Viable builds without auras / mana reservation?

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Natharias wrote:

No build that doesn't use auras will ever surpass builds that do. Let's look at some examples why:

Clarity: Huge amount of base mana. This can allow for high mana regen builds that rely on things like Mind over Matter and Arctic Armor.

Determination: Gives a percentage increase to armor.

Discipline: Gives raw energy shield with can greatly enhance Chaos Inoculation builds or provide more mana for Eldritch Battery builds.

Grace: Gives a huge amount of raw evasion that can be used for either evasion or armor with the use of Iron Reflexes.

Haste: Additional source of speed. Can greatly enhance few select builds.

Hatred: Adds a percentage of your physical damage as cold.

Purity of Fire/Ice/Lightning: Increased maximum resistance means even less damage taken.

Vitality: Additional source of regeneration which makes a Righteous Fire build viable and workable.

That's ten of the thirteen auras. Huge boosts to keep in mind for the reservation they demand.

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amlethuss wrote:

So you think that a character with max block and high/max spell block could be a survivor in merciless difficulty? Also paired with high armour and energy shield, and somewhere from moderate to high life.