Matriarch/Patriarch/Guardian Archive Thread

Originally posted by Doctor Clock on Apr 28, 2010:

Patriarch Grumble

“Ormus sees a strange dichotomy in you... as he does in all would-be heroes.”

Introduction

Those who knew him well say he was like a shell of a human, for he paid little mind to the outside world, and the comings and goings of his fellow creatures. But inside there raged a great turmoil, and an anger towards everything around him, even himself. Some claim he left behind the life he knew to battle The Three. I think there was a greater struggle, though. He set out to conquer himself.

Patriarch Grumble, the Martyr Abbot

Stats :


Level 83 Paladin

Strength: 153
Dexterity: 136
Vitality: 293
Energy: 15

Sacrifice damage: 1210-1884
Life: 1318
Resistances: 75/49/75/75

Defensive Auras :

Prayer: 27 (20)
Redemption: 27 (20)
Salvation: 8 (1)

Offensive Auras :

Fanaticism: 6 (3)

Combat Skills :

Sacrifice: 24 (20)
Smite: 18 (14)
Conversion: 7 (3)
Holy Shield: 5 (1)

Items:

Helm: Grumble’s Coronet of Life Everlasting (SolSol 38 PDR)
Amulet: Amulet of Life Everlasting (25 PDR)
Weapon: Grumble’s Lightsabre (Shael)
Armor: Griswold’s Heart (SolSolSol 21 PDR)
Shield: Herald of Zakarum (Perfect Diamond)
Gloves: Dracul’s Grasp
Ring 1: Carrion Wind // Dwarf Star against Diablo
Belt: Grumble’s String of Ears // Thundergod’s Vigor against Gloams
Ring 2: Raven Frost
Boots: Dread Spur (20%FRW // 30%Lightning Resist // 36% Fire resist // 21% MF)

Lawbringer and Moser’s Circle on switch for applying Decrepify. Lawbringer was swapped for a Black Scourge against bosses.

84 PDR total

3 Preserver’s Grand charms, and various resist/life charms in the inventory

Mercenary :
Kasim
Act 2 Normal Prayer

Andariel’s Visage (Ral)
Insight
Fortitude

The Concept:

Combine two seemingly conflicting builds. The Abbot, which is based around negating damage and heavy regeneration, and a Martyr, which does damage to self each swing.

Thoughts:

This character was a real trip down memory lane. My first ever character (8-9 years ago) was a Paladin with maxed Prayer (he also put every point into strength and used a 2h axe, but that’s another matter) so it was nice to revisit my roots. It has also been close to two years since I made a Paladin from start to finish, so I was having withdrawals.

He turned out a lot better than I had expected. The heavy PDR rig made him nearly unkillable. No deaths and few NDE. Clever use of Smite and Conversion provided more than enough crowd control and the regen from myself and merc offset what little damage I did take. Even the moron managed to survive through some nasty encounters.

His damage was on the lower side, but this was partially intentional. I didn’t want to kill myself against skeletons or rely on Life Tap to keep my character alive. I also needed a weapon that was fast and had ITD (only 2.7k AR). Lightsabre it was. I suppose Famine would have worked, but I’m short on Jah runes at the moment. :rolleyes:

The damage to self from Sacrifice was never a problem. Perhaps it was because of his lower damage, but it was easy to manage. If things ever got hairy, I would usually just switch to Smite, eat some corpses, and then be on my way.

He also abused the Conversion bug a lot. I’m not certain on the details, but it I believe if your physical attack applies poison damage when successfully converting an enemy, the enemy will be set to 1 hp when it unconverts. This seems to work even if the target is poison immune. If you Convert an entire group of enemies, they will unconvert one by one and then proceed to one-shot each other. Makes for a very amusing way to deal with boss packs.

It was also nice to get to use the Defensive auras extensively. They are much neglected and look better than the offensive auras in my opinion. Who doesn’t like rainbows?

Did /players 8 full clears of Normal and Nightmare and /players 1 full clears of Hell. All in all a very fun character. Not a very fast killer, but sturdy and versatile.


Amusing moments:
I’m a necromancer
You know of a better way to kill sarcophagi?
No one makes me bleed my own blood.
I don’t see what the big deal is.

Grumble has retired. I don’t know if he found peace, but for now, he longs for silence, and solitude, and the company of himself. Thanks for reading.
 
Originally posted by @ffs on Mar 2, 2020:

Patriarch Prism: Tri-elemental Bear Auradin

Watching people like @J-Dog and @Nano having all the fun with Werebear builds from afar while I was on vacation, I was very very jealous, so I had to make a bear again myself. But I decided to put Druid shenanigans on hold for a while and figured I should get around to a quite different kind of beast, but one that I've been meaning to build for a while.

Some gameplay footage first with Pat Baal run & gear and build:


Why on earth doesn't ITD work on bosses? :p

Gear:
  • faceted Griffon's Eye (20/24)
  • Switch 1: 'Ice' Demon Crossbow
  • Switch 2: 'Hand of Justice' PB & 'Dragon' Troll Nest & swapping in Beast BA
  • Mara's
  • Chains of Honor
  • Dracul's Grasp
  • BKWB
  • Raven
  • Verdungo's
  • Rare boots with FRW, FHR, FR, LR
  • Inventory: 6x OA Skillers with life, dex, str; resist, life & FHR scs
Build:
  • 20 Holy Shock
  • 20 Salvation
  • 20 Resist Lightning
  • 20 Resist Cold
  • 8 Resist Fire (remaining points here)
  • pre-reqs, Vigor, Zeal for questing until lvl 65
GoMule dump
Code:
Name:       Prism
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 1299563998
Level:      87

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   116/151
Dexterity:  102/137
Vitality:   282/324
Energy:     15/20
HP:         1058/1222
Mana:       144/184
Stamina:    432/594
Defense:    25/1973
AR:         495/873

Fire:       184/144/84
Cold:       127/87/27
Lightning:  173/133/73
Poison:     127/87/27

MF:         25       Block:      21
GF:         271
FR/W:       20
FHR:        30
IAS:        20
FCR:        25

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

Might: 1/13
Holy Fire: 1/13
Thorns: 0/0
Blessed Aim: 0/0
Concentration: 0/0
Holy Freeze: 1/13
Holy Shock: 20/32
Sanctuary: 0/0
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 0/0

Prayer: 1/7
Resist Fire: 8/14
Defiance: 1/7
Resist Cold: 20/26
Cleansing: 1/7
Resist Lightning: 20/26
Vigor: 1/7
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 0/0
Salvation: 20/26

Amber Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x17196144
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Life
Lightning Resist +11%

Shimmering Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x6ca1610e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +4

Coral Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x96500a6e
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Ruby Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xdd0bc7e6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +10%

Garnet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xde18a15c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Life
Fire Resist +9%

Amber Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xa93e038
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xf42fec47
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x8ce2f488
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Captain's Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x15c8447d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+40 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xeeb2f2d2
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+14 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x5be4e8db
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+13 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xb7493c4e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+9 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xb8428268
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+6 to Dexterity

Captain's Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xfefe53ad
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+6 to Dexterity

Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 212
Durability: 11 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x49c6528b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-24% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+20% to Lightning Skill Damage
+160 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x472bcd23
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x3ac28e30
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +28

Chains of Honor
Superior Scarab Husk
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 869
Durability: 15 of 28
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xa3e946d5
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+83% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

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

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%

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

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

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x6df62239
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+43 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xaf7d3d33
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+200 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+18 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Verdungo's Hearty Cord
Mithril Coil
Defense: 129
Durability: 13 of 16
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x9e3b52d5
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+96% Enhanced Defense
+37 to Vitality
Replenish Life +12
+112 Maximum Stamina
Damage Reduced by 15%

Storm Shank
Demonhide Boots
Defense: 69
Durability: 7 of 12
Required Level: 27
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xffe792e9
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+92% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +16%
Fire Resist +38%

Dracul's Grasp
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 132
Durability: 8 of 14
Required Level: 76
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xdecdf26a
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 10 Life Tap on striking
8% Life stolen per hit
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+100% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+9 Life after each Kill

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x9d9025bb
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Greater Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 150%

Hand of Justice
Superior Phase Blade
SurChamAmnLo
One Hand Damage: 136 - 154
Indestructible
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Fingerprint: 0x7a86e6f0
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 36 Blaze when you Level-Up
100% Chance to cast level 48 Meteor when you Die
Level 16 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped
+33% Increased Attack Speed
341% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
-20% to Enemy Fire Resistance
7% Life stolen per hit
20% Deadly Strike
Hit Blinds Target +1
Freezes target +3
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Sur Rune
Socketed: Cham Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Sur Rune
Required Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Blinds Target +1
Armor: Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Shields: +50 to Mana

Cham Rune
Required Level: 67
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Freezes target +3
Armor: Cannot Be Frozen
Shields: Cannot Be Frozen

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

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

Beast
Berserker Axe
BerTirUmMalLum
One Hand Damage: 85 - 253
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 138
Required Dexterity: 59
Fingerprint: 0x1bc07833
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+40% Increased Attack Speed
257% Enhanced Damage
20% Chance of Crushing Blow
25% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Werebear
+3 to Lycanthropy
+35 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Level 13 Summon Grizzly (5/5 Charges)
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

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

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%

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

Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy

Dragon
Troll Nest
SurLoSol
Defense: 528
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 74 of 74
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0xbd9f6279
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 18 Venom when struck
12% Chance to cast level 15 Hydra on striking
Level 14 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped
+360 Defense
All Stats +5
+230 Defense vs. Missile
+32 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
+50 to Mana
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Damage Reduced by 7
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Sur Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Sur Rune
Required Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Blinds Target +1
Armor: Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Shields: +50 to Mana

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

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

Ice
Superior Demon Crossbow
AmnShaelJahLo
Two Hand Damage: 66 - 102
Durability: 24 of 40
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 141
Required Dexterity: 98
Fingerprint: 0x623bc612
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 40 Blizzard when you Level-Up
25% Chance to cast level 22 Frost Nova on striking
Level 18 Holy Freeze Aura When Equipped
+20% Increased Attack Speed
155% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
+3 to Attack Rating
-20% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+30% to Cold Skill Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
20% Deadly Strike
271% Extra Gold from Monsters (Based on Character Level)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Lo 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

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

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

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

Bolts
Fingerprint: 0xbf39468e
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+

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%

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

Mercenary:

Name:       Waheed
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Hell
Experience: 86644576
Level:      87
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   186/236
Dexterity:  149/149
HP:         1710/1710
Defense:    1260/3426
AR:         1802/1802

Fire:       183/143/83
Cold:       213/173/113
Lightning:  213/173/113
Poison:    283/243/183

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 370
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x16ac00ab
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
9% Life stolen per hit
+139% Enhanced Defense
+30 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (16/20 Charges)


Chains of Honor
Wire Fleece
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 1796
Durability: 17 of 17
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 101
Fingerprint: 0xfeb534b7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

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

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%

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

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


Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 72 - 846
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0xd3491066
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
301% Enhanced Damage
-47% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+43 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

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

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

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

Background
I got the idea for an 'Ice' wielding bear build when @D2DC started a thread about an oskill sept (I think) some time last summer. Can't find it now – great search function btw. In fact I made an Ice Demon Crossbow soon afterwards, only to then have it start to collect dust in stash. Originally the idea was to go with Sorc, synergizing the Frost Nova procs, but I realised damage just wouldn’t be meaningful, and a bear Sorc doesn’t benefit much from Ice otherwise. The alternative of course was a Paladin, whom I envisaged to use at least one other elemental aura besides Holy Freeze. I was also interested in playing an Auradin without Dreams.

Crunching some numbers in preparation, it turned out the best combination in terms of damage was to use high level Holy Shock on the Pally and supplement it with Ice's lvl 18 HF (instead of going for high lvl HF on the Paladin with stuff like Ormus, NWV etc.). From there it was a small step to also include Holy Fire from the Dragon/Hand of Justice combo on switch, for CIs and other targets that HF/Ice wouldn’t help much against. I had tried this combo (with Dragon armor as well) on this girl a while ago, and figured he could find some use for it as well. This also made him use all three elemental damage auras which I thought was cool. I realized he would actually deal a little more damage on the Holy Fire switch, but the chilling effects from Ice are just nice and add a ton of safety, so that would be his main switch in general.

Questing
With that plan in mind I started him a few days ago and we played P8 all the way, basically as a Tesladin from when Holy Shock became available at lvl 24. He started out with envy jewelled bow, armor and helm, until he was able to equip Death's set items with a Hel'ed weapon. This he used until lvl 30 until when he swapped the weapon for Stormeye, which got replaced with Zakarum's Hand at lvl 38. Zakarum's worked well enough that I didn't bother switching to something like Crescent Moon until lvl 60 or so. Then he used CM briefly from RoF/CS NM to A5, until he was able to equip most of his end game gear at level 67, in particular Ice and Hand of Justice. He then did Baal runs until 76, so that he could use Griffon's and proceed to Hell.

At first I almost exclusively used the Ice switch, but in A4 and A5 Hell I started swapping back and forth more often. Some ~80% of the damage always came from Holy Shock either way, so rolls like CI or FI didn't matter much per se. However, HoJ switch was a little faster and provided better leech, whereas Ice provided better ranged crowd control – so switching was more situational depending on when I wanted which of those things, rather than strictly based on damage output. The weapon setup provided -20 enemy resist after Infinity to each element whichever slot he was using, ITD on both switches, and fastest attack rate (7 frames with Ice, 6 frames with HoJ) without additional off-weapon IAS. I found DS and LL on both switches didn't do much for leech though, he relied on life tap from Drac's like most other Bear builds I've played in the past ended up with eventually... I included + all skills whenever it made sense in order to also boost Werebear and Lycanthropy, as I didn’t want to bother with additional weapon switching with CtA to increase his life pool.

Biggest gearing question mark was body armor, there were several interesting options. Ormus obviously looked appealing, so did Dragon (for big boy lvl 44 Holy Fire on switch), Fortitude and CoH. I ultimately found CoH to be the best choice for him, given it boosted his main damage source (HS) similarly to Ormus while providing great resists, damage reduction and additional physical damage. Remaining gear slots also offered interesting options – and I tried a ton – but in Hell it became clear that he had to include some safety choices. I ended up with Dracul's again, and some FHR to get the 8 frame FHR breakpoint in Bear form, as well resists and damage reduction.

For Merc I went with Defiance and of course Infinity, as I wasn’t using Conviction myself. I considered Prayer, Might and Blessed Aim (for bosses), but found Defiance provided the biggest advantage in acutally making gameplay smoother. With single target builds like this, it really helps not to be interruped all the time when getting swarmed.

For a long time it looked like he could go P8 without a death the way, but in A3 Hell that unique right before LK got me (Fana/Cursed/too slow on S&E), and then again some really ugly Conviction/Fana/Cursed double pack of Skeleton Mages and Knights in WSK. Other than that, he rolled through the game with a solution to everything, though I must say starting from A4 Hell things were rather slow. In particular Ancients and Baal took loooooong – he heavily relied on his elemental damage and ITD to apply it, both of which didn't help much in those cases. When comparing him to some of the similar builds I've played, he was of course not quite as powerful as a Dream Bear Sorc and also behind Dream/Grief Zealot. But certainly a reliable and tanky character that steamrolled through Hell at a relaxed pace. ;)

Finds
Those were surprisingly good for a single playthrough:

Check the level req:
1588003004999.png
1588002988992.png
1588002967112.png
1588002954944.png
1588002943784.png
1588002922295.png

Final thoughts
Fun! More weird bear builds please. :D
 
Originally posted by Grape on Aug 14, 2015:

Patriarch Alyosha - Full Griswold's Holy Shock Bear Paladin

Introduction

Forget the Tesladin Zealots, forget the dual Dream Auradins. It's all about Bear Paladins with full Girswold's! Fill in with some Rainbow Facets, few Shaels in weapon and Infinity on your merc and you've got a crazy killing machine. 4 FPA normal attack with awesome damage!

While doing some of my normal googling of D2 related stuff I found out about this build. So much for originality, but at least I haven't seen one of these here in SPF. I took notes of the core build and added it to my ever-growing to be done -list of builds. Having complete Mitya just a week earlier I found it still fun to continue with a Shapeshifter build. It was nice to see the differences these two Bears had. Alyosha had been started already when Mitya made it to Patriarch, so I could jump right into playing this week ago.


Build

Let's take a look at that GoMule dump, shall we? (I edited some unnecessary staff away)

Code:
Name:       Alyosha
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 1303044504
Level:      87

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   108/165
Dexterity:  100/119
Vitality:   307/327
Energy:     15/15
HP:         1133/1227
Mana:       144/184
Stamina:    457/527
Defense:    25/2209
AR:         485/822

Fire:       148/108/48
Cold:       105/65/5
Lightning:  159/119/59
Poison:     105/65/5

MF:         29       Block:      41
GF:         0
FR/W:       48
FHR:        5
IAS:        120
FCR:        0

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

Might: 1/13
Holy Fire: 1/13
Thorns: 0/0
Blessed Aim: 20/32
Concentration: 1/13
Holy Freeze: 1/13
Holy Shock: 20/32
Sanctuary: 0/0
Fanaticism: 9/21
Conviction: 0/0

Prayer: 0/0
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 0/0
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 0/0
Resist Lightning: 20/24
Vigor: 0/0
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 0/0
Salvation: 20/24

Ruby Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xc841611f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +11%

Coral Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xbe6fb986
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Lightning Resist +9%

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 158
Durability: 32 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xaa3fb803
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+194% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Griswold's Heart
Ornate Plate
Defense: 947
Durability: 59 of 60
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 14
Fingerprint: 0xd9618e90
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
200% Chance to cast level 82 Sacrifice when you Level-Up
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
+2 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
Adds 3 - 222 Lightning Damage
-11% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+12% to Lightning Skill Damage
+500 Defense
+20 to Strength
Requirements -40%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

(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%

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xb772c0ef
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+4% to Lightning Skill Damage

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xb29ea8e7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 41 Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+4% to Lightning Skill Damage

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xacb9a859
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 41 Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-3% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+4% to Lightning Skill Damage

Captain's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe788162a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xa785a205
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+19 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xc036c42c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xd0823595
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+20 to Life

Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x61c8d2ab
Item Level: 85
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

Dracul's Grasp
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 129
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 76
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x4966b66a
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 10 Life Tap on striking
9% Life stolen per hit
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+96% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
+9 Life after each Kill

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x5868e100
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+242 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

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x8d7b5944
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+43 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Shimmering Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xbe4b6d2b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Strength
All Resistances +5

Ruby Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x759e9726
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +11%

Amber Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x69458d5a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Lightning Resist +10%

Shimmering Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xd880dbe1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +5

Ruby Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xbdfdd258
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +11%

Captain's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xb391
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)

Captain's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x6315f56d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)

Ruby Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x2fe9e871
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +10%

Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 157
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0x3c542c18
Item Level: 88
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)
+197% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb

Captain's Grand Charm of Shock
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xedd1ae86
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
Adds 1 - 2 Lightning Damage

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x67a1c44d
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+12 to Life

Griswold's Valor
Corona
Defense: 287
Durability: 48 of 50
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 14
Fingerprint: 0x9654e87b
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
200% Chance to cast level 94 Zeal when you Die
Adds 2 - 148 Lightning Damage
-8% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+9% to Lightning Skill Damage
+73% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +5
+21 Absorbs Cold Damage (Based on Character Level)
29% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Requirements -40%
Set (2 items): +2 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

(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%

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xec7278c4
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-3% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x3e8c4846
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+4% to Lightning Skill Damage

Call to Arms
Superior Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 19 - 57
Durability: 20 of 22
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x5367fe4c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
285% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+3 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 14%
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune

Beast
Berserker Axe
BerTirUmMalLum
One Hand Damage: 88 - 260
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 138
Required Dexterity: 59
Fingerprint: 0xcf6d19bc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+40% Increased Attack Speed
267% Enhanced Damage
20% Chance of Crushing Blow
25% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Werebear
+3 to Lycanthropy
+37 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Level 13 Summon Grizzly (5/5 Charges)
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune

Spirit
Superior Sacred Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 178
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 51 of 51
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0x78978f4a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+12% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+111 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +34
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Increase Maximum Durability 15%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Griswold's Redemption
Caduceus
One Hand Damage: 13747 - 16079
Durability: 18 of 70
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 33
Required Dexterity: 24
Fingerprint: 0x76a388fc
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+100% Increased Attack Speed
227% Enhanced Damage
+350% Damage to Undead
All Resistances +15
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
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Scintillating Jewel

(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

Scintillating Jewel
Jewel
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0xecb7e21a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%

Griswold's Honor
Vortex Shield
Defense: 324
Chance to Block: 39
Durability: 89 of 90
Required Level: 68
Required Strength: 148
Fingerprint: 0xbacc7880
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
300% Chance to cast level 141 Unknown when you Die
+65% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
Adds 3 - 222 Lightning Damage
-12% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+14% to Lightning Skill Damage
+108 Defense
All Resistances +45
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

(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%

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xd3e3ef96
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+4% to Lightning Skill Damage

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x8fcefb1c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xb42c0533
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage

Mercenary:

Name:       Hazade
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 79973448
Level:      87
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   190/190
Dexterity:  153/153
HP:         1847/1944
Defense:    1359/4788
AR:         1937/1937

Fire:       207/167/107
Cold:       177/137/77
Lightning:  177/137/77
Poison:    177/137/77

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xd97985c1
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
8% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Fire Resist +30%
Damage Reduced by 16%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune

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


Fortitude
Scarab Husk
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3177
Durability: 15 of 15
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 85
Fingerprint: 0xbd9cf828
Item Level: 81
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
+97 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +26
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

Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 75 - 890
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0x7ef4d07f
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
322% Enhanced Damage
-47% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+43 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

So it's simply Holy Shock + synergies. 1 pt in Holy Shield. 20 Blessed Aim for passive AR boost, so that I could hit at least something before Conviction kicks in. Rest points in Fanaticism, which is used when facing an unbreakable lightning immune.

Final LCS looks like this:
1588003718653.png

AR in the picture is 2344. That's plenty when Conviction is around, but otherwise it wouldn't have cut it. There was no need to switch any AR Small Charms thanks to my merc. Picture is with BO, but I didn't use it apart from very few spots. More about that later.


Journey

I did all the playing on /players 8 apart from (I think) normal Duriel and Mephisto, maybe Diablo. Call me lazy but normal is just a rush for me when I twink my characters, P8 provides nice exp but I make it a bit faster slashing some of the act bosses at P1. Zero deaths during the play through, by the way.

Twink through normal was: Envy jool'd stuff, Death's Gloves + Belt, boots with most FRW I could wear. Stealth, 1.07 Fire Claw, back pack full of Grand Charms of Inertia. Put Duskdeep on for act 3 to nullify Flayers' dmg, so that I could keep on going P8 - that PDR is awesome for normal. Reached level 29 in Act 4 I think, and from there I started to Zeal stuff with synergized Holy Shock. Weapons used were at first Bloodletter and then Ginther's Rift. Easy easy.

Through the NM I played like any other Tesladin would. Basic melee stuff all the way. HoZ, SoE, Raven Frost etc. Used also my Crescent Moon Phase Blade for the very first time. . I can't even remember when I made that. That CtC Static is fun/good for sure! Also changed Grand Charms to Captain's GCs' When reaching Act 5 I did some Eldritch runs to reach levels needed for my final equipment.

That stuff was crazy over powered for a long long time. I didn't use any, I mean ANY potions in Hell between Jail level 2 and Travincal. And it was players 8 all the time. I also didn't use CtA besides Andariel, Duriel (not that it was necessary) and then in Travincal. My merc didn't get killed between that.

During Act 4 and 5 merc saw some resurrections, but that was mostly because of no BO and I wasn't fast enough with shift feeding him potions. Places where he died were (Travincal) River of Flame, Chaos Sanctuary, Frozen River, Ancient's Way and I think WSK 1 or/and 2? Alyosha was never in real danger. That Life Tap from Dracul's was a real life saver though. My playing style should've been a lot more careful without it. I used CtA BO only against act bosses, CS seal monsters (actually it was over when fighting Visier and Diablo), Ancients and then during WSK and Throne.

I had no LI/PI monsters and that helped some. Overall really really powerful character.


Durance of Hate level 3 video and some screenshots


Chose to record Durance of Hate this time. I could've chosen an area where that Shiny Bear really shines, but it shows nicely my tactics versus lightning immunes: switch to Fana. Everything non-immune it tears through with crazy speed.

Screenshot time! Let's see what I took. While writing this, I haven't still gone through them myself... :p

1588003691569.png
From this moment I didn't use a single potion until Travincal. It could be earlier; I'm not sure did I have time to try to save my merc, but he was fast gone anyway. I had also just reached level 76 and was still wondering whether to use Dracul's or Laying of Hands. It was an easy choice when Pitspawn was a piece of cake after Life Tap had proc'd.

1588003679122.png

Having my revenge against Beetles. (Look for Mitya's Pat thread). Thundergod's Vigor + 20 hard points in Resist Lightning. TYVM. It was unfair to be honest. But I didn't swap TG away when I could've. For example Arach with it's +1 Skills would have made my dmg a little bit higher. String of Ears would have also been maybe the best pick during some areas. But why swap gear if you're good enough (and way more)?

1588003668971.png

Act 3 provided to be fun act again. Nothing before Travincal could barely hurt me. Huge thanks to Life Tap again. Sewers had the first unbreakable normal monsters (Horrors). Travincal was so heated, that it seems I have no pictures from it. Well, one of them was Fanaticism, and some cursed of course. Merc died once before I separated them just a little bit.

1588003659156.png

Hephasto was not a problem. Just took a little bit because my physical damage wasn't that great. River of Flame had one boss pack (I think there was a couple more as well..) that could take my merc down. Otherwise Act 4 went a lot faster than with Mitya, those high fire res monsters slowed him some. Izual was a blink of an eye again.

1588003650516.png

Frozen River was filled wit Succubi and Sirens. While really fast to kill they can make some nasty damage when amp'd (and P8) and no DR in gear. Alyosha had no problems whatsoever but Hazade could feel the heat.

1588003640921.png

Throne was Souls, Dolls and Dark Lords. About the best spawn I could've hoped for. Yes for really. Souls are joke with 95 LR and Dolls didn't hurt me a lot. I'm liking Hell WSK more and more, it can provide some interesting monster combos with nice challenges. Alyosha had easier time than Mitya in WSK/Throne. Ancients earlier were a bit too easy. No potions were used.

1588003370892.png

Sigh. No LI/PI Lister. Yay. While being more powerful during WSK and Throne I really missed the Shock Wave with minions. Not that they were any problem. But yes, Shock Wave absolutely ridiculed the minions while Alyosha had to at least do some work. Baal was easy of course. I didn't find anything worthwhile. Couple Lems I think, and then some plain skiller.


Random Thoughts

Well, maybe a couple words about the build as a whole is in order, because it's not an usual sight in SPF after all. In my opinion it is a really amazing powerhouse that can basically kill everything game throws at it in no time. There's couple things to consider however. I don't believe the Life Tap is an absolute must if running on lower settings and/or running some area where you know the spawn. It's not that the normal life leech doesn't work with your physical damage. It works really good actually. I didn't try to calculate what my phys dmg was, but it's not that bad. You have crazy speed and a Might merc (which is really ideal after all I think).

Minor annoyance could be the low AR this char has. But as said, it's not a problem after Conviction. Still I liked the little passive boost from Blessed Aim. As many of you know, Conviction from Infinity doesn't kick in immediately all the time. Another choice could have been maxing Fana first, but I feel it wasn't needed because major part of the LI monsters in the game are breakable with Infinity.

About the stat placement. I went max block, because with a point in Holy Shield, and all the pluses of full Griswold's is wasn't that far away, and it boosts little the AR too. I felt my life was easily enough and again, if running some same area again and again I would maybe re-stat this little bit towards more strength to give some more physical dmg.

I ended up putting 15@ jewel in weapon besides those Shaels. If one used LoH, only two Shaels would be needed. Other choices could be for example two more facets, some melee oriented jools or even couple Bers if running a Boss Monster, such like Baal.

I highly recommend this build to any of you who has what it takes item-wise. If not, let this be a motivation booster to MF that green Caduceus and Vortex Shield. And let this be something to use all of those random RBFacets of yours, you're not gonna find that JMoD anyway. By the way, I think this would work really nicely as a Holy Freeze variant also. And if I recall correctly, the original post I read about this build said so also.


Thouhts after random thoughts


Now after Mitya and Alyosha are done, there's obviously a need for a more shapeshifters, isn't there? It was not supposed to be a duo, but a trio instead. Any guesses what's the third character named? (While these were not really a themed characters, there was a random idea about the names still)

The third build is somewhat still open and I can listen to suggestions if you have any. It's a male character, everything else is under planning. I'm thinking to make a Fury Druid, but giving it a some kind of a twist. What? I don't know.

Thanks for reading! :) Comments & questions are welcome!
 
Originally posted by Grape on Aug 25, 2016:

Patriarch Himalaya - Dreaming Orbadin (Dual Dream Tele-Zealot with 'VoR' weapon and 'Rift' Merc)

Yay,

What a title. Explains a lot, no? So having seen quite a few dual dream sorcs around, I decided that my second 'Dream' would be one in a Paladin shield. That was made last Friday, and I even made a gif about it...

To make things more interesting, I added 'Voice of Reason' and 'Rift' to the mix.

Result? Lot's of Orbs flying around and a lean mean killing machine.


Build

Build in action:

LCS:
1588004136066.png

Items:
Code:
'Dream' Diadem
'Dream Sacred Targe, 45@ base
Highlord's
'Enigma' Mage Plate
Gore Rider
Arachnid's Mesh
Trang gloves
Raven Frost
Rare 10fcr/dual leech/res ring
'Voice of Reason' Atma-bugged eth 1.07 Scourge

Combat and Offensive auras skillers + SCs with res and life.
Switch: CtA and Spirit

Merc:
'Rift' eth 1.07 Tresher
'Treachery' eth-bug Scarab Husk
1.07 Vampire Gaze

Skills and stats
Code:
          Naked/Gear
Strength:   67/131
Dexterity:  127/156
Vitality:   316/336
Energy:     15/15
HP:         1158/1532
Mana:       142/288
Stamina:    465/502
Defense:    31/2261
AR:         620/1057

Fire:       160/120/60
Cold:       203/163/103
Lightning:  182/142/82
Poison:     147/107/47

MF:         120       Block:      49
GF:         75
FR/W:       78
FHR:        46
IAS:        20
FCR:        50

Sacrifice: 11/19
Smite: 1/9
Holy Bolt: 1/9
Zeal: 20/28
Charge: 1/9
Blessed Hammer: 1/9
Holy Shield: 1/9

Might: 1/9
Holy Fire: 1/9
Thorns: 1/9
Holy Freeze: 1/9
Sanctuary: 1/9
Conviction: 16/24

Resist Lightning: 20/24
Salvation: 20/24

Reaches 6/6/6/6/11 Zeal, meaning 3.57 attack per second, according to a calculator. Dex enough for max block. Zeal maxed before Sacrifice, so that my AR was high enough, even before Conviction kicked in. 50 FCR reaches the 48% break point. It was relief to find out I have a ring with fcr AND dual leech. I noticed later that VoR itself has CBF, so I could have swapped it for something else.

Full dump if you'd like to have a closer look at the items:
Code:
Name:       Himalaya
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 1203295818
Level:      86

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   67/131
Dexterity:  127/156
Vitality:   316/336
Energy:     15/15
HP:         1158/1532
Mana:       142/288
Stamina:    465/502
Defense:    31/2261
AR:         620/1057

Fire:       160/120/60
Cold:       203/163/103
Lightning:  182/142/82
Poison:     147/107/47

MF:         120       Block:      49
GF:         75
FR/W:       78
FHR:        46
IAS:        20
FCR:        50

Sacrifice: 11/19
Smite: 1/9
Holy Bolt: 1/9
Zeal: 20/28
Charge: 1/9
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 1/9
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 1/9
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/9
Holy Fire: 1/9
Thorns: 1/9
Blessed Aim: 0/0
Concentration: 0/0
Holy Freeze: 1/9
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 1/9
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 16/24

Prayer: 0/0
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 0/0
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 0/0
Resist Lightning: 20/24
Vigor: 0/0
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 0/0
Salvation: 20/24

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x5868e100
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+242 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

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 156
Durability: 33 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0x76753597
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+190% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Enigma
Mage Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 1015
Durability: 55 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xcad27c7c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+770 Defense
+64 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
86% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

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

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Dream
Diadem
IoJahPul
Defense: 295
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xfe7709a0
Item Level: 85
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
+217 Defense
+10 to Vitality
Increase Maximum Life 5%
+53 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +17
22% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune

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

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

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

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x9fccd98c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+37 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x67a1c44d
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+12 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xd0823595
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+20 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xa785a205
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+19 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x4db2cd3b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+36 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2eb1d064
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+20 to Life

Shimmering Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xdf7f82d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xfeb6205c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Life
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x174b1c3b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xdf4422f5
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xe257f8e6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x6170c05c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xba8a6f4a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
All Resistances +3

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 74
Durability: 14 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x93a18dce
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%


Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xa0fab2af
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

Beast Spiral
Ring
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0xda9928bf
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
5% Mana stolen per hit
6% Life stolen per hit
+17 Maximum Stamina
Cold Resist +26%
Fire Resist +13%

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 131
Durability: 10 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x50434071
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+109% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x9326c407
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x32de89b3
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+34 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x43dc9f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+23 to Life

Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x92c99569
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd719bb3b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
All Resistances +4

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x84d155eb
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Call to Arms
Superior Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 19 - 57
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x5367fe4c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
285% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+3 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 14%
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
Superior Sacred Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 178
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 51 of 51
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0x78978f4a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+12% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+111 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +34
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Increase Maximum Durability 15%
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

Voice of Reason
Scourge
LemKoElEld
One Hand Damage: 6 - 180
Indestructible
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 115
Required Dexterity: 67
Fingerprint: 0x23ff8357
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
15% Chance to cast level 13 Frozen Orb on striking
18% Chance to cast level 20 Ice Blast on striking
50% Enhanced Damage
+50 to Attack Rating
+251% Damage to Demons
+508% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Adds 100 - 220 Cold Damage Over 7 Secs (186 Frames)
-24% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+10 to Dexterity
Cannot Be Frozen
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Eld 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

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

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

Eld Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Armor: 15% Slower Stamina Drain
Shields: 7% Increased Chance of Blocking

Dream
Sacred Targe
IoJahPul
Defense: 373
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 43 of 45
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0x258ab8b0
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+26% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+188 Defense
+10 to Vitality
+50 to Life
+53 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +61
12% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune

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

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

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

Mercenary:

Name:       Mizan
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 77220098
Level:      86
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   188/193
Dexterity:  151/174
HP:         1807/1807
Defense:    1330/2603
AR:         1922/40362

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

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 38 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x18f7f1ea
Item Level: 54
Version: Expansion
8% Mana stolen per hit
8% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
+8 to Dexterity
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Damage Reduced by 25%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Flawless Emerald

Flawless Emerald
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 60 Poison Damage Over 6 Secs (152 Frames)
Armor: +8 to Dexterity
Shields: Poison Resist +28%


Treachery
Scarab Husk
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 1021
Durability: 15 of 15
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 85
Fingerprint: 0x379b1483
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
Ethereal
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


Rift
Thresher
HelKoLemGul
Two Hand Damage: 27 - 316
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 87
Fingerprint: 0x7c2ae5f2
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 +5
+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


Playing:

1-15 Khalim's with envy jool'd stuff and partial Death's
15-27 Raven Claw with all the FRW available
27 'Honor' Divine Scepter, from there on I added melee gear as I saw fit, and slashed away as a Zealot.

For Norm and NM I also put lots of points to Vigor and used it as a main aura. Even though I played all the way with /players 8, I believe it was faster than Fana Zealot could've been. Good backpack with damage charms helped.

When reaching NM act 5 I leveled to 65 doing Eldritch runs and equipped my final gear. Then the fun began.

I played with P8 from the first step to Moor to the death of Hell Baal. This char doesn't have huge leech, so I found the difficulty later in Hell being nice enough, and didn't feel too much of a cookie cutter anymore. Died once in NM due to being such a newb.

Journey in pictures:
1588004040559.png
Eth Grailer somewhere in norm, act 4 iirc. Nice! That shield has 30@ and 4 x 15 max jewels btw. Armor and helm are rares.

1588004031017.png
First shot in Hell. had a feeling it was going to be fun.

1588004022090.png
1588004014559.png
1588004006322.png
I tried to capture how Orbs went crazy in Arcane Sanctuary. Can be seen better in the video maybe. Probably because there's lots of space for them to fly around. Can't remember any really hairy moments from Acts 1 and 2. Leeching was not huge and that kept me aware. Teleport was vital in some situations. I remember teleing most of the Maggot Lair :p

1588003996544.png
Act 3 jungles were easy as usually. Visited all the temples too. Travincal was a proper fight this time. Bremm was taken down with Orbs. Not too bad, maybe couple juvs had to be used I think. It was nice to see they actually did decent-ish damage.

1588003984103.png
No pictures from Act 4 this time. Chaos Sanctuary was one of the more rough places for this character. Merc died many times. Other than that and a few other occasions he survived well enough. De Seis and Infector gangs were not push over and had to be separated. Couple dangerous regular boss pack there too. Act 5 was quite easy. Ancients were dangerous together though. Korlic had Fanaticism.

1588003974007.png
... and Madawc had Might. No way I tried to took them without separating them. Teleport <3. WSK level 1 had some crazy Death Lord boss packs running all around. I would have probably died there without teleport. Throne had a hefty amount of souls, but my high LR helped a lot with those. Waves were not too dangerous, Tormentor was extra fast though, so I took them 1-3 at a time.

1588003963848.png
Deckard Cain, are you alright?

So, stay a while and comment, ask questions etc.!

All in all really fun build and despite some op items it was a decent challenge towards the end, too!
 
Originally posted by Jason Maher on Mar 18, 2013:

Patriarch Baudin - Concentrate/Holy Shock Ranger

I've long wanted to make a bow-wielding Paladin focussing on physical damage, and I thought it would be cool, and possibly even slightly effective, if I could combine the three physical damage auras on the one character. Such a project became possible courtesy of Zaphodbrx lending me a Faith Great Bow for a completely unrelated MP project. In between our MP sessions, I've been working on this character. Basically the main aura was maxed Concentration, with the addition of Fanaticism from the bow, and Might from the moron. I also gave the moron my 1.07 base Ininifty, adding Conviction for autohit and a nice boost to the backup skill, Holy Shock. To complete the silliness, I plonked a Delerium circlet on the moron so I could watch monsters do funny things, like attack stationary objects moron-style. As it turned out, Hell would have been, well, hell without this addition. Since I was playing on players 8, and the moron wasn't exactly sturdy, I needed the extra safety of lots of confused monsters. I ditched p8 for p1 after two attempts on the Hell Ancients, when my patience finally ran out and I just wanted to get this character finished.

The verdict: It's well known I have a bow obsession, and it's always cool to beat the game with normal attack, but really the only selling point for this character is the style points for combining 4 offensive auras. It cretainly won't be unseating the good old reliable Strafer as my favourite character build.

The Nuts n' Bolts

Level: 86
Experience: some big number

Strength: 120(138)
Dexterity: 218(250-something)
Vitality: 192
Energy: who cares?

Life: 842/1372 (I think)
Mana: some amount sufficient for repeated normal attacks/some larger amount :)

Concentration Damage: 813-5101
Holy Shock Damage: 583-8000 (1-4569 skill damage)
Holy Fire Damage: 899-3803 (317-372 skill damage, or 437-492 with the bonus from Faith, which I did use a few times)
AR: 7720

Defence: a positive integer
Resists: 85/60/85/75

Skillz

20/25/26 - Concentration
20/25/26 - Holy Shock
20 - Resist Lightning
20 - Resist Fire
9/14/15 - Holy Fire (rest theoretically here)
1 point in all the usual suspects

Bits Of Metal, Wood, and Dead Cow

- Guilame's 'Um'
- CoH Dusk Shroud
- 'Faith' Great Bow ("borrowed" from zaph :badteeth:)
- CtA/Spirit switch
- Highlord's
- Razortail
- Nature's Peace
- Raven Frost
- LoH
- Gore Rider
- 1.07 19 and 20 Max Damage GCs (thanks smilts!)
- Gheeds
- Resist SCs
- Sharp LC of Vita

Moron:

- 'Delerium' Demonhead
- CoH Archon Plate
- 'Infinity' 1.07 eth Thresher

Readouts:
Code:
1: Razortail
Sharkskin Belt
Defense: 96
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xb94636dc
+15 to Dexterity
+120% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Maximum Damage
+15 Defense
Piercing Attack [33]
Attacker Takes Damage of 86 (Based on Character Level)

2: Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 93
Fingerprint: 0x61f0a7c2
+19 to Maximum Damage

3: Shimmering Small Charm of Lightning
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x372eef59
All Resistances +5
Adds 1-7 lightning damage

4: Shimmering Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x61e1c2e9
All Resistances +5

5: Shimmering Small Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x8e6ea864
+1 to Strength
All Resistances +5

6: Shimmering Small Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x6c3d8930
+2 to Strength
All Resistances +5

7: Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x1dc91857
Lightning Resist +35%
Adds 1-30 lightning damage
20% Increased Attack Speed
+1 to All Skill Levels
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15
32% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)

8: Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 82
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xdea52ef0
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%
20% Increased Attack Speed
350% Damage to Demons
10% Chance to cast Level 3 Holy Bolt on striking

9: Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xdc83aae4
Damage Reduced by 8
Poison Resist +28%
Slain Monsters Rest In Peace
Prevent Monster Heal
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

11: Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x8bfd1aa1
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+243 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

12: Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 90
Fingerprint: 0x60997f02
+20 to Maximum Damage

13: Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 93
Fingerprint: 0x63f015a1
+19 to Maximum Damage

14: Sapphire Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x4c0298f8
+16 to Life
Cold Resist +10%

15: Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
'Um'
Defense: 217
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Strength: 115
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x95d6d560
+15 to Strength
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +15
30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Um Rune
Inserted into a Winged Helm

All Resistances +15

Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

16: Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 156
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Strength: 94
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x25497cb1
+20 to Maximum Stamina
+190% Enhanced Defense
+10 Maximum Durability
Requirements -25%
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike

17: Shimmering Small Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x3b37d205
+1 to Dexterity
All Resistances +5

18: Chains of Honor
Dusk Shroud
'DolUmBerIst'
Defense: 754
Durability: 18 of 20
Required Strength: 77
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x5132bec9
+20 to Strength
+70% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 8%
All Resistances +65
8% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +7
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
200% Damage to Demons
100% Damage to Undead
+2 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Dol Rune
Inserted into a Dusk Shroud

Replenish Life +7

Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Um Rune
Inserted into a Dusk Shroud

All Resistances +15

Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ber Rune
Inserted into a Dusk Shroud

Damage Reduced by 8%

Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ist Rune
Inserted into a Dusk Shroud

25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

19: Sharp Large Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 50
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x9780b033
+29 to Life
+46 to Attack Rating
+6 to Maximum Damage

20: Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 90
Fingerprint: 0x365baf90
+19 to Maximum Damage

24: Amber Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xf567700f
+16 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

61: Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 90
Fingerprint: 0x1500b527
+20 to Maximum Damage

71: Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 62
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xb2828a68
154% Extra Gold from Monsters
35% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Reduces All Vendor Prices 15%

72: Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 90
Fingerprint: 0x6a8f197c
+20 to Maximum Damage

73: Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 90
Fingerprint: 0x1a664235
+20 to Maximum Damage

77: Call to Arms
Superior Military Pick
'AmnRalMalIstOhm'
One-Hand Damage: 28 to 44
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Dexterity: 33
Required Strength: 49
Required Level: 57
Axe Class - Fastest Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x6158aa87
+239% Enhanced Damage
+65% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
40% Increased Attack Speed
+3 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
+3 to Battle Command
Prevent Monster Heal
+1 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (5: 5 used)

Amn Rune
Inserted into a Military Pick

7% Life stolen per hit

Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ral Rune
Inserted into a Military Pick

Adds 5-30 fire damage

Required Level: 19
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Mal Rune
Inserted into a Military Pick

Prevent Monster Heal

Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ist Rune
Inserted into a Military Pick

30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ohm Rune
Inserted into a Military Pick

+50% Enhanced Damage

Required Level: 57
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

78: Spirit
Superior Heraldic Shield
'TalThulOrtAmn'
Defense: 30
Chance to Block:  50%
Smite Damage: 3 to 9
Durability: 40 of 40
(Paladin Only)
Required Strength: 40
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 64
Fingerprint: 0x210cbd41
+22 to Vitality
+97 to Mana
+14% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Fire Resist +44%
Lightning Resist +79%
Cold Resist +79%
Poison Resist +79%
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
55% Faster Hit Recovery
33% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skill Levels
+4 Magic Absorb
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Tal Rune
Inserted into a Heraldic Shield

Poison Resist +35%

Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Thul Rune
Inserted into a Heraldic Shield

Cold Resist +35%

Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ort Rune
Inserted into a Heraldic Shield

Lightning Resist +35%

Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Amn Rune
Inserted into a Heraldic Shield

Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

83: Faith
Superior Great Bow
'OhmJahLemEld'
Two-Hand Damage: 53 to 231
Required Dexterity: 107
Required Strength: 121
Required Level: 65
Bow Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x76b75d99
+280% Enhanced Damage
+65% Enhanced Damage
All Resistances +15
+120 fire damage
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ignore Target Defense
300% Bonus to Attack Rating
75% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
+2 to All Skill Levels
Level 12 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
10% Reanimate As: Returned
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Ohm Rune
Inserted into a Great Bow

+50% Enhanced Damage

Required Level: 57
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Jah Rune
Inserted into a Great Bow

Ignore Target Defense

Required Level: 65
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Lem Rune
Inserted into a Great Bow

75% Extra Gold from Monsters

Required Level: 43
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Eld Rune
Inserted into a Great Bow

75% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead

Required Level: 11
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion


Mercenary Items : 

1: Delirium
Demonhead
'LemIstIo'
Defense: 415
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Strength: 102
Required Level: 55
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xe799e906
+10 to Vitality
+261 Defense
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to All Skill Levels
11% Chance to cast Level 18 Confuse on striking
6% Chance to cast Level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast Level 13 Terror when struck
1% Chance to cast Level 50 Magic Shrine when struck
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
Socketed (3: 3 used)

Lem Rune
Inserted into a Demonhead

50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Required Level: 43
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ist Rune
Inserted into a Demonhead

25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Io Rune
Inserted into a Demonhead

+10 to Vitality

Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

2: Chains of Honor
Archon Plate
'DolUmBerIst'
Defense: 827
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Strength: 103
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x58aef72e
+20 to Strength
+70% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 8%
All Resistances +65
8% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +7
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
200% Damage to Demons
100% Damage to Undead
+2 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Dol Rune
Inserted into a Archon Plate

Replenish Life +7

Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Um Rune
Inserted into a Archon Plate

All Resistances +15

Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ber Rune
Inserted into a Archon Plate

Damage Reduced by 8%

Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ist Rune
Inserted into a Archon Plate

25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

3: Infinity
Thresher
'BerMalBerIst'
Two-Hand Damage: 66 to 884
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Dexterity: 108
Required Strength: 142
Required Level: 63
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x7fe1cf6f
+269% Enhanced Damage
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
35% Faster Run/Walk
Prevent Monster Heal
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
50% Chance to cast Level 20 Chain Lightning When You Kill an Enemy
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
+43 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
-49% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (4: 4 used)

Ber Rune
Inserted into a Thresher

20% Chance of Crushing Blow

Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Mal Rune
Inserted into a Thresher

Prevent Monster Heal

Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ber Rune
Inserted into a Thresher

20% Chance of Crushing Blow

Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ist Rune
Inserted into a Thresher

30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Comments/questions/insults welcome. :)
 
Originally posted by @Kitteh on Nov 19, 2012:

Patriarch Fordyl - The Travincal Zealot

1588005225594.png


Fordyl started off as a HF zealot, and was then re-statted once he got to Hell and equipped as a hammerdin for running pits. He hung around there for a while before I re-geared my Pindle runner for AT. Thus, he became my new Travincal runner. I'd used a zealot for Travincal before yonks ago, and decided to go back to it. I considered trying Death (recommendation from Zaph) instead of Grief, but in the end I stayed with Grief and it's as awesome as always. I'll possibly try Death on him at some point though. Will probably Baal run with him at some point, because zealots are fun.

Anyway, here he is. I won't drag it out, it's pretty basic, and the gear is predictable.

Level: 93
Life: 2421
Mana: 312
Block: 75%
Defence: 14460
Chance to hit (Council): 72%
Damage: Not sure, can't be bothered calculating it. Damn LCS.
75 resists across the board except lightning, which is 80.


Gear:

Helm: Guillames 'Um'
Body: Fortitude
Weapon: Grief 31/361
Shield: HoZ 'Um'
Boots: Gore riders
Gloves: LoH
Belt: SoE
Ring1: Raven 20/201
Ring2: Ml/resists/ar
Amulet: Highlords
Switch: Cta 5bo/spirit
Charms: 1 combat skiller (no idea why I'm using it), 2 fhr/ar GCs, and the rest is just your usual resists charms, some with life/fhr.

Merc: Eth reapers 'Shael', Fortitude Ebugged KS and VG.


Not sure what else to say. It's a zealot :scratchhead:
 
Originally posted by @Kitteh on Jan 17, 2012:

Guardian Kitteh

So after **** knows how many guardians, most of them variants of zealot, I decided I should actually immortalise one :loving:
How fitting it is that it's a zealot...

Guardian Kitteh, the fanazealot!
(He's the far right one, Kestegs is second from left)


2j4obrc.jpg





Code:
Name:       Kitteh
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 639657830
Level:      79

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   105/161
Dexterity:  120/165
Vitality:   245/321
Energy:     15/25
HP:         930/1056
Mana:       132/322
Stamina:    386/529
Defense:    30/1189
AR:         585/1316

Fire:       131/91/31
Cold:       144/104/44
Lightning:  139/99/39
Poison:     162/122/62

MF:         7       Block:      42
GF:         0
FR/W:       30
FHR:        95
IAS:        20
FCR:        34


Skills:

Code:
Sacrifice: 20/22
Smite: 1/3
Holy Bolt: 1/3
Zeal: 20/22
Charge: 1/3
Vengeance: 3/5
Blessed Hammer: 1/3
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 20/22
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

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

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



Equipment:

Code:
Ocher Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xa2acfce7
Item Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +7%

Ocher Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x37797b74
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +7%

Fine Small Charm of Frost
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xbafd59b6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+17 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)

Sapphire Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xe9efd2cd
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +11%

Rugged Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x99890f7e
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+5 Maximum Stamina

Garnet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x1f27e913
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%

Fine Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xe089e8c3
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
+12 to Attack Rating
+11 to Life

Ocher Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xafcd1077
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 20 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +7%

Azure Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0x2ac5e0b5
Item Level: 41
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Life
Cold Resist +5%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x13fea041
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9787577c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Fine Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xbe8d0c06
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+11 to Attack Rating
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Emerald Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xb28dacdb
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +11%

Jade Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x540afc12
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Strength
Poison Resist +9%

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0xfe8ff904
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Foul Small Charm of Anthrax
Small Charm
Required Level: 36
Fingerprint: 0x6edb9c44
Item Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 209 Poison Damage Over 10 Secs (250 Frames)

Sapphire Small Charm of Lightning
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xc60e6825
Item Level: 70
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 9 Lightning Damage
Cold Resist +10%

Sharp Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x68ad2c21
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Maximum Damage
+59 to Attack Rating
+6 to Dexterity

Emerald Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xfae61ec8
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Strength
Poison Resist +11%

Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xec8b34c1
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Maximum Damage
+73 to Attack Rating

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xca8e8861
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +10%

Camphor Jewel of Knowledge
Jewel
Required Level: 6
Fingerprint: 0xc9de8d25
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Energy
Lightning Resist +11%

Trang-Oul's Wing
Cantor Trophy
Defense: 184
Chance to Block: 40
Durability: 12 of 20
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xd072d3c0
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)
30% Increased Chance of Blocking
+125 Defense
+25 to Strength
+15 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +45%
Poison Resist +40%
Set (3 items): -25% to Enemy Poison Resistance
Set (4 items): Replenish Life +15


Flawless Ruby
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 10 - 16 Fire Damage
Armor: +31 to Life
Shields: Fire Resist +28%

Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 37 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x32dacd8d
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
+120% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
Fire Resist +30%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune


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

Crescent Moon
Amulet
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x13b3a75b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Mana stolen per hit
5% Life stolen per hit
+45 to Mana
Magic Damage Reduced by 10
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
-2 to Light Radius

Lionheart
Superior Mage Plate
HelLumFal
Defense: 280
Durability: 56 of 60
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 47
Fingerprint: 0xce2a8282
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Enhanced Damage
+7% Enhanced Defense
All Stats +10
+15 to Strength
+5 to Dexterity
+10 to Vitality
+50 to Life
All Resistances +30
Requirements -15%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune

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

Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy

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

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xeb8363df
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+224 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

Grim Coil
Ring
Required Level: 35
Fingerprint: 0x8abde2c1
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+110 to Attack Rating
5% Life stolen per hit
+5 to Dexterity
Poison Resist +13%

Verdungo's Hearty Cord
Mithril Coil
Defense: 158
Durability: 15 of 16
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x12eca0
Item Level: 78
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+140% Enhanced Defense
+34 to Vitality
Replenish Life +12
+118 Maximum Stamina
Damage Reduced by 12%

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 141
Durability: 33 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0x3515c75b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+162% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Dracul's Grasp
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 135
Durability: 12 of 14
Required Level: 76
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xb92272c
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 10 Life Tap on striking
9% Life stolen per hit
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+106% Enhanced Defense
+13 to Strength
+5 Life after each Kill

Tiamat's Rebuke
Dragon Shield
Defense: 200
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 66 of 116
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x529b9c6a
Item Level: 83
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)
+195% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +26
+40 Maximum Durability

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%

Lightsabre
Phase Blade
One Hand Damage: 109 - 145
Indestructible
Required Level: 58
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Fingerprint: 0x14ba6b90
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 18 Chain Lightning on attack
+20% Increased Attack Speed
220% Enhanced Damage
Adds 10 - 33 Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 60 - 120 Magic Damage
Adds 1 - 200 Lightning Damage
6% Mana stolen per hit
Lightning Absorb 25%
+7 to Light Radius
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Realgar Jewel of Ire

Realgar Jewel of Ire
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x4ec33980
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
30% Enhanced Damage
+3 to Maximum Damage

Spirit
Rondache
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 17
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 21 of 30
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 26
Fingerprint: 0x73ef1d4b
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+34% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+105 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +23
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+4 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


A few NDEs, mainly in Hell act 5 due to those damn thingy lords :loving:

A few nice finds, Ist from Hell HF... Trangs Wing... SS skiller.

Fun character, it's a zealot, so obviously :loving:
 
Originally posted by lionheartthebrave on Apr 10, 2011:

Patriarch Static, Ursadin

Yes I'm back! and I've just completed my first character, lets get the formalities out the way first

Patriarch Static

Skills

20(32) Holy Shock (25-11k lightning damage)
20 Resist Lightning (synergy)
20 Salvation (synergy)
20(32) Fanaticism (LI killer)
1 Sanctuary, Vigor, Cleansing (one point wonders)
4(12) Holy Shield (spare point sink)

weapon switch
3(9) Werebear
3(9) Lycanthropy (hard to spell)

Equipment
Griffons w/facet (+16/-22)
Fortitude +28resall
Draculs
Gore Riders
IK's Detail
Mara's +27resall
Ravenfrost 18/181
BKWB 5ll
Grief PB +387/40
HoZ +PDiamond

weapon switch
Beast 1.07 eZerker (deathbugged)
Spirit Targe

Charms
6 skillers (2 traded from xanadar, thanks again)
some random SCs granting a bit of res AR and FHR

Moron
Act2 might enchanted (when he was alive)
1.07 eGPA Infinity
Vamp Gaze
Duriel's

The Story (warning long read ahead)
After being tempted back I got trav running and picked up a Cham from the council, I found that useless and ran back to the SPTF where I traded it for a shiny Ber (thanks LongingForDeath) that I immediately used to turn my Death 1.07 eZerker into a Beast.

Then the planning began, and by plan I mean reading about Frosticles and then planning an attacking HShock version, but with some differences
  • Use Infinity on the merc to solve AR issues (as Oskill bears can only use normal attack) rather a than Blessed Aim merc, infinity will also reduce the monster's LR
  • Use Dracul's and HoZ instead of Exile
  • Griffon's instead of NV
  • Focus on being a killing machine rather than the ultimate tank

I was still planning to use Gris' Caddy to hit 4fpa, but thanks to some generosity from the council (Gul Mal Mal) and neebs (Gul Gul Gul) I could make a Grief PB, and it rolled with 40 IAS, so I decided to 'drop' to 5fpa to get a load of physical damage.

Normal went flying past with a gemmed maul equipped at lvl1 until a 1.09 ravenclaw took me from lvl15 to lvl45 after several Baal runs, all done at p8

In NM I decided to play as a tesladin, and put a point in zeal (respecs are very useful sometimes) and zealed my way to lvl55 to grab the Grief, then to lvl67 where I respeced and grabbed the Beast and Fortitude and threw the Infinity on the merc, furriness felt powerful and I entered Hell at lvl76 after a few Baal runs (Draculs) , all done at p8

Hell Act1
The merc really doesn't like p8 Hell, and kept dying if Life Tap wasn't activated or a champion or unique started hitting him, so essentially I played as his bodyguard, well his aura was very useful, and the Act flew by, Andariel got poked to death and the antidotes I fed the merc and Static meant that both survived, all done at p8

Hell Act2
Unleechable skeletons, the merc dies, Unleechable PI ghosts the merc dies, Unleechable PI Locusts THE MERC DIES, Charging Vipers ignoring defence, THE MERC FREAKING DIES YET AGAIN. Luckily a quick dose of lightning administered quickly cures these problems, for scary ghost packs, there was always Sanctuary, and for Charging Vipers, well there was always cowardice (2.3k life is not enough to tank a pack of vipers, one charges and knocks you back and then another repeats that, several NDEs here) Lots of skeleton/unraveller packs, just wait 'til LT activates then the merc can be left unsupervised while you take out the revivers. Duriel's HF slowed the fight right down, but LT went off and it was nice and safe, but took a while, all done at p8

Hell Act3
What's that, lots of leechable monsters with relatively low life, yes please! The jungle was fun, I even did the bonus dungeon area by the Flayer Jungle WP. Kurast was easy too, Battlemaid Sarina died so quickly I didn't see her mods, a council member 2-hit KOed the merc while I picked up the Flail, but then teamwork prevailed once I revived him. The Durance has loads of dolls, but they are leechable, and I had potions just in case. Mephisto was easy, LT even made the merc survive, all done at p8

Hell Act4
I hate Spawners, a big bear means it can be hard to click on all them pups, Doom knights can hurt too if you're not careful. I met 3 HF Venom Lord bosses while trying to find Izzy, HF meant 50k more on merc revival, and a very slow bear. Spitters and Spawners and Bats meant I was pleased to find the WP quickly. Hephasto spawned fanatic and after a retreat, and of course paying 50k, I tanked and we got him. No Iron Maiden meant I was relatively safe, though being surrounded by the Infector's pack nearly got me in HR lock, the Lord de Seis switched his aura to BA when I went back after paying 50k and so he was easy, Diablo was slow but safe, all done at p8

Hell Act5
Simples, until the gloams in teh Frozen River, accompanied by amp-casting witches and the undead chargers, sanctuary once again was used liberally. No more trouble until the ancients, Teleport +LE, ES Mana Burn, and HOLY FREEZE! spectral hit. Damnit. Holy Freeze slowed the bear right down, I tried Vigor +running but couldn't separate them, so settled for them all hitting me, leaving the merc untouched (as they are SUs the ITD on Grief wouldn't work, I needed the conviction aura) After nearly all my potions were gone, Life Tap activated and from then on it was safe (though I was worried about deshifting before HF Madawc died). Once the bear was up to full speed again the other two were easy
WSK1 was full of amping witches whose balls killed the merc numerous times, so I was glad to find the exit early on
WSK2 had suicidal bombers mages and something else not dangerous
WSK3 had gloams teleporting imps and ghosts iirc, so sanctuary once again saved the day
the throne had vampires dolls and frenzytaurs but only boss vampires so it was easy
the waves were easy until Lister, fanatic stone skin (PI) so retreat to draw off the minions, kill them, resurrect the merc (Lister is a SU, no ITD) and then charge at him and whack until dead, drinking potions every few seconds
Baal was a long fight but safe, all done at p8

Well done for reading so far, lets jump into bullet point form

Good things
  • Doing on average 5.5k lightning damage a hit
  • Doing 3k physical damage a hit with Holy Shock on
  • Doing 6k a hit physical damage a hit with fanaticism on
  • Hitting 95% of the time with ITD and conviction
  • Playing p8 all the way through Normal Nightmare and Hell!
  • Sanctuary! it's an amazing aura, up there with Delirium for crowd control skills imo
  • Werebear giving a hefty life boost, like getting BO
  • Life Tap

Bad things
  • The merc doesn't handle p8 well, I reckon I spent about 4 million gold on resurrections
  • Normal attack had to be on the Left Mouse Button, so to hit something you either had to click on it, or hold down spacebar (to stand still) while holding down the LMB
  • Entering a level to find this guy with a bunch of minions (thank Zod for Life Tap)
  • Deshifting while attempting to kill things, your life roughly halves

It was great fun in the end, playing p8 all the way, and it never felt long winded or a chore

Finds:
HF: El/Shael/Lum :rant:
Io runes (OMG IT'S A..... Io rune :( )
err errrr nothing else sadly, I kicked every Urn, opened every chest, poked every skeleton, visited all the lvl85 areas, all at p8, nada

THE END

Well done for reading, thanks go to all the traders, and AJK for Frosticles

tl:dr
I took a tesladin and a fanazealot and squeezed them into a bearskin
 
Originally posted by Liquid_Evil on Mar 25, 2009:

Patriarch Lycidas

Patriarch Lycidas
That's right. Come on in. Take a seat. Make yourself at home. In fact, why don't you stay a while and listen! (I wish I could tell you that the jokes got better or more original, but it's pretty much just more of the same).

Anyway, let me introduce Patriarch Lycidas!

After your last Pat I'm almost afraid to ask, but why the name?
It was a frivolous effort to supply a bit of culture to the unruly swine that inhabit this forum. It's actually cribbed from a poem by John Milton of the same name, and in the following excerpt, it describes this mysterious, omnipotent doomsday device that set my imagination to work. Then, when my imagination stopped working, I applied the poem to Diablo.
...But that two-handed engine at the door,
Stands ready to smite once, and smite no more...
"Two-handed engine" = Something with some serious muscle. A big, broad bear.
"Ready to smite" = Smiter.
Put them together and we've got ourselves a Bear that Smites. I built this character around that mental image (courtesy of MS Paint and a middle school art education) and made myself a Weretemplar/Defiant Smiter. He spent most of the time in shifted form, but changed back to human to slap bosses around with his shield.

Interesting, but what makes this guy special?
Since when is a Smiting Bear not special?

Well what makes him "liquefied" then?
The secret's in the sauce, my friend. With the tailgate of a dump truck as his shield, and the hide of a bronzed rhinoceros on his back, Lycidas walks the world with ~50,000 defense.

How do you get a defense number like that?
Holy Shield + Chilling Armor + Werebear + "Exile" Defiance + good base defense = a defense number like that.

Is that amount of defense excessive?
Your face is excessive.

Real mature.
I can't hear you over the collective sobs of every Concentrate barb ever made.

So then let's have a look at those skillzorz.
Probably what most would expect.
20 Smite
20 Holy Shield
20 Defiance
20 Fanaticism
1 Vigor
Rest into Blessed Aim for the passive AR boost

Then what's his gear, dawg?
Helm: Guillaume's Face s/resist all jewel
Amulet: Metalgrid
Armor: "Fortitude" Archon
Weapon: "Grief" Phase
Shield: "Exile" Zakarum
Gloves: Steelrend
Rings: Raven Frost/Nature's Peace
Belt: Arachnid Mesh
Boots: Gore Rider
Weapon Switch: "Beast" and HoZ
Charms: vita, resist, stalwart

Why the big steel oven mitts?
High defense, crushing blow, %ED, coolness factor...and to keep me from burning my hands on my Hotpoint range.

Why a Nature's Peace?
Because it lets me go all Nez Perce on my enemies so they will fight no more forever.

How was the leveling and general game play?
It wasn't bad. I played as a pure Smiter until I could equip the "Beast" and once I did, I never looked back. Part of the reason for relative leveling ease was that my brother had built a companion character to quest/level with me, and he too, utilized a confused class that relied on an oskill to attack. His was a Wolfbarb named Maus (this is like a 2-for-1 pat thread) and his Shout war cry boosted my defense even further.

How did Lycidas tank?
In a word? Well. When you're knee deep in fresh hamburger, sporadic lightning bursts, and your own mercenary's entrails, you don't have much time to reflect on whether or not the character was built well enough to stand a dozen simultaneous monster swipes. I toggled run/walk in mob situations to keep the defense high, and can't remember ever dying to any group of monsters that had AR-based attacks. The deaths were very few and far between and basically only stemmed from Iron Maiden.

Any notable finds?
Highlord's Wrath, Waldo, omgwtfbbqpwned's dignity (and you thought Zod was hard to find *rimshot*), a PnB skiller, and a String of Ears.

So as you can see there were not many spectacular finds, but the dry spell ended with two decent set items dropping in succession in the same game. First this, then this. Suh-weet, yes? Yes.
Hellforge: NM, Hell

Simply remarkable. Any thoughts you'd like to leave us with?
-Where Slagape was offense, Lycidas is defense. If you've ever questioned which one was more important, then let me say that this character was more competitive and can actually do solo /p8 Baal runs in reasonable times. If I had to guess, I'd probably attribute it to the pwn-factor associated with "Grief" and the safety associated with Life Tap (as well as high block and what not). I guess that old adage should be changed to "the best offense is a good defense."
-I ran into a certain monster that telebombed me, Decrepified my merc, and attempted to scorch me with terrible, unsynergized Firestorm charges. I then proceeded to make him eat the weapon he was wielding. (I'm still on patrol for a certain "Isenhart" fellow who won't be getting off so easy)
-I got the "Beast" from Lord_Vega when he left the game (before all the ind. bugging obviously), but this is the first time I actually made a character based around it. Patience is a virtue, and I am a virtuous man.
-I was given or traded for all of the runewords this guy uses and made none of them myself. Just like hording stat points, my other vice is not trusting myself to net a decent roll so I buy 'em premade or have others place the runes.
-Monster attacks that bypassed defense weren't too bothersome and his resists were good enough to tank most elemental groups. If I tossed on a CoA, some .07 LoH, and a Wisp Projector, he would basically be immortal.
- Slugging a grand piano that has been filled with concrete and molten lead is probably a fair analogy for any monster that's tried to strike him. Most enemies sat quietly in the "5% chance to hit me" zone waiting for their turn come up lucky with a hit before they got their faces broken by a big bear paw.
-My original plan was to level him as a Bear and join the occasional dueling session as either a dark horse Werebear or as a Smiter. Both would require some gear changes though, and the strength requirement on the ogre gauntlets gimped his end game pool of hit points, so I doubt that he'll see much, if any, real action. But just the satisfaction that comes with the knowledge that I could pop out of wereform and slap some greedy Baal runner on the MP scene is quite reassuring.
-Special thanks to cloudy for the Steelrend and Ray Patean for the morning-after pancakes.

Future plans?
I don't have any because I live in the moment as a hedonistic vagabond. I let the D2 winds carry my spirit wherever they want. I don't choose my next character; my next character chooses me. (Srsly, I haven't really decided, but a Druid of some kind is always a safe bet. However, my brother will be building an IK barb to put that green sacred armor to use.)

Gripping conclusion and summary?
TL:DR- To put the overabundance of awesome of this character in perspective, every 3 of 4 women that read this thread are with child before they even make it to the skill section. Believe it.

I gave away all my Liq t-shirts in the last thread, but the first person to post in this one gets this hat. You're welcome.
 
Originally posted by @maxicek on Aug 13, 2018:

Tales of Brave Ulysses - Smite / Ranger Paladin

Patriarch Ulysses
Classically Themed Smite / Ranger Paladin​

"I long for home, long for the sight of home.
If any god has marked me out again
for shipwreck, my tough heart can undergo it.
What hardship have I not long since endured
at sea, in battle! Let the trial come."

The Odyssey, Book 5

I was reading one of the Eternal Champion novels by Michael Moorcock and came across a mention of Ulysses as one of the incarnations. The Odyssey could easily fit in the series as Odysseus (or his Romanisation Ulysses) is the original doomed hero. Ulysses feigned madness in an attempt to be recruited to the Greek cause in the Trojan War. For ten years the Greeks fought outside Troy, then Ulysses wandered for a further ten years before returning home to slay his wife’s suitors, who sought her hand believing him dead.

Most of the arms and armour in D2 are based on Medieval European sources, but there are also a number of Greek items, especially the Full Helm and of course the Hyperion Shield. So an idea for a character started to grow. I levelled him to about 45. I lost interest. I made him my glove shopper for crafting. Then just before the RFL I started to work on him again.


Equipment
On this character the equipment came first, so that is where I’m going to start.

“Here is my lord Odysseus' hunting bow.
Bend and string it if you can.”


I had three possible weapon choices in mind for Ulysses:
Pike / Spear - I was thinking about the Greek Phalynx from the time of Alexander The Great. Much later than the Trojan War of course, but just about fitted the theme.
Shield and Short Sword - A classic Greek combination, this one had to be included.
Bow - It doesn’t really get mentioned until the end of the Odyssey but gets used to grizzly effect:

”So the great soldier
took his bow and bent it for the bowstring
effortlessly. He drilled the axeheads clean,
sprang, and decanted arrows on the door sill,
glared, and drew again. This time he killed
Antinous.”


In the end I chose the short sword and shield with the bow on switch. But the trouble is with the short sword is the low damage. I can’t make any decent runewords in it as it only gets 2os. The uniques are also a low on damage, but Rixot’s Keen does have 25% crushing blow. So I decided to make the sword switch a Smite attack for boss killing. Of course the nice thing about Smite is it requires no AR... And nor does Guided Arrow. Using Widowmaker for the bow meant that I could ignore AR completely, which allowed me to stuff all spare holes and slots for damage output.

Weapon: Widowmaker
Shield: Arrows

Switch Weapon: Rixot's Keen
Switch Shield: Exile Vortex Shield

Originally I was intending to go with a Sanctuary Hyperion, but found that a Vortex shield actually looks more Greek. That of course opened up Exile, which matched Smite perfectly. I made a new one specially for the character in a non-ethereal base though so it looks correct.
1588276092776.png

Helm: Darksight Helm
Armour: Duress Great Hauberk

Darksight Helm is a great helm in it’s own right, with Cannot Be Frozen, Mana Leech and Cloak of Shadows charges, but the fact that it also fits the theme perfectly made it the only choice for this build.
I could have made a Fortitude Great Hauberk or something, but chose to go old skool with Duress. The crushing blow fitted my sword switch and the FHR was much needed.

Belt: Pain Chain crafted blood belt
Boots: Gore Rider
Gloves: Ghoul Hold crafted blood gloves

Amulet: Highlord’s Wrath
Ring1: Storm Grasp rare
Ring2: Rune Grasp rare


I wanted to pack the inventory with as many 1.07 damage charms as possible, so that meant getting as many resists in the belt gloves and rings as possible, so I wouldn’t need to rely on resist charms. I needed 40IAS to hit the maximum attack speed with Guided Arrow, so the gloves and Highlord’s took care of that. Including Widowmaker, Ulysses is at a tasty 79% deadly strike.

Inventory: Mainly 1.07 damage charms, a few resists.

Equipment Readouts:
Code:
Rixot's Keen
Short Sword
One Hand Damage: 9 - 14
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x10e37f84
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
100% Enhanced Damage
+5 to Minimum Damage
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
25% Chance of Crushing Blow
+25 Defense
+2 to Light Radius
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune

Exile
Superior Vortex Shield
VexOhmIstDol
Defense: 671
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 99 of 99
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 148
Fingerprint: 0x859d1292
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 5 Life Tap on striking
Level 14 Defiance Aura When Equipped
+2 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+30% Faster Block Rate
Freezes target +1
+248% Enhanced Defense
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Cold Resist
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist
All Resistances +43
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 10%
Repairs 1 Durability in 4 Seconds
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune

Widowmaker
Ward Bow
Two Hand Damage: 70 - 172
Durability: 31 of 48
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 72
Required Dexterity: 146
Fingerprint: 0xb72f3c71
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fires Magic Arrows
226% Enhanced Damage
+5 to Minimum Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
33% Deadly Strike
+5 to Guided Arrow
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Bliss

Ruby Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xc46a51
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Enhanced Damage
+5 to Minimum Damage

Darksight Helm
Basinet
Defense: 250
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 82
Fingerprint: 0xa8422cbb
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Chance to cast level 3 Dim Vision when struck
+26 to Maximum Damage
5% Mana stolen per hit
+166 Defense (Based on Character Level)
Fire Resist +39%
Cannot Be Frozen
-4 to Light Radius
Level 5 Cloak of Shadows (30/30 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Vermilion Jewel of Carnage

Vermilion Jewel of Carnage
Jewel
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x5344b4cf
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+26 to Maximum Damage

Duress
Great Hauberk
ShaelUmThul
Defense: 1319
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 56
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0xff7d9328
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
11% Enhanced Damage
Adds 37 - 133 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+165% Enhanced Defense
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +15
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x8097018d
Item Level: 85
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

Rune Grasp
Ring
Required Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0x8badefee
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 3 - 1 Damage
+15 to Dexterity
+37 to Mana
All Resistances +10
Lightning Resist +28%

Storm Grasp
Ring
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x30dc200e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Minimum Damage
+84 to Attack Rating
+17 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +11
Fire Resist +26%

Pain Chain
Mesh Belt
Defense: 38
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x47e161f3
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
3% Life stolen per hit
9% Chance of Open Wounds
+32 to Life
Cold Resist +24%
Lightning Resist +20%

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 159
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xb8a0605e
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+196% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Ghoul Hold
Sharkskin Gloves
Defense: 34
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xd39be350
Item Level: 91
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 5 Fire Damage
3% Life stolen per hit
8% Chance of Crushing Blow
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +26%
21% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x4cc0b1a6
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Serrated Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x69340324
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion
+28 to Maximum Damage

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x23b7c7d4
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xc2cb847
Item Level: 63
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x7dd49455
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x573f4f3c
Item Level: 91
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x16d4cc74
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x1af59113
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x2bb85a73
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8cf82d6b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Poison Resist +8%

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xfe5180ca
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Poison Resist +8%

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x20afb092
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Poison Resist +8%

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x157c6576
Item Level: 47
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Viridian Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xe593b2c
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Poison Resist +7%

Static Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x24efbe69
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 6 Lightning Damage
+19 to Life


Skills

Smite: 1/2
Only one point in smite, it was about applying the crushing blow, not the damage.
No Holy Shield as then the shield would be a very un-Greek white cross instead.

Holy Fire: 20/21
Sanctuary: 9/10
Fanaticism: 20/21
I planned on using Holy Fire as a PI solution, but it sucked. The cold damage from Duress was almost better. Sanctuary was great against PI undead, although firing speed dropped significantly due to the lack of Fanaticism.

Resist Fire: 20/21
Vigor: 1/2
Redemption: 9/10
Salvation: 1/2
Redemption always useful, especially against the un-leechables in A2.

Stats

Name: Ulysses
Class: Paladin
Experience: 955700115
Level: 83

Naked/Gear
Strength: 139/156
Dexterity: 131/146
Vitality: 225/225
Energy: 15/15
HP: 879/997
Mana: 138/175
Stamina: 371/391
Defense: 32/2507
AR: 640/799

Fire: 134/94/34
Cold: 123/83/23
Lightning: 178/138/78
Poison: 100/60/0

MF: 21 Block: 23
GF: 0
FR/W: 30
FHR: 40
IAS: 40
FCR: 0

Attack Stats (Smite / GA)
LCS Damage 62-1083 / 1028-4356
Crushing Blow 63% / 38%
Deadly Strike 79% / n/a
Open Wounds 52% / 52%

1588275999242.png

1588275990805.png

Mercenary Equipment
Might Desert Mercenary
Helm: Darksight Helm
Armour: Chains of Honour
Weapon: Pride
I didn’t entirely manage to keep the theme going into the merc, but he did get a Darksight too, which was very useful keeping him alive. Maybe he was a bit slow in attack speed, but he died a lot, especially at /p3.

Code:
Name:       Hazade
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 69464246
Level:      83
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   183/203
Dexterity:  147/147
HP:         1687/1687
Defense:    1245/2263
AR:         1889/545921

Fire:       235/195/135
Cold:       212/172/112
Lightning:  212/172/112
Poison:    212/172/112

Chains of Honor
Dusk Shroud
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 776
Durability: 18 of 20
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0xf0c887ec
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Darksight Helm
Basinet
Defense: 242
Durability: 15 of 30
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 82
Fingerprint: 0xb9cefed
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Chance to cast level 3 Dim Vision when struck
5% Mana stolen per hit
+166 Defense (Based on Character Level)
Fire Resist +23%
Cannot Be Frozen
-4 to Light Radius
Level 5 Cloak of Shadows (23/30 Charges)

Pride
Cryptic Axe
ChamSurIoLo
Two Hand Damage: 73 - 337
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 93
Fingerprint: 0x70c54500
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
25% Chance to cast level 17 Fire Wall when struck
Level 18 Concentration Aura When Equipped
50% Enhanced Damage
288% Bonus to Attack Rating
+83% Damage to Demons (Based on Character Level)
Adds 50 - 280 Lightning Damage
20% Deadly Strike
Hit Blinds Target +1
Freezes target +3
+10 to Vitality
Replenish Life +8
155% Extra Gold from Monsters (Based on Character Level)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Cham Rune
Socketed: Sur Rune
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune


Finds
Hell Hellforge: Ist. I also found a Fleshripper in the Flayer Dungeon which isn’t bad. A Reaper's from Diablo, not Ethereal of course. Nothing else really interesting maybe I kept a few charms too.


Gameplay

“Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.”
- The Iliad

I really like the gameplay for this character, having a switch weapon that does something other than just cast Enchant / BO etc. makes for much more versatility. Fire some arrows to thin out the minions. Smite the boss a few times to drop his life, when he is knocked back switch back to bow and blast him in the face. Nice.

The trouble with the Pride / Might combination is the Merc adds too much damage but doesn't do enough himself. I could do enough damage to player at /p5 - until he died, which he did quite often. So then my damage dropped and I had angry monster running after me with under 1k life. This led to a few deaths, until I got bored of resurrecting the merc and dialled down the players settings.

Really I would have been much better to replace most of the damage charms with life charms. This would have made the character much more durable, as due to the high strength and dexterity investment I didn't have many points left to invest in Vitality. The lack of life made the ctc Life Tap from Exile not triggering problematic. It sometimes takes a few hits to trigger, of course I was taking damage at this time. If it triggered too slowly, I had to be quick about chugging a big purple or I could die easily.

All in all I had a lot of fun with this character and I think the theme worked quite well. Of course it would be easy to make the character much stronger. Grief Phase Blade max Holy Shield make him hit harder and the resulting max block would make him more durable. I have the stats to switch to this for a bit of levelling if I decide to play him more.

1588275937925.png

1588275929694.png


I am John Daker, the victim of the whole world's dreams. I am Erekose, Champion of Humanity, who slew the human race. I am Hawkmoon. I am Corum. I am Illian. I am Aubec. I am Elric. I am Asquiol. I am Ulysses. I am Cornelius. I am many more.
 
Originally posted by muzzz on Sep 30, 2007:

Patriarch RabidRingo, polearm zealot/fire ranger

This all started quite a while ago. I was trying to convince myself that I didn't need RWM again, when I noticed the -fire res on obedience. It pretty much screamed fire zealot. And to me, holy fire pretty much screams demon machine. So I took a crazy idea one step further and decided to make a fanazealot/fire zealot/fire ranger hybrid.

I zealed my way up to the level requirement for a cryptic axe (thanks, Thy :flowers:), made obedience, and kicked major *** all the way through NM. My only real problem was the NM chaos sanctuary. I got lazy, died to IM, and had to fight big D without looking spooky. The first two acts of Hell were fairly easy as well. Being a melee character without a shield or boosted lifebulb is tricky at times. The complete overkill of dracul's paired with 24% regular leech got me a long way, and I could always switch to demon machine if something said "can't touch this".

In A3 I got a small AR problem. Ringo got stalled in the spider forest for a while. After swapping some charms and jewelry I not only fixed the AR problem but booted the BA merc for a HF one as well. Death by being careless around dolls a few times, and once to a double vampire bosspack. I swear I spent at least two minutes in their flames, and at the end, fade wore out. The next three meteors killed me.

I decided to try A4 on /players3. Everything was dandy up until the CS. I switched to razortail so I could pierce the OK's buddies, adding a face of horror in hopes of thinning larger crowds. It didn't work at all. Large open space means large crowds means I die if I shoot more than 2-3 bolts without moving. Big D was a huge dissapointment after that frustrating hour. His lightning-bolt-of-questionable-color didn't even seem to hit me.

The last act was full of horrible, horrible spawns. Tons of ranged attackers, PI frenzytaurs, PI amping witches, etc. My fire attacks could take care of regular PI's decently, but champion or boss PI frenzytaurs would say "Thanks, it was getting a little chilly down here." I also ran into a room full of those amping witches with a PI/FI one guarding the entrance. Patience ftw.

My first ancients roll was a disaster. I didn't even have the time to check the mods on the whirler before he was on top of me, clearing half the red bulb and all of the blue one. To quote Julius: "I ran away, saw I had been cursed as well, and TP'd the heck out of there". The next roll was a lucky one, spawning nothing worse than extra fast/LE. The only surprise was that the moron still managed to kill himself...

The throne was pretty easy, even though I spawned OK's + greater mummies. The geometry brought out the best in my demon machine, and I had bone flambe for dinner. Even though Baal managed to teleport of his platform and summon teh cl0ne, not even the merc broke a sweat. He tanked clone, I tanked Baal, and all I lost was a belt full of mana potions.

- Having a longer range weapon than your merc means he can't hide behind you. Kickass!
- The manadrain of gloams was actually more dangerous than their lightning for a change.
- The holy-fire-zealot was the weakest part of the build. Demon machine would be faster and safer against mobs, and fanazealing did almost as well against single, breakable PI's when combined with decrepify.
- I didn't have the guts to put up with the frustration that is poison vipers.
- During the last two acts I made a net loss of 700k gold.

Character screen
Flamethrower
You :censored: moron

20 zeal
20 fanatiscism
20 holy fire
20 resist fire
6 sacrifice
1 in vigor, salvation and all prereq's.

Code:
Character name  : RabidRingo
Character type  : Paladin
Character level : 83
Character exp   : 902370123

Strength        : 91
Energy          : 15
Dexterity       : 44
Vitality        : 249
Stat Points Rem : 111
Skill Points Rem: 0

Life            : 1108 / 951
Mana            : 264 / 138
Stamina         : 405 / 395

Gold (Inventory): 0
Gold (Stash)    : 977186

Number of Items : 61

43: The Mahim-Oak Curio
Amulet
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xd5054fef
+10 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+10 to Dexterity
+10 to Vitality
+10% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
All Resistances +10
10% Bonus to Attack Rating

44: Bitter Circle
Ring
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x91ba8f98
+64 to Attack Rating
+9 to Minimum Damage
Fire Resist +7%
Lightning Resist +7%
Cold Resist +7%
Poison Resist +13%
5% Life stolen per hit

45: Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x8ff2af02
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+206 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

46: Nosferatu's Coil
Vampirefang Belt
Defense: 62
Durability: 12 of 14
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x55640c4a
+15 to Strength
7% Life stolen per hit
-3 to Light Radius
10% Increased Attack Speed
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Slows Target by 10%

47: Dracul's Grasp
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 125
Durability: 12 of 14
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 76
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x95e53ac4
+14 to Strength
+90% Enhanced Defense
10% Life stolen per hit
+8 Life after each Kill
25% Chance of Open Wounds
5% Chance to cast Level 10 Life Tap on striking

48: Crown of Thieves
Grand Crown
Defense: 315
Durability: 46 of 50
Required Strength: 103
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 99
Fingerprint: 0xe0c2525e
+25 to Dexterity
+50 to Life
+35 to Mana
+177% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +33%
12% Life stolen per hit
99% Extra Gold from Monsters

49: Treachery
Diamond Mail
'ShaelThulLem'
Defense: 391
Durability: 21 of 26
Required Strength: 131
Required Level: 54
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0xae5961a5
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)

50: Immortal King's Pillar
War Boots
Defense: 119
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Strength: 125
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x63c0006e
+44 to Life
+110 to Attack Rating
+75 Defense
40% Faster Run/Walk

***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
+160 Defense
Half Freeze Duration
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***

56: Obedience
Cryptic Axe
'HelKoThulEthFal'
Two-Hand Damage: 155 to 705
Durability: 23 of 65
Required Dexterity: 82
Required Strength: 132
Required Level: 59
Polearm Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0x641e2c73
+10 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
+370% Enhanced Damage
+291 Defense
All Resistances +26
Adds 3-14 cold damage over 3 seconds
Requirements -20%
40% Faster Hit Recovery
-25% Target Defense
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
30% Chance to cast Level 21 Enchant When You Kill an Enemy
-25% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Socketed (5: 5 used)

60: Demon Machine
Chu-Ko-Nu
Two-Hand Damage: 31 to 137
Required Dexterity: 95
Required Strength: 80
Required Level: 49
Crossbow Class - Fastest Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x4f26b1e4
+36 to Mana
+123% Enhanced Damage
+632 to Attack Rating
+66 to Maximum Damage
+321 Defense
Piercing Attack [66]
Fires Explosive Arrows

61: Bolts
Quantity: 193




Mercenary Items : 

1: Iron Pelt
Trellised Armor
Defense: 536
Durability: 17 of 157
Required Strength: 61
Required Level: 33
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 51
Fingerprint: 0xe1efdf0b
+25 to Life
+87% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 19
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
+125 Maximum Durability
+249 to Defense (Based on Character Level)

2: Stealskull
Casque
Defense: 221
Durability: 13 of 24
Required Strength: 59
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x9d744b17
+203% Enhanced Defense
5% Life stolen per hit
5% Mana stolen per hit
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
10% Increased Attack Speed
10% Faster Hit Recovery

3: The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two-Hand Damage: 59 to 694
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Dexterity: 79
Required Strength: 104
Required Level: 75
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x5a87aa54
+229% Enhanced Damage
Adds 4-44 cold damage over 0 seconds
15% Life stolen per hit
Requirements -25%
Ignore Target Defense
33% Deadly Strike
33% Chance to cast Level 1 Decrepify on striking
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)




Charms:

2: Shimmering Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 52
Fingerprint: 0x715a7d2a
All Resistances +5

3: Shimmering Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x867ea6c1
All Resistances +4

4: Shimmering Small Charm of Greed
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xacc22811
All Resistances +3
7% Extra Gold from Monsters

6: Steel Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xb68479ad
+35 to Attack Rating

8: Steel Large Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 44
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 61
Fingerprint: 0xc5ce80c9
+22 to Life
+70 to Attack Rating

27: Amber Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xec9e7726
Lightning Resist +10%

28: Amber Small Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xe2f5aa09
+2 to Strength
Lightning Resist +10%

29: Shimmering Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 68
Fingerprint: 0x499ff684
All Resistances +5

30: Crimson Small Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 16
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0x4e57a8c1
+2 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +5%

31: Lapis Small Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x94ea25f7
+11 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

32: Ocher Grand Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 7
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 13
Fingerprint: 0xdbf23189
+4 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +19%

Thanks for reading! 👋
 
Originally posted by NacRuno on Feb 8, 2009:

Patriarch Apollo, Cleric/Templar/Elemental Zealot

Introduction


Apollo is the first character from my Mount Olympus sept, and also the first 'melee' char that I defeated hell Baal with. I didn't use to write pat/mat threads before but I will try to keep up with this SPF tradition now on. Hope you enjoy my first ever write-up :)

I do not play any multiplayer games therefore being able to tackle the game solo was number one priority for me. I also wanted to see the full potential of a cleric and decided to max both damage synergies of Holy Bolt. My initial plan was to rely on maxed holy shock for the demons and max vigor aura to turn Apollo in to a specialized Pindle killer, but after reading two great guides from Asmodeous (Elemental Templar Guide) and Doctor Clock (Battle Cleric Guide), I decided to take the elemental zealot approach.

I must add that Apollo is a very strong character thanks to elemental back-up, I played at p8 up to hell and then I switched to p1 only to speed up things, it was not a necessity at all. It is definitely item dependant but cheap alternatives are available.

Gear & Stats
Rich (BB code):
Stats

Character Level: 85

Strength:   100/160
Dexterity:  140/179
Vitality:   240/290
HP:         928/1095
Mana:       141/196
AR:         2528/5283(w Enchant)

Resists on Hell (F/C/L/P): 12/38/47/12

Items

Weapon:  Azurewrath Phase Blade (socketed with Shael)
Shield:  Herald of the Zakarum
Weapon2: Hand of Blessed Light
Shield2: Herald of the Zakarum
Helm:    Vampire Gaze
Armour:  Skin of the Vipermagi
Belt:    Thundergod's Vigor
Gloves:  Dracul's Grasp
Boots:   Goblin Toe
Amulet:  Highlord's Wrath
Rings:   Raven Frost & Wisp Projector

Stash:   Demon Limb

Skills

Holy Bolt: 20/32 (w HoBL)
Fist of the Heavens: 20/30 (w HoBL)
Holy Shock : 20/26
Blessed Hammer: 17/25 (next three skills go here)
Conviction : 10/15 (points after blessed hammer will go here)
Sanctuary : 1/7
Zeal: 1/8

Zeal Damage:     957-1774 @ 4/8 frame per attack w 70 IAS
Holy Bolt Dmg:     6771 - 8775 @ 12 frame casting w 30% FCR
FoH Damage:     2940 - 3060

Conviction: -86% Defense & -105% Resist

Charms

Fine Grand Charm of Dexterity (+13 AR/+2 Max Dmg/+6 Dex)
Sharp Grand Charm (+49 AR/+9 Max Dmg)
Steel Grand Charm of Dexterity (+126 AR/+6 Dex)
Arcing Large Charm (+1-54 Lightning Dmg)
Large Charm of Storms (+1-30 Lightning Dmg)
Sapphire Large Charm of Inertia (+15% Cold Res./%5 Faster Run)
Fine Small Charm of Frost (+15 AR/+3 Max Dmg)
Small Charm of Storms (+1-19 Lightning Dmg)
2 x Small Charm of Anthrax (+50 Pos. Dmg)
Boreal Small Charm of Inertia (+5-11 Cold Dmg/%3 Faster Run)
Sapphire Small Charm of Dexterity (+11% Cold Res./+1 Dex)

Mercenary

Name: Kyoko
Race: Rogue Scout
Type: Fire - Normal

Equipped with: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest + Crow Caw + Harmony Blade Bow

Code:
Harmony
Blade Bow
Two Hand Damage: 87 - 162
Durability: 28 of 32
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 76
Required Dexterity: 119
Fingerprint: 0xae70ab6a
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
275% Enhanced Damage
20% Regenerate Mana
+55 - 160 Fire Damage
+55 - 160 Lightning Damage
+55 - 160 cold damage with 6 sec Duration
+2 to Light Radius
+3 to Valkyrie
Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped
Level 20 Revive (25/25 Charges)
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+9 to Maximum Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+10 to Dexterity
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune

First time i used one of these and she did more than i expected. I think their AI is much more stable and controllable than Act II mercs.

Gameplay

I started the game as a tesladin and maxed Holy Shock before anything else. It gives 1-1272 lightning damage at slvl20 and paired with a fast weapon it is enough to handle normal by itself even without synergies. The unique scepter Stormeye was used after clvl 30, it gives very nice +3 to Holy Shock bonus and needs only 42 IAS to reach 5/10 frame per attack with zeal. I had problems with AR due to lack of nice charms therefore leveled up to clvl 45 before venturing into NM.

In NM holy shock was not enough by itself, yet I still used holy shock as main aura and added some crushing blow to my gear to assist with the killing (Goblin Toe + Guillaume's Face + Venom Grip = 65% crushing below). As you can guess it did wonders with zeal. After holy shock FoH and Holy Bolt were maxed in this order. FoH with a high level Holy Bolt does wonders at this level, destroying all undead even before you see them. Also thanks to maxed holy shock I was able to snipe tough enemies with FoH from distance. Up until act 4 I was using defiance act 2 mercenary, but starting with act 4 I needed more safety thus I switched to holy freeze mercenary. Relaying on the Insight RW my merc is holding, I played mostly as a Templar for the last two acts. During act 5 I had access to Gimmershed (@clvl 70) and almost had 10 hard points in Conviction. These were all needed for the elemental zealot build, thanks to those I was able to finish the act without lowering the player setting from p8. I still had some surviving issues therefore I ran NM baal till clvl 76 and I was able to wear Dracul's Grasp. I was doing some nice damage but due to it being mostly elemental LL was not enough to keep me safe. With life tap from Dracul's everything was much smoother.

After putting 10 hard points in conviction skill points were spent in blessed hammer. By the time I reached Hell my holy bolt damage was respectable enough to use as a main killer but I had troubles with positioning behind the merc. At that point I decided on switching to an ActI mercenary, and giving her my newly found rune (Ko) in a blade bow. Elemental damage of harmony was just the perfect match with the build. lvl85 area mausoleum consists of only undead monsters therefore it was a very nice area to gain some levels. All needed was to turn on sanctuary aura and cast some holy bolts at p8. During Hell I had all of my final gear with the exception of Gimmershed instead of Azurewrath. But since I wanted to try my newly found toy, I went back to the mausoleum after reaching pindle in hell and ran the area till clvl 85. After there it was pretty straightforward into Baal's chamber. My AR is pretty low for a melee char but with -86% defense from conviction and inner sight from the merc I hardly missed.

Noteworty Finds

Hellforge drops were lucky with Ko/Mal for NM and Hell. I used the Ko rune very soon :). Other drops were quite disappointing since only Naj's and Aldur's armours are worthy of mentioning despite all those area running.

Final Comments

My motivation for the build was running pindle but when I reached him I didn't enjoy the runs as much as I hoped for. Questing was so fun with this char that I just got disappointed for pindle runs; it is hard to beat teleport in pindle's garden after all. Also without a tank to hold the line a cleric is pretty vulnerable to the charge attacks in higher player settings. Maybe it was because I had no hard points in vigor aura (Harmony provides vigor in other places). Still with sanctuary aura, no merc to distract you and 50 FCR pindle is very doable upto p3 (doable = comparable to sorc). I advice for at least 50 FCR breakpoint because only then putting pindle's minions in hit recovery means something for you. I might try pindle again with the next FCR breakpoint and see how it goes.

P8 mausoleum runs are a walk in the park for this char. With sanctuary aura on, not even the extra fast monsters can get near you even if you stayed still. And it costs only 3-7 holy bolts to kill any monster, champion or not. You just need enough + skills to increase sanctuary aura radius and rest of the items can go into MF. I am certainly not retiring this character and plan to do some Diablo runs after putting some more points to conviction. I plan on leveling in the mausoleum and pindle if I get bored with the blizzy.

My final damage is not huge but lowered resists from conviction, fast attack speed, crushing below and open wounds from items were enough to make this char very deadly in close combat even aganist those high life demons.

You might wonder why I didn't put any points in utility skills, there is not a logical answer to that other than my obsession. I plan every character of mine on paper for clvl 99, and try to achieve 'nice, round' numbers for skill & stats. This character is going to have a maxed conviction at clvl 98 and that last skill can go into smite if I ever reach there :crazy:. I decided to max conviction after maxing holy shock, and now I have a character I can play as a full powered cleric or templar.

If I were to rebuild this character I wouldn't probably bother with holy shock and distribute those points in the utility skills. Crushing below and a fast weapon is all you need until you get to equip Gimmershed with this character. I used FoH lightning damage only because I couldn't tank some monsters with ease; it shines mainly with its holy bolts anyway.

Coming up Next

Athena the phonix striker or Hephaestus the fire druid.

Thanks :thankyou:

Cygnus, for holding the Pindlethon and giving me the motivation for the build
Asmodeous and Doctor Clock, I was trying to run through hell with my maxed vigor without them, nicely written guides
jiansonz, thanks to the tips here I was able to get along with Kyoko, don't think I could keep her with me otherwise.

EDIT: MF Gear I Used & Suggestions

The above gear is what i used while questing as a Cleric/Elemental Zealot Hybrid. I didn't use that setup while running pindle or mausoleum. Here is my current MF gear and what i have in mind for improvements.

Code:
Weapon: Hand of Blessed Light (+6 Holy Bolt)
Shield: Herald of the Zakarum (+4 Holy Bolt)
Helm:   Harlequin Crest (+50% MF/+2 All skills)
Armour: Skin of the Vipermagi (+30% FCR/+1 All skills)
Belt:   Arachnid Mesh (+20% FCR/+1 All skills)
Gloves: Chance Guards (+32% MF)
Boots:  War Traveler (+30% MF)
Amulet: Seraph's Hymn (+2 All skills)
Rings:  x2 Nagelring (+21-28 MF)
Charms: +84% MF

In total:  245% MF, +50% FCR, +16 to Holy Bolt

Holy Bolt dmg: 9321 - 10569

As you can see my MF gear is very low end. I don't have any mf amulet above +32 MF so i find +2 skills from Seraph's Hymn much more useful. From experience, +50% FCR breakpoint is almost necessary for safe pindle runs. Therefore i kept Skin of the Vipermagi on the char while doing my runs.

What i have in mind is a +2 Pala/+20 FCR craft amulet combined with a %10 FCR/+MF Ring instead of the Vipermagi. Than i can put on a Skullder's without losing anything at all. Combine that with higher resist gloves/boots/charms and you get a respectable MF amount at 10k Holy bolt damage.
 
Originally posted by NagisaFurukawa on Jun 1, 2008:

Patriarch Genesis, Zeal/FoH/Hammerdin

Introduction

Ossu! This will be the last of my Patriarch/Matriarch threads for quite a long time, so be happy! =). Without further ado...

Introducing Patriarch Genesis Rhapsodos. He comes from the Final Fantasy VII universe. To avoid any serious spoilers, I'll just say that he's a good friend of Sephiroth (the one and only) as well as Angeal (Zack's mentor).

Hm. I wanted a cookie cutter. Really badly, at that. Character class? Paladins are, in my opinion, the most overpowered of all of the classes. That part was easy. But what to make?

Hammerdin: Way too boring, not to mention cheesy.
Zealot: No Exile, meaning no GG defense or consistent Life Tap.
Templar: Not enough wealth to truly make it shine.

...but then it hit me. Why settle for just one, when you can have all three?

----------------------------------------------------------

Vitals
Name: Genesis.
Level: 82 (827252796 EXP).

Strength: 50 (125).
Dexterity: 100 (130).
Vitality: 345 (377).
Energy: 15 (15).

Zeal Damage: 1256-1900 @ 5 frames.
Hammer Damage: 2535-2565 @ 11 frames.
FoH Damage: 3096-3216 lightning, 683-694 bolts.

Life: 2517. <-- After BO.
Mana: 427. <-- After BO.

Attack Rating: 5916. <- With Fanaticism.
Defense: 9302. <- Holy Shield + Chilling Armor.
Resists: 43/26/71/75.

FHR: 50%. <- 5 frames.

----------------------------------------------------------

Skills
Fist of the Heavens: 20 (31).
Blessed Hammer: 20 (31).
Holy Shield: 1 (12).
Zeal: 1 (12).

Conviction: 1 (12).
Concentration: 1 (12).
Fanaticism: 1 (12).

Holy Shock: 20. <-- Synergy and Leveling Device.
Blessed Aim: 17. <-- Synergy and Passive AR.

Prerequisites: 1.

----------------------------------------------------------

Equipment
Weapon 1: 'EthEth' Heaven's Light.
Shield 1 : Herald of Zakurum (Perfect Diamond).
Weapon 2: Ethereal Call to Arms Crystal Sword.
Shield 2: Spirit Akaran Targe.
Helm: 'Shael' Viper Cowl Diadem.
Armor: Fortitude Archon Plate.
Gloves: Dracul's Grasp.
Belt: Arachnid Mesh.
Boots: Sandstorm Trek.
Amulet: Highlord's Wrath.
Ring: Raven Frost.
Ring: Stone Hold Ring.

Charms: +2 Offensive Auras, 19 Max, 404 AR, 132 Life, 10 FHR, 6-12 Fire Damage, 1-54 Lightning Damage.

Viper Cowl
Diadem
'Shael'
Defense: 112
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 67
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x9be9de6e
+28 to Strength
+72 to Mana
+84% Enhanced Defense
8% Mana stolen per hit
Attacker Takes Damage of 3
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
20% Faster Hit Recovery
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Stone Hold
Ring
Required Level: 48
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xda4770f8
+14 to Dexterity
+110 to Attack Rating
Damage Reduced by 1
Fire Resist +17%
Lightning Resist +10%
10% Faster Cast Rate

Shocking Small Charm of Incineration
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 82
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 99
Fingerprint: 0xa4818da5
Adds 6-12 fire damage
Adds 1-54 lightning damage

----------------------------------------------------------

Mercenary
Mercenary...? You serious?!? He's OP enough as it is. Come on.

----------------------------------------------------------

Ramblings
1) This is IMBA.

2) This is OP.

3) Replace Zeal with Charge and BA with Vigor, and add on some better gear... and you might have yourself a decent PvPer.

4) It was worth going 'EthEth' instead of 'ShaelShael' with the Heaven's Light. It's true that 2x Shael's would have bumped Genesis up to the drool-worthy 4 frame zeal, but with such low AR, he wouldn't have hit anything. Hooray for -83% Defense!

5) That Diadem is hot. The strength was godly. The mana was priceless. The leech was GG. The skills were just gravy. Did I mention that the ATD looks awesome?

6) I wanted to make FULL use of certain items. FCR on Fortitude? Check. Slow Target on Arachnid Mesh? You betcha. As far as I can tell, there were ZERO mods that weren't useful in some way or another.

7) The general idea for fighting was easy. FoH was the best way for dealing with nastier monsters/PIs. It was basically like sniping. Hammer fields were godly against giant mods of weaker monsters. Lastly, Zeal was used mainly against beefier targets, and as the life/mana replenishing mechanism. A lot of the time though, it was simply a matter of what I felt like using. =D.

----------------------------------------------------------

Future Plans
1) Might take a little break from any serious D2. Might play some HC. Who knows...? I'll still be MPing though.

Special Thanks
~ Skal for the Heaven's Light.
~ maxgerin for the Viper Cowl Diadem.
~ Various people for the charms.
~ Readers.

Ciao.
 
Originally posted by @Nano on Jun 6, 2018:

Patriarch Pulsar, the Zeal/Hammer Astrodin

In my second Pindle Haul I found an ethereal Astreon's Iron Ward with above average damage rolls. At the time I knew it was quite the rare drop, with ethereal chances being 1 in 20 on top of Astreon's status as one of the rarest uniques in the game. It'd be a shame to leave it unidentified and collecting dust in the stash, so why not take it out for some fun? Before I can do that, I had to make use of another rare drop from quite a while ago.

Jvz27jw.jpg


+3 Combat Skills is a middle roll, but I'm not holding my breath for a +4 version with above average damage stats. The 289% ED is 1% off from perfect, and the +damage is decent too. The bonus to AR, 33% CB, and slow target are all nice additional melee mods. Damage wise, it's not a top Zealot weapon, but it can hold its own while providing +combat skills on the Blessed Hammer side. To top it off, there's the giant hammer graphic and the lovely hit sounds.

Here's how I built around Astreon's:

Level 93
Stats
Strength: 40/117
Dexterity: 150/162
Vitality: 355/379
Energy: 15/17

Skills
20(39) Blessed Hammer
20 Blessed Aim
20 Vigor
20(29) Fanaticism
13 Sacrifice
1(20) Zeal
1(20) Holy Shield
1(10) Redemption
8 Prereqs

Eth Astreon's Iron Ward 'Zod'
Enigma Light Plate
Spirit Sacred Targe
Shako 'Cham'
Highlord's Wrath
Laying of Hands
Arachnid Mesh
Gore Rider
Ring 1 - 10% FCR, 8% Life Steal, +2 Str, +11 All Res, +10 LR, +23 FR
Ring 2 - 10% FCR, 6% Mana Steal, +1 Max Dam, +12 AR, +79 mana, +7 All Res

CTA/Spirit Switch
7x PCombs and assorted Life/Res SCs

A2 Merc (might)
Pride Eth Thresher (Lvl 19 Conc)
Fortitude
Andariel's Visage

The idea is to use the Concentration Aura from Pride for both BH and Zeal, thus allowing native Fanaticism. I elected to drop the remaining points into Sacrifice for damage, but spending some points into Zeal for AR would be a good choice too. The build is very Merc dependent, both Zeal and especially BH getting a large chunk of its damage from secondary auras. The Merc himself survives well enough- even with Pride's lack of on-weapon ED, there is enough off-weapon ED between Fortitude, Might, Concentration, and Fanaticism for respectable damage and life leech.

Guillaume's Face would be better for Zeal, but Shako was a better balance between Zeal and BH damage, not to mention all the other nice stats. Additionally, I'd need to commit another Cham rune, unless I went with a Raven Frost setup. Cham Guillaume's and CoH on the Merc is also another option, and I can even helm swap with the Merc when desired.

aR9sDwl.jpg


Breakpoints/Item Stats
75% FCR
Max Block
8k Blessed Hammer
4 Frame Zeal
3.6-4.5k Zeal LCS
4.7-5.6k Zeal (+damage factored in)
2.4-3.2k Smite (good for CB against bosses, due to their block)
49% DS
48% CB

The alternative setup with Raven Frost as the CBF source provides greater flexibility in the 2nd ring slot. In order to maintain 75% FCR and 4 Frame Zeal, the following gear swap would need to happen:
LoH -> Trang Gloves
Cham -> Ias Jewel in Shako
FCR ring 1 -> Raven Frost
FCR ring 2 -> Dual leech/BKWB/SoJ/Etc.

With Redemption as an option, dual leech ring is more of a preferred choice, rather than a mandatory one. Big loss is the +350% demon damage and 50% Fire Resist from LoH, which is the main reason I went with the Cham Shako setup. Having such a Shako already available definitely helps too.

Game-play wise, both Zeal and BH wreck hell on lower player settings, so I prefer mostly zealot play in this scenario. I use teleport to position zeal as well, especially against ranged monsters. PI's are cleared even faster with BH. Once I turned on players 8, BH sees more use as zeal effectiveness drops off. Large/dangerous mobs get the hammerfield, with 8k hammers at 75% FCR being potent enough. Zeal for smaller mobs and smite against bosses, with BH as the finisher when CB becomes less effective. I rarely use redemption as I can switch to zeal and leech off the stragglers. Everything considered, this is a fun character to play, with both Zeal and BH offering two different yet effective play styles in one package.
 
Originally posted by Neksja on Dec 14, 2007:

Patriarch Savier, Ranger?

I guess we people call Bow wielding Paladin a Ranger right?

As man of my character's birth, Savier came to my mind when I was looking through my stashes and checking my gear. I saw my perfect WWS and wanted to try out how Paladin works out. So that's how I got started.

He was pretty easy to play. A bit hard and slowish, but easy. For that, I will have to thank my kicksin, that character gave a whole lot of patience, which turned out very well with this Ranger. It was very difficult at start to just stand behind merc and shoot shoot shoot. You may have guessed, Savier is my first ranged attacker, if you don't count casters.

I wanted to build as fast shooter as Paladin can be with bow, so decided to go fanaticism way. Blessed Aim's hidden AR bonus came in handy. For other attack, Holy Shock synergized was my choice. So, Savier has complete ZERO points in combat skills.

As with my last matriarch, I showed my damage numbers from every difficulty after Baals death. So did I do now, with showing a Chance to Hit percent. For hell I have two screenshots, physical and lightning switch (if not seen clearly, holy shock aura dmg is 1-605). So here are the numbers:

Normal
Nightmare
Hell, physical switch(main switch)
Hell, Lightning switch

And lets go to the LCS:
Character name : Savier
Character type : Paladin
Character level : 85
Character exp : 1072259262

Strength : 89 (159)
Energy : 15 (28)
Dexterity : 132 (167)
Vitality : 284 (284)

Life : 1142 / 1060
Mana : 200 / 141
Stamina : 452 / 432

skills:
20 Blessed Aim
20 Fanaticism
20 Holy Shock
20 Resist Lightning
10 Salvation
1 in prereq's

Deadle Strike: 100%
Open Wounds: 68%
Crushing Blow: 45%
Knockback
CtC: Amplify Damage, Life Tap and Decrepify (from Merc)
Hits the last ias breakpoint when physical switch.

Gear:
Amulet: Metalgrid
Ring1: Ravenfrost
Ring2: Rare ring (resists and life leech)
Belt: Razortail
Boots: Gore Rider
Gloves: Dracul's Grasp
Helm: Giant Skull
Armor: Duress
Weapon: Perfect/Upped/shael+jewel WWS

Switch: Gemmed Long Battle Bow

prebuff: Demon Limb's enchant

Merc Act2 Blessed Aim:
Helm: Eth Kira's Guardian 'Sol'
Weapon: The Reaper's Toll 'Amn'
Armor: Eth Gladiator's Bane 'Sol'

Code:
Metalgrid
Amulet
Required Level: 81
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 94
Fingerprint: 0x5bb4aa50
+418 to Attack Rating
+313 Defense
All Resistances +35
Level 22 Iron Golem (11/11 Charges)
Level 12 Iron Maiden (20/20 Charges)

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x41f9b833
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+233 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

Order Spiral
Ring
Required Level: 65
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xa5230a53
+13 to Strength
+13 to Energy
+27 to Attack Rating
Fire Resist +9%
Lightning Resist +23%
Cold Resist +9%
Poison Resist +9%
8% Life stolen per hit

Razortail
Sharkskin Belt
Defense: 106
Durability: 13 of 14
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x973c4ab0
+15 to Dexterity
+146% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Maximum Damage
+15 Defense
Piercing Attack [33]
Attacker Takes Damage of 85 (Based on Character Level)

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 151
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Strength: 94
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0xace17502
+20 to Maximum Stamina
+181% Enhanced Defense
+10 Maximum Durability
Requirements -25%
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike

Dracul's Grasp
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 137
Durability: 12 of 14
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 76
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x4efad21b
+15 to Strength
+108% Enhanced Defense
7% Life stolen per hit
+10 Life after each Kill
25% Chance of Open Wounds
5% Chance to cast Level 10 Life Tap on striking

Giant Skull
Bone Visage
Defense: 400
Durability: 38 of 40
Required Strength: 106
Required Level: 65
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xf500649a
+37 to Strength
+66% Enhanced Damage
+256 Defense
Poison Resist +22%
Adds 18-32 fire damage
Knockback
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
+3 to Mana After Each Kill
Socketed (2: 2 used)

socketed with:

Havoc Scarab
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xc7367c4a
+6 to Strength
+29% Enhanced Damage
Poison Resist +22%
+3 to Mana After Each Kill

Ruby Jewel of Burning
Required Level: 58
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x2f68f7c8
+37% Enhanced Damage
Adds 18-32 fire damage

Duress
Archon Plate
'ShaelUmThul'
Defense: 1383
Durability: 55 of 60
Required Strength: 103
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x78f67343
+180% 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)

Witchwild String
Diamond Bow
'Shael'
Two-Hand Damage: 92 to 112
Required Dexterity: 132
Required Strength: 89
Required Level: 61
Bow Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xa0df1ae7
+180% Enhanced Damage
All Resistances +40
Required Level +7
35% Increased Attack Speed
Fires Magic Arrows
2% Chance to cast Level 5 Amplify Damage on striking
85% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2: 2 used)

Socketed with Shael and:

Cinnabar Jewel of Fervor
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0x1ed04d70
+10% Enhanced Damage
15% Increased Attack Speed

Gemmed Long Battle Bow
Two-Hand Damage: 8 to 27
Required Dexterity: 50
Required Strength: 40
Required Level: 56
Bow Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 77
Fingerprint: 0x758eabcf
+7 to Energy
+5 to Mana
+5 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
+77 Defense
Fire Resist +23%
Cold Resist +28%
Adds 6-552 lightning damage
7% Faster Hit Recovery
50% Damage to Undead
+27 to Attack Rating against Undead
Socketed (6: 6 used)


Mercenary Items : 

The Gladiator's Bane
Wire Fleece
'Sol'
Defense: 1958
Durability: 120 of 120
Required Strength: 101
Required Level: 85
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xf462e715
+164% Enhanced Defense
+50 Defense
Damage Reduced by 24
Magic Damage Reduced by 16
+103 Maximum Durability
Attacker Takes Damage of 20
30% Faster Hit Recovery
Poison Length Reduced by 50%
Cannot Be Frozen
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (1: 1 used)

Kira's Guardian
Tiara
'Sol'
Defense: 163
Durability: 13 of 13
Required Level: 77
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xe1daf186
+91 Defense
Damage Reduced by 7
All Resistances +55
20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cannot Be Frozen
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (1: 1 used)

The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
'Amn'
Two-Hand Damage: 35 to 418
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Dexterity: 89
Required Strength: 114
Required Level: 75
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x8a924b42
+197% Enhanced Damage
Adds 4-44 cold damage over 0 seconds
20% 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)

I wanted to use Blessed Aim Merc for two reasons: Better AR and I didn't want him to be too offensive, as I wanted to survive alone if needed.

Charms I used when killing Baal:
Code:
Sharp Grand Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x36d7c4e1
+5 to Strength
+55 to Attack Rating
+10 to Maximum Damage

Sharp Grand Charm of Quality
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 33
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x370d8dc6
+67 to Attack Rating
+11 to Maximum Damage

Sharp Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0xf00de94
+51 to Attack Rating
+10 to Maximum Damage

Sharp Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x2c616ddf
+68 to Attack Rating
+10 to Maximum Damage

Sharp Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x6cd9025a
+72 to Attack Rating
+10 to Maximum Damage

Sharp Grand Charm of Lightning
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x34cb68c1
+51 to Attack Rating
+9 to Maximum Damage
Adds 1-5 lightning damage

Emerald Small Charm of Thunder
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0x6e320e89
Poison Resist +10%
Adds 1-18 lightning damage

Fine Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0x58914c0d
+17 to Attack Rating
+3 to Maximum Damage

Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0xa065b7e3
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x9ded3af3
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 64
Fingerprint: 0xcc109c53
+17 to Life

Fine Small Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xe80db633
+10 to Life
+10 to Attack Rating
+3 to Maximum Damage

Ocher Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xecd2af3a
+19 to Life
Lightning Resist +7%

Deeds: Actually, this character died way less than any other of my characters. First death, Normal Diablo, I under estimated his lightning attack. Then the next, and the last, three deaths for gloams in hell. Really, 3 times Gloams took. Guess how many packs I met? Correct, 3 packs. Gloams themselves weren't bad, but there was a small rule. "Every time Savier meets gloams, there has to be other monster boss back with conviction aura." So, pretty much instant deeds when seeing gloams.

Notable finds: Lem for hell hf, other Lem in River of Flame five minutes after that hf. Nothing else fancy.

Very fun build, propably going to give him a spin at Pits 👍

Neksja
 
Originally posted by OldSoldier on Jul 14, 2008:

Guardian Robin, Fire and Ice Ranger

I'd like to introduce Guardian Robin, who is a Holy Fire and Holy Freeze Ranger Paladin. He's really kind of a side project, born from the Paladin tournament that I've been fortunate enough to get four guys killed in. As such he doesn't count in my personal HC tournament sept, but since that was the case I decided to take my best HC items I could muster and put them to the test. As you'll notice in the item list, my best HC items aren't very good because I have never MFed in HC.

I actually played a ranger in the tournament, dying in hell act I. He never found an explosive weapon, which was his achilles heel. His descendant in the tournament found a Kuko Shakaku, and so I decided to mess around with a Holy Fire paladin using it. The fire damage from Holy Fire, as well as all sources on the character, are added to the splash of the explosions. His LCS with the Kuko switch looks like this.

Of course I knew at the beginning that he'd need a backup attack for fire immune enemies. One of my tournament characters had found a perfect -cold resist Wizendraw (-35%) which would seem a natural fit for Holy Freeze. His LCS with the Wizendraw looks like this.

I started him with all my FRW charms and a Raven Claw and pumped Holy Fire until it was maxed and synergized before doing much of anything with the cold skills. Once I got to use the Kuko I switched to the Tearhaunch (free Vigor baby!) and most of the other gear I used. Entering hell needed some charm rearrangement and I socketed the Spirit Forge with two of my nicest resistance jewels because I really wanted to use it and the large +life/level mod.

His skills ended up like this:
Might 1 (7) - one single pre-req point ain't bad
Holy Fire 20 (26)
Holy Freeze 20 (26)
Resist Fire 20
Resist Cold 11
Salvation 20

You may be wondering how this build could be viable with such low damage and a terrible AR (the AR figures shown on the LCS are after the blessed aim merc bonus). Fortunately, the attack rating only matters if you want to pierce (the bow has 50% pierce) or actually hit with the arrow (which was a small amount of damage). Even if the arrow did not hit the target, the explosion carried all fire damage to the targets, including the synergized level 26 holy fire damage, the 40-180 on the bow, the 20-65 on the Spirit Forge, and the charm fire damage. I could have gotten a lot more damage using charms and fire damage jewels in the sockets but I wanted to keep the attack speed for both weapons at 11 fpa and the resistances high (it is HC after all). Grouped non-FI enemies fell ridiculously fast.

Action shot 1.
Action shot 2.

The merc wore Twitchthroe for most of the game, but when I needed CB he got Rattlecage. We found the Reaper's Toll along the way, which helped his survivability quite a bit. He tanked Lister and company while I plinked away with cold enchanted arrows.

The fire portion of the ranger was pretty powerful, despite the low damage number. I could still kill without the merc unless fire immunes were around. I needed his aura to hit monsters with the magic arrows on the Wizendraw. I didn't care about mana a bit, which is rare. I guardianed an amazon (Penelope) that had a synergized exploding arrow in a tournament and Robin's arrows were more powerful and mana-free. Perhaps I'll re-kit her with the Spirit Forge and a nice +5 bow skills bow or this kuko and see how that changes.

About the only hard areas were the ones with Maulers/Urdars because especially in the River of Flame, they were highly fire resistant and killed the merc by knocking him silly with their billy clubs. This build completely owned spawners and maggots, smashing them and their young easily.

Code:
Character name  : Robin
Character type  : Hardcore Paladin
Character level : 81
Character exp   : 761449545

Strength        : 60
Energy          : 15
Dexterity       : 95
Vitality        : 310
Stat Points Rem : 15
Skill Points Rem: 0

Life            : 1369 / 1130
Mana            : 207 / 135
Stamina         : 815 / 454

Gold (Inventory): 0
Gold (Stash)    : 798931

Number of Items : 52

1: Smoking Large Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0xdc893f06
Adds 7-26 fire damage

2: Grim Hold
Ring
Required Level: 48
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 78
Fingerprint: 0x913ed40e
+13 to Energy
+96 to Attack Rating
+1 to Maximum Damage
All Resistances +11

3: Tearhaunch
Greaves
Defense: 61
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 70
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x1d5215fa
+5 to Strength
+5 to Dexterity
+66% Enhanced Defense
+35 Defense
All Resistances +10
20% Faster Run/Walk
+2 to Vigor (Paladin Only)

4: Stout Small Charm of Incineration
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 71
Fingerprint: 0x33f4b7a6
+6 Defense
Adds 5-11 fire damage

5: Marshal's Coronet of the Tiger
Defense: 39
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 68
Fingerprint: 0x749de896
+24 to Life
15% Increased Attack Speed
7% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
+3 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Dun Jewel of Fervor
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x425826ee
15% Increased Attack Speed
7% Damage Taken Goes to Mana

6: Small Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0x3fc94344
+15 to Life

7: Sapphire Grand Charm of Quality
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 33
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xaa3fcee3
+2 to Maximum Damage
Cold Resist +28%

8: Soul Lash
Mesh Belt
Defense: 45
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xb6444501
+2 to Strength
+28 to Life
+26% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +20%
Lightning Resist +30%
Required Level +5
10% Faster Hit Recovery

9: Spirit Forge
Linked Mail
Defense: 422
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Strength: 74
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0xb80fe2a4
+15 to Strength
+12 to Maximum Stamina
+144% Enhanced Defense
+5% Enhanced Damage
+73 to Attack Rating
+3 to Minimum Damage
Fire Resist +31%
Lightning Resist +30%
Adds 20-65 fire damage
+4 to Light Radius
+101 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2: 2 used)

Blood Gyre
Jewel
Required Level: 18
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 36
Fingerprint: 0xc65d5503
+5% Enhanced Damage
+58 to Attack Rating
Lightning Resist +30%

Storm Whorl
Jewel
Required Level: 13
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x494458a5
+12 to Maximum Stamina
+15 to Attack Rating
+3 to Minimum Damage
Fire Resist +26%

15: Large Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 50
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 70
Fingerprint: 0x167a6b72
+28 to Life

16: Smoking Large Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 72
Fingerprint: 0xde3767b
Adds 9-23 fire damage

17: Lapis Small Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 14
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 3
Fingerprint: 0xb008a684
+7 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

19: Foul Small Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 61
Fingerprint: 0x9ccf8579
+50 poison damage over 4 seconds
5% Faster Hit Recovery

20: Sapphire Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x3ad69d2a
Cold Resist +10%

25: Viper Band
Ring
Required Level: 24
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xad8141bf
+2 to Minimum Damage
Fire Resist +25%
Lightning Resist +22%
Poison Length Reduced by 25%
Level 3 Dim Vision (27/27 Charges)

26: Shimmering Small Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 47
Fingerprint: 0x6d01d4c1
+2 to Strength
All Resistances +4

27: Crimson Small Charm of Incineration
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x573288a6
Fire Resist +5%
Adds 5-9 fire damage

28: Ruby Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0xf2479af
Fire Resist +11%

32: Sapphire Grand Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0xa60cfbf5
+22 to Life
Cold Resist +26%

33: Amber Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 22
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0xf817cf21
Lightning Resist +28%

35: Marshal's Amulet
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0xdc3f375a
+3 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)

36: Skull Claw
Demonhide Gloves
Defense: 49
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 77
Fingerprint: 0x864bb2d9
+37% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +29%
10% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
20% Increased Attack Speed
Level 3 Poison Dagger (27/27 Charges)

45: Steel Grand Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0x66b6182b
+4 to Dexterity
+111 to Attack Rating

46: Shimmering Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xf5979f82
All Resistances +14

47: Fine Small Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xc584d91f
+14 to Life
+20 to Attack Rating
+3 to Maximum Damage

48: Cobalt Small Charm of Venom
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 20
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 44
Fingerprint: 0xf0c57dd7
Cold Resist +8%
+15 poison damage over 4 seconds

49: Kuko Shakaku
Cedar Bow
Two-Hand Damage: 25 to 74
Required Dexterity: 49
Required Strength: 53
Required Level: 36
Bow Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 64
Fingerprint: 0x9a58525
+157% Enhanced Damage
+71 to Attack Rating
Adds 40-180 fire damage
15% Increased Attack Speed
+3 to Immolation Arrow (Amazon Only)
Piercing Attack [50]
Fires Explosive Arrows
+3 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Argent Jewel of Fervor
Required Level: 36
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 52
Fingerprint: 0x48a6593c
+71 to Attack Rating
15% Increased Attack Speed

51: Wizendraw
Long Battle Bow
Two-Hand Damage: 5 to 31
Required Dexterity: 50
Required Strength: 40
Required Level: 31
Bow Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 77
Fingerprint: 0xcd2c4b65
+15 to Energy
+30 to Mana
+74% Enhanced Damage
+84 to Attack Rating
Cold Resist +26%
35% Increased Attack Speed
Fires Magic Arrows
-35% to Enemy Cold Resistance
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Jewel of Fervor
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xcf41b8c7
15% Increased Attack Speed

Mercenary Items : 

1: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 104
Durability: 12 of 20
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0xddaf2656
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
+45 Defense
All Resistances +15
10% Life stolen per hit
10% Mana stolen per hit

2: Twitchthroe
Studded Leather
Defense: 57
Durability: 32 of 32
Required Strength: 27
Required Level: 16
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 28
Fingerprint: 0xfc41b0c
+10 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
+25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+25 Defense
20% Increased Attack Speed
20% Faster Hit Recovery

3: The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two-Hand Damage: 35 to 413
Durability: 54 of 65
Required Dexterity: 89
Required Strength: 114
Required Level: 75
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0x4b13980c
+193% Enhanced Damage
Adds 4-44 cold damage over 2 seconds
12% Life stolen per hit
Requirements -25%
Ignore Target Defense
33% Deadly Strike
33% Chance to cast Level 1 Decrepify on striking
 
Originally posted by @PhineasB on Feb 8, 2018:

Patriarch Kaleid, Level 87 and Vanji, the Level 87 Cold Iron Wolf (pic)
Kaleid moved through A5 in two sessions, one yesterday and one today. It was p8 all the way, with full clears for all the cave/portal areas and WSK.

He made it through Hell without a death. The merc, on the other hand, was fragile at p8 in A5, pretty much dying whenever amped. I resurrected him whenever Kaleid hit a WP, but otherwise left him napping if he went down. I’d say a little less than half of the Act was completed without him.

Kaleid himself slowed down a bit when we hit the Cystalline Passage. The lack of damage reduction and physical damage/life leech posed the occasional challenge, particularly with lots of amped bosses in Crystalline Passage and witches casting amp on the Anya rescue and one of the caves (Drifter Cavern, I think). There was one very exciting moment in Crystalline Passage with a triple boss pack and a double pack with champs mixed in, for a combo on six packs in the same area. It was epic carnage.

It took four rerolls before Ancients spawned without Amp. But they then went down within 3 minutes, not worrying too much to split them up, using up the health potions and all but one purple in the process (Talic, Korlic, Madawc).

WSK was pretty easy on the rolls, with witches in WSK1 the only spawn that required careful tactics due to the amp. Gloams rolled on one level and in throne room (and earlier in the act), but were no trouble due to 95% lightning resist and absorb from TGods :D A fun little action shot from WSK1:
1588320570386.png
Baal went down without much of a fight, not even getting off a clone. There were no finds of note in A5.

As with Sense, this was definitely a fun playthrough. I am glad I tried it out, and was pleased to use the A3 merc despite his shortcomings. The chance to cast confuse on Dream (especially when dual) was a very important aspect of this build, and one I hadn’t fully appreciated until playing a melee character with limited life leech.

That said, I am pretty sure a dual Dream/Grief-based build would be stronger and more versatile. The lower damage and lack of life leech were a tradeoff for sure, and I doubt worth it for the dual elemental damage instead of single elemental/physical approach. Having a might A2 merc would make a difference, as would different gear choices (i.e., if I wasn’t focused on a theme of maxing elemental damage and chance to cast). In particular, crafted blood gloves and Arachnids would have probably been better overall choices.

I am going to keep current setup for a couple p1 WSK clears, just to appreciate the pow-ah of the build and to let Vanji kill some things. But I will then swap in an A2 merc to try out p8 with current gear, then the less-elemental gear option, before respec-ing and going for the Grief based build (maybe with Enigma for mobility) and dropping resist fire in favor of maxed zeal. I am pretty sure that will be the optimal build, in part because the +skill gain will open up some GC slots. He may end up leveling a bit on Baal runs here and there.

Finds were super lame – Pul from NM HF was the best find for the play through, which is a little disappointing given the p8 playthrough for Hell and full clears of A85 areas. I guess MF <100 matters. :eek: Here is the pat dump:
Code:
Name:       Kaleid
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 1345743212
Level:      87

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   95/151
Dexterity:  123/166
Vitality:   297/341
Energy:     15/19
HP:         1103/1320
Mana:       144/332
Stamina:    447/467
Defense:    30/2270
AR:         600/1279

Fire:       190/150/90
Cold:       166/126/66
Lightning:  201/161/101
Poison:     166/126/66

MF:         87       Block:      52
GF:         118
FR/W:       30
FHR:        66
IAS:        73
FCR:        0

Sacrifice: 1/2
Smite: 1/2
Holy Bolt: 1/2
Zeal: 3/4
Charge: 1/2
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 1/2
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 11/12
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/5
Holy Fire: 1/5
Thorns: 1/5
Blessed Aim: 0/0
Concentration: 0/0
Holy Freeze: 1/5
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 1/5
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 20/24

Prayer: 1/2
Resist Fire: 20/21
Defiance: 1/2
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 1/2
Resist Lightning: 20/21
Vigor: 1/2
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 1/2
Salvation: 9/10

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xf7531469
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+233 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+15 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Lava Gout
Battle Gauntlets
Defense: 141
Durability: 38 of 38
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 88
Fingerprint: 0x50120ce5
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
2% Chance to cast level 10 Enchant on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 13 - 46 Fire Damage
+194% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +24%
Half Freeze Duration
+20 Maximum Durability

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xd7b5679a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+229 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

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xdd7cbc2a
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
118% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Dragon
Superior Scarab Husk
SurLoSol
Defense: 906
Durability: 11 of 28
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xcd09892a
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 18 Venom when struck
12% Chance to cast level 15 Hydra on striking
Level 14 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped
+15% Enhanced Defense
+360 Defense
All Stats +4
+230 Defense vs. Missile
+32 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Damage Reduced by 7
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Sur Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Sur Rune
Required Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Blinds Target +1
Armor: Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Shields: +50 to Mana

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

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

Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x72c9978
Item Level: 94
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

Dream
Demonhead
IoJahPul
Defense: 399
Durability: 10 of 20
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x5142556b
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+28% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+207 Defense
+10 to Vitality
Increase Maximum Life 5%
+54 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

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

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

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

Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 155
Durability: 21 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0x4d121638
Item Level: 69
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)
+194% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb

Captain's Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0x2e894150
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+4 to Maximum Damage

Shimmering Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x93251134
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Dexterity
All Resistances +15

Smoking Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0xf487a4a4
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 4 - 14 Fire Damage
+18 to Life

Boreal Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x9120fddb
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 22 Lightning Damage
Adds 7 - 10 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)

Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x200fba6a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Grand Charm of Storms
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x9f718844
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 31 Lightning Damage
All Resistances +15

Captain's Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x1d70597f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Shimmering Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x94f573ec
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
All Resistances +14

Smoking Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0x4048ea2e
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 8 - 19 Fire Damage
+16 to Life

Boreal Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x3b517827
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 7 - 12 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
+20 to Life

Arcing Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xa8af42e8
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 27 Lightning Damage
+16 to Life

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 152
Durability: 33 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xf92a4384
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+183% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Arcing Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xa7142801
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 41 Lightning Damage
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x7c399e82
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5 to Dexterity
All Resistances +15

Captain's Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x9833e69e
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+30 to Life

Smoking Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0x731d9431
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 8 - 12 Fire Damage
+20 to Life

Arcing Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xc8398b44
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 31 Lightning Damage
+17 to Life

Call to Arms
Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 48
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xd0e4ad4c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
270% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 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
Akaran Rondache
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 125
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 59
Fingerprint: 0xa620e454
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+34% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+91 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +43
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

Hand of Justice
Superior Phase Blade
SurChamAmnLo
One Hand Damage: 122 - 138
Indestructible
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Fingerprint: 0x94364f67
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 36 Blaze when you Level-Up
100% Chance to cast level 48 Meteor when you Die
Level 16 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped
+33% Increased Attack Speed
296% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
+2 to Attack Rating
-20% to Enemy Fire Resistance
7% Life stolen per hit
20% Deadly Strike
Hit Blinds Target +1
Freezes target +3
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Sur Rune
Socketed: Cham Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Sur Rune
Required Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Blinds Target +1
Armor: Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Shields: +50 to Mana

Cham Rune
Required Level: 67
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Freezes target +3
Armor: Cannot Be Frozen
Shields: Cannot Be Frozen

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

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

Dream
Sacred Targe
IoJahPul
Defense: 351
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 37 of 45
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0x13dc5948
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+26% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+154 Defense
+10 to Vitality
+50 to Life
+54 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +59
22% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune

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

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

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

Mercenary:
Name:       Vanji
Race:       Eastern Sorceror
Type:       Cold-Normal
Experience: 79933612
Level:      87
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   140/140
Dexterity:  112/125
HP:         1222/1222
Defense:    868/2530
AR:         1704/1704

Fire:       200/160/100
Cold:       200/160/100
Lightning:  200/160/100
Poison:    200/160/100

Nightwing's Veil
Spired Helm
Defense: 344
Durability: 38 of 40
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 96
Fingerprint: 0x40037352
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 43 Frost Nova when you Level-Up
+2 to All Skills
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+20% to Cold Skill Damage
+115% Enhanced Defense
+13 to Dexterity
+7 Cold Absorb
Half Freeze Duration
Requirements -50%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xa9f9b4b5
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 43 Frost Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage

Skin of the Vipermagi
Wyrmhide
Defense: 974
Durability: 16 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 84
Fingerprint: 0x65f4e672
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-3% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +35
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
Required Level +7
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xd81cca77
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-3% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage

Spirit
Crystal Sword
TalThulOrtAmn
One Hand Damage: 5 - 15
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xaaaeb698
Item Level: 36
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+33% 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
+100 to Mana
+5 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

Lidless Wall
Grim Shield
Defense: 344
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xde82e877
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+128% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Energy
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
All Resistances +19
+5 to Mana after each Kill
+1 to Light Radius
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond

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

Thanks for reading. One more set of twins left, with the untwinked Barb still in A1 NM (but now to Outer Cloister after a couple short sessions over the past couple months). That is a long-term project, but will be a little bit of break from CS runs with my untwinked 99er pally and LK runs with the untwinked necro.
 
Originally posted by poopie_pants on Feb 23, 2010:

Patriarch Foba_Bett (Themed Ranger)

"He didn't socialize. He rarely spoke. None of his bounties ever saw his face."

Foba Bett always lived a life of seclusion, lurking in the shadows of the rest of society. Son to Fango Bett, a paid mercenary, Foba grew up under the tutelage of his father, listening to his advice, learning his skill, always aspiring to one day take up his trade. But Foba was met with tragedy early in his life, as the person he looked up to the most was struck down in combat by the same person he was hired to kill. Fango's death created a huge void in his son's life; one that Foba would spend the rest of his life trying to fill.

Utilizing the bounty accumulated by his father to survive, and out casted from the rest of his peers, Foba spent the rest of his childhood and adolescence relentlessly training in the arts of weaponry, stealth, and deception. Better to be feared than loved. Committed to not make the same mistake his father did, Foba ignored close quarter combat and instead mastered the use of his preferred weapon, the Crossbow. Execute the target before they even know of your presence. After years of training, Foba's skills, and natural instincts, were superior to even his father's. Foba was determined to succeed where Fango did not...he was a natural born killer, and succeed he would.

Foba worked alone. He started seeking work late in his adolescence, at the young age of 17. His first "assignment" was the execution of a local townsman who had accumulated a debt he could not repay with the wrong individual. Killing came as natural to Foba as his first step. He did so without mercy and without regard to the stature, gender, race, or even age of his victims...so long as a hefty reward was awaiting him.

Foba's reputation soon spread, but always cloaked in the absence of facts. He negotiated his "assignments" in disguise so that his face could never be matched with his name. Deception was the greatest advantage Foba had on his victims...he was an enigma. But with secrecy came solitude. Bounty after bounty, Foba could not fill the emptiness that was created with the death of his father. But then a funny thing happened along the way. By chance, Foba was introduced to Olena, daughter of one of the individuals he "worked" for. Foba knew something was different about Olena...she possessed the same drive, aspirations, and emptiness in her life. Olena also possessed the same lethalness as Foba (knowing she was superior to others). Longing to rid herself of the dull life she lived, Olena joined Foba as his apprentice. Working together meant more difficult bounties, and greater rewards. It also resulted in something unexpected...for the first time since his father's death, Foba experienced friendship...love.

With the world they both knew in turmoil, and the existence of mankind hanging in the brink of extermination at the hands of the Prime Evils, Foba and Olena did not feel fear, but rather saw opportunity. The opportunity for their infamy to grow...the opportunity for riches beyond their imagination...the opportunity for Foba to continue his father's legacy.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Foba Bett was themed after one of the most infamous characters in the Star Wars series, Boba Fett. I aimed to mirror Boba as best as possible -- everything from name and appearance down to skill set, attributes, equipment and even play style. Based on appearance (height, build, skin color) alone, I thought the Paladin was the ideal class choice, despite of course the vast contrast in character background. This worked out well since the Paladin class happens also to be a favorite of mine. Below is a screenshot of both Boba and Foba (decked out in his final gear set-up):

Boba Fett
Foba_Bett

Skills / Attributes:

Boba was known for his deadly accuracy with ranged weapons. As soon as I made the decision to go with the Paladin class, I knew what direction I was headed in terms of the skill distribution. This is a Ranger build, emphasizing on both physical and elemental damage, with fire being the choice on the latter. At clvl79, Foba's skills are assigned as follows:

• Fanaticism -- 20
• Holy Fire -- 20
• Resist Fire -- 20
• Salvation -- 13
• Resist Light -- 10 (for 80% light resist)
• Cleansing / Vigor -- 1 each
• Prereqs -- 5

With all of my damage being ranged, Dexterity was my primary attribute focus. Boba needed only as much strength to wear his armor, as he did not rely on hand-to-hand combat, and vitality is of no concern to a trained assassin (in hindsight, should have rethought this :whistling:). Final stats at clvl79 (base and with equipment):

• Strength -- 97 (102)
• Dexterity -- 273 (332)
• Vitality -- 105 (110)
• Energy -- base

Foba LCS

Equipment:

There are two things in my opinion that define who Boba is, and why he's so memorable in Star Wars lore -- his Mandalorian armor set, and his Blash Tech EE-3 Rifle. I knew both would be difficult to replicate (certainly the rifle, at least in appearance), so I spent a lot of time thinking about my options and taking into consideration both looks, stats and general feel for how it would represent Boba's persona. Here's what I came up with, along with a look at the rest of his gear:

Helm -- Darksight Basinet (personalized)

Closest looking in appearance in my opinion, great name in relation to character theme, and while not popularly used there are two very useful attributes that made this helm a no brainer -- Cannot be Frozen, and Cloak of Shadow charges, the latter of which was invaluable for game play in hell (see game play section below). Socketed with an Ort for LR.

Armor -- Smoke Russet Armor (personalized)

I was fairly certain from the beginning which runeword I was going to utilize for this character. The name Smoke fits well again with the theme, and the whopping 50% to all resists would be critical in Hell. I considered Treachery as well, but I did not need the IAS in order to reach the last breakpoint on both of my crossbows (see below), and none of the other attributes were that appealing. With Smoke decided, all that was left was picking the armor to put it into. After toiling back and forth on a few different armors, I decided that the Russet Armor fit the look the best. All of the others either looked like too little or too much armor in comparison to Boba's Mandalorian set.

Weapon (Main) -- Buriza (personalized)

I knew from the start I would be playing with crossbows instead of bows for this character, as they are much more representative (both in look and feel) of a EE-3 Rifle in my opinion. They are fired like a rifle, and deliver more of an impact which is what I was going for. With that decided, was there really any other option other than the Buriza? Great top-end damage (based on clvl), 100% pierce, freezes target, and a whopping 80%IAS allowing me to hit the last breakpoint when coupled with slvl20 Fanaticism. This was my primary weapon, and was always equipped with the Fanaticism aura. I Hel'd it in order to minimize the amount of points spent in strength.

Weapon (Switch) -- Demon Machine

Boba's missile launcher. This was my crowd control weapon, primarily because of the explosive bolts it delivered. I used this weapon (with Holy Fire aura) on groups of mobs as well as on PI's in Hell. Nice bonus to attack rating, defense and 66% pierce.

-Gloves -- Laying of Hands (350%ED to demons, fire resists, last bit of IAS needed for breakpoint on Demon Machine...enough said)
-Belt -- String of Ears (LL, damage reduction)
-Boots -- Goreriders (CB, OW, DS)
-Amulet -- Mara's (+2 for HF switch, but primarily used for resists)
-Rings -- Ravenfrost (for added dexterity, attack rating) and Rare (8%LL, +AR, 6% resists)

Code:
Foba_Bett's Darksight Helm
Basinet
'Ort'
Defense: 82
Durability: 29 of 30
Required Strength: 82
Required Level: 38
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xdc267f11
Fire Resist +31%
Lightning Resist +30%
5% Mana stolen per hit
-4 to Light Radius
Cannot Be Frozen
6% Chance to cast Level 3 Dim Vision when struck
Level 5 Cloak of Shadows (2/30 Charges)
+2 to Defense (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Smoke
Foba_Bett's Russet Armor
'NefLum'
Defense: 400
Durability: 28 of 30
Required Strength: 97
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xed7a25e1
+10 to Energy
+75% Enhanced Defense
+280 Defense vs. Missile
All Resistances +50
-1 to Light Radius
20% Faster Hit Recovery
Level 6 Weaken (18/18 Charges)
Socketed (2: 2 used)

Foba_Bett's Buriza-Do Kyanon
Ballista
'Hel'
Two-Hand Damage: 97 to 163
Required Dexterity: 64
Required Strength: 88
Required Level: 41
Crossbow Class - Fastest Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xd9351337
+35 to Dexterity
+194% Enhanced Damage
+119 Defense
Adds 32-196 cold damage over 8 seconds
Requirements -20%
80% Increased Attack Speed
Freezes Target +3
Piercing Attack [100]
+2 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Demon Machine
Chu-Ko-Nu
Two-Hand Damage: 31 to 137
Required Dexterity: 95
Required Strength: 80
Required Level: 49
Crossbow Class - Fastest Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xa290f0ad
+36 to Mana
+123% Enhanced Damage
+632 to Attack Rating
+66 to Maximum Damage
+321 Defense
Piercing Attack [66]
Fires Explosive Arrows

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 84
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x2a9426d3
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%
20% Increased Attack Speed
350% Damage to Demons
10% Chance to cast Level 3 Holy Bolt on striking

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 111
Durability: 21 of 22
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x364bb008
+177% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
Damage Reduced by 12%
8% Life stolen per hit
+10 Maximum Durability

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 153
Durability: 33 of 34
Required Strength: 94
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xd511f05e
+20 to Maximum Stamina
+184% Enhanced Defense
+10 Maximum Durability
Requirements -25%
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 96
Fingerprint: 0xf6725354
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
All Resistances +27
+2 to All Skill Levels

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xea9dff55
+17 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+178 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

Beast Eye
Ring
Required Level: 65
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x30fee9f5
+55 to Mana
+113 to Attack Rating
All Resistances +6
8% Life stolen per hit
10% Faster Cast Rate
14% Chance to cast Level 5 Charged Bolt when struck

Merc (Olena's setup):

The Ying to Foba's Yang. I made the decision very early on that I would not use an Act II merc, despite the nice aura benefits I would have received. They simply didn't fit the theme of this build. I opted instead for an Act I rogue, one because she fit the storyline, and two because I've never attempted to Mat/Pat a character using one. Where Foba was built on slower but more powerful attacks, Olena was geared with one thing in mind...speed. She did not fail to impress and in fact carried the weight of this tag team in certain instances, particularly in Hell. If anything else, it was fun to see her fire off arrows at an alarming rate. And whenever she triggered Amp Damage, it resulted in a whole lot of win. Here was her final gear set-up:

-Bow -- Upped Witchwild String (IAS jewel/Amn)
-Helm -- Vamp Gaze (IAS/LR jewel)
-Armor -- Treachery Archon Plate

Code:
Witchwild String
Diamond Bow
'Amn'
Two-Hand Damage: 84 to 102
Required Dexterity: 132
Required Strength: 89
Required Level: 61
Bow Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xdffa3668
+155% Enhanced Damage
All Resistances +40
7% Life stolen per hit
Required Level +7
15% Increased Attack Speed
Fires Magic Arrows
2% Chance to cast Level 5 Amplify Damage on striking
1% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2: 2 used)

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xc166e239
+100% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 11
Damage Reduced by 15%
Lightning Resist +22%
Adds 6-22 cold damage over 4 seconds
7% Life stolen per hit
7% Mana stolen per hit
15% Increased Attack Speed
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Treachery
Archon Plate
'ShaelThulLem'
Defense: 470
Durability: 54 of 60
Required Strength: 103
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x35a2d3f8
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)

Questing / Gameplay:

Players 8 for Normal / Nightmare, other than Ancients (p1). Hell was played entirely on players 1, and for good reason as I might have lost my insanity otherwise. As soon as a Crossbow became available to me in Normal, I used one from that point forward. My gear set-up in Normal consisted primarily of Ichorsting and then Hellcast, along with Sigon's boots/belt/gloves, Angelic rings/ammy/armor, and Duskdeep helm (for looks). Once I hit lvl 41, Buriza was equipped and later Demon Machine. I wore Griswold's Armor until I acquired the Russet Armor to make Smoke, and then eventually equipped the rest of my end-game gear once lvl's were met.

There were specific quests that I completed in each difficulty that fit in with the theme of the character, where with normal characters I may have skipped over. These included the Countess (with her very lucrative bounty), and Nihlatak (in order to personalize my Helm/Armor/XBow).

If there's one thing that stood out above all else in my long journey, it was the invaluableness of the Cloak of Shadows charges on my helm. It's one of those skills that you can't fully appreciate until you use it with a non-Assassin character. I would not have made it through Hell difficulty without those wonderful charges, period. And the charges were not that expensive to repair. In terms of game play, my typical attack approach went something along the lines of:

-When things went well, mow down enemies with barrage of bolts/arrows before they could attack (or at least get off a series of attacks). This was the case more often than not in Normal and NM.
-When things went not so well, cast CoS, then see above
-When things went terribly, scramble to cast CoS, fire off a bunch of bolts/arrows, hope not a lot is still breathing when the dust settles, cast CoS again (if necessary), then see above. There were plenty of these instances in Hell, particularly against faster moving packs of mobs, and ranged mobs (archers, gloams, etc).
-When things went very terribly, I died
-When facing PI's or groups of non-FI "soft" mobs, switch to Demon Machine and HF aura for quick work. I found myself using the Demon Machine more often in Hell than I originally thought, primarily because of the lack of AR when using the Buriza.
-When facing the Ancients, WSK Minions, and Prime Evils in Hell, I kited...a lot. Andy and Meph proved not as difficult as I thought. Duriel was a disaster (such a small space to run around, plus Holy Freeze). Diablo was challenging, but lots of area to move around in. I must have rerolled Ancients about 10 times before finally getting a favorable spawn. I managed to separate them by running around using Vigor. I really don't know how I got past this to be honest. WSK minions were not too bad, I cleared the entire area so I had a place to run back to for Lister's mob. As for Baal himself, I utilized a "corner" strategy to minimize the damage of Baal's cold spell and the appendages.

Overall, this character was at times a lot of fun to play (particularly in Normal/NM) but at the same time very challenging and at times downright frustrating (particularly in Hell) given the restrictions I gave myself, especially equipment. The lack of shooting speed with a Crossbow, and overall lack of AR and life really reared its ugly head in Hell difficulty. On top of that, if I could not get CoS casted quick enough, this character could get overrun very easily. There came a point in Hell where I was acting in more of a support role for Olena as opposed to vice versa, casting CoS while she sniped everything, and hoping she would trigger Amp Damage. I suffered more deaths than I'd like to remember (probably 10-15 total), and could unfortunately not live up to Boba's reputation as much as I would have liked. Here are some screenshots of Foba and Olena along the way:

Foba & Olena outside of Rogue Encampment
Countess Bounty
Action Shot 1
Action Shot 2
Victory

Notable finds -- Pul/Gul for NM/Hell forge (makes up for my Fishyzon), but other than that not much I'm afraid. I will almost certainly experiment with some better suited equipment to see how Foba performs. In terms of specific areas, there's always more bounty to collect from the Countess (rolled an unbelievable map for her too), and I think Foba would excel in the Maggot Lairs given the narrow lines of sight. Up next -- I have a Sept theme centered around a particular RW that I've been pondering about for some time now, and I think it's time to give it a go. Thanks for anyone who took the time to read...hope you enjoyed 👋.

-PP
 
Originally posted by Ray Patean on Nov 20, 207:

Patriarch Malachi: The Auradin

This is the first Pat/Mat thread I have made in a long time, but I thought this guy was worth the time to write about.

Here's a screenie of his stat page. I'm keeping block at 60%, and everything else is going into vitality from now on. I also decided to go with the 5fpa zeal instead of 4fpa on this guy because he survives much better with the Life Tap from Dracul's and the skills/resists/stats from Mara's are huge too. He's able to sit in the middle of Lister's pack, and as long as I keep swinging, I'll stay alive. The rest of my skill points are going into Sacrifice, just for the little extra physical damage to help boost his leeching ability. The only thing that I could improve on him is to get Conviction up to level 25, but its level 22 right now (23 with Battle Command).

Screenie of the LCS


Now for the fun part, his gear:
Helm- "Dream" Bone Visage
Weapon- "Hand of Justice" Phase Blade (beta "Call to Arms" Flail on switch)
Armor- "Dragon" Dusk Shroud
Shield- "Dream" Troll Nest ("Spirit" on switch)
Gloves - Dracul's Grasp
Belt- Verdungo's Hearty Cord
Boots- Rare with FHR/FRW/Triple Resists
Amulet- Mara's Kaleidoscope
Rings- Ravenfrost and Dual leech ring with lightning and poison resists

Charms:
1 x Combat Skiller with +5 dex, 65% resist all, 20% cold resist, 29% lightning resist, 19% fire resist, 27% FHR, a little FRW, MF%, a few + stats, and some elemental damage (1-69 lightning damage SC, 1-79 lightning damage LC).


Merc:
Helm- Ral'd Andariel's Visage
Armor- "Fortitude" Archon Plate
Weapon- Beta "Crescent Moon" Ogre Axe


Malachi is the epitome of this forum's generosity. There is no way I ever would have been able to make this character without the donations from members here. A huge thanks go out to the following:
--DarkChaos for the Cham and Sur
--Cloudy for the Sur
--DX-Crawler for the Lo
--Sincere for the two Surs, Lo, Mal, Ists and Ums
--Kahyaman for trading his Jah for my Zod



Ok, I'll stop being mean and post the readouts for the runewords :p

Hand of Justice
Phase Blade
'SurChamAmnLo'
One-Hand Damage: 132 to 149
Indestructible
+328% Enhanced Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
33% Increased Attack Speed
Hit Blinds Target +1
Ignore Target Defense
Freezes Target +3
20% Deadly Strike
Level 16 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped
100% Chance to cast Level 48 Meteor When You Die
100% Chance to cast Level 36 Blaze When You Level Up
-20% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Dragon
Dusk Shroud
'SurLoSol'
Defense: 784
+4 to Strength
+4 to Energy
+4 to Dexterity
+4 to Vitality
+360 Defense
+230 Defense vs. Missile
Damage Reduced by 7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 14 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped
12% Chance to cast Level 15 Hydra on striking
20% Chance to cast Level 18 Venom when struck
+31 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (3: 3 used)

Dream
Bone Visage
'IoJahPul'
Defense: 392
+10 to Vitality
+30% Enhanced Defense
+218 Defense
All Resistances +6
Increase Maximum Life 5%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
20% Faster Hit Recovery
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
10% Chance to cast Level 15 Confuse when struck
+52 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (3: 3 used)

Dream
Troll Nest
'IoJahPul'
Defense: 395
+10 to Vitality
+50 to Life
+30% Enhanced Defense
+181 Defense
All Resistances +15
18% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
30% Faster Hit Recovery
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
10% Chance to cast Level 15 Confuse when struck
+52 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (3: 3 used)


Next up: A "Passion" weilding sorceress with dual "Dreams"
 
Originally posted by sirpoopsalot on Feb 7, 2006:

Patriarch Gimmernator - A break from cookie-cutters

My last 4 builds were pretty much cookie cutters, so I felt like it was time for a break and a little more challenge. I decided to build my first paladin around thrown Gimmershred's and a Conviction aura. For a backup/crowd-control skill, I decided to go with Conversion - unfortunately I thought that the Conversion bug had been fixed in 1.10 (someday I'll upgrade), so once I figured out that it hadn't, I decided to not use it at all. By that time I was in late A4 hell though, so the build didn't exactly depend heavily on it (I think I used it about 8 times before that, lol).


Patriarch Gimmernator
Lvl82
Life: 1179
Mana: 216
Resists: 76/75/85/75
Dmg: ummm, yeah... do you trust the LCS for this? I'm too lazy to figure out real numbers.

Stats:
Str: 94 (148)
Dex: 104 (154)
Vit: 292 (312)
Ene: 15 (25)

Merc: Jemali
Holy-Freeze TownGuard
Life: 1767
Dmg: 259-1491
Resists: 61 all

Skills:
20/25 Conviction
20/24 Vengance <- I never used this after I switched to ranged attack
12/16 Conversion
7/11 Holy Shield
20/24 Resist Lightning
2/6 Resist Fire <- this was being maxed next
1 Prereq's

Ooops. If I did this again (in softcore) I'd leave Vengance and Conversion alone and just max Conviction, all three resistance auras (for the boost to max resistance), and put the rest in Holy Shield. Pretty simple, eh?

For Hardcore I'd still stick with a few in Conversion; Laugh all you want, but I think it really is a decent crowd control skill. Most times when I was swarmed I could just stand in and throw my Gimmers at point-blank range, and I'd win out eventually. Every once in a while though (maybe 10 times all game), it wasn't safe to stand around for very long, and a 40+% Conversion was a great way to build a quick meat shield - convert 2-3 guys, who give you a good chance to escape to range and regroup. I'd say my merc & I can drop any normal monster in about 3 seconds (usually quicker), so you could easily remove 5-6 monsters from the swarm while the meat shield was in place - and killing the first 5-6 is usually enough to turn the tide of the battle. Having the un-converted monsters drop down to 1 HP doesn't hurt either (stupid bug), but usually you've got things well in hand by then anyways.

I didn't figure out about the conversion bug until the Chaos Sanctuary in Hell (which shows how often I used it). After that I never once used the skill and instead relied heavily upon my high FR/W to just spread monsters out a little and drop them one at a time.


Gear:
W1: Gimmershred's (203% ED)
S1: HoZ (IAS jewel)
Helm: Mav's Diadem (IAS jewel)
Armor: 'Smoke' Superior Duskshroud (80% ED total = 842 def)
Ammy: Cat's Eye
R1: Ravenfrost (19/244)
R2: BKWB (5%)
Belt: Mav's
Gloves: Shadow Claw (rare below)
Boots: Glyph Greaves (rare below) <- you'll like these 😉

W2: Lower Resist charges wand <- only used until merc equiped Reaper's, then should have switched to Naj's Puzzler, but didn't
S2: Moser's (2x PDiamond)

Charms: 1x Captain's Charm (1-19 lightning dmg. <-perfect for this build). After that my emphasis was max'ed resists, a little more FR/W, and a bunch of +lightning damage small charms.

Merc:
Reaper's Toll (Shael)
Tal's Mask (IAS jewel)
Shaftstop (IAS/+24AR jewel)

For Gloam's I would twink on TGod's Vigor, Mav's Gloves, Highlord's, and a rare ring with 8%LL, 25% FR, 90AR, +22 life. Resists would stay maxed with this setup at 76/75/95/75, and I could maintain the lvl25 Conviction aura too. I'd also give the merc a Blackhorn's Face.


Shadow Claw
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 110
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xa3d5cef9
+13 to Strength
+6 to Dexterity
+76% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +28%
Lightning Resist +19%
20% Increased Attack Speed

Glyph Greaves
Greaves
Defense: 24
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 70
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0xfc498f8b
+56% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Attack Rating
Lightning Resist +33%
Cold Resist +34%
12% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+1 to Light Radius
30% Faster Run/Walk


Misc:
- I'm not surprised at how fun he was (i.e. very fun), but I am surprised at how safe he turned out to be. I'm looking forward to my next pally where he should be even safer with more of a cookie-cutter approach (probably a Cheesydin for Baal runs - especially since I barely have enough runes now for a Hoto - if I cube them).

- IAS & FRW were essential, and max block/resists too (of course). I really can't emphasize this enough. The FR/W made me capable of running away from almost anything, and all of my IAS was barely enough for 10 fpa - on a single-monster attack that's pretty darn slow. Fortunately I did enough damage to put most monsters in hit recovery with every hit, so I could toss 3-5 axes, run away, and toss 3-5 more. The chilling from my cold damage made me faster than everything, so this was a failsafe approach (until I ran out of room or ran into another group). If the merc's aura was within range and the Decrep fired up, my 10 fpa looked fast.

- In Act5 NM (when I equiped the Gimmers) he was killing everything on /p8 in 2-3 throws, but by Act5 Hell it was 5-10 throws per monster on /p1. This build really isn't that hell viable if you want to be quick about it.

- Until I could equip the Gimmershred's at lvl70 I used a 6xOrt socketed Crystal Sword - it wasn't very quick killing, but it was effective enough in normal & NM.

- Conviction is awesome, I'm definitely building a full-bore Avenger someday; it's really great when nothing in the game is immune to your main attack (and mana burn doesn't affect that attack either); you can 'take a dent' out of anything fairly quickly.

- I had 2 deaths (cornered by a Fanatic/Extra-Fast/Extra-Strong Lord de Sies pack in NM before I switched from melee, and a FE/LE beetle-boss death explosion in act2 hell - oops). About 5 other NDE's, but no save & exits.

- /players8 for the first 7 acts, /p5 the next 2 until level70, /p8 for act5 NM, and /p1 in Hell.

- I was lucky with the ancients: no aura's (that I remember), and no LE or FE.

- This guy is not a boss-runner, Baal took, 3 trips to town, 1 merc resurrection, 49 red pots, 6 purples, about 700 axes and 10 minutes (and the merc only attacked his clone for about 30 seconds of that). Diablo and the others were quite a bit quicker, except I ran out of Gimmers against bigD (and he kept casting bone prison on my TP's), so I had to tank him with my lower-resist wand while the merc finished him off. 😆

- I'd love to build a thrower barb, but I found my stack of 240 Gimmers still didn't last long enough, even with my 10 fpa attack. I bet the barb's are something to watch, but I don't know if I'll be able tolerate the trips to town every 30 seconds (and the perpetually empty gold stash). :undecided:

- Notable Finds: Death's Sash (x2), Biggin's Bonnet, RuneMaster (5os, 256% ED), Ko/Fal from hellforge (next highest rune was a Hel while questing). And of course, there was Baal's Drop.



Special thanks to those at the Paladin forum who helped me out in the planning stage (this thread), especially kingdryland for the great equipment suggestions. And of course, thanks to the SPF for helping me maintain interest in the game.

Now I'm 5/7 of the way to a Septavirate. A Nat's 'sin is next (after I take a break from questing and tinker with a couple of MF sorcs I have in the works), then I'll resurrect my lvl55 Overlord Necro (he's from 1.07 and in A5 NM) for the final class.


Wow, I'm long-winded tonight. 👅 Sorry 'bout that.
 
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