Quote Originally Posted by Zozma View Post
Building hate on the start takes 30-60sec longer then a WAR to get a good base, but after that you should be all good.
I agree with this statement here to an extent, but please understand that doesn't mean your mages have to wait to start nuking. If you start with Provoke, Aegis Boon, Phalanx, Spirit's Within then Flash and Rampart, you'll have a decent base with which your DD can begin.

If you use maddening potions, then your base is secure at this point.