Chaos Storm

Description
Create a Chaos Storm at target foe's location. For 10 seconds, foes near this location suffer 5...12 damage each second. Chaos Storm drains 1...6 Energy whenever it strikes a foe casting a spell.

Usage Notes
This is the staple area of effect damage skill of the mesmer's diet. It creates a Chaos Storm (which looks like a bunch of swirling purple circles) around whoever your target is when you cast it. It will hit everyone nearby; I am not sure exactly what the radius of the effect is, but it is large enough to make it worthwhile.

In PvP this skill is useful in a few different situations, such as when a few enemy casters decide to stay in a group. Throw this near them and they will be forced to move away. Also, although perhaps not as effective you can throw this skill in the primary battle between Warriors. It's energy draining side effects won't be realized, but as Warriors fighting each other don't tend to move around too much it is more likely that this skill will output it's full damage.

In PvE Chaos Storm is invaluable. Enemy casters and ranged attackers don't typically move when you cast it on them, and are often found clumped together. Casting it then provides maximum effect.

The primary drawback to the skill is it's energy cost -- a weighty 15. You may want to consider a skill like Glyph of Lesser Energy to cut down on this.

Acquisition

 * Sardelac Sanitarium: Quest, Trying Times
 * Yak's Bend: Trainer, Captain Osric

Related Skills

 * Glyph of Lesser Energy