Archive:E/N GvG Blinding Surge

This build uses Air Magic to Spike and Blind opponents. Additional defense and/or utility skills round out the character.

Frequency

 * Somewhat out of favor, having been replaced by water eles in balanced builds. Still seen in some ele-based split builds.

Attributes and Skills
[build prof=eleme/n airmag=12+1+1 energy=12+1 curses=3][blinding surge][Shell Shock][Lightning Bolt][Rend Enchantment][gale][glyph of lesser energy][air attunement][Resurrection Signet][/build]

Armor

 * 5x Survivor/Blessed Insignia
 * Superior Vigor
 * Minor Air
 * Minor Energy Storage
 * Restoration
 * Vitae

Weapons

 * Air Wand of Memory, 20% cast time
 * Air Focus of Aptitude, 20% recharge
 * Air Wand of Memory, +15/-1 energy
 * Energy Storage Focus of Fortitude, +15/-1 energy
 * Curses Wand of Memory, 20% cast time (For Rend Enchantments)
 * Curses Focus of Aptitude, 20% recharge (For Rend Enchantments)
 * Heavy Spear of Defense, +5 energy or 10% recharge or 10% cast time
 * Strength Shield of Fortitude, -20% cripple
 * Strength Shields of Fortitude, +10 armor vs each damage type

Usage

 * Cast Air Attunement before entering combat.
 * Use Blinding Surge to relieve pressure, and particularly to deflect enemies' most powerful attack skills (watch for Warriors converging on a new target). Do NOT spam Blinding Surge on recharge or it becomes very easy for enemy mesmers to Divert.

Counters

 * Diversion.
 * Interrupts, particularly Distracting Shot, Power Lock and Power Block.
 * Signet of Humility.
 * Enchantment removal.
 * Standard caster counters, Dazed, Migraine etc.

Variants

 * Chain Lightning or Lightning Orb over Lightning Bolt
 * Armor of Sanctity (6 Earth Prayers)
 * In HA consider taking:
 * Ward Against Foes with Grasping Earth.
 * "Make Haste!" and "Fall Back!".