Theorycraft - Hardcore Venomancer Cabalist - Grim Dawn: Ashes of Malmouth

(Check the description for a build guide and GrimTools links!)

This Venomancer build focuses on Ravenous Earth and Bloody Pox, with a smattering of defensive skills and a boatload of aggressive poison-themed devotions. Damage absorption, life regeneration, procced heals and weakening enemies with "curse" like effects is going to be the defensive aspect of this build.

Contrary to previous series, this won't be a Let's Play series, but I'll give periodic updates to show you what the build is like at various points in time.

Series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?playnext=1&list=PLPo00Kvl9Ha0io8foavcQzd2wL8nFEfvK

# Build outline

Skill tree and Devotions:

* Endgame build with possible items: https://www.grimtools.com/calc/YVWKE3dV

# Skills outline

This build uses Bloody Pox to weaken groups of enemies and Ravenous Earth to deal with stronger foes, or tougher groups. Curse of Frailty's Vulnerability helps against stronger foes, while Ill Omen might prove helpful to send some weaker mobs running to their friends after you Bloody Pox them. The Blight Fiend is a walking curse, attracts some attention and might actually do a little bit of damage. This is not a pet build, so don't expect too much from the smelly zombie pet.

Blood of Dreeg provides health regeneration, so you want to keep it active at all times. Due to the duration being longer than the cooldown, you can use the heal on use effect as a combat heal. Mark of Torment is a panic button to help you get some damage absorption if you're getting attacked a lot. Devotion procs such as the Behemoth's heal and regen, and Tortoise's shield further aid you in staying alive.

Spectral Binding and its Spectral Wrath proc are incredibly strong early on: if you max it early, you'll have a lot of extra health, and you'll wreck most trash mobs with Spectral Wrath.

# Gear choices

Endgame you'll want the Dark One's Gift mythical set, which boosts Bloody Pox and Ravenous Earth. While leveling, focus on:

* Re..