User:Saranis/Monk Builds/Zealous Bonder

A Monk created for random arena matches, which combines two key monk abilities: the restoration, via quick spike heals, and protection of health.

Equipment

 * Acolyte's Armor, with a Superior Vigor Rune, a Rune of Vitae and a Rune of Vitae, is recomended although this is flexible.

Standard Set

 * A PvP Axe or Sword of Enchanting with a "I have the power" inscription and a PvP Protective Icon of Fortitude with a "Forget Me Not" inscription.

High Energy Set

 * A PvP Holy Rod of Memory with a "Seize the Day" inscription and a PvP Protective Icon of Fortitude with a "Live for Today" inscription for emergency energy.

Low Energy Set

 * A PvP Axe or Sword of Enchanting with a "Brawn over Brains" inscription and a PvP Shield of Devotion with a "Sheltered by Faith" inscription as a counter for energy denial.

Usage
Begin by casting life bond on all other members of your party, followed by Balthazar's Spirit on yourself and Blessed Signet to regain energy. Throughout the fight maintain all four enchantments, the energy from Balthazar's Spirit (suplemented by Blessed Signet as required) should be enough to fulfill your energy needs.

Utilize Dismiss Condition as a heal for small health loss as well as a condition removal skill - your maintained enchantments will ensure the healing effect takes place, unless enchantments have been stripped. Whenever a players health drops below 50% use Zealous Benediction for a free heal.

Shield of Absorption is an excellent method of protection versus Warrior or Assassin harasment and should be used often to protect the bonder, or other team members.

Counters

 * Enchantment removal, in particular of Balthazar's Spirit, can severely decrease your effectiveness if situations prevent their reapplication.
 * Energy denial
 * Standard Monk counters

Variants

 * Reversal of Fortune can be replaced with any of the following:
 * Inspired Hex/Revealed Hex for greater hex removal capabilities (use with remaining Attribute Points in Inspiration Magic)
 * Signet of Devotion for a free healing skill
 * Guardian for protection against melee foes across multiple team members to supplement Shield of Absorption, which can protect only one person at a time.
 * Spirit Bond or Protective Spirit to counter Spikes


 * Holy Veil can be swapped out for Inspired Hex/Revealed Hex, for free hex removal (with remaining points in inspiration magic) and to eliminate the awkward double-clicking action needed with Holy Veil
 * Adding a combination of Guardian and Deadly Riposte greatly increases your defenses against melee and assassin spikes.