Matriarch/Patriarch/Guardian Archive Thread

Originally posted by Nightfish on Feb 9, 2007:

Guardian #34 - Durkon, the FoHdin

Hey folks, long time no see. How's it going? This afternoon I decided to fire up D2 after about 9 months or so and take my FoHdin through Hell. Things went as they should and Durkon is now enjoying some brews at the local tavern. Here's some stats and stuff on a mostly boring character which I will likely never play again.

Guardian Durkon

Level: 78
Str: ~110
Dex: ~120
Vit: ~260
En: ~T_T

Life: ~1100
Mana: Who cares?

FoH Damage: ~4000 for lightning, ~3000 Holy Bolt
Holy Bolt Damage: 5500-6000
Conviction: -100% Resistances

Gear:
HotO Flail / Spirit Pally Shield
Viper Magi (PRuby)
Shako (PRuby)
Nightsmoke
Bloodfist
Nat's Soul
SoJ x 2
Mara's Ammy
4 x Combat Skiller

Redemption Scepter on switch

Mercenary equipped with Eth Obedience Thresher, 3 x 15% IAS Black Hades, Delirium Crown. Yes, I forgot I had not one, but TWO fortitude armours. Shame on me.

Skillwise he's simple. Max FoH and Synergies. And ofc the obligatory point in Holy Shield.


Random Facts:

Ok, what's to tell? Basically FoH is not a PvM skill for the hasty. The 1s casting timer is really needed to keep it from being overpowered. It's almost as good as synergised firebolt, for crying out loud... No, not quite that bad. It actually works okay, especially in hardcore.

The fact that there's a timer on FoH gives you spare time after each attack which lets you reposition your char, which makes for an extremely safe - if tedious - gaming experience. This char is one of the few who had a grand total of zero NDEs. Smooth crusing all the way. Cruising, as in afrika cruising towards Europe. Or snails crusing up a steep hill.

For a Paladin, Durkon was alright, I guess, especially after not having played for ages, I'm happy that he didn't die. Best finds were rockstopper and kelpiesnare so he's not exactly a luck duck.

In Hell my main strategy was to skip LIs or leave them to my merc if they needed to die. Delirium kept us safe. Crowd control is still win. Undead LIs were owned by Holy Bolt. GG no re gloams.

I was a bit worried about the ancients which is why I swapped in my 84-991 Obedience Stick of Smackdown. And that turned out to be pretty smart since one dude did indeed spawn LI. The other two were ok, the leaper being CI and the Axeman being Spectral. Leapfrog went down first and to nothing but FoHs. Next up was the Axer who took a few hits from the merc but was mostly a FoH job. The whirler was hard. Holy Freeze aura and LI. I couldn't touch him at all (yes, I forgot a CB weapon for my char to smite with, I'm rusty). Mercdude was kinda slow due to HF so it took him a while. Eventually he wore down the barbarian grandpa, though and from there it was smooth sailing.

So, what's my overall verdict on FoH? Viable? Fo sho. Fun? ... *crickets chirping, tumble weed rolling* ... Guess again. One thing I can see him excell at is running Pindle. But that's about it. Sadly there is basically nothing special about this one, except that the skill is underused. No smart item choices, no fancy stuff. T_T

Anyway, that's a wrap for Guardian 34. (In case you have no idea who I am and what crazy stuff I waste my life on, I started playing hardcore a few years back with the goal of having 7 guardians per class with individual builds where possible for a grand total of 49 heros.)

I can't quite decide what to play next. Mostly the chars that are left are kinda boring. To be quite honest I lost track of what I have already done to some extent so I need to reorganise alll this stuff. Maybe I'll wrap it up nicely if I ever finish it with a few choice words for each build. Sort of like a minicompendium of stuff you can take through hell, in an effort to promote diversity. :D

Well, thanks for reading, catch you next guardian, guys.
 
Originally posted by Ojimaru on Aug 13, 2009:

Guardian Veran - Cleric

Guardian Veran

Level 85 Paladin

Stats
STR 140
DEX 190
VIT 175
Energy 15

Skills
Sacrifice 1
Smite 1
Holy Bolt 20
Zeal 1
Charge 1
Vengeance 1
Blessed Hammer 20
Holy Shield 1
Fist of Heavens 20

Prayer 20
Defiance 1
Cleansing 1
Vigor 1
Meditation 1
Redemption 1
Salvation 1

Equipment
Spirit Long Sword (31%FCR)
Spirit Superior Vortex Shield (32%FCR)
Lacerator Winged Axe
Sacred Targe (Yes, a vanilla Sacred Targe!)
Rock Stopper Sallet
Guardian Angel Templar Coat
Thundergod's Vigor War Belt
Magefist Light Gauntlets
Sandstorm Trek Scarabshell Boots
Dwarf Star Ring
Wisp Projector Ring
Plague Noose Amulet

Code:
Plague Noose
Amulet
+25 STR
32% Cold Resistance
+2 Combat Skills

Mercenary
Mizan
Act 2 Might
Ethereal Bonehew Ogre Axe [Shael;Shael]
Andariel's Visage Demonhead [Ral]
Duress Great Hauberk

Mods
Red Runeword Mod
Runeword Mod
ATMA

The Experience
My first Guardian after 3 separate tries. Took this character build expecting the worst in terms of killing speed and AI management. All my fears came true and then some.

Act 1 Normal was straightforward: normal melee bashing without much use of skills. It took me quite a bit of time to down Andariel with a Blood Crescent but she finally burned to cinders.

Act 2 Normal started out great! Hired a Defiance merc and went down into the sewers blasting undead with impunity. The random batches of Raiders were taken care of by the merc. Patience was much strained in the Maggot Lair and Arcane Sanctuary as I struggled to nudge the twitchy AI towards the enemies. The Town Portal trick was much abused. Duriel was the first boss I've ever relied on a merc to kill. It. Took. AGES. I was literally standing in a corner spamming Holy Bolt on my merc for a good 10 minutes.

Act 3 Normal went by very slowly as I stopped playing this character for long periods of time out of frustration. Twitchy AI pathfinding and fast fetishes really do not mix well. Mephisto downed the same way as Duriel: 10-15 minutes of Holy Bolt spammage.

Act 4 Normal and Act 5 Normal weren't too bad. Significantly more undead in the former and no fears of Iron Maiden endangering my character. It did kill my merc several times, but he wasn't on HC mode. :whistling: I switched to a Barbarian merc for a change when I got into Quel-khek's good graces.

After becoming a Slayer it was more or less a repeat in Nightmare except the killing speed was slightly improved. I gave up on the Barb merc when I got to Act 2 Nightmare as he was wasting time using Stun attack more often than not, especially against Andariel. Act 2 Might only had one attack variation, along with an extra Might Aura that would be a great boost to killing speed.

I was extremely nervous in Act 3 Nightmare and Hell due to the number of Bone Fetishes running around. It was thanks to them I lost a summoner Necromancer in a separate Guardian attempt. Thankfully they blew up in one Holy Bolt miles away from my Paladin.

Lots of the final parts of Act 5 Hell was skipped due to Physical Immunes. While Lacerator was great for breaking PIs on Uniques, the Terror CtC overrode the Amplify Damage more often than not. The final showdown with Hell Baal was a utter test of patience: Teleports, Clones, Festering Appendages, Knockback Ice attack... It took more than 15 minutes before my merc finally got around to shoving his ethereal Bonehew up Baal's ***. Amen.

I look forward to retiring Veran, as fun as it was. But trying to control a loose cannon with an invisible leash is not my idea of fun. I'll probably do Pindle runs with him now and again, with the merc safely dead.
 
Originally posted by @Pyrotechnician on Aug 12, 2013:

Guardian WithAVengeance - 2-Handed Vengeance/Conviction Paladin

Alright last one for a while until I actually finish something.

Guardian WithAVengeance
(I found it!)

This is a 2-handed avenger paladin. The build-up to make a 2-handed avenger came from acquiring this amazingly sweet Tomb Reaver from Fred (you’ll see it in the gear section). I think he said he got it in a giveaway at some point, but if I could use it, I could have it. So I did. The only problem was when we finished the questing I was just short of level 84. Such high level items are not exactly ideal for basing a build around, but more on that later.

I played through part of normal mode with a group of people and the group kind of disbanded so I played with Cdm’s 2-handed fanaticism paladin from the later half of normal mode till the end. Link to his guard thread:
Guardian LongSky - Two Handed Polearm/Spear zealot

Stats/Skills #2 #3:
Code:
Name:       WithAVengeance
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 1207462091
Level:      86

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   130/167
Dexterity:  80/104
Vitality:   300/332
Energy:     15/15
HP:         1110/1350
Mana:       142/182
Stamina:    449/535
Defense:    20/1291
AR:         385/757

Fire:       196/156/96
Cold:       180/140/80
Lightning:  213/173/113
Poison:     186/146/86

MF:         63       Block:      15
GF:         25
FR/W:       20
FHR:        48
IAS:        95
FCR:        0

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

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

Prayer: 0/0
Resist Fire: 20/22
Defiance: 0/0
Resist Cold: 9/11
Cleansing: 0/0
Resist Lightning: 20/22
Vigor: 0/0
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 0/0
Salvation: 1/3

Gear:
Code:
Shaftstop
Mesh Armor
Defense: 631
Durability: 43 of 45
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 92
Fingerprint: 0xfce02757
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+195% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+98 to Life
Damage Reduced by 30%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Ruby

Perfect Ruby
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 15 - 20 Fire Damage
Armor: +38 to Life
Shields: Fire Resist +40%

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x8a1e797f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+157 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+16 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 38 of 40
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x8f0c0c1a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
8% Mana stolen per hit
8% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
All Resistances +15
Damage Reduced by 20%
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Um Rune

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%

Rune Emblem
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x51ae0ce8
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
+2 to Strength
+6 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +38%
Poison Resist +29%
25% Extra Gold from Monsters

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 86
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xd2a1809a
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%

Eagle Hold
Ring
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x37aa266a
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+95 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 11 Lightning Damage
+40 to Life
Lightning Resist +27%
Poison Resist +20%

Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 158
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x9a9e0981
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+140% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
+12 to Vitality
+86 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +43%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds

Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 138
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0x617cf3cc
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 7 Fist of the Heavens when struck
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
+3 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only)
+3 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only)
+162% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb

Obedience
Cryptic Axe
HelKoThulEthFal
Two Hand Damage: 155 - 705
Durability: 60 of 65
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 132
Required Dexterity: 83
Fingerprint: 0x9f115f90
Item Level: 85
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
+287 Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
All Resistances +26
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

Tomb Reaver
Cryptic Axe
Two Hand Damage: 168 - 700
Durability: 37 of 65
Required Level: 84
Required Strength: 165
Required Dexterity: 103
Fingerprint: 0xfed3f32c
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+75% Increased Attack Speed
367% Enhanced Damage
+14 to Minimum Damage
+220% Damage to Undead
+269 to Attack Rating against Undead
All Resistances +44
10% Reanimate as: Returned
+11 Life after each Kill
63% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+4 to Light Radius
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Realgar Jewel of Fervor
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Joyfulness
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Bliss

Realgar Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x169f714e
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
30% Enhanced Damage

Ruby Jewel of Joyfulness
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xe240b817
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
38% Enhanced Damage
+4 to Minimum Damage

Ruby Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x94cb057a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
40% Enhanced Damage
+10 to Minimum Damage

Inventory:
Code:
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x120af692
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x99a8893f
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xeb64d013
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Lapis Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb30aa6d2
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

Garnet Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x47834f7e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +8%

Cobalt Large Charm of Anthrax
Large Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x80a6078a
Item Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 50 Poison Damage Over 6 Secs (150 Frames)
Cold Resist +12%

Cobalt Large Charm of Balance
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x532680c2
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +12%

Shimmering Small Charm of Frost
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xfcbb5e23
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
All Resistances +5

Coral Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x49220cf3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +9%

Russet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0x3c76cc73
Item Level: 56
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 to Life
Fire Resist +6%

Coral Large Charm of Balance
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xe9031bd1
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8% Faster Hit Recovery
Lightning Resist +12%

Amber Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x7ec7d4fc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +28%

Coral Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x916ce2ed
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+39 to Life
Lightning Resist +21%

Coral Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x8aff7911
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +22%

Sapphire Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xa66fe662
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Cold Resist +30%

Cobalt Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x25f7af0f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +25%

Merc:
Code:
Name:       Gulzar
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 77293444
Level:      86
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   188/193
Dexterity:  151/156
HP:         1807/1807
Defense:    1330/2158
AR:         1922/369024

Fire:       150/110/50
Cold:       180/140/80
Lightning:  150/110/50
Poison:    150/110/50

Delirium
Demonhead
LemIstIo
Defense: 381
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xdfa28ab1
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

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

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality

Treachery
Boneweave
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 447
Durability: 36 of 45
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 158
Fingerprint: 0x57de8ddc
Item Level: 79
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

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%

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Insight
Giant Thresher
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 151 - 405
Durability: 32 of 55
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 188
Required Dexterity: 140
Fingerprint: 0x21df1fe1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 16 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
256% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
191% 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
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill

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%

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Build and Gear progression:

The build was pretty standard for a vengeance/conviction paladin in terms of skills. Max out conviction, max out vengeance, and then rest into synergies (resist cold/fire/lightning and salv). You can see from my final skills above that I pretty much avoided salvation other than the standard 1 pointer as it gets you less damage per point. I alternated between the resist skills, focusing mainly on maxing fire and lightning first (I wanted the passive resistance bonus from these also, and both of them are more important than cold, I need one more level before I consider this character complete so I can add one more skill point to cold resistance and make it an even 80 for max resistance.)

Stats were enough to equip gear, rest into vitality. I’ve already respec’d once because I wanted to equip a cresent moon cryptic axe but realized I didn’t have enough stats without the bonus from obedience and I didn’t want to wait those couple extra levels, besides once I got to the level to use Tomb Reaver I would have needed the extra stats anyway.

Gear progression was not so standard being a 2 handed paladin. I think I used full clegs starting out and all the other standard starting gear I usually throw on (hsarus’, angelic, isenhart, etc.) Once I reached level 27, insight was equipped, being the ideal choice for any low level 2-handed character. I specifically remember using 3 piece IK (glove/belt/boots) for the amazing bonuses that it provided for a long while (at least mid-nightmare, end of act 4 specifically) I believe I switched so I could be essentially immune to lightning for act 5 onward. Glove/belt/boots switched at that point to Laying of hands for Ias/damage/res, Tgods for expanded lightning resistance, and treks to fill in the fhr/stats gap. Helm I used face of horror, then rockstopper, then gaze and finished with that. I think I used rockfleece for armor before shaftstop. After insight I switched to obedience, I didn’t really try a lot of other weapons after that until tomb reaver was available just because nothing really stacks up in comparison. I put crescent moon on switch, but didn’t use it much as my res took a dive, and cdm could proc the static faster than I ever could with a single target attack.

You can see by my final gear/charm setup that resistances are stacked, and you’re probably thinking, pyro, why do you have so much res, you run high level conviction, you can never get below what you are using. You would be correct, but obedience doesn’t have as much res as Tomb Reaver, so even If I switch to obedience for the –fire res or to proc enchant my light res is still maxed out. I’ll probably move away from that at some point as obedience is way to slow on its own now that I’m not questing with a fanact pally. My gear setup had limited ias, and fanacticism really helped in that regard. Without cdm’s help though I believe obedience is like a 20 frame attack, but with it I made it to a decent breakpoint.

Overall I’m happy with my end setup, for not using a shield, I have maxed out res 85/79/95/75 (gloams tickle, and even heal me, I stand in packs of them just for the free healing). Maxed out DR%, and a decent FHR bp. I think my attacks are 12 fpa which isn’t great, but not terrible.

Questing and Gameplay:

As stated earlier, this character started out as a group play character and the group fell apart, cdm and I decided to continue onwards and it worked out amazingly well. We pretty much rolled consistently through most of the game. Not worrying about IAS made it so I could focus on survival gear. Cdm didn’t have to worry about any attack rating gear due to the –def of conviction. I think I got the better end of that deal, but too each their own. I took down the physical immunes, and he powered through the rest of them. There were times where I had to back off a bit due to overall squishiness and no life leach or block, making it more strategic than just charging in and swinging. To help solve this little problem I put a delirium on my merc. I never really use this helm much but it is insanely overpowered, even though it’s not the beta version, the ctc confuse put the game on easy mode for most of it. Between that, holy freeze from my merc, and decrep from cdm’s merc, everything was amazingly safe.

The only NDE I had was NM trav. I specifically remember cdm asking if he should bring his BO barb in, and I was iffy on it, so he did anyway. One of the trav members exploded taking my health below 200, so without BO at that time, I’m pretty sure I would have been done without it.

Having a couple 2-handed paladins run around is not exactly the strongest thing around, especially in HC mode where you have to put more focus on survival than normal and I think that’s what made this play-through so enjoyable. The characters complemented each other, and neither of us felt like we were doing less than the other. This has to be one of the most important parts of multiplayer since both of us were doing about the same amount of killing it made it feel like a real play through rather than just tagging along with something stronger doing most of the work.

Future Plans:

I don’t see him getting a lot more use, once we finished questing we walked baal a few more times so I could at least try out Tomb Reaver for a couple levels, if I’m with cdm’s pally I can see still using obedience, but on my own, not so much, it is just way too slow. I sometimes bring him out for a couple baal runs with cdm's pally as they were just so much fun to play with together, but in any other baal run situation and my slow single target attack, I’m more useful as a walking aura then a real killer with other powerhouse builds around. I still want that one additional level though, need to make that 79 cold res 80, haha.

Screenshots for your enjoyment:

No idea where my hell baal screenies are either, but I have quite a few others…

Act 4 Hell #1 (favorite one), Act 4 Hell #2, Act 1 Hell #1, Act 1 Hell #2, Baal - NM, Almost the Same #1, Almost the Same #2

Edit:

Found all of them hiding in the runewords folder!

Diablo, Ancients Way, Ancients Way #2, Ancients, Ancients Complete, WSK Level 1, Minions, Baal, Baal #2, Baal Drop, The End, End Group Shot

Thanks for Reading!
 
Originally posted by @Pyrotechnician on Feb 1, 2014:

Guardian DeathFromAbove - Fist of the Heavens Paladin

Next up on the list:

Guardian DeathFromAbove


This is a Fist of the Heavens paladin. Since pharphis is pretty much always singing praises about how wonderful this build is, and I had one way back when playing on the realms, I figured I would give this build another go. The quick and dirty summary of this build is, it’s a hipster build, and very much so. FredofErik who I quested alongside of his lightning sorc can vouch for how many times I said that throughout the play through. If you are facing a ton of undeads, and only undeads, the build is great. But if you aren’t its incredibly slow go with a single target 1 second timer attack. I think I was somewhere around level 84 again when we finished with the random Maus/AT runs thrown in.

Fred’s write-up can be found here:
https://diabloii.net/forums/threads/850352

Stats/Skills #2:
Code:
Name:       DeathFromAbove
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 1367870895
Level:      88

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   80/110
Dexterity:  170/182
Vitality:   270/314
Energy:     15/17
HP:         1024/1210
Mana:       145/400
Stamina:    421/461
Defense:    42/1297
AR:         835/988

Fire:       185/145/85
Cold:       175/135/75
Lightning:  185/145/85
Poison:     175/135/75

MF:         336       Block:      42
GF:         502
FR/W:       23
FHR:        55
IAS:        0
FCR:        85

Sacrifice: 1/12
Smite: 1/12
Holy Bolt: 20/31
Zeal: 1/12
Charge: 1/12
Vengeance: 1/12
Blessed Hammer: 1/12
Conversion: 1/12
Holy Shield: 12/23
Fist of the Heavens: 20/31

Might: 1/10
Holy Fire: 1/10
Thorns: 1/10
Blessed Aim: 0/0
Concentration: 0/0
Holy Freeze: 1/10
Holy Shock: 20/29
Sanctuary: 1/10
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 15/24

Prayer: 0/0
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 0/0
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 0/0
Resist Lightning: 0/0
Vigor: 0/0
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 0/0
Salvation: 0/0

Gear:
Code:
Infernostride
Demonhide Boots
Defense: 104
Durability: 9 of 12
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x2b8a53b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 8 Blaze when struck
+20% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 12 - 33 Fire Damage
+148% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+10% to Maximum Fire Resist
Fire Resist +30%
54% Extra Gold from Monsters
+2 to Light Radius

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xba658b6a
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Fire Absorb 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
100% Extra Gold from Monsters

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 121
Durability: 10 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x8f917ff5
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+132 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+132 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
74% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz

Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%

Nagelring
Ring
Required Level: 7
Fingerprint: 0x84ef041f
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+68 to Attack Rating
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
Attacker Takes Damage of 3
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Entropy Gorget
Amulet
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x71112f4f
Item Level: 92
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Paladin Skill Levels
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+8 to Strength
+15 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 8%
All Resistances +12
Damage Reduced by 2

Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 138
Durability: 19 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xea8b020d
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 7 Fist of the Heavens when struck
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
+3 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only)
+3 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only)
+162% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb

Chance Guards
Chain Gloves
Defense: 27
Durability: 13 of 16
Required Level: 15
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0x53786a0a
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25 to Attack Rating
+24% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
200% Extra Gold from Monsters
39% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Light Radius

Skullder's Ire
Russet Armor
Defense: 717
Durability: 90 of 90
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 97
Fingerprint: 0xaedc0cf2
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+194% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 10
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
110% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
Repairs 1 Durability in 5 Seconds
+60 Maximum Durability
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz

Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%

Call to Arms
War Scepter
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 38 - 64
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xe6c8883
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
282% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Fanaticism (Paladin Only)
+2 to Fist of the Heavens (Paladin Only)
+2 to Vigor (Paladin Only)
+6 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

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
Heraldic Shield
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 24
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 40
Fingerprint: 0x70d84374
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+29% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+90 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +27
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

Spirit
Akaran Rondache
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 121
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 24 of 30
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 59
Fingerprint: 0x1efd41ef
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+108 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +45
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+8 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

Heart of the Oak
Superior Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 26
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x29027f30
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
11% Enhanced Damage
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +39
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

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

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

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%

Inventory:
Code:
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x841e7f74
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x2f9c9d8e
Item Level: 28
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x12cfd0d0
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Key
Fingerprint: 0x1c869c8b
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xd58f99a9
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
148% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
31% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xc21e2b4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+6 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Venom
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2252cade
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
Adds 15 Poison Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x4ed259c1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +3

Crimson Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xa5eb43cd
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +3%

Garnet Large Charm of Life
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x9f59a682
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Life
Fire Resist +12%

Shimmering Large Charm of Burning
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0x8f247c23
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 5 - 9 Fire Damage
All Resistances +7

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x109b0ade
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xe94c1f29
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xc03d6ad2
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xfb3c45c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Amber Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x1c81d53f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +10%

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x25f790ea
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4

Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x739d1b88
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xb8680a31
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Merc:
Code:
Name:       Vikhyat
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 77049548
Level:      85
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   186/191
Dexterity:  150/155
HP:         1767/1767
Defense:    1302/2172
AR:         1913/470598

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

Delirium
Superior Demonhead
LemIstIo
Defense: 436
Durability: 10 of 20
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xe3ad7178
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+13% Enhanced Defense
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

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

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality

Treachery
Boneweave
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 434
Durability: 41 of 45
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 158
Fingerprint: 0xb1e77619
Item Level: 88
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

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%

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Insight
Cryptic Axe
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 118 - 498
Durability: 41 of 65
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 165
Required Dexterity: 103
Fingerprint: 0x10288223
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
232% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
245% 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
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill

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%

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Build and Gear Progression:

The build for a FoH pally was standard skill wise. Early levels I used one pointers such as holy fire, holy freeze, etc. until holy shock became available. Since holy shock was a synergy I pumped that until level 30 when FOH became available. After that I maxed FoH and conviction, followed by its two synergies holy shock and holy bolt. Spare skill points after that were dumped into holy shield for better blocking/defense. Stats once again, enough strength for gear, enough dex to maintain max block, rest into vitality, none in energy.

Gear for early leveling was a standard array of random set pieces that I usually throw together until level 15 when I could equip ravenclaw, after that I think I relied on cleglaws and other various items to carry me to level 30 at which point caster gear was equipped including spirit sword/shield, vmagi, peasant crown, and other exceptional pieces of equipment. Gear was eventually replaced as other items became available resulting in the end game setup you see above. The setup allows max block, max res (over maxed fire/lightning), some DR%, and a decent amount of magic find. Some changes would obviously be made if I were to ever get an enigma assembled to equip and hit the last fcr breakpoint. Without enigma, hitting the last fcr breakpoint was pretty unnecessary, other than firing off holy bolts one frame faster, which wasn’t worth the sacrifice in over stacked res/mf. Thanks to Fred for the CTA base, which ended up being much better than my previous CTA with +4 bo, and frozzzen for trading me the spirit base.

Questing and Gameplay:

Questing was done with Fred’s lightning sorc, ultimately he was going to get to an end game build that included infinity, but until then my high level conviction obviously helped his damage quite a lot. Unfortunately being a single target attack, that really only works its best on undead, I was at most times just a walking aura that would randomly snipe a monster here and there. There was a great discrepancy between the number of monsters fred killed and the number of monsters that I killed, except in Act 2 where pretty much everything is undead. The chaos sanctuary wasn’t too bad either since a large amount of monsters in there are also undead. In most other cases though his lightning or chain lightning would flatten the groups of enemies quicker than I ever could with a one second attack. General game play consisted of Fred teleporting around casting lightning, and me charging with vigor on the switch cta, finding a group of monsters, switch to conviction/foh, snipe away, and move to next group. No real significant problems other than some slight boredom as the setup I had was pretty much all around safe.

With all that being said, could I take this build through on its own? Probably not, it would take too much time for my patience to allow unless I could somehow remove the timer, or make every monster in the game undead. In terms of magic finding on my own though, this guy is good at both Mausoleum and Ancient Tunnels. Mausoleum is all undeads, and Tunnels is mostly undeads, and all the lightning immunes can be broken disregarding some unlucky combination of mods. Definitely much slower than a sorc, but much safer, and charge while not as fast as teleport, is still a pretty good substitute.

Interesting finds:

Nothing too amazing that I recall, I have a screen shot of Fred’s forge which was a fail rune. I don’t think we went back to do mine at the time. I did find a legendary mallet in one of my attempted AT runs, but it ended up being stone crusher so I was disappointed, but still a grailer.

Future Plans:

Mausoleum and Ancient Tunnel runs every now and again, also some chaos/baal runs with the MP crew if it ever comes up. While not as fast as a sorc in either of the two major magic find areas, it’s definitely a good change of pace (although the build is still hipster, I’m pretty sure it’s the singer barb of the paladin class that will never catch on quite as well).

Screenshots for your enjoyment:

I have a lot for some reason:

Crazy AR – Normal, Lightning! – Hell, RoF – Hell, Rof #2 – Hell, Chaos Sanc – Hell, Diablo – Hell, Frozen River – Hell, Frozen River #2 – Hell, Frozen River #3 – Hell, Frozen River #4 – Hell, Ancients – Hell, Ancients #2 – Hell, WSK – Hell, WSK #2 – Hell, Throne – Hell, Baal – Hell, Baal #2 – Hell, Baal Drop – Hell, The End, Crazy AT Map (had 4 shrines in it, thought it was kind of cool)

Thanks for reading!
 
Originally posted by @Pyrotechnician on Jan 6, 2016:

Guardian Phavenger - Griswold Min Damage Avenger

Ok, this one is long overdue. Finished at the beginning of August, never did a write up, and its one that deserves one. I’d like to dedicate this one to Pharphis and his generosity shown through his 1.07 gear giveaway.

Guardian Phavenger

This is a Minimum Damage gear oriented Vengeance Paladin that uses full Griswold set. It’s one of the many things I’ve wanted to complete in single player after reading up about Asmodeous’ Min damage avenger that boasted a 6k damage 8 frame attack, and with Phar’s giveaway it was possible, although I still haven’t quite reached those numbers…..He uses the many sockets of the set for as many min damage jewels as possible, and fills the inventory with the best min damage charms possible. I played through with CDM’s Enchantress and his son’s Fanaticism Zealot.

Link to CDM’s Guard Thread:
Guardian MissTaken - Static/Ranged Enchantress

Link to Asmodeous’ Avenger Guide:
The Avenger guide for V1.11.

Full sets never display right, some numbers have a parenthesis next to them to show true numbers for the important ones.

Stats/Skills, #2, #3:
Code:
Name:       Phavenger
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 989725390
Level:      84

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   75/130 (150)
Dexterity:  85/114 (144)
Vitality:   335/345
Energy:     15/20
HP:         1211/1463 (1643)
Mana:       139/179
Stamina:    482/497
Defense:    21/1928
AR:         410/741

Fire:       175/135/75 (125)
Cold:       125/85/25 (75)
Lightning:  130/90/30 (80)
Poison:     131/91/31 (81)

MF:         65       Block:      40
GF:         0
FR/W:       37
FHR:        0 (30)
IAS:        120
FCR:        0

Sacrifice: 1/5
Smite: 0/0
Holy Bolt: 0/0
Zeal: 1/5
Charge: 0/0
Vengeance: 18/22 (25)
Blessed Hammer: 0/0
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 0/0
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/3
Holy Fire: 1/3
Thorns: 1/3
Blessed Aim: 0/0
Concentration: 0/0
Holy Freeze: 1/3
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 1/3
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 20/22 (25)

Prayer: 0/0
Resist Fire: 10/12 (25)
Defiance: 0/0
Resist Cold: 20/22 (25)
Cleansing: 0/0
Resist Lightning: 20/22 (25)
Vigor: 0/0
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 0/0
Salvation: 0/0

Gear:
Code:
War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 136
Durability: 48 of 48
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xed6d10d6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+184% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 9
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability

Griswold's Heart
Ornate Plate
Defense: 949
Durability: 59 of 60
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 14
Fingerprint: 0x6e82d847
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+30 to Minimum Damage
+500 Defense
+20 to Strength
+15 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -40%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Bliss
Socketed: Chestnut Jewel of Bliss
Socketed: Jewel of Bliss

(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Paladin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+200 to Attack Rating
+150 to Life
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%

Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x3b47f17b
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Minimum Damage

Chestnut Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x9bd6fa6f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Minimum Damage
+15 Maximum Stamina

Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x2eaa55b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Minimum Damage

Stone Noose
Amulet
Required Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0xdd58e466
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
Adds 1 - 5 Fire Damage
+24 to Strength
All Resistances +13
Lightning Resist +5%

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 104
Durability: 21 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xdcf7610a
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Life stolen per hit
+156% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
+10 Maximum Durability

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x14ed4e5d
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+186 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

Storm Gyre
Ring
Required Level: 73
Fingerprint: 0x636ce529
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Minimum Damage
4% Mana stolen per hit
3% Life stolen per hit
+1 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+17 to Life
All Resistances +10

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 86
Durability: 11 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x3036562e
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%

Griswold's Valor
Corona
Defense: 272
Durability: 49 of 50
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 14
Fingerprint: 0x7fed0216
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+26 to Minimum Damage
Adds 1 - 45 Lightning Damage
Adds 20 Poison Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
+64% Enhanced Defense
+6 to Life
All Resistances +5
Poison Resist +6%
+21 Absorbs Cold Damage (Based on Character Level)
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Requirements -40%
Set (2 items): +2 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Beast Scarab
Socketed: Eagle Whorl

(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Paladin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+200 to Attack Rating
+150 to Life
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%

Beast Scarab
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xff3b7456
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Minimum Damage
Adds 1 - 45 Lightning Damage
Poison Resist +6%

Eagle Whorl
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xd58c6400
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Minimum Damage
Adds 20 Poison Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
+6 to Life

Honor
War Scepter
AmnElIthTirSol
One Hand Damage: 35 - 53
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 27
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x6a5ef91f
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
+1 to All Skills
160% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
+250 to Attack Rating
+150% Damage to Undead
7% Life stolen per hit
25% Deadly Strike
+3 to Holy Shield (Paladin Only)
+10 to Strength
Replenish Life +10
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+1 to Light Radius
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Sol 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

El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius

Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Spirit
Superior Crown Shield
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 45
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 68 of 68
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0xb84f2d9c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+32% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+11% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+104 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +41
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+6 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Increase Maximum Durability 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

Griswold's Redemption
Caduceus
One Hand Damage: 12400 - 14449
Durability: 42 of 70
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 33
Required Dexterity: 24
Fingerprint: 0x2277a146
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+100% Increased Attack Speed
220% Enhanced Damage
+350% Damage to Undead
Requirements -20%
Set (2 items): +2 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
Set (3 items): Adds 10 - 20 Damage
Set (4 items): Adds 10 - 20 Damage
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune

(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Paladin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+200 to Attack Rating
+150 to Life
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

Griswold's Honor
Vortex Shield
Defense: 308
Chance to Block: 39
Durability: 90 of 90
Required Level: 68
Required Strength: 148
Fingerprint: 0x2e13c16
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+105% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
+108 Defense
All Resistances +67
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune

(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Paladin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+200 to Attack Rating
+150 to Life
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

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%

Inventory:
Code:
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0xaea54d6c
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xeb747b9f
Item Level: 8
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xd3c2a34
Item Level: 8
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Bloody Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x23a5ed61
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+7% Faster Run/Walk
+10 to Minimum Damage

Bloody Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x4699e1fe
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+11 to Minimum Damage
+36 to Life

Bloody Large Charm of Inertia
Large Charm
Required Level: 47
Fingerprint: 0x42f0f670
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+5% Faster Run/Walk
+6 to Minimum Damage

Bloody Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x737cb3ed
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+3 to Minimum Damage

Bloody Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x4e183e0d
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+3 to Minimum Damage
+20 to Life

Bloody Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x129feb3d
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion
+3 to Minimum Damage
+20 to Life

Bloody Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x7e44810f
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion
+3 to Minimum Damage
+15 to Life

Bloody Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x3511d454
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+3 to Minimum Damage
+16 to Life

Sanguinary Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x7e24c846
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+2 to Minimum Damage
+19 to Life

Bloody Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x6f660005
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+10 to Minimum Damage

Bloody Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x48dd4ecb
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+10 to Minimum Damage
+12 to Life

Bloody Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x5ee1d6af
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+10 to Minimum Damage
+5 to Dexterity

Bloody Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x2a8debe8
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+11 to Minimum Damage
+5 to Dexterity

Bloody Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x70bdf858
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+10 to Minimum Damage
+36 to Life

Bloody Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x4520a1b5
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+3 to Minimum Damage
+19 to Life

Bloody Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x74fcb8b2
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+3 to Minimum Damage
+18 to Life

Bloody Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x11ff67dd
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+3 to Minimum Damage
+18 to Life

Merc:
Code:
Name:       Pratham
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 66954766
Level:      81
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   179/189
Dexterity:  144/164
HP:         1607/1607
Defense:    1189/1980
AR:         1865/39165

Fire:       145/105/45
Cold:       175/135/75
Lightning:  145/105/45
Poison:    145/105/45

Treachery
Wire Fleece
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 387
Durability: 31 of 32
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x8a6a0ab1
Item Level: 79
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

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%

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Delirium
Demonhead
LemIstIo
Defense: 404
Durability: 16 of 20
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x813b76f0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

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

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality

Rift
Thresher
HelKoLemGul
Two Hand Damage: 27 - 316
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 87
Fingerprint: 0x5d830094
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
20% Chance to cast level 16 Tornado on striking
16% Chance to cast level 21 Frozen Orb on attack
50% Enhanced Damage
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 160 - 250 Magic Damage
Adds 60 - 180 Fire Damage
All Stats +10
+10 to Dexterity
38% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Level 15 Iron Maiden (40/40 Charges)
Requirements -20%
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Gul 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

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Gul Rune
Required Level: 53
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Bonus to Attack Rating
Armor: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist

Build and Gear Progression:

Being a Vengeance paladin, the skills needed are straightforward but skill points are stretched pretty thin. I put one point in relevant skills and used the progression of holy skills until conviction became available. I actually skipped the points needed for holy shield and equipped a 1.07 scepter with holy shield on it so I could get the most out of the build as possible. I jumped around a lot on the skill points throughout the leveling process. I focused on maxing conviction first for the most part for team friendly play and the nice fire damage boost from CDM’s enchantress allowed doing that rather than working on damage skills first. I mostly split points between vengeance, resist cold, and resist lightning for most of the game and focusing on resist fire last, resist fire being last since I was already getting a big fire damage boost from cdm, and most immune monsters in hell are fire immune.

Stats are the same as always, except on a paladin I always go for max block obviously, so it was enough strength for gear, enough dex for max block with holy shield, the rest to vitality.

Gear selection, for early leveling, the usual pick of random set pieces, including cleglaws, hsaurus’, angelics, khalim’s will. Early leveling gear was switched into other items as they became available. I remember using bonesnap maul for quite some time. Although it was slow, it hit pretty hard with only a couple points in vengeance, especially in normal mode where you can usually take a couple hits before you are in any real danger. I remember switching over to a butcher’s pupil and then oath before finally settling into using the Gris weapon. Other gear I remember using spirit and hoz before gris shield, shaftstop before Gris armor, and blackhorns before Gris Helm. I probably switched into and out of some other pieces before the end game gear seen above was equipped but that is the majority of it. As far as the end game gear above, it is a pretty good setup, my stats end up near (over)maxed res, with an 4.5k 8 frame attack and some DR%. I even have 1 frame block with holy shield, although I really don’t know if it does anything other than being able to say I have 1 frame block. I’m currently using a 3 socket weapon with shaels in it because my only 4 socket weapon has the absolute minimum ED% on it. The area where this guy has room for improvement is definitely the jewels, and the weapon. The only piece I’m truly happy with is the helm and I will probably end up redoing what is in the set pieces at some point when I have the fancy ias/min and min/ed jewels I need for it. Merc I ended up with a rift polearm and delirium, delirium for safety, rift because conviction + frozen orbs does some decent damage, and the other usual choices (insight/reapers) were covered already by the group.

Questing and Gameplay:

This one was played together with cdm and his son. Goldtru was there for the first game, but after that we sped along without her (sorry Gold), and I think we went from start to guardian in about 2 weeks which is pretty darn good for us. Cdm played as a ranged enchantress with static field backup, and his son went from a ranger paladin to a fanaticism zealot. Overall the questing was great, and an awful lot of fun. It was smooth sailing and went pretty fast. Cdm’s static and enchant were great support (the exploding arrows helped too), his son made a great speed killing tank, and I supported with conviction with a decent single target attack. Truthfully, his son probably did the most killing, but it was still pretty even for group play, and the builds suited each other nicely. The fanaticism made ias a secondary focus, enchant gave us all a great elemental damage boost, and conviction increased that damage even more.

Gameplay for an avenger isn’t complicated though, cast holy shield, run in and swing, but don’t get surrounded and everything works out pretty well. Finished somewhere around Level 81 or 82 due to lower player settings used at times. I don’t remember what setting we used for most of the game but I know we switched between P3/P5/P8 throughout. Gained a couple more levels through baal runs to even out the skills. Many more skills are needed to reach full potential (32 which is impossible) I’d settle for 12 to reach max fire res and vengeance, but that would put me to level 96 and even that is a little steep for me and my short attention span.

Interesting finds:

A Gul rune from hell forge which was nice. Hell Meph dropped a Gheeds which is always useful. Other than that I don’t remember anything particularly exciting.

Future Plans:

More leveling to see if I can reach that amazing 6k 8fpa number that Asmo said he was able to hit. That and un-socketing/re-socketing better min damage jewels if/when I ever get them.

Screenshots for your enjoyment:

(There are a lot of them)

Andy – Normal, Duriel – Normal, Meph – Normal, Diablo – Normal, Ancients – Normal, Baal Drop – Normal, Duriel – NM, Meph – NM, Diablo – NM, Ancients – NM, Baal – NM, Baal Drop – NM, Andy – Hell, Andy Drop – Hell, Duriel – Hell, Duriel Drop – Hell, Meph – Hell, Meph Drop – Hell, Chaos Sanctuary – Hell, Diablo – Hell, Diablo Drop – Hell, Ancients – Hell, Baal Minions – Hell, Baal Minions #2 – Hell, Baal – Hell, Baal #2 – Hell, Baal Drop – Hell, The End, Where is the Portal?

Thanks for reading!

Tagging @pharphis so he reads this, and give him more thanks for the 1.07 charms.
Tagging @Asmodeous to give him credit where credit is due for his posts on Gris avengers (although its been forever since he has made a post)
 
  • Like
Reactions: pharphis
Originally posted by Agguh on Oct 12, 2017:

Guardian Angel - Hardcore Naked Paladin

Hello :)
I managed to beat the game in Hardcore Single Player with a Paladin without using any items on him or his mercenary at all.
That is called Naked Challenge. I know people who completed the game like that with an assassin, druid, necromancer and sorceress.
As far as I know noone has ever done it with paladin. To be honest, I never though that paladin is possible at all.
With no summons and no crowd control skills how are you supposed to survive in hell?
I used holyfire zeal in first 3 acts of normal and then switched to hammerman and sticked to it all the way to the end.
This was by far the hardest and most stressful thing I've ever done in this game.
I streamed all of this walkthrough on my twitch channel. The video shows hell part only.
Funny thing is, in nightmare I had 5hp and 14hp close calls, so this video might have never happened!
Enjoy :)

Rules:
SP Hardcore
No items, no charms
All quests, all waypoints
All cow kings
No 20 life potions
No resistance scrolls
Naked act 3 merc

 
Originally posted by ChrisTheMean on Jun 15, 2010:

Guardian Diddly: Conviction Procalot

Diddly

Here is my 4th Guardian, Diddly, a conviction procalot. I find conviction to be a great all around aura, and I like the idea of vengance, but single click-single attack is just abit slow. He instead used Zeal as a main attack and focused on using as many elemental procs and charms as possible. The result was my most fun Guardian so far. I would almost say overpowered, if not for a bit of a lack of durability. There is nowhere he really shines, nor are there any real weaknesses other than being abit vulnerable to doll explosions if charged while zealing.
He started his career as a normal zealot using might, then holy freeze until conviction was available. At that point, he started using weapons with lots of elemental damage or procs: first a 'Kings Grace' dimensional blade, then Coldkill, and Baezil's Vortex. At level 38 he picked up a Titmat's Rebuke shield, which adds tonnes of elemental damage and 'when struck' procs, and only took it off once to have it socketed. At level 54 he was able to use his end game weapon, a 'voice of reason' phaseblade, which delivers massive very reliable cold skill procs. This weapon had been tried out by my frenzy barb, but it dosen't work well for him due to the casting delay after the spells. However, as Zeal is uninteruptable, it was only noticable if orb proc'ed on the last zeal hit. At level 65, I made for him a very nice 'Dream' helmet thanks to my HC runehunters. Now he had a healthy lvl 15 holy shock aura, and I started putting remaining points into resist light for the synergy. His only main drawback in an inability to leech much, as the majority of the damage is elemental. With 12% LL and 8 mana per kill, he has to drink reds once in a while.
His merc was prayer, then holy freeze. At this point he uses obedience, 'treachery' and tals mask with a junk 'die' poison facet. At the moment, I'm seeing that death poison nova a bit too often, so he will probably be reconfigured at some point.


Total procs from all gear:

18% Chance to cast level 20 Ice Blast on striking
15% Chance to cast level 13 Frozen Orb on striking
2% Chance to cast level 4 Meteor on striking
4% Chance to cast level 12 Firestorm on striking
5% Chance to cast level 9 Frost Nova when struck
5% Chance to cast level 7 Nova when struck
3% Chance to cast level 6 Hydra when struck
10% Chance to cast level 3 Charged Bolt when struck
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck


His stats:

LCS
Strength: 109/136
Dexterity: 123/158
Vitality: 248/263
Energy: 15/20
HP: 942/1049
Mana: 133/246
Stamina: 391/391
Defense: 30/2066 (actually about 10k with HS active)
AR: 600/1066 (zeal AR is around 2k which is plenty with conviction)

Fire: 75
Cold: 75
Lightning: 84 (max raised by passive bonus from resist light)
Poison: 65

Block: 42 (75 with holy shield)
FR/W: 33
FHR: 25

Skills
Sacrifice: 12/14
Zeal: 8/10
Holy Shield: 20/22 (buffs to 26 with spirit/spirit)
Conviction: 20/23
Resist Lightning: 18/23
Cleansing: 1/6
Vigor: 1/6

The Gear:
Code:
Voice of Reason
Phase Blade
LemKoElEld
One Hand Damage: 31 - 35
Indestructible
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Fingerprint: 0x5e2ece26
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
18% Chance to cast level 20 Ice Blast on striking
15% Chance to cast level 13 Frozen Orb on striking
+50 to Attack Rating
+254% Damage to Demons
+374% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Adds 100 - 220 Cold Damage Over 6 Secs (145 Frames)
-24% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+10 to Dexterity
Cannot Be Frozen
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
+1 to Light Radius
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune

Tiamat's Rebuke
Dragon Shield
Defense: 172
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 116 of 116
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0xb4c3a7ad
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 9 Frost Nova when struck
5% Chance to cast level 7 Nova when struck
3% Chance to cast level 6 Hydra when struck
Adds 35 - 95 Fire Damage
Adds 1 - 120 Lightning Damage
Adds 27 - 53 Cold Damage Over 6 Secs (150 Frames)
+153% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +54
+40 Maximum Durability
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 111
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x65d21b1c
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Life stolen per hit
+177% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 10%
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
+10 Maximum Durability

Silkweave
Mesh Boots
Defense: 126
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0xef59af0d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+182% Enhanced Defense
+200 Defense vs. Missile
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
+5 to Mana after each Kill

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xec3975f3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+241 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Beast Spiral
Ring
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x2fb0f10e
Item Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Charged Bolt when struck
+4 to Maximum Damage
6% Life stolen per hit
Cold Resist +29%
All Resistances +7

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x7ebe87fc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +26

Dream
Demonhead
IoJahPul
Defense: 400
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x1489d09b
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+25% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+216 Defense
+10 to Vitality
Increase Maximum Life 5%
+50 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +14
20% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune

Hellmouth
War Gauntlets
Defense: 150
Durability: 39 of 39
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0x6c1fd760
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
2% Chance to cast level 4 Meteor on striking
4% Chance to cast level 12 Firestorm on striking
Adds 15 - 72 Fire Damage
+179% Enhanced Defense
+15 Fire Absorb
+15 Maximum Durability

Griswold's Heart
Ornate Plate
Defense: 942
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 62
Fingerprint: 0x815bb2b2
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+4 to Minimum Damage
Adds 2 - 102 Lightning Damage
Adds 4 - 15 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+500 Defense
+20 to Strength
Lightning Resist +27%
Fire Resist +21%
+3 to Mana after each Kill
Requirements -40%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Ghoul Talisman
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Lightning
Socketed: Aureolic Jewel of the Icicle

Spirit (switch)
Dimensional Blade
TalThulOrtAmn
One Hand Damage: 13 - 35
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 85
Required Dexterity: 60
Fingerprint: 0x810901a4
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+31% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+94 to Mana
+7 Magic Absorb
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Spirit (switch)
Sacred Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 126
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 45 of 45
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0xde5a869f
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+32% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+107 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +38
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


Mercenary:

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 118
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xd122d071
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 51 Poison Nova when you Die
Adds 37 Poison Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
10% Mana stolen per hit
-5% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+3% to Poison Skill Damage
10% Life stolen per hit
+45 Defense
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
All Resistances +15
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Treachery
Dusk Shroud
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 395
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x89633bbf
Item Level: 83
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Obedience
Cryptic Axe
HelKoThulEthFal
Two Hand Damage: 155 - 705
Durability: 57 of 65
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 132
Required Dexterity: 83
Fingerprint: 0xdb995593
Item Level: 85
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
+203 Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
All Resistances +20
Requirements -20%
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune

I will likely make him a 'dream' shield too once I find a nice base and another Pul. I already have the other Jah needed. I will also probably change the body armor once I find something better. I have another griswold's, and I was toying with the idea of jamming two lightning facets in there, but I'm not sure yet.

And all the elemental charms he could scrounge:

Code:
Captain's Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x8987b99b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+26 to Life

Snowy Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb08bc662
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 3 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
+18 to Life

Serpent's Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xa2f2255e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 24 Lightning Damage
+16 to Mana

Emerald Large Charm of Sustenance
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x407dd94e
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
Poison Resist +15%

Ruby Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x151ee6d1
Item Level: 56
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +10%

Lizard's Small Charm of Incineration
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x60ce41cc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 5 - 13 Fire Damage
+7 to Mana

Boreal Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x8820095f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 7 - 14 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)

Arcing Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xb39059b6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 36 Lightning Damage
3% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Amber Small Charm of Thunder
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xfe466766
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 18 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +11%

Shimmering Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x2f9b8922
Item Level: 22
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +11

Shocking Large Charm of Life
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x969796ff
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 69 Lightning Damage
+14 to Life

Arcing Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xb37035a0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 37 Lightning Damage

Preserver's Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x70ffb73f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+33 to Life

Smoking Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0x9c0241e5
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 4 - 15 Fire Damage
+2 to Strength

Shimmering Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0x516ceb09
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +8

The photo album:
Trying out 'voice of reason' for the first time
Among this chaos, Izual decided to show up
This guy killed my moron twice!
These guys more or less melted


I will probably use Diddly as a dedicated WSK and Baal runner, as I don't have one. I currently have a lvl91 Frenzier for Trav, and a full ES/TK sorc that has been slumming around Kurast and the tower, so he should fill a nice niche in my HC world. Thanks for reading!
 
Originally posted by DeathMaster on Apr 6, 2008:

Champaign of the dark side of the force - Guardian DarthVader

http://img339.imageshack.us/my.php?image=darthvaderdh7.jpg

Lord Vader, the Champaign of the dark side of the force.

This is not your traditional cheesy din of any kind. He is rather fun build that requires a little bit more strategies play.

NDE: there are a few NDE, evenly across normal, NM, and hell.

Game play:

Normal is straight forward, P8 full clean, anything on his way fell to his "lightsabre" (aka a sword). Only trouble is dolls and OKs. Merc handled OKs, and Lord Vader himself had to tank dolls (first NDE). The problem at this stage is the merc. I started with planned fire arrow (aka Stormtrooper). However, the performance of stormtrooper is so poor, that I had to choke her. Start from A5, Lord Vader asked the empire to send one of his imperial guard over. Once the imperial guard (aka A2 defence) arrived, the quest became much easier. The advantage A2 merc over A1 is huge for underpowered build, A2 merc tanks for you, A1 merc runs away. There is only one punishment for running away solider - DEATH.

NM is getting interesting. P8 full clean became a little harder for certain area, and boss packs can do amazing amount of damage for this build. The turning point is lvl54, when the first real "lightsabre" (aka Lawbringer PB) can be used. undead became easy target, and no more possible doll troubles. CtC decrepify is a great power of the force. lvl58, DarthVader's Lightsabre became available, the CtC does great graphics effect (force lightning alike), and some damages.

Hell is harder than standard "cheesy" build. Tried P4 first, but had to drop to P3 for fear of deed. Starting from CS, I dropped down to P1 (diablo killed at P3). CtC from lightsabre becomes a pure graphics effect. And most of time it is better to use lawbringer. Melee also became non-preferred in some areas, and against many boss packs. FoH (aka force lightning) was preferred way to deal with the enemy of the empire. Hell ancients were easy, first try, no reroll, zeal with lawbrigner, they went down in no time. To just feel right, I used one potion. WSK was much harder to clear, but once I cleared the way to baal, make him guardian is dead easy, hold down left mouse button and wait for baal to die.


Status:
Strength 110
Energy 15
Dexterity 99
Vitality 306

Skills:

Force Lightning: 20 FoH, 20 HS
other force power: 20 conviction, sanctuary and decrepify from lawbringer
Lighsabre skill: 4 zeal, 14 sacrifice
Technological power: 4 holy shield (energy shield as seen in the clone war cartoon)
Unused skill points 5, was planned for getting redemption, but I never find a good reason to use it and it is not that useful for this build anyway.

Gears:

Gore Rider - War Boots

Stone Fist
Sharkskin Gloves
Defense: 75
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 57
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x8ced2040
+19 to Life
+89% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +24%
3% Life stolen per hit
22% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
20% Increased Attack Speed
6% Chance of Crushing Blow

Guillaume's Face - Winged Helm
socketed with
Ruby Jewel of the Glacier
Required Level: 50
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0x1c488707
Fire Resist +28%
Adds 5-15 cold damage over 2 seconds

Guardian Angel - Templar Coat
socketed with
Scintillating Jewel
Required Level: 26
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x9573e084
All Resistances +14

Belt was SoE, later changed to this:

Verdungo's Hearty Cord
Mithril Coil
Defense: 153
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Strength: 106
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xa861ad34
+36 to Vitality
+109 to Maximum Stamina
+132% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 14%
Replenish Life +10
10% Faster Hit Recovery

Mara's Kaleidoscope - Amulet

Raven Frost - Ring

Raven Frost - Ring

Weapon switch 1:
Lawbringer - Phase Blade
Spirit - Sacred Targe

Weapon swith 2:
DarthVader's Lightsabre - Phase Blade
socketed with Amn
Spirit - Sacred Targe


Mercenary gears :

Duress - Wire Fleece
'ShaelUmThul'
Defense: 3159
Durability: 17 of 17
Required Strength: 101
Required Level: 53
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xdb53eb7c
+195% Enhanced Defense
+20% Enhanced Damage
Fire Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Cold Resist +45%
Poison Resist +15%
Adds 37-133 cold damage over 2 seconds
40% Faster Hit Recovery
33% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (3: 3 used)

Vampire Gaze - Grim Helm
socketed with
Shimmering Jewel
Required Level: 12
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x73dd2c3
All Resistances +10

Insight - Great Poleaxe (eth)
 
Originally posted by Dezrok on Dec 23, 2013:

Guardian VeeFour - Fire Ranger/Avenger Paladin

A Christmas Guardian.

Guardian VeeFour was plenty of fun to play. Kuko Shakaku's Exploding Arrows combined with Holy Fire aura to give a ranged AoE attack that cleaned up pretty much everything that wasn't fire immune and then Vengeance/Conviction with Obedience for dealing with those pesky FIs and for taking down Bosses.


Twinked (poor man style), two-handed, players 5 for Normal and Nightmare, p1 for Hell. An Act 1 Ice Rogue for something different and to allow Vigor aura from Harmony to keep things moving.


Stats:
Code:
Name:       VeeFour
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 928518845
Level:      83


            Naked/Gear
Strength:   122/123 (133 on switch)
Dexterity:  171/188 (198 on switch)
Vitality:   202/217
Energy:     15/15
HP:         810/976
Mana:       138/178
Stamina:    348/348
Defense:    42/897 (1150 on switch)
AR:         840/1106 (3699 on switch) / (3318 and 6011 with Enchant)


Fire:       178/138/78 (85 on switch)
Cold:       149/109/49 (72 on switch)
Lightning:  171/131/71 (76 on switch)
Poison:     86/46/-14  (9 on switch)


Damage:     Bow 718-1321 (1097-1742 with Enchant)
            Obedience 600-6988 (979-7379 with Enchant)


MF:         38       Block:      31
GF:         183
FR/W:       40
FHR:        50
IAS:        100
FCR:        0

LCS with Bow and Enchant
LCS with Obedience and Enchant


Skills:
Code:
Sacrifice: 1/2
Smite: 0/0
Holy Bolt: 0/0
Zeal: 1/2
Charge: 0/0
Vengeance: 20/21
Blessed Hammer: 0/0
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 0/0
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0


Might: 1/2
Holy Fire: 20/21
Thorns: 1/2
Blessed Aim: 0/0
Concentration: 0/0
Holy Freeze: 1/2
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 1/2
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 20/21


Prayer: 1/2
Resist Fire: 20/21
Defiance: 1/2
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 1/2
Resist Lightning: 3/4
Vigor: 1/2
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 1/2
Salvation: 0/0


Gear:
Code:
VeeFour's Kuko Shakaku
Shadow Bow
Two Hand Damage: 37 - 148
Durability: 15 of 28
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 52
Required Dexterity: 188
Fingerprint: 0xf304d93d
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
Fires Explosive Arrows or Bolts
Piercing Attack
151% Enhanced Damage
Adds 40 - 180 Fire Damage
+3 to Immolation Arrow (Amazon Only)
Knockback
Required Level +7
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Nef Rune


VeeFour's Obedience
Thresher
HelKoThulEthFal
Two Hand Damage: 56 - 662
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 122
Required Dexterity: 95
Fingerprint: 0xda03ffe6
Item Level: 82
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
+251 Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
All Resistances +23
Requirements -20%
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune


Rockstopper
Sallet
Defense: 178
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x6d730d98
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+183% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Vitality
Cold Resist +34%
Lightning Resist +31%
Fire Resist +40%
Damage Reduced by 10%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Camphor Jewel of Fervor


Camphor Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xf379b49
Item Level: 44
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
Lightning Resist +8%


Treachery
Scarab Husk
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 467
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x5b871241
Item Level: 85
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune


Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 87
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x5d6a6909
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%


String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 110
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xbfe1c876
Item Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Life stolen per hit
+173% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 14%
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
+10 Maximum Durability


Stone Tread
Heavy Boots
Defense: 8
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 18
Fingerprint: 0xea1f898a
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+23% Enhanced Defense
Cold Resist +18%
Fire Resist +33%


Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x2bcd986f
Item Level: 78
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
31% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15


Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xa328ad5b
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+150 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+17 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen


Bitter Gyre
Ring
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x13981755
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Attack Rating
4% Mana stolen per hit
4% Life stolen per hit
+1 to Strength
Cold Resist +26%
Lightning Resist +16%


Charms:
Code:
Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xd9ab49e8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
133% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 10%
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Shimmering Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0x3205858f
Item Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7% Faster Run/Walk
All Resistances +8


Amber Grand Charm of Storms
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xaad8980c
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 27 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +28%


Emerald Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x55e3046c
Item Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Poison Resist +30%


Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x37c5a26f
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +3


Jade Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x84ac2558
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Poison Resist +8%


Coral Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xd0a40f26
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +9%


Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xe7052767
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Snowy Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xc8118970
Item Level: 46
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 3 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Tangerine Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xa3d1f66
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +5%
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Garnet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd6a557ad
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +8%


Ocher Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0xd5ec6aac
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Life
Lightning Resist +6%


Viridian Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0xa881c347
Item Level: 28
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Poison Resist +7%


Iron Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x29a377f
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Attack Rating
+19 to Life


Snowy Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4b8cfd08
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 3 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
+18 to Life


Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xaef6e671
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life


Russet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0x7c460119
Item Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Fire Resist +6%


Mercenary:
Code:
Name:       Raissa
Race:       Rogue Scout
Type:       Ice - Normal
Experience: 60766198
Level:      83
Dead?:      false


            Naked/Gear
Strength:   136/136
Dexterity:  205/215
HP:         1380/1380
Defense:    1147/1857
AR:         2212/2212


Fire:       141/101/41
Cold:       171/131/71
Lightning:  156/116/56
Poison:    141/101/41


Harmony
Blade Bow
TirIthSolKo
Two Hand Damage: 79 - 146
Durability: 16 of 32
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 76
Required Dexterity: 119
Fingerprint: 0xc1a4a78e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped
235% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Fire Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Lightning Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (104 Frames)
+6 to Valkyrie
+10 to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana 20%
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+2 to Light Radius
Level 20 Revive (25/25 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune


Treachery
Dusk Shroud
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 444
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x191b6652
Item Level: 76
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune


Blackhorn's Face
Death Mask
Defense: 266
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x304f8e37
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
Prevent Monster Heal
Slows Target by 20%
+206% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +15%
+20 Lightning Absorb
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 25
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Fervor


Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x2adc7835
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed


As I've already mentioned, this was fun. Ranged AoE stops the Paladin from having to plod through much of the game. Exploding Arrows and Holy Fire take care of almost everything except Act Bosses in Normal and NM. Vengeance gets increasingly used throughout Hell, until it is used almost exclusively in some parts of Acts 4 and 5 (depending on what monsters spawned).


Plenty of IAS was equipped to give good attack speeds for both VeeFour and the merc. 10fpa for Vengenace, the Exploding Arrows and for the merc.


Nothing was immune to VeeFour's attacks, nothing was immune to the merc's attacks either. With both of us raining death down upon the monsters, they generally didn't last long. Ranged attackers did cause us a few problems thanks to no shield, but you don't really need to worry about aiming too much with exploding arrows, so once I knew roughly where they were I could often move back out of their range and pepper from afar. Razor Spines and Vile Witches (and their kin) caused me the greatest grief (fast attacks and long range), caused more than a few merc deaths and took some careful dancing to take down if they were in large packs.


It was my first time to play a Rogue right through the game and I was pretty happy with her. Harmony gives her some great killing potential and the Vigor aura means we both race around happily. The slow from Blackhorn's Face changes the nature of Boss fights and the merc's tendency to target the closest monster meant that in general play a lot of monsters would end up slowed. Treachery gave plenty of IAS and Fade for resists, when it triggered.


(Of the Act 2 mercs I would normally have used, Blessed Aim would probably have been the most useful, but I'm not sure it would have been better than Vigor, that extra speed allowed VeeFour to get into great position for shooting and dodging and I really noticed the difference when the merc died and it was no longer there.)


With the merc aiming for the closest monster, I'd generally aim for ones further away, especially trying to take out any ranged attackers that were around. The merc was pretty good at picking off the close ones and killing them before they could attack VeeFour. Often if they did get too close, they would walk into VeeFour's line of fire anyway, and it was fairly rare that I would have to change target in self-defence.


Issues:
Life was a lot lower than I would have liked. Having to put points into both Strength and Dexterity meant there were just a lot less to go into Vitality, so hence less life. Halfway through Act 5 I swapped out some MF charms for an extra 100 life. I don't think I ever needed it, but it sure was nice having that extra breathing room.


Attack Rating. This sucked, the lowest I've Guardianed a non-caster with I think. I didn't want to swap Highlord's for Angelics, so that usual source of AR wasn't an option. Enchant from Obedience was essential (and the extra fire damage was nice too). The explosion from exploding arrows hits anyway, but if you want to pierce and get multiple overlapping explosions to really cause carnage, then you have to hit. This wasn't happening all that much. On switch, Vengeance and Enchant combined to give an adequate but still not great chance of hitting.


Resists. Once Fade from Treachery kicked in they were fine. I'm still getting used to Treachery, so wasn't willing to leave them low and rely on Fade, and I wanted the big IAS boost from Treachery, so didn't want to swap it out for an armour with good resists. Wielding Obedience with Fade active was massive overkill on the resists, but the bow and no Fade was just enough.


Kuko vs Demon Machine. Demon Machine looks pretty good on paper with higher physical damage, great bonus to AR, 66% pierce (Kuko has 50%) and only needing 8 IAS to reach 11fpa. However, Kuko can get to 10 fpa with 75 IAS (9fpa with 125) and has a nice amount of fire damage which transfers to the explosions. It is this extra fire damage that really makes it stand out and I needed the extra IAS for vengeance anyway.


Obedience vs anything else. I really wanted to use a fancier runeword on switch for Vengeance, particularly something like Oath with lots of IAS would have been nice. However, the Enchant from Obedience giving a big bonus to AR, as well as extra fire damage, was too good to pass up, particularly for what it did to the exploding arrows. I suppose I could have used Obedience until Enchant triggered and then switched to Oath or Death or whatever … but I really can't be bothered with that and Obedience did work just fine (perhaps more than just).


NDEs:
None really. Which was surprising given the low life he had throughout the game. Knockback on the bow worked great at keeping monsters away and I was pretty careful anywhere that there were ranged attackers.


Finds:
Gimmershred; Jade Talon; Lo rune;


Future Plans:
This is one I'll definitely come back to. He has a good AT map and while not ripping through the tunnels like a teleporting blizz-sorc, he gets through them without having any dramas. But any area, especially those without FIs, can be done pretty quickly and bosses are a breeze. Probably wont be doing lots of Trav runs though, or RoF or CS.


Also, if I ever find a Ber (and decide not to save it for Enigma), then I'd like to make Dragon rw armour so I can have both Holy Fire and Conviction running at the same time as the Exploding Arrows. That could be very exciting indeed! The 20 points from Holy Fire could then go into Salvation to synergise both HF and Vengeance, nice.
 
Originally posted by HappeningKT on Apr 9, 2010:

Guardian Zoro, Rift-Conviction Zealot

Finally first guardian in my D2 career. Introducing Guardian Zoro

ATMA dump :
Character name : zoro
Character type : Hardcore Paladin
Character level : 81
Character exp : 752184607

Strength : 98
Energy : 15
Dexterity : 100
Vitality : 277
Stat Points Rem : 0
Skill Points Rem: 0

Life : 679 / 1026
Mana : 105 / 134
Stamina : 481 / 421

Gold (Inventory): 58915
Gold (Stash) : 614699

Number of Items : 46

1: Tome of Identify
Quantity: 18

2: Flawless Emerald
Can be Inserted into Socketed Items

Weapons: +59 poison damage over 6 seconds
Helms: +8 to Dexterity
Armor: +8 to Dexterity
Shields: Poison Resist +28%

Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

3: Flawless Diamond
Can be Inserted into Socketed Items

Weapons: 54% Damage to Undead
Helms: +80 to Attack Rating
Armor: +80 to Attack Rating
Shields: All Resistances +14

Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

4: Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0xf3333622
+16 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+197 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

5: Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 154
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 110
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x7f7d5e99
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+191% Enhanced Defense
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Adds 1-50 lightning damage
+3 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only)
+3 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only)
+20 Lightning Absorb
5% Chance to cast Level 7 Fist of the Heavens when struck

6: Viper Grip
Ring
Required Level: 13
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0x589bf7f1
+1 to Strength
+2 to Minimum Damage
Lightning Resist +29%
Poison Resist +29%

7: Amber Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 22
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xa4baac23
Lightning Resist +28%

8: Ocher Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 7
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xab9122f8
Lightning Resist +18%

9: Shimmering Grand Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xe71006c0
+6 to Life
All Resistances +15

10: Amber Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 22
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x2c0ca258
Lightning Resist +29%

11: Coronet of Life Everlasting
'Sol'
Defense: 38
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x6472fdb2
Damage Reduced by 32
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Sol Rune
Inserted into a Coronet

Damage Reduced by 7

Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

12: Amulet of Life Everlasting
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xeeae2840
Damage Reduced by 23

13: Russet Small Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 19
Fingerprint: 0xc3ae418c
+1 to Strength
Fire Resist +6%

14: Amber Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x5c17c04b
Lightning Resist +10%

15: Russet Small Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0xf9362270
+1 to Strength
Fire Resist +7%

16: Small Charm of Greed
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x8ad969db
9% Extra Gold from Monsters

17: Key
Quantity: 12

18: Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 161
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Strength: 91
Required Level: 64
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x6cec1527
+10 to Strength
+12 to Vitality
+144% Enhanced Defense
Poison Resist +47%
20% Faster Run/Walk
20% Faster Hit Recovery
50% Slower Stamina Drain
+81 to Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
Repairs 1 durability in 20 seconds

19: Plague Grip
Heavy Gloves
Defense: 45
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 57
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x30e71142
+20 to Life
2% Life stolen per hit
57% Extra Gold from Monsters
20% Increased Attack Speed
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
+2 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
+40 to Defense (Based on Character Level)

20: Flawless Amethyst
Can be Inserted into Socketed Items

Weapons: +100 to Attack Rating
Helms: +8 to Strength
Armor: +8 to Strength
Shields: +24 Defense

Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

21: Russet Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 44
Fingerprint: 0xaa3d5ede
Fire Resist +6%

22: Garnet Large Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 18
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xab98502
Fire Resist +11%

23: Garnet Small Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 20
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x38d514cf
+1 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +8%

24: Amber Small Charm of Greed
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x788b085f
Lightning Resist +10%
10% Extra Gold from Monsters

25: Tome of Town Portal
Quantity: 12

26: Garnet Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 54
Fingerprint: 0x224b55c3
Fire Resist +24%

27: Flawless Amethyst
Can be Inserted into Socketed Items

Weapons: +100 to Attack Rating
Helms: +8 to Strength
Armor: +8 to Strength
Shields: +24 Defense

Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

28: Treachery
Dusk Shroud
'ShaelThulLem'
Defense: 428
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Strength: 77
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0xb6216d3c
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
45% Increased Attack Speed
20% Faster Hit Recovery
25% Chance to cast Level 15 Venom on striking
5% Chance to cast Level 15 Fade when struck
Socketed (3: 3 used)

Shael Rune
Inserted into a Dusk Shroud

20% Faster Hit Recovery

Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Thul Rune
Inserted into a Dusk Shroud

Cold Resist +30%

Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Lem Rune
Inserted into a Dusk Shroud

50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Required Level: 43
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

29: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

30: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

31: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

32: Horadric Cube

33: Flawless Ruby
Can be Inserted into Socketed Items

Weapons: Adds 10-16 fire damage
Helms: +31 to Life
Armor: +31 to Life
Shields: Fire Resist +28%

Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

34: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

35: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

36: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

37: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

38: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

39: Gimmershred
Flying Axe
Throw Damage: 43 to 189
One-Hand Damage: 48 to 186
Quantity: 240
Required Dexterity: 108
Required Strength: 88
Required Level: 70
Axe Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xc39ca64e
+187% Enhanced Damage
Adds 218-483 fire damage
Adds 29-501 lightning damage
Adds 176-397 cold damage over 4 seconds
30% Increased Attack Speed
Increased Stack Size

40: Full Rejuvenation Potion
Heals 100% Life and Mana

41: Super Mana Potion
Points: 150

42: Super Healing Potion
Points: 300

43: Super Healing Potion
Points: 300

44: Super Healing Potion
Points: 300

45: Rift
Caduceus
'HelKoLemGul'
One-Hand Damage: 37 to 43
Durability: 22 of 70
Required Dexterity: 56
Required Strength: 78
Required Level: 66
Mace Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0xaa6c723c
+8 to Strength
+8 to Energy
+18 to Dexterity
+8 to Vitality
Adds 60-180 fire damage
Adds 160-250 magic damage
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Requirements -20%
38% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
150% Damage to Undead
16% Chance to cast Level 21 Frozen Orb on attack
20% Chance to cast Level 16 Tornado on striking
Level 15 Iron Maiden (40/40 Charges)
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Hel Rune
Inserted into a Caduceus

Requirements -20%
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ko Rune
Inserted into a Caduceus

+10 to Dexterity

Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Lem Rune
Inserted into a Caduceus

75% Extra Gold from Monsters

Required Level: 43
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Gul Rune
Inserted into a Caduceus

20% Bonus to Attack Rating

Required Level: 53
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

46: Gerke's Sanctuary
Pavise
'Sol'
Defense: 224
Chance to Block: 84%
Smite Damage: 10 to 17
Durability: 172 of 172
Required Strength: 133
Required Level: 44
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xa22a61a2
+184% Enhanced Defense
+30% Increased Chance of Blocking
Damage Reduced by 22
Magic Damage Reduced by 18
All Resistances +29
+100 Maximum Durability
Replenish Life +15
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Sol Rune
Inserted into a Pavise

Damage Reduced by 7

Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Mercenary Items :

1: Duress
Great Hauberk
'ShaelUmThul'
Defense: 1013
Durability: 49 of 50
Required Strength: 118
Required Level: 56
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x58d586ef
+152% Enhanced Defense
+20% Enhanced Damage
Fire Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Cold Resist +45%
Poison Resist +15%
Adds 37-133 cold damage over 2 seconds
40% Faster Hit Recovery
33% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Socketed (3: 3 used)

Shael Rune
Inserted into a Great Hauberk

20% Faster Hit Recovery

Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Um Rune
Inserted into a Great Hauberk

All Resistances +15

Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Thul Rune
Inserted into a Great Hauberk

Cold Resist +30%

Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

2: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 119
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xe3bb2202
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
+45 Defense
All Resistances +15
10% Life stolen per hit
10% Mana stolen per hit
15% Increased Attack Speed
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Jewel of Fervor
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0xf60457fc
15% Increased Attack Speed

3: The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
'Amn'
Two-Hand Damage: 39 to 466
Durability: 58 of 65
Required Dexterity: 89
Required Strength: 114
Required Level: 75
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xe9845c20
+231% Enhanced Damage
Adds 4-44 cold damage over 1 seconds
18% Life stolen per hit
Requirements -25%
Ignore Target Defense
33% Deadly Strike
33% Chance to cast Level 1 Decrepify on striking
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Amn Rune
Inserted into a Thresher

7% Life stolen per hit

Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Summary :

Skills :


20 Conviction
20 Holy Shield
20 Defiance
8 Resist Lit
4 resist fire
4 Zeal
1 redemption
Rest in pre requisites

Gear :

Coronet of Life Everlasting(Sol)
Amulet of LE
Rift caddy
Treachery Dusk Shroud
Thundergod's Vigor
Sandstormtreks
Raven frost
29 lit resis, 29 poison resis ring
20 ias crafted blood gloves
Gerke's sanctuary(Sol)
Charms for resists (esp lit and fire)

Other details :

After my sorc found a Gul in HF, I made this :
Code:
Rift
Caduceus
'HelKoLemGul'
One-Hand Damage: 37 to 43
Durability: 22 of 70
Required Dexterity: 56
Required Strength: 78
Required Level: 66
Mace Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0xaa6c723c
+8 to Strength
+8 to Energy
+18 to Dexterity
+8 to Vitality
Adds 60-180 fire damage
Adds 160-250 magic damage
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Requirements -20%
38% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
150% Damage to Undead
16% Chance to cast Level 21 Frozen Orb on attack
20% Chance to cast Level 16 Tornado on striking
Level 15 Iron Maiden (40/40 Charges)
Socketed (4: 4 used)
[Not many choose caddy, right ? That was actually a mistake, I forgot rift has no ed. I mistook ed on VOR to rift. Probably I can cover this up in the name of style.]


->Very fun character, pretty strong and safe too.

->Normal and upto NM act 5 was as boring as any other melee pally. Rift really is a wonderful weapon, I never expected the ctc tornado to be that effective.That was my main source of physical damage.As it can be observed from my gear, I couldn't reach the 142 ias bp.It still didn't matter though.

->After entering hell, I wanted to try a more fun variant. So I planned to make him a pseudo abbott along with being conviction zealot.I then hired a prayer merc with eth insight thresher.Then I gambled like crazy with my sorc(which almost bankrupted my atma bank completely) resulting in life everlasting circlet and amu.I added sols everywhere (even in the shield, as treachery's fade triggered pretty often ).As Holy Shield was maxed, he had max block without much dex investment.

->With the mentioned setup, merc used to die very often.After sometime I was so frustrated that I put Tal's Helm, Reaper's Toll(Amn) on him, which just changed his survival rate to a hundred tmes better value.

->I switched back to Holy Freeze merc later(in act 5 I think, as I was desperate to complete a guardian and I wanted every bit of safety I can get.

->He was very safe considering the following :
77 pdr, 15% dr most of the time, 75% blocking, around 10K defense, 75 resis most the time with lit resis 89 always, 15 lit absorb, slow from merc and decepify .

->He was practically immune to lit and decently resistant to physical damage. (The name Luffy would suit him better than zoro may be :p).

->Lvl 21 Frozen orb + conviction really works great.Any non CI went down very fast,wasn't too slow with CI's either, thanks to tornado+ fire dmg +magic dmg on rift.

->Tal Rasha's Tomb was the toughest place for him.The undead reviving guys took a lot of time to deal with, and their reviving rate + my merc's urge to die, just made it even worse.I finally had to run around using vigor escaping all of them to Duriel.

->Act 4 and Act 5 were surprisingly easy. Although CS was a bit annoying with mana burners + decrepify making me so slow that FO's hardly triggered.

->Ancients were very easy.Merc took down double throw guy all by himself and died as I was late throwing a potion.One of the other two was cold immune and I took him down using gimmershred.

->WSK had no surprises for me, nor did Lister and co , thanks to HF.

I really suck at taking snapshots.There were several instances when around 4 FO's, 4 to 5 tornado's and fist of the heavens from thundergod's were visible on the screen but I was always late capturing it :p.

->NDE's : Once in runed fane, once in claw viper's temple and several in Tal Raha's tomb.None in later acts.

Item Finds :

HF :
Lem in NM
Ko in Hell

Gul on road in Act 3

A 4 os ethereal GPA --> sweet, never found one during my SC play

Unique ward in Durance of hate
Spirit Ward
Ward
Defense: 468
Chance to Block: 68%
Smite Damage: 11 to 35
Durability: 95 of 100
Required Strength: 185
Required Level: 68
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x2a37caeb
+174% Enhanced Defense
+24% Increased Chance of Blocking
All Resistances +35
25% Faster Block Rate
+11 Cold Absorb
5% Chance to cast Level 8 Fade when struck
:jig:

Future Plans :

I'll have to find a way to make the prayer merc with insight stay alive.Nothing else for now.I didn't want to dilute the making of this char by respecing.So my respec is still available, not sure what to change him into though.

That is it for this guy.Thanks for reading and please feel free to post comments/suggetions on this char.

--
KT
 
Originally posted by Milb on Feb 10, 2007:

Guardian No. 9 Walker - Ranger Paladin

Presenting my ninth Guardian, and my second on the way towards my second Sept, Guardian Walker, Holy Shock/Fanaticism Ranger!

Quite frankly, I didn't think I would be able to do it, this morning he was parked in Act 3 Hell, and I must have had about 5 NDEs on the way through to Mephisto, all from exploding Dolls, I think I must just have been a bit rusty though earlier on today as I managed to do Acts 4 and 5 quite comfortably. I did get pretty lucky though with the monster rolls, Act 5 was a walk in the park, no Gloams or Frenzytaurs, and I only had Vipers once or twice. The Ancients were a bit of a concern, but after feeding my merc about 10 big purples they went down without really threatening me.

This character was quite enjoyable up to the end of NM but once he reached Hell it was a bit of a chore, having an attack which only hits one monster is a bit irritating, and he was also very fragile, so for the best part of the game I was playing him as a passive character, providing supporting fire and an aura for my merc.

If I were to make him again, I would choose Holy Fire as an aura, to be able to use a Kuko or Demon Machine and gain the benefits of the splash damage and pierce, it would have made life a lot more fun!

Anyways, the stats and skills:

Skills:
20 Fana / 20 Holy Shock / 20 Resist Lightning / 20 Salvation / 1 in Redemption and Pre-reqs (ran out of place to put points, didn't even use it)
3 Points left over.

Stats:
Lvl 82
Guided Arrow Damage:
Fana: 462-1151
Shock: 221-5244

Str: 89 (93)
Dex: 131 (146)
Vit: 270 (285)
Eng: 15 (18)

Life: 1120
Mana: 181

Res:
Without Fade: 75/54/67/-56
With Fade: 75/75/85/4

Gear:
Rockstopper 'Ort'
'Treachery' Dusk Shroud
Widowmaker 'Nef' / Upped WWS (Shael Shael) (WWS used once in Hell!)
Rare amulet - 2 offensive auras, 3 energy, 15 all res
Ravenfrost
String of Ears
Laying of Hands
Rare Ring - 6 mana leech, 28 cold res, 28 life +
and some nice rare boots, found by the Paladin:

Plague Nails
Light Plated Boots
Defense: 10
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x5bd69cf
Fire Resist +9%
Lightning Resist +32%
Cold Resist +26%
20% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
30% Faster Run/Walk
Poison Length Reduced by 25%

Charms: 1 skiller, and various res and life charms

Merc: Holy Freeze, Eth CA Obedience, Toothrow (Thought I might need the OW, I didn't!), Tal's Mask

Notable finds: Telling of Beads, Defensive skiller with 34 life, Thunderstroke +4
Forges were Um and Ko - in that order.

I have a few projects lined up, I want to make a Sin using Nats Set, a Blizz Sorc of some description, need to have a think about her, maybe restart my Wolfbarb and I want to remake my Poisonmancer once I've found all the equipment for him.

As of tomorrow I won't have an internet connection again, so I may be offline for a while, I'll try and pop in every now and then to say hello!

Thanks for reading!
Milb
 
Originally posted by purplelocust on Dec 22, 2008:

King Kongdensate, untwinked, ATMA-less, 1.12 Classic Digglerdin

King Kongdensate, untwinked, ATMA-less, 1.12 Classic Digglerdin

Quick summary:

Classic HC ATMA-less untwinked 1.12 frost/shock zealot defeats Hell welding only the Diggler the entire time in Hell.

The story:
I'd been wanting to make an untwinked ATMA-less melee King for a while. Off and on I tried (see Those Who Went Before Him, below.) In light of the fact that I have a lot of 1.07 gear en route towards 1.12 to add to a lot of great gear already for lots of what people would call "excessively cheesy twinking," I wanted to remind myself that I can play without massive twinking that I typically do which makes the game go much more smoothly. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be (see Those Who Went Before Him, below.) My rules: HC untwinked, no gear on, no gear off no matter what. The Classic small stash size complicates things, of course.

A Digglerdin:

There are a lot of Frost Zealot options- cold/physical, cold/lightning in various combos, Holy Shield or not, use the Sacrifice synergy for damage or points in Zeal for some damage and AR and so on. I've mentioned the Diggler as a good weapon for not getting killed by IM for elemental zealots. Nobody ever seems to take that suggestion seriously, so at some point in NM during this particular effort I decided that I would try to get a paladin through Classic Hell wielding only the mighty unique dirk The Diggler for the entire Hell difficulty.


The Diggler:

One-Hand Damage: 4 To 13 (8.5 Avg)
Required Level: 11
Required Dexterity: 25
Durability: 20
Base Weapon Speed: [0]
+50% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
30% Increased Attack Speed
Cold Resist +25%
Fire Resist +25%
+10 To Dexterity

Not exactly an ebugged Beast ettin axe but it would have to do!

Gathering gear:
The requirement that nothing could be muled on or off meant that a fair amount of decent gear was sold. And some items were sold just for their stash space, anticipating that if I needed one, I could just do some normal Meph runs to get another one. The full Angelic combo works well for MFing with an elemental Zealot, but getting the amulet is sometimes problematic. So I wouldn't bother keeping the armor and scimitar until I found the amulet, for example.

Very important gear for this character were Goblin Toe boots. I ran the NM council with a lot of MF (for HC Classic- the full angelic combo gives 140% MF) many many times. I found many copies of the gear that formed the core of the build- I probably had Twitchthroe drop 10+ times over the course of play, for example.

Skills:
1 in Zeal
20 in Resist Cold
19 in Resist Lightning
1 in Salvation
20 in Holy Freeze
20 in Holy Shock

Stats:

Level 73.

with normal monster gear:
STR 67
DEX 41
VIT 382
E 15
Zeal damage: with Holy Freeze, 890-919 with Holy Shock 16-3529
Zeal AR: 291 (!)
base resists in Hell: fire 75/cold 85/light 84/poison 36 (on thawing and anti potions:75/95/39/75)

with boss/champion/unique gear (Angelic ammy + 2 rings ):
STR 67
DEX 50
VIT 382
E 15
Zeal damage: with Holy Freeze 820-859, with Holy Shock 8-3331
Zeal AR: 2384 (46% chance to hit Diablo)
Def 303, 75% block
life: 1446
base resists in Hell: fire 50/cold 25/light 39/poison 16 (on thawing and anti potions:50/75/39/66)

(Typically damage was a little higher from an active skill shrine.)

Gear:
Tarnhelm
The DIGGLER
Twitchthroe
The Ward (50% resists- I found a succession of these and this perfect one was the best)
rare amulet: +1 pally resists 20/25/20/20 PLR 50% GF +76%
rare ring: +4 min +3 rep CR 30 LR 27 FR 18
rare ring: 10%FCR +2 min CR 18 LR 20 FR 20
rare sharkskin belt: 10%FHR 77%ED +9 STR +1 life LR +10 FR +25
rare light gauntlets: 10%IAS, 82% ED LR 29, PR 16, 8%MF
Goblin Toe

For champions, bosses, and other foes for which ITD doesn't work: switch to Angelic amulet and rings.
For fast monsters: switch Cleglaw's gloves for the slow.

Gear in stash:
Steelclash was used for a long time, until resists became a bigger issue
Swordback Hold was carried for a quite a long time, taking up 6 precious stash spots, but was never actually used.
Several Eyes of Eltich: I had 3 of these drop and wore them for a good part of the game. I did some experiments to see which one had the longest freeze time but I got mixed up about which it was with all the switching of jewelry I was doing. I never did sort it out so I ended up with 3 of them.
A Mahim-Oak curio, needed to equip the Ward, used when switching between Steelclash and the Ward.
A Stone of Jordan!
Bloodfist
a bunch of various rare rings and ammys from NM council runs, with resists mostly
another rare belt
another rare gloves
Duskdeep, for the resists, carried for potential use in some situations, perhaps the fight against Diablo but not used.

My method was to get the full Angelic's Set (+140MF alone) and run the NM council for gear. Over and over again. Almost all of my end-game gear came from there. I ran them over and over, getting slight improvements in gear, resist rings and remarkably- an SoJ! Which I never actually used. Against normal monsters, I wanted resists and against bosses I needed the AR from the Angelics, so there never really was a role for an SoJ, even though the +skill would have been a big help damage-wise. There was a lot of not-very-successful gambling as well with the piles of gold and sold items. I was hoping to get a decent shield but never got anything as good as Steelclash or the eventual perfect 50% resist all Ward. Other efforts with more strength had used 3 perfect diamond tower shields and/or Sigon's shield, but this effort had lower strength.

===

Gameplay:

I've never played a character who relied so much on "Ignores Target Defense." Hitting regular monsters with a tiny AR of 251 was no problem, but bosses, champions and minions were a problem. I would switch to the Angelic jewelry combo many many times. For not-too-dangerous opponents I would change jewelry in the field, but often I would go back to town, change rings and ammy, revisit an appropriate shrine, chug potions and then go out to face the monsters for which ITD didn't work.

Normal and NM went pretty smoothly. Since I only put a single point in Zeal, I was mostly using scepters with some +Zeal along the way, until I was getting some +skill gear. Oddly, I never found Crushflange or the General's Tan do Li, standard elemental zealot weapons. In fact, it was when spending time running NM council for items that I decided to try the Diggler all the way through Hell, partially out of frustration of not finding some items.

I made extensive use of "shrine surfing." I would find shrines, for example in A1 near a WP, and pretty much try to have a shrine active at all times. For example, for the final battle clearing the Chaos Sanctuary, I kept restarting until I got 2 skill shrines and a resist lightning shrine near WPs. This meant that cursed bosses were a regular annoyance- not only was the usual danger of being cursed, but also there was a simultaneous drop in damage.

I made extensive use of potion chugging. I tried to keep a constant level of +cold resist and +poison resist from chugging thawing potions and antidote potions at the taverns, I mean merchants. There was no point worrying about mana or life leech with the negligible physical damage from the setup. So that actually freed up gear choices significantly, at the cost of constantly drinking red potions and many trips to town.

No source of cannot be frozen meant that cold-enchanted monsters were a serious concern.

I don't remember any specific NDEs, but my attitude with this character was to be very careful and live to fight another day. I would happily run away from a dangerous boss and try again some other time. Cold + lightning immunes were exceptionally difficult, and were generally either parked or (carefully) run by, or I would just go back to town and restart the area. I do remember being surprised by a hard-hitting FE or CE death at some point, but it wasn't deadly.

The jungles of A3 were quite a challenge. It took many forays to get to the flayer jungle, as having a mix of swarming monsters, some of which were cold immune and some of which were lightning immune, was intolerable and meant trying for another monster roll.

The final battle took a lot of preparation clearing the Chaos Sanctuary. I was actually pretty fortunate in that there weren't any terrible combos there- no cold/lightning immunes, and no terrible boss mod combos. I was prepared for it to take a couple of tries before clearing the whole thing, but the first try went well.

I had cleared out a lot of the River of Flame for potential parking areas but I didn't need to use them. It did take a while to separate out the Infector's pack- I ended up dragging him out to the River of Flame and then coming back carefully to get minions one by one. I decided to lead him back into the Chaos Sanctuary before finishing him off, as I wasn't sure if there would be a problem killing him outside. No problems with IM, as that was actually a preferred curse. Lower Resist was the one that I really had to watch out for there, in addition to the Decrepify + cold effect combo.

Diablo himself was not too bad- I had to TP out a few times to get recharges from a LR shrine. I thought I might need Swordback Hold but it went OK, slowly chipping away at his health and being too close for the lightning hose to hurt. I used Cleglaw's Gloves and the slow effect definitely helped.

Manaburn monsters were an annoyance, but give that the Zeal attack wasn't exactly super-fast with this gear, using normal attack wasn't too terrible. It just took longer and perhaps a few blue potions.

I did not attempt the Lam Esen tome quest in A3. I'd lost a strong potential King there and figured I could live without that reward.


===

A few reminders about Classic


Here, I am playing 1.12 Classic, meaning playing LoD but creating characters without checking the "Expansion" box. (At least that gives 800x600 video instead of 640x480, which is all you can get if you don't install LoD.)

1) The stash is tiny, half of the size of LoD. There is no switch weapon slot. These makes decisions about what gear to keep and what to hold onto a constant source of concern. Assembling even partial sets is tricky.

2) Levels and skills are tight. So strategizing about every point is tough. Kongdensate had just a single point in Zeal, in anticipation of eventually getting some +skills gear, for example. He did, but some of the others never made it that far. Skill adders are even tighter- there is very little in the way of +skills gear in Classic.

3) Resists are hard to manage. I was fortunate to get some nice rares for Kongdensate, but typically I would still try to keep the antidote/thawing potion boosts active for much of the time.

4) Mercs cannot have equipment and cannot move from act to act. You cannot feed them potions, so there are many more trips back to town for the merc to heal, in acts where there are mercs.

5) Block doesn't depend upon dexterity in Classic. What the shield says (plus possibly the 25% from Twitchthroe + possibly the Holy Shield bonus) is what you get.

6) Uniques and set items are just the normal ones. No class-specific items. No elites. No runes. No charms.


Those Who Went Before Him:

May their deeds be at least somewhat remembered...

Duke Cryogeny: was a full Cleg's build and was looking good for going all the way. He was my preferred Frost Zealot combo: cold + physical, and had the full Cleglaw's set and was doing well. Did not find Goblin Toes but he did have good gear otherwise. Died in Hell Act 1, to cold-enchanted thorn beast type bosses in the Dark Wood.

Duke Kelvin: I tried a cold-only build (headed for 20 HF+20RC+20 Salvation) and knew that it would be hard to deal with cold immunes. It was. He had a good +3 concentration divine scepter/+1 pally on switch but still cold immunes were tedious. Died after getting mobbed in Hell Cold Plains.

Duke Frigid: more of a balanced Frost/Shock combo, died in the Hell Ruined Temple with a bad stairtrap and instadeath. Used Crushflange a great deal.

Others:

Duke BoseEinstein: died to a Holy Freeze extra-fast NM cow boss. There was some irony there.

Duke Kuiper: Full Sigon's with a nice rare divine scepter. Died to Hell Duriel.

Count ZeroZeroZero: Can't remember where he met his end- mobbed by some swarmers, if I remember correctly. Found reasonable gear, used full Cleg's, but I think the investment in Holy Shield (a single point, but all those prereqs) took too much away from his actual killing speed. Full Cleg's is a decent choice but the blocking on the shield is dreadful.

Counts Entropoloid, Fermionic, Frosty, others: various degrees of success. One find a Gull early, one found Blood Crescent.

Some screenshots:

Looking at a rare battle hammer that Diablo dropped: http://img237.imageshack.us/my.php?image=diablosdropuu7.jpg

Not a great chance to hit Duriel: http://img261.imageshack.us/my.php?image=durielya0.jpg

Infector a long way from home: http://img261.imageshack.us/my.php?image=infectorew4.jpg
 
Originally posted by @Pyrotechnician on Feb 24, 2015:

Guardian SirRiftALot - Rift Paladin

Alright I promised Cyrax a guard thread, and since he already did his, let’s get into it then.

Guardian SirRiftALot

This is a Rift Paladin, aptly named based on the weapon required for the build Rift Runeword. Essentially it’s a standard zealot build that uses conviction aura and relys on frozen orbs and tornados rather than weapon damage to clear out enemies.

Link to Cyrax’s Guard Thread:
MP_Creed, trapper and my first MP guardian

Stats/Skills #2:
Code:
Name:       SirRiftALot
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 970980229
Level:      84

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   65/113
Dexterity:  50/123
Vitality:   385/415
Energy:     15/25
HP:         1361/1456
Mana:       139/192
Stamina:    532/572
Defense:    12/1761
AR:         235/31570

Fire:       188/148/**
Cold:       138/98/38
Lightning:  178/138/78
Poison:     137/97/37

MF:         0       Block:      52
GF:         285
FR/W:       20
FHR:        20
IAS:        65
FCR:        8

Sacrifice: 20/26
Smite: 1/7
Holy Bolt: 1/7
Zeal: 20/26
Charge: 1/7
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 1/7
Conversion: 0/5
Holy Shield: 20/26
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/6
Holy Fire: 1/6
Thorns: 1/6
Blessed Aim: 0/0
Concentration: 0/0
Holy Freeze: 1/6
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 1/6
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 20/25

Prayer: 0/0
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 0/0
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 0/0
Resist Lightning: 0/0
Vigor: 0/0
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 0/0
Salvation: 0/0

Gear:
Code:
Infernostride
Demonhide Boots
Defense: 105
Durability: 11 of 12
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xcbfb66de
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 8 Blaze when struck
+20% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 12 - 33 Fire Damage
+150% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+10% to Maximum Fire Resist
Fire Resist +30%
60% Extra Gold from Monsters
+2 to Light Radius

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 112
Durability: 21 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xdde891d1
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Life stolen per hit
+179% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 10%
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
+10 Maximum Durability

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x689a338
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Fire Absorb 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
100% Extra Gold from Monsters

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x5c82f633
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+170 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

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 81
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xcf0258b1
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%

Treachery
Wire Fleece
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 466
Durability: 31 of 32
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x6f42f182
Item Level: 85
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

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%

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Zakarum's Hand
Rune Scepter
One Hand Damage: 37 - 68
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xb45a1a01
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Chance to cast level 5 Blizzard on striking
+30% Increased Attack Speed
186% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
+150% Damage to Undead
8% Mana stolen per hit
+2 to Holy Shock (Paladin Only)
+2 to Holy Freeze (Paladin Only)
Regenerate Mana 10%
Heal Stamina Plus 15%

Tiamat's Rebuke
Dragon Shield
Defense: 178
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 116 of 116
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x26b20e3d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
3% Chance to cast level 6 Hydra when struck
5% Chance to cast level 7 Nova when struck
5% Chance to cast level 9 Frost Nova when struck
Adds 35 - 95 Fire Damage
Adds 1 - 120 Lightning Damage
Adds 27 - 53 Cold Damage Over 6 Secs (150 Frames)
+162% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +27
+40 Maximum Durability

Nightwing's Veil
Spired Helm
Defense: 340
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 96
Fingerprint: 0x23629bcd
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
+2 to All Skills
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+20% to Cold Skill Damage
+113% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Dexterity
+9 Cold Absorb
Half Freeze Duration
Requirements -50%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x7435e01c
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage

Chaos Scarab
Amulet
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x300f458e
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+8% Faster Cast Rate
+11 to Strength
+14 to Dexterity
+13 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 9%
All Resistances +6

Rift
Caduceus
HelKoLemGul
One Hand Damage: 37 - 43
Durability: 36 of 70
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 78
Required Dexterity: 56
Fingerprint: 0x512442d3
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 16 Tornado on striking
16% Chance to cast level 21 Frozen Orb on attack
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 160 - 250 Magic Damage
Adds 60 - 180 Fire Damage
+1 to Conversion (Paladin Only)
All Stats +10
+10 to Dexterity
38% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Level 15 Iron Maiden (40/40 Charges)
Requirements -20%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Gul 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

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Gul Rune
Required Level: 53
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Bonus to Attack Rating
Armor: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist

Herald of Zakarum
Gilded Shield
Defense: 449
Chance to Block: 52
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 89
Fingerprint: 0xe961200c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Block Rate
30% Increased Chance of Blocking
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+166% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
All Resistances +72
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Um Rune

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%

Inventory:
Code:
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x138c3bb6
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x165d0abc
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xa6b281
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Ocher Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x63898457
Item Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 to Strength
Lightning Resist +20%
Amber Grand Charm of Storms
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xc6f48397
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 32 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +28%

Amber Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x56919b12
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +15%

Emerald Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xf1cec372
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +29%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x7eeafdfe
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ocher Small Charm of Blight
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x74e4eede
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 Poison Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Lightning Resist +7%

Foul Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xed449329
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 50 Poison Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+1 to Strength

Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x62283386
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+35 to Life

Merc:
Code:
Name:       Fazel
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 69444898
Level:      83
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   183/183
Dexterity:  147/147
HP:         1687/1747
Defense:    1245/1830
AR:         1889/1889

Fire:       162/122/62
Cold:       192/152/92
Lightning:  162/122/62
Poison:    162/122/62

Treachery
Kraken Shell
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 481
Durability: 27 of 48
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 174
Fingerprint: 0xcbc40525
Item Level: 88
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

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%

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 104
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x223ac83d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Mana stolen per hit
10% Life stolen per hit
+45 Defense
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
All Resistances +15

Crescent Moon
Thresher
ShaelUmTir
Two Hand Damage: 55 - 649
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0x420f1a73
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 17 Chain Lightning on striking
7% Chance to cast level 13 Static Field on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
208% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+9 Magic Absorb
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

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%

Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill

Build and Gear Progression:

As a Rift paladin I pretty much followed the standard zealot build for skill layout, pump sacrifice and zeal (for up to 5 hits) during the early levels, one point in everything else for the time. Once conviction became available I focused on maxing that first, and then went back to finishing sacrifice and zeal. Lastly Holy shiled was maxed for the defense/block boost. I have 6 skill points left at Level 84, I’m undecided where to dump them for the time being between but will probably put them in either resist fire or resist light for the higher res. Stats were the same as always, enough strength for gear, enough dex for max block with holy shield, and the rest to vitality, none in energy of course. I remember respecing after final gear changes to get the right ending str/dex.

Gear selection, for early leveling, the usual mish mash of random set pieces, including cleglaws, hsaurus’, angelics, khalim’s will. Switched into other items as they became available, I remember using butcher’s pupil and Zakuram’s Hand for a while until Rift was available. I used Guilaume’s helm before making the final switch to the Nightwing’s seen above which I got from Fred’s Giveaway. I couldn’t pass up using it for this build since it gave a 20% damage boost to the orbs which was nice since they seemed to be lacking later in the game and it was sitting gathering dust otherwise. I think I used venom grips before LOH, the 350% damage to demons doesn’t do much since weapon damage is pretty bad. Thought about swapping them for lava gouts for the free enchant, and I may still do that. I settled on treachery for the ias boost. Treach + LOH puts me at a decent attack speed breakpoint. If there is a better setup that I’m missing here though feel free to make suggestions because I don’t really need the fade, but I couldn’t really piece together anything that would really work better without dropping to the 6 frame zeal, and I rather not. Merc used insight for a long while until switching to crescent moon, as the static really helps bring the mob health down so the orbs can work faster.

Questing and Gameplay:

I started questing with Srrw and his rift kicker assassin named ink. Both of us worked using standard versions of our builds (zealot and kicker less the use of rift) until we hit the level requirements for the weapon. After that orbs were flying left right and sideways pretty much all the time and progress was pretty smooth (and there were always lots of pretty colors). His orbs shot off faster due to kick speed and the conviction aura helped both of us so it worked well. The play through took an unfortunate turn in Act 2 hell though as we were playing with some other people and for some reason or another we split off and srrw went off and deeded on me. My character stalled indefinitely after that (My hell andy screen shot is from 11-29-2013 and my last screenshots are from early February).

As such this is where Cyrax and his Trap Sin came in, he was already in Act 4 of hell, but quested through the remainder of Act 2 and 3 with me and we took on Act 4 together. Goldtru joined in for Act 5 with her Fireball/Blizz Sorc. Progress was once again smooth and steady, playing the way through on P5. I remember most of Act 5 having terrible monster rolls everywhere we went, but other than that, nothing exciting. We made Guardian around 82 and did baal runs up to 84 at which point I call most characters complete. It’s not as cool as two Rift Guardians, but I’ll take what I can get. =P

Most difficult part of gameplay I remember being unbreakable cold immunes. The orbs being my main source of damage it showed heavily when I was attacking one, so I would usually focus my attention elsewhere leaving them for Cyrax or Gold to handle. The physical damage of the build is also definitely lacking but it’s not overly noticeable as long as the orbs are procing consistently, but it does make most of the paladins skills pretty useless (I don’t know how much damage maxing sacrifice and zeal added but it probably wasn’t worth the points but there really isn’t anywhere else to put them). If I intended to play this guy on my own I’d probably make him a hybrid with holy shock and crescent moon switch for cold immunes. Do I recommend the build? Yep, tons of fun and throws some variety in there for the zealot based paladin.

Interesting finds:

Nothing interesting that I can recall. Maybe Srrw or Cyrax remember something I don’t though.

Future Plans:

Nothing really, maybe some multiplayer every now and again to see some more pretty colors.

Screenshots for your enjoyment:

Arcane Sanctuary - NM, Baal Minions - NM, Baal Minions #2 - NM, Baal – NM, Baal Drop - NM, Andariel - Hell, Council - Hell, Meph Drop - Hell, Plains of Despair - Hell, Plains of Despair #2 – Hell, Diablo Death - Hell, Diablo Drop - Hell, Frigid Highlands - Hell, Frozen River - Hell, Ancients - Hell, Ancients #2 – Hell, Baal Minions – Hell, Baal Minions #2 – Hell, Baal Minions #3 - Hell, Baal – Hell, Baal #2 – Hell, Baal #3 – Hell, Baal Drop - Hell, The End

I apparently took a number of screenshots so bonus points to you if you click through all of them.

Thanks for reading!
 
Originally posted by scrcrw on Jul 12, 2010:

Guardian Silliness - Grief-wielding Dreamer

Welcome to another spawn of the marvelous 1.13. I always wanted a Dreamer and when the Council gave me the opportunity, I immediately got going. About 24h after finding the second Jah, Baal bit the dust for the third time. Stats, skills and gear:

LCS

Code:
Name:       Silliness
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 1340362273
Level:      87

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   106/106
Dexterity:  159/176
Vitality:   250/270
Energy:     no
HP:         2312 with BO, 1,5k+ without
Mana:       enough
Defense:    ~10k w/ HS and Chilling Armor
AR:         ~2k

Fire:       181/141/81
Cold:       116/76/16
Lightning:  202/162/102
Poison:     109/69/9

Block:      ~75 w/ Holy Shield
FR/W:       30
FHR:        54
IAS:        77 = 4fpa Zeal (if ze German calc is right)

Skills: 20 Resist Lightning/Salvation/Conviction/Sacrifice
3 Zeal, 5 Holy Shield (rest goes here)
+2 from Highlord's and BC

Gear:
'Dream' Bone Visage
Code:
Silliness's Dream
Bone Visage
IoJahPul
Defense: 415
Durability: 37 of 40
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0xcf18e4c0
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+211 Defense
+10 to Vitality
Increase Maximum Life 5%
+54 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +7
21% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
'Dream' Troll Nest
Code:
Silliness's Dream
Superior Troll Nest
IoJahPul
Defense: 386
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 80 of 83
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x8fd4a563
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+29% Faster Hit Recovery
+35% Enhanced Defense
+152 Defense
+10 to Vitality
+50 to Life
+54 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +10
18% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 13%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
'Grief' PB (37/374)

'Fortitude' Dusk Shroud
Code:
Fortitude
Superior Dusk Shroud
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1489
Durability: 11 of 20
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x1b8a7487
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 15 Chilling Armor when struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
300% Enhanced Damage
+215% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+119 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +27
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
LoH
Gore Riders
String of Ears (8/15%/11)
Highlord's
Raven Frost (17/238)
Rare Ring (8ll/72AR/10@/11FR)

Switch: CtA (3 BO) + Spirit

Charms (Resists, Life, AR):
Code:
Iron Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x5f74096d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+21 to Attack Rating
+18 to Life

Coral Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1cfd6377
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Coral Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x65f51f03
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Fine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbd0e7d88
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+11 to Attack Rating
+16 to Life

Shimmering Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x9b09fb9b
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +5

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbcda8f33
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Steel Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x178990cb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+27 to Attack Rating
+18 to Life

Steel Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xcf65450a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+34 to Attack Rating
+17 to Life

Sharp Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x3098136e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5 to Maximum Damage
+35 to Attack Rating
+30 to Life

Amber Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x795f893b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

Shimmering Small Charm of Lightning
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x754ae760
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 7 Lightning Damage
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x22c0ad5
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
All Resistances +15

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x7004ce8e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Lapis Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf796f88c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

Fine Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xdad46fc7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5 to Maximum Damage
+47 to Attack Rating
+40 to Life

Sharp Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x5a18ac19
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Maximum Damage
+42 to Attack Rating
+34 to Life

Amber Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xf0998a3b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +11%
3% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Amber Small Charm of Thunder
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x9bc03a9f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 18 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +11%

Coral Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xc5574f38
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 27 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +8%

Stalwart Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x8307111f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+28 Defense
+19 to Life[/spoiler]


Merc (Might):
Code:
Fortitude
Great Hauberk
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3282
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 108
Fingerprint: 0x1ef44f18
Item Level: 85
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
+119 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +25
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7

Lo Rune
Required Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike
Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 316
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xa06e1b66
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+35% Increased Attack Speed
+8 to Minimum Damage
10% Life stolen per hit
+104% Enhanced Defense
+29 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Crimson Jewel of Fervor

Crimson Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xc2b1de7f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+8 to Minimum Damage

The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 47 - 476
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0xd0b4dc68
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
+15% Increased Attack Speed
238% Enhanced Damage
+7 to Minimum Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (33 Frames)
14% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Crimson Jewel of Fervor

Crimson Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xd19b82a8
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+7 to Minimum Damage
The gear pretty much assembled itself after I had decided on the Grief. Enigma was a possibility, but I wanted to get some use out of my new Forti... LoH, Gores and Highlord's to boost the physical damage (obviously). Not getting Conviction to level 25 is annoying, but I didn't see any room for more +skills.
The Merc was the usual Decrep/Might damage booster, which he did well. Very few deaths (see below).

Short version: I'm very pleased with how this worked out. Nice lightning damage from the Dreams boosted by Conviction, nice physical damage (and accordingly nice leech) from Grief.

Long Version: Normal and Nightmare were done on /p8 throughout, pretty much single pass, with all quests finished. I went the Fanazealer route, first Bonesnap (silly damage for A2 Normal), than my new eth Ginther's until level 59, when Grief and Forti became available (which made a difference ;)).
Level 65 was reached in the NM CS. I respec'ed after Diablo to equip the Dreams and adjust the Skills (max Conv, ResLight and Sacrifice first, then Salvation). Hell was reached soon afterwards at level 73.

As I mentioned, this went pretty well. I stayed at /p8 for all of Hell, except for the Ancients (p1) and Baal (p3). Felt like /p1 with lesser chars. All quests were solved. I made only two Muling breaks (for Reaper's after A1 and Andy's after the AS - one session for Duriel, Mephisto, Diablo and Baal), so it was actually strict single pass.
Everything that wasn't PI or LI went down immediately, everything else very fast - except for this guy. Decent defense, close to max block, ctc Confuse, Decrep and huge life leech kept me very safe. One minor NDE (i. e. more ping-ponging than I'm comfortable with) versus some Might/Extra Strong/Cursed Abyss Knights in A4. 90% LR was occasionally very useful. Nihlatak's Temple had Vipers, so I bravely decided to let the merc have some of the glory for once. Surprisingly no trouble at all, maybe it was a good idea to spend the Lo on him.
The exp on /p8 was a nice bonus, level 73 starting out, level 80 after A1 (NM Baals are overrated), 83.99 after A2, 85.3 after A3, 86.1 after A4 and 87.8 in the end.
Not much else to say honestly, lots of left-clicking (with occasional BO refreshing). Very fluid gameplay, no immunes, nearly no looting (some charms) and hardly any town breaks necessary.

Finds: None. Seriously. Pretty disappointing for all the /p8 monsters killed (even with only ~40 mf). Highest runes dropped were 2xFal in late NM... Got Um and Gul (3rd in a row) from the Forges though :)

Conclusion: Huge fun to play once, but not something that excites me in the long run. Still, 2 Jah well spent. Dual Dreams are pretty awesome and the damage and life leech from Grief truly made him a beast.
 
Originally posted by scrcrw on Sep 28, 2010:

Patriarch Mental - Auraless Fanadreamavenger

What's the worst thing about Avengers and Paladins in general? The constant left-clicking, of course. To fix that, you need a character that doesn't have an aura on the RMB and doesn't suffer for it. Like this one - sort of...

LCS

Code:
Name:       Mental
Class:      Paladin
Level:      85

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   103/166
Dexterity:  157/178
Vitality:   245/275

HP:         1363 / 2115 (BO)
Mana:       302 / 414 (BO)

Defense:    4,7k (HS)
Block:      74% (lvl 8 HS)

Fire:       68
Cold:       33
Lightning:  47
Poison:     12

FR/W:       32
FHR:        49 (5 frames)
IAS:        80 (8fpa w/ Fana)

Skills:     20 Vengeance
            20 Resist Light/Cold/Fire
            9 Salvation
            1 Holy Shield (gieb +HS Beta-CtA)
Gear:
Weapon: 1.07 hax eth 'Beast' BA - pure win

Head/Shield: 'Dream' Bone Visage/Troll Nest - high lightning damage and shared synergies: gg

Body: 'CoH' Archon Plate - stupid piece of gear, but the mods just fit nicely in this case

Boots: War Travelers - for the damage boost

Gloves: LoH - couldn't be bothered to look for something more useful, the extra ias wasn't needed

Belt: SoE - I love this belt (8ll/15dr/11mdr)

Amulet: Highlord's - nice

Rings: Raven (19/244) and Rare (7ll/4ml/1xx ar/21CR/6FR)

Switch: CtA (3BO) + Spirit

Charms: 97 max damage, tons of AR, some life, stats and frw

Merc (Might): 'Infinity' CV + Andy's (Fervor) + 'Enigma' BP - gg turbo merc (and enough strength for a CV before lvl 83).

Results:
- level 24 Vengeance with 69 points in the synergies
boosted by 4 auras:
- level 30 Holy Shock (with 29 points in synergies)
- level 12 Conviction from Merc for -85% enemy resists
- level 9 Fanaticism for 8fpa Vengeance and boosted physical damage
- level ?+4 Might for even more physical damage and good leech
... without putting anything on the right mouse button yet. 👍
-> put Vengeance on right click, lock down the RMB and win.

But there's more: The max'ed single resist auras give 95% res to Mental and his Merc when needed and Salvation 85% all to Mental and 75% to his Merc.
-> elemental immunity on demand (without losing any damage) :yes:

Gameplay:
I went with straight up Fanazealer for Normal, an Insight Partizan and some IAS gear worked nicely.
For NM up to level 66, Mental was a plain Avenger, running Conviction and wielding a Butcher's Pupil (upped from level 52 on). Not hugely fast, but nice and steady.
After NM Diablo, I respec'ed to the build I had originally planned: a FanaDreamFrostAvenger - same equipment, but with max'ed Holy Freeze instead of Resist Fire. This worked nicely as well. However I worked out, that 20 points in a Vengeance synergy added pretty much the same damage as the points in Holy Freeze. This meant the loss of the area freeze (irrelevant in SC) and opened up the possibility of Vengeance on the RMB. Not a difficult decision to make. :jig:
I discovered the usefulness of the resist auras later, when low leech got me and my merc in trouble against mass lightning beetles in the Canyon of the Magi.
Safety wasn't a problem. Block, ctc Confuse and the resists auras defused every sticky situation. No deaths (several merc revives).
Life and mana leech were adequate, potions were only needed when lots of undead were around. Damage of 3 elements and good physical damage meant of course that Immunes were no trouble at all.
Player settings were 8/8/8/3/1 through Hell - I got bored at the end. /p8 to the end would have been possible, but not exactly fast.

Final Words:
Alright, I'll stop pretending now that this is an actual build. Much, much better and cooler characters can be created with all the runes involved. However I do really like the "Vengeance on RMB + elemental Immunity on demand"-trick. Vengeance is still a single target attack, but I think I made it bearable. 👍
Also: yes, I sort of lied about being auraless. :whistling:

Thanks for reading!
 
Originally posted by scrcrw on Aug 7, 2010:

Guardian #14: BigBlueBalls - supercharged Riftadin

Welcome to a new episode of "I has r00nz!!1!". I've always wanted to build some kind of ctc-based Paladin. Rift seemed like the flashiest version :). Fast attack and boosted cold damage were the target. I also packed on a little Lightning damage ;). This is what I came up with:

LCS

Code:
Name:       BigBlueBalls
Class:      Paladin
Level:      86

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   70/112
Dexterity:  130/169
Vitality:   310/388
Energy:     a trillion billion

HP:         2504 (w/ BO)
Mana:       enough

Defense:    ~7.9k w/ HS + 75% Block + 89 FHR
AR:         ~2.9k w/ Fana

IAS: 55 -> 4fpa Zeal w/ 13 fana

Resists: 75/12/85/58

Skills: 20 (24) Conviction, 20 ResLight/Salvation, 20 HS, 3 (6) Zeal

Gear:

Weapon: 'Rift' War Scepter
Shield: 'Dream' Troll Nest
Head:   'Dream' Bone Visage
Armor:  Ormus' Robes (15/13/13) w/ 15% IAS, 20 LR Jewel
Belt:   Dungo's 39/14
Boots:  Treks 14/13/64
Gloves: Rare 20IAS/15Str/LR/FR
Amulet: Highlord's
Rings:  Raven Frost + BKWB
Switch: CtA (3 BO) + Spirit

Details:
Code:
Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x13969661
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+207 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xa4636c58
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
32% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15

Dread Hand
Chain Gloves
Defense: 14
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0xeb9c026d
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+41% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
Replenish Life +5
Lightning Resist +16%
Fire Resist +22%

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x312c1a7b
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
4% Life stolen per hit
+43 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 159
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0xc9a0eddb
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+142% Enhanced Defense
+14 to Strength
+13 to Vitality
+86 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +64%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds

Verdungo's Hearty Cord
Mithril Coil
Defense: 143
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x17151999
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+117% Enhanced Defense
+39 to Vitality
Replenish Life +11
+106 Maximum Stamina
Damage Reduced by 14%

BigBlueBalls's Ormus' Robes
Dusk Shroud
Defense: 420
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x995148b5
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+15% to Cold Skill Damage
+13% to Lightning Skill Damage
+13% to Fire Skill Damage
+3 to Chilling Armor (Sorceress Only)
+12 Defense
Regenerate Mana 11%
Lightning Resist +20%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ambergris Jewel of Fervor

Ambergris Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x8e964471
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
Lightning Resist +20%

Silliness's Dream
Bone Visage
IoJahPul
Defense: 415
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0xcf18e4c0
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+211 Defense
+10 to Vitality
Increase Maximum Life 5%
+53 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +7
21% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune

Call to Arms
War Scepter
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 37 - 64
Durability: 69 of 70
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x2ec3df80
Item Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
279% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Resist Lightning (Paladin Only)
+1 to Sanctuary (Paladin Only)
+2 to Battle Cry
+3 to Battle Orders
+5 to Battle Command
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

Spirit
Akaran Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 120
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Level: 26
Required Strength: 44
Fingerprint: 0xf238a370
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+100 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +29
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


BigBlueBalls's Rift
Superior War Scepter
HelKoLemGul
One Hand Damage: 10 - 17
Durability: 23 of 77
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 44
Fingerprint: 0x9f6b507
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 16 Tornado on striking
16% Chance to cast level 21 Frozen Orb on attack
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+1 to Attack Rating
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 160 - 250 Magic Damage
Adds 60 - 180 Fire Damage
+2 to Conversion (Paladin Only)
All Stats +6
+10 to Dexterity
38% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Increase Maximum Durability 11%
Level 15 Iron Maiden (40/40 Charges)
Requirements -20%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Gul Rune

Silliness's Dream
Superior Troll Nest
IoJahPul
Defense: 386
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 82 of 83
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x8fd4a563
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+29% Faster Hit Recovery
+35% Enhanced Defense
+152 Defense
+10 to Vitality
+50 to Life
+53 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +10
18% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 13%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune

Charms (Resists (obviously), Life, Lightning damage):
Code:
Arcing Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x4650a7e0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 43 Lightning Damage
+2 to Strength

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x9f5de12a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+9 to Life

Shimmering Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x9b09fb9b
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +5

Coral Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x65f51f03
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbcda8f33
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Coral Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1cfd6377
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%
Arcing Small Charm of Incineration
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x48c0bcee
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 9 Fire Damage
Adds 1 - 38 Lightning Damage

Arcing Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xbc0a020e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 41 Lightning Damage
+13 to Life
Lapis Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf796f88c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

Arcing Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x8fb73252
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 43 Lightning Damage

Ruby Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xa90368d4
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +11%

Shimmering Small Charm of Lightning
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x754ae760
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 7 Lightning Damage
All Resistances +5

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x5ead301b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Sapphire Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x78ee8647
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +11%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4e59150e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+9 to Mana

Shimmering Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x22c0ad5
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
All Resistances +15


Shimmering Grand Charm of Fire
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xb66cd670
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 3 Fire Damage
All Resistances +14

Shimmering Large Charm of Strength
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0xe1ef79da
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5 to Strength
All Resistances +8

Arcing Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xbbc1839a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
+15 to Life

Amber Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x795f893b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

Ruby Small Charm of Shock
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xcc3304aa
Item Level: 67
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 3 Lightning Damage
Fire Resist +11%

Russet Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x64a38b0f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +7%

Ruby Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xc0bdd249
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +11%

Merc: Rogue with Faith (13/1), Delirium, Treachery
Code:
Mercenary:

Name:       Shikha
Race:       Rogue Scout
Type:       Ice - Normal
Experience: 67575112
Level:      86
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   139/139
Dexterity:  211/211
HP:         1470/1470
Defense:    1214/2052
AR:         2255/678755

Fire:       159/119/59
Cold:       189/149/89
Lightning:  159/119/59
Poison:    159/119/59

Treachery
Archon Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 518
Durability: 53 of 60
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x9599b0cd
Item Level: 85
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
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune


Delirium
Diadem
LemIstIo
Defense: 320
Durability: 16 of 20
Required Level: 64
Fingerprint: 0xd9c9eea2
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Faith
Diamond Bow
OhmJahLemEld
Two Hand Damage: 141 - 172
Durability: 35 of 40
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 89
Required Dexterity: 132
Fingerprint: 0x257bd475
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 13 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+1 to All Skills
330% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
300% Bonus to Attack Rating
+75% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Adds 120 - 120 Fire Damage
All Resistances +15
10% Reanimate as: Returned
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ohm Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune

You're probably wondering what possessed me to choose that Rift base. Conversion does look a bit like Conviction, doesn't it? :scratchchin: The repair cost was rather steep, so I used some of my 600+ Ort runes.

The equipment pretty much assembled itself: I wanted Rift, Ormus, 2xDream and 4fpa Zeal (46 ias needed on gear). That didn't leave too much space for safety considerations...

Gameplay: Pure Freezadin until level 65. Incredibly boring. Never again. Single pass, all quests as usual. /p8 for all of Normal and NM, /p7 for Hell A1-A4, /p3 A5 (because I got bored).
Playing a Melee character without leech in Hell took some getting used to, but I adapted quickly to drinking a few potions. No survivability problems, max block + mass ctc Confuse took care of that. BBB took very little hits. Some sticky situations, but no really bad NDEs.

The lightning damage from Dream tore apart anything not LI, Rift mostly provided a light show. I pretty much failed at taking screenshots though. Delirium + Rift + Conviction + Holy Shock meant a lot was going on 👍

Some tries at capturing multiple Frozen Orbs: one, two, three (failed, but pretty)

Bonus: Fun in the Canyon of the Magi. The dangers of high range ctc. I wasn't worried at all (survived without s&e)...

Finds: Ber in the Hell Den of Evil. Nice and unexpected. Too bad it was the first and last noteworthy item...

Verdict: Failure. Why? Rift and 2xDream don't really go together. Rift works well enough on /p1-/p3, but Dream just feels silly at low player settings. On high player settings Rift slows down a lot. The version with Grief/Forti felt a lot smoother, not just because of the huge leech.
Also: Yes, this is actually a Dreamer who happens to wield Rift as weapon. I had hoped it wouldn't turn out this way.

Thanks for reading!
 
Originally posted by AntAnkh on Jun 18, 2015:

Guardian #1 - Freja the Blizzard Sorc

I made this character 5 days ago, because my Summon Necro got stuck at Hell Arcane Sanctuary, and I needed some other class which I could potentially use to MF. This was my first Blizzard Sorc ever, and it was incredibly exciting to play.

Stat dump follows:
Name: Freja
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 625105888
Level: 79

Naked/Gear
Strength: 80/80
Dexterity: 135/135
Vitality: 230/230
Energy: 35/64
HP: 611/709
Mana: 190/235
Stamina: 367/394
Defense: 33/607
AR: 625/625

Fire: 79/39/-21
Cold: 74/34/-26
Lightning: 145/105/45
Poison: 70/30/-30

MF: 24 Block: 43
GF: 49
FR/W: 0
FHR: 12
IAS: 0
FCR: 80

Fire Bolt: 0/0
Warmth: 1/6
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: 0/0
Static Field: 1/5
Telekinesis: 1/5
Nova: 0/0
Lightning: 0/0
Chain Lightning: 0/0
Teleport: 1/5
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 0/0

Ice Bolt: 3/7
Frozen Armor: 1/5
Frost Nova: 1/5
Ice Blast: 20/24
Shiver Armor: 1/5
Glacial Spike: 20/24
Blizzard: 20/24
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 0/0
Cold Mastery: 20/24

Tangerine Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 1
Fingerprint: 0x26bd1b59
Item Level: 16
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +12%

Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 1
Fingerprint: 0x15cc22f3
Item Level: 48
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x214c64a8
Item Level: 74
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+27 to Life

Flawless Sapphire
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 6 - 10 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (60 Frames)
Armor: +31 to Mana
Shields: Cold Resist +28%

Flawless Sapphire
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 6 - 10 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (60 Frames)
Armor: +31 to Mana
Shields: Cold Resist +28%

Key
Fingerprint: 0x3088d6b5
Item Level: 1
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x624b5dd9
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 23
Fingerprint: 0x737b6134
Item Level: 44
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25 to Life

Tangerine Large Charm of Life
Large Charm
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0x357852ec
Item Level: 40
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Lightning Resist +6%

Spirit
Superior Crystal Sword
TalThulOrtAmn
One Hand Damage: 5 - 16
Durability: 16 of 20
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xd95849fe
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
12% Enhanced Damage
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+93 to Mana
+4 Magic Absorb
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

Flawless Amethyst
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +100 to Attack Rating
Armor: +8 to Strength
Shields: +24 Defense

Flawless Diamond
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +54% Damage to Undead
Armor: +80 to Attack Rating
Shields: Cold Resist +14%
Lightning Resist +14%
Fire Resist +14%
Poison Resist +14%

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xa2324eee
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Flawless Diamond
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +54% Damage to Undead
Armor: +80 to Attack Rating
Shields: Cold Resist +14%
Lightning Resist +14%
Fire Resist +14%
Poison Resist +14%

Flawless Amethyst
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +100 to Attack Rating
Armor: +8 to Strength
Shields: +24 Defense

Amulet of Guarding
Amulet
Required Level: 19
Fingerprint: 0x18834439
Item Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Magic Damage Reduced by 3

Gale Shell
Mask
Defense: 35
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 26
Required Strength: 23
Fingerprint: 0x1425b73f
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+27% Enhanced Defense
+7 to Energy
+16 to Life
Cold Resist +11%
Fire Resist +16%

Amber Amulet of Regeneration
Amulet
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x2373bc24
Item Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +4
Lightning Resist +39%

The Spirit Shroud
Ghost Armor
Defense: 295
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 28
Required Strength: 38
Fingerprint: 0xcda3f875
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+150% Enhanced Defense
Replenish Life +10
Magic Damage Reduced by 11
Cannot Be Frozen

Drake's Ring of the Apprentice
Ring
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x65f9e38c
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+26 to Mana

Ring of the Apprentice
Ring
Required Level: 3
Fingerprint: 0x98e835f8
Item Level: 7
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate

Pain Lash
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 40
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xb00c570e
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +25%
Poison Resist +7%

Wraith Slippers
Greaves
Defense: 20
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 12
Required Strength: 70
Fingerprint: 0x4d678e15
Item Level: 40
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+29% Enhanced Defense
+27 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
43% Extra Gold from Monsters
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 24
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0x137b4248
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+23% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%

Flawless Topaz
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
Armor: 20% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +28%

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%

Tangerine Ring
Ring
Required Level: 3
Fingerprint: 0x845c2f5f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +10%

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x6de66f3b
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Snake's Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xba120bc
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Mana

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x1cd62e16
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 35%
Replenishes Health 35%

Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 35%
Replenishes Health 35%

Doom Wing
Amulet
Required Level: 30
Fingerprint: 0x4382d24c
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+2 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
+1 to Maximum Damage
+83 to Mana
Poison Length Reduced by 25%

Amulet of Regeneration
Amulet
Required Level: 7
Fingerprint: 0x3fd758fe
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +5

Edge
Edge Bow
TirTalAmn
Two Hand Damage: 6 - 19
Durability: 13 of 20
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 43
Fingerprint: 0x76a8cbf3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 15 Thorns Aura When Equipped
+35% Increased Attack Speed
+332% Damage to Demons
+280% Damage to Undead
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
All Stats +6
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Reduces all Vendor Prices 15%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill

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%

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

Flawless Topaz
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
Armor: 20% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +28%

Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x4fbf66c2
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Extra Gold from Monsters

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%

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%

Skull Wing
Amulet
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x428c1829
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Unidentified
Adds 1 - 3 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
+4 to Mana
All Resistances +8
Fire Resist +11%

Storm Goad
War Scythe
Two Hand Damage: 24 - 36
Durability: 49 of 55
Required Level: 40
Required Strength: 80
Required Dexterity: 80
Fingerprint: 0x4ee14b0
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Unidentified
+9 to Minimum Damage
+15 to Attack Rating
Cold Resist +9%

The Battlebranch
Poleaxe
Two Hand Damage: 30 - 65
Durability: 44 of 65
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 62
Fingerprint: 0x20b54a2a
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Unidentified
+30% Increased Attack Speed
69% Enhanced Damage
+84 to Attack Rating
7% Life stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity

Bronze Gothic Sword
Gothic Sword
One Hand Damage: 14 - 40
Two Hand Damage: 39 - 60
Durability: 48 of 80
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 113
Required Dexterity: 20
Fingerprint: 0xe659a4de
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Unidentified
+19 to Attack Rating

Eschuta's Temper
Eldritch Orb
One Hand Damage: 18 - 50
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 72
Fingerprint: 0x9ab6c3d5
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+12% to Lightning Skill Damage
+15% to Fire Skill Damage
+22 to Energy

Moser's Blessed Circle
Round Shield
Defense: 160
Chance to Block: 37
Durability: 63 of 64
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 53
Fingerprint: 0xc5398454
Item Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+186% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +63
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
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%

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%

Mercenary:

Name: Pratham
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Def-Nightmare
Experience: 57681814
Level: 78
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 174/194
Dexterity: 139/144
HP: 1487/1566
Defense: 1103/2173
AR: 1826/374945

Fire: 162/122/62
Cold: 192/152/92
Lightning: 162/122/62
Poison: 212/172/112

Duriel's Shell
Cuirass
Defense: 967
Durability: 126 of 126
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x90545fcc
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+186% Enhanced Defense
+98 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+15 to Strength
+79 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +20
Cannot Be Frozen
+100 Maximum Durability
Ethereal


Undead Crown
Crown
Defense: 103
Durability: 45 of 50
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xbb0e4b00
Item Level: 62
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+50% Damage to Undead
+78 to Attack Rating against Undead
5% Life stolen per hit
+3 to Skeleton Mastery (Necromancer Only)
+38% Enhanced Defense
+40 Defense
Poison Resist +50%
Half Freeze Duration


Insight
Superior Partizan
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 122 - 251
Durability: 74 of 74
Required Level: 27
Required Strength: 113
Required Dexterity: 67
Fingerprint: 0xa33da159
Item Level: 38
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 13 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
235% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
204% Bonus to Attack Rating
+3 to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+6 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 15%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill

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%

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Normal and Nightmare were a breeze, as expected. I transferred about 100k for mana potions and an Insight polearm from my Necro, and tried to be as fast as possible, not worrying too much about the quests. I did do all the quests which gave skill points, though. I used a Defiance merc until NM Act 2, where I switched to Holy Freeze. I spent levels 38 to 45 running NM Mephisto (found 2 IK helms and a Moser's) before moving on, getting to Hell at level 59, where the fun began.

Act 1
Sooooo many cold immunes. Den of Evil was pretty slow going, but since most zombies are alone except Corpsefire & Co. (who were separated slowly), it went pretty smoothly. I'd guess that Corpsefire and friends took the same amount of time as the entire rest of the Den. I teleported through most of this act, since there were just too many cold immunes i couldn't be bothered to kill. I collected Charsi's hammer and killed the Smith though, just because I teleported right into his room. Andariel fell pretty quickly.

Act 2
Burning Dead Archers in the Sewers were killer, probably because of my low (-1) fire resistance. The Claw Viper Temple was pretty scary and I had an NDE here with a unique pack. Skipped 95% of the mobs in here. Duriel fell pretty easily, but not before killing my merc twice.

I went back to NM Mephisto for some time here, doing /p7 runs for a level. Managed to find an Undead Crown and an eth Duriel's Shell for my merc.

Act 3
Started to get really scary here, with cold immune fetishes everywhere. Another NDE in the Flayer Dungeon, after which I pretty much held down the Teleport key for the rest of the act. I skipped Lam Esen's Tome (too many CI mobs in the map), but the Council and Mephisto went down easily.

Act 4
This act was E-Z with few cold immunes until the Chaos Sanctuary, which took a long time. I found the Eschuta's Temper in the River of Flame. Hellforge was an Um.

I did a few AT runs before Act 5 for levels, but I didn't manage to find anything good.

Act 5
Teleported through this whole act until the Ancients. Re-rolled them a couple of times until only one of them was CI. You can watch a video of me killing them here, if you're interested. I continued teleporting my way through the WSK. Baal's minions were surprisingly easy, and Baal himself even more so.

This was a great build to play, with insane damage combined with CM causing everything that wasn't CI to melt. Of course, I had to teleport through half the game, and I'm still not sure how I'll do Lam Esen's Tome and Anya's quest for the stat and resistance bonuses. I found myself using telekinesis a lot; the usefulness of which I've never fully realized on my earlier sorceresses.

Future plans for this character include Mephisto and AT running to get more gear for herself and future classes.

I'm not sure what character to play next. The fragility of this character really got my heart racing, so I'd like to do something similar again.
 
Originally posted by Arkardo on Dec 8, 2010:

Guardian #1: SucksToBeYou, untwinked pure Blizzard sorc

Hey folks,

Introducing my first Guardian: SucksToBeYou, an untwinked pure Blizzard sorceress. Thought I couldn't do it, didn't ya 👍! She's completely untwinked, and was never respec'd. Why untwinked? I did have some nice charms from my second character that I could've used... but I just wanted to go untwinked all the way. Why never respec? 'cause I didn't like the idea, for some reason.

Name: SucksToBeYou
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 923647314
Level: 83


Stats & Skills:
Naked/Gear
Strength: 70/86
Dexterity: 55/75 <-- in hopes of finding a Wizardspike. Which didn't happen.
Vitality: 345/379
Energy: 35/47
HP: 852/1087
Mana: 199/496
Stamina: 491/506
Defense: 13/387
AR: 225/3586

Fire: 148/108/48
Cold: 149/109/49
Lightning: 173/133/73
Poison: 129/89/29

MF: 144 Block: 21
GF: 189
FR/W: 65
FHR: 92 7 frame hit recovery
IAS: 0
FCR: 67 <-- 9 frame casting

Ice Bolt: 5/9
Frozen Armor: 1/5
Frost Nova: 1/5
Ice Blast: 14/18
Shiver Armor: 0/0 <-- might go for a point here in the future
Glacial Spike: 20/24
Blizzard: 20/24
Frozen Orb: 1/5 <-- paying attention fail
Cold Mastery: 20/24

Static Field: 1/5
Telekinesis: 1/5 <-- ever so useful... C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER!!
Teleport: 5/9 <-- extra points, in hopes of finding a better merc weapon than a Thresher Insight.

Warmth: 1/5


Equipment:
Spirit
Superior Crystal Sword
TalThulOrtAmn
One Hand Damage: 5 - 15
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xd7238cae
Item Level: 38
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+32% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+1 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+107 to Mana
+7 Magic Absorb
4 Sockets (4 used)


Rhyme <-- couldn't find a Moser's, but, evidently, this did the trick just fine.
Bone Shield
ShaelEth
Defense: 29
Chance to Block: 40
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0xb91b5a3c
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +25
Cannot Be Frozen
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
2 Sockets (2 used)


Stealth <-- Alas, no Vipermagi.
Studded Leather
TalEth
Defense: 34
Durability: 32 of 32
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 27
Fingerprint: 0xd99fe7f9
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+25% Faster Hit Recovery
+6 to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana 15%
+15 Maximum Stamina
Poison Resist +30%
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
2 Sockets (2 used)


Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 133
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x47290bc
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+38 to Life
+124 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+124 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Ruby


Nightsmoke
Belt
Defense: 23
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0x59ad0d6a
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+49% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+20 to Mana
All Resistances +10
Damage Reduced by 2
50% Damage Taken Goes To Mana


Bone Touch <-- Awesome gloves!
Chain Gloves
Defense: 13
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0xabd03c51
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 3 Frost Nova when struck <-- nice defensive mod
+35% Enhanced Defense
+4 to Strength
Lightning Resist +20%
Fire Resist +20%
22% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Natalya's Soul
Mesh Boots
Defense: 137
Durability: 66 of 116
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0xcf49580d
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+93 Defense
Heal Stamina Plus (Based on Character Level) +20%
Cold Resist +25%
Lightning Resist +24%
+50 Maximum Durability


The Mahim-Oak Curio Tried to gamble for something better, but no dice.
Amulet
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xadfd2913
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Bonus to Attack Rating
+10% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
All Stats +10
All Resistances +10


Grim Spiral
Ring
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xb4c3835e
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+19 to Mana
Lightning Resist +5%
Fire Resist +20%
Damage Reduced by 1


Order Touch
Ring
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x8c056802
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Maximum Damage
+2 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +4
+27 to Mana
Lightning Resist +9%
Fire Resist +19%


Inventory:
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x3780b3fa
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+


Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x6899ff8
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
129% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 11%
38% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Lapis Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 7
Fingerprint: 0x4e4cda5e
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +20%

Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 1
Fingerprint: 0xa20a8701
Item Level: 33
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Cobalt Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x1e6fa892
Item Level: 76
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +24%

Ocher Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xd55dafe8
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +6%
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Viridian Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0xe956568f
Item Level: 24
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +7%
10% Extra Gold from Monsters

Ocher Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xe20f139d
Item Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +7%

Jade Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x1df35169
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +9%
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Viridian Large Charm of Life
Large Charm
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x9a25586a
Item Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Life
Poison Resist +8%

Amber Grand Charm of Thunder
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xc442b8e6
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 11 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +27%

Azure Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 1
Fingerprint: 0xbdf2d7fb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +5%

Large Charm of Sustenance
Large Charm
Required Level: 34
Fingerprint: 0xbbedd235
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25 to Life

Large Charm of Sustenance
Large Charm
Required Level: 19
Fingerprint: 0x4362e3dc
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Large Charm of Sustenance
Large Charm
Required Level: 34
Fingerprint: 0x36c1a7
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+21 to Life

Ruby Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x625d015b
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +14%


Stash: Horadric Cube <-- not in my inventory, 'cause I'm weird.


Mercenary:
Name: Kasim
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Comb-Normal <-- Insight + Prayer = double healing = good for lazy players
Experience: 63656830
Level: 83
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 187/207
Dexterity: 151/156
HP: 1750/1893
Defense: 1288/2090
AR: 1952/390400 <-- GoMule fail

Fire: 185/145/85
Cold: 215/175/115
Lightning: 185/145/85
Poison: 185/145/85


Insight
Thresher
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 45 - 428
Durability: 34 of 65
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 152
Required Dexterity: 118
Fingerprint: 0xa35c0928
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 14 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
204% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
199% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+5 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)


Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 131
Durability: 12 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xdca45ad0
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Mana stolen per hit
10% Life stolen per hit
+45 Defense
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
All Resistances +15


Duriel's Shell
Cuirass
Defense: 671
Durability: 30 of 150
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x2876153b
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+180% Enhanced Defense
+103 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+15 to Strength
+83 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +20
Cannot Be Frozen
+100 Maximum Durability


Quests completed: all, except the Nihlathak and Cow King quests, in all difficulties.
Waypoints collected: all, except Halls of Pain in all difficulties.


The (somewhat) epic journey
Normal and Nightmare... blah blah, I'll save you most of the details. I actually started out rather bold, killing Normal Diablo at level 25. I played cautiously, but I also knew that, as long as a was cautious, the odds of dying where slim. In Act 5, I took the time to level up to about 38 at Eldritch, though.
Only one near-death experience in Normal Tal Rasha's Tomb, from a FE lightning scarab. S&E'd. I know it's a cowardly thing to do, but I'm not thát Hardcore... yet.

The first half of Hell Act 1 was actually more difficult than the other, because of the cold immune rogue zombie chicks. The rest was easy enough, including Andariel.

Act 2 was HARD! The Viper temple is known to be difficult for cold-based characters, and mine was no exception. After about 4-5 tries I finally located the stairs down, and luckily it was one teleport away from the entrance. Fangskin & co. proved too tough for me though, so I just restarted, teleported to the Alter, gave it a good kick, picked up the ammy and GTFO.
Tal Rasha's tomb was also a pain, but Duriel was easy.

Act 3 was a bit of a pain, due to many cold immunes. I suffered a near-death experience from a Cursed Flayer boss back. My merc had died, and unbeknownst to me, my mouse pointer had drifted outside the Diablo window and I had apparently clicked, so the escape button didn't work. I S&E just in time, with 80 health left (81 in the screeny, due to Replenish Life) (EDIT: double fail: one for forgetting to upload the screenshot, and another one for apparently not actually having taken the screenshot in the first place). The funny thing is, it was the second time I entered this place; I had muled off the first Flail I had completed for new characters, and had to gather the organs again... would've been extra painful had she died.
The Council fell with surprisingly little difficulty. The Durance was long and hard, but doable. Mephisto... was too easy. He did manage to kill my merc though, something both Diablo and Baal failed to do. So yeah, good job, Mephy! 👍

Act 4 was easy enough, to my surprise. The only monster that gave problems were Oblivion Knights. Diablo, although extremely dangerous, was handled with care, and died faster than I had expected.

Act 5 was tricky, but most of the time didn't prove dangerous; the cold immunes were usually monsters that don't really do much damage. The ice caves wére dangerous, though, and I had to S&E to reroll the monsters a couple of times. It was a relief to find the next Waypoint.
Finally, I encountered the Ancients. I was a little reluctant to fight them already, but they were actually rather pathetic. Kasim could handle the only cold immune Ancient rather easily.
The Worldstone Keep was a little difficult... the first floor spawned all cold immunes, and at some point I was Amp'd by a Hell Witch, and Charge'd by a Prowling Dead (or some kind of Reanimated Horde), which took off about 2/3 of my health. I drank a full rejuv and tele'd in hopes of finding the stairs down, and I did.
The second floor had no cold immunes, but it had Souls. I took it easy though, as always, so this floor was no problem.
The third floor had Blood/Hell Tempresses (forgot which one), Death Lord's and Blood Boss/Hell Spawn. This floor had one nasty trap, where I ran up to a jewel on the floor, and was suddenly surrounded by an Extra Fast Death Lord boss back. They didn't do much damage before I got away, though.
The final floor was a little tricky, with Hell Witches, Dolls and Horadric Ancients, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. The waves went down way faster than I could imagine, and Baal, although he took a while, went down with little difficulty. His droppings.


Hellforge: ?/Ko/Lem


Q&A time!

Any good finds?
There were some...
Lenymo <-- never found this in SC
Vidala's Ambush <-- same as above
4 socketed Tresher <-- dropped moments before the Hell Viper tomb, and I quickly made a new Insight. Needless to say, it was a life saver!
Harlequin Crest <-- found in the Hell Kurast sewers. I hate the sewers with a passion, and seeing this drop was a sight for sore eyes.
Ohm Rune <-- I smell an upcoming CtA.

Why didn't you go with a dual-tree sorc?
I probably should've done that, yes. I started out with the idea of respeccing somewhere in Nightmare, but I decided not to.

Why?
Because I didn't want to, for some reason. I just didn't feel right.

Your resists suck!
I know, but you have to work with what you find. Now that she is Guardian'd, I will respec her, though.

Why not max block?
Because I didn't like the idea of having something chance-based having to save my butt. I didn't realize, though, that it's not so much life, but rather damage you're sacrificing, with the defensive gear and the socketed rubies and extra life charms.

What are your future plans with her?
Lots! First, I'll probably go back to Nightmare to get some basic stuff, such as a Skin of the Vipermagi, Moser's Blessed Circle and a WizardSpike. I might do some trading for this, though. Next, I'll probably run Hell Lower Kurast special chest and Nightmare Cows to make a nice CtA. After that, probably a crapload of Hell Mephisto runs. Given that she still lives at that point, of couse.

What about your other plans for HC?
I have a character that is a partner of one of Baltha's. Their adventures have only just begun...
Other than that, I have no plans as of yet.

You're luckier than you can imagine. A luckier adventurer the World of Sanctuary never saw!
I know 👍! (and a cooky for all those who get the two obscure references.)


Thanks to:
  • Baltha, for many valuable advice, and for being awesome. 👍
  • Sylecn, for reminding me that doing MF runs are probably more dangerous in the long run than actual questing. I shouldn't get overconfident at this point.
  • Cyrax, for advising not to play when tired. This might actually have saved me a couple of times over.
  • Skoolbus, for his advice on reading boss mods. It's simple enough, but when things are going smoothly, I sometimes find myself skipping this part. And thát is when things get dangerous.
  • Corrupted, for additional advice on FE, LE & CE monsters.
  • Anyone else I may have forgotten. And I probably have, knowing myself.

The End.
 
Originally posted by asdfgah on May 21, 2006:

asdf_HCBlizz teh guardian! :winkwink:

So here she is, my first guardian since starting my HC career.

Character name : asdf_HCBlizz (Sorry about the un-orginality of the name x) )
Character type : Hardcore Sorceress
Character level : 86
Character exp : 1198546469

Strength : 97
Energy : 50
Dexterity : 25
Vitality : 348

Life : 1099
Mana : 549
Stamina : 559

And here's the pic 😁

It was over six months ago that I created asdf_HCBlizz and got her up to hell meph so basically all I can remember from before that was that she was using a stealth leather armor until she found a skin of the vipermagi from hell meph :badteeth:.

She is untwinked but after 1k+ hell mephruns (I posted about them here) she ended up with this gear (this is not the MF gear):

The Oculus
Harlequin Crest
Magefist
Raven Frost
Nature's Peace
Arachnid mesh
Waterwalk
Skin of the vipermagi (35 res)
Lidless wall
And a not so good rare amulet:

Bitter Wing
Amulet
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0xd07884db
+20 to Energy
Cold Resist +12%
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
10% Faster Cast Rate

Chalan teh might merc:

Arioc's Needle (4skill 225 ED)
Gladiator's Bane
Andariel's Visage

The hardest part for me was the crystalline passage in where I didn't see a single non-CI enemy, but the merc had no big problems and it went pretty smoothly, the infidel's were quite nasty though. Ancients were done in the second attempt (Merc died the first time so I opened a TP). I was lucky enough so that none of the ewul barbs were immune to two elements. I finished off the non-CI dudes and after that I used static + merc to bring the last one down. When killing baal's minions nature's peace helped and prevented Achmel the Cursed and his pack from raising monsters I killed and when there were only mages left the merc had no problems to finish them off. Lister didn't spawn CI either so he went down fast.
It was a shaky but fun ride!

Any questions?
Thanks for watching (reading)!
 
Originally posted by asdfgah on Aug 1, 2006:

Guardian asdf_DemonFrost :)

Guardian asdf_DemonFrost
Level 81 Blizzballer!

Max Fire ball, Glacial spike, Blizzard.
14 Fire Bolt, 10 Cold mastery
1 Warmth, Fire Mastery, Static Field, Telekinesis, Teleport, cold prereqs.
95 Strength and rest in vitality.
LCS

Gear:
(warning for twinking)

Harlequin Crest (98 defense, perfect topaz)
The oculus
Chance guards (40%)
2x nagelring (27% & 30%)
Arachnid mesh (Goldwrap battle belt for bosses)
Wartraveller (42% MF)
Lidless wall (Perfect Diamond)
Skullder's Ire
Seraph's hymn (only +2 skill amu for sorc I have)
Gull (switch)
Rhyme bone shield (switch)
1x Chilling Grand Charm
Gheed's fortune (36% MF, 14% Vendor, 103% GF)

Leharas, level 80 Might merc:
811-2551 damage.

Vampire Gaze (8ML 7LL 18DR)
Duriel's shell

Kelpie Snare Stygian Pike (Not ethereal)
+180% Enhanced Damage
(Two-Hand Damage: 111 to 453)

I'd like to give some credit to Tweety and his fortuna because that's pretty much where the inspiration came from, though I have absolutely no intention on going for level 99 :p

I started out as a normal blizzard sorc, maxed glacial spike, blizzard and put 10 points into CM ASAP (before glacial spike got maxed IIRC) and blizzard was enough to take me all the way through normal and nightmare on p8. After that points went to fireball and after that fire bolt, where they still are going. Only had one NDE because I always was standing behind my merc, firing fireballs or casting blizzards from a safe distance.

Hell Ancients

They did split up very easily, and the whirler were taken down first (didn't even have time to get a picture of him). Then it was Korlic's turn.
I better stay away when this one goes off!
And so I did, *Kaboom!*
Picking off the last bugger form a safe distance
Quest completed, yahoo!
Onward to the throne!

More Images

Glacial trail map
The battle is won.
Tyrael

Finds

Mausoleum drop
Hephasto's drop
Hellforge drop! (nm was lem like mentioned in the IFT)
I couldn't pick this one up because I had full inventory, guess if I was worried with the minions spawning soon too! Dissapointing.
Additional finds were the vampire gaze that is being worn by my merc, windhammer that I couldn't pick up due to an NDE (the one and ONLY nde during the entire journey), ginther's rift.. Bleh I've forgotten about the rest :p

Now what did I forget? :scratch:

Finally, sorry about all the typo's that I'm sure are here somewhere I can't find them :laugh:.
Over and out, may asdf be with you all!
 
Diablo 4 Interactive Map
PurePremium
Estimated market value
Low
High