Build Playstyle
The basics are quite simple. Frost Claw is our main ability, and will automatically cast Large Elemental Novas that are scaled in size by nodes like Infernal Nova 1/1 to apply Spark Charges to enemies. These charges will explode, dealing massive amounts of damage to enemies nearby. The damage of this AoE is scaled by Intelligence, by virtue of using a Fragment of the Enigma.
Aside from holding down Frost Claw, the only other mechanics to mention are how the build retains an EHP of over 100K while clearing Monoliths and Bosses. Since we are a Runemaster we can take advantage of Reowyn's Frostguard from Runic Invocation, which grants us a HUGE 30% Damage Reduction (DR), which also bolsters our Ward on cast. This invocation is automatically generated by ensuring that we've taken Immutable Order 1/1 in the Runic Invocation tree. This will allow us to retain the proper sequences of Runes regardless of what we chose to cast, provided you have setup your action bar as detailed here:
- You must ensure that the first three spells on your action bar IN ORDER are Flame Rush, Flame Ward and Snap Freeze, or some variation of FROST, FIRE, FROST in order for Immutable Order 1/1to function correctly, by providing us with Reowyn's Frostguard.
- This will not only guarantee that your Runic Invocation Combo will always grant you Reowyn's Frostguard, but also allow you to cast Flame Ward during tough Monoliths (Providing you with further Damage Reduction), and allow you to Freeze Bosses and hard enemies.
- Snap Freeze is incredibly useful at dealing with bosses and it will prevent them from casting or doing ANYTHING while Frozen, so take advantage of it!
Flame Ward is a core part of the builds defensives, and should be used when Flame Rushing around the Echo approaching dangerous packs. Look to keep the uptime on this buff as high as possible, as it also grants us additional Ward Retention, and lots of DR through Barrier 5/5 and Prismatic Buffer 3/3.
Boss Specific Tips
During Bosses, you want to use Flame Rush on cooldown by simply tapping the ability in order to proc Fiery Overload 2/2. This will grant you Frenzy, increasing your attack/cast speed by 25%, which is a significant damage increase while stationary. If done correctly your character shouldn't move and simply stay in the same spot, while benefitting from the buff.
Remember to invoke Reowyn's Frostguard fairly regularly during bosses, as the ward gain and damage reduction remain important for incoming damage, while also benefitting from nodes such as Transcriber of Power 4/4.
Try to also keep a decent uptime on Flame Ward, as the damage reduction you gain from it are quite significant when specializing into nodes such as Barrier 5/5 and Prismatic Buffer 3/3. You should never be capped on charges, as we have (2) with the talent setup suggested.
Utilize Snap Freeze as much as possible while near the boss to either delay or prevent mechanics. This can prove to be especially useful for bosses such as Emperor of Corpses, where standing still can be a huge damage increase.
Important!
This build relies heavily on gear, and your millage may vary should you lack important pieces such as a Twisted Heart of Uhkeiros with +Levels to Frost Claw. It is also a fine balance in terms of Mana Management. This build aims to take advantage of the Lightning Damage Bonus on Ornate Glass Idols as listed in the planner.
