User:Erathiel/Builds/Build:Mo/Me Inspired Smiter

The Inspired Smiter utilizes the Mesmer's Inspiration line and Smiting Prayers. It is a general-purpose utility build that deals a moderate amount of damage and can deal with a fairly large number of situations. This build is designed for higher end PvE in Prophecies (specifically, using an all-hench party), since players are generally unfriendly to Smiting Monks and will hate you for not being able to heal and resurrect.

Note: if you're not a solo-minded Monk, and if you actually are good at Healing, Bonding, and/or Protecting, then this is not the build for you. This build is designed for folks who made a Monk but quickly found out they were no good at it (such as myself). In this respect it is startlingly similar to an Air Magic Elementalist.

Attributes and Skills
Please see the Variants below.

Equipment

 * A Smiting Rod from Ornhelm Brightaxe or Arliss Vaughn.
 * A Jeweled Chalice from Mourn Drakespur or Bariel Darkroot.
 * Wanderer's or Censor's armor; Ascetic's is not recommended due to its lower AL and the fact that this build doesn't need the bonus energy.
 * Rune of Superior Vigor.
 * Extra runes of Attunement or Vitae.

Usage

 * Activate Mantra of Signets before battle.
 * In general, use skills in this order: Signet of Judgment, Bane Signet, Banish. Timing is important; try to keep the target constantly knocked down.
 * If the foe is a melee attacker, you may wish to lead with Bane Signet instead, and save Signet of Judgment for a caster foe.
 * Dangerous spellcasters are easily denied by leading with Leech Signet.
 * Interrupt with Leech Signet and Power Drain as necessary.
 * Use Smite Hex and Drain Enchantment as necessary.
 * Reactivate Mantra of Signets as soon as it recharges.
 * If there are spirits/minions, use Banish. It deals much higher damage to them.

Counters

 * This build can't (directly) heal itself or deal with Conditions, except for Ether Feast.
 * Any anti-Signet skill, such as Rust or Panic. However the latter is rare, and the former is easily counter-countered with Smite Hex, Inspired Hex, simple interruption, etc.
 * Anti-knockdown skills or foes that can't be knocked down.
 * Removal of Mantra of Signets via Wild Blow or such.

Variants

 * Ether Feast is a convenient self-heal that is worth considering.
 * Mantra of Inscriptions could replace Mantra of Signets, for a possibly better DPS and interrupt recharge; however, it doesn't allow for easy chain knockdowns.
 * If in an area where Smite Hex and/or Drain Enchantment are not needed, replace with Resurrect, Symbol of Wrath, or Smite.
 * If facing only Hexes, exchange Drain Enchantment for Inspired Hex.
 * If facing only Enchantments, exchange Smite Hex for Inspired Hex.
 * If facing primarily non-caster enemies, drop Power Drain and take both Mantra of Signets and Mantra of Inscriptions. Or swap in Resurrect, Symbol of Wrath, or Smite.
 * When appropriate, consider substituting in a Mantra. For example, versus the Mursaat, Mantra of Lightning may be useful.
 * Holy Strike is a dangerous but powerful skill. It is not recommended, because in most cases it is not worth the risk to get within touch range of foes.
 * If you have Factions, consider replacing Banish with Spear of Light.