User:Khalia/Builds/Build:N/D Orrian Revenant

This is an experimental Dark Aura bomber variation on builds similar to N/D Mystic Aura Bomber using Vampiric Spirit in place of Aura of the Lich. After encountering large amounts of health degeneration and occassional health drain, I found myself casting Aura of the Lich less and less. The Orrian Revenant is an attempt to find an alternative elite to use in its place.

Equipment

 * Armor:
 * Top armor with Radiant Insignias or equivalent crafted bonus
 * A head scar with +1 Death Magic
 * Runes:
 * Major Death Magic
 * Major Blood Magic
 * Minor Soul Reaping
 * Superior Vigor
 * Attunement
 * Weapons:
 * Enchanting, energy, and health are all beneficial. Good options include:
 * Kaswa's Gluttony, Kyril's Fervor, or similarly assembled staff
 * A one-handed weapon of Enchanting with energy such as the Totem Axe or Rajazan's Fervor and a Blood Knife or similar off hand item with health like the one from Attendant Nashu and Jahn Pitz
 * If you are using a variant with any scythe attacks, an "I Have the Power!" inscribed scythe of Enchanting is best

Variants
The core concept of this build centers around the use of sacrifice spells with Dark Aura and Vampiric Spirit to produce large amounts of unresistable AoE damage and life drain while further sustaining oneself with the powerful Dervish ability Mystic Regeneration which is potentially stronger, safer, and longer-lasting than Blood Renewal. Wind Prayers also offer several choices for movement speed buffs. Skill choices are otherwise open to interpretation:
 * Keep in mind that Vampiric Spirit only triggers off of Spells, not Skills. This means powers like Touch of Agony and Wallow's Bite will not cause the added health drain. If you would prefer to use them, stick with a build that does not utilize Vampiric Spirit.
 * The optional slot may be used for Plague Touch to deal with conditions. A healing power such as Taste of Pain or Consume Corpse also fits well when conditions are not an issue or if your other health gain abilities seem to provide too little return. Consume Corpse gives the added benefit of energy gain as well, which the build generally lacks. A combination of any of these could be added by dropping Resurrection Signet in cases where it is not needed.
 * Lyssa's Haste can be replaced by Harrier's Haste if the instant activation of a stance is preferred, but Lyssa's Haste offers a shorter cooldown, returns part of its cost while moving, and can serve as a cover enchantment.
 * An ability such as Crippling Sweep can be fit in to provide additional annoyance. Attribute points may be placed in Scythe Mastery as desired.

Usage
Like all Dark Aura bombers, this build plays something akin to a R/N touch skill build with less defense, poorer Energy management, and significant setup time. The most noteable advantage is the gain in AoE capability.
 * Before entering combat, apply Dark Aura, Mystic Regeneration, and Vampiric Spirit. Recast them as often as needed.
 * Lyssa's Haste is cheap and quick to apply. Use it to close the distance on those reluctant to enter melee and to cover your other enchantments against stripping. As long as you have Mystic Regeneration on, the damaging effects will not even be noticeable.
 * Even though Dark Pact and Blood of the Aggressor offer you range, you need to get in close for Dark Aura and Vampiric Spirit to hit. Auto attack if you are wielding a melee weapon, or approach manually if you are using a staff to gain the full benefit of the build.
 * Lyssa's Haste can be used for retreat or kiting if desired.

Counters

 * As a caster class with a preference for melee-ranged encounters, this build is very fragile.
 * Heavy reliance on enchantments leaves you exceptionally vulnerable to enchantment removal.