Theoretically would a shaman build focusing around briarthorn and doing physical/bleed damage be viable? I know hybrid pet builds have a reputation for being on the weak side, but there seems to be lots of synergy with physical/bleed and pet bonuses both in gear and devotions. Savagery could be your AA skill using a 2H, and both you and the briarthorn could just mow mobs down. I’m puzzled on what would be the best complimentary class though. Would love some input.
Here’s a build I made with that exact concept: http://www.grimdawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38559
I made it before grimtools was a thing so only the grimcalc is available, but if you’re really curious I could post a grimtools link for you in a day or so. It can clear just about everything in ultimate, except the mad queen might kill you occasionally. It could use some updating and tweaking but the general idea is there
I am by far not an expert, but as such a build would be quite skill point heavy, I would suggest picking a class that supplements it with some nice early skills. Early = early on its mastery bar. Like Occultist, with CoF, Bloody Pox, BoD sounds nice for me
Soldier would be a good subclass if you want to fight with your Briarthorn. The Soldier is bulky, features a variety of strong Physical/Bleed skills, and Field Command (and Squad Tactics) will allow you to buff your pet (and yourself).