Guardian #13: Lugh, the Concentrate/War Cry Barb [Crafting Tournament 2021 Char by PhineasB]

Jan 3, 2007
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Introducing

Guardian Lugh, the Lv 86 Crafting Tournament 2021 Barb with Concentrate/War Cry

This character was played in the Orange You Glad That Rune Dropped Tournament 2021 by PhineasB. I started on 7th January 2021 and Guardianed the character on 3rd August 2021, but I didn't find time to do a Guardian writeup until now.

Tournament Rules
I chose to play single pass, untwinked, full clears as usual. (p8 Normal and NM, p3/p1 at Hell)
Additional rules were:
Only crafted items + Akara ring + Charsi imbue + Ormus ring + Anya reward item + Anya personalized item were allowed to be used.
Until A2 NM white/grey items, items using a rune and throwing potions were allowed, too.


Normal
I started off with normal attack and normal items till I hit level 8, then I hired a merc. We bashed our way to Andariel without any skills other than Find Item. And yes, I looted EVERY corpse, so I usually had 2 dozen mana pots in my inventory...In Act II, I hired a town guard and in Act III he could finally equip a cubed vicious Partizan socketed with Ith and a Jewel of Freedom. I stood mainly behind and watched my merc kill monsters, then horked the corpses. You can read more on Act I to III here.

The rest was a slog because of me not being able to do sufficient damage with the tools I was allowed to use. But at least I also used BO and Taunt a lot. Baal went down thanks to a Malice Partizan on my merc while I ... waited. For 15 mins. At least I got a Rhyme Bone Shield thanks to some lucky drops :)

But the a Bonesnap dropped, and I decided (after lots of input from fellow forumites) to go 2-handed Bonesnap Concentrate :cool: You can read about Act IV and V here.


Nightmare
After Act I NM, I did my main crafting spree, which can be found here.

Progress speed really dropped to a crawl, because single target attack with mediocre items is not known to be the fastest way through the game. You can read about my 30 hour journey through Act II NM here. I really thought about abandoning my full clear plan. (Spoiler: I didn't)

The good thing is, that barbs are masters of survival: Leap, Leap Attack (and later a Teleport amulet) allow for lots of mobility. Taunt, Howl and esp. War Cry for this character make great crowd control and find item can get rid of corpses. The thing is, that those skills additionally drag out the game: splitting up boss packs, moving around, sending enemies away to later engage with them again...well, but I guess I mustn't complain - after all, I chose a Barbarian to play in an item-focused tournament :rolleyes:

Gameplay in Act III and IV went on at a slow but safe pace. Summary of the linked post: Big areas in Act III and lots of Grotesques and Maggots in Act IV tried to break my Concentration Concentrate attacks, but - hah! - they are uninterruptible! (as long as I'm not stuck at 0 mana because of mana burn...). I found Ko and Pul and had to decide between a double upped Bonesnap or a respec to Polearms and an Obedience Polearm...for which I hadn't found the base yet.

At level 70, I started gambling and crafting again, because 4 affixes were guaranteed then. Decided to go the double up'd Bonesnap because I still missed the elite Polearm base for Obedience. I defeated Baal easily with it and went on to Hell.


Hell
Started at p5 and cleared the Den of Evil, but it took so long that I dropped the player setting to p3 again. Gameplay was still safe and slow. (Bonesnap is NOT fast with Concentrate, even with a Shael socketed...)

I found AR to be the main problem for my barb, esp. because my upped Bonesnap didn't have any inherent AR. So items with +AR and +Dex were highly sought after!

I actually went for the safer route of maxing BO first, even putting 5 points in Natural Resistance, before maxing out damage. And I came to love the earlier recommendation of a War Cry build! Made the character so much safer! I especially liked the combo with Taunt: Taunt the ranged monsters, let them come close - bam! War Cry! Take them down safely with my weapon. Mana intensive, but safe.

Also, did I mention I love Taunt? If you activate Battle Cry, you already have one point in it. I used it often, esp. against archer boss packs in Hell. I used Berserk for PIs and switched around the crowd control skills constantly. I was debating between one- and two-handed weapons, because Concentrate lets you skip block animation even if you block - but since it also lets you skip hit recovery animation when hit, I ultimately chose raw power over more safety from a shield (also, I'd have to respec to more Dex and find a well suited one-handed weapon otherwise)

After upgrading my merc's weapon to a crafted Hyperion Spear in Act I Hell, my merc even was able to kill some things in Hell :)

I highly recommend this post about my new monster slaying toy of choice and the debate if I myself or my merc should wield the Obedience Thresher...Fellow forumites Vang and OldSoldier recommended to use it myself, because it could fix my AR issues. Oh, Pb_pal recommended it, too:
Polearm barbs look suuuuper cool. Just sayin.

I then switched to p1 while clearing the tombs, because it was tedious as hell. Using the Obedience Thresher myself was good advice though, because it significantly sped up my gameplay. The Teleport Amulet was the best safety measure as it allowed for quick retreats and repositioning (y) Mephisto's drop can be found here (Spoiler: nothing of note).

After a hiatus of 4 months (RL and DOS II kept me busy), I finally made Guardian. I won't bore you with details, because playing the barb went like this:

Taunt ranged enemies.
War Cry
Concentrate Attack
Concentrate Attack
Concentrate Attack
Concentrate Attack
Concentrate Attack
Concentrate Attack
Concentrate Attack
War Cry

rinse and repeat

yes, I had to do some micromanagement with Teleport, Howl, Leap, Leap Attack etc. in between. But basically that is what it came down to.

I finished Hell at level 86.


Stats and Skills
Code:
Name:       Lugh
Class:      Barbarian
Experience: 1172563347
Level:      86

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   122/133
Dexterity:  80/113
Vitality:   313/313
Energy:     10/24
HP:         1436/1775
Mana:       91/166
Stamina:    462/476
Defense:    20/234
AR:         385/837

Fire:       147/107/47
Cold:       125/85/25
Lightning:  145/105/45
Poison:     144/104/44

MF:         3       Block:      14
GF:         10
FR/W:       55
FHR:        70
IAS:        20
FCR:        9

Bash: 1/1
Leap: 0/0
Double Swing: 0/0
Stun: 1/1
Double Throw: 0/0
Leap Attack: 0/0
Concentrate: 18/18
Frenzy: 0/0
Whirlwind: 0/0
Berserk: 1/1

Sword Mastery: 0/0
Axe Mastery: 0/0
Mace Mastery: 0/0
Pole Arm Mastery: 20/20
Throwing Mastery: 0/0
Spear Mastery: 0/0
Increased Stamina: 0/0
Iron Skin: 1/1
Increased Speed: 0/0
Natural Resistance: 5/5

Howl: 1/1
Find Potion: 1/1
Taunt: 1/1
Shout: 1/1
Find Item: 4/4
Battle Cry: 1/1
Battle Orders: 20/20
Grim Ward: 0/0
War Cry: 20/20
Battle Command: 1/1

Gear
Lugh's Obedience
Thresher
HelKoThulEthFal
Two Hand Damage: 56 - 662
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 122
Required Dexterity: 95
Fingerprint: 0x953e8aea
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
30% Chance to cast level 21 Enchant when you Kill an Enemy
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
370% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
-25% to Enemy Fire Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
+210 Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
All Resistances +24
Requirements -20%
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune

Hel Rune
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Requirements -20%
Armor: Requirements -15%
Shields: Requirements -15%

Ko Rune
Required Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

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%

Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%

Fal Rune
Required Level: 41
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Strength
Armor: +10 to Strength
Shields: +10 to Strength

Wraith Gorget
Amulet
Required Level: 70
Fingerprint: 0xe927507b
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
+9% Faster Cast Rate
+4 to Maximum Damage
+18 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 6%
Level 2 Teleport (25/25 Charges)

Hailstone Jack
Plate Mail
Defense: 116
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x3e8501f8
Item Level: 54
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Nova when struck
3% Life stolen per hit
+72 to Life
Lightning Resist +25%
+1 Life after each Demon Kill

Raven Hold
Ring
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x65050c8f
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 4 Frost Nova when struck
+5 to Dexterity
+30 to Life
+26 to Mana
Fire Resist +20%
Poison Resist +7%
Attacker Takes Damage of 5

Corruption Finger
Ring
Required Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0x34e656ca
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 4 Frost Nova when struck
+1 to Maximum Damage
+120 to Attack Rating
+2 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +13%
Poison Resist +12%
Attacker Takes Damage of 6

Shadow Winding
Mesh Belt
Defense: 35
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xdb4dd569
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17% Faster Hit Recovery
3% Life stolen per hit
6% Chance of Open Wounds
+40 to Life
Poison Resist +22%
Repairs 1 Durability in 33 Seconds

Skull Stalker
Light Plated Boots
Defense: 20
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x407a6bb0
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
3% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+19 to Life
Replenish Life +9
Poison Resist +35%

Eagle Touch
Heavy Gloves
Defense: 6
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 70
Fingerprint: 0xdb199248
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
3% Life stolen per hit
8% Chance of Crushing Blow
+15 to Dexterity
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +15%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds

Hailstone Circlet
Circlet
Defense: 29
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x5796b97c
Item Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+14 to Energy
+37 to Life
+14 Maximum Stamina
Cold Resist +31%
All Resistances +14

Steel Large Charm of Inertia
Large Charm
Required Level: 36
Fingerprint: 0x584e64f2
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Run/Walk
+62 to Attack Rating

Serpent's Large Charm of Sustenance
Large Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x8442ea6
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+30 to Mana

Garnet Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xeace9969
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +9%

Coral Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x86637047
Item Level: 56
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +8%

Amber Small Charm of Fire
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x4cb8f5be
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 3 Fire Damage
Lightning Resist +11%

Russet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x7f048fe5
Item Level: 46
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +7%

Stout Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xc6a5a5e
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 Defense
+15 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbc38d2e7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Russet Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x68d29ef0
Item Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +6%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x58f9ea06
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Cobalt Small Charm of Frost
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x571d6b4d
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Cold Resist +9%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xadbff3a9
Item Level: 76
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Russet Large Charm of Life
Large Charm
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x4cde03d8
Item Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Coral Large Charm of Life
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xb4af4079
Item Level: 46
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Lightning Resist +12%

Cobalt Large Charm of Balance
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xb5f981d7
Item Level: 38
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +11%

Garnet Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x46441c95
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Strength
Fire Resist +8%

Lapis Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xe3710833
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +6%
3% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Lizard's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xb3d3959
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
+1 to Mana

Ocher Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x4c2b3e47
Item Level: 5
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +6%
10% Extra Gold from Monsters

Russet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x64d2cd61
Item Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +6%

Steel Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 35
Fingerprint: 0x9dce509d
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+105 to Attack Rating

Name: Alhizeer
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Normal
Experience: 70803048
Level: 86
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 192/192
Dexterity: 155/155
HP: 1870/1885
Defense: 1373/1767
AR: 1985/2229

Fire: 176/136/76
Cold: 167/127/67
Lightning: 177/137/77
Poison: 173/133/73

Dread Visage
Circlet
Defense: 24
Durability: 24 of 35
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x99c723cd
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Assassin Skill Levels
All Resistances +14
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (0 used)


Dread Cloak
Plate Mail
Defense: 370
Durability: 30 of 60
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x64eae410
Item Level: 54
Version: Expansion 1.10+
3% Life stolen per hit
+258 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+15 to Life
Fire Resist +9%
Poison Resist +6%
+1 Life after each Demon Kill


Hailstone Bar
Hyperion Spear
Two Hand Damage: 77 - 264
Durability: 19 of 30
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 120
Fingerprint: 0xe94ebce1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Increased Attack Speed
122% Enhanced Damage
+244 to Attack Rating
Adds 107 - 147 Fire Damage
+8% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +10%
Damage Reduced by 4
Magic Damage Reduced by 1

Summary and Thoughts
1. War Cry is a cool, but mana hungry skill. It made the whole build work and was the skill that kept me alive in the later stages of the game. I can't remember who suggested it, but it was a great idea!
2. Concentrate is a safe skill and does decent damage, but really is not the best skill for full clears because of its single target nature.
3. Barbarian are so good at crowd control!
4. Teleport amulets are great overall for SP untwinked builds - I have to use them more often.
5. Grisu needs ages to finish a tournament.

Thanks
to @PhineasB for hosting such a great tournament (that saw 8 Guardians!! :oops: - you really hit a nerve there with your tournament idea!)
to all participants and their great advise! It is greatly appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Congratulations on the Guardian.

The Starter Barb Guide I just finished looks very much like this build.
 
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Congrats again on the Guardian, and a really nice one at that. I’m glad that tourney ended up being a success with so many Guardians!

I think War Cry using Barb is one of the safest options for tourneys (along with Fishymancer and Valk-following Zon). But he’s slow as you experienced, I think more so than the other two.
 
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