User:Natael/E/A Sparkplug

Purpose
The Sparkplug uses the Elementalist's high supply of Energy to fuel both the exhausting and expensive (but destructive) Air Magic skills and the Assassin's powerful Dagger attacks. It also relies much on the use of knock-down, which is primordial to unleash a powerful sequence of attacks. The result is an incredibly powerful spiking machine which can send an undefended target to la-la land.

Usage
First things first, you absolutely must have a set of Shocking-type Daggers. This build relies much on the use of Conjure Lightning, which increases your base Attack damage twofolds. Since the Sparkplug keeps its enemy down on his rump (i.e: knocked-down), you need to put the most damage in as much as possible while the target is unable to do anything. This applies mostly to enemy Monks, who need to stay up on their feet to protect themselves.

After casting Conjure Lightning, close the distance between you and your intended target, all while using Blinding Flash to shut down any nearby Rangers (they are the most likely to interrupt you), Warriors or Assassins, who will all easily destroy the feeble Elementalists. Don't overdo it, though. Keep at least 30 or 35 points of Energy handy so you can assassinate your designated target.

As soon as you close in with your target, use Lightning Surge. This will prepare the target for your Falling Spider. Do be careful with your timing; you don't want the enemy to avoid your Falling Spider by making them get Surged too far away, or you may have just wasted valuable time and Energy (Lightning Surge's exhaustion is quite taxing). So, as soon as the enemy is knocked-down, launch a Falling Spider, and then as soon as he gets up (time it correctly!), use Shock to bring him/her down a second time and then put the icing on the cake with a Twisting Fangs. Additionally, if your health was below 61% percent (that is, if you had 12 points invested in Dagger Mastery), add the cherry on top by using a Desperate Strike for another +41 damage! If your enemy still managed to make it out alive, you'll just have to hope the Poison, Bleeding and Deep Wound that's on your enemy is just enough for your allies to capitalize on.

On a side note, while the Sparkplug is an incredible offensive tool, keep in mind that the Elementalist's armor is probably the weakest in the game, making him/her very susceptible to damage, even with Blinding Flash to shut down any potential assailants. It's all about being in the right place at the right moment, like any Assassin should know. Exhaustion is also the Sparkplug's greatest enemy too. So be mindful of the way you handle the Air Magic, or you may find yourself with no means to damage the enemy.

And remember, keep Conjure Lightning on!

Skill Variations

 * Golden Phoenix Strike Add a bit of damage if you're enchanted. But he Elementalist gets hurt alot, so it's wiser to keep Desperate Strike.
 * Ride the Lightning A somewhat good alternative to Shadow Step if you absolutely need it... but knock-down spells are what you need.
 * Mind Shock Casts faster. But it requires you to have at least more Energy than the enemy to get the additional damage AND the knock-down. I'd rather have Lightning Surge... much, much more hassle-free.