Patriarch Penance, The Griswold Legacy Minimum Damage Martyr

saracen85

Well-known member
Oct 1, 2006
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I love minimum damage builds.

Love them so much, that this is my third one so far. Back then, I thought going minimum is the closest thing to ever using a Grief runeword. And having all those damage being Vengeance-convertible isn't too shabby either.


Prior to my hiatus, I had patted 2 other minimum damage paladins;

A Griswold Set Fanazealot
RusTu - LCS.png

and an Eth Phaseblade-wielding Avenger
miniME - LCS.png


So having this set up dealing the highest damage so far really hits the spot.

Penance LCS (With Enchant Buff)
Penance - LCS.png


This character did not start out having centered on minimum damage, or using the Gris set for that matter. Me from 10 years ago had set aside a totally different set of endgame gear, and this is the only build so far that I've made wholesale changes coming off Hell Act 1.

So many tweaks were made to this build (used up all 3 respecs and 1 token) before settling on the set.

Tried the following;

- Astreons/Vamp Gaze/Treachery/SOE/HoZ (initial assigned gear, 32+LL/50DR), running Conviction with Prayer/Insight Merc (~2.2k-2.4k Damage)
- Changed to Lawbringer Merc
- Changed to Astreons/Vamp Gaze/Shaftstop (32+LL/50DR), running Fanaticism with Lawbringer Merc (~2.6k-2.8k Damage)

My problem with the above setups is the 2k-ish Sacrifice damage. While I think it is fine and manageable through hell, it somehow just didn't sit well with me given that the 1000+ %ed the synergized skill offers.


Enter Griswold Set.
Name: Penance
Class: Paladin
Experience: 1068833825
Level: 85

Naked/Gear
Strength: 85/128
Dexterity: 88/107
Vitality: 332/342
Energy: 15/15
HP: 1204/1518
Mana: 141/181
Stamina: 480/480
Defense: 22/2109
AR: 425/1661

Fire: 125/85/25
Cold: 125/85/25
Lightning: 125/85/25
Poison: 125/85/25

MF: 65 Block: 37 (75 with HS)
GF: 0 FR/W: 25
FHR: 50 6Fr IAS: 40
FCR: 0



***SKILLS***

Sacrifice: 20/22 8FPA
Smite: 1/3
Holy Bolt: 1/3
Zeal: 0/0
Charge: 1/3
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 1/3
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 20/22
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/3
Holy Fire: 0/0
Thorns: 0/0
Blessed Aim: 6/8
Concentration: 1/3
Holy Freeze: 0/0
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 0/0
Fanaticism: 20/22
Conviction: 0/0

Prayer: 1/3
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 1/3
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 1/3
Resist Lightning: 0/0
Vigor: 1/3
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 20/22
Salvation: 0/0



***GEAR***

Griswold's Valor
Corona
Defense: 255
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 105
Fingerprint: 0x3397c1cf
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+24 to Minimum Damage
+92 to Attack Rating
+54% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +5
+21 Absorbs Cold Damage (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Requirements -40%
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Argent Jewel of Bliss
Socketed: Crimson Jewel of Bliss

Argent Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x2e77493e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Minimum Damage
+92 to Attack Rating

Crimson Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xb5b5e418
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Minimum Damage


Griswold's Heart
Ornate Plate
Defense: 975
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 105
Fingerprint: 0x9bb82e7a
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+30 to Minimum Damage
+525 Defense
+20 to Strength
Requirements -40%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Eburine Jewel of Bliss
Socketed: Blanched Jewel of Bliss
Socketed: Scarlet Jewel of Bliss

Eburine Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xe98a84cd
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Minimum Damage
+20 Defense

Blanched Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x4a92bcf0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Minimum Damage
+5 Defense

Scarlet Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x51f7cf6b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Minimum Damage


Penance's String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 102
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x398dcdd5
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Life stolen per hit
+151% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
+10 Maximum Durability


Penance's Dracul's Grasp
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 127
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 76
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x4db40d50
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 10 Life Tap on striking
10% Life stolen per hit
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+93% Enhanced Defense
+13 to Strength
+6 Life after each Kill


Penance's War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 131
Durability: 48 of 48
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xb2e0aa2f
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+174% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 10
35% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability


Metalgrid
Amulet
Required Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x87c1d245
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+410 to Attack Rating
+300 Defense
All Resistances +25
Level 22 Iron Golem (11/11 Charges)
Level 12 Iron Maiden (20/20 Charges)


Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xc32945c
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+164 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+19 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen


Scintillating Ring of Performance
Ring
Required Level: 73
Fingerprint: 0xb2102b2d
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Minimum Damage
All Resistances +12


Griswold's Redemption (MAIN)
Caduceus
One Hand Damage: 145 - 185
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 78
Required Dexterity: 56
Fingerprint: 0xc161c41f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Increased Attack Speed
239% Enhanced Damage
+350% Damage to Undead
21% Life stolen per hit
Requirements -20%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune


Griswold's Honor (MAIN)
Vortex Shield
Defense: 343
Chance to Block: 39
Durability: 90 of 90
Required Level: 68
Required Strength: 148
Fingerprint: 0xe32375bf
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+65% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
+31 to Minimum Damage
+160 Defense
All Resistances +45
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Scarlet Jewel of Bliss
Socketed: Ivory Jewel of Bliss
Socketed: Crimson Jewel of Bliss

Scarlet Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xf9965db2
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Minimum Damage

Ivory Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0xa0fbf0da
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Minimum Damage
+52 Defense

Crimson Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xb3cafc4c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Minimum Damage


Bone Wand of Life Tap (SWITCH)
Bone Wand
One Hand Damage: 3 - 7
Durability: 15 of 15
Required Level: 24
Fingerprint: 0x79695a05
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 6 Life Tap (105/105 Charges)


Gemmed Protector Shield (SWITCH)
Protector Shield
Defense: 150
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 69
Fingerprint: 0x7343a281
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +120
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond



**INVENTORY**

8x Min Damage/Life GCs**
4x FHR SCs
Vita SCs

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x1b916e32
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x93fd9c39
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Key
Fingerprint: 0xc845b73f
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+



Mercenary:

Name: Chalan
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 74568054
Level: 85
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 186/201
Dexterity: 150/150
HP: 1767/1767
Defense: 1302/2443
AR: 1913/1913

Fire: 149/109/49
Cold: 179/139/79
Lightning: 149/109/49
Poison: 149/109/49


Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x604312ef
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
+120% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength


Treachery
Wire Fleece
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 924
Durability: 17 of 17
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 101
Fingerprint: 0x1a2088f7
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune


The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 39 - 462
Durability: 46 of 65
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0xc7a8e44
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
228% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (23 Frames)
11% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
**Charms include 2x 1.07 min damage goodness


Deaths:

Plenty, mostly in Hell. And mainly self-inflicted. At around 100-ish health, I would still try and complete my kills due to the mindset that one of the following might happen;

- Kill monster before own life runs out
- Lifetap triggers and bulb would insta-fill
- Die

2 out 3 odds isn't too bad IMO. And... I died as just as much. Most significantly vs Hell Diablo when he's a sliver of life away from death.


Thoughts on this build:

- With heavy twinking and lack of penalties, Normal and NM were a breeze (Special shout-out to Death Combo and Honor Naga)
- In Hell, with 32+ Life Leech, you're basically killing leechables as per normal
- Unless you strike them from the back as they retreat. I read up on this and apparently this is a range issue. Weird. And so many NDEs because of this.
- Come across any Undead monsters, cast Lifetap.
- Undead, unleechable PIs are the most dangerous enemies. I usually let Merc handle them even after decrep. Otherwise, potions on standby. (Skipped the whole of WSK 3 thanks to PI witches and another PI monster which I forgot)
- Speaking of potions, this is the only character I have with 3 rows of Full Rejuv Potions and 1 row of Health Potions (Normally I go 2 rows Full Rejuvs, 1 row Mana, 1 row Health).
- IMO having max DR doesn't really alleviate the self-damage. Though it helps tanking.
- From guides, smiting is one of the tactics used to trigger Lifetap. However, I find the skill to be too effective in killing monsters on its own. I stopped using it as it detracts me from sacrificing.
- Smashing doors can kill you.
- No CTA on this build. I deem the LT wand to be of more importance. Anyway, in the words of a legendary boxer, "If he dies, he dies."


I found this build enjoyable, once damage and gear was sorted. Going forward, I can see a high-damage two-hander (eBOTD) complementing this skill very well. A one-hit kill attack not unlike berserk or vengeance, at least on non-undead monsters.


Future plans:

As with most my characters, once reach L85, all Waypoints (less Hell Halls of Pain), Quests and Cows are completed, into retirement they go.
 
Ooh, a minimum damage martyr. I like it. :) I have made one. Not so fancy as this though. It's funny how you think they are going to be dangerous but then you stack loads of lifeleach, damage reduction (which doesn't affect self damage) and get lifetap and end up being the safest build ever. Added to rebuild list.
 
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