Introduction
It has been my intention for a long time to take a shot at PvM ES Sorceress. You often hear that those are meant only for PvP, get wrecked by Mana Burn and Poison in PvM, damage is too weak compared to vita variant, and not enough skill points for a second element.
I was curious how good I could make it with the best possible equipment I have, and could I make my way around those clear weaknesses she might have?
Emily was made a good while back, when Anne was having a little break in Hell. Like many of my characters, also she was inspired by a particular item(s). This time I wanted to really get some use for the maybe only really nice rare Orb I have. Only the final variant was not decided until I arrived Hell. I had finished Anne while that, and she made some good use of my 1.07 Gladiator's Bane. After refreshing my memory of ES techniques, I realized it was almost like made for ES sorcs... So I wondered no more, what kind of Lightning build I was going to do now.
The Build & The other Shenanigans
LCS:
Stats & Skills:
So stat-wise it was strength to wear Monarch. Vitality until around 1k life and rest Vita. My ES was 22 while playing, but I also had some buff equipment. I used those only once during the actual game play. With them I had lvl 30 ES, which equals 85 absorbed, against the 77 I normally had. Buff was not needed anyway.
Itamz:
Items provided me enough FCR to top the 117% break point for Lightning. Then I wanted some nice mana items (SoJs, Frostburn), something to push my needed poison res (Treks), some damage and skills (orb, Griffon's, Spirit) and the Gladiator's Bane provided me a hefty amount of PDR and MDR along with other nice mods. What a wonderful little things to have.
Many of you are probably familiar with how the ES works and there are many guides for it. But there's for an example one, if you want some extra reading. Anyway in the core of that, there's the "damage map" for Energy Shield. It goes like this:
Physical Attack -> AR vs Armour -> %Block -> % ES -> PDR -> %DR -> Life
Lighting, Fire, Cold, Magic ->% ES -> MDR -> Resists -> Life
As you can see, can integer PDR and MDR help you a ton here. One could probably go even farther with those in their build, but I wanted to keep my offensive abilities up to date.
GoMule dump:
So now you finally saw that little orb. I think it's quite cute. Shame about the one missing + to Lightning, but still!
Action!
Made a little video for those who would like to see this in action:
Hmm, I'm quite certain that this was /players 5. But as you can see, she's quite sturdy. Tried to show some tanking too. Should have maybe chosen an area with more possible threats.
Journey
She made it through Normal and Nightmare as a Charged Boltress. She also charged it through like no tomorrow. I have had many slower playings lately, so it was refreshing to push over the speed limits with her. Twinking gear was pretty straightforward, but a bit surprising at first. I equipped the full Arcanna's Trick set as fast I could, and used it until I could remove the parts with proper caster equipment like Viper, SoJs, etcetc. I did this, because of my little project "play at least once with every normal set". One off the list
I had many mana GCs to fill my early energy needs.
She arrived Hell at ~72 level. She was fully decked out Charged Boltress at that point and pretty strong at that. I ping ponged the first two acts with that equipment until I could get my senses back. "This is not making any use of that Orb now. Calm down and think for a build".
Playing Anna (she was juuust a little bit slower girl), I had a lot of time to make decisions. When that was made, I came back to act 1, respec'd to Lightning with some ES and full TK, and started my journey towards level 85 and my final piece of equipment. Yeah, Gladiator's Bane has horrible level requirement...
During the Pit runs I made some little experiments also. I would like to make good use of Act 3 mercs, even just once. I hired a Fire one and gave him some pretty faceted stuff, made just for him. He hanged on there for a good dozen or two runs, but well, he was not a good killer. Maybe doable, but had I chosen him as a company for the rest of the acts, I would have had gone with some really low players settings. Hard to imagine he would have stood a chance against some of the more stronger monsters. What a pity. Well, it was kind of fun to see him in action with his Inferno and Fire Balls..
Carrying on with the theme, I chose to use at least something different, Ondal's Almighty. I have been looking for that chance to cast Weaken for a long time. It worked okay I guess. Also haven't played with Prayer merc since some of my first SP chars.
I'll carry you through the rest of the playing with a set of screenshots, like usual. Acts 3-5 were done /players 5 all the time.
Afterwords
How did I succeed with the build? Really, really well I would say. I will leave it to someone else to take more steps down the MDR/PDR road with full ES. Maybe those Souls could be taken care better with more MDR? Little bit lightning res somewhere? I don't know.
But as far as other things go, she was a real tank. Just had to keep an eye on the mana when things were heated. Take a little bit breath if it went low. Usually it didn't, because as a Sorc with teleport, you can keep quite well yourself out of the most dangerous battles. I was also very satisfied with the damage numbers I achieved, along with the life/mana numbers, at least those felt quite optimal for this play through. Rising my poison res was also good idea. Poison damage didn't bother me at all.
Emily probably won't see full retirement just now. Her maps to Throne were almost perfect. I will farm a little tokens with her in the near future. Then? Well, one can't have too many sorcs, there's always something you can run with her. Maybe even try out some fancy respec, which I don't feel like questing through?
Anne and Emily are clearly longing for their third sister. She is already in the making. We will see, when I finish her. Might be a week, might be a month.
Well, that ended up to be a quite long wall of text-ey. Excuse me for that. And thanks for reading! (or taking a short look!). Questions, comments, all are very welcome. ES sorceresses, and the possible builds around them are always an interesting topic.
Also, I'm open for character suggestions. I have many planned, but I'm willingly hearing what would you like to read about, see some playing video about, etc.
It has been my intention for a long time to take a shot at PvM ES Sorceress. You often hear that those are meant only for PvP, get wrecked by Mana Burn and Poison in PvM, damage is too weak compared to vita variant, and not enough skill points for a second element.
I was curious how good I could make it with the best possible equipment I have, and could I make my way around those clear weaknesses she might have?
Emily was made a good while back, when Anne was having a little break in Hell. Like many of my characters, also she was inspired by a particular item(s). This time I wanted to really get some use for the maybe only really nice rare Orb I have. Only the final variant was not decided until I arrived Hell. I had finished Anne while that, and she made some good use of my 1.07 Gladiator's Bane. After refreshing my memory of ES techniques, I realized it was almost like made for ES sorcs... So I wondered no more, what kind of Lightning build I was going to do now.
The Build & The other Shenanigans
LCS:
Stats & Skills:
Code:
Name: Emily
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 1265248778
Level: 87
Naked/Gear
Strength: 142/156
Dexterity: 25/33
Vitality: 63/100
Energy: 295/305
HP: 292/563
Mana: 727/991
Stamina: 213/300
Defense: 6/2209
AR: 75/125
Fire: 30/-10/-70
Cold: 80/40/-20
Lightning: 65/25/-35
Poison: 170/130/70
MF: 0 Block: 4
GF: 82
FR/W: 20
FHR: 105
IAS: 0
FCR: 118
Warmth: 1/9
Charged Bolt: 9/27
Static Field: 1/19
Telekinesis: 20/38
Lightning: 20/40
Chain Lightning: 20/38
Teleport: 1/19
Energy Shield: 4/22
Lightning Mastery: 20/38
Chilling Armor: 0/3
Two skill points leftSo stat-wise it was strength to wear Monarch. Vitality until around 1k life and rest Vita. My ES was 22 while playing, but I also had some buff equipment. I used those only once during the actual game play. With them I had lvl 30 ES, which equals 85 absorbed, against the 77 I normally had. Buff was not needed anyway.
Itamz:
Code:
Sorceress herself used:
- Rare Orb with 2 x RBF (check the GoMule readout)
- Crafted 18% FCR amulet
- 1.07 GBane
- Spirit Monarch
- 2 X SoJ
- Frosburn
- Arachnid Mesh
- Griffon's Eye with 1 x RBF
- Switch with CtA and Spirit
-8 x Skiller, SCs with Life/Mana or Life/Poison res
Geglash's drinking buddy Durga the Prayer merc used:
Ethereal Infinity Tresher
Ethereal CoH Dusk
Ondal's Almighty Spired HelmItems provided me enough FCR to top the 117% break point for Lightning. Then I wanted some nice mana items (SoJs, Frostburn), something to push my needed poison res (Treks), some damage and skills (orb, Griffon's, Spirit) and the Gladiator's Bane provided me a hefty amount of PDR and MDR along with other nice mods. What a wonderful little things to have.
Many of you are probably familiar with how the ES works and there are many guides for it. But there's for an example one, if you want some extra reading. Anyway in the core of that, there's the "damage map" for Energy Shield. It goes like this:
Physical Attack -> AR vs Armour -> %Block -> % ES -> PDR -> %DR -> Life
Lighting, Fire, Cold, Magic ->% ES -> MDR -> Resists -> Life
As you can see, can integer PDR and MDR help you a ton here. One could probably go even farther with those in their build, but I wanted to keep my offensive abilities up to date.
GoMule dump:
Code:
Name: Emily
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 1265248778
Level: 87
Naked/Gear
Strength: 142/156
Dexterity: 25/33
Vitality: 63/100
Energy: 295/305
HP: 292/563
Mana: 727/991
Stamina: 213/300
Defense: 6/2209
AR: 75/125
Fire: 30/-10/-70
Cold: 80/40/-20
Lightning: 65/25/-35
Poison: 170/130/70
MF: 0 Block: 4
GF: 82
FR/W: 20
FHR: 105
IAS: 0
FCR: 118
Fire Bolt: 0/0
Warmth: 1/9
Inferno: 0/0
Blaze: 0/0
Fire Ball: 0/0
Fire Wall: 0/0
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 0/0
Fire Mastery: 0/0
Hydra: 0/0
Charged Bolt: 9/27
Static Field: 1/19
Telekinesis: 20/38
Nova: 0/0
Lightning: 20/40
Chain Lightning: 20/38
Teleport: 1/19
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 4/22
Lightning Mastery: 20/38
Ice Bolt: 0/0
Frozen Armor: 0/0
Frost Nova: 0/0
Ice Blast: 0/0
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 0/0
Blizzard: 0/0
Chilling Armor: 0/3
Frozen Orb: 0/0
Cold Mastery: 0/0
Sparking Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe6b9b586
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
10% Extra Gold from Monsters
Sparking Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xab9d8389
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+5 to Dexterity
Sparking Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x5d566bb8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Dexterity
Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf0d4947f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+8 to Life
Sparking Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xf917fc11
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+34 to Life
Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x77af7ae8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+16 to Life
Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x91cb97ba
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xad191f18
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x299f6c29
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
+13 to Mana
Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x32a635d3
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
+13 to Mana
Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xe1155728
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+17 to Mana
Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xefd41dd1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
+17 to Mana
Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xffbe1f17
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+4 to Mana
Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2aaeecd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Poison Resist +8%
Emerald Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa15910fd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Poison Resist +10%
Serpent's Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x318cbb62
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Life
+17 to Mana
The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xa5d4ba84
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%
The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x761fbd78
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%
Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 138
Durability: 9 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xe89c9c87
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+120% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)
Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 263
Durability: 8 of 8
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 81
Fingerprint: 0x74b1a012
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+166% Enhanced Defense
+14 to Strength
+15 to Vitality
+87 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +69%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Ethereal
Frostburn
Gauntlets
Defense: 49
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 60
Fingerprint: 0x9abda718
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Enhanced Damage
Adds 1 - 6 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
+20% Enhanced Defense
+30 Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 40%
Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x27020c8a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Poison Resist +9%
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x7558920a
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x558c920f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Poison Resist +9%
Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x6be17b09
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
+7 to Mana
Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x982ee2b5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
+13 to Mana
Scroll of Town Portal
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Scroll of Town Portal
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Scroll of Town Portal
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Scroll of Town Portal
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Memory
Gnarled Staff
LumIoSolEth
Two Hand Damage: 13 - 14
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xab8a6bac
Item Level: 20
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+33% Faster Cast Rate
+9 to Minimum Damage
-25% Target Defense
+3 to Energy Shield (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Static Field (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Enchant (Sorceress Only)
+50% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Vitality
+10 to Energy
Increase Maximum Mana 20%
Magic Damage Reduced by 7
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Lum Rune
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune
Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy
Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality
Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7
Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%
The Gladiator's Bane
Wire Fleece
Defense: 1255
Indestructible
Required Level: 85
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x14438c03
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+150% Enhanced Defense
+50 Defense
Damage Reduced by 32
Magic Damage Reduced by 20
Cannot Be Frozen
Poison Length Reduced by 40%
Attacker Takes Damage of 20
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune
Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7
Chains of Honor
Dusk Shroud
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 754
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0xa44c4ae1
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7
Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 215
Durability: 14 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x9fe51a7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-25% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+20% to Lightning Skill Damage
+163 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x9d2c4b73
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage
Powered Circlet
Circlet
Defense: 22
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x79efab29
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
Beast Emblem
Amulet
Required Level: 52
Fingerprint: 0xf8ef4195
Item Level: 97
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+18% Faster Cast Rate
+10 to Attack Rating
+20 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 4%
72% Extra Gold from Monsters
Powered Amulet
Amulet
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x6ac696cb
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 55
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xfb1b4825
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
272% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+6 to Battle Command
+5 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune
Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%
Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 143
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xb2d7933
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+29% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+98 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+5 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%
Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%
Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%
Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Dread Song
Demon Heart
One Hand Damage: 23 - 55
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0xeb9b8b2b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
200% Chance to cast level 94 Zeal when you Die
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 2 - 148 Lightning Damage
-8% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+6% to Lightning Skill Damage
+1 to Chilling Armor (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Lightning (Sorceress Only)
+10 to Energy
+19 to Life
Replenish Life +5
Cold Resist +15%
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x3f3378c6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+3% to Lightning Skill Damage
Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x29efdf5a
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+3% to Lightning Skill Damage
Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 138
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 81 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x5d505ada
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+103 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+6 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%
Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%
Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%
Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Mercenary:
Name: Durga
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Comb-Normal
Experience: 73282804
Level: 87
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 194/224
Dexterity: 157/172
HP: 1910/1910
Defense: 1402/3365
AR: 2000/2000
Fire: 219/179/119
Cold: 219/179/119
Lightning: 219/179/119
Poison: 219/179/119
Ondal's Almighty
Spired Helm
Defense: 209
Durability: 37 of 40
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 116
Fingerprint: 0x606fee4f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Weaken on striking
+24% Faster Hit Recovery
+50 Defense
+10 to Strength
+15 to Dexterity
Requirements -40%
Chains of Honor
Dusk Shroud
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 1754
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 67
Fingerprint: 0xd5fde2d4
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7
Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 75 - 890
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0x7ef4d07f
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
322% Enhanced Damage
-47% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+43 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsSo now you finally saw that little orb. I think it's quite cute. Shame about the one missing + to Lightning, but still!
Action!
Made a little video for those who would like to see this in action:
Hmm, I'm quite certain that this was /players 5. But as you can see, she's quite sturdy. Tried to show some tanking too. Should have maybe chosen an area with more possible threats.
Journey
She made it through Normal and Nightmare as a Charged Boltress. She also charged it through like no tomorrow. I have had many slower playings lately, so it was refreshing to push over the speed limits with her. Twinking gear was pretty straightforward, but a bit surprising at first. I equipped the full Arcanna's Trick set as fast I could, and used it until I could remove the parts with proper caster equipment like Viper, SoJs, etcetc. I did this, because of my little project "play at least once with every normal set". One off the list
I had many mana GCs to fill my early energy needs.She arrived Hell at ~72 level. She was fully decked out Charged Boltress at that point and pretty strong at that. I ping ponged the first two acts with that equipment until I could get my senses back. "This is not making any use of that Orb now. Calm down and think for a build".
Playing Anna (she was juuust a little bit slower girl), I had a lot of time to make decisions. When that was made, I came back to act 1, respec'd to Lightning with some ES and full TK, and started my journey towards level 85 and my final piece of equipment. Yeah, Gladiator's Bane has horrible level requirement...
During the Pit runs I made some little experiments also. I would like to make good use of Act 3 mercs, even just once. I hired a Fire one and gave him some pretty faceted stuff, made just for him. He hanged on there for a good dozen or two runs, but well, he was not a good killer. Maybe doable, but had I chosen him as a company for the rest of the acts, I would have had gone with some really low players settings. Hard to imagine he would have stood a chance against some of the more stronger monsters. What a pity. Well, it was kind of fun to see him in action with his Inferno and Fire Balls..
Carrying on with the theme, I chose to use at least something different, Ondal's Almighty. I have been looking for that chance to cast Weaken for a long time. It worked okay I guess. Also haven't played with Prayer merc since some of my first SP chars.
I'll carry you through the rest of the playing with a set of screenshots, like usual. Acts 3-5 were done /players 5 all the time.
View attachment 3022
Ahoy there, Mr. Endungu. Having no second element, strong merc was in order. A2 mercs know their job well after all. Killing, and carrying some auras, that is. There was one nasty double doll pack during the earlier levels. I teled past a lot of stuff in Act 3, but they were such a welcoming sight that I had to stop for them.
View attachment 3023
Mmm, yeah please stay between that and me Dear Durga. I tried to take some doll explosions, just to test their damage, and ES+PDR worked really nicely against them. Just had to be sure I had enough mana left all the time. Life took just a little little pinch of damage from each explosion.
View attachment 3024
I played really recklessly in general, but as soon as I noticed bosses, I tried to take a look if they had mana burn. If they had, I avoided them and positioned my merc between Emily and them. That worked like a charm. I barely suffered from those, cause I mainly succeeded to avoid them. Maybe luck, maybe skills?
View attachment 3025
Haven't seen this place for awhile. Took the picture to remind my of the horrors which awaited me in the City of Damned. Souls! I was quite sure that they would suck my mana quite aggressively and that the MDR serve as well as earlier elemental threats. I was right, but they were maybe even more deadlier than I expected. It was doable when I teleported a lot, looking for places to start shooting and avoiding, making more ground for me, and to keep mercenary in good position. I almost succeeded, but when I found Izual, I sat like a dog there and started to shoot. Maybe half a second later I realized I landed in the middle of some Souls and before I could react they got me down. Ouch, it was little embarassing. Oh well, it was the only death I had while questing. (One in the Pit, I probably hadn't ES on or something..). Rejoined, and took Izual down with more care. There were souls again, but it was not a problem now.
View attachment 3026
Only immune in CS, Durga took care of that dude, no problem. Chaos was very easy this time.
View attachment 3027
Visited this old friend. More job for Durga. That's exactly what I hired you for! (And well, please carry this little stick also..) All in all, Act 5 was easily my favorite this time. Rather nice, but not too easy monster rolls. I killed every boss pack I stumbled into, and of course some creeps too. Took a round in the Driftern Cavern of the extra areas this time.
View attachment 3028
Ancients were easy. Korlic took a while because of the immunity. And especially because he was targeting me all the time. I ended up walking/teleing little circle or back and forth, so that Durga could make some hits between.
View attachment 3029
Like elsewhere in Act 5, WSK had interesting, but very doable monster rolls. Here I'm under Blood Mana curse. It was not really a threat. Never had to cast so much under it that life was down to alarming levels.
View attachment 3030
Lister doing, what Lister does. Immune and all. Hey what do you think, would I have had to park this if I had chosen A3 merc? Now it was just matter of time and maybe 1-2 rejuvs for Durga. Baal was easy and dropped nothing of note. As for drops, I found The Redeemer (unique Mighty Scepter) from the WSK level 1 and Ist from Outer Steppes.
Ahoy there, Mr. Endungu. Having no second element, strong merc was in order. A2 mercs know their job well after all. Killing, and carrying some auras, that is. There was one nasty double doll pack during the earlier levels. I teled past a lot of stuff in Act 3, but they were such a welcoming sight that I had to stop for them.
View attachment 3023
Mmm, yeah please stay between that and me Dear Durga. I tried to take some doll explosions, just to test their damage, and ES+PDR worked really nicely against them. Just had to be sure I had enough mana left all the time. Life took just a little little pinch of damage from each explosion.
View attachment 3024
I played really recklessly in general, but as soon as I noticed bosses, I tried to take a look if they had mana burn. If they had, I avoided them and positioned my merc between Emily and them. That worked like a charm. I barely suffered from those, cause I mainly succeeded to avoid them. Maybe luck, maybe skills?
View attachment 3025
Haven't seen this place for awhile. Took the picture to remind my of the horrors which awaited me in the City of Damned. Souls! I was quite sure that they would suck my mana quite aggressively and that the MDR serve as well as earlier elemental threats. I was right, but they were maybe even more deadlier than I expected. It was doable when I teleported a lot, looking for places to start shooting and avoiding, making more ground for me, and to keep mercenary in good position. I almost succeeded, but when I found Izual, I sat like a dog there and started to shoot. Maybe half a second later I realized I landed in the middle of some Souls and before I could react they got me down. Ouch, it was little embarassing. Oh well, it was the only death I had while questing. (One in the Pit, I probably hadn't ES on or something..). Rejoined, and took Izual down with more care. There were souls again, but it was not a problem now.
View attachment 3026
Only immune in CS, Durga took care of that dude, no problem. Chaos was very easy this time.
View attachment 3027
Visited this old friend. More job for Durga. That's exactly what I hired you for! (And well, please carry this little stick also..) All in all, Act 5 was easily my favorite this time. Rather nice, but not too easy monster rolls. I killed every boss pack I stumbled into, and of course some creeps too. Took a round in the Driftern Cavern of the extra areas this time.
View attachment 3028
Ancients were easy. Korlic took a while because of the immunity. And especially because he was targeting me all the time. I ended up walking/teleing little circle or back and forth, so that Durga could make some hits between.
View attachment 3029
Like elsewhere in Act 5, WSK had interesting, but very doable monster rolls. Here I'm under Blood Mana curse. It was not really a threat. Never had to cast so much under it that life was down to alarming levels.
View attachment 3030
Lister doing, what Lister does. Immune and all. Hey what do you think, would I have had to park this if I had chosen A3 merc?
Now it was just matter of time and maybe 1-2 rejuvs for Durga. Baal was easy and dropped nothing of note. As for drops, I found The Redeemer (unique Mighty Scepter) from the WSK level 1 and Ist from Outer Steppes.Afterwords
How did I succeed with the build? Really, really well I would say. I will leave it to someone else to take more steps down the MDR/PDR road with full ES. Maybe those Souls could be taken care better with more MDR? Little bit lightning res somewhere? I don't know.
But as far as other things go, she was a real tank. Just had to keep an eye on the mana when things were heated. Take a little bit breath if it went low. Usually it didn't, because as a Sorc with teleport, you can keep quite well yourself out of the most dangerous battles. I was also very satisfied with the damage numbers I achieved, along with the life/mana numbers, at least those felt quite optimal for this play through. Rising my poison res was also good idea. Poison damage didn't bother me at all.
Emily probably won't see full retirement just now. Her maps to Throne were almost perfect. I will farm a little tokens with her in the near future. Then? Well, one can't have too many sorcs, there's always something you can run with her. Maybe even try out some fancy respec, which I don't feel like questing through?
Anne and Emily are clearly longing for their third sister. She is already in the making. We will see, when I finish her. Might be a week, might be a month.
Well, that ended up to be a quite long wall of text-ey. Excuse me for that.
And thanks for reading! (or taking a short look!). Questions, comments, all are very welcome. ES sorceresses, and the possible builds around them are always an interesting topic.Also, I'm open for character suggestions. I have many planned, but I'm willingly hearing what would you like to read about, see some playing video about, etc.
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