Summary
- Core Concept: A highly experimental Martial Artist build for the Return of the Ancients league, focusing on “Hollow Form” to utilize clones that trigger socketed attacks.
- Build Choices: The primary plan centers on Storm Wave for its reliable overlap mechanics. An alternative, riskier build involves Forge Hammer to test potential cooldown manipulation via clones.
- Key Mechanic: “Way of the Stone Fist” transforms gloves based on stats, offering potential for high evasion, Energy Shield (ES), and unique offensive effects like Power Charge generation.
- Leveling Strategy: Recommended leveling via Twisters due to its smooth progression, transitioning later into the Hollow Palm setup with Storm Wave.
- End-Game Tech: Utilization of “Herald of Ice” for armor-shattering explosions, “Combat Frenzy” for charge generation, and “Hand of Chilla” for efficient curse and mark application.
Martial Artist Ascendancy & Mechanics
- Way of the Stone Fist: An experimental node that modifies glove performance. Initial impressions suggest it provides strong defensive layers (Evasion/ES) and interesting offensive procs, though it requires careful management of flat damage, which may conflict with the node’s specific damage-gain modifiers.
- Hollow Form: The build’s centerpiece. This mechanic spawns clones that replicate socketed attacks. Combining this with Power Charges allows for multiple clones and high-frequency ability overlaps.
- Alternative Nodes:
- Way of the Mountain: Provides significant defensive bonuses, stun/freeze capabilities, and increased damage against immobilized enemies. A strong one-pointer candidate.
- Runics Meridians: Grants five extra rune slots, highly anticipated due to the introduction of 250+ new runes in the upcoming patch.
- Combo & Bell Nodes: Offer synergy for “Tempest Bell” and “Icy Charms,” providing additional Power Charge generation and area coverage.
Leveling Strategy
- Preferred Method (Twisters): Found to be the smoothest leveling experience. Utilizes Rolling Slash linked to Rage and Rapid Attacks.
- Weapons: Start with a fast base weapon (Wing Spear from Act 2) using a Haste Essence. Later, transition to a War Spear for increased projectile speed, which boosts Twister overlap damage.
- Alternative Paths:
- Staff/Frozen Locust: Found to be too squishy and mechanically clunky.
- Grenades: Performed poorly until acquiring Concussive Attack.
- Transition: Shift into the Hollow Palm/Storm Wave setup around level 21+. Focus on crafting flat damage on gloves and rings to maintain power.
Ability Setups & Endgame Optimization
- Storm Wave & Siphoning Strike: The safe, primary setup. Siphoning Strike consumes shocks to generate Power Charges, which then fuel damage-heavy abilities like Charge Staff or Falling Thunder.
- Herald of Ice Tech: Used for end-game clear. By linking Herald of Ice with Armor Break and building “Damage Gained as Extra Physical/Cold,” the build can reliably shatter armor, triggering chain explosions.
- Power Charge Generation: Relies on Combat Frenzy with Resonance. Frenzy charges are gained via freezing or Electrocute, which are then converted to Power Charges.
- Hand of Chilla: Highly recommended for all Monk builds to apply both marks and curses simultaneously, maximizing efficiency until gear allows for more specialized setups.
Experimental Forge Hammer Concept
- Note: This is considered “copium” and requires significant in-game testing.
- The concept aims to bypass the Forge Hammer’s cooldown by using clones within Hollow Form to throw multiple hammers simultaneously. If successful, this could offer high burst potential; however, it remains purely experimental compared to the reliability of Storm Wave.
Key References