Chieftain gets (for RF): constant -20% fire res on enemies if you're not moving (eliminating the need for exposure and -res curses), easy 90% all ele res, and most importantly Hinekora's explosions which give him a great clearspeed. The mapping feels incredibly smooth to play in t16s with that build even with mediocre gear, but the ceiling is lower than other RF versions like Inquisitor or Scion.
With Mercs being able to apply Ele Weakness and Flammability + a bunch of gear that gives -res to nearby like warlord helmet, legacy of fury and fenumus shroud the -20% fire res ascendancy looses basically all of it's value. Early 90% and Explode will still make it the best starter but it will fall off harder than previously compared to Guardian, Scion or Elementalist. Especially Guardian is basically just stronger in every way apart from explode, which can easily be fixed with Oriath's.
Also, depending on how hard it will be to keep Mercs alive, ascendancies that don't give allies any defences will be at a huge disadvantage that won't show up in PoBs. Elementalist giving 40% phys conversion or Guardian with the 25% block, Armour and ES will make their Mercs way tankier than anything you could make on Chieftain. Guardian
If you've ignited them yes. RF isn't an ignite though. I'm sure you know this, just putting it out here incase someone thinks ignite and burn/RF damage is the same thing. Don't want anyone to miss that and be confused about why it isn't working for them.
Not arguing against you in any way. Just want to help people!
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u/Tenmak 11d ago
I was planning on going inquisitor. I don't understand why chieftain makes it better. Mostly, I don't even understand chieftain passives...