Intro

Basically, a tankier version of the very popular Spellsinger (Clown) builds. Uses the Defense tree for extra survivability WITHOUT using a shield. It's a damage based build that can lose to CC based builds fairly easily but is useful as a dps/frontline mage. It's definitely not the best all around build, but rather a solid build for group fights where you rely on mobility and defense rather than CC skills.

NOTE:You could very easily swap for and bring a spare shield to use for an extra stun, if you want to make things more interesting. Alternatively you can go all out shield+sceptre and trade some Sorc skills for shield defense skills. It's not something I've tried but in the videos below it looks solid.

Overview

The Pros and Cons of using Defense vs. the usual Songcraft is up to you do decide. It basically trades off CC and party support skills for more health and defense, as well as the high damage to add to your DPS. still gives you a viable stun that combos with for CC. BUT this also has a long cooldown. The buffs from Defense ( ) can make a HUGE difference for a mage, but you trade off some important buffs to cast time and magic crits from Songcraft to get them. It's all up to personal preference.

Gear

Cloth Armor(int, spirit, magic damage)
2 Handed Staff suggested

Pros/Cons

Pros:
-High Damage output (as with any Sorc build)
-Good self buffs/minor healing
-Many high damage "One-hit" skills
-High defense for a mage
-Stealth and mobility

Cons
-Mana Burn
-Lack of Crowd Control
-Long cast times (if you don't follow combos properly)
-Player skill dependant, not for the faint of heart

Combos

There are all kinds of combos here. Check any number of other Sorc builds for combos, I'll just list a few that are good for this particular build.

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Videos

Full disclosure, this guy is very well geared and is using a Shield-Wielding variant of this build. Take these with a grain of salt. There aren't many Swiftstone videos out there though.

Arena:



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