusion line, which breaks the potent combo of Dazzling Glamours and Blinding Befuddlement, which may be a tougher sacrifice to make.

What do you guys think of either build as a WvWvW siege/skirmish build? Do you think the 2nd build is superior since it addresses the lack of synergy with Great Sword? How would you refine the 2nd build? For example, maybe losing Shattered Strength (25 Illusions) is worth it if it means gaining Illusionary Membrane (33% damage reduction across the board!) as that has synergy with Metaphysical Rejuvenation and Phantasmal Healing. Losing Shattered Strength and other shatter-centric traits/abilities in WvWvW isn’t a big deal to me as I’ve come to understand that Mind Wrack blows in zerg vs. zerg battles. The illusions almost never reach their targets alive due to the rain of carnage taking place on the battlefield. Thoughts on that trade-off?

I’d love to hear any and all opinions regarding anything I’ve written above.