PvP AP Drain/Stun Formation

[EdMan218]

I'm thinking about switching to a SpearMain with the following formation:

:spm::femalehero::vik:
:can::pro::ora:
:exo::mnk::inv:

The parts of the build that I'm not sure about are the Viking, Prophet, and Oracle. I chose those because they are convenient for me (I already have those mercs). The idea is to apply stun pressure, then Lightning Spear their Monk so they can't awakening, followed by Mana Seal, etc, etc.

Any comments/suggestions/improvements/criticisms welcome.

Thanks,
Ed

[Zilpzalp]

I think it looks great overall. I maybe would put that Prophet in the last row, but that's just me. Viking is kinda important in a AP Drain and Crowd Control formation, especially when he grades up to NVik. The Oracle is a must in my opinion, and the prophet is fine, too, since it makes it easier to get off scrolls from witches.

You could change the Prophet for a Dark Archer or an Elementalist later, I find them more useful. Prophet is just fine, but the other two give you another kind of CC and can turn the tables if used properly.

[Locksley]

I figure I should answer your questions here since the intended build is posted here.

By the way, which two ranged three mercenaries should I put in the middle row? I feel like Prophet being there is somewhat susceptible to Silence, but the two stunners being there would be more susceptible to War Cry.

- I would prefer inventor at the back for most fights, but there are times, against staffM+elem, the prophet concentrate is really, really helpful and prophet deserves the backline position so as to keep YOU alive.

Lastly, the reason why I asked for improvements on my current build is that I want to keep my mercenaries until level 100, when I can make them independent before changing my formation. Any suggestions as to how I can lose a little bit less, strategy-wise?

- well, try out the build first, tell me how you generally play it in pvp, and we'll move on from here ^ ^

A bit off-topic: What debuff combination is best for Prophets? I personally like Shattered Sword because it hits the Pirate. I rarely see Spearmen in other people's formations, and Axe users are usually too busy casting to left click. I'm guessing Spartans are usually found in the opponents front line, which can be somewhat dealt with with Freezing Axe. Any thoughts?

- Shatter sword and broken spear. I went with that btw. sunder saw is a...funny option.

[EdMan218]

So :pro: instead of :jan: still provides me with enough stun pressure to pull this off?

Which leaves the question of the frontline:

:spm::femalehero::spm: with AxeM

or

:spm::femalehero::vik: with SpearM

If the difference is not very large, then I'm going to stay AxeM.

[Zilpzalp]

Yeah, two stunners paired with two Spearmen are enough to produce stun pressure in general. A third stunner is not needed really, altough it might be useful at times.

Your answer to your second question is kinda obvious. An axeman lacks ice ridge axe, but a spearman main comes with no downsides. In your build, I would prefer a Spear Main over an Axe Main any day.

[EdMan218]

Yeah, two stunners paired with two Spearmen are enough to produce stun pressure in general. A third stunner is not needed really, altough it might be useful at times.

Your answer to your second question is kinda obvious. An axeman lacks ice ridge axe, but a spearman main comes with no downsides. In your build, I would prefer a Spear Main over an Axe Main any day.

I would also prefer a SpearMain to an AxeMain, but making the switch would cost me 100M+ to get the Secret Vial of Amnesia. I'm just wondering if the difference between the two front lines is significant enough to make the change.

[Cheesecake]

Well for quite a few people, Ice Ridge was enough to make most people switch from an axe main to something else, and get N.Vik with Ice Ridge.

[EdMan218]

Well for quite a few people, Ice Ridge was enough to make most people switch from an axe main to something else, and get N.Vik with Ice Ridge.

What exactly is the difference? Aren't people mostly using the skill to deny activations?

[C3nsoredAx3]

The ability to tank decently+gay mdef drop with better stats all around than freezing axe.