Anything Goes D2 Lounge!
- Thread starter NorthDakota
- Start date
I think that my next D2 project would be sorceress or barbarian, the Clone Of Talic ! Concentrator with some WW. Talic doesn't have concentration but he's concentrated on his task: protection of gates to Worldstone Keep. 
Also berserk to unleash his fury against the minions of the Three, who want to grant their Dark Lords easy entrance into the most sacred place for the whole Sanctuary.
In D3, I have deleted my WD and started a Barb. Also cool class. But it was too easy for me. Met someone in game and decided to start a new char - WD, but female and I play on Expert right now. Now that's a challenge ! On normal, I was feeling like killing Fallen from normal with best in slot unique gear obtained in hell. Wish that I could reset my acc, my achievements and so on.
I hate that I level much, much faster than on normal. I haven't killed skeleton king and I am already at 12 ! At least the new skills are cool. I was angry because I used zombie dogs and they killed wretched queen (the plague mother's mother
) alone, without me 
Ok no more D3 talk here. I feel that D3 forum is pretty much dead...
Also berserk to unleash his fury against the minions of the Three, who want to grant their Dark Lords easy entrance into the most sacred place for the whole Sanctuary.In D3, I have deleted my WD and started a Barb. Also cool class. But it was too easy for me. Met someone in game and decided to start a new char - WD, but female and I play on Expert right now. Now that's a challenge ! On normal, I was feeling like killing Fallen from normal with best in slot unique gear obtained in hell. Wish that I could reset my acc, my achievements and so on.
I hate that I level much, much faster than on normal. I haven't killed skeleton king and I am already at 12 ! At least the new skills are cool. I was angry because I used zombie dogs and they killed wretched queen (the plague mother's mother
) alone, without me Ok no more D3 talk here. I feel that D3 forum is pretty much dead...
Will do it. Thanks !
What you should try to aim for is sub 25 seconds comfortable running with sorc, which is comparable with 40 seconds barb.
Normally, it all depends on how much stuff do you pick up and do you pick up + cube gems along the way. That alone makes quite a difference (like 2 to 3 seconds difference per run). Aiming for 25 and 40 seconds with cubing gems is obviously harder.
My guess is most people fall in 26-30 seconds category with sorc and 41-50 seconds with barb. But, for optimizing purposes, 25 (sorc) and 40 (barb) are times I'd try to break or at least be very close to them.
Hopefully this answers your question.
I also think @maareek might give you good answer on your question since I think he knows better than me what usually people aim for in those situations.
Times I gave are for optimizing purposes. I know total 4 people who broke 25 with sorc (Froz, Nagi, Zgpmf and me) and several more with barb who broke 40. I think it is similarly hard to break 40 with barb as is 25 with sorc overall (also many people played barbs while rather few tried sorc, thats why more people broke 40 with barb).
Normally, it all depends on how much stuff do you pick up and do you pick up + cube gems along the way. That alone makes quite a difference (like 2 to 3 seconds difference per run). Aiming for 25 and 40 seconds with cubing gems is obviously harder.
My guess is most people fall in 26-30 seconds category with sorc and 41-50 seconds with barb. But, for optimizing purposes, 25 (sorc) and 40 (barb) are times I'd try to break or at least be very close to them.
Hopefully this answers your question.
I also think @maareek might give you good answer on your question since I think he knows better than me what usually people aim for in those situations.
Times I gave are for optimizing purposes. I know total 4 people who broke 25 with sorc (Froz, Nagi, Zgpmf and me) and several more with barb who broke 40. I think it is similarly hard to break 40 with barb as is 25 with sorc overall (also many people played barbs while rather few tried sorc, thats why more people broke 40 with barb).
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T72on1
New member
@Gripphon Thanks a lot 
.
My fastest run was 23 seconds I think, but overall (most of the times a batch of 100 runs) my average is 34 - 36 seconds. The problem is losing time on things like resurrecting merc (about 5 times in 100 runs), picking up and id'ing stuff and stashing things.
Edit: this is without Infinity on my merc, and Blizzard damage somewhere in the 6500 - 6800 range. Don't have better gear atm.
I used to pick up all jewels and charms in Tranvincal, next to good runes, rare and unique rings and amulets, grailers and other useful S/U and some other stuff like rare jewels and rare circlets, but after a while decided it took me way too much time to notice the jewels and charms. So I stopped picking up those, with the odd exception. I do still pick up all unique items, to check if they are ethereal, so I can progress in my eth grail. I also keep track of all S/U found, so even if I don't pick them up, I still take a note whenever an S/U drops.
So that alone makes me lose quite some time, partially resulting in that 34 - 36 sec average. Other thing that makes me lose time is the fact that, more often than not, I don't kill all enemies in one or two Blizzards, combined with some Static, but have to kill one or two enemies that didn't get killed or even damaged much. I assume the best way to deal with Council is to get them all close and tight and kill them fast, but so far it only happens once in a while.
I'd better look up some Trav Sorc vids. I actually watched one a while ago iirc. Maybe it was one posted by @maareek , I'm not sure.
.My fastest run was 23 seconds I think, but overall (most of the times a batch of 100 runs) my average is 34 - 36 seconds. The problem is losing time on things like resurrecting merc (about 5 times in 100 runs), picking up and id'ing stuff and stashing things.
Edit: this is without Infinity on my merc, and Blizzard damage somewhere in the 6500 - 6800 range. Don't have better gear atm.
I used to pick up all jewels and charms in Tranvincal, next to good runes, rare and unique rings and amulets, grailers and other useful S/U and some other stuff like rare jewels and rare circlets, but after a while decided it took me way too much time to notice the jewels and charms. So I stopped picking up those, with the odd exception. I do still pick up all unique items, to check if they are ethereal, so I can progress in my eth grail. I also keep track of all S/U found, so even if I don't pick them up, I still take a note whenever an S/U drops.
So that alone makes me lose quite some time, partially resulting in that 34 - 36 sec average. Other thing that makes me lose time is the fact that, more often than not, I don't kill all enemies in one or two Blizzards, combined with some Static, but have to kill one or two enemies that didn't get killed or even damaged much. I assume the best way to deal with Council is to get them all close and tight and kill them fast, but so far it only happens once in a while.
I'd better look up some Trav Sorc vids. I actually watched one a while ago iirc. Maybe it was one posted by @maareek , I'm not sure.
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It could be problem in your map. Map for sorc makes HUGE difference. What you want is ALL minions in the corner of that balcony or as close like that as possible. Then you teleport to the right of them on balcony to prevent them from scattering around. Cuz they obviously can't, only way out is through you. To achieve that, you always teleport to the south side of "magical line" you are familiar with. Once you roll that kind of map, you can only then maximize your running. Even slight deviation from a map like that could very well add 5 seconds to your run times.
It WILL take some time to roll such map, but luckily you can roll 4 maps per minute easily. Don't kill minions while rolling maps, just tele there and s/e. You will see did you find map you want or not. Also DO NOT check any teleporting path but that souther of magical line since you want to maximize your running. I've seen more people going to the north of that magical line and they end up to the left of the minions on balcony, and normally like that they can scatter around much more since nothing prevents them from doing so.
Second part is technique. It is advisable to pick jewels and charms and stuff like that since Travincal is mostly for that, why to lose the opportunity? Just develop technique to do it properly. For one, hold "show items" button (usually alt) once you start blizzarding. You can check all the time what drops and then pick it up. Demonstration of ideal map and running technique is on video below.
Trav sorc running video and small write-up
Normally some people will run in a different way, but this on video is most optimal running style possible. It goes like:
tele south of magical line, roll map where minions are as close as possible to the corner of balcony, get to the right from them to prevent them from running out, blizzard, start static and press alt all the time to check drops, another blizzard, spam blast/spike, another blizzard if needed, return to act 4, repeat all over again.
No need to skip drops, just work on your running technique and roll decent map. I've rolled several maps where minions were all together in the corner or close to corner. You can roll 4 maps per minute if you don't waste time on running, just do it for a hour of whatever and roll your map if needed.
If you have any other question, feel free to ask.
It WILL take some time to roll such map, but luckily you can roll 4 maps per minute easily. Don't kill minions while rolling maps, just tele there and s/e. You will see did you find map you want or not. Also DO NOT check any teleporting path but that souther of magical line since you want to maximize your running. I've seen more people going to the north of that magical line and they end up to the left of the minions on balcony, and normally like that they can scatter around much more since nothing prevents them from doing so.
Second part is technique. It is advisable to pick jewels and charms and stuff like that since Travincal is mostly for that, why to lose the opportunity? Just develop technique to do it properly. For one, hold "show items" button (usually alt) once you start blizzarding. You can check all the time what drops and then pick it up. Demonstration of ideal map and running technique is on video below.
Trav sorc running video and small write-up
Normally some people will run in a different way, but this on video is most optimal running style possible. It goes like:
tele south of magical line, roll map where minions are as close as possible to the corner of balcony, get to the right from them to prevent them from running out, blizzard, start static and press alt all the time to check drops, another blizzard, spam blast/spike, another blizzard if needed, return to act 4, repeat all over again.
No need to skip drops, just work on your running technique and roll decent map. I've rolled several maps where minions were all together in the corner or close to corner. You can roll 4 maps per minute if you don't waste time on running, just do it for a hour of whatever and roll your map if needed.
If you have any other question, feel free to ask.
Question for you guys...
So I wanted to try playing 1.07. However my CDs are long time gone (found out that downloading another install from bnet puts the 1.14s version by defaults).
So then I tried to torrent the Cds, got them alright. Mounted the 4 iso., installed everything, all seems okay. Moved the .MPQ files to the diablo 2 folder, and yet, it keeps asking for the expansion CD when starting, mounted or not. Anyone experienced this? The official answer from blizzard is to moves those .mpq files like I did so now I'm not sure what to do.
So I wanted to try playing 1.07. However my CDs are long time gone (found out that downloading another install from bnet puts the 1.14s version by defaults).
So then I tried to torrent the Cds, got them alright. Mounted the 4 iso., installed everything, all seems okay. Moved the .MPQ files to the diablo 2 folder, and yet, it keeps asking for the expansion CD when starting, mounted or not. Anyone experienced this? The official answer from blizzard is to moves those .mpq files like I did so now I'm not sure what to do.
Does anybody have a link for the grail status thread? I don't seem to be able to find it, even on the search :/
@Mezion I'm not ignoring your question, but I have no idea
For Kitteh.
All the various grails are listed in the tournaments listing page too (Page 1 under long-time contests).
T72on1
New member
@Gripphon Again, thanks a lot. Map is probably the problem indeed. I stopped rerolling maps once I got all Council members outside. Problem is that, while they are all at the Balcony, they aren't close together, but more or less seperated in two packs: one to the left and one more to the right, where the stairs are. The CI one is always at the right side of the right pack, which is why I teleport to the left side of the balcony ... If I would teleport to the right side, the CI boss blocks my GS spamming. Because the two packs are a bit spread out, my usual routine is to teleport to the left of the balcony, cast a Blizzard on the left pack (which usually hits some of the right pack as well, spam Static 2 - 3 times, then cast Blizzard on the right pack (which by that time start to move in my direction anyway), then finish enemies off with GS or IB.
That routine actually sounds a lot like the one you describe, but because the two packs are a bit spread out (probably combined with my lowish damage), it just doesn't work out as well. Well, I was getting a bit bored of Tranvincal runs anyway, and wanted to return to CS, so I'll do some rerolling until I get a good Travincal map and hope for a good CS map to go with it, so I can alternate between the two.
@Kitteh Good thing you asked, because I still have to put my SC stash in the list, but I keep forgetting it. This will hopefully will remind me.
That routine actually sounds a lot like the one you describe, but because the two packs are a bit spread out (probably combined with my lowish damage), it just doesn't work out as well. Well, I was getting a bit bored of Tranvincal runs anyway, and wanted to return to CS, so I'll do some rerolling until I get a good Travincal map and hope for a good CS map to go with it, so I can alternate between the two.
@Kitteh Good thing you asked, because I still have to put my SC stash in the list, but I keep forgetting it. This will hopefully will remind me.
That does sound like a map where you can easily lose 5 or more seconds of running time because minions are in two groups. Having pack so close to stairs is no good, they have too much freedom to move around.
Don't know what your damage is, but with anything above 7k you can aim for 25 seconds. Damage is not that important on blizzard sorc unless you have some ridiculously low amount like 5k or something.
Don't know what your damage is, but with anything above 7k you can aim for 25 seconds. Damage is not that important on blizzard sorc unless you have some ridiculously low amount like 5k or something.
NorthDakota
Well-known member
I have the same exact problem for any early version, although I own a 1.00 and 1.07 cd so it's more of a convenience problem for me.
What program are you using to mount the iso and what OS are you running? I'm using daemon lite and windows 10.
Same
maareek
Member
I don't know much about this subject, really, but I do know that Blizzard's solution for no-CD (moving the .mpq files) only works in 1.12+ because that's when they instituted the workaround for the protection; so that part has no bearing on earlier patches. As for getting images to work and all that, though, I have zero idea; I assume you're asking because the guides had no info?
I've only done this video of a rune hunting setup (from RFO 2014) and this one for a gold-finder. I've wanted to do a real guide for Trav for quite a while, but haven't gotten around to it.
Still, like Grip said and you seem to have picked up on, it sounds like the map is the issue you're looking for. Good luck with your rerolls.
Burgomaster3
New member
@T72on1 I decided to try and get a good estimate how long my Council runs take to give you a non-OP () example.
My first 100 runs ended up being 27.5 avg, which was a bit disappointing, but was expected since I sucked hard during the first 50 runs. Once I got the hang of it again, I got solid amount of sub 25 runs, fastest being 21 sec. Still, occasionally run times ended up being 30+ sec due to mistakes.
I did another batch of runs and ended up with 25.6. It started great, halfway through I was 24.5, but fell apart in the end, last ten or something runs were atrocious. I think I can get sub 25, maybe even sub 24 if I try to concentrate more. Fastest run on this batch was 20. something (I should've taken notes but got lazy and thought i could keep everything in my head
).
My map isn't as good as Gripphon's, but it was close enough for me after hour+ of rolling. The council is a more scattered and not so cornered. The closer them I teleport, the easier it is to kill them fast, but it's also lot more dangerous. Mana burn is not fun. It's really important for me to nail the first Blizzard. Toorc is sometimes problem, he kinda runs past me and attacks from behind, making it impossible to kill all at the same time. Also dangerous.
One thing I've noticed when watching videos people post here: My save load time (the time from clicking HELL to actually seeing the game) seems to take at least 1.5 seconds longer than most. Run counter is over 5 seconds when i can actually move. Have others experienced this? Might be my hard drive, dunno, it's been over four years since I installed the game. Don't really feel like reinstalling right now so I guess I'll live with it for now.
I should really try to get some video capture thingy as these things are really hard to explain, but here's a screenie that's somewhat accurate regarding their spawn point.
It's hard to take a screenie while teleporting and before they move, so my position isn't really accurate.
That pic is taken with both Battle Command and Battle Orders on, without BO my health is at 2080. That is a bit too low for my tastes, and I do sometimes die. My sorc is lvl 94 and she's been around the same amount of exp a bit too long. I've also been thinking about leveling in CS, just for the change of pace. Not that it really matters at this point.
My gear:
1.13 Shako /w +5/-4 facet
Chains of Honor
35 fcr Spirit
20% csd Death's fathom /w +5/-4 facet
Arachnid Mesh
Trang's Gloves
Dwarf Star
1.13 BKWB
45 MF War Travelers
Charms: 5xSkillers (2 with some life), 39MF Gheed's, 6 small charms with MF, resists, life and mana. 4x4 free space in inventory.
Merc: Infinity Giant Thresher, Steel Shade /w Fire res + light dmg jool, Fortitude
As you see, i shamelessly copied Grip's setup, which seems to be the smartest thing to do. MF is at 191, mana 769 after BO, Blizzard damage 8527-8876 (without BC active). Merc dies sometimes, but not often enough to be a big nuisance.
Right now I'm actually quite tempted to roll a better map, as gearwise there isn't much to do at the moment. I've tried swapping Dwarf Star to another BKWB and didn't notice much difference.
@Mezion and @NorthDakota : Dunno if this helps, but have you tried changing the Game.exe's compatibility mode? I tried Windows 98 mode a while back to see if the game would run different, and for some reason Version Switcher asked for cd even though one was already mounted. Switched back to Windows XP (service Pack 2) compatibility mode, and it works like a charm. I use Windows 7 and Daemon Tools Lite. Note that it's the Game.exe, not the Diablo II.exe that I'm talking about.
) example. My first 100 runs ended up being 27.5 avg, which was a bit disappointing, but was expected since I sucked hard during the first 50 runs. Once I got the hang of it again, I got solid amount of sub 25 runs, fastest being 21 sec. Still, occasionally run times ended up being 30+ sec due to mistakes.
I did another batch of runs and ended up with 25.6. It started great, halfway through I was 24.5, but fell apart in the end, last ten or something runs were atrocious. I think I can get sub 25, maybe even sub 24 if I try to concentrate more. Fastest run on this batch was 20. something (I should've taken notes but got lazy and thought i could keep everything in my head
). My map isn't as good as Gripphon's, but it was close enough for me after hour+ of rolling. The council is a more scattered and not so cornered. The closer them I teleport, the easier it is to kill them fast, but it's also lot more dangerous. Mana burn is not fun. It's really important for me to nail the first Blizzard. Toorc is sometimes problem, he kinda runs past me and attacks from behind, making it impossible to kill all at the same time. Also dangerous.
One thing I've noticed when watching videos people post here: My save load time (the time from clicking HELL to actually seeing the game) seems to take at least 1.5 seconds longer than most. Run counter is over 5 seconds when i can actually move. Have others experienced this? Might be my hard drive, dunno, it's been over four years since I installed the game. Don't really feel like reinstalling right now so I guess I'll live with it for now.
I should really try to get some video capture thingy as these things are really hard to explain, but here's a screenie that's somewhat accurate regarding their spawn point.
It's hard to take a screenie while teleporting and before they move, so my position isn't really accurate.
That pic is taken with both Battle Command and Battle Orders on, without BO my health is at 2080. That is a bit too low for my tastes, and I do sometimes die. My sorc is lvl 94 and she's been around the same amount of exp a bit too long. I've also been thinking about leveling in CS, just for the change of pace. Not that it really matters at this point.
My gear:
1.13 Shako /w +5/-4 facet
Chains of Honor
Code:
Corruption Gorget
Amulet
Required Level: 73
Fingerprint: 0xe1dcbc2d
Item Level: 91
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+10% Faster Cast Rate
6% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Energy
All Resistances +13
Fire Resist +37%20% csd Death's fathom /w +5/-4 facet
Arachnid Mesh
Trang's Gloves
Dwarf Star
1.13 BKWB
45 MF War Travelers
Charms: 5xSkillers (2 with some life), 39MF Gheed's, 6 small charms with MF, resists, life and mana. 4x4 free space in inventory.
Merc: Infinity Giant Thresher, Steel Shade /w Fire res + light dmg jool, Fortitude
As you see, i shamelessly copied Grip's setup, which seems to be the smartest thing to do. MF is at 191, mana 769 after BO, Blizzard damage 8527-8876 (without BC active). Merc dies sometimes, but not often enough to be a big nuisance.
Right now I'm actually quite tempted to roll a better map, as gearwise there isn't much to do at the moment. I've tried swapping Dwarf Star to another BKWB and didn't notice much difference.
@Mezion and @NorthDakota : Dunno if this helps, but have you tried changing the Game.exe's compatibility mode? I tried Windows 98 mode a while back to see if the game would run different, and for some reason Version Switcher asked for cd even though one was already mounted. Switched back to Windows XP (service Pack 2) compatibility mode, and it works like a charm. I use Windows 7 and Daemon Tools Lite. Note that it's the Game.exe, not the Diablo II.exe that I'm talking about.
@Burgomaster3
Very nice write-up. Not sure how do you throw your first blizzard, but before rolling map, drop first blizzard at closest minions to you, second blizzard in the middle to also cover the further minions with it. If you didn't drop first blizzard like that, try it out.
If merc dies too much, someone can easily use some lifesteal armor instead of Fortitude. Forty is for damage anyway and doesn't have big impact or anything.
Not 100% sure my setup is the best of the best, but I couldn't find better which covers both desired MF and safety at the same time like that. Also nice idea with Dwarf Star. Another idea is to use those fire absorb gloves (whatever name is) instead of Chancies or Wisp Projector ring for MF and for some lightning absorb. That is like super safe variant, but only for those who have problems with survivability.
EDIT
Ooops, I figured this will make fcr fail since it is not chancies that are used, but trang claws. Okay, just have in mind those fire absorb gloves exist and they heal you from hydras if someone can make use of those. Meh, seems like too big trouble with CoH setup or if you use Shako and not fcr circlet. But could be an option for some other setup.
There indeed are several options to cover all weaknesses.
Very nice write-up. Not sure how do you throw your first blizzard, but before rolling map, drop first blizzard at closest minions to you, second blizzard in the middle to also cover the further minions with it. If you didn't drop first blizzard like that, try it out.
If merc dies too much, someone can easily use some lifesteal armor instead of Fortitude. Forty is for damage anyway and doesn't have big impact or anything.
Not 100% sure my setup is the best of the best, but I couldn't find better which covers both desired MF and safety at the same time like that. Also nice idea with Dwarf Star. Another idea is to use those fire absorb gloves (whatever name is) instead of Chancies or Wisp Projector ring for MF and for some lightning absorb. That is like super safe variant, but only for those who have problems with survivability.
EDIT
Ooops, I figured this will make fcr fail since it is not chancies that are used, but trang claws. Okay, just have in mind those fire absorb gloves exist and they heal you from hydras if someone can make use of those. Meh, seems like too big trouble with CoH setup or if you use Shako and not fcr circlet. But could be an option for some other setup.
There indeed are several options to cover all weaknesses.
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Sorry, forgot to answer this.
If it helps, you can remove all screenshots to other folder from time to time, and also delete all files of your char except d2s. That will make your map unexplored (but still the same layout) and could speed up loading times. I do that before any MFO/RFO event. I know it sped up loading times considerably for AT sorc.
