Guild Wars 2

THE OFFICIAL REVIEW BOARD (or THE ORB for short)

Official members for this month (September):
- Pyroatheist
- Fay
- Chaos Archangel

Reserved members for next month (October):
- Natsu Dragneel
- Warlord of Chaos

The ORB will be consisting of THREE people so that collectively they should be knowledgeable enough in all 3 modes of the game (PvE, WvW, and sPvP) to provide fair judgement on any submitted build.

The ORB will act to (in order of time):
1) REVIEW the build when it’s submitted to make sure it’s an original build and clearly belongs to the originator.
To approve the validity of a build for the contest, each member of the ORB should reply to the build thread like the following example:

The build is valid to enter BotM contest #[OMFG]-BotM.

or something along that line.

The hashtag is there just for my convenience when I search through posts. If you can use it, that’d be much appreciated.

For any build to be valid, it will need the approval from ALL three members of the ORB.
When the ORB deems that a build is NOT original, they should quote and link to the original build which they think the submitted build is based on.

2) JUDGE the finalized version of each build around the end of Stage 1 to see if the build is viable. For a build to be evaluated as viable and thus gain +10 pts, it will need to be approved by at least TWO members of the ORB. The ORB also needs to make sure the finalized version is not radically different from what the build was when it’s first submitted. Slight modifications can be made, but the build needs to stay true to its original idea, design and purpose.
The ORB will notify the participants if they notice any inappropriate change to the build. In this case, the ORB and the participants will work together to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In the worst scenario, the ORB has the power to disqualify the build completely.
The ORB should post on the build thread to openly express their opinions on the build. Something along the line.

I think this build is viable #[OMFG]-BotM.

3) around the end of Stage 2, CHALLENGE each build by giving specific tests and then RANK its performance on a scale of 10. Each ORB member should come up with a different test and the test should be relevant to what the build was designed to do.
The ORB and the participants should communicate in-game to exchange information, feedback regarding to the build, and arrange the tests in Stage 2.
In the end, the ORB should openly post the test results in the build thread. I will gather the results over there and transfer to this thread as soon as they’re released to keep the scoreboard updated.

What the ORB members CANNOT do:
- Participate in the contest: either through submitting their own builds or working with originators as tester partners
- Upvote or downvote any build
- Practice favoritism in any form
- Influence fellow players’(including other Board members) opinions through mischievous means (bribery, intimidation, etc.)
———————————————————————————————————

THE CROWD

The rest of guild members who are not on the ORB or participating will form the CROWD.
As part of the CROWD, you can cast your vote on any build, simply post your vote in the following format IN THIS THREAD (again, for my convenience):

+1 to {insert originator name here}’s {insert build name here}
Reason: {insert your logically sound reason here}

+1 can be replaced with -1 if you’re downvoting the build. You cannot do that once the build has been finalized at the end of Stage 1.
When you cast your vote you need to provide a logically sound reason, especially when you downvote a build. Things like: this build sucks, this build ain’t worth crap, etc. will definitely result in your vote does not count.

I’d like to use my signature build as an example:

+1 to keenlam’s Clone Spammer Build
Reason: solid condition dmg without heavily relying on confusion

-1 to keenlam’s Clone Spammer Build
Reason: lack of condition removal

In summary, the following rules are applied for casting votes:
- You need to be a guild member and part of the Crowd by definition
- Your vote needs to have a logically sound reason
- You can only have one vote for each build. If you change your opinion because the build is modified and post your vote again, only the latest vote will count.
- You cannot change your vote once the build has been finalized at the end of Stage 1.
- You cannot downvote in Stage 2.
- And of course, again, you must not influence fellow players’ (including the ORB members) opinions through mischievous means (bribery, intimidation, etc.)

THE PARTICIPANTS

A person comes up with a new build is called an originator.

If an originator wants to enter the contest, they need to:
- /POST: Create a thread on forum to show as many details as possible about the build (just like they usually do already). Please follow this guide on how to present your build on forum.
- /ARRANGE: Arrange with a tester (someone with Tester rank in the guild) in-game to be your tester partner and together form a group of two. The group will work solely on the build throughout the whole contest to improve, refine, and test the build to its fullest potential, etc.
- /SUBMIT: Submit your build, preferably in this following format in this thread:

Build name:
Originator name:
Tester partner name:
Link to build thread:

- /REGISTER: Get your build reviewed and accepted by the Review Board to be fully registered in the contest.

What the participating team CAN do:
- Modify the build (as long as the changes are not radical and the build stays true to its original idea, design, and purpose) UNTIL it gets approved by the Board for its viability OR Stage 1 ends on patch day, whichever comes first.
- Continue posting to inform the forum about the changes in your build, provide tips and tricks, upload videos, tutorials, etc. The idea is to continually improve the build effectiveness AND popularity so you get more upvotes, and thus higher positive score.
- Communicate in-game with fellow players to inform and get feedback from whoever (including the Board members as well) decides to test out your build.

What the participating team CANNOT do:
- Modify the finalized version of the build when it’s already approved.
- Upvote or downvote any build
- Influence fellow players’(including the Board members) opinions through mischievous means (bribery, intimidation, etc.)

EVENT STRUCTURE

Time frame:
The contest will be conducted in sync with the LS patch cycle. So for this particular September month, the contest will start on patch day Sep 3rd and conclude 4 weeks after on Oct 1st.

It will consist of 2 stages:
- Stage 1: the first 2 weeks will test if the registered builds are viable or not, then
- Stage 2: the last 2 weeks the viable builds will compete for the best build of the month award.

Application window:
Builds can be submitted as early as at start of the contest each month on patch day. The deadline for submissions is 1 week after the patch day to make sure all the builds participating in the contest have at least 1 week to improve/refine until the end of Stage 1.
So for this month, the application deadline is on 10th September, next Tuesday.

Eligibility:
In order to promote innovative builds with new & fresh ideas, the contest will focus on recent builds rather than good old school builds that might have been very well established and tested with time.

Thus only builds conceived and posted after the 25/06/2013 patch (aka the infamous IC nerf/ PU buff patch) are eligible for the contest. You can check this thread to see the patch history of mesmer class.

Scoring system:
When a build is submitted, it will be briefly reviewed to make sure it’s an original build with a unique flavour, and based on well-defined ideas and purposes. If so, the build is then allowed to enter the contest and get registered on the scoreboard.

Stage 1:
Throughout Stage 1, each registered build can be upvoted or downvoted. Each vote will net the build +1 or -1 point.
Around the end of Stage 1, the finalized version of the build will be evaluated by the Review Board to see if the build is overall viable or not. If the build earns at least 2 approvals from two members of the Review Board, it is deemed viable and will gain +10 pts.
In order to proceed to the next stage, the build needs to have more positive pts then negative pts.
Example:

Build A gets upvoted 7 times, downvoted 10 times -> The score is +7/-10, meaning the build is losing. However, after reviewed by the Board, it gets approved, so the score is now changed to +17/-10 -> Build A is viable and can proceed to Stage 2.

Note that once approved, the finalized version of the build cannot be modified any further. If the build comes with different variations, the best one should be picked to use for Stage 2.

Stage 2:
Throughout Stage 2, each build still earns points by popularity votes, except this time there will be no downvote, just upvote. Each vote, again, nets +1 pt for the build.
Around the end of the Stage 2, the Board will give out tests for the builds to perform and will rank them accordingly on a rating scale from 1 to 10. There are 3 members on the Official Review Board, so each build should go through 3 different tests. The tests will be arranged through in-game communication between the participants and the Board and their details are to be revealed by the Board members accordingly.

This means, the build can earn up to 30 pts from 3 members of the Board; that is equivalent to 30 popularity votes.

The best build of the month will be selected based on the total points (including the upvote points from Stage 1). The build with the highest score will win and be awarded.
Example:

Build A gets upvoted 7 times in Stage 1 and approved by the Board for Stage 2. In stage 2, it continues to get upvoted 9 times. Its scores with the 3 tests are 7/5/8, respectively. So its total score is: 7+10+9+7+5+8 = 46 pts.

Hi guys

I create this thread to showcase my ideas on one of our planned awesome events as suggested in this thread: Build of the Month Contest or BotM for short.

Hopefully, this thread can be used later to kickstart the event itself when we have everything in order.

This is a guild event, so you need to be a member of [OMFG] guild to participate. If you haven’t already, join us at this thread.

Warning: the following posts will be walls of text so please bare with me.

Edited: The contest is now ongoing. Below is the scoreboard to show you how the participating builds are doing.

SCOREBOARD (updated Oct 7th 2013)

Stage 1 results finalized
———————————————————————————————————
Sensotix Bountiful Interruption TPvP/WvW Build
Link to build thread
Current score: +15/-0
ORB approval: YES
Final score: 15
———————————————————————————————————
Kaamau Evasive Signets WvW Build
Link to build thread
Current score: +12/-0
ORB approval: YES
Final score: 12
———————————————————————————————————
Natsu Blackwater Build
Link to build thread
Current score: +14/-0
ORB approval: YES
Final score: 14
———————————————————————————————————
Stage 2 results finalized
———————————————————————————————————
Sensotix Bountiful Interruption TPvP/WvW Build
Link to build thread
Current score: 17
ORB test results: 6+8+3.5
Final score: 34.5
———————————————————————————————————
Kaamau Evasive Signets WvW Build
Link to build thread
Current score: 13
ORB test results: 7+4+2
Final score: 26
———————————————————————————————————
Natsu Blackwater Build
Link to build thread
Current score: 22
ORB test results: 9+7+1.5
Final score: 39.5
———————————————————————————————————
Related News

- 7th/9/2013: September BotM Contest officially commences.
- 10th/9/2013: Deadline for build submissions extends to Sunday 15th/09/2013.
- 15th/9/2013: Build registration for the contest is now closed.
- 17th/9/2013: Stage 1 of the contest ends. Stage 2 now commences.
- 1st/10/2013: Contest extends the end day to 7th/10/2013.
- 7th/10/2013: Contest is now concluded, the winner is Natsu Blackwater Build.

Hi guys, sorry for late reply, I got caught up with work, project deadlines and stuff.
My ideas for BotM contest is that an originator (the person comes up with a new build) pairs up with a tester in the guild to form a team of two to work together and continually improve on the build.

The contest will consist of 2 stages in sync with LS patch cycle:
End of Stage 1 will test if the submitted builds are viable
End of Stage 2 and the Contest will pick out the best of the viable builds that passed Stage 1 and reward both the originator and the tester partner.

The official review board will act to:
- review the build when it’s submitted to make sure it’s an original build and clearly belongs to the originator
- (at the end of Stage 1): approve the build if it’s deemed viable and make sure it’s the same build (slight modifications can be made, but it needs to stay true to its original idea and purpose when submitted)
- (at the end of Stage 2): rank each build on a rating of 1 to 10

In addition to scores rewarded to the participant teams’ builds by the Board, there will be also scores given from the Crowd in the form of popularity votes (the Crowd is pretty much the rest of the guild who are not participating and not on the Review Board).

I will make a thread to outline all the details I’ve come up with, but it might take a while since I don’t want to create incoherent long walls of text -_-.

In the meantime, can u guys help me with forming the official review board, please?

Chaos, so sorry to hear about your loss. Hope you will feel better soon.

Hi guys, I have some ideas for the Build of the Month Contest Event which I’d like to organize and get it running as soon as the new patch comes through.

I’m looking for 3 respected and knowledgeable (and of course fair) individuals to act as official assessors on the review board to have somewhat a final say on the builds participating in the contest.

I have Pyro and Chaos in mind for the positions but I’d like to ask for their opinions first because if you’re on the review board, you simply can’t participate in the contest itself to prevent any conflict of interest.

@Pyro, Chaos: what do you guys think?

Anyone else want to volunteer?

Thanks Puschel.

Does anyone know if essence of luck is account bound or not?

Hi Chaos,
I’m a big fan of counterplay builds such as this one.

Back then when the ‘interrupt’ patch just came in, I did come up with a build, a very specialized build that focuses entirely on negate enemy bursts with blind/daze/stun. However, I didn’t have enough time or interest in sPvP to extensively test it out.

But now that I’m inspired by you guys, I figure I post the build here, hopefully you can get something out of it and we can discuss how it will fare in reality.
Link: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNArcWl0zaqHVzqGa9IxpCMH1DwbduT6hph9pB-TsAA1CtIMSZkzIjRSjsGNQYByEBA

I describe the build in theory (because as I said, I haven’t tested it out extensively yet).
The build relies on passive defense from gear and runes. Dps might be sub-optimal.
But where the build shines is its superb AoE crowd control and multi-purpose utilities traited for lowered CDs.

It’s also flexible in that, you can shift the focus from AoE to single -target simply by switching out Rending Shatter for Signet Mastery, equip Signet of Domination, and use OH Pistol instead of OH Sword.

The issue with this build, however, is the ability to produce clones quick enough to use shatters in a timely manner (that’s why you chose MI as stunbreak).

Let me know what you think about the build. Also, hit me up in-game when i’m online, i really want to join the Blackout build team

Thanks guys for your advice.
@jportell: i’ll go with your choice of utility depending on the situation: the phantasm for small scale and mantra for large scale.
@skcamow: yes, I do use lemongrass food, but sometimes i go cheap and jump in wvw without any buff lol. Im actually using centaur runes for the build because i can’t stand being stupidly slow, I try to use focus instead of pistol but i find the stun is much more reliable CC and you cant really stack bleed with iWarden because people just move out of range -_-
Hopefully, Traveler runes will come to rescue with the movement speed for condition spec mesmer in the next patch. Check it out: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/economy-report-brace-yourself-disequilibrium-is-coming/

All existing drops and crafting recipes that have created Magic Find gear will be replaced with three new combos:

Explorer’s recipes will be replaced with the Assassin’s stat combo (Precision, Power, Critical Damage)
Traveler’s drops will be replaced with the Dire Stat Combo (Condition Damage, Toughness, Vitality)
Pillagers recipes will be replaced with the Hunter’s stat combo (Precision, Power)

Upgrade Components that currently give Magic Find bonuses will be updated with new functionality:

Copper, silver, gold and platinum doubloons will give boon duration.
Rune of the Pirate will grant power instead of magic find.
Rune of the Traveler will grant all stats, condition damage, boon duration and movement speed.
Rune of the Noble will grant condition damage and might.
Rune of the Scavenger will grant condition damage and life steal.
Sigil of Luck will grant a random boon on kill.

Alissah.9281:

905 * 2354/2760=772
1000 * 2354/3049=772

in bold is the necromancer’s armor, Its way higher than players in pvp have. A player with berserker will have 1850ish, and a rabid will have 2500.

905 * 2354/1850=1151
1000 * 2354/1850=1272

905 * 2354/2500=852
1000 * 2354/2500=941

multiply taht with 1.90, critical damage with a berserker amulet

berserker:
1151*1,9=2187
1272*1,9=2416,8

rabid:
852*1,9=1618
941*1,9=1787

…and it turns in the 2500s we hear about on the forums… or am i just being weird now O.o?

The wiki says we have to use power instead of attack… which makes me wonder what the attack stat even exists for >_<.

edit: berserker vs berserker with 2.9/3.4 skill coefficient: (i still have no idea where that number comes from)

905 * 2354 * 2.9/1850=3339
1000 * 2354 * 2.9/1850=3690

905 * 2354 * 3.4/1850=3915
1000 * 2354 * 3.4/1850=4326

Can halting strike crit? The damage would be ridiciously high if it could… Or maths is just one of the things I should add to my list of things Im horrible at.

@Alissah: I’m quite certain that Halting Strike can crit. The math, however, remains obscure to me.

Hi guys,
I’m running my clone spammer build (10/25/10/0/25) and have been looking into different options for defense against conditions other than Null Field.

I’m only talking about 2 utility skills here but feel free to offer any more options that won’t disrupt the chosen trait setup.

iDisenchanter
with iCelerity, this skill is on very short CD and can be traited further with Phantasmal Haste for better cleansing. However, the issues I have with this one:
- need target to cast
- phantasm usually spawn far from me (from recent experience)
- phantasm dies very quickly in group fights

Mantra of Resolve
admittedly, I haven’t used much of mantras in the past so my issues are as follow:
- give away my position
- easy to interrupt when charging up

So which one do you think is better? And any tips to use either of them effectively?

Thanks very much.

Overlord.7394:

I did the same with my mesmer. I leveled mostly pve, little eve for 40 levels and crafted the rest. I learned a bit more now that I have been playing it for 2-3 weeks

Lol I crafted my mesmer from 40ish to 80 also. As my main, she needs all crafting anyway.

jportell.2197:

Also blinding befuddlement was nerfed into the ground.

Oh, what exactly was the nerf? I didn’t know about this one.

As far as i know, Confusion dmg was nerfed by half. Glamour builds rely on confusion as main condition dmg so the nerf destroyed it.

I think a typical glamour look like this (trait-wise): http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fIAQNAscUjkOxwJPCPMxBkzjkIAnCVB7I9oMQj0A-j0yAIMioRaBIVJZ0mAlDDYacRrVxioxqZwUpER1+jg5VWUNA-w

@themenaceofseventhdimension
Hi Menace,
I highly suggest you to join our mesmer forum guild (https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/OMFG-Official-Mesmer-Forum-Guild/page/2#post2741914) and work with Testers on your suggested build(s).
Testers are people volunteer to dedicate their time to run and test out new builds. By working with them in-game, you will benefit more and improve your build effectively with broad experiences.

Also, this is a bit off-topic but i think we should agree that the idea of posting a build on forum is to share the build with the community and if the build is proved effective and fun to play, people will acknowledge it and give the poster due credit.

If you think about it that way, your contribution to the mesmer playerbase would be far more important than build ownership matter. Your approach would be then likely to meet with more friendly discussion, especially when someone has already come up with similar builds before you.

In short, its more about sharing and caring, and less selling and yelling.

jportell.2197:

keenlam.4753:

jportell.2197:

I think that the clone spammer build will benefit from it. Well I don’t use the pistol when i use it i take sword so sharper images is just a bonus if it procs and meh if it doesn’t. Also what other stat’s are the adding to the game?

@jportell: Same thinking here. In my clone spammer build, I’ve been mixing in a bit of Carrion with Rabid to improve the health pool. With this new Dire stat combo, will def switch out Carrion for it.
Any gear with MF stat, the MF stat component will be replaced with something else, hopefully interesting for us. I read it somewhere that Rune of Scavenging gets life steal or something but we’ll see.

Ooooooo Lifesteal. Hmmmm…. Very interesting. But what were the other stats in runes of scavenging?

There u go, my friend : http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Rune_of_Scavenging

Overlord.7394:

Sorry I don’t have that thorough of an understanding of mesmer. Why would 0/0/30/20/20 or 0/0/30/10/30 be good? I understand the IP thing but, using inspiration automatically says that you’re using phantasm, not typical to a condi mezzy build.

@Overlord: I’m sure we all agree why a bunker build should spec into Chaos line. Although for sPvP, going stealth heavy (PU spec) would make a bunker build less effective in capping points, but lets just stick with WvW for the moment.

imho, another option for bunker is chaining blind from Glamours field to negate burst attacks and have traited Focus for area denial and projectile protection. Thats the reason to spec into Inspiration (reduced CD for Glamour, traited Focus) and Illusions (Glamours blind and confuse).

Hope that helps.

jportell.2197:

I think that the clone spammer build will benefit from it. Well I don’t use the pistol when i use it i take sword so sharper images is just a bonus if it procs and meh if it doesn’t. Also what other stat’s are the adding to the game?

@jportell: Same thinking here. In my clone spammer build, I’ve been mixing in a bit of Carrion with Rabid to improve the health pool. With this new Dire stat combo, will def switch out Carrion for it.
Any gear with MF stat, the MF stat component will be replaced with something else, hopefully interesting for us. I read it somewhere that Rune of Scavenging gets life steal or something but we’ll see.

To me, the dueling trait line is fine. If there’s anything that needs change, it would be Shattered Conditions and Phantasmal Haste should swap places: Shattered Conditions in Illusions and Phantasmal Haste in Inspiration.

Kelvytuong.8301:

Yes, but they have fury. 34% is a decent crit chance.

Just so you know, Fury only applies for Phantasm. Whereas Dueling 15 turns all illusions (clones and phantams) to bleed on crit. That’s a lot of bleeding.

Im thinking of a condition bunker build going Full Dire, something like 0/0/20/20/30 (http://tinyurl.com/pymcvmn). It could be interesting.

@Chaos: thanks again for the initiative.

In addition to Chaos’ suggested events which I’d like to group together as special events, I think we should also have some sort of gathering/get-together session that occurs on a regular basis, maybe weekly/bi-weekly on weekend night. This could serve as a basic level of guild operation.

The purpose is simply for members to meet up, get to know one another in person and have a good chat. Of course, the gathering could be then followed with us doing stuff, whatever events together if the group so desire. Imagine, a group of 20 or more, all mesmers storm the gate of Balthazar temple, leaving behind a trail of purple destruction. xD

To make it convenient, we can have a default timeframe for this type of guild gathering so we can plan beforehand. Ofc information about time and place to meet will be posted on forum and in guild news panel.

For example:
Time: 8:00pm Sat night (PST for NA servers, UTC for EU servers)
Place: Lake Mourn, Hoelbrak – top left corner of the map, (my favourite place for ice skating, hint: Blink while moving xD)

Special events like ones that Chaos or others have suggested could be arranged to run separately or together with the regular gathering, whichever way suits better.

So in generally, the guild activities could include:
- Regular guild gathering (weekly or bi-weekly)
- Mesmer Fight Club (bi-weekly)
- PvE/PvP training sessions (flexible times, as long as there are enough people around)
- Dungeon Runs (same as training sessions)
- Jumping Puzzle Contest (monthly)
- Build Showcase with Build-of-the-Month award (monthly, start and end with every month, or we can run it in sync with patch cycle)
- Costume Contest (monthly?)

What do you guys think? I could volunteer to help organize events if you guys are all cool with it.

Steinpilz.5078:

is it viable to create a build with the focus on reflecting damage instead of doing damage yourself?

You’re talking about a build that’s based on Retaliation and Reflection. And in order to make good use of Retaliation, you need to go bunker and stacking power as main dmg stats.

Below is a build that I’ve just quickly put together to demonstrate how such a build would work but its untested and by no means optimal.
Link: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNArdWl0zip3TTpGZ9IhpHE33I/0DoL9lXqguB-TsAA1CtIMSZkzIjRSjsGNEZJyECA

You get more crit and thus bleed if you use Rabid and Toughness is better if you intend to stay in melee and mid-range.

Can you explain why you choose Carrion over Rabid?

Mimic works like this: when you use it, the first attack you get hit will be stored as Echo (you still take dmg for this attack), then for the remaining duration of Mimic, you will block non-projectile attacks and reflect projectiles. Mimic is now changed to Echo as you can use the stored skill as your one-time attack.
In case my explanation is not very clear. You can refer to this: http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Mimic

Mesmer is all about trickery and mind games. And it starts right from the start – character creation screen. =)
Let your opponents judge your aesthetic look all they want on the battlefield, and that would be their downfall.

F could stand for anything like flying, floating, fat, fluorescent, etc.
Just because you think what it is, it doesn’t mean it is that what you think. lol
/mesmer F1

Yes they do.
Source: http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Clone

My take

Passive: +20% movement speed at night

The active is fine, but to make it more worthwhile, adding blast finisher (and some aesthetic effect for the aoe blind) would be nice.

The +10% boon duration can go to Signet of Inspiration as it would be more befitting.
Signet of Inspiration passive effect: grants random boon every 10s + 10% boon duration bonus

Already contacted Pyro but still want to bump up this awesome thread.
Great work.

In game name: Sharon Florence
Home server: Eredon Terrace (US)

I have been playing mostly in PvE but once I’ve got 100% map completion (sitting at 84% atm), I will be more active in WvW. I’m working crazy hours as an engineer but I’ll try my best to hang out with you guys and actively participate any guild event as much as I can.

Sign me up for scholar.

Thanks Chaos for making the thread.

Thanks guys for doing this, especially Pyro for setting up the guild. Gotta love the name.

@Pyro: I sent you a PM for invite already. Please hook me up in-game. Cheers

Hi guys,
I have been testing the build (shown in original post) in WvW in zerging, skirmishing, and even dueling settings.

The glaring weaknesses I’ve found with this build are:
- next to zero burst dmg to finish off enemies
- lack of CC to snare enemies for team mates to burst them down if you cant finish them off by yourself.

This is the new variation, or rather a complete remake of my idea of a glamour build to make up for those weaknesses. Note that the build (either version) still uses perplexity runes for stacking confusion. Also, keep in mind this build serves as a support build so it works best in group fight.

Pistol version: http://tinyurl.com/kl9l9z6
- more burst, better CC with pistol #5

Focus version: http://tinyurl.com/mz5cspq
- more versatile with swiftness buff and mass interrupt, also more tanky

Playstyle:
Lay down your glamours, combo with your phantasms to stack confusion, let enemies eat confusion dmg then shatter to finish them off or stack even more confusion if they’re still alive. The build is somewhat a shatter build since you have no problem producing so many clones in a short time frame and all shatters have short CDs. However, you need to time and chain Mind Wrack & Cry of Frustration to maximise burst potential.

If enemies are smart and handle confusion well, switch to staff and maintain condition pressure with burning and bleeding like normal condition playstyle.

The key to success with this build is how to use your glamour both offensively and defensively, know when to stack confusion and time your shatters.

One more thing, while the build is WvW-oriented, the focus version is really good in PvE for both tagging mobs and for utilities in dungeons.

Please discuss guys. Any feedback is much appreciated.

themenaceofseventhdimension.2075:

Umm yeah. It is not his build. I made it myself and turned it into a Shatter Damage
Condition/stealth Hybrid build. I know the crippling disspiation and the idea of Shattering your illusions sounds absurd, but if you actually use it in combat, you are gonna fricking love it. I gurantee you taht much. Thinking about the build all they long is way diffrent than actually trying it. If you guyz so much want to try this build out, I will post my PVP build of it. It is good too.

BTW show me keenlams clone spammer build. I don’t know what the heck that build is. PLz bring me his original build and not some tweeked version of it. So i can see how you guyz think this build is just like that build. I thought of it myself and I swear to God that I dont even know who Keelam is. PLz post the build right away.

Edit: I saw his build, so you dont need to post it up here. HIs build and my build has totally different trait sets, weapon sets, gear, stats, and purpose. I dont know why you thought his build was same as this build. I have stated above, you dont have to have the Crippling Dissipation trait. I am testing the build with Mindwrack to make its Shatter Damage mode more viable. So that is an option that I will later explain after further testing.

Hi there,

Hmm, ok first thing first, his -> her, he -> she, etc.

Glad that you checked out my build.
While your build has similar trait setup to mine, i agree it’s radically different.
I go full condition, while you hybridize with 2 main sources of dmg from both conditions and powercrit shatters.

The issue I have with your build and I’m trying to be constructive here is that you’re trying to marry 2 extremely different, opposite even playstyles into the build which you might/ might not utilize both fully in a fight: 1) shatter your clones & 2) let them die to inflict condition.

Other than that, your build is definitely interesting and i’ll be keen to see if you can make it work.

Peace out.

PS: OP, word of advice, instead of going defensive and get all annoyed by blunt responses from others who doubt your build, while don’t you respond to ‘nice’ response and thus make the thread a bit more positive.

Hi OP welcome to mesmers. Word of warning: when you’ve turned to the purple side, you can’t go back

Beautiful piece of work, Chaos. Thanks for sharing.
How come the mesmer in the story could summon both iSwordman and iWarden though?

kaikalii.4198:

keenlam.4753:

Shatter builds with IP traited usually chain F1-F2-F3 together to somewhat lock down the target (or at least buy time) to prepare for the next shatter.

They do? Why would you want to stack confusion with (traited) shatter 1 and shatter 2, just to do a shatter 3 so that they can’t proc the confusion for 1 second (or more)?

Just to clarify, I was talking about power-based shatter build where F1 is the bread-and-butter dmg dealer.
You get the wrong idea, it’s not about stacking confusion. It’s about the extra damage u get from F2. F3 is there to stall the opponent or prevent them healing —> put them on the defensive.

Edited: Check out this Osicat’s video to see how he chains the shatters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BnM3spSyjEI#t=49

Shatter builds with IP traited usually chain F1-F2-F3 together to somewhat lock down the target (or at least buy time) to prepare for the next shatter.

saintange.5816:

i want a huge giant butterfly that spread chaos while moving its wings! or a large swarm/cloud of butterflies that spread chaos while being killed!

that’s all, thank you!

Elite – Shattered Reality: Summon a giant (and self-destructing) butterfly that applies all FOUR shatters at target (damage = base shatter damage regardless of the number of active clones or IP). 1s delay between summon and attack. The butterfly’s attack can be dodged/mitigated.

Is that enough chaos for you? =P

Clockwork Bard.3105:

It’s better to think of them as ammo rather than pets.

QFT. Don’t even think about comparing illusions (clones and phantasms) to other class pets/minions/summons.

Also, get to know and understand your shatters (there are 4 of them) as soon as you can.

Thanks for your prompt feedback guys

@Advent: I assume Confusing Enchantments only applies 1 stack of Confusion per movement (enter/exit glamour field). That’s the reason I prefer traited Scepter with lower CDs and a solid condition damage bonus. The trait is too good to pass up.

@Aquilus: I always have at least one stunbreak on my utilities, so either Decoy or SoM synergizes well with the build. But I like the idea of interrupt and enhanced defense by going 20 into Chaos. Will give it a go.

Here’s the variation: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNArdWlwzSoHVzqGa9IhJFB33nUw8lj6x1te1B-j0xA4MBRaBI1JQpwomDHyo6GTHTEVLEwi1A-w

Advent.6193:

I completely disagree. Thief has a crap rep because of how ANet designed their Traits.
Shadow Arts as a Trait-line promotes heavy Stealth abuse. However, this doesn’t mean that all Thief players are 2-spamming tryhards. Even a pure Evasion-spec Thief, in the right hands, can be an absolute monster. And you’ll SEE them coming to kill you.

Completely agree. I have been killed by a skilled evade thief.
Evade thief build does have a really high skill cap but most thieves run stealth-heavy builds because the stealth mechanic is so good and built-in for the class.

Hi guys,
With the new runeset Perplexity, I just figure I revisit a Glamour build for mesmer.
I’ve never run a glamour build before since I started playing Gw2 after the confusion nerf so any suggestion/advice is really appreciated.

Here’s my glamour build (pretty standard i think): http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNArdWlwzSoHVzqGa9IxpHMX6LH1jrb9qTqgrB-j0xA4MBRaBI1JQpwomDHyo6GTHTEVLEwi1A-w

Note: the build calc does not have perplexity runes yet but keep in mind this build uses the runeset.

I make use of the blind-confusion synergy for both offense/defense. This build is for group fight and support. I don’t think it can do well in 1v1 dueling situation but glamour veterans feel free to judge.

Cheers.

Edited: As I feel the build posted here is not very effective (at least to my playstyle), I have updated with different variations, please check posts below. Thanks.

skcamow,
1. Your next attack could be any attack, as long as it comes from you. I recalled it even procs if you’re on a different weaponset; iirc, there is an icon like boon to indicate your on-swap doom effect is registered for your next attack, use it to keep track of the sigil proc.
2. By common sense, the attack should be connected to apply the effect. Not sure if you fail to hit, the proc remains or cancels though.
Can someone clarify?

Crise.9401:

SirDrygan.1823:

Why only Aegis affect the kid and not the others?
Why is Logan’s guardian powers underpowered while Salad guy necro is overpowered?

You really can’t apply game mechanics in story telling… since when can Guardians blink or shadowstep f.ex. (or whatever it was Logan did during the Opening Ceremony).

Guardians have teleport skills.
Also, legendary NPCs like Logan, Anise, etc. have access to more powerful skills in their professions than us. As for Liadri, she has access to mesmer, necromancer, and elementalist’s skills.

Since when our own summons should be dependent on what the enemies are doing?

Phantasm’s attacks are supposed to be our burst dmg regardless of the mesmer build. To me, it works more like warrior’s Burst move than pets. A burst move that you can dodge/mitigate just like any other move. I don’t see the need to fix anything.

I assume this thread is for PURE entertainment right?
The guys saying mesmers are OP can’t be serious right? You guys sure have a weird sense of humor.

Hi OP,
At low levels, we mesmers cannot win the DPS race against warriors so if I were you, i would fall back to more in-combat support to help the two go through mob even quicker. Might-stacking with Staff #1 and Greatsword #2 is an example of what you can bring to the fight.

I posted my suggestions about new weapons in Suggestion sub-forum but it got buried quite fast so I thought I might have better chance posting here in our little lovely mesmer community.

My suggestions are based on a mix of popular demand, need for niche weapons and to go well with each profession theme. So here we go:

New types of weapons:
- Polearms: like spears, halberds, lances, etc. – 2H melee with good cleave radius
- Fist weapons: like katars, wristblades, gauntlets, etc. – MH/OH melee very high damage with extremely close range, and no cleave
- Whips: MH melee AoE with low dmg but high CC capability

New weapons for each profession:
Warrior:
- Polearm (2H)
- Fist weapon (MH/OH)
Guardian:
- MH Shield: 1200 ranged throwing autoattack
- Fist weapon (MH/OH)
Engineer:
- Hammer (2H)
- Fist weapons (MH)
Ranger:
- Polearm (2H)
- Whip (MH)
Thief:
- Fist weapon (MH/OH)
- Whip (MH)
Necromancer:
- Torch (OH)
- Fist weapon (MH)
Mesmer:
- Pistol (MH)(ranged 900, 1200 traited)
- Whip (MH)
Elementalist:
- Sword (MH)
- Torch (OH)

Feel free to discuss and give your own ideas/ thoughts. This might end up just for fun but hey let your imagination fly.