No need to use the expensive Elder helm with this build.

If the new fracture items are more common(lets hope) then should be much easier to craft a really nice staff.

Not sure how it will feel with leap slam instead of shield charge will have to test this out.

You can remove the awakened gems and stuff like that if you want or have hard time getting currency.

Can craft a better staff later or even use the searing touch staff to hold u over for a long time.

p.s No one really ever takes the mastery for "cover enemies in ash when they hit you" not sure if it doesnt work as I read it or just an oversite.

Not having to use the elder helm u can get a nice rare easy to craft helm with mana reservation.

https://pastebin.com/t7USLG7N