Mahuxotl's Machination Steel Kite ShieldChance to Block: 26% Armour: (146-167) Energy Shield: (30-35) Movement Speed: -3%Requires Level 46, 60 Str, 60 IntCorrupted Soul Divine Flesh Eternal Youth Everlasting Sacrifice Immortal Ambition Vaal PactThe Banished Architect sought to employ all the darkest secrets of the Vaal... at the same time.
The Corrupted Soul, Divine Flesh, Eternal Youth, Immortal Ambition, and Vaal Pact modifiers grant the same effects as the keystones Corrupted Soul, Divine Flesh, Eternal Youth, Immortal Ambition, and Vaal Pact. Allocating any of these keystones in addition to equipping this item will impart no additional benefit.
The Everlasting Sacrifice modifier grants the effects of Everlasting Sacrifice, a keystone that does not exist on the passive skill tree. Mahuxotl's Machination is the only way to obtain the effects of this keystone outside of Forbidden Secrets in Legacy of Phrecia leagues.
Some of the effects of these keystones nullify or override others. The effects of each keystone are listed below; those that are nullified when combined with the others are crossed out.
Keystone
Effects
Corrupted Soul
Gain 15% of Maximum Life as Extra Maximum Energy Shield
50% of Non-Chaos Damage taken bypasses Energy Shield
Divine Flesh
All Damage taken bypasses Energy Shield
50% of Elemental Damage taken as Chaos Damage
+5% to maximum Chaos Resistance
Eternal Youth
50% less Life Regeneration Rate
50% less maximum Total Life Recovery per Second from Leech
Energy Shield Recharge instead applies to Life
Everlasting Sacrifice
When you reach full Energy Shield, Sacrifice all Energy Shield to gain +5% to all Maximum Resistances for 4 seconds.
Immortal Ambition
Energy Shield starts at zero
Cannot Recharge or Regenerate Energy Shield
Lose 5% of Energy Shield per second
Life Leech effects are not removed when Unreserved Life is Filled
Life Leech effects Recover Energy Shield instead while on Full Life
Vaal Pact
Life Leech from Melee Damage is Instant
Cannot Recover Life other than from Leech
Damage taken as - Mahuxotl's Machination grants Divine Flesh. When combined with Tempered by War, no lightning or cold damage is taken, making it ideal to combine with it. Half of the damage is taken as fire and the other as chaos. This allows the player to completely ignore gearing for Cold or Lightning resistances. See Damage taken as for more information.
Maintaining Everlasting Sacrifice
To maintain full uptime of the +5% to all Maximum Resistances, the player's energy shield must reach full at least once every 4 seconds (after which it is sacrificed by the Keystone). Due to the interactions between keystones, it is not possible to regenerate or recharge ES, meaning that instant recovery and leech are the only realistic strategies. The 5% ES degeneration per second must also be overcome if the player cannot fill the entire ES pool in one instance, combining up to 120% of their total ES over 4 seconds.
Life leech - Endgame melee characters will usually heal the full 10% of maximum health with each hit instantly with Vaal Pact. If they're on full life to trigger Immortal Ambition, melee characters will only need to hit a few times to fill their ES pool.
ES gained on hit
The Watcher's EyeWatcher's Eye Prismatic JewelLimited to: 1(4-6)% increased maximum Energy Shield (4-6)% increased maximum Life (4-6)% increased maximum Mana <Two or Three random aura modifiers>One by one, they stood their ground against a creature they had no hope of understanding, let alone defeating, and one by one, they became a part of it.Place into an allocated Jewel Socket on the Passive Skill Tree. Right click to remove from the Socket. mod - requires DisciplineDisciplineAura, Spell, AoE Level: (1-20) Reservation: 35% Mana Cooldown Time: 1.20 sec Can Store 1 Use(s) Cast Time: Instant AoE Radius: 36Requires Level 24Casts an aura that grants additional energy shield and increased energy shield recharge rate to you and your allies.+(0-1.9) metres to radius You and nearby allies gain (60-217) additional Energy Shield You and nearby Allies gain 30% increased Energy Shield Recharge Rate
Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality: (2-40)% increased Area of EffectPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. (which is counterintuitive unless you plan to use Energy BladeEnergy BladeSpell, Lightning Level: (1-20) Cost: (136-624) Energy Shield Cooldown Time: 1.00 sec Can Store 1 Use(s) Cast Time: 1.00 secRequires Level 24Grants a buff which significantly lowers your maximum Energy Shield to transform your equipped weapons into Swords formed from that energy. Casting the spell again removes the buff. Requires a Non-Bow weapon. This skill cannot be triggered.Energy Blades have minimum Lightning Damage equal to 2% of Energy Shield, plus (2-12) Energy Blades have maximum Lightning Damage equal to 40% of Energy Shield, plus (40-235) Two Handed Energy Blades have 70% more Lightning Damage Buff grants 50% less Maximum Energy Shield
Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality: Buff grants (0.25-5)% more Maximum Energy ShieldPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.) and requires rapid hitting skills or skills with multiple projectiles
Fenumus' SpinneretsFenumus' Spinnerets Assassin's BootsEvasion: (314-417) Energy Shield: (65-84)Requires Level 63, 62 Dex, 62 Int(160-200)% increased Evasion and Energy Shield +(20-30)% to Lightning Resistance +(17-23)% to Chaos Resistance 25% increased Movement Speed Aspect of the Spider can inflict Spider's Web on Enemies an additional time Gain (15-20) Energy Shield for each Enemy you Hit which is affected by a Spider's Web (40-50)% increased Aspect of the Spider Debuff DurationWhen the fires spilled out of the mountain, The First of the Night wove a net and was carried into the night on its hot winds. Though we cannot live without danger, we can learn to live with it. - requires Aspect of the Spider
The Sorrow of the DivineThe Sorrow of the Divine Sulphur FlaskLasts (10.00-12.00) Seconds Consumes 40 of 60 Charges on use 40% increased DamageRequires Level 27Creates Consecrated Ground on Use(25-50)% increased Duration Zealot's Oath during Effect Life Recovery from Flasks also applies to Energy Shield during EffectAs man sins, God weeps.Right click to drink. Can only hold charges while in belt. Refills as you kill monsters. or Replica Sorrow of the DivineReplica Sorrow of the Divine Sulphur FlaskLasts (10.00-12.00) Seconds Consumes 40 of 60 Charges on use 40% increased DamageRequires Level 27Creates Consecrated Ground on Use(25-50)% increased Duration Eldritch Battery during Effect Life Recovery from Flasks also applies to Energy Shield during Effect"Success! Prototype #54 has tapped into that sliver of divinity that exists within. Faith fuels the flesh, and the flesh fuels the fire..."Right click to drink. Can only hold charges while in belt. Refills as you kill monsters. with life flasks - requires flask charge generation
with Master Surgeon on Pathfinder - can maintain charge uptime and outpace ES degen with enough investment into flask passives, but does not recover any Life
with Forbidden TasteForbidden Taste Quartz FlaskLasts 6.00 Seconds Consumes 30 of 60 Charges on use Phasing +10% chance to Suppress Spell DamageRequires Level 27Recover (75-100)% of Life on use 25% of Maximum Life taken as Chaos Damage per secondYour reach exceeds your grasp.Right click to drink. Can only hold charges while in belt. Refills as you kill monsters. - same as above, causes a persistent Chaos degen (No longer works as of 3.25)
Tawhanuku's TimingTawhanuku's Timing Moonstone RingRequires Level 44+(15-25) to maximum Energy Shield(30-40)% increased Spell Damage +(60-80) to maximum Mana (5-10)% chance to Freeze, Shock and Ignite Spells cause you to gain Energy Shield equal to their Upfront Cost every fifth time you Pay itThe soul still beats, even when the heart never did. - requires increasing the skill's cost e.g. Archmage SupportArchmage SupportLightning, Arcane, Support, Spell Icon: ^ Level: (1-20)Requires Level 31Supports spell skills that deal damage with hits and have no reservation. Cannot support arcane skills, Brand skills, Orb skills, Vaal skills, or skills used by totems, traps or mines. Cannot modify the skills of minions.Supported Skills gain Added Lightning Damage equal to (10-19)% of Unreserved Maximum Mana Supported Skills have added Mana Cost equal to 5% of Unreserved Maximum Mana
Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality: Supported Skills deal (0.5-10)% increased Spell DamageThis is a Support Gem. It does not grant a bonus to your character, but to skills in sockets connected to it. Place into an item socket connected to a socket containing the Skill Gem you wish to augment. Right click to remove from a socket., Lifetap SupportLifetap SupportSupport, Duration Icon: T Level: (1-20) Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 300%Requires Level 8Supports any non-blessing skill. Minions cannot gain the Lifetap buff.Supported Skills Cost Life instead of Mana Gain Lifetap after Spending a total of (23-273) Life on Upfront Costs and Effects of a Supported Skill Supported Skills deal (10-19)% more Damage while you have Lifetap Lifetap lasts 4 seconds
Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality: Lifetap lasts +(0.1-2) secondsThis is a Support Gem. It does not grant a bonus to your character, but to skills in sockets connected to it. Place into an item socket connected to a socket containing the Skill Gem you wish to augment. Right click to remove from a socket., The CovenantThe Covenant Spidersilk RobeEnergy Shield: (313-409) Movement Speed: -3%Requires Level 49, 134 IntSocketed Gems are Supported by Level 29 Added Chaos Damage +(20-30) to Intelligence (210-250)% increased Energy Shield 10% increased maximum Life Skills gain a Base Life Cost equal to 100% of Base Mana CostMy Soul is your Strength My Price is your Blood
with Corrupting FeverCorrupting FeverSpell, Duration, Physical Level: (1-20) Cost: (78-520) Life Cooldown Time: 1.00 sec Can Store 1 Use(s) Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 16Draws out your own blood to power a buff for a duration, letting this skill inflict the Corrupting Blood debuff on enemies you hit, dealing physical damage over time for a short secondary duration. The buff's duration will be refreshed if you spend enough life before it expires.Deals (7.8-335.4) Base Physical Damage per second Base duration is 6.00 seconds Base secondary duration is 1.00 seconds Buff Duration is refreshed after you spend a total of (26-205) Life
Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality: (1-20)% increased Skill Effect DurationPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.AutomationAutomationTrigger, Spell Level: (1-20) Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 150% Cooldown Time: 0.60 sec Can Store 1 Use(s) Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 24While this skill is active, supported spells will be repeatedly triggered.Each Supported Spell will Trigger when its Cooldown is over Supported Skills have (24-5)% reduced Cooldown Recovery Rate Supported Spells are Triggered when their Cooldowns are over
Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality: Supported Skills have (0.25-5)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. - requires increased cooldown recovery to get cooldown below 0.8 seconds
Demon StitcherDemon Stitcher Satin GlovesEnergy Shield: (128-153)Requires Level 41, 60 Int(15-20)% increased Cast Speed +(100-120) to maximum Energy Shield +(100-120) to maximum Life Sacrifice (5-25)% of Life to gain that much Energy Shield when you Cast a SpellXibaqua's treachery was met with divine fury. One by one, the gods reclaimed their flesh, until all that remained was a droplet of pure light: The first Vaal. - reliable source of ES gain for spell builds if life loss can be compensated; can't be automated
ES on Kill (e.g. from Soul Thief, Cinderswallow UrnCinderswallow Urn Silver FlaskLasts 6.00 Seconds Consumes (180-200) of 240 Charges on use OnslaughtRequires Level 48+90 to Maximum Charges Recharges 5 Charges when you Consume an Ignited corpse (175-200)% increased Charges per use Enemies Ignited by you during Effect take (7-10)% increased Damage Veiled Suffix <One of the three modifiers>A controlled burn is sometimes necessary for new life.Right click to drink. Can only hold charges while in belt. Refills as you kill monsters.
Take this item to Jun Ortoi to have her Unveil it.) - unreliable on single targets
Ghost Dance - wants at least 33.4x your ES as Evasion to recover your full ES in one hit (e.g. 33400 Evasion with 1000 ES); requires getting hit to activate
Weapon swap - if the player's energy shield is full and they weapon swap into Mahuxotl's Machination the buff will apply. This allows the player to gain the benefits of Everlasting Sacrifice without having the shield equipped.
Reducing the energy shield pool is generally preferred, which provides some use to items like Daresso's SaluteDaresso's Salute Citrine AmuletRequires Level 16+(16-24) to Strength and Dexterity50% reduced maximum Energy Shield +(30-40)% to Fire Resistance +(30-40)% to Cold Resistance 10% increased Movement Speed when on Full Life +0.2 metres to Melee Strike Range 60% increased Melee Damage when on Full Life"A bit short in the arm, are you? Then you'll be short of a head soon enough." - Daresso the Daring or Ming's HeartMing's Heart Amethyst RingRequires Level 69+(17-23)% to Chaos Resistance25% reduced maximum Energy Shield 25% reduced maximum Life +(40-50)% to Chaos Resistance Gain (40-60)% of Physical Damage as Extra Chaos DamageMing slew Tranquillity Took Chaos for his wife And on Her immortal finger He placed his Heart, or by minimizing increases to ES by redirecting Intelligence bonuses with Solipsism, FaithguardFaithguard Runic HelmWard: (51-63)Requires Level 25, 30 Str, 30 Dex, 30 Int+(20-30) to Intelligence (25-35)% increased Ward (40-60)% faster Restoration of Ward (15-25)% increased Light Radius Increases and Reductions to Maximum Energy Shield instead apply to WardThe priests of the Kalguur worshipped knowledge, not gods., or Crystallised OmniscienceCrystallised Omniscience Onyx AmuletRequires Level 61+(10-16) to all AttributesModifiers to Attributes instead apply to Omniscience +1% to all Elemental Resistances per 15 Omniscience Penetrate 1% Elemental Resistances per 15 Omniscience Attribute Requirements can be satisfied by (15-25)% of OmniscienceThat winter, scorched refugees emerged from the shrine, speaking only in strange tongues. They prayed to a new symbol of power, not out of love, but out of fear.. The only exception would be for Energy BladeEnergy BladeSpell, Lightning Level: (1-20) Cost: (136-624) Energy Shield Cooldown Time: 1.00 sec Can Store 1 Use(s) Cast Time: 1.00 secRequires Level 24Grants a buff which significantly lowers your maximum Energy Shield to transform your equipped weapons into Swords formed from that energy. Casting the spell again removes the buff. Requires a Non-Bow weapon. This skill cannot be triggered.Energy Blades have minimum Lightning Damage equal to 2% of Energy Shield, plus (2-12) Energy Blades have maximum Lightning Damage equal to 40% of Energy Shield, plus (40-235) Two Handed Energy Blades have 70% more Lightning Damage Buff grants 50% less Maximum Energy Shield
Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality: Buff grants (0.25-5)% more Maximum Energy ShieldPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. builds, which instead want to maximize ES and use % sources of ES recovery instead (stacking Strength and Intelligence, using Shaper's TouchShaper's Touch Crusader GlovesArmour: (217-305) Energy Shield: (45-61)Requires Level 66, 51 Str, 51 Int(80-120)% increased Armour and Energy Shield +4 Accuracy Rating per 2 Intelligence +1 Life per 4 Dexterity +1 Mana per 4 Strength 1% increased Energy Shield per 10 Strength 2% increased Evasion Rating per 10 Intelligence 2% increased Melee Physical Damage per 10 DexterityBy my hand, the inert is given life. By my hand, that which rots is reborn. There is nothing that cannot be changed. Nothing., etc). Note that you would need to cast Energy Blade prior to equipping the shield, as the skill costs Energy Shield to use.
It is possible to use jewellery with negative flat ES values obtained from Reflecting Mists, which can be quite effective combined with sources of flat ES recovery.
Video explanation
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Endgame Uniques - Mahuxotl's Machination - What Does This Item Even Do? - Path of Exile POE
Item acquisition
Mahuxotl's Machination has restrictions on where or how it can drop. It cannot be chanced.
Can be obtained as a boss drop from the Trialmaster in an Ultimatum encounter.
Monster restrictions
This item can be acquired from the following monsters:
The mechanics of this item were significantly affected by changes to Vaal Pact in version 3.25.0, further limiting the ways characters using it can recover life. Grinding Gear Games explained that the design principle of Mahuxotl's Machination is that it is a shield that grants the effects of all Vaal-themed keystone passive skills. They further clarified that any changes to keystones will naturally impact the mechanics of this item.[1]
The Vaal Pact Keystone Passive Skill no longer provides any of its current stats. It now provides "Life Leech from Melee Damage is Instant", and "Cannot Recover Life other than from Leech".
The Trialmaster has returned! The Trialmaster boss fight (and Ultimatum Uniques) can be accessed through the newly introduced Tower of Ordeals Unique Map.
Inscribed UltimatumInscribed UltimatumCan be used in a personal map device to open portals to the Trialmaster's Domain and attempt his challenge. Portals will close once the challenge begins.
Glimpse of ChaosGlimpse of Chaos Vaal MaskEvasion: (207-239) Energy Shield: (37-43)Requires Level 62, 79 Dex, 72 Int<Can roll a special implicit when corrupted>Can be modified while Corrupted (30-40)% increased maximum Life and reduced Fire Resistance (30-40)% increased maximum Mana and reduced Cold Resistance (30-40)% increased Global maximum Energy Shield and reduced Lightning Resistance Chaos Resistance is ZeroCorruptedMan retains sanity and strives toward civilisation only under the blessed veil of ignorance.
HateforgeHateforge Ancient GauntletsArmour: (338-432)Requires Level 72, 68 StrSocketed Gems are Supported by Level 30 Rage (120-150)% increased Armour (25-10)% reduced Rage Cost of Skills Vaal AttackSkills you Use yourself Cost Rage instead of requiring Souls You cannot gain Rage during Soul Gain PreventionThe first Karui born on the fringes of the Vaal empire developed a blood fever born of corruption.
Mahuxotl's MachinationMahuxotl's Machination Steel Kite ShieldChance to Block: 26% Armour: (146-167) Energy Shield: (30-35) Movement Speed: -3%Requires Level 46, 60 Str, 60 IntCorrupted Soul Divine Flesh Eternal Youth Everlasting Sacrifice Immortal Ambition Vaal PactThe Banished Architect sought to employ all the darkest secrets of the Vaal... at the same time.
Yaomac's AccordYaomac's Accord Vaal SceptreSceptre Physical Damage: 37-70 Critical Strike Chance: 7.00% Attacks per Second: 1.40 Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 64, 113 Str, 113 Int32% increased Elemental Damage(80-120)% increased Damage with Vaal Skills (8-6)% reduced Soul Gain Prevention Duration Gain an Endurance Charge, Frenzy Charge, and Power Charge when you use a Vaal Skill Shepherd of SoulsTheir three serpentine heads found unity in balance.
Ultimatum ScarabUltimatum ScarabStack Size: 20 Limit: 1Area contains an Ultimatum EncounterA challenge may be requested at any time.Can be used in a personal Map Device to add modifiers to a Map.
Ultimatum Scarab of BribingUltimatum Scarab of BribingStack Size: 20 Limit: 2Ultimatum Monsters grant 150% increased Experience Ultimatum Encounters grant rewards as though you completed 2 additional RoundsA trial is only as incorruptible as its judge.Can be used in a personal Map Device to add modifiers to a Map.
Ultimatum Scarab of DuelingUltimatum Scarab of DuelingStack Size: 20 Limit: 1Ultimatum Encounters in Area will always lead to a Unique Boss if possibleVictory is meaningless, failure will be mocked.Can be used in a personal Map Device to add modifiers to a Map.
Ultimatum Scarab of CatalysingUltimatum Scarab of CatalysingStack Size: 20 Limit: 1Ultimatum Encounters in Area will only offer Catalysts as Rewards to the Map OwnerMost regret finding out how the powder is made.Can be used in a personal Map Device to add modifiers to a Map.
Ultimatum Scarab of InscriptionUltimatum Scarab of InscriptionStack Size: 20 Limit: 1Ultimatum Encounter rewards in Area offering Catalysts will offer Inscribed Ultimatums to the Map Owner insteadThere is always a wager to be made... if you can afford it.Can be used in a personal Map Device to add modifiers to a Map.
Steel Kite ShieldSteel Kite ShieldChance to Block: 26%
.
Watcher's EyeWatcher's Eye
mod - requires 
DisciplineDisciplineAura, Spell, AoE
(which is counterintuitive unless you plan to use 
Energy BladeEnergy BladeSpell, Lightning
) and requires rapid hitting skills or skills with multiple projectiles
Fenumus' SpinneretsFenumus' Spinnerets
- requires Aspect of the Spider
The Sorrow of the DivineThe Sorrow of the Divine
or 
Master Surgeon on Pathfinder - can maintain charge uptime and outpace ES degen with enough investment into flask passives, but does not recover any Life
Forbidden TasteForbidden Taste
- same as above, causes a persistent Chaos degen (No longer works as of 3.25)
Tawhanuku's TimingTawhanuku's Timing
- requires increasing the skill's cost e.g. 
Archmage SupportArchmage SupportLightning, Arcane, Support, Spell
, 
Lifetap SupportLifetap SupportSupport, Duration
, 
The CovenantThe Covenant
Corrupting FeverCorrupting FeverSpell, Duration, Physical
AutomationAutomationTrigger, Spell
- requires increased cooldown recovery to get cooldown below 0.8 seconds
Demon StitcherDemon Stitcher
- reliable source of ES gain for spell builds if life loss can be compensated; can't be automated
Cinderswallow UrnCinderswallow Urn
) - unreliable on single targets
Daresso's SaluteDaresso's Salute
or 
Ming's HeartMing's Heart
, or by minimizing increases to ES by redirecting Intelligence bonuses with Solipsism, 
FaithguardFaithguard
, or 
Crystallised OmniscienceCrystallised Omniscience
. The only exception would be for 
Shaper's TouchShaper's Touch
, etc). Note that you would need to cast Energy Blade prior to equipping the shield, as the skill costs Energy Shield to use.
