User:Nks.gambit/A/W BoA Assassin

The BoA Sin (also called Burst Sin) is a fragile yet very deadly assassin used to take down targets quickly while making use of Shadow Prison to snare the target long enough to unleash the build's vicious assault.

Equipment

 * A Full Set of Radiant (insignia) armor.
 * Zealous, Vampiric and Ebon Daggers of Fortitude.

Usage

 * The spike is done quickly, in the following order:
 * Shadow Prison -> Burst of Aggression -> Black Lotus Strike -> Twisting Fangs -> Black Spider Strike -> Blades of Steel.
 * Execute the attack chain with Vampiric daggers.
 * Switch to Zealous daggers if energy runs low.
 * Use Ebon daggers when fighting a Warrior or when you are not engaged in combat.
 * Use Expose Defenses if your target is protected by any skill (Aegis, Guardian, Weapon of Warding, Ward Against Melee) that gives a chance to block attacks.

Counters

 * Standard Melee counters.
 * Restore Condition will basically ruin a spike of this build, it'll remove all of the conditions you have put on the target and heal most of the damage dealt.
 * Hex Breaker will cause problems, as your initial 'Hex Jump' will be disabled, leaving your combo in shambles unless you can cast both hexes in quick succession.
 * A well-used Contemplation of Purity.

Variants

 * Horns of the Ox is a common variant that sacrifices damage for a knockdown, and can therefore replace Blades of Steel.
 * Another Shadow Step or an additional healing/defensive skill (such as Feigned Neutrality) can replace the Resurrection Signet for Alliance Battles or Competitive missions.
 * Siphon Speed can replace Expose Defenses as a backup hex to trigger the attack chain, and to quickly escape.
 * Impale can be used in conjunction with different dual attacks (Horns of the Ox in Particular).
 * Death Blossom can replace Blades of Steel.
 * Assassin's Promise and Dark Prison can be used as a more PvE or AB/CM oriented version.