Does it help if I tell you that I plan to be a barrier specialist, putting every point I can into any skills that improve barrier? I plan my barriers to be up 24/7, and a passive that makes me damage my own barrier for damage is in opposition to that.
I did recall you mentioned this before. Yes, for this type of playthrough Chaotic Focus doesn't work.
The first clip demonstrates the Tempest abilities and focus. Sera is a real damage dealer.
This vid is a four mage team (Magequisition) on the offense. See the Firestorm spell in play.
HOLY SH*T THOUSAND CUTS IS AWESOME
I did recall you mentioned this before. Yes, for this type of playthrough Chaotic Focus doesn't work.
Part of being a KE, I'm going to be as much of a tank as a mage can get away with.
Anyway, basically... Whatever element I focus on between ice and fire and storm for first playthrough, will not be used on my next 2 mage playthroughs. Whatever spec I use on first playthrough, will not be used on the next 2. I want to keep everything nice and mixed up for each playthrough. So whatever I do now won't be done later. So if I pick storm now with KE, that means ice for rift mage/necromancer or fire for rift mage/necromancer. And fire seems to fit better for rift mage because both are about damage, and storm seems like a good combination with necromancer due to crowd control. Thing is, ice doesn't really seem to look like it will work well with KE.
If I pick lightning on this playthrough, that means Hawke on my DA2 playthrough today (going to play my canon leading up to DAI's release) is going to need to avoid primal. I don't want 2 characters in a row having nearly the same preferences on elements. And having crappier damage (elemental), that has bad friendly fire (elemental), and no rock armor?... That's not acceptable. I won't lie, this is the main reason I don't want to use lightning on this playthrough.
You say fire is best, give me a good argument. Not an argument I'll particularly argue back, I just mean "make a good case for it". Though if you do that... There will need to be a good case made for ice+rift mage for a future playthrough.
I actually think storm is a better fit but that doesn't mean Inferno + KE can't have some synergy.
Spirit Blade makes Clean burn an amazingly effective passive, Disruption field can hold enemies in place while fire mine primes.then use immolate the moment before detonation.
If I pick lightning on this playthrough, that means Hawke on my DA2 playthrough today (going to play my canon leading up to DAI's release) is going to need to avoid primal. I don't want 2 characters in a row having nearly the same preferences on elements. And having crappier damage (elemental), that has bad friendly fire (elemental), and no rock armor?... That's not acceptable. I won't lie, this is the main reason I don't want to use lightning on this playthrough.
You say fire is best, give me a good argument. Not an argument I'll particularly argue back, I just mean "make a good case for it". Though if you do that... There will need to be a good case made for ice+rift mage for a future playthrough.
Dude who cares if your Hawke dabbled in lightning spells, the game doesn't recognize what abilities your Hawke enjoyed using. Spells are universal, Warden/Hawke/Inquisitor could all have used the same spells for all we know. You'll be missing out on a cool tree/build just because a non-existant story element. But hey, if it bothers you that much, then don't do it.
Plenty of people have provided arguments on why Inferno Synergizes best with KE. Basically the passives compliment KE (Spirit Blade specifically). Every spell you cast reduces cooldown for other spells, and Spirit Blade is spammable so you can see how that can be abused. Use it to cast other DPS and debilitating abilities like Immolate, Energy Barrage, Fire Mine, etc. There's also Chaotic Fire which boosts your fire spells at the expense of barrier, but since KE generates barrier like a mad man, it can only be beneficial.
There are better arguments, and I'm not here to change your mind or convince you. Just saying that KE synergizes with EVERYTHING. Inferno, Winter, Storm, Spirit; it compliments them all.
HOLY SH*T THOUSAND CUTS IS AWESOME
Yes. Also the electrical flask allowed Sera to slow others down as she was able to attack at normal pace.
That Tempest tree got some real power behind it.
Yes. Also the electrical flask allowed Sera to slow others down as she was able to attack at normal pace.
That Tempest tree got some real power behind it.
Indeed, this is why I was confused as to all the hate for Tempest yesterday. I felt like I was one of the few who actually thought it looked really neat and interesting. Glad to see I wasn't wrong.
Ironically so, I thought Assassin, Champion, and Rift were pretty bleh. Effective, but bleh.
Part of being a KE, I'm going to be as much of a tank as a mage can get away with.
Anyway, basically... Whatever element I focus on between ice and fire and storm for first playthrough, will not be used on my next 2 mage playthroughs. Whatever spec I use on first playthrough, will not be used on the next 2. I want to keep everything nice and mixed up for each playthrough. So whatever I do now won't be done later. So if I pick storm now with KE, that means ice for rift mage/necromancer or fire for rift mage/necromancer. And fire seems to fit better for rift mage because both are about damage, and storm seems like a good combination with necromancer due to crowd control. Thing is, ice doesn't really seem to look like it will work well with KE.
That's why I'm still not sure on putting it in my KE Thunder build. I do like that the passives makes the mage better suited on close combat.
Anyone think we can get a shatter from frozen enemies by using spirit blade? Spirit blade has that combo note underneath it and that's what I'm going on for it (plus it makes sense...and would look sick as)
I thought someone made mention you could shatter using spirit blade but don't quote me on that.
Indeed, this is why I was confused as to all the hate for Tempest yesterday. I felt like I was one of the few who actually thought it looked really neat and interesting. Glad to see I wasn't wrong.
Ironically so, I thought Assassin, Champion, and Rift were pretty bleh. Effective, but bleh.
Firestorm is impressive. Though since MotR works on normal enemies as well, I won't miss it as much.
Dude who cares if your Hawke dabbled in lightning spells, the game doesn't recognize what abilities your Hawke enjoyed using. Spells are universal, Warden/Hawke/Inquisitor could all have used the same spells for all we know. You'll be missing out on a cool tree/build just because a non-existant story element. But hey, if it bothers you that much, then don't do it.
Plenty of people have provided arguments on why Inferno Synergizes best with KE. Basically the passives compliment KE (Spirit Blade specifically). Every spell you cast reduces cooldown for other spells, and Spirit Blade is spammable so you can see how that can be abused. Use it to cast other DPS and debilitating abilities like Immolate, Energy Barrage, Fire Mine, etc. There's also Chaotic Fire which boosts your fire spells at the expense of barrier, but since KE generates barrier like a mad man, it can only be beneficial.
There are better arguments, and I'm not here to change your mind or convince you. Just saying that KE synergizes with EVERYTHING. Inferno, Winter, Storm, Spirit; it compliments them all.
I care, that's "who cares". This isn't just with mages, if my previous Hawke was a duel wield rogue and Inqy was going to be a rogue then Inqy would be an archer. I don't like too much redundancy in the different heroes throughout the series. Even using 2 mages back to back took me some personal struggling to accept.
Wish you would try to change my mind. That's what I wanting! And winter syncs with KE? That combination doesn't seem like it will work no matter how I think of it. That's probably the most curious thing I've been told, that blizzard works well with KE. If you can make that argument, you'll probably turn me fast. I want lightning to be for my necromancer and fire for my rift mage, but my problem has been the leftover (winter) seemed useless for KE.
Indeed, this is why I was confused as to all the hate for Tempest yesterday. I felt like I was one of the few who actually thought it looked really neat and interesting. Glad to see I wasn't wrong.
Ironically so, I thought Assassin, Champion, and Rift were pretty bleh. Effective, but bleh.
Assassin is ok, but not as dynamic as I hoped. When I got to read some of the abilities for Tempest I was intrigued. To see it, made me think I need to make a change for my archer.
Rift I'm on the fence on. KE looks real good, but I'm still set on the Necromancer.
By the way, firestorm actually uses fire as an element, right? Or, it at least causes a burning DoT? Because if it does, then the passive "pyromancer" skill that increases all fire damage will make firestorm even more powerful. That's partly why I want to be a rift mage on my pyro. Or is it a spirit spell that just looks like fire?
I like Rift Mage it has tons of CC and a cool new status effect that becomes pretty amazing when combined with the passives.
I've always thought focus is going to be a shared resource, ie. the whole party gathers it jointly, and then someone uses it all up, but watching these videos, that doesn't seem to be the case?
I've always thought focus is going to be a shared resource, ie. the whole party gathers it jointly, and then someone uses it all up, but watching these videos, that doesn't seem to be the case?
Its gained as a party but spent individually.
I've always thought focus is going to be a shared resource, ie. the whole party gathers it jointly, and then someone uses it all up, but watching these videos, that doesn't seem to be the case?
All the party contributes in gaining it, but aftee that everyone has an indipendant bar.
I care, that's "who cares". This isn't just with mages, if my previous Hawke was a duel wield rogue and Inqy was going to be a rogue then Inqy would be an archer. I don't like too much redundancy in the different heroes throughout the series. Even using 2 mages back to back took me some personal struggling to accept.
Wish you would try to change my mind. That's what I wanting! And winter syncs with KE? That combination doesn't seem like it will work no matter how I think of it. That's probably the most curious thing I've been told, that blizzard works well with KE. If you can make that argument, you'll probably turn me fast. I want lightning to be for my necromancer and fire for my rift mage, but my problem has been the leftover (winter) seemed useless for KE.
My arguments will be for nothing if you don't keep an open mind.
Ways KE compliments Winter? Here you go:
-With all abilities in both trees combined, your Mage will be the most debilitating person on the field. You can freeze/stun into place several enemies with just your Inquisitor, leaving them easy targets to be cut down with Spirit Blade
-Spirit Blade can CCC with Winter's Grasp
-Fade Step can add to the invulnerability effects KE's have. And get them into the front lines quicker.
-Blizzard (when upgraded) can progressively slow and freeze enemies into place. So long as you're in the blizzard with them, they'll be easy prey for slicing down.
-Ice Mine (when upgraded) takes away an Enemy's entire armor rating. Spirit Blade(s) to an unarmored opponent is pretty OP. Also, according to fellow BSNers, this can CCC.
-Mana Surge directly compliments barrier synergy, and no one buffs or generates more barriers than a KE. Freeze enemies into place when your barrier ends for easy prey, and enjoy the free spell it grants you.
-Fade Cloak --> Winter's Stillness = Invulnerability and huge mana regen bonus. Comes especially in handy if your Blizzard just ate up your mana reserve.
-Ice Armor makes KE more tanky
There you go. Personally, I prefer Inferno and Storm synergy with KE than Winter, but it's definitely possible and effective with Winter. Keep an open mind and experiment.
That video, with Sera thousand cuts... that is why you take a Focus Skill. I know some people are like 'well I can't use it every battle' well... sure, but you can't spam all your **** anyway. Your not going to be using every skill all the time, non-stop, that's not how games like this work. Back in the DnD days you had skills being 'very' limited in use. I didn't barb rage every damn fight, you don't fall down a firestorm multiple times a fight... not how it worked. You had a limited supply of stuff and you spread it out as necessary through out encounters.
That's what Focus skills are in this game, the limited resource but stupid over the top T9 mage spells that completely trash everything. Sure you can't use it 'all the time' but it'll be 'extremely' useful when you actually need it. I absolutely love Reaver has what amounts to a life leech berserker focus. That **** is perfect, I always said Berserker could be done in a single skill, it's all about the rage, everything else was filler. And Rampage, Oh man, it's all manners of berserkery rage and then some.
And Thousand Cuts? Daaamn, Sera was doing 1.7-2.4k dmg per hit, and she hit A LOT of times. Also I'm glad we got to see a full focus bar. Hadn't seen that on console controls yet, I like how it all matchs up in a perfect circle with the 3 dots letting you know how many pips you have built up.
-edit-
Oh yeah and cause the focus is spent individually? That's 4 focus skills... that's a good amount of 'oh ****' buttons, you know? 
I care, that's "who cares". This isn't just with mages, if my previous Hawke was a duel wield rogue and Inqy was going to be a rogue then Inqy would be an archer. I don't like too much redundancy in the different heroes throughout the series. Even using 2 mages back to back took me some personal struggling to accept.
Wish you would try to change my mind. That's what I wanting! And winter syncs with KE? That combination doesn't seem like it will work no matter how I think of it. That's probably the most curious thing I've been told, that blizzard works well with KE. If you can make that argument, you'll probably turn me fast. I want lightning to be for my necromancer and fire for my rift mage, but my problem has been the leftover (winter) seemed useless for KE.
I believe you can shatter frozen enemies with spirit blade and fade step will make it easy to dive right in or out of battle. That how winter is pretty awesome for KE.
I care, that's "who cares". This isn't just with mages, if my previous Hawke was a duel wield rogue and Inqy was going to be a rogue then Inqy would be an archer. I don't like too much redundancy in the different heroes throughout the series. Even using 2 mages back to back took me some personal struggling to accept.
Wish you would try to change my mind. That's what I wanting! And winter syncs with KE? That combination doesn't seem like it will work no matter how I think of it. That's probably the most curious thing I've been told, that blizzard works well with KE. If you can make that argument, you'll probably turn me fast. I want lightning to be for my necromancer and fire for my rift mage, but my problem has been the leftover (winter) seemed useless for KE.
So you're looking for someone on the forum to talk you out of a weird role-play idiosyncrasy that you have in order to avoid you getting stuck with a sub optimal build?
I think they make a pill for that, sounds easier and quicker.
Its gained as a party but spent individually.
Damn, that really changes the value of different specializations, seeing how OP focus abilities are and how some dominate the others...
Luckily, I can take mark of the rift with my rift mage inquisitor instead of firestorm, which I don't think is that useful.
-Ice Mine (when upgraded) takes away an Enemy's entire armor rating. Spirit Blade(s) to an unarmored opponent is pretty OP.
Loved your Post but spirit damage bypasses armor naturally doesn't it? Also this should also detonate a combo.
Think I've finally got my tempest build figured out
Flank Attack + Skirmisher
Twin Fang + Ripping Fangs
Dance of Death (+3 Dex)
Sneak Attack (+3 Cun)
Bloodied Prey (+3 Cun)
Unforgiving Chain (+3 Dex)
Poison Weapons + Infected Wounds
Dirty Fighting (+3 Dex)
Explosive Wounds (+3 Dex)
Flask of Fire + Upgrade
Flask of Frost + Upgrade
Flask of Lightning + Upgrade
Killers Alchemy (+3 Con)
Flaskmaster (+3 Dex)
Flurry of the Storm (+3 Con)
Ride the Storm (+3 Dex)
Thousand Cuts
Stealth
First Blood (+3 Dex)
Gives me
+18 Dex, +6 Cun, +6 Con
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