Maniac PVP

[aclover]

So, I honestly don't know what build anyone can possibly make revolving around a Maniac Main. I simply love the Maniac, but I'm having the worst time thinking of a successful PVP build. I don't want to make a stun build, as was my previous account, and I really want to change it up.
What do you think about this AOE/Snipe/Spike(ish) build?

:lak::femalehero::bst:
:ora::witc::pro:
:arc::mnk::exo:

Now, I realize that there aren't any B-Class mercs. I'm really trying to avoid those mercs, but if I can get my hands on a Pirate, then frickin' sweet! Anyways, although my previous account has limited me to the use of these mercs, I'm pretty much choosing the mercs that I like, including the Maniac Main (And no, not because they are mostly girl mercs!). I just happen to like these mercs. I'm just going to assume that I will need a flawless strategy.

[halleylight]

Your formation at the moment does not have any significant pressure to force Monk to cast Awakening instead of Holy Guard. Therefore, more HGs mean your AoE plan is less effective. The spike part is already fine as it is but it can be even greater if you can afford a Spartan or a Pirate.

[aclover]

I understand the stun part. I was thinking that enough stun on the front row would be sufficient for Monks to use Awakening. I also thought that if I need to, I can snipe the Monk just to put some the counters on it.

[halleylight]

So how do you plan to do if he/she has 2 monks ?

[aclover]

Good question! :D

Is the right answer front row stun?? By forcing both Monks to Awaken the front row and themselves, it can prevent Holy Guard. Then possibly, when both Monks are open, Mana Seal can be used?

Is this at all viable? Or do I just have a strategy that will get me nowhere?

If I'm going nowhere, what would you suggest that I could do?

[halleylight]

Good question! :D

Is the right answer front row stun?? By forcing both Monks to Awaken the front row and themselves, it can prevent Holy Guard. Then possibly, when both Monks are open, Mana Seal can be used?

Is this at all viable? Or do I just have a strategy that will get me nowhere?

If I'm going nowhere, what would you suggest that I could do?

Unfortunately, with 2 monks, your opponent will always have at least one of his/her row covered by HG even if you try to pull as many stun attempts as possible. That's why people use 2 monks, convenient...

You cannot always protect your front line from Freezing Axe since you have only 1 monk, so your stun attempt or your AoE "evil deeds" may be delayed and interrupted. If your Archer can silence either one of them, you are saved.

Healers are your enemy (i.e Shaman/Oracle). While your overall damage does not focus on any target, it is easy for healers to heal the wounded mercs. Seal/Silence or skill them off as soon as possible. As long as they're alive, it's difficult to win the match.

And be careful when your mid row got silenced. Your power in both offensive and defensive lies there.

[aclover]

Wow I haven't thought of those things you had mentioned. I guess I was so concentrated on the offensive part of my game, that I had forgotten about the defensive aspect. Thanks so much Halley!

In all honesty, how far do you see this build going? Is it Division 1 worthy? Can it win any championships? Please, don't hold back.

[Locksley]

1. replace LK with spartan, BT with N.vik, witch with pirate to get a shot at div 1...if u can afford.
2. make a snipe/spike build instead. that should work.

[halleylight]

Now I notice that Locksley really likes the numbering in his post. xD !

I'm really not good at judging a spike build myself, but seriously I don't think that just smashing left click repeatly is enough to win against experienced enemies.

@aclover: your current proposed formation won't go far in FL, buddy, not to mention any championship title.

A level 100 Archer can silence your mid row for 3 turns, and since your Monk is busy, it can't be helped.

A level 100 N.Viking can tank better, means he can interrupt you more.

And 99% of the time your BM will be the favorite dish for your opponent. If she dies, no AoE, no stun and so on....

So you will probably stop at div 4 or 5 at the moment, if you are not satisfied, let's discuss about a more optimal build when you have an idea.

[Locksley]

hence the statement..."if u can afford"

haha, I usually number my posts, esp for formation questions. Makes stuff a lot more organized.

Unfortunately, Halley, from my own experience, there are div 1 ppl who are button mashers (specifically, the left mouse button), and have the gear to mash their way thru, while taking note to leave one activation to awaken with monk.

The thing abt spike builds is that they succeed by gear, and can be defeated by a good opponent unless the gap is too wide. so if ur a poor man, spike build is not for u cuze u dun have the gear to mash thru. if ur opponent is better geared than u, u can't "spike" thru anymore, its almost like instant doom.

I have encountered builds like...

:malehero::lak::spt:
:sha::vik::pra:
:pro::exo::mnk:

Sure, gets screwed against elem, but against ppl with no elem, this one can mash through stuff. AxeM btw.

:malehero::lak::spt:
:mnk::vik::pro:
:ora::mnk::exo:

hmm yes, mass melee DMF. this one wins solely on DMF+left click. Axem too. yes, I have STUNNED this one.

Dun remind me of the time in Titan, I once stunned SEVEN MERCS on a lvl 127 spike DMF, but I was killed towards the end when the main just got off stun, guards the dying monk, and then gets 4 shots at me in turn. and I got him down to main+monk. I nearly smashed my keyboard.

Reminds me of a Zerk vs Saraphoenix match going on. zerk - oh no, inventor sniped down, thats it. spike mode!

so while sara was left clicking with bows, zerk went left clicking with maniac+spartan+pirate. I was like...eww...dun wanna watch anymore. *leaves titan server*

[aclover]

What if I replaced the Archer for a Pirate, if I could ever get my hands on one. I would love to have a Pirate... :D

:lak::femalehero::bst:
:pra::witc::ora:
:pro::mnk::exo:

Please understand that this is more of a "just for fun" build. I'm just going with the mercs that I like, not so much what will guarantee a victory every single time. With my new Maniac account, I'm just using the mercs that I wasn't able to use the first time around. Now, I understand that PVP will probably not go as well for my Maniac as it has my Musician. I accept that, but I'm just trying to make the best out of it, as far as PVP goes.

I observed some of Inmolation's fights, and based on what you guys are saying, he shouldn't be winning at all. However...he does. Now, I'm by no means copying his build, but I am trying to make my AoE build work as well as his does. So, I guess strategy is key.

By the way, I do remember someone saying that any kind of build with any kinds of mercs can win, and strategy is important.... This is essentially what I'm trying to accomplish.

[halleylight]

You shouldn't. If you ditch your Archer, you have only 1 ranged merc atm. Therefore, it's even harder for you to prevent HGs because you won't be able to cancel scrolls anymore ( possible only if you're lucky enough every single time xD).

But yeah, fun and willingness are most important factors to keep you playing. If you really love using those mercs, go on. It's just that you'll have to find a way to overcome those handicaps we pointed out before. At the moment it's still a dead end, but who knows if you keep trying and trying, as long as you believe in what you choose.

Who said that with any merc and any build you can win ? =.= Tell him to prove that before you can believe him, unless he is Einstein.

P/S: I don't recall anyone talked about Immolation in this thread lol. Well, whatever....