Shadow - [3.9] An Out of Body Experience | Astral Projector + CoC Discharge

INTRO Spoiler Ever wanted to play a Vaal Burning Arrow build with more colors and without the soul nonsense? This might be it chief While still being ass at the game with over 2000 hours logged, I thought it would be fun to immortalize a personal build. Due to this is being my first guide, formatting mistakes and even build errors will inevitably be made. All feedback and criticism welcome. NOTE: Although the character reached 90, the build feels far from complete. Further tuning and optimization of the character and this thread will be needed. CONCEPT Spoiler The plan was to utilize one of the new uniques released with 3.9, Astral Projector. Due to Discharge having the 'Nova' tag, we are able to achieve a somewhat out of body experience by putting explosions in the place of others. Maximize power charges -> sustainable charge generation -> fast attacks ->boom Although Astral Projector explicitly states that the nova will be cast at target location, it follows the standard protocol for trigger effects by automatically aiming the explosion towards the direction/at the area where the target is hit. PATH OF BUILDING Spoiler https://pastebin.com/PUdKpbR9 VIDEOS Spoiler SOON PROS / CONS Spoiler Pros Pretty as hell Budget Friendly Clears packs Decent boss/metamorph damage Self-sustain thanks to Voll's Devotion + Kingsguard Cons Inconsistent as hell Not S Tier damage No true defense Prone to getting one shot by bullshit metamorphic assholes Not HC-friendly GEAR Spoiler Mandatory Spoiler The build enabler Power charge ramp Source for cold damage to proc EE Highly Recommended Spoiler Loads of needed dex and without the enchantment, damage is more inconsistent than it already is More available charges = more damage Combos with Voll's Devition for self-sustain Cheap source for Assassin's Mark Weapon Choices Spoiler Used for general map clear Single target weapon swap, dual wield these OR (PREFERABLY) 1x Shimmeron + 1x Void Battery GEMS Spoiler General Map Clear (on bow) Split Arrow Cast on Critical Strike Discharge Increased Critical Strikes Power Charge on Critical Inspiration Single Target (on chest) Split Arrow Cast on Critical Strike Discharge Concentrated Effect Power Charge on Critical Inspiration Auras Zealotry Precision Arctic Armour Blink Arrow (movement skill for bow) Defense Cast when Damage Taken Immortal Call Increased Duration Vortex (slows + another source to proc EE) Vaal skills Vaal Haste Vaal Righteous Fire Increased Duration Enduring Cry (placeholder, maybe blood rage) AFTERTHOUGHTS Spoiler Originally, I was using a very cheap bow with decent aps and high crit in order to accumulate power charges at a more steady rate. However, as an Assassin using increased crit strikes gem, I figured Quill Rain would be more enjoyable The more optimal bandit choice was probably Alira for multi + res due to an almost fully unique loadout With 2 6-L setups, other utility gems are difficult to fit in Possibly drop Oskarm for gloves with life + res and fit in a Precursor's Emblem with the mod "15% chance that if you would gain Power Charges, you instead gain up to your maximum number of Power Charges" Voll's Protector is probably a better choice for consistency. This allows us to drop PCoC for another damage gem. More testing will be needed (AKA 2 broke 4 6-L voll's protector) I have yet to successfully 6-L my Quill Rain, so gem swapping is needed if I want to pursue the weapon swap strategy Last edited by jwagna on Jan 8, 2020, 2:58:26 AM Last bumped on Mar 25, 2020, 12:37:23 AM	Posted by jwagna on Jan 7, 2020, 1:26:25 AM Quote this Post
Hey man thanks for the build! Looks really good. I might sink more currency into it than you have to see how far it can really go!	Posted by itzwayne on Jan 8, 2020, 12:40:26 AM Quote this Post
How would Badge of the Brotherhood fare in this build? It's pretty expensive, but I figure when your char gets full/max power charges Badge automatically sets that many frenzy charges too?	Posted by reciprocate on Jan 8, 2020, 6:07:59 PM Quote this Post
Any updates? Very interested.	Posted by trebushai on Jan 8, 2020, 7:13:55 PM Quote this Post
Rico has been experimenting with a build such as this and I think Mathil tied it to Spectral Throw with pretty impressive results. Here's to hoping it's good to shake up the discharge scene a little! It looks pretty satisfying and won't break the bank. Last edited by Messerschmitt on Jan 14, 2020, 10:49:33 AM	Posted by Messerschmitt on Jan 14, 2020, 10:47:24 AM Quote this Post
Sorry for abandoning the thread; quit Metamorph early At 15 ex currently, Astral Projector seems to be just out of my reach. Build will rest for now	Posted by jwagna on Mar 25, 2020, 12:37:23 AM Quote this Post