What is your Firebrand build?

My build focuses on WvW, but all types are welcome. In the hope we can all formulate some bright and different ideas.

My theorycrafting led me to take a specific supportive build. It has hardly any damage output but excells at giving out boons, breaking stuns, plus preventing and restoring damage done to allies. This Firebrand build is a team support player, it would be beneficial in small or large scale WvW. What it can't do is be played as a soloer. Also it could be adapted to also work with shouts for more area of effect conditions cleanses or converting conditions into boons.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQRAne5ensADtChFBDOCDkCjlFCD7C0BCT79zBaC9KA8AGAA-jFSDQB0b/BJq8DAnQA5p/JkKBlwBRQgq/wtnUQAAEgj2oNaj2oH9oH9RP6RP6RPaX3oH9oH9oH9oH9oHtUAftSD-w

BTW all if you could please check out my Guild Wars 2 Path of Fire YouTube video, it is a general overview and discussion about the nine new elite specialisations.

Thanks heaps all! Plus I can't wait to see what other people have or will come up with for the Firebrand.

WvW - condi + 1000 healing

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQNAneWl8AhWhY3QwZIwPELWEGWA4Asky+Olnzz+5sdOPB-j1iAQB97QA0IlgdSdnTpSAAeAABSfwV2fQkKDKjSPodCAawRAIAACwMLzG9oBO6RP6RP6R76G9oH9oH9oH9oH9olCoIdaA-w

Loremaster is a must

Stalwart speed may be better than Legendary Lore.

Work in progress : would likely work better with power + mace

Mantras are too slow for me.

@Infusion.7149 said:WvW - condi + 1000 healing

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQNAneWl8AhWhY3QwZIwPELWEGWA4Asky+Olnzz+5sdOPB-j1iAQB97QA0IlgdSdnTpSAAeAABSfwV2fQkKDKjSPodCAawRAIAACwMLzG9oBO6RP6RP6R76G9oH9oH9oH9oH9olCoIdaA-w

Loremaster is a must

Stalwart speed may be better than Legendary Lore.

Work in progress : would likely work better with power + mace

Mantras are too slow for me.

Yeah I agree with Mantras being clunky and slow to prepare. It might be just us not having enough time to get used to the different playstyle. If they don't work out we could still use the shouts for boon generation and condition cleanses as a backup or a combination of shouts/mantras. To fill the in gaps in the build. But hey thanks for sharing your build. I am checking it out now.

@Infusion.7149 said:WvW - condi + 1000 healing

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQNAneWl8AhWhY3QwZIwPELWEGWA4Asky+Olnzz+5sdOPB-j1iAQB97QA0IlgdSdnTpSAAeAABSfwV2fQkKDKjSPodCAawRAIAACwMLzG9oBO6RP6RP6R76G9oH9oH9oH9oH9olCoIdaA-w

Loremaster is a must

Stalwart speed may be better than Legendary Lore.

Work in progress : would likely work better with power + mace

Mantras are too slow for me.

I feel torn also with the Stalwart Speed and Legendary Lore traits. It a tough decision we have to weigh up the pros and cons I guess. Like does the team need more survival or more damage output. That will really depend on your friends that you play with on that given day. But overtime you will figure out what trait to run for certain friends. The good thing is that traits are easy to adjust. gear ob the otherhand no so much unless you have legendary.

This is an ammendment to my build for those concerned about mantras not being responsive enough, for those focused on actions per minute (APM).

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQRAne5el8AhWhY/OwUIwPELLE2VA4BMAwuAVgSwe/cgmQB-jVSDQBhUJoEOICc7BFIQ1fkn+HAcCBW4RAQiK/o3+DrDOAmrclrclbu5m7czN3czNXDI3czN3czN3czNXpA+alG-w

This is an ammendment to my build for those concerned about mantras not being responsive enough, for those focused on actions per minute (APM).

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQRAne5el8AhWhY/OwUIwPELLE2VA4BMAwuAVgSwe/cgmQB-jFSDQBCU9H6t/A3eSBhUJo80/IhDiAAOhASU536gDg5KX5KX5mbu5O3czN3cz1AyN3czN3czN3czVKgvWpB-w

I pushed the limit on how much burn does per tick 737.75 is the max, but sacrifices were made... Mostly survivability and movement. Here is the build. http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQNAnfRnsADVChdBDGBDkCjl4BrKAslqX7v0a6O1aD8CeUA-jFiAQB1UJIA1HcNlfJ4QAUN1fAwTAIanAAYs/QAAEgZWml5MDMzZOzZOzZ21l5Mn5Mn5Mn5Mn5MLFwiKrA-w

PvE Power-Support hybrid build.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQJApensADFBjFDBGCBkCjl8BbPkWSbpWRg0VgqKAskKXA-jBSBQBRQJI/2fwSq/UElfT8EAAgHAw3m/cP9AAA-e

There's a fair amount of retribution sources in this build, allowing power FB to maintain a viable amount of dps (using the retribution traits) while providing grp support (either in the form of Mace' heals or perma protect from the hammer). With the FB's high quickness upkeep, you could wield the hammer without having need for writ of persistence. Of cuz, all of these are subject to change, pending further testing.

@Unknown.3976 said:PvE Power-Support hybrid build.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQJApensADFBjFDBGCBkCjl8BbPkWSbpWRg0VgqKAskKXA-jBSBQBRQJI/2fwSq/UElfT8EAAgHAw3m/cP9AAA-e

There's a fair amount of retribution sources in this build, allowing power FB to maintain a viable amount of dps (using the retribution traits) while providing grp support (either in the form of Mace' heals or perma protect from the hammer). With the FB's high quickness upkeep, you could wield the hammer without having need for writ of persistence. Of cuz, all of these are subject to change, pending further testing.

I had totally forgotten about the fact that hammer could return in a deadly way with all that quickness and protection up time, especially those build with high concentration. I instantly think of the Firebrands potential in Raids. They will be one of the first to get a spot in the raid group of 10 people. Also note staff is no longer necessary for the concentration trait any more in the honour line. You can now pick any weapon you like and still get the benefit of 200 concentration. Enjoy all. Keep up the good work all. Thanks unknown!

@Unknown.3976 said:PvE Power-Support hybrid build.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQJApensADFBjFDBGCBkCjl8BbPkWSbpWRg0VgqKAskKXA-jBSBQBRQJI/2fwSq/UElfT8EAAgHAw3m/cP9AAA-e

There's a fair amount of retribution sources in this build, allowing power FB to maintain a viable amount of dps (using the retribution traits) while providing grp support (either in the form of Mace' heals or perma protect from the hammer). With the FB's high quickness upkeep, you could wield the hammer without having need for writ of persistence. Of cuz, all of these are subject to change, pending further testing.

oops, just realise the error that I had made, just simply swap retribution with retaliation. An additional note: with quickness, a mace wielding FB is able to heal twice as often with its' AA. I think support FB is more intriguing than what people gave it credit for, FB still needs fine tuning on its' tomes though.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQNAS5ensADFBjNCDuCBEEhl4BDrHkE2C7v0aaOtKAslqXA-jJxHABiv/g8lBU+iAAwTAAA

I'm excited to try out a sPvP build that takes advantage of the quickness so that the hammer and mace can become viable weapons. This build is similar to a bunker symbolic build that's able to assist team mates with large symbols that provides permanent protection and heals over time (HOT). It supports the group with AoE protection, 5 second blast finishers that can combo with hammers symbol of protection (to remove conditions from yourself and allies) and Tome of Resolves (ToR) water field for extra burst healing at the end. Throw in dodge heals (helped by energy sigil) and aegis heals with mace 3, shield 4 and your healing skill mantra for extra group heals.

Q:

since we probably will hit the age of no booons and massive condis while who has the best massive barrier will win the fights...

wonder if Superior Rune of Nature's Bounty would be something for group support FB, woul this make a the healing skills better for support as well when paired with the mantra of lore with more aoe condi cleanse?

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Rune_of_Nature%27s_Bounty

@Unknown.3976 said:

@Unknown.3976 said:PvE Power-Support hybrid build.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQJApensADFBjFDBGCBkCjl8BbPkWSbpWRg0VgqKAskKXA-jBSBQBRQJI/2fwSq/UElfT8EAAgHAw3m/cP9AAA-e

There's a fair amount of retribution sources in this build, allowing power FB to maintain a viable amount of dps (using the retribution traits) while providing grp support (either in the form of Mace' heals or perma protect from the hammer). With the FB's high quickness upkeep, you could wield the hammer without having need for writ of persistence. Of cuz, all of these are subject to change, pending further testing.

I knew what you meant 'retaliation'. Sadly though gone are the days when it (ret.) was strong. I really liked support core Guardian, I just hope Firebrand compliments it well and we don't loose too much by having to drop virtues.

@Veeman.5270 said:http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQNAS5ensADFBjNCDuCBEEhl4BDrHkE2C7v0aaOtKAslqXA-jJxHABiv/g8lBU+iAAwTAAA

I'm excited to try out a sPvP build that takes advantage of the quickness so that the hammer and mace can become viable weapons. This build is similar to a bunker symbolic build that's able to assist team mates with large symbols that provides permanent protection and heals over time (HOT). It supports the group with AoE protection, 5 second blast finishers that can combo with hammers symbol of protection (to remove conditions from yourself and allies) and Tome of Resolves (ToR) water field for extra burst healing at the end. Throw in dodge heals (helped by energy sigil) and aegis heals with mace 3, shield 4 and your healing skill mantra for extra group heals.

Just the description makes me go I gotta try this out sometime. Now to check the build!

@Veeman.5270 said:http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQNAS5ensADFBjNCDuCBEEhl4BDrHkE2C7v0aaOtKAslqXA-jJxHABiv/g8lBU+iAAwTAAA

I'm excited to try out a sPvP build that takes advantage of the quickness so that the hammer and mace can become viable weapons. This build is similar to a bunker symbolic build that's able to assist team mates with large symbols that provides permanent protection and heals over time (HOT). It supports the group with AoE protection, 5 second blast finishers that can combo with hammers symbol of protection (to remove conditions from yourself and allies) and Tome of Resolves (ToR) water field for extra burst healing at the end. Throw in dodge heals (helped by energy sigil) and aegis heals with mace 3, shield 4 and your healing skill mantra for extra group heals.

I looked it over bud, it actually looks like a really fun playstyle. I miss the old hammer Guardian days.

@Aeolus.3615 said:Q:

since we probably will hit the age of no booons and massive condis while who has the best massive barrier will win the fights...

wonder if Superior Rune of Nature's Bounty would be something for group support FB, woul this make a the healing skills better for support as well when paired with the mantra of lore with more aoe condi cleanse?

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Rune_of_Nature%27s_Bounty

Aeolus, cool name btw.

First off I think you have a decent idea going here. But I wonder if a single charge of a mantra is considered in the specifics of 'remove a condition when using a heal skill'. Do you all get what I mean?

Secondly if I went down the healing route for the Firebrand I would try and bump up the outgoing healing percentages and have high healing power. Plus aegis traits and heal on block.

Third if I was going a supportive Valor, Honor, Firebrand I would actually consider shouts plus condition clearing in conjunction with tomes. Because in the last meta conditions wars happened all the time. But who knows what the meta will be until the dust (literally sand) will settle. Shouts could then be traited to remove conditions and turn them into boons. That coupled with either soldiers or leadership runes leads to a useful and incredibly durable team support Guardian. Prevent the damage before you have to heal it. That was and still seems to be the biggest and best playstyle for the profession. Now closely followed by Scourge.

Nice to see that gwskills is on top of things!

Anyway, here's me "I'm super lazy and just being trogdor again" PvE build of burning. Because it's called a firebrand for a reason, lol. But no, seriously, it's just fun.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vVIQJAnfn0ABdBjVCBOCBkCjl4BzKE8CeUVBgtU9aPmeT3pA-jFSAABxs/gM6BC4EAAwDAgWlgQY+DKlfBp+DA-w

@fluffdragon.1523 said:Nice to see that gwskills is on top of things!

Anyway, here's me "I'm super lazy and just being trogdor again" PvE build of burning. Because it's called a firebrand for a reason, lol. But no, seriously, it's just fun.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vVIQJAnfn0ABdBjVCBOCBkCjl4BzKE8CeUVBgtU9aPmeT3pA-jFSAABxs/gM6BC4EAAwDAgWlgQY+DKlfBp+DA-w

I know right McLeod is doing a top job with GW2SKILLS.NET. I like all the new changes especially with regards to the new elites, infusions and new stats.

@fluffdragon.1523 said:Nice to see that gwskills is on top of things!

Anyway, here's me "I'm super lazy and just being trogdor again" PvE build of burning. Because it's called a firebrand for a reason, lol. But no, seriously, it's just fun.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vVIQJAnfn0ABdBjVCBOCBkCjl4BzKE8CeUVBgtU9aPmeT3pA-jFSAABxs/gM6BC4EAAwDAgWlgQY+DKlfBp+DA-w

I thought it would be a fluff build and not useful j/k. But you have my attention. I actually really liked it. The build works to all the strengths of the Firebrands weapons skills (burns/bleed) but yet also has some defense that doesn't require stats to make it effective like aegis.

What second weapon would you use?

The low toughness might be the only downside, because you might get burst down when someone does an unblockable attack like a Deadeye or Renegade with devastation traits. But otherwise I really like it.

Unblockable attacks will become the bane of all Firebrands existence.

Lets think about what types of builds we can make as Firebrands.

SupportHealingCondition damagePower damageTank

If you think about it a Guardian can now fit any role in a group, we are lucky to be able to have that kind of flexibility on this profession.

@Cave Rock.4869 said:

@Aeolus.3615 said:Q:

since we probably will hit the age of no booons and massive condis while who has the best massive barrier will win the fights...

wonder if Superior Rune of Nature's Bounty would be something for group support FB, woul this make a the healing skills better for support as well when paired with the mantra of lore with more aoe condi cleanse?

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Rune_of_Nature%27s_Bounty

Both charging and using the mantras trigger rune effects during preview. Runes with short ICD is defenitely an option.

@Brutaly.6257 said:

@Cave Rock.4869 said:

@Aeolus.3615 said:Q:

since we probably will hit the age of no booons and massive condis while who has the best massive barrier will win the fights...

wonder if Superior Rune of Nature's Bounty would be something for group support FB, woul this make a the healing skills better for support as well when paired with the mantra of lore with more aoe condi cleanse?

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Rune_of_Nature%27s_Bounty

Yo Brutally thanks for the helpful information. That is such a great tip! All we have to do is roughly remember the ICD and then we will be set and ready. I wonder what the range will be of the condition cleanse? I would guess 300 units just like the heal skill?

@Veeman.5270 said:http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQNAS5ensADFBjNCDuCBEEhl4BDrHkE2C7v0aaOtKAslqXA-jJxHABiv/g8lBU+iAAwTAAA

I'm excited to try out a sPvP build that takes advantage of the quickness so that the hammer and mace can become viable weapons. This build is similar to a bunker symbolic build that's able to assist team mates with large symbols that provides permanent protection and heals over time (HOT). It supports the group with AoE protection, 5 second blast finishers that can combo with hammers symbol of protection (to remove conditions from yourself and allies) and Tome of Resolves (ToR) water field for extra burst healing at the end. Throw in dodge heals (helped by energy sigil) and aegis heals with mace 3, shield 4 and your healing skill mantra for extra group heals.

The problem with hammer is that it is to slow even with quickness, for a burn build.

The main reason to bring the hammer is to trigger combo fields in the tomes.

In power/hybrid builds it is an ok/valid option.

Tank/Support for Raids/Fractals

I’d take Radiance if I’m within a group dedicated to Condition Damage, otherwise either Valor for more Aegis sharing and more self-healing, or Virtue to have decreased cooldown on Tomes and more damage when you’ve Aegis, I think it’s more worth it to take Loremaster if you go Virtue.If you have enough Quickness you can take Renewed Focus to have an easier access to Tomes and 3sec. of invulnerability, or Signet of Courage for better healing, or Mantra of Liberation if you don’t have a Tempest with Gale Song.If you don’t go Radiance you can take Mantra of Potence instead of Signet of Wrath, and definitely get rid of Feel My Wrath, or you can take Wall of Reflection or Hallowed Ground if needed, eventually you can also take Mantra of Lore against heavy condition fights, or take the Pure of Voice trait. Merciful Intervention can be replaced by Bow of Truth, depending on your need for teleportation.

This build will allow in Raids for one Chronomancer and one Druid to go for a more damage oriented build, or eventually, and that’s a big eventually, take a power Soulbeast with Frost Spirit + Spotter instead of the Druid, or more likely a cSoulbeast with Sun Spirit, but the Chronomancer can’t really be replaced, as Renegade doesn’t share enough Alacrity and Ventari will compete against the Firebrand for healing. Otherwise it might be a good substitute for Druid in Fractals, particularly in groups focused around Condition Damage.

I honestly think this build would be more viable if Resolution and Courage had decreased cooldowns, respectively around 25sec. and 45sec., and if Azure Sun was a blast finisher for Resolution, but I’ll still try it within my guild.