User:Garmonsutrix/R/Rt Expert Weapon Volley

The main motivation behind this build is to power up Barrage-like multiple target bow attacks. Since Barrage (and Volley, used in this build) remove preparations, we look to the Ritualist] line of [[gw:Weapon_spell|Weapon spells to provide the core power-up, supplementing with PvE-only buffs such as "I Am The Strongest".

Splinter Weapon is an extremely potent weapon skill when combined with an attack that targets multiple adjacent foes, because the damage multiplies, since it triggers once for each foe that has multiple adjacent foes. However, as any experienced Ranger will know, you don't always get the luxury of having multiple grouped mobs to rain death on, and then Splinter Weapon becomes utterly useless.

The second specialization of this build then is interruption. If you don't have multiple clustered mobs, avoid casting Splinter Weapon and go with Warmonger's Weapon instead, activating your IAS stance to get the quickest interrupt speed.

Attributes and Skills
[build prof=R/Rt name="R/Rt Expert Weapon Master" exp=6+1+1 mar=12+3 cha=11 com=2][Distracting Shot][Volley][Called Shot][Splinter Weapon]["I Am the Strongest!"][Expert's Dexterity]["By Ural's Hammer!"][Warmonger's Weapon][/build]

Equipment

 * Armor: Any
 * Weapons: Shortbow or Flatbow with Damage + Armor Penetration Bonuses (eg: Urgoz' or Droknar's)

Usage

 * Lead by popping I Am The Strongest and Expert's Dexterity and then use Distracting / Volley / Called as appropriate
 * If mobs bunch up, quickly pop Splinter and spam Volley until 1 mob remains
 * If Expert's fades, your health starts to drop, or you simply need more damage output, trigger Ural's Hammer
 * If mobs aren't bunching up, target spellcasters and pop Warmonger's Weapon. Alternate Volley (for the small damage bonus, and Called Shot for a constant spamming of interrupts); use Distracting Shot when an interrupt is absolutely necessary

Counters

 * Damage-negating effects like Mist Form
 * Single, powerful melee (such as a Warrior Boss) once the support mobs are all dead

Variants
Barrage works here instead of Volley of course - you get the benefit of more targets and a higher damage. When farming raptors or trolls or other high-volume mobs, consider substituting Barrage for Volley and then Lightning Reflexes for Expert's Dexterity.