Talk:Signet of Illusions

Nerf imminent
Can't wait to try it out for the five minutes before it will get nerfed :D Foo 18:53, 19 September 2006 (CDT)
 * Balancing this skill is all a matter of recharge time. Also, this skill may be an elite, which rules out some of the most powerful combos. --[[Image:TurningL sml.gif|Tetris L]] 04:23, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
 * I predict it will 1) be an elite; 2) have an obscene recharge. Otherwise you're just going to have mesmer support casters running this in GvG alongside Prot Spirit and goodness knows what. Kessel 09:02, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
 * They could make the recharge and duration like the one existing one, Arcane Mimicry, yet make it elite. That sounds pretty balanced &mdash; Skuld 09:29, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
 * It's confirmed that it's an elite skill. --[[Image:TurningL sml.gif|Tetris L]] 04:57, 21 September 2006 (CDT)
 * Out of interest, do you have a link? Kessel 07:36, 21 September 2006 (CDT)
 * Really balanced i'd say, as there are very easy ways to counter this. Rust, anyone? Ignorance, maybe? -- Sai Qui 07:19, 24 September 2006 (CDT)
 * Yeah, I've tested this out in RA, it's obvious weakness is the fact that it had to be constantly used over and over, this effectively causes all of your spells to cast significantly longer, which is why FC will be very important. Another major weakness is that it would rely completely on the one signet not being interrupted or diverted, or your whole build is screwed. And as everyone knows, a build that is reliant on one skill is food for R-spikers. I think this skill is far from needing a nerf.(Terra Xin 05:34, 11 October 2006 (CDT))

"Mimic" build
This sounds totally awesome. About a week after Guild Wars came out (has it been almost 1.5 years already?), I was messing around with the Inspired skills, thinking I could make a sort of "mimic" mesmer that would steal and use the abilities of its enemies. Unfortunately, the skills didn't work that way, and I even sent a message to ANet asking if it was a bug. It was not, however, and I pretty much just stopped playing that mesmer right then and there.

I'm really hoping that this skill will have a low enough recharge that a "mimic" build will actually be feasible (as opposed to only being able to effectively use a copied ability once every minute or so). 404notfound 19:17, 19 September 2006 (CDT)


 * OR you can use primary attribute skills from your secondary profession. A mesmer can now use Primal Rage or something! Go him! Actually, I'm thinking about Elemental Attunement, but wait, no... perhaps Conjure? I mean, by having 3 slots, you can a level 16 conjure, PLUS level 16 random skill. Or you can use it to get a level 16 Divine Boon or something. I don't know, I have no good ideas, but any maintained or long lasting enchantment could potentially benefit from this. --Silk Weaker


 * Nah, Primal Rage wouldn't work, as it isn't a spell. But anyway, this skill will be a BREAKTHROUGH for new Mesmer builds. I can't wait to play around with it. Steal enemy spells, utilize spells of party members and use spells from your secondary profession to full effect. :) --[[Image:TurningL sml.gif|Tetris L]] 04:09, 20 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Mesmers could easily smite-bond 600hpMonks in uw. Foo 09:45, 20 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Certainly sounds interesting. The first skill that enables one proffession to have the ability to make use of their secondary profession's Primary Attribute spells.  I'm guessing this isn't an Elite Skill since they didn't mention so on the GW site? --SK [[Image:Monk-icon-small.png]]  10:40, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
 * Even better: You can use the secondary profession's primary attribute spells with the max possible attribute rank, including the bonus of headgear and superior runes!
 * Overall, this skill will make the Mesmer a VERY versatile profession. I expect the popularity of mesmers in PvE to increase quite a bit just because of this skill. SoI will be for mesmers what SS is for curse necros. --[[Image:TurningL sml.gif|Tetris L]] 10:52, 20 September 2006 (CDT)
 * Shame the SOI'ed spell can't be echoed --SK [[Image:Monk-icon-small.png]] 11:05, 20 September 2006 (CDT)


 * That's where Mantra of Inscriptions comes in. :) --Karlos 11:10, 20 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Energy will soon be a problem :) --SK [[Image:Monk-icon-small.png]] 12:11, 20 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Doubt it &mdash; Skuld 12:23, 20 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Yeah, how would energy be a problem unless this skill is incredibly misused? and even if it is misused, slap on Ether Sig +Keystone Sig + echo (unless this is an elite, i can only go on the book) and any other skills like that--Daniel Rendat 19:00, 20 September 2006 (CDT)


 * I've always thought Mimic was underused, as even for a /Me it can be good (an E/Me copying another ele's Elemental Attunement always sprung to mind). With this skill not only is that sort of thing an option, but a Me/ can equip skills from even the secondary's primary attribute and reap the benefits. Now the mesmer will be the master of subverting. As for it being an elite, personally I think it really has to be. It's too damn useful and would open up too many (perhaps) unbalancing possibilities if it were a normal skill. RossMM 15:17, 21 September 2006 (CDT)
 * Good thing it's elite, wouldn't want Me/N to replace us SS users! =)


 * Example: SS put on you, you use inspired hex, then signet of illusions, and viola.


 * Imagine: Signet of Illusions + Mantra of Persistance + Diversion. You'd have the option to put 0 attribute points under Domination and use the rest under..Illusion, Fast Casting and Inspiration. Not only that, you'd have an 11 second Diversion if this works.--Entheos Geon 21:21, 26 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Energy could be a problem if Primal Echoes goes up, but otherwise, Arcane Mimicry and SoI could be nice. This skill provides more benefits than just mimics though, as it allows 16 in every attribute of your primary and secondary profession, with just 1 superior rune, so 12+3+1 Illusion and 12+1 Fast Casting will probably become a great build, perhaps utilising long casting ele spells with the power of a 16 attribute spell, from different attributes, this skill will surely be a staple on some certain Mesmers Skill Bars. --Terrifi Cani 10:55, 30 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Yep, The staple build for SoI is obviously going to be R16 Illu, R13 FC. But you'd have to put points into another attribute line if there is a non-spell skill that you need to use, but I think distortion covers that^^. And that FC Signet enchantment will be a must also.

I just looked a bit at the skill again, and had another idea (though I'm sure somebody's already thought of it): take SoI, Arcane Thievery, Arcane Mimicry, Inspired Hex, and Inspired Enchantment, except don't put any points into domination or inspiration. If you use SoI with Inspired Hex and have illusion at 16 and inspiration at 0, you'll go from a net 2 energy loss (without SoI) to a net 6 energy gain. 404notfound 13:39, 7 October 2006 (CDT)

Elite
confirm &mdash; Skuld 04:52, 21 September 2006 (CDT)

Spell stealing?
I was wondering if you could use a build that could "borrow" 3 of an opponent caster's spells, using the skills arcane echo, arcane larceny and arcane theivery AND to be able to effectively use them using this signet + mantra of inscriptions? This would also leave 2 slots for energy management/other stuff + a res sig, considering inspiration magic has skills related to energy management. I suspected this build could work since you would have the stats only in domination magic and inspiration, and the way the signet works with any spell. I can't think of anything this wouldn't work with other then you couldn't effectively spam the stolen spells, yet you can turn into a spiker yourself. -Emeralddragon2


 * Illusion is a must, Fast Cast is optional, but recommended. Why Mantra of Inscriptions? SoI recharges in 5 seconds. You have to find suitable targets for your stealing spells, cast the already stolen spells and use your energy management skills. This takes time, 5 seconds are not that long. Why Dom Magic? Just use SoI for those spells. Furthermore, a full build relying on the opponents build and your luck to catch the right spells is not what i'd call effective. It is the most obvious use, but is it the most effective? --Nemren 03:53, 27 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Domination magic is for arcane larceny and arcane thievery, and you have a good point on the 5 second recharge for SoI. But you also have to remember that the stealing spells also disable your opponent's spells. Oh and I seem to have forgotten you need the stats in illusion, not inspiration(doh), which is why I suggested mantra of subscriptions earlier. Also, the stats and spells in illusion can help counter against melee fighters. So what if the build was redone to be with arcane echo, arcane larceny, arcane thievery, signet of illusions, speed debuff(kitah's burdan or imagined burdan?), defensive spell(illusion of weakness?), energy management(guilt?), and res sig, with stats in illusion and domination? -Emeralddragon2


 * This is absolutly up to you. I don't know what you try to achieve. Your proposed skills seem to target some kind of PvP Build with the mixture or speed debuff and defensive. With the given skills, you lay your casting capability complety into the enemies hand. Personally, i see more potential in a well organized team build. --Nemren 18:10, 27 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Ok, you are right about the PvP thing, and thanks for putting in your opinion about this, I hope I have a chance to borrow your skills when nightfall comes out! =D -Emeralddragon2

Gave it a whirl
I played around with this in RA this morning and it's quite a lot of fun. The only downside is the 2s cast time (makes you an easy target for enemy rangers, so I brought Distortion as well) and the fact it slows casting down a bit. Other than that, A++. Energy wasn't really a problem, as I had Spirit of Failure and Drain Enchantment with me as well. I absolutely suck at coming up with solid builds, but I had a good, fun run this morning, experimenting with a number of skills from various professions. 16 Illusion, 13 Fast Casting. --dominique 03:42, 24 September 2006 (CDT)

Does it include Primary Attribute Effect?
For example if I was to cast this and then use an expertise skill, would I get the expertise bonus along with the skill?
 * Well, it only works on spells, for one. And two, I don't believe so. Otherwise you could use the signet of illusions and you'd gain a bunch of max energy from energy storage, uh.. somehow. --24.4.18.48 22:22, 25 September 2006 (CDT)
 * Rank in the skill only &mdash; Skuld 02:45, 26 September 2006 (CDT)

Yeah, but still, this is powerful because i can make a mesmer (Fast Casting) primary and nearly spam Wail of Doom or something... i capped that on my ranger not looking at the attribute... Still, the use of powered skills from the primary attribute of other proffesions will Definatly be spawning a lot more mesmers in the battle field, Thanks everyone for takin this article i made and Editing to perfection, i'm not that good with wiki code--Daniel Rendat 13:52, 6 October 2006 (CDT)
 * Once again though don't bring other elites into it - only non-elite spells. --CKaz 16:30, 10 October 2006 (CDT)

Mantra of Persistence
If you were to cast a hex from another attribute line with Mantra of Persistence on, does it stack? Just curious if anyone tested that, I know someone else here already made the suggestion...heh


 * I've tested it. 15 FC, 15 Insp, 0 Illusions, 0 Fire. Used Mark of Rodgort as a test spell. Normal duration at 0 is 10, with Mantra of Persistance running it should have been 20 seconds if this works, but still lasted 10. So, unfortunatly, this doesn't work. --87.113.20.241 03:58, 27 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Also, Mantra of Persistence calls for an Illusion Magic Hex. SoI says it just uses the attribute.  Doesn't make the spell an Illusion Magic Hex. Olpindc 11:58, 29 September 2006 (CDT)


 * Yeah you need to read the description carefully, nothing in it states that the skill that you use 'becomes' part of the illusion magic line. (Terra Xin 05:25, 11 October 2006 (CDT))

HA!
lol this is great.. You can cast Ressurect Chant at 1 second cast with this baby *grin* can you figure out how? Think of the power.. hey someone's dead! (1 second later) ah nice seeing you with 400 health again.

Admittedly it takes up 3 prep skills not inlcuding the res to pull it off, tho it would be funny as hell you gotta admit, and it'd last for... oh 26 Resses and 50 seconds or so. or Haha! light of dwayna 1/2 second cast.. ah the funniness

Or divine boon mesmer! lol wow these are funny. Especially when you consider that once you cast a maintaned enchantment with this... you only need to use the sig once (Not a fifty five 00:38, 27 September 2006 (CDT))


 * At a guess, Mimicry, SoI, Revitalize, SoI, Holy Haste, SoI, Chant. Btw, mentioning a skill counter does give your game away a bit.


 * Heh I'm just saying its funny, doesn't realy seem too useful. Especially the boon mesmer, I'd do that sometimes just for a laugh.  Had a friend who brought disrupting chop, backbreaker, and final thrust just to weird some guy out. (Not a fifty five 08:26, 27 September 2006 (CDT))

This skill is far more powerful...
I removed this note because I felt it was too subjective. I've used it before with AT/AL before effectively, as there are few instances a player would not carry a spell that can be boosted by the signet. Yes, you will never know what the final outcome of your build is unless you see the skills of your opponent, but you couldn't say disabling and using their spells against them isn't an effective tactic. --Ufelder 11:24, 24 October 2006 (CDT)

Most interesting spell in Nightfall.

Missing note
I added in a note that outlined an important understanding that Signet of Illusions would play in the most typical builds, but it was removed and replaced witht this: "The fast recharge time makes interruption of this signet less of a concern." I'm not saying that the revised note is wrong, and after reading over what I had previously entered, I see how it could have been labelled as a flaw. So I made a new note (below the note about interruption). If you have any comments about this, please discuss it with me here before you delete it^^. -- Terra Xin 01:39, 5 November 2006 (CST)

On that topic, deleting note about fast cast elementalist. Having to stop and cast a 2 second signet before every nuke is impracticle in the extreme for someone devoted to dishing out damage as fast as possible. (11:04, 21 November 2006 (CST))

I think it also might be worth noting that Symbolic Celerity can easily counter tis long cast time.--68.192.188.142 00:08, 25 November 2006 (CST)

Mark of Rodgort
This pwns on an illusion mesmer with secondary ele in a hex team :] &mdash; Skuld 11:11, 21 November 2006 (CST)

Elite Use
I was messing around, and I set up to arcane mimicry Life Barrier and maintain it then arcane mimicry another person to use Boon Signet. Of course that means someone has to have them, but it is kind of interesting, perhaps it'd be good to make other elites up to a good level, maybe a spirit? You could have people just bring elites from another attribute not related just for you to lay out. A team of 8 with attributes all towards specified things can not put points into their elite but instead have their mesmer in the back doing a boon heal thing while casting out all their spirits like Famine, Wanderlust, and Lifebond on everyone while occasionally using Blood is Power. Thank Lyssa for inspiration magic, that's pretty much all you need to keep up energy I'd think. 208.117.69.128 02:10, 25 November 2006 (CST)
 * This only works on spells. --Fyren 02:14, 25 November 2006 (CST)