Build Guide
Don't mind me, I'm just theorycrafting and storing my build where I won't lose it.NOTE:
Hellfire Amulet on neck slot.
Unrelenting Phalanx on shield slot (Identical to Amazonian Parma, but moved onto Crusader Shield model).
Core Stats:
Toughness (/HP/Armor/All Res) - Because dying would be bad.
CDR
RCR
+% Fire
+% Skill Damage
CHC + CHD (1:10) - Note that some crit may need to be traded off to reach 57% CDR (current target).
Core Skills:
Shield Bash/Crumble - receives a heavy bonus from numerous sources, particularly Roland's. Set boosts IAS. Mobs killed by this skill will cause further damage on more mobs. Movement skill (when there is a target).
Phalanx/Bowmen - Heavily buffed by Unrelenting Phalanx + Eternal Union. Damage bonus should be comparable to +% fire bonus on other skills.
Akarat's Champion - Provides a large amount of bonus damage for elites. This build aims for 57% CDR. The idea here is to deal less damage, more often.
Gear:
The gearing options are fairly straight-forward. You can gear for more CDR (Leoric's Crown and/or vigilante belt) / RCR (Cindercoat and/or Reaper's Wraps - technically this is more of a wrath generator) or more survivability (Unity, using 6pc Roland). You also have the choice of picking up more attack speed as a 5th primary on Lacuni Prowlers, or focusing on Punish (recommended) by using Angel Hair Braid. Weapon options are all 2-handed (I felt that it worked better), although you could also opt for Burning Axe + Fervor passive for more CDR and atk spd (1.30 vs 1.00 - 1.10). Note that there is a substantial difference in the damage of these weapons, particularly with the recent 2H melee buff. I do not recommend 1H for this build, unless you desperately need the 35% damage mitigation from Burning Axe.
Play-Style:
This build works best when SB is used as a finisher, or to bounce between multiple targets (fast movement to avoid some damage). Phalanx provides the majority of damage, as it allows you to kite when necessary. Bombardment is best used once mobs have been well placed (lured in group play) or when they are stationary (you don't want any of the hits to miss, as you will lose lots of DPS). Falling sword is useful for wearing down tough targets, and moving away from damage/obstacles (another good reason to stack some CDR).
Swap Options:
Falling Sword could be replaced with Consecration/Shattered Ground for decent regen and some minor damage, also saving you some wrath (I prefer not to use condemn with this setup as I tend to kite more, and so fire rune is not used to full effect).
Punish can be replaced in the event that Angel Hair Braid is not used.
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