[3.16 - RETIRING BUILD] VD Brands: S-Tier Bosser, A-Tier Map! -- MURDERED BY GGG_INTERN SOMEWHERE--

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EF_Balduin schrieb:

I've pivoted my build to this and it feels pretty decent already, but it REALLY feels like -mana cost rings/amulet are basically a requirement to make it feel smooth.

I also decided to go for leap slam-fortify-endurance charge on melee stun setup - and that feels amazing and gives permanent endurance charges and fortify. With all the AS from Corpse Pact, it feels fast and flexible even with Duskdawns terrible base AS.

I will probably switch to a sceptre+shield setup eventually, because I REALLY want a triggerweapon for Bone Offering, Wave of Conviction and Flammability (WoC and Flammability currently in Curse on Hit-setup) - juggling the 2 brands, keeping up offering and WoC on tough enemies is a struggle.

Also, I dropped Glancing Blows - with Duskdawn, and a lvl 20 bone offering, I can hit natural attack block cap by allocating Whirling barrier, the one block node before it, the 3% staff block node before steelwood stance - all of which are in a large Thread of Hope at the templar jewel, together with Spiritual Aid (40% increased damage), Discipline and Training+Lifenodes, and Amplify - Souvereignity+RMR minors too if that's required later on for a good watchers eye - and Enigmatic Defense. All in all, natural maxblock for 6 passives (I'd take Whirling Barrier anyways for the PCharge generation), and saving 4 passives by not pathing to GB. Puts me to true 75% attackblock and 32% spellblock (instead of 75/52 GB Block).

EDIT: Also, since Arcanist Brand now costs mana on trigger, we can link a level 20 arcane surge into the desecrate-brand and have that up 24/7. Helps a little with mana (increases cost too though), but also gives a nive boost to the fireballs' damage :)

"

EF_Balduin schrieb:

I've pivoted my build to this and it feels pretty decent already, but it REALLY feels like -mana cost rings/amulet are basically a requirement to make it feel smooth.

I also decided to go for leap slam-fortify-endurance charge on melee stun setup - and that feels amazing and gives permanent endurance charges and fortify. With all the AS from Corpse Pact, it feels fast and flexible even with Duskdawns terrible base AS.

I will probably switch to a sceptre+shield setup eventually, because I REALLY want a triggerweapon for Bone Offering, Wave of Conviction and Flammability (WoC and Flammability currently in Curse on Hit-setup) - juggling the 2 brands, keeping up offering and WoC on tough enemies is a struggle.

Also, I dropped Glancing Blows - with Duskdawn, and a lvl 20 bone offering, I can hit natural attack block cap by allocating Whirling barrier, the one block node before it, the 3% staff block node before steelwood stance - all of which are in a large Thread of Hope at the templar jewel, together with Spiritual Aid (40% increased damage), Discipline and Training+Lifenodes, and Amplify - Souvereignity+RMR minors too if that's required later on for a good watchers eye - and Enigmatic Defense. All in all, natural maxblock for 6 passives (I'd take Whirling Barrier anyways for the PCharge generation), and saving 4 passives by not pathing to GB. Puts me to true 75% attackblock and 32% spellblock (instead of 75/52 GB Block).

EDIT: Also, since Arcanist Brand now costs mana on trigger, we can link a level 20 arcane surge into the desecrate-brand and have that up 24/7. Helps a little with mana (increases cost too though), but also gives a nive boost to the fireballs' damage :)

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SoulGambit schrieb:

I have an idea. I am just starting to work it out, and so far it has the makings of something smooth enough.

Go in the direct opposite direction with the mana issues: go Archmage and full mana.

If you go in hard enough with sustain to support regular Acanist Brand VD, you might as well go a bit further and turn that Mana into an advantage.

My current plan is...

Equipment
Duskdawn, Cloak of Defiance, Atziri's Foible, Fenemus' Spinnerets. Rare Helmet/Rings/Gloves. Make sure one or both Rings have 3 Mana on hit. Make sure gloves are Nexus Gloves.

Gems
Volatole Dead + Arcanist Brand + Spell Cascade + Archmage in a Helmet

Desecrate + Arcanist Brand + Spell Cascade + Concentrated Effect

Cyclone + Anomelous Mana Leech + Cast While Channeling + Bone Offering + Frost Shield

Arcane Cloak + Increased Duration + Arcane Surge

Leap Slam + Endurance Charge on Stun + Fortify

Raise Spectre, Clarity, and a Movement Skill somewhere.

End game transition to low life with Clarity and Aspect of the Spider on Arrogence.

Build passive tree similar to Stormbrand.


I am transitioning my failed Reaper Build to this, so I am a ways away, but so far it looks like I can get everything in under 3 Ex. My partial conversion is doing decent enough in White Maps. Notably, I am not having mana issues.

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Manadrained schrieb:

If you are trying to spend more mana could give these gloves a try for 2% base crit at all times and since they are cheap could go for a good corrupt too.
https://pathofexile.fandom.com/wiki/Kalisa%27s_Grace

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Manadrained schrieb:

I just finished making my helm got lucky with a lot of the steps so gonna try crit soon and see how it is