User:Rastamon/buildarchive/Build:E/Me Sandstorm Warder

This is a mid-line support build that can assist with both defense and offense in Heroes' Ascent.

Equipment

 * Armor: Minor Runes + Radiant Insignia + Superior Vigor
 * A superior Earth Magic Rune can be equipped. In this case, switch to Survivor Insignia to make up for health loss
 * Weapons: +5 Energy Axe/Sword/Spear of Enchanting / +30 health and 20% HSR on Earth Magic Focus item
 * Alternate weapon sets: 1 high energy set (+30/-2) and 1 low energy set (-5 Energy Axe/Sword/Spear of Enchanting and +30 health shield)

Usage

 * Place wards to protect your team. Know your enemy to better manage your energy:
 * Use Ward Against Melee to protect against melee-heavy teams, use Ward of Stability to prevent knockdowns (i.e., Hammer Bash from a Thumper) and use Ward Against Foes near your backline, so the monks can kite away from melee trains faster.
 * Use Ward Against Foes to snare relic runners.
 * Try to ensure optimal ward coverage (protect healers if they're targeted, etc.)
 * Use Sandstorm on bunched up foes (i.e., two teams fighting on the Altar, or a team body-blocking your relic runner)
 * Use Gale to knock down key foes (e.g. Ghostly Hero when using Claim Resource, or a relic runner)

Counters

 * Enchantment removal leads to energy problems
 * Disruption is easy and effective as most of your skills have both high activation and recharge times
 * All standard caster counters (Backfire, Arcane Languor, Dazed, etc.)

Variants
Gale can be replaced with:
 * Obsidian Flame for spike damage.
 * Web of Disruption for an interrupt
 * Armor of Earth, Frigid Armor or Mantra of Flame for increased survivability (depends very much on the FotM build)