Originally Posted by
GoodSyntax
I have to agree with JaytB, full INT is probably the best setup overall for massive AOE damage. While it is true that you pick up additional damage using auto, that is not the primary attack method for mages. A maxed out INT mage can get 1200+ damage on a single Drain. Even assuming 300 damage on a bow that would be 4 attacks. Again assuming a 0.6 sec attack, that equates to 2.4 seconds minimum to reach the same level of single target damage. All the while, a mage should be nuking everything with Firestorm and Lightning.
Keep in mind that Lightning has one of the lowest skill cool downs in game, so with max damage on Lightning affecting 5 targets per skill, the total damage output between a single target bow and an AOE skill is staggering.
Can a full dex mage deal more damage against bosses? Maybe, if you are looking at auto-attack alone, but when you introduce skill damage into the equation and overall damage is calculated, full INT is superior.
Simply stated, the additional dodge and crit (unbuffed) has very little affect on a boss. Once buffed, DEX or INT mages would be at 100 crit anyway, so every hit is a crit. Shoot, even my Pally gets 100 crit when buffed.
Personally, I prefer a more pally-like build. My poor mage is Yeti fodder as it is in Humania, so the additional HP, HP Regen and Armor helps. In the end, it all is driven by your play style. If you like to charge in with a tank and initiate first contact, you almost have to go Pally. If you prefer staying behind DEX and INT are good builds.
Either way, if you like you build, ignore what everyone says and keep being awesome.