Hera: Queen of Joust (and Gods)!

So I'm a casual smite player who constantly gets bullied for the smallest things such as not taking the attack camp to our mage when the creatures died. I'm sourgood4u and I uhh.. Yeah, I like Hera. Her concept in mythology all around is awesome. A dedicated and loyal gal' who often did the extreme when it came to preserving her relationship despite how unhappy she may truly be beneath her.

I ask that you rate and leave critiques on my build with honesty. I have really bad anxiety and I get very shy when it comes to sharing things. Smite can be brutal, so I ask some kindness when leaving critiques.

Royal Assault Is your main dose of damage and lane clear, it does good damage and has a great cooldown for the power it can dish, the hard part is landing it. Prediction and going a bit over where you believe the enemy is going is what's going to keep you on stack with this Goddess. This skill is what you usually level early game.

Polymorph is an excellent way to silence enemies when you're getting away or to poke with (thanks to it's long distance). The damage is reasonable and can be used to pick off an enemy, but I find myself using this mostly for getaways and poking. Remember, poking is a huge plus in Joust. This skill should be focused for mid-late game.

Divine Shroud is an epic skill, used to help yourself and Argus, the Defender. It's up to you to decide when to use this skill. I use it mainly in getaways and catching up to enemies with Argus. This skill is best used to support Argus. It's up to you to decide when to level this skill, do mid-game if you're being bullied too much. Do late-game if you've got the sustain. Having it at just level one is enough to offer Argus and yourself some good support.

Argus, the Defender when launched, you are no longer the player, but rather the anchor. This is something I ask a lot of players who attempt Hera in this build to keep in mind. You are not the damage, Argus is. Sometimes he can be used alone, but with this build he's best used to push and to distract. He's a total troll and he loves it. Remember that if you're being attacked you can always press 4 and redirect him. He is loyal to you. Treat him well and don't be afraid to let him protect you. Level this ability any chance you get. He is your baby.

PROS
+ High sustain balance.
+ High Damage balance.
+ High CDR.
+ Can hold her own if allies die.

CONS
- Hera is naturally immobile, it can be hard to balance your Divine Shroud for protecting yourself and for boosting Argus.
- Enemy crowd control is your biggest enemy.
- Not good with Rooting.
- Most warriors are a pain.

With Hera a lot of people will consider the use of "so many protection items" as a bad thing when these items could be used for damage. With this, I ask you to keep in mind that this build isn't solely for damage. Argus, the Defender is your damage and you are his anchor. You dish out good poke damage, but you are not a main dealer.

I personally find that Hera works best with two physicals in Joust. Mainly because they'll be focusing prots on them and your poke will do excellent. And if they're gullible enough, they might try and start on a magic item to keep you at bay and excel your physicals. This is the best combination for Hera, but two mages could do reasonable as well.

Well, I'm not sure. I only use this build in Joust and my mid build is actually very different. Maybe this build could be viable in a solo or mid setting, but I've never tried it out. I don't see the problem of trying this in siege or clash? I actually look forward to the SmiteFire community giving me feedback on their experiences with this build! :)

I know hovering over the notes can be a pain, so here's all my notes but labeled properly.

STARTER PURCHASE NOTES

- It's essential to play safe, using your Royal Assault to distance minions and get Book of the Dead online.

- If it goes against your morals to not get a starter item, after you purchase your Book of Souls and potions, on your next rotation to base, nab Sands of Time and adjust your final item accordingly. Pendulum of Ages is the better upgrade for Hera for the CCR and missing mana.

FULL BUILD NOTES

- In my findings, this build is essential on having shield protections as it not only compliments your survivability, but also keeps Argus alive. Remember, Hera is not the damage; Argus is. It's important to build protections with CDR and health shields on low health. If Bulwark isn't what you want and you're needing some more physical protection, I'd opt for Spirit Robe.

In addition to this, I know many people say that Book of the Dead is bad now, this is truthfully not the case for Hera. At least in Joust where you need to be playing mages more defensively.

ITEMS TO CONSIDER NOTES

- Nab Spirit Robe in replacement of Bulwark of Hope if you need more physical protection, but keep in mind Bulwarks entire kit is important for Hera.

- Replace Mantle of Discord with Rod of Tahuti if you have enough sustain, it'll make Hera a bit more squishy, but Argus pack a stronger punch.

- If it goes against your morals to not get a starter item, after you purchase your Book of Souls and potions, on your next rotation to base, nab Sands of Time and adjust your final item accordingly. Pendulum of Ages is the better upgrade for Hera for the CCR and missing mana.

POSSIBLE RELIC NOTES

- Purification Beads are a given, perfect for CCE and squishy's... Like Hera! same idea with Aegis Amulet.

- meditation cloak is an overall good item for Joust, this build is less of a 'mage' role and more of a support/damage hybrid. So this is a good option.

- Like I said, with this damage support build, Belt of Frenzy is a great option for supporting your team and yourself.

- If they keep getting away from Argus too quickly, Horrific Emblem is absolutely perfect for supporting your team and keeping the enemies locked down.

- I think that Blink Rune is suuuuper situational. You can use it to catch up to finish off a kill or to gank an Argus launch, but this usually isn't how I've ever played Hera in this setting. It's entirely up to you to test out!

- Lastly, I know some people would think Magic Shell is a good choice, but keep in mind that this build is designed to give Hera shields, not make her health chunky. This is why I think Magic Shell is not worth picking up.