Mechanical Function
We utilize an inverted Runebolt cast in order to simplify this game play using the Torrent of Evocation 1/1. This flips us from a Fire, Lightning, Cold rune order into Cold, Lightning, Fire; which as you will know as Antipode of the Rune Slinger. Knowing this, we can EASILY rotate to our other invocation using Frost Wall, which now makes us have a Lightning, Fire, Cold; which you will see as Grand Prism Nova. The good news is, we commonly use Frost Wall to trigger our Flame Ward, which not only gives us ample ward, but also doubling our mana regeneration with Warmth 4/4. It is player preference to chose to clear packs with either Antipode of the Rune Slinger or Grand Prism Nova, however it is fair to note that running with Antipode of the Rune Slinger will add SEVERAL stack of shred from Punch Through Metal 5/5, enabling Grand Prism Nova to hit very hard. (This method is preferred for stronger packs.) Smaller packs can be chewed up with either option. Being sure to walk through our Frost Wall in order to cast Flame Ward.
Offensive Mechanics
As stated above we will primarily use Antipode of the Rune Slinger and Grand Prism Nova, however we can easily get to Revik's Blizzard, which will add up to 36% move/attack/cast speed slows to groups of enemies. This can help you buy time for your other invocations. There is the chance you will also cast Trinity of Elements. This isn't terrible, but not ideal.
This is a list of the possible invocation you can get after successfully casting Antipode of the Rune Slinger:
- Rune Shard
- Unvar's Shockwave
- Antipode of the Rune Slinger
- Grand Prism Nova
- Trinity of Elements
- Antipode of the Rune Slinger
- Grand Prism Nova
- Trinity of Elements (Cycle repeats)
With that being said, there's a 50/50 chance you will hit 1 of your 2 main skills. However, we should only ever be casting Runic Invocation 3 times in order to reach Antipode of the Rune Slinger, from there you will decide to either use the current invocation or drop Frost Wall and now have Grand Prism Nova queued up for invocation. Once you get used to your cast speed, you should be able to land this with ease and without too much hassle.
Defensive Mechanics
We utilize our Frost Wall in order to gain our ward, but we also rely on our casting in order to gain ward as well. We take advantage of nodes, such as: Unsealed Mana 5/6, Arcane Focus 8/8, Transcendence 6/8, and Jagged Veil 4/5. We also use Mental Catalysis 6/6 not just for intel (ward) but in case we are not crit avoid capped.
Majority of our defenses come from our constant popping of Frost Wall -> Flame Ward, but also rely (as always) on our ability to see and recognize obvious high damage mechanics. We want to actively use this combination of skill to keep our mana topped up as well with Flame Ward's Warmth 4/4 node.
Basic Engagement
Run a cycle of Runebolt x3 and cast Frost Wall (This will que Grand Prism Nova) and walk through in order to gain ward and start our mana generator. Open up on any small pack with our Runic Invocation. You can always decide to use Wordless Invocation (0 rune invocation) to pump some ward (80 ward per cast) as well, but I always found it better to warm up with an invocation. Most packs will not be able to stand up to Grand Prism Nova once you are scaled, however, repeating this cycle or just throwing Runebolt should handle this quickly.
Difficult Engagement / Bossing
The only difference here, is that you will be avoiding damage mechanics. Face tanking not advised unless you have seriously capped gear and are holding 1000's of ward (Very possible when geared). TunkLab has us gaining modestly around 2100 ward in a generic cast/fight. This does not include the bonus from Flame Ward. Repeat the cycles of invocations, using the shred from Runebolt AND Antipode of the Rune Slinger, walk through a Frost Wall and pop Grand Prism Nova.
