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Did some looking over our Deimos CM runs. Observations: 1) A lot of greeds are getting to Saul. On our better runs, Saul is hurting pretty badly, and it's a race against Saul's HP bar (until we screw up a mechanic). 2) Greeds making it to Saul are what mysteriously strip Aegis at times: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/170581913?t=02h25m15s. It is difficult to see with the camera angle, but watch Saul's HP drop half a second before the mind crush goes off, and group 1 takes it in the shorts. I think some adjustments to our strategy to more effectively handle greeds and / or avoid the greed explosions are probably in order.

What class should I play? A few people have asked me this question and this is my definitive answer: any class you want to. As far as I'm concerned no one should ever be required to run any particular class or build. Our number one goal is to have fun, after all, if we're not having fun, why are we doing this? What fun is it to have a dictator telling you want to play? That said, it is undeniable that some classes and builds are better suited to WvW havoc than others. If you want build suggestions, more explanation of the pros and cons of builds, or a better understanding of what roles we need to fill in our squad, please ask (probably me or Oddgo are a good place to start. As always, Google knows everything). Here are some points to keep in mind: The current small group havoc meta is is something like 2 reapers (dps), 1 support tempest (for cc, heals and boons), and 2 of Revenant, guardian, Mesmer, warrior (for dps, cc, boons). For survivability, it's helpful to have access to mobility, stun breaks, and some way to deal with condis. For fights, it's helpful to have access to boon strip, cc, and AoE dps. I've linked to a few meta builds above. I think they are a good place to start if you want to see suggestions. I, obviously, am not an expert in every build and role, but this is how I've been thinking of these: Support Tempest Role: This isn't your fragile glass cannon dps ele. This is a heal bot (or heal person) with more than enough auras and boons to go around. Support tempest is one of the anchors of the group who keeps our dps on their feet so they can wreck face. Group supporting skills: Auras, Rebound, Wash away the pain, condition clearing shouts. Plentiful CC from dagger/focus. Survivability/mobility: You're wearing full minstrels, so yeah. You've got lighting flash for your "oh shit" button. Gameplay video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCALAxtotsSZHEXpCY2L00FQ Condi Reaper (both axe and GS) Role: One of, if not THE, main sources of dps in the group. Gives our opponents condi cancer with minimal effort. Can be glassy if you are running heavy on vipers. Group supporting skills: Its all about the dps and boon strip. However, your CC is plentiful and Chilled to the Bone can change the tide of a battle. Survivability/mobility: Can be challenging. Reapers shroud is your dps and survivability when you are focused (which is inevitable), so you probably want to pull off your big damage combo (5,4) and get out of there so it's up for survivability. Reapers shroud 2 is pretty much your mobility. Paying careful attention to positioning and where your healer is is highly recommended. Gameplay videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHGaKxX6392J6GRq5LFNdg Mesmer/chrono Role: The build above is a big glassy big damage dealer. I can probably find a tankier boon support build if anyone is interested. Group supporting skills: In my admittedly limited understanding of Mesmer, seems like Mass Invisibility is one of the big advantages of having one in our ranks. If the Zerg is coming and we need to run away or we simply need time to regroup and reposition, mass invis can give us space. Survivability/mobility: The build above gives you blink and access to stealth. Not to mention all those f-ing clones. Gameplay videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmow9Q4sw_JLTYb3Ly1Z0w Revenant Role: The build above is a tanky condi dpser. You are tough enough to soak up some of the damage and keep it off our reapers. Not to mention the real reason we have you along: spammable resistance. Group supporting skills: During a fight: Pain absorption. All. Day. Long. If it's looking good, feel free to throw in Banish Enchantment. Out of combat swap over to glint and stack those buffs (the reapers would appreciate some swiftness). Survivability/mobility: You're in Trailblazers, so yeah. Pain absorption is also a stun break which is super nice. Gameplay videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIdC5dSHc8gJYpQeG1tvATg Warrior/Beserker Role: Warrior offers a combination of dps, cc and boons. Group supporting skills: Headbut with stability allows you to stun the enemy so we can all unload the dps. Just please save 100 blades for cleaving the downs so we don't have to pick you up off the floor. Survivability/mobility: Endure pain and berserker stance make you more survivable than your gear leads one to believe. You've got a long block on shield and some good mobility and evade on GS. Gameplay videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKxKCu6hIWMtgnkVRHCiMYA Staff Daredevil Role: I don't have a build above but the staff daredevil build on metabattle (under WvW) would work well. This build can will primarily do dps. The metabattle description give some tips. Survivability/mobility: You're a daredevil with 3 dodges, short bow, and shadow step, need I say more? I hope one of these appeals to you. If not, that's cool too. Feel free to theory craft your own. There are tons of other builds out there, including ranger, thief, and engi. I would need to do some research to be able to recommend something. I believe Oddgo would be happy to consult with anyone who wants to.

Very helpful, Kintari; thanks for reviewing the tape. I confess that I wasn't paying much attention to Saul's hp, given that we were losing to mechanics before it became an obvious issue. I'm open to ideas about those issues. Bringing a lot more big cleave seems the obvious answer, with tempest an obvious candidate. I know that distorting smashes is part of the speed-clear approach. If we get two--or, better yet, three--tempests in the group, we could try to give that a shot, perhaps, particularly in the first 50%. I've been taking chaos, but I'm sure I can manage with dom instead. Our experience with necro was pretty bad previously--giving up so much boss dps. But maybe that's worth revisiting? I'm very reluctant. p.s. nextlevel investigating re: the aegis strips

*insert joyous exaltations here* I am excited and can help people with builds for nearly every class. I have played most build arch-types and am happy to share insight. Looking forward to some havoc!