Forum Link Code:[url=]A-N Rinse and Repeat[/url]
The Rinse and Repeat Assassin is designed primarily for
ABs and
CMs, where the action is fast and
furious. It is important to take out a target and quickly re-enter
the fight. This build does not suffer from prolonged down time
(except for regenerating health, if you take a few hits- but that's
why you are grouped). Once your target is finished you are ready to
go again, thanks to Assassin's Promise. You get a possible
knock-down with Horns of the Ox, and the conditions brought
by Twisting
Fangs are a big plus. Use of Plague Touch prevents you from dying after
shadowstepping away from the fight.
Attributes and Skills
Equipment
- Shrouded
Armor is always recommended, just to make sure you've got the
energy necessary.
- Weapons with additional damage to hexed foes, and zealous dagger tangs.
Usage
- Cast Recall on a
back-line team mate, preferrably your monk. This allows you to get
back to them if they need help, or to get close to some healing if
necesary.
- Pick your target and cast Siphon Speed on them as you close the
distance.
- Toss out Assassin's Promise right before you start
your chain.
- Once in range your energy should have recovered. Use Golden
Phoenix Strike, followed by Twisting Fangs. Your opponent is now
suffering from Deep
Wound, and Bleeding.
- Follow with Black Lotus Strike to grab some extra
energy and finish them off with Horns of the Ox for a possible
knock-down. If your opponent is still alive, they shouldn't be for
much longer.
- You may choose to cast Assassin's Promise before Siphon Speed so that
you have a cover hex, and can recast Siphon Speed frequently (5 second
recharge) if hex removal is an issue. This will guarantee that Black
Lotus Strike will land, and will allow you to attack again in
the unfortunate event that Assassin's Promise is removed.
- Use Plague
Touch on them before they die to remove a condition from
yourself (if you've caught any). Fast cast time and nearly instant
reuse make it easily repeatable, if you're watching them die.
- Recall back to
safety.
- Rinse and repeat. :)
Counters
Variants
- Any secondary could choose to use Shadow Refuge rather than Plague Touch. This
may lend some extra survivability in some cases.
- For the Random or Team Arenas, you could replace Plague Touch with the
Resurrection Signet, or even replace Recall with it if you're
feeling brave.
- If you don't like the energy regen reduction from Recall try using Dash instead. This is a great tool to
use offensively and defensively- very effective.
- Critical Strike, Death Blossom, or
Blades of
Steel are valid replacements for Horns of the
Ox. Use them as you see fit- Horns of the Ox is included as a
knock-down for a few extra hits on them and as an interrupt.
- Siphon
Speed may be replaced with Falling Spider for a little additional
damage and Poison.
- Way of the Empty Palm would be a good
replacement for Assassin's Promise, as it negates energy
usage by almost every skill listed, but comes at the expense of
having to wait for the recharge on those skills. It would be
worthwhile to give this variation a good look, as it performs
nicely as well.
- Signet of Malice is definitely a valid skill
to swap for Plague Touch, and may even be a better one in
some situations. The choice is up to you and your playstyle- the
main difference is the recharge and energy usage associated with
each. Plague
Touch offers the bonus of also giving your opponent whatever
condition you've got, and doesn't require the target to actually
have a condition already.
Notes
Again, this is primarily an AB and CM
build, so I haven't included the Resurrection Signet.
Assassin / Necromancer 
