User:Zaidyn/Build:R/Rt Nightmare Spiker

This is a PvP/PvE (GvG) build for my alliance based on the R/Rt Armed Assault concept.

The Nightmare Spike Ranger uses the Weapon Spell Nightmare Weapon in synergy with the Bow Attack Dual Shot, followed immediately by a Savage Shot. Each hit strikes for 42 Life Stealing damage, which cannot be lowered due to armor of Protection Prayers. Since all three arrows hit in under one second, this adds up to exactly 126 near-simultaneous armor-ignoring damage per ranger. Four rangers will deal a total of 504 damage, enough to kill most players not using Survivor insignias.

Like any spiking build, this requires a well-coordinated team. A VoIP program such as TeamSpeak or Ventrilo is highly recommended.

Attributes and Skills

 * Radiant Insignias
 * The best Vigor Rune you can get
 * 2 Attunement or Vitae Runes
 * Sundering Longbow of Fortitude with Energy +5 inscription
 * Vampiric Recurve Bow of Defense

Start out by casting Read the Wind and applying pressure to the enemy monks. The designated target caller should choose a target without attacking it (Shift + left click, then Shift + control + space), and begin a countdown for a spike. Between three and four seconds until the spike, cast Nightmare Weapon, swap to the vampiric bow, and select the target. At the spike, hit Dual Shot and Savage Shot in quick succession. Use follow up with Prepared Shot to finish off a surviving target, or ot regain lost energy. Only use the Sundering Longbow when low on health or energy, or when not in combat.

Variants

 * Bloodsong for extra damage.
 * Favorable Winds for additional damage when not using Nightmare Weapon.
 * Distracting Shot for an extra interrupt.
 * Whirling Defense or Lightning Reflexes for blocking attacks.
 * Dodge for a movement speed increase.
 * Antidote Signet for condition removal.
 * Flesh of my Flesh for a reusable resurrection.
 * Prepared Shot is a Nightfall campaign skill. Marksman's Wager and Melandru's shot are good substitutes in the Prophecies and Factions campaign, respectively.
 * Points could be moved into Wilderness Survival, allowing the use of preparations such as Apply Poison and Barbed Arrows to spread degen, Choking Gas to shut down groups of enemy casters, or Ignite Arrows and Kindle Arrows for more damage.
 * Also, consider Troll Unguent for extra healing, Natural Stride for a speed boost and a 50% block rate, and Serpent's Quickness to reduce the recharge times of Dual Shot and Nightmare Weapon by 33%.

Counters

 * Blindness.
 * Stances that block projectiles.