What I do ( and I'm happy with it ).
Put 1 point at least in Chains and Smash. Why ? Because untill lvl 30 you need phys skills to kill faster because you're int, so little HP is your doom. With illusion or chains and a good lvl imbue you're deadly.
Castle is a no reply question. GOT IT. When you're hitting a mob and a Champion or Giant spawned right besides you, castle shield will keep you alive. And 15 seconds it's a lot of time if you know what to do.
Soul cut. Got lvl 1. It's a weak attack, but when you reach lvl 30 and got nukes, you'll see a weak attack + fire or light imbue lvl 30 do a great damage, for 1x1 PVE I use fire imbie+fire nuke+soul cut. If more then 1 mob is attacking me, just use fire imbue + light nuke + lion shout. Hehehehe, 3 mobs down !
Blood and flower is without question like castle shield. A MUST. What can't touch you can't hurt you, KD and stab is a wonderfull move ( but if it fails you have chains and smash to finish the mob untill the kd cooldown finish).
Snake sword is like a lion shout for STR builds, so put 1 point in it ( like soul cut 1 and together with fire imbue you'll have a good move.
Shield is a must, another great protection for int build, a good BR shield ( 17 or 18 at least ) with the shield passive can save your life several times.
