Matriarch Amber, Self-Wielding Infinity Charged Boltress

[PhineasB]

Matriarch Amber, Self-Wielding Infinity Charged Boltress
This Sorc is the Fourth in my Runeword Bonanza Sept, devised as a way to use some of the nice shiny objects that come with completing the Runeword Grail and tick off some builds I still wanted to try out or rebuild with better gear. I had never played pure lightning with Infinity from the start, and the self-wielding Infinity got her into the theme for this Sept:

Amber's Infinity
Scythe
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 46 - 116
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 31
Fingerprint: 0xbdf1aa79
Item Level: 39
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
287% Enhanced Damage
-51% 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

She was a powerhouse. She played through at p7 for Normal and Nightmare, p7 for A1 H, p5 for A2 & A3 Hell, and then back to p7 for A4 & A5 Hell. No deaths, which was surprising given her low-ish life (only >2000 with BO active in A3 Hell). But the fast FCR allowed her to get out of trouble, and lack of FHR didn't doom her to a stun lock death somehow. I guess I was lucky with teleporting and monster rolls. She sniped Heirophant, Greater Mummies, OKs, and other nasty monsters with Lightning on LMB, which helped her avoid getting up close with all the rolls. The Lightning Storm was fun, and a skill I'd actually never used before. It managed to deal some damage for non-LI types, and actually did some killing along the way.

Main updates are here (through NM) and here (Hell). Hell Forges were Pul (NM) and Io (Hell).

I'm looking forward to leveling her into the 90s. Crescent Moon with Infinity Merc is almost certainly the more powerful route (merc with Infinity would allow her to snipe from distance with Lightning with Conviction more to the fore of the battle), and she may switch to that. Her RoF map is great, and I can see her running that + AS in the 2021 edition of RFL Round 3.

I have to say, quite the fun build. I'm not sure if this is the first CB version of self-wielding Infinity sorc, but I've definitely not seen a lot of them. Worth a try for sure

Final gear:
- eth Infinity Scythe
- CtA/Lidless
- Vipermagi (-5 facet)
- Arachnid's
- Griffon's (-5 facet)
- Trang's
- Rare boots with FR/LR
- SoJ
- 10 FCR tri-resist ring
- Backback: 6 skillers with secondary mods; 2 Shimmering GCs of Sust; SCs were mix of shimmering and life/mana

Merc:
- eth Insight Cryptic Axe
- Fortitude
- Vamp w Realgar JoF

Spoiler: Mat Stats

Name:       Amber
Class:      Sorceress
Experience: 1318538039
Level:      87

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   55/67
Dexterity:  25/44
Vitality:   410/458
Energy:     35/40
HP:         986/1139
Mana:       207/276
Stamina:    560/560
Defense:    6/960
AR:         75/170

Fire:       182/142/82
Cold:       195/155/95
Lightning:  189/149/89
Poison:     165/125/65

MF:         30       Block:      3
GF:         0
FR/W:       62
FHR:        0
IAS:        0
FCR:        105

Fire Bolt: 0/0
Warmth: 1/7
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: 20/32
Static Field: 1/13
Telekinesis: 1/13
Nova: 1/13
Lightning: 20/32
Chain Lightning: 12/24
Teleport: 1/13
Thunder Storm: 20/32
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 20/32

Ice Bolt: 0/0
Frozen Armor: 1/7
Frost Nova: 0/0
Ice Blast: 0/0
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 0/0
Blizzard: 0/0
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 0/0
Cold Mastery: 0/0

Spoiler: Gear

Plague Slippers
Chain Boots
Defense: 14
Durability: 15 of 16
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0xa6ff7a19
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+49% Enhanced Defense
+6 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +21%
Fire Resist +40%

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x99e0e71
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +28

Skull Hold
Ring
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x71a5d297
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
5% Mana stolen per hit
+4 to Dexterity
Cold Resist +12%
Lightning Resist +26%
Poison Resist +23%

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 71
Durability: 15 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x9ee21b18
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%

Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 158
Durability: 14 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x983d4219
Item Level: 88
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
-23% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+14% to Lightning Skill Damage
+103 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xacaf2b14
Item Level: 94
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
+3% to Lightning Skill Damage

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 127
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x99171f28
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+102% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 55
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xa916fc27
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
267% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5 to Battle Command
+4 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

Lidless Wall
Grim Shield
Defense: 300
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xfdf3eba3
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+99% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Energy
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
All Resistances +19
+5 to Mana after each Kill
+1 to Light Radius
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond

Perfect Diamond
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +68% Damage to Undead
Armor: +100 to Attack Rating
Shields: Cold Resist +19%
Lightning Resist +19%
Fire Resist +19%
Poison Resist +19%

Amber's Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x9797b494
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 41 Nova when you Level-Up
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+3% to Lightning Skill Damage
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +35
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xc60fdc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 41 Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+3% to Lightning Skill Damage

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x2a0e16ce
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

Amber's Infinity
Scythe
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 46 - 116
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 31
Fingerprint: 0xbdf1aa79
Item Level: 39
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
287% Enhanced Damage
-51% 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

Spoiler: Charms

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x3fb5ae27
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x69d4c8c0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+31 to Life
All Resistances +15

Shimmering Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x16f526d3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+28 to Life
All Resistances +15

Sparking Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x5bed400c
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Strength

Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe5f86b3b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+8 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xbad3e4b1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+7% Faster Run/Walk

Sparking Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x5fc609b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+30 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xaca45792
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Strength

Sparking Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xa0e4009d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+4 to Dexterity

Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x93b10da5
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
+16 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x1ec6389b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
+17 to Mana

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x36ced4c3
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x12561cef
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x926cbe4c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
+16 to Mana

Sapphire Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xe2c6697a
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Cold Resist +11%

Shimmering Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xee513955
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Strength
All Resistances +4

Spoiler: Merc

Name:       Durga
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 79996442
Level:      87
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   190/195
Dexterity:  153/158
HP:         1847/1955
Defense:    1359/2997
AR:         1937/472628

Fire:       180/140/80
Cold:       180/140/80
Lightning:  180/140/80
Poison:    180/140/80

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x83dc856f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
24% Enhanced Damage
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
6% Mana stolen per hit
6% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Damage Reduced by 19%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Realgar Jewel of Fervor

Realgar Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x2f3ffb14
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
24% Enhanced Damage

Fortitude
Dusk Shroud
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1386
Durability: 14 of 20
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x12dd85d6
Item Level: 78
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 15 Chilling Armor when struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+108 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +29
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Insight
Cryptic Axe
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 182 - 796
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 93
Fingerprint: 0x5e55d674
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 16 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
254% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
243% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+3 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Thanks for reading!

 

[saracen85]

Congrats! The next round of Bers I'm lucky enough to find will surely be made into a self-wield Infinity (Finally found an Eth Voulge ). Gotta see what all this power is all about!

If you do go the Infinity merc route, maybe try going 200fcr. CB on steroids..

 

[Vildecor]

This is one of the few builds I've never done, but I imagine CB's killing power being similar to an Amazon's Charged Strike, but better against multiple mobs. Is that accurate? What kind of damage does level 32 CB do (and how many bolts?)

 

[PhineasB]

Thanks for the feedback.

@saracen85 I don't think self-wielding sorc can hit 200 FCR due to weapon and shield unavailable. The 117 breakpoint for lightning would be a stretch without a 12+ FCR amulet (or giving up SoJ and any caster amulet). She's a tad fragile, with lots of things to balance, resists and +skills being the main ones. That's actually a big part of why I went Charged Bolt: without need for FCR from that slot, Mara's was nice for resists, stats, and the +skills, and not as in-the-fray as Nova (although requiring aggressive teleporting to position properly). I'll have to give Nova a try with her at some point though.

@Vildecor I don't think Charged Bolt is nearly as powerful as Charged Strike. It's kind of like multi-shot, actually, in that the spread of bolts can be adjusted (by distance from targets). So it can do spread damage, but it's fairly low per bolt. She had 24 bolts with ~430 average damage per bolt:

As I said, though, that is plenty powerful for most uses, even breakable LI rolls. City of Damned had three LI rolls, two unbreakable (bats and lightning-spitting dogs), but otherwise she could handle all the rolls she got. Lightning was key though to snipe from safety behind the charged bolt field.

 

[Vildecor]

I just noticed that CB is rare among the sorceress's lightning skills in that it doesn't have ridiculously low minimum damage. Even with only 430 average damage, getting hit by multiple bolts is a lot of damage output. Especially nice not having to deal with the wide range of damage of the other lightning skills.

 

[saracen85]

Thanks for the feedback.

@saracen85 I don't think self-wielding sorc can hit 200 FCR due to weapon and shield unavailable. The 117 breakpoint for lightning would be a stretch without a 12+ FCR amulet (or giving up SoJ and any caster amulet). She's a tad fragile, with lots of things to balance, resists and +skills being the main ones. That's actually a big part of why I went Charged Bolt: without need for FCR from that slot, Mara's was nice for resists, stats, and the +skills, and not as in-the-fray as Nova (although requiring aggressive teleporting to position properly). I'll have to give Nova a try with her at some point though.

I meant go 200fcr when you give the merc infinity (but likely having to forgo crescent moon in favor of fcr weapon). TBH, when I played this build, I totally forgot that I could snipe with lightning.. I just blanket the screen with bolts