6397 réponses à ce sujet

[Adhin]

Oh, one other thing I found amusing from 'The Sera' video. At the very end the ghost dragon dies and leaves behind ghost remains, which looks strikingly familiar to the ghost remains in Skyrim. Not sure why I found it amusing, but I did.

[ElementalFury106]

Loved your Post but spirit damage bypasses armor naturally doesn't it? Also this should also detonate a combo.

 

I actually didn't know that, very cool!

[Adhin]

Armor just vs physical attacks. How it's been in every Dragon Age game (and most RPG's). Meaning Magic Defense and the elemental resistances are the only ways to directly mitigate it. Makes me wonder what damage Spirit Blade is. Probably physical considering how much dmg it does to guard. Oh, and %resist passives might work against all dmg types, such as the 50% vs ranged or 20% vs enemies in the front.

[andy6915]

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) and 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.

 

-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.

 

-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.

 

I'll got point by point. Note that this isn't me arguing back, just making points. Some of these points will actually be agreeing with you.

 

Freezing enemies for easy slashing via SB? Nice.

 

... Spirit blade does extra damage to frozen and brittle targets? I hadn't heard that, but if that's true... Whoa.

 

I already intended to get fade step regardless of my opinions on winter. It and its upgrade were actually the 2 things I intended to dabble into ice to get no matter what. Even if I focused on inferno or storm, I was going to get this.

 

My problem with blizzard is while I'm hitting everyone with that, my mana is constantly draining and I can't do much else while doing it. Or is it like a sustained where you can use other spells and move around while casting it?

 

I'm not keen on mine powers. They seem to have limited use. I remember Garrus' proximity mine power in ME3 was about as useless as you could get, I ended up respeccing him to not even have it. You got to place it right and still hope you get lucky and have a moron step on it. This isn't a knock to winter, I don't see myself using inferno's mines much either.

 

Mana surge won't help me much. I plan to be a barrier specialist, so my barriers are going to be about as strong and durable as you can possibly make them. I don't intend my barriers to ever drop if I can help it, so a power that relies on that happening won't do me much good.

 

Fade cloak only lasts 2 seconds, winter stillness needs 3 to activate. That doesn't mesh.

 

Good point on ice armor.

 

 

4 good points, 4 points where I disagree.

[Dunbartacus]

... Spirit blade does extra damage to frozen and brittle targets? I hadn't heard that, but if that's true... Whoa.

Spirit Blade is a combo detonator which procs on incapacitated targets, being frozen is within my definition of incapacitated .

[andy6915]

Spirit Blade is a combo detonator which procs on incapacitated targets, Being frozen is within my definition of incapacitated .

 

... Huh. That's... Nice. Didn't know that at all, and definitely bumps up winter's usefulness for KE. This is almost sound like the combo explosions from ME3.

[Varus Praetor]

Everyone should be getting fade step, period.  Mobility is going to be an issue for all mages to get either get the baddies out of your face or, for KEs, to get up in the baddies face.  However, the upgrade is a waste of points for KEs.  Unless you can run through a pack of mobs with it, it does as much damage as a single hit from Spirit Blade.  Given that we're likely going to be tight on points due to filler abilities needed to reach the "goodies" deep in our elemental trees, it just doesn't seem worth it.  Keep in mind even a thorough play through on a human may only end up with 25 - 27 points.

[andy6915]

Everyone should be getting fade step, period.  Mobility is going to be an issue for all mages to get either get the baddies out of your face or, for KEs, to get up in the baddies face.  However, the upgrade is a waste of points for KEs.  Unless you can run through a pack of mobs with it, it does as much damage as a single hit from Spirit Blade.  Given that we're likely going to be tight on points due to filler abilities needed to reach the "goodies" deep in our elemental trees, it just doesn't seem worth it.  Keep in mind even a thorough play through on a human may only end up with 25 - 27 points.

 

I fully agree. No mage I ever make will be lacking that. It adds to survivability and mobility, a two for one win. Frankly, I think any mage build lacking at least the basic fade step is a build with a serious flaw (that flaw being... Lacking fade step).

[Dunbartacus]

Everyone should be getting fade step, period.  Mobility is going to be an issue for all mages to get either get the baddies out of your face or, for KEs, to get up in the baddies face.  However, the upgrade is a waste of points for KEs.  Unless you can run through a pack of mobs with it, it does as much damage as a single hit from Spirit Blade.  Given that we're likely going to be tight on points due to filler abilities needed to reach the "goodies" deep in our elemental trees, it just doesn't seem worth it.  Keep in mind even a thorough play through on a human may only end up with 25 - 27 points.

 

I plan on running through the enemies then stabbing them in the back possibly while they're confined to an electrified cage of some sort .

[inquisitioned]

Everyone should be getting fade step, period.  Mobility is going to be an issue for all mages to get either get the baddies out of your face or, for KEs, to get up in the baddies face.  However, the upgrade is a waste of points for KEs.  Unless you can run through a pack of mobs with it, it does as much damage as a single hit from Spirit Blade.  Given that we're likely going to be tight on points due to filler abilities needed to reach the "goodies" deep in our elemental trees, it just doesn't seem worth it.  Keep in mind even a thorough play through on a human may only end up with 25 - 27 points.

 

+1 on this: 3-4 points in winter (fade step, winter's grasp, mana surge) is a good investment for almost any mage build

[ElementalFury106]

-snip-

 

My problem with blizzard is while I'm hitting everyone with that, my mana is constantly draining and I can't do much else while doing it. Or is it like a sustained where you can use other spells and move around while casting it?

 

-snip-

 

 

Fade cloak only lasts 2 seconds, winter stillness needs 3 to activate. That doesn't mesh.

 

 

 

Blizzard constantly drains mana, and yes it is basically sustained. When you position/cast it, you're free to move wherever you want and cast anything you want, but your mana constantly drains.

 

And there comes the beauty of Fade Cloak/Winter's Stillness. Casting Fade Cloak itself takes a second, the cloak itself is 2 seconds, and Winter' Stillness activates during 3 idle seconds. Basically instead of standing around like a still doofus, you avoid any damage and gain a big mana regen. That mana regen could really come in handy after a lengthy blizzard just drained your entire reserve.

[andy6915]

Blizzard constantly drains mana, and yes it is basically sustained. When you position/cast it, you're free to move wherever you want and cast anything you want, but your mana constantly drains.

 

And there comes the beauty of Fade Cloak/Winter's Stillness. Casting Fade Cloak itself takes a second, the cloak itself is 2 seconds, and Winter' Stillness activates during 3 idle seconds. Basically instead of standing around like a still doofus, you avoid any damage and gain a big mana regen. That mana regen could really come in handy after a lengthy blizzard just drained your entire reserve.

 

So blizzard is actually useful. Now that's 5 out of 8 points.

 

So I could use up nearly all my mana, fade cloak just as an enemy tries to hit me and end up inside him and cause massive damage as I uncloak then blast him in the face with a point blank spirit blade. You make a good point about fade cloak, one that beat my own point. 6 out of 8.

 

Well, I think I've been convinced now. Winter will work well with KE. Indeed... It seems to me now that it might actually work better with KE than it would rift mage or necromancer. To think an hour ago I couldn't see how winter and KE could remotely mesh, now I'm thinking they might be a good match.

 

You know, I think you're now one of my more liked people on here. You made good points, indulged my admittedly strange personal problems about wanting to keep my characters distinct from each other, and stayed pretty friendly throughout. Thanks.

[ElementalFury106]

So blizzard is actually useful. Now that's 5 out of 8 points.

 

So I could use up nearly all my mana, fade cloak just as an enemy tries to hit me and end up inside him and cause massive damage as I uncloak then blast him in the face with a point blank spirit blade. You make a good point about fade cloak, one that beat my own point. 6 out of 8.

 

Well, I think I've been convinced now. Winter will work well with KE. Indeed... It seems to me now that it might actually work better with KE than it would rift mage or necromancer. To think an hour ago I couldn't see how winter and KE could remotely mesh, now I'm thinking they might be a good match.

 

You know, I think you're now one of my more liked people on here. You made good points, indulged my admittedly strange personal problems about wanting to keep my characters distinct from each other, and stayed pretty friendly throughout. Thanks.

 

Happy to be of service.

[andy6915]

Happy to be of service.

 

My only problem now is, I can't seem to think of a way to fill up my button map. You get 8 skills you can map, so...

 

1.fade cloak

2.fade step

3.spirit blade

4.barrier

5.winters grasp

6.blizzard

 

From there you would think ice mine and ice wall, but I've already said I don't like the mine. And the wall seems a bit pointless for me, I'll have a party member use that for me. So I'm left with a bit of a blank here. I'll have dispel and mind blast due to needing to get those to reach the spirit passives I want, but they'll be the basic versions. Worth equipping? I'm not sure. Well, I didn't want to put the point in, but maybe the KE resurgence will be worth having. That's 7. How about dabbling a teesy bit into storm and get energy barrage? That's not actually lightning, so it won't give me problems with my "no lightning if Hawke used it" thing. Or maybe not get resurgence and get the upgraded version of energy barrage as well so it's more useful (lowered magic resistance with every barrage shot that impacted the enemy)?

 

Choices.

[BlueFlame527]

Just wondering. Has there been any mention of skill tomes or skill related items like the tome of arcane technique in DAI. I know that there will be a respec item but little beyond that.

[Dunbartacus]

My only problem now is, I can't seem to think of a way to fill up my button map. You get 8 skills you can map, so...

 

1.fade cloak

2.fade step

3.spirit blade

4.barrier

5.winters grasp

6.blizzard

 

From there you would think ice mine and ice wall, but I've already said I don't like the mine. And the wall seems a bit pointless for me, I'll have a party member use that for me. So I'm left with a bit of a blank here. I'll have dispel and mind blast due to needing to get those to reach the spirit passives I want, but they'll be the basic versions. Worth equipping? I'm not sure. Well, I didn't want to put the point in, but maybe the KE resurgence will be worth having. That's 7. How about dabbling a teesy bit into storm and get energy barrage? That's not actually lightning, so it won't give me problems with my "no lightning if Hawke used it" thing. Or maybe not get resurgence and get the upgraded version of energy barrage as well so it's more useful (lowered magic resistance with every barrage shot that impacted the enemy)?

 

Choices.

The top ability in the KE tree or Mind blast with the upgrade increases the strength of your current barrier when used on enemies.

 

Edit: Also on the matter of ice mine just winters grasp into ice mine to ensure it hits and with the upgrade it will be super effective versus elite warriors with lots of armor.

[Hellion Rex]

Pretty good video with mage gameplay

 

[luckyloser_62]

Just wondering. Has there been any mention of skill tomes or skill related items like the tome of arcane technique in DAI. I know that there will be a respec item but little beyond that.

There has not, but there is an inquisition perk that gives an extra skill point. 

[andy6915]

The top ability in the KE tree or Mind blast with the upgrade increases the strength of your current barrier when used on enemies.

 

I know. I said I would pick every single thing that boosts barrier, but I'm not sure about the mind blast upgrade. I only have so many points here, and my current build requires 31 points. That's already probably too much for one playthrough. Mindblast's barrier upgrade is useful, but if I get the upgrade that's an extra point I'll need on top of everything else. I want it, but I don't think I can get it. It's the only barrier-helpful skill in the game that doesn't seem ultra useful. That one point to get the upgrade to mind blast will be flat-out more vital elsewhere.

[Dunbartacus]

I know. I said I would pick every single thing that boosts barrier, but I'm not sure about the mind blast upgrade. I only have so many points here, and my current build requires 31 points. That's already probably too much for one playthrough. Mindblast's barrier upgrade is useful, but if I get the upgrade that's an extra point I'll need on top of everything else. I want it, but I don't think I can get it. It's the only barrier-helpful skill in the game that doesn't seem ultra useful. That one point to get the upgrade to mind blast will be flat-out more vital elsewhere.

31 points thats a lot how did you get that many   all of my builds are 24 - 26.

[ElementalFury106]

My only problem now is, I can't seem to think of a way to fill up my button map. You get 8 skills you can map, so...

 

1.fade cloak

2.fade step

3.spirit blade

4.barrier

5.winters grasp

6.blizzard

 

From there you would think ice mine and ice wall, but I've already said I don't like the mine. And the wall seems a bit pointless for me, I'll have a party member use that for me. So I'm left with a bit of a blank here. I'll have dispel and mind blast due to needing to get those to reach the spirit passives I want, but they'll be the basic versions. Worth equipping? I'm not sure. Well, I didn't want to put the point in, but maybe the KE resurgence will be worth having. That's 7. How about dabbling a teesy bit into storm and get energy barrage? That's not actually lightning, so it won't give me problems with my "no lightning if Hawke used it" thing. Or maybe not get resurgence and get the upgraded version of energy barrage as well so it's more useful (lowered magic resistance with every barrage shot that impacted the enemy)?

 

Choices.

 

Well first you should definitely throw in a Focus ability. Either Resurgence or Mark of the Rift.

 

Next I would say either Energy Barrage, Immolate, Mind Blast, Dispel, Revival.

 

Energy Barrage is not a lightning spell at all as you said, so it won't agitate your issue with that, even when using it with a lightning staff it technically isn't a lightning spell, since it uses power directly from the staff itself.

 

Immolate is awesome. I used to dislike it, but recent gameplay vids have really changed my mind. When upgraded, it does 1000% weapon damage total and has a fairly short cooldown. When synergized with the Clean Burn passive and Spirit Blade, it becomes super spammable. Imagine being able to spam a 1000% damage dealing spell only a few seconds in between. Did I mention it is an AoE? 

 

Something tells me you would get jitters about investing in a non-Winter tree for this build, unless it has to do with barriers. I guess Immolate will be disregarded.

 

Otherwise, Mind Blast and Revival are great support. Mind Blast and Dispel can do combos. Mind Blast upgrade generates barrier for every enemy you hit. Dispel upgrade can generate 50% barrier and increase your own spell damage for a duration. Very neat upgrades. Not much to say about revival, pretty self explanatory. I wouldn't really go for it personally, but some people like the comfort it brings.

[Dubstob]

Any reaver vids? Reading more about it makes me very interested. 

[andy6915]

31 points thats a lot how did you get that many   all of my builds are 24 - 26.

 

 

 

8 from spirit, my goals are 2 of the 3 passives at the very bottom that are both on the far ends. I won't get the heal spell in between those passives, and barrier's upgrade is high priority.

 

 

11 points from winter. I have to reach blizzard and its upgrade, meaning a bare minimum of 6 points need to be put in just to reach it. And I'm not going bare minimum, fade step and winters grasp are both getting their upgrades (brings the number to 8), and I'm getting winter mastery (9). Add the 2 points of blizzard itself (11).

 

 

Everything except possibly the healing spell, 10 points without. My 31 number wasn't counting the healing spell. And yes, that means missing my focus ability, but I don't care much about a healing power.

 

 

And 2 for elemental barrage. So that's 10 (KE)+11 (winter)+8 (spirit)+2 (energy barrage and upgrade)=31

[Varus Praetor]

I know. I said I would pick every single thing that boosts barrier, but I'm not sure about the mind blast upgrade. I only have so many points here, and my current build requires 31 points. That's already probably too much for one playthrough. Mindblast's barrier upgrade is useful, but if I get the upgrade that's an extra point I'll need on top of everything else. I want it, but I don't think I can get it. It's the only barrier-helpful skill in the game that doesn't seem ultra useful. That one point to get the upgrade to mind blast will be flat-out more vital elsewhere.

 

31 points?  I'm guessing you're going into elemental trees just for %barrier boosting passives despite not planning to use any of the filler you need along the way.  That's a terrible idea.

 

I'll be honest, I think the idea of shooting for "100% barrier up time" to the exclusion of all else is fairly non-optimal.  For one thing, barrier appears to degrade on a % basis over time.  If that's accurate, all those boosting passives are only valuable against incoming damage.  They don't do squat to extend duration.  The only way to extend duration is with the spells that explicitly do that and staggering barriers with mage NPCs, whose barriers are unlikely to be near as strong, rendering your efforts less effective.

 

IMO since the KE tree has so much that boosts barrier already, you're far better off going out and getting the most bang for your buck damage wise deep into an elemental tree and then getting some dps or utility from some of the low hanging fruit early in the other trees to get a complete build as fast as possible.

[Dunbartacus]

I think you only have 10 in winter from what you described.

 

Cut out the final ability in KE if you don't plan on using it.

 

Use Mind blast with upgrade instead of energy barrage to save a point? 

 

This takes it to 27 which could be attainable.