Help w/ Aura Scion

I'm pretty new to this game. I have not unlocked Scion myself, but since it starts in the middle, it seems to have better access around the board. I like the idea of having auras, and I figure the best way to go about having a lot of auras would be to be a tank-like Paladinish character. A more offensive build also seems available with less auras (specifically the three elemental offensive ones), but would take better advantage of dual wielding (though maybe I can go 1-handed and shield anyway, using a fast weapon like a claw)

If I go with a Shield, I'd like to use the Prism Guardian Unique. Also putting in 41 of the 46 Magic Reserve on the passive board. I also went and kinda overextended into shield block chance.

Build with a Shield


My issue so far is that I already spent 78 Points, with far too many points already just in block and aura that I didn't even have room for HP yet, so I feel like this isn't going to go really far. Then again, I really don't know a lot about certain items in the game, in the event there are other items I can get to mitigate some of the block/mana reserve I put in to try to put the points to something better, such as increased HP. I also feel like to maximize my aura use early would prevent me from being remotely usable if I need to solo anything (though such a build would be supporty and tanky for party purposes)

Build with dual-wield/bow


This here is about the same, but more going on a build that I would like to take advantage of faster attacks to apply the added damage of Wrath, Anger, and Hatred, also using the Alpha's Howl to make up the difference. Even more so, because I would think this build would be used with dual wielding, i'm not sure how well dual wielding works in regards to using abilities over and over. Is it worth bothering with such a build instead of just going for the raw power of +% Bow/Dual Wield Damage? Also, because it splits so far, with about 60 points used here, I fear for my durability (as it is currently uninvested) so i'm not sure what kind of balance of leveling durability passives vs reaching for the aura passives would be.


In both builds, it just feels like trying to maximize the auras too soon is too bad, and that both characters will be hindered too much to bother trying to use auras, as it wouldn't be until really really late before I can see some real potential in what I'm doing (while at the same time not being viable on the hardest difficulty).


If anyone can help me, I appreciate it. I really don't anything about the advanced difficulties and how they scale, nor about any key pieces of equipment other than what I mentioned that would be must haves to get it working. I think I might just need help balancing survivability with aura capacity during the leveling stages as using the skill builder is just giving me an overall view rather than an appropriate level by level view.

Most probably you will find your answers at

http://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/625404
SHARP's Dual Strike STEEL CANNON Build / GUIDE + VIDs.. improved..
for DW

and at
http://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/658248
SHARP's "The Immortal Scion" Build / The first look EDIT 1
for 1H + Shield

hope they help..
enjoy..