Matriarch/Patriarch/Guardian Archive Thread

Originally posted by bcoe on May 3, 2010:

Champion Caldiris_Alba (Lite sorc Nihlathak-runner) - advice wanted

Champion Caldiris_Alba


I’ve noticed quite a bit of chatter lately about running Nihlathak, especially as a potentially viable route to level 99. I’m interested in him as a new potential MF target. Before this character, I hadn’t killed him in about 3 years or so. He’s an interesting target, with some different dynamics than my usual runs.

He’s easy to get to, and there’s no lag time built into the run (like waiting for minions/seals/etc), which is nice. He’s a tough cookie though, with a surrounding cast of fairly hard-hitting monsters (including vipers with some nasty, possibly bugged, invisible poison clouds) with various immunities. He also has a nasty habit of casting Corpse explosion, which is really bad for you. On the pro- side, he can drop ANYTHING (theoretically), including GCs with the elusive +41-45 “of Vita” suffix.

This character is my first attempt at making a Nihlathak-runner. I’m very interested in hearing other ideas. I’ve read a bunch of b-net oriented guides, most of which are focused on routes to get to him, and ways of maximizing keys over time. As a SPer, I’m more interested in running /p8 as fast as possible (for the exp) and getting as much workable MF as I can.

Her name is the latin name for the Sanderling. They a common tiny shorebird. Beautiful, with stark white underparts and pretty mottled back. They have a habit of swarming on the shore chasing the tides. Very amusing.

STATS:


Name: Caldiris_Alba
Level: 88 (got to Nihlathak at level 80)
Naked/Gear
Strength: 140/156
Dexterity: 29/35
Vitality: 326/358
Energy: 35/45
HP: 819/835
Mana: 209/503
Stamina: 477/494
Defense: 7/2158
AR: 95/125

Resists:
Fire: 57/17/-43
Cold: 92/52/-8
Lightning: 92/52/-8
Poison: 150/110/50

MF: 123 Block: 4
GF: 129
FR/W: 25
FHR: 100
IAS: 20
FCR: 120


Skills (after + skills):
Warmth: 1/8

Charged Bolt: 20/33
Static Field: 1/14
Telekinesis: 1/14
Nova: 15/28
Lightning: 20/33
Chain Lightning: 20/33
Teleport: 1/14
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 20/33

LCS: http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/1577/caldirislcs.jpg
Lightning damage: 5-21k
Chain Lightning damage: 5-8830
Charged Bolt damage: 451-476 (24 bolts)
Nova damage: 1185-1607
Static Field radius: 12.6 yards

Equipment:
Head: Griffon’s eye (+16/-21, with facet)
Amulet: Stone Talisman (crafted, +1 Sorc skills, +20 FCR, +18 res all)
Armor: The Gladiator’s Bane (Sol’d), with 27 PDR, 20 MDR
Weapon: Crescent moon crystal sword
Shield: Spirit Monarch (35 FCR)
Switch: CtA/Spirit
Belt: Arachnid’s mesh
Gloves: Magefists
Rings: 1x SoJ, 1x Nature’s Peace (11 PDR)
Boots: War travelers (49 MF – my 50MF ones poofed!!)

Charms:
7x Sparking grand charms (most with nice suffixes)
1x Gheeds (129/40/13)
A mix of shimmering and serpents SCs

Merc: HF with Infinity ethereal thresher, Tyrael’s Might, Scintillating circlet of Life Everlasting (13 all res, 23 PDR)

Finds:
Hellforge: Hel/Lem
Nihlathak hasn’t dropped a huge amount. No TC87’s yet. Did drop an Arachnid’s mesh, just to prove that he’s not Pindle, I guess… Best rune from the runs has been a Pul. Also has dropped a Redeemer, Tomb Reaver (lousy roll), Leviathan, Fleshripper, etc…

GoMule item data dump:
Code:
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x95de362b
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xe68db9de
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x20dbdcbe
Item Level: 98
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Chaos Collar
Amulet
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x9e35eb73
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+7 to Life
+14 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 8%
All Resistances +18

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x417dea17
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
129% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 13%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x565bf7ee
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x1722faaf
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +5

Serpent's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x22bdaedc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Mana
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Serpent's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x554dc3c0
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Mana
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Serpent's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x554dc3c0
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Mana
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Serpent's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x7a753799
Item Level: 74
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Mana
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Serpent's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x5bc1a44d
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+17 to Mana

Sparking Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x6e0394e3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+6 to Strength

Sparking Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x48ba004b
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Maximum Damage

Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x41243f99
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+9 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf5bb8a73
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+6 to Dexterity

Sparking Grand Charm of Craftmanship
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x9e096ab8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+1 to Maximum Damage

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x927b9c4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xed552c5d
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Serpent's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xe41c42c4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+17 to Mana

Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 157
Durability: 12 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x1c298172
Item Level: 99
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
-21% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+16% to Lightning Skill Damage
+100 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xe36fc9f8
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

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xb1859bcb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +29%
Damage Reduced by 11
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 128
Durability: 10 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x28484451
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+104% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 194
Durability: 28 of 40
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 85
Fingerprint: 0x39bd0075
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+170% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 10
49% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability
Ethereal

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 25
Durability: 16 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0x3434d1cd
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+25% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%

The Gladiator's Bane
Wire Fleece
Defense: 1361
Durability: 134 of 135
Required Level: 85
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x91ee9535
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+172% Enhanced Defense
+50 Defense
Damage Reduced by 27
Magic Damage Reduced by 20
Cannot Be Frozen
Poison Length Reduced by 50%
Attacker Takes Damage of 20
+103 Maximum Durability
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune

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

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

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

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

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

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Call to Arms
Superior Flail
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 3 - 88
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0xa98c0552
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
268% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+1 to Battle Cry
+6 to Battle Orders
+6 to Battle Command
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 11%
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
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 141
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x2c69eeb4
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+96 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 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

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xab783369
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

Crescent Moon
Crystal Sword
ShaelUmTir
One Hand Damage: 15 - 47
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xd08c050
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Chance to cast level 13 Static Field on striking
10% Chance to cast level 17 Chain Lightning on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
218% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+11 Magic Absorb
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (30/30 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune

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

Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%

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

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 144
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 81 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x9e67ca62
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+104 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Mercenary:

Name:       Mizan
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 80010506
Level:      87
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   190/220
Dexterity:  153/153
HP:         1847/1847
Defense:    1359/2747
AR:         1937/1937

Fire:       184/144/84
Cold:       184/144/84
Lightning:  184/144/84
Poison:    184/144/84

Scintillating Circlet of Life Everlasting
Circlet
Defense: 24
Durability: 32 of 35
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x88efdd06
Item Level: 96
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +13
Damage Reduced by 23


Tyrael's Might
Sacred Armor
Defense: 1364
Durability: 38 of 60
Required Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0x782190f0
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+20% Faster Run/Walk
40% Enhanced Damage
+89% Damage to Demons
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
+127% Enhanced Defense
+30 to Strength
All Resistances +20
Cannot Be Frozen
Requirements -100%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel

Ruby Jewel
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x8d0a3e4b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
40% Enhanced Damage


Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 72 - 844
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0xe827d19c
Item Level: 85
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
300% Enhanced Damage
-45% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+44 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

Thoughts:

Well, this has been fun. I’ve been playing a lot of lite sorcs lately. They’re basically good at everything, so its no surprise that she’s good at running Nihlathak. I’m not feeling like she’s optimized yet. She still dies too frequently, and her merc is too fragile.

I’m really liking running Nihlathak. It’s a very different kind of MF run. Quite a bit more dangerous and involving than typical. It feels very fast – partially because it is (average about 30s normally, ~40 when he’s LE), and partially because its pretty intense.

He’s really rather tricky, I think, compared to typical MF runs (AT, pindle, etc). You basically need to account for both corpse explosion and the invisible poison clouds. Both can kill even a very strong typically-geared character very fast.

I’ve dealt with the CE here with a Nature’s Peace on Caldiris and Tyrael’s Might on the Merc. If you are relying on RIP, you really need it on both the character and the merc (assuming the merc gets a kill once in a while).

The poison clouds have a physical component that hits each frame. Integer PDR is very effective at negating it. I think at least 25 PDR is pretty important. I’ve got 38 on Caldiris (Glads bane and NP). I tried going higher, with a max-block Gerke’s sanctuary/Arkaine’s Valor/25PDR ammy variant (nearly 80 total PDR) with one of my respecs. She was a great tank, but killed to slow and got mobbed. Got block-locked a bit, and was overall not as effective. I think that having both PDR and MDR on Gladiator’s bane works really nice for her.

One issue I haven’t really resolved yet is what to do with the Merc. I haven’t figured a way to give him RIP, PDR, Conviction aura, and Leech. Right now, he’s going without leech. He still dies quite a bit, but not as much as when he switched the PDR circlet for a Andarial’s Visage. Probably a few more levels would help. One thing I tried for him that I quite liked was a delirium helm. The crowd control was VERY nice in that tiny room, but he still melted against the poison clouds. I think that with my next Nihl runner, I’m going to try something other than RIP for corpse issues, and he’ll run with a delirium helm, Infinity, and CoH (for leech).

Going forward, I’d really like to try a few different Nihl runners, to try and figure out what works best. I’d be very curious to hear what other people’s experiences have been.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to any general Nihlathak-running discussion that pops up.
 
Originally posted by bcoe on Jul 22, 2010:

Matriarch Aythya_Collaris (CB/Nova sorc, holding infinity)

Matriarch Aythya_Collaris


I haven’t been around much lately. I’ve slowed down with D2 over the past 2 months. I’ve moved and started a new, very busy (but quite wonderful) job. The only downside is much less D2 time. Hopefully when the dust settles, I’ll be back and playing as much as ever. Its taken a while, but I’ve recently finished a new sorc that I’m really very fond of. I was skeptical when I started her, but she turned out better than I expected.

This is a twist on the lightning sorceress who carries her own Infinity. I have very mixed emotions about the sorc’s lightning tree. Huge damage, and incredibly powerful, but the random damage and the slow FCR breakpoints of two traditional main skills (chain lightning and lightning) bug the heck out of me. Fortunately, the tree has two wonderful other offensive skills that are just the opposite. Nova and Charged bolt aren’t used as much, but they have a much tighter damage range and better FCR breakpoints. For me, they are vastly more fun to use. I’ve not seen them combined much before. For most people, if they sink 80+ points into the lite tree, they end up making a traditional lite sorc. I like this gal better – maybe not quite as fast and powerful, but more fun for me….

Her name is the latin name for the Ring-Necked Duck. Common duck in winter through much of North America. For you Europeans, imagine a Tufted duck without the tuft, and that’s pretty much what it looks like. Very pretty.

STATS:

Naked/Gear/BO
Name: Aythya_Collaris
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 1250051914
Level: 87 (matted at 81)

Naked/Gear
Strength: 71/97
Dexterity: 25/38
Vitality: 344/387
Energy: 85/85
HP: 854/1012/1877
Mana: 307/444/1030

Fire: 166/126/66
Cold: 126/86/26
Lightning: 159/119/59
Poison: 126/86/26

Skills (after + skills):
Warmth: 15/22

Charged Bolt: 20/35
Static Field: 1/16
Telekinesis: 1/16
Nova: 20/35
Lightning: 20/35
Chain Lightning: 0/0
Teleport: 1/16
Lightning Mastery: 20/35

LCS:http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/124/aythyalcs.jpg
Charged Bolt damage: 521-546 (24 bolts)
Nova damage: 1643-2164
Lightning damage: 5-19k (almost never used)

Equipment:
Head: Griffon’s eye (+15/-15, with Shael)
Amulet: Chaos Collar (crafted, +1 sorc skills, 20 FCR, +18 res all
Armor: Chains of Honor dusk shroud
Weapon: Infinity Voulge (-52 ELR)
Shield: N/A
Switch: CtA/Lidless Wall
Belt: Arachnid’s mesh
Gloves: Bloodfists
Rings: 2x SoJ
Boots: Dread Tread (20FRW, 10FHR, +40FR, +37LR, +7dex)

Charms:
8x Sparking grand charms (most with nice suffixes)
Enough shimmering/serpents SCs of balance to get to 86FHR

Resists: 66/26/56/26

Merc: HF with eth Reapers toll (with RjoF), fortitude archon plate, Andarial’s Visage (RjoF – the other ruby)

Finds:
Hellforge: Fal/Pul
Got a Mal in A4 NM, a Vex in A4 Hell.

GoMule item data dump:
Code:
Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2354ae2c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x41243f99
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+9 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x3cd3ed83
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Sparking Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf5bb8a73
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+6 to Dexterity

Sparking Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x6e0394e3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+6 to Strength

Sparking Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x7d968516
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+32 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xd38526c8
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+34 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xed552c5d
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Serpent's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xa05fb30b
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+17 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xe41c42c4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+17 to Mana

Shimmering Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x1722faaf
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x855e693f
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x74d38b7e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
All Resistances +3

Serpent's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x5f554920
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+17 to Mana

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xb3622f59
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x20dbdcbe
Item Level: 98
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0xe716631
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Serpent's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x5bc1a44d
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+17 to Mana

Chaos Collar
Amulet
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x9e35eb73
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+7 to Life
+14 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 8%
All Resistances +18

Chains of Honor
Superior Dusk Shroud
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 847
Durability: 19 of 22
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x47b445b0
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+81% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 14%
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

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x1e6938b1
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xe431892e
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 122
Durability: 9 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x9643de99
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+95% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Dread Tread
Greaves
Defense: 20
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 70
Fingerprint: 0x5f6b0228
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+28% Enhanced Defense
+7 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +33%
Fire Resist +40%

Bloodfist
Heavy Gloves
Defense: 17
Durability: 13 of 14
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0x12a5d75c
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+5 to Minimum Damage
+11% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
+40 to Life

Serpent's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x366ebebc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+15 to Mana

Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 197
Durability: 18 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x2ea4059e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
-15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+15% to Lightning Skill Damage
+140 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Shael 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

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

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

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

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

Call to Arms
Superior Flail
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 3 - 88
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0xa98c0552
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
268% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+1 to Battle Cry
+6 to Battle Orders
+6 to Battle Command
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 11%
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

Lidless Wall
Grim Shield
Defense: 476
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 36 of 36
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 48
Fingerprint: 0xa9a58f55
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+111% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Energy
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
+3 to Mana after each Kill
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

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%

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Infinity
Voulge
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 23 - 83
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xf618e8eb
Item Level: 85
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
296% Enhanced Damage
-52% 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)
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

Mercenary:

Name:       Mizan
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 77219940
Level:      86
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   188/188
Dexterity:  151/151
HP:         1807/1937
Defense:    1330/3124
AR:         1922/1922

Fire:       194/154/94
Cold:       194/154/94
Lightning:  194/154/94
Poison:    194/154/94

Fortitude
Archon Plate
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1542
Durability: 56 of 60
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x84a060f2
Item Level: 88
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
+130 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +29
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

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

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

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

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


Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 34 of 40
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xe8942f26
Item Level: 87
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
All Resistances +15
Damage Reduced by 20%
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Um Rune

Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%


The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 66 - 776
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 107
Required Dexterity: 81
Fingerprint: 0x74af6ed9
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
+15% Increased Attack Speed
268% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (6 Frames)
15% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
Ethereal
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Fervor

Ruby Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x87fd6c5a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
40% Enhanced Damage

Thoughts:

Short version: Lots of fun. CB and Nova rock.

Long version:
This is my 2nd attempt at a sorceress holding Infinity herself, and I think this is much more successful. The keys are getting to 86FHR, and using skills that don’t need as much FCR investment. I’m surprised you don’t see CB and Nova used together more. They complement each other beautifully. Nova is as good as it gets as a crowd-killer, even if the crowd is moderately spaced out. It is very rare for any of the waves in the throne room (even wave 2) to spread out enough that I can’t nail them all with a Nova. Nova sucks against single enemies/bosses, and that’s where Charged bolt shines. Against Baal, or a single straggler from Lister’s pack, CB melts them as fast as anything. Together (with the -67 ELR from infinity), they can handle anything. By forgoing chain lightning, the extra points are available to sink into Warmth. Having big warmth is fabulous. Its like a mini-Insight. She can take care of a wave of minions with nova (notorious mana-hog), and be nearly replenished before Baal drops the next wave. That way, the moron doesn’t need to hold insight. The HF/Reapers combo provides great safety, and allows him to kill a LI lister adequately fast.

Dropping down to the 63FCR breakpoint didn’t feel like much of a sacrifice. She still teleports/novas/CBs plenty fast. I would much rather reach the 86FHR breakpoint than the 105 FCR breakpoint with this build. FHR is really key to keep her moving and out of trouble when she takes a bit of damage.

Some unusual choices: Yes, I put points in energy. She doesn’t really need the extra life. I put them in early on, thinking I would re-spec them into vita, but never got around to it. I really like having ~1100 mana, just makes life simpler…

Bloodfists aren’t typical caster gloves, but I think maybe they should be. 40 life and 30FHR is a pretty awesome combo, and the fact that its available on gloves with a level requirement of 9 is just silly. They’re great.

Overall, I thought she was great. I think I’ll run baal with her up to the low-to-mid 90’s. I don’t think she’ll ever be quite as fast as my favorite lite sorc (crescent moon/spirit monarch/infinity on moron), but she’ll be close, and plenty of fun...

Thanks for reading…
 
Originally posted by boogied6 on Feb 25, 2004:

Mat Electra

I wont go too much into detail

Mat Electra Sorc lvl 86

str 158
dex142
vit 234
nrg80

life 639
mana 667

gear

occy socketed with unique lit jewel
stormsheild
griffens eye socketed with unique lit jewel
maras
coh wire fleece
2/soj
frostburns
tg vigor
natalyas boots

2 +1 lit grand charms

skills
20 charged bolt, lit, chain lit, lit mastery

with skills gear all maxed 32

nova 12 going to max
1 in prereqs and warmth, and tstorm

merc has bonehew, tal helm, and ethereal durials

anything i couldnt kill was killed by merc or i just ran. lit damage 1-17500 and chain is 1-7500 with 11 hits. anything not lit immune dies. meph can be ran in 15secs. eldritch shenk thresh and pindle are ran before tstrom runs out so not sure on the time. thanks to lone wolf (Raven) for helping me with act 2-4 act 5 i did on my own. thank god none of baals minions are lit immune. fast killer and can survive with 45% block and lit absorb. i laugh at gloams, as they cant damage me and of course i cant damage them.

fun build
 
Originally posted by Chicago on Jan 23, 2006:

Introducing Matriarch Ariana

Well here she is, my first Mat.

Ariana

Lightning Sorceress

Softcore

Level 77

Strength: 60
Dexterity: 25
Vitality: 297
Energy: 83

Life: 824
Mana: 455

Skill Placement:
20 Charged Bolt
20 Lightning
20 Chain Lightning
20 Lightning Mastery
6 Nova
1 Thunder Storm
1 Warmth
1 Teleport
1 Prequisites

Equipment:
Wraith Heart
Clasped Orb
One-Hand Damage: 5 to 12
Durability: 40 of 40
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 42
Orb Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x2636b6f4
+23 to Life
Fire Resist +20%
Cold Resist +25%
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
20% Faster Cast Rate
5% Chance to cast Level 3 Chain Lightning on attack
Repairs 1 durability in 20 seconds

Moser's Blessed Circle
Round Shield
Defense: 170
Chance to Block: 57%
Durability: 34 of 64
Required Strength: 53
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xf90540b0
+205% Enhanced Defense
+25% Increased Chance of Blocking
All Resistances +63
30% Faster Block Rate
Socketed (2: 2 used)

Sander's Paragon
Cap
Defense: 80
Durability: 11 of 12
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xa9baf97
Attacker Takes Damage of 8
35% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+77 to Defense (Based on Character Level)

Powered Amulet of Chance
Required Level: 45
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0xca3a4f79
80% Extra Gold from Monsters
+3 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Frostburn
Gauntlets
Defense: 49
Durability: 17 of 24
Required Strength: 60
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x15559c57
+19% Enhanced Defense
+5% Enhanced Damage
+30 Defense
Adds 1-6 cold damage over 2 seconds
Increase Maximum Mana 40%

Waterwalk
Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 114
Durability: 11 of 14
Required Strength: 47
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xe768b1f3
+15 to Dexterity
+62 to Life
+40 to Maximum Stamina
+187% Enhanced Defense
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist
20% Faster Run/Walk

Nagelring
Ring
Required Level: 7
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xc65ec120
+65 to Attack Rating
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
Attacker Takes Damage of 3
28% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Corruption Whorl
Ring
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0xbd604ee9
+20 to Strength
+37 to Mana
+** to Attack Rating
10% Faster Cast Rate

Summary

Normal was a cakewalk. Everything falls to charged bolt in the early in the game. Once I got lightning I was basically unstoppable. Andarial was a moderate challange due to her poison but in the end she died. Act 2-5 were just as simple. Using Charged Bolt mostly 'cos it is still going strong, and lightning occasionally and for bosses.

Nightmare was fun, I started finding some decent items especially when I was farming Mephisto. Diablo was a rough spot. I had to go through the River and Chaos Sanctuary slowly. I had no resistance, and as you can imagine very little life. NM Ancients were alright, I had found my HF mercenary a nice rare lance with 6% life leech so he was tanking good. Going through the WSK and the Throne I died many times due to low resistance and low life. I was thankful Baal didn't spawn his clone, and with teleport I could dodge his missles and pick him off safely.

Hell is where everything went wrong. All the sudden there were LI monsters running around everywhere and it was tough leveling. I tried to do some pit runs but I always managed to run into those Dark Archer bosspack things with LI. I basically teleported through the acts and had a tough time with the bosses. I often went back to nightmare to level and mf for some better gear. Hell was hard, so hard I almost quit my sorceress but I just kep trying. Everything was hard and tedious and I died countless times. My merc couldn't tank so well and I spent ALL of my money reviving him. If it wasn't for Static Field I don't think I never would have completed hell. I've yet to do my Hell Hellforge 'cos of the aura Hephisto could spawn with. Baal dropped no goodies and I don't think I have the patience to run him again. But I am happy I Mat'd this sorceress. At least I can do Hell Countess runs right? :D

Feel free to ask any questions :p


My mercenary used...
Treachery
Chaos Armor
'ShaelThulLem'
Defense: 325
Durability: 60 of 70
Required Strength: 140
Required Level: 43
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0xb7990934
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)

Bonehew
Ogre Axe
'AmnAmn'
Two-Hand Damage: 114 to 591
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Dexterity: 75
Required Strength: 195
Required Level: 64
Polearm Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0xb98cf26e
+308% Enhanced Damage
14% Life stolen per hit
30% Increased Attack Speed
Prevent Monster Heal
50% Chance to cast Level 16 Bone Spear on striking
Level 14 Corpse Explosion (30/30 Charges)
Socketed (2: 2 used)

Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 29 of 40
Required Strength: 115
Required Level: 34
Item Version: 1.10 Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0xf56ac7f
+25 to Strength
+120% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
Socketed (1: 1 used)

I also found a mercenary being able to use Fade quite interesting.
 
Originally posted by domac on Nov 14, 2006:

Matriarch ThunderLady

Ok the time has come to acumulate some runes so I build a lighning sorc of course. This is her story.


Character name : ThunderLady
Character type : Sorceress
Character level : 81
Character exp : 770762093

STATS:
Strength : 134 (156)
Energy : 35 (68)
Dexterity : 25 (33)
Vitality : 301 (341)

Life : 1059
Mana : 747

Fire resist 74
All other 75 :)


SKILLS:
20 Charged Bolt
20 Lightning
20 Chain Lightning
20 Lightning Mastery
6 Nova <- future points go here of course
1 Teleport
1 Warmth
1 Frozen Armor


DAMAGE:
CB: 390-414
Lightning: 5-15944
CL: 5-7148
TS: 660-1201


EQUIPMENT:

Eschuta's Temper
Eldritch Orb
One-Hand Damage: 18 to 50
Durability: 30 of 30
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 72
Orb Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xe8b60d8f
+21 to Energy
Adds 1-74 lightning damage
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
40% Faster Cast Rate
100% Chance to cast Level 47 Chain Lightning When You Die
+17% to Fire Skill Damage
+24% to Lightning Skill Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Socketed (1: 1 used)


Spirit
Monarch
'TalThulOrtAmn'
Defense: 143
Chance to Block: 42%
Durability: 84 of 86
Required Strength: 156
Required Level: 54
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x759fb33a
+22 to Vitality
+104 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Lightning Resist +35%
Cold Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
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)


Shako with perf. topaz
Vipermagi 32
Frostburn
Arachnid Mesh
Sandstorm Trek
28 Mara's


Scintillating Ring of Greed
Required Level: 59
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xcaebd031
All Resistances +14
38% Extra Gold from Monsters


Ghoul Grasp
Ring
Required Level: 70
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xe903d95d
+5 to Energy
+21 to Life
+19 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 6%
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
All Resistances +11
4% Life stolen per hit


1 light skiller
life/mana gc's
resistances gc's
fire resist 26 gc


MERCENARY:
holy freeze. his equipment:

Insight
Giant Thresher
'RalTirTalSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 202 to 550
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Dexterity: 130
Required Strength: 178
Required Level: 66
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x6065d3d4
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
+222% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+5 to Critical Strike
35% Faster Cast Rate
237% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 16 Meditation Aura When Equipped
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (4: 4 used)

Tal rasha's helm
Shaftstop 639 def



Ok she was pretty easy to play except she had some major problems with mana because I went base energy, but nothing potion abuse didn't solve. When she got insight everything else was pretty easy. But I can't imagine how b-net players can use Infinity and have no problems with mana. Even with insight sometimes I had problems against mana drain/burn LI's. She died only once in Chaos sanctuary, right after merc died from IM. :sad2:

Once I figured out that level 2 lower resist I had from wand on switch would break ancient's immunities it was pretty easy as Static-static-static- lightning-lightning-merc poke. :)

Notable finds: trang-oul's helm, andariel's visage, shaftstop, um

her next role is of course running the countess. she already began that today and she found couple of shaels, 2 puls, lem, lum, fal. I hope these results will continue because I recently went a little crazy and spent allmost all of my runes :)
 
Originally posted by Elfie on Jul 23, 2007:

Matriarch Enlightening - Nova/ES sorc

This is my third sorc and one of the most unusual and interesting. Today she
killed Hell Baal and became the "youngest" Matriarch I've ever made. Please, welcome Enlightening - Nova/ES sorc

Character: Enlightening, sorcceress
Genre, version: Softcore, RWM+RRM,

twinked, 1.11
Level: 75
-----
Nova damage:657-910
Life:474
Mana:2010
resistances (F/C/L/P):5/-2/25/21

stats/stats + gear
str 58/67
dex 25/52
vit 83/88
nrg 299/319

skills/skills + gear
Warmth 1/5
Shiver Armour 1/5
Nova 20/25
Static 1/6
Light Mastery 15/20
ES 20/25
TK 20/25
TS 1/6
7 into prereqs

gear:
Insight Cedar Staff
Tal's helm
Tal's ammy
Tal's belt
Que-Hegan (+sapphire)
Frostburn
Silkweave
SoJ, Bahamut ring
on swap: +3 ES staff

charm summary:
+life: 34
+mana: 143
+cold res: 53
+fire res: 60
+light res: 47
+poison res: 76
+1 light skills
+str: 4
+dex: 2

Mercenary: Act II Hell Defensive
gear: eth Kelpie, Shaftstop, eth Vamp/Guillame's


Until act 5 Hell my sorcie travelled with act I merc, she was effective, but I needed more def to fight packs of crazy monsters in act 5. She had some good finds, for example, Wolfhowl from Hell Meph and a Mal from Hellforge (hell) I like her very much. By the way, the last Ancient (Madawc) died out of my merc and my normal attak from the staff.
Hope you also enjoyed it.
 
Originally posted by FodderCannoned on Nov 15, 2005:

Matriarch ILoveFire

She is a Lightning/CL sorc. I did multiplayer through normal/nightmare, and then played hell solo. It took me an hour and 15 minutes to complete hell on p3. The long part was all the lightning immunes in the chaos sanctuary. I did all the quests except nithalek and blood raven. She could tele fast with all her FCR gear, I hit the 120 FCR BP. I breezed through hell, even though there were lots of LI's in chaos sanctuary it didn't really take that long, just long compared to every other part of hell. I am going to strip this character naked use the socket quests and delete her. I already have a couple baal runners and have no use for her. She is my 5th sorc Matriarch and 21rst mat/pat. My next projects are going to be a fast cast fire sorc, and an IK barb.


Gear
Helm-Nightwings Veil(I gave away my harley crest)
Eschuta's Temper(+3, +20% Lightning)
Spirit runeword shield 34% FCR
27 res maras
SOJx2
magefist
Tgods
war travelers

on switch
CTA
Spirit

Stats with Gear

STR 182(I switched to tgods after i put enough in str for spirit)
DEX 68
VIT 277
ENE 95 I was having mana problems with even 2 soj's early, so i put some in here, I wish i wouldn't have once i hit about level 60

Life 1164(with CTA)/ 718 base
Mana 918(with CTA)/638 base

res 64 75 79 75

Lightning damage 5-15k
CL damage 5-7k


Might Merc stats

merc gear
Crown of thieves
fortitude
eth cryptic axe obedience

Damage 2100-8500
Defense 6500(with fortitudes CTC shiver armor)


I would like to thank the following people for mping with me through normal/nightmare.
Nightburst and his enchantress
Coolkapers and his necro
Storm
and DeathGuard666's amazon.
 
Originally posted by forbidenorc on Aug 22, 2008:

Matriarch Hera

Character Name: Hera
Character level: 80

Strength: 145
Dexterity: 25
Vitality: 285
Energy: 35

Life: 844
Mana: 396

Cold Spells

1 Frozen Armor

Lightning Spells


20 Charged Bolt
20 Lightning
20 Chain Lightning
20 Lightning Mastery
5 Nova
1 Static Field
1 Telekinesis
1 Thunderstorm

Fire Spells

1 Warmth

Equipment:

Code:
Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 225
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 76
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xeff00a2
+173 Defense
25% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
+10% to Lightning Skill Damage
-15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0x6c5da310
+120% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
All Resistances +28
30% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels

Spirit
Monarch
'TalThulOrtAmn'
Defense: 137
Chance to Block:  42%
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Strength: 156
Required Level: 54
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x4c54ca49
+22 to Vitality
+100 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Lightning Resist +35%
Cold Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
55% Faster Hit Recovery
28% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skill Levels
+5 Magic Absorb
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Eschuta's Temper
Eldritch Orb
One-Hand Damage: 18 to 50
Durability: 30 of 30
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 72
Orb Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x9f0c6d07
+30 to Energy
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
40% Faster Cast Rate
+13% to Fire Skill Damage
+17% to Lightning Skill Damage

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 129
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 80
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xf10219a7
+105% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
20% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
Slows Target by 10%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 24
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Strength: 45
Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x3d507929
+21% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%
+10 Defense
Adds 1-6 fire damage
20% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Fire Skills

Silkweave
Mesh Boots
Defense: 123
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Strength: 65
Required Level: 36
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xbc7d6e61
+174% Enhanced Defense
+200 Defense vs. Missile
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
30% Faster Run/Walk
+5 to Mana After Each Kill

Plague Coil
Ring
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xea6551c7
+11 to Dexterity
+6 to Minimum Damage
Fire Resist +16%
Poison Resist +5%
10% Faster Cast Rate

Doom Touch
Ring
Required Level: 3
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xebfc7202
+18 to Attack Rating
+1 to Maximum Damage
Lightning Resist +9%
10% Faster Cast Rate

Powered Amulet
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 93
Fingerprint: 0x1a150d9c
+3 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Inventory:

Code:
Sparking Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xd0c7294f
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Sparking Grand Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 69
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x70175290
+37 to Life
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Sparking Grand Charm of Quality
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xb353326d
+2 to Maximum Damage
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xeb3be6f3
+19 to Life

Emerald Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xa0b2cdb8
Poison Resist +11%

Shimmering Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xae4c69de
All Resistances +5

Large Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 13
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xeb74947a
+5 to Strength

Bronze Large Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 2
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xfec2416c
+3 to Strength
+7 to Attack Rating

Iron Grand Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 18
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x67f90020
+5 to Strength
+66 to Attack Rating

Small Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x7d8f9ea7
+15 to Life

Mercenary (Act 2 NM Defensive):

Code:
Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x457d5f64
+100% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
Damage Reduced by 15%
Adds 6-22 cold damage over 4 seconds
7% Life stolen per hit
7% Mana stolen per hit
15% Slower Stamina Drain

Shaftstop
Mesh Armor
Defense: 650
Durability: 25 of 45
Required Strength: 92
Required Level: 38
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xda579df9
+60 to Life
+204% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Damage Reduced by 30%

Insight
Poleaxe
'RalTirTalSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 66 to 124
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Strength: 62
Required Level: 27
Polearm Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 64
Fingerprint: 0xd8d382b4
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
+220% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+1 to Critical Strike
35% Faster Cast Rate
201% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Thoughts: Well she would kill anything that was not LI in seconds. I would end up skipping most lighting immunes or let my merc kill them witch would take forever with that poleaxe insight. My goal is to get an Infinity but I doubt that will happen any time soon since the highest rune I've ever gotten is a vex(Cubed from countess runs:coffee:).
 
Originally posted by Frosty_The_Snowman on Apr 10, 2008:

New Matriarch : FNX-HighVoltage

Good old Lightning Sorc, level 84 right now.
I'm using her to run Nihlathak for GC's to reroll 👍 !
I have ~120 PGems waiting for THE good charm :rolleyes: !
 
Originally posted by Grape on Apr 1, 2016:

Matriarch Emily - Lightning/ES Sorceress

Introduction

It has been my intention for a long time to take a shot at PvM ES Sorceress. You often hear that those are meant only for PvP, get wrecked by Mana Burn and Poison in PvM, damage is too weak compared to vita variant, and not enough skill points for a second element.

I was curious how good I could make it with the best possible equipment I have, and could I make my way around those clear weaknesses she might have?

Emily was made a good while back, when Anne was having a little break in Hell. Like many of my characters, also she was inspired by a particular item(s). This time I wanted to really get some use for the maybe only really nice rare Orb I have. Only the final variant was not decided until I arrived Hell. I had finished Anne while that, and she made some good use of my 1.07 Gladiator's Bane. After refreshing my memory of ES techniques, I realized it was almost like made for ES sorcs... So I wondered no more, what kind of Lightning build I was going to do now.


The Build & The other Shenanigans

LCS:
1588832077651.png

Stats & Skills:

Code:
Name:       Emily
Class:      Sorceress
Experience: 1265248778
Level:      87

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   142/156
Dexterity:  25/33
Vitality:   63/100
Energy:     295/305
HP:         292/563
Mana:       727/991
Stamina:    213/300
Defense:    6/2209
AR:         75/125

Fire:       30/-10/-70
Cold:       80/40/-20
Lightning:  65/25/-35
Poison:     170/130/70

MF:         0       Block:      4
GF:         82
FR/W:       20
FHR:        105
IAS:        0
FCR:        118


Warmth: 1/9

Charged Bolt: 9/27
Static Field: 1/19
Telekinesis: 20/38
Lightning: 20/40
Chain Lightning: 20/38
Teleport: 1/19
Energy Shield: 4/22
Lightning Mastery: 20/38

Chilling Armor: 0/3

Two skill points left

So stat-wise it was strength to wear Monarch. Vitality until around 1k life and rest Vita. My ES was 22 while playing, but I also had some buff equipment. I used those only once during the actual game play. With them I had lvl 30 ES, which equals 85 absorbed, against the 77 I normally had. Buff was not needed anyway.

Itamz:

Code:
Sorceress herself used:

- Rare Orb with 2 x RBF (check the GoMule readout)
- Crafted 18% FCR amulet
- 1.07 GBane
- Spirit Monarch
- 2 X SoJ
- Frosburn
- Arachnid Mesh
- Griffon's Eye with 1 x RBF
- Switch with CtA and Spirit
-8 x Skiller, SCs with Life/Mana or Life/Poison res

Geglash's drinking buddy Durga the Prayer merc used:

Ethereal Infinity Tresher
Ethereal CoH Dusk
Ondal's Almighty Spired Helm

Items provided me enough FCR to top the 117% break point for Lightning. Then I wanted some nice mana items (SoJs, Frostburn), something to push my needed poison res (Treks), some damage and skills (orb, Griffon's, Spirit) and the Gladiator's Bane provided me a hefty amount of PDR and MDR along with other nice mods. What a wonderful little things to have.

Many of you are probably familiar with how the ES works and there are many guides for it. But there's for an example one, if you want some extra reading. Anyway in the core of that, there's the "damage map" for Energy Shield. It goes like this:

Physical Attack -> AR vs Armour -> %Block -> % ES -> PDR -> %DR -> Life

Lighting, Fire, Cold, Magic ->% ES -> MDR -> Resists -> Life


As you can see, can integer PDR and MDR help you a ton here. One could probably go even farther with those in their build, but I wanted to keep my offensive abilities up to date.

GoMule dump:

Code:
Name:       Emily
Class:      Sorceress
Experience: 1265248778
Level:      87

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   142/156
Dexterity:  25/33
Vitality:   63/100
Energy:     295/305
HP:         292/563
Mana:       727/991
Stamina:    213/300
Defense:    6/2209
AR:         75/125

Fire:       30/-10/-70
Cold:       80/40/-20
Lightning:  65/25/-35
Poison:     170/130/70

MF:         0       Block:      4
GF:         82
FR/W:       20
FHR:        105
IAS:        0
FCR:        118

Fire Bolt: 0/0
Warmth: 1/9
Inferno: 0/0
Blaze: 0/0
Fire Ball: 0/0
Fire Wall: 0/0
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 0/0
Fire Mastery: 0/0
Hydra: 0/0

Charged Bolt: 9/27
Static Field: 1/19
Telekinesis: 20/38
Nova: 0/0
Lightning: 20/40
Chain Lightning: 20/38
Teleport: 1/19
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 4/22
Lightning Mastery: 20/38

Ice Bolt: 0/0
Frozen Armor: 0/0
Frost Nova: 0/0
Ice Blast: 0/0
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 0/0
Blizzard: 0/0
Chilling Armor: 0/3
Frozen Orb: 0/0
Cold Mastery: 0/0

Sparking Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe6b9b586
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
10% Extra Gold from Monsters

Sparking Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xab9d8389
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+5 to Dexterity

Sparking Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x5d566bb8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Dexterity

Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf0d4947f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+8 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xf917fc11
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+34 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x77af7ae8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+16 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x91cb97ba
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xad191f18
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x299f6c29
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
+13 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x32a635d3
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
+13 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xe1155728
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+17 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xefd41dd1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
+17 to Mana

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xffbe1f17
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+4 to Mana

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2aaeecd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Poison Resist +8%

Emerald Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa15910fd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Poison Resist +10%

Serpent's Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x318cbb62
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Life
+17 to Mana

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xa5d4ba84
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x761fbd78
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 138
Durability: 9 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xe89c9c87
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+120% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 263
Durability: 8 of 8
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 81
Fingerprint: 0x74b1a012
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+166% Enhanced Defense
+14 to Strength
+15 to Vitality
+87 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +69%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Ethereal

Frostburn
Gauntlets
Defense: 49
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 60
Fingerprint: 0x9abda718
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Enhanced Damage
Adds 1 - 6 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
+20% Enhanced Defense
+30 Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 40%

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x27020c8a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Poison Resist +9%

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x7558920a
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x558c920f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Poison Resist +9%

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x6be17b09
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
+7 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x982ee2b5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
+13 to Mana

Scroll of Town Portal
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Scroll of Town Portal
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%

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%

Scroll of Town Portal
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Scroll of Town Portal
Version: Expansion 1.10+

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

Memory
Gnarled Staff
LumIoSolEth
Two Hand Damage: 13 - 14
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xab8a6bac
Item Level: 20
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+33% Faster Cast Rate
+9 to Minimum Damage
-25% Target Defense
+3 to Energy Shield (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Static Field (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Enchant (Sorceress Only)
+50% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Vitality
+10 to Energy
Increase Maximum Mana 20%
Magic Damage Reduced by 7
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Lum Rune
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune

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

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

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

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

The Gladiator's Bane
Wire Fleece
Defense: 1255
Indestructible
Required Level: 85
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x14438c03
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+150% Enhanced Defense
+50 Defense
Damage Reduced by 32
Magic Damage Reduced by 20
Cannot Be Frozen
Poison Length Reduced by 40%
Attacker Takes Damage of 20
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune

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

Chains of Honor
Dusk Shroud
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 754
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0xa44c4ae1
Item Level: 88
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

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

Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 215
Durability: 14 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x9fe51a7
Item Level: 85
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
-25% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+20% to Lightning Skill Damage
+163 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x9d2c4b73
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
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage

Powered Circlet
Circlet
Defense: 22
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x79efab29
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Beast Emblem
Amulet
Required Level: 52
Fingerprint: 0xf8ef4195
Item Level: 97
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+18% Faster Cast Rate
+10 to Attack Rating
+20 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 4%
72% Extra Gold from Monsters

Powered Amulet
Amulet
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x6ac696cb
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 55
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xfb1b4825
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
272% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+6 to Battle Command
+5 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

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

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 143
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xb2d7933
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+29% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+98 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
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

Dread Song
Demon Heart
One Hand Damage: 23 - 55
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0xeb9b8b2b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
200% Chance to cast level 94 Zeal when you Die
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 2 - 148 Lightning Damage
-8% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+6% to Lightning Skill Damage
+1 to Chilling Armor (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Lightning (Sorceress Only)
+10 to Energy
+19 to Life
Replenish Life +5
Cold Resist +15%
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x3f3378c6
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
+3% to Lightning Skill Damage

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x29efdf5a
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
+3% to Lightning Skill Damage

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 138
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 81 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x5d505ada
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+103 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+6 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

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

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%

Mercenary:

Name:       Durga
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Comb-Normal
Experience: 73282804
Level:      87
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   194/224
Dexterity:  157/172
HP:         1910/1910
Defense:    1402/3365
AR:         2000/2000

Fire:       219/179/119
Cold:       219/179/119
Lightning:  219/179/119
Poison:    219/179/119

Ondal's Almighty
Spired Helm
Defense: 209
Durability: 37 of 40
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 116
Fingerprint: 0x606fee4f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Weaken on striking
+24% Faster Hit Recovery
+50 Defense
+10 to Strength
+15 to Dexterity
Requirements -40%



Chains of Honor
Dusk Shroud
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 1754
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 67
Fingerprint: 0xd5fde2d4
Item Level: 88
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: 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

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

So now you finally saw that little orb. I think it's quite cute. Shame about the one missing + to Lightning, but still!


Action!


Made a little video for those who would like to see this in action:

Hmm, I'm quite certain that this was /players 5. But as you can see, she's quite sturdy. Tried to show some tanking too. Should have maybe chosen an area with more possible threats.


Journey

She made it through Normal and Nightmare as a Charged Boltress. She also charged it through like no tomorrow. I have had many slower playings lately, so it was refreshing to push over the speed limits with her. Twinking gear was pretty straightforward, but a bit surprising at first. I equipped the full Arcanna's Trick set as fast I could, and used it until I could remove the parts with proper caster equipment like Viper, SoJs, etcetc. I did this, because of my little project "play at least once with every normal set". One off the list :) I had many mana GCs to fill my early energy needs.

She arrived Hell at ~72 level. She was fully decked out Charged Boltress at that point and pretty strong at that. I ping ponged the first two acts with that equipment until I could get my senses back. "This is not making any use of that Orb now. Calm down and think for a build".

Playing Anna (she was juuust a little bit slower girl), I had a lot of time to make decisions. When that was made, I came back to act 1, respec'd to Lightning with some ES and full TK, and started my journey towards level 85 and my final piece of equipment. Yeah, Gladiator's Bane has horrible level requirement...

During the Pit runs I made some little experiments also. I would like to make good use of Act 3 mercs, even just once. I hired a Fire one and gave him some pretty faceted stuff, made just for him. He hanged on there for a good dozen or two runs, but well, he was not a good killer. Maybe doable, but had I chosen him as a company for the rest of the acts, I would have had gone with some really low players settings. Hard to imagine he would have stood a chance against some of the more stronger monsters. What a pity. Well, it was kind of fun to see him in action with his Inferno and Fire Balls..

Carrying on with the theme, I chose to use at least something different, Ondal's Almighty. I have been looking for that chance to cast Weaken for a long time. It worked okay I guess. Also haven't played with Prayer merc since some of my first SP chars.

I'll carry you through the rest of the playing with a set of screenshots, like usual. Acts 3-5 were done /players 5 all the time.

1588831839891.png
Ahoy there, Mr. Endungu. Having no second element, strong merc was in order. A2 mercs know their job well after all. Killing, and carrying some auras, that is. There was one nasty double doll pack during the earlier levels. I teled past a lot of stuff in Act 3, but they were such a welcoming sight that I had to stop for them.

1588831828964.png
Mmm, yeah please stay between that and me Dear Durga. I tried to take some doll explosions, just to test their damage, and ES+PDR worked really nicely against them. Just had to be sure I had enough mana left all the time. Life took just a little little pinch of damage from each explosion.

1588831804566.png
I played really recklessly in general, but as soon as I noticed bosses, I tried to take a look if they had mana burn. If they had, I avoided them and positioned my merc between Emily and them. That worked like a charm. I barely suffered from those, cause I mainly succeeded to avoid them. Maybe luck, maybe skills?

1588831793939.png
Haven't seen this place for awhile. Took the picture to remind my of the horrors which awaited me in the City of Damned. Souls! I was quite sure that they would suck my mana quite aggressively and that the MDR serve as well as earlier elemental threats. I was right, but they were maybe even more deadlier than I expected. It was doable when I teleported a lot, looking for places to start shooting and avoiding, making more ground for me, and to keep mercenary in good position. I almost succeeded, but when I found Izual, I sat like a dog there and started to shoot. Maybe half a second later I realized I landed in the middle of some Souls and before I could react they got me down. Ouch, it was little embarassing. Oh well, it was the only death I had while questing. (One in the Pit, I probably hadn't ES on or something..). Rejoined, and took Izual down with more care. There were souls again, but it was not a problem now.

1588831782187.png
Only immune in CS, Durga took care of that dude, no problem. Chaos was very easy this time.

1588831771545.png
Visited this old friend. More job for Durga. That's exactly what I hired you for! (And well, please carry this little stick also..) All in all, Act 5 was easily my favorite this time. Rather nice, but not too easy monster rolls. I killed every boss pack I stumbled into, and of course some creeps too. Took a round in the Driftern Cavern of the extra areas this time.

1588831761327.png
Ancients were easy. Korlic took a while because of the immunity. And especially because he was targeting me all the time. I ended up walking/teleing little circle or back and forth, so that Durga could make some hits between.

1588831754135.png
Like elsewhere in Act 5, WSK had interesting, but very doable monster rolls. Here I'm under Blood Mana curse. It was not really a threat. Never had to cast so much under it that life was down to alarming levels.

1588831745871.png
Lister doing, what Lister does. Immune and all. Hey what do you think, would I have had to park this if I had chosen A3 merc? :D Now it was just matter of time and maybe 1-2 rejuvs for Durga. Baal was easy and dropped nothing of note. As for drops, I found The Redeemer (unique Mighty Scepter) from the WSK level 1 and Ist from Outer Steppes.


Afterwords

How did I succeed with the build? Really, really well I would say. I will leave it to someone else to take more steps down the MDR/PDR road with full ES. Maybe those Souls could be taken care better with more MDR? Little bit lightning res somewhere? I don't know.

But as far as other things go, she was a real tank. Just had to keep an eye on the mana when things were heated. Take a little bit breath if it went low. Usually it didn't, because as a Sorc with teleport, you can keep quite well yourself out of the most dangerous battles. I was also very satisfied with the damage numbers I achieved, along with the life/mana numbers, at least those felt quite optimal for this play through. Rising my poison res was also good idea. Poison damage didn't bother me at all.

Emily probably won't see full retirement just now. Her maps to Throne were almost perfect. I will farm a little tokens with her in the near future. Then? Well, one can't have too many sorcs, there's always something you can run with her. Maybe even try out some fancy respec, which I don't feel like questing through?

Anne and Emily are clearly longing for their third sister. She is already in the making. We will see, when I finish her. Might be a week, might be a month.

Well, that ended up to be a quite long wall of text-ey. Excuse me for that. :p And thanks for reading! (or taking a short look!). Questions, comments, all are very welcome. ES sorceresses, and the possible builds around them are always an interesting topic.

Also, I'm open for character suggestions. I have many planned, but I'm willingly hearing what would you like to read about, see some playing video about, etc. :)
 
Originally posted by grogs on Dec 16, 2005:

Matriach Eliza - Pure lightning Sorc (RWM)

This would have to be the most fun I've had with a character in a while. Anything non-LI is toast, and anything that is..... well we skipped it.

Here She is:

Character name : Eliza
Character type : Sorceress
Character level : 86
Character exp : 1152023670

(Without/ With Equip)

Strength : 156/156
Energy : 35/61
Dexterity : 25/25
Vitality : 274/311
Stat Points Rem : 0
Skill Points Rem: 0

Life : 873
Mana : 668

Lightning damage: 6 - 25K
Chain Lightning: 6 - 10K
Charged bolt: 542 - 569 (24 bolts)

Skills (/with gear):

Charged Bolt: 20/36
Lightning: 20/36
Chain Lightning: 20/36
Lightning Mastery: 20/36
Nova: 14/30
SF, Telekenesis & TP 1 each.

Gear:

Griffon's (20/15)
Vipermagi (35 with 15% res jool)
Arachnids
Eschuta's (+3 with 20% Lightning, w/ 4/4 facet)
Tals Ammy
2x soj
Spirit Monarch
Nat's Boots
4x Sparking GC

Merc Gear:
Kiras
Leviathan (25% +50)
Insight Cryptic Axe


I'd love a +2 Sorc skills, 20% FCR crafted ammy - that'd put her at 200% FCR (after swapping out a soj) with huge damage.

Played most of the game on /p8, Hell Ancients on /p1 to give the poor old merc a break. Ancients took a few re-rolls, but got through them ok. Insight on the merc makes a huge difference, but with base energy, she still chugges down the blues like they are going out of fashion.

All in all, a nice distraction from endless Baal runs..... thanks for reading

-grogs
 
Originally posted by @Kitteh on Feb 9, 2013:

Matriarch Kitteh - Lightning Sorceress

1588833231913.png



Kitteh was my first character when I restarted, and due to her roles with Mephisto/AT/LK, she never got matted. So, an overly due thread, but she is becoming another Baal runner, and so she obviously needed matted!


Level: 95
Life (with BO): 1992
Mana (with BO): 842
Resists: 75/75/75/75, mildly stacked
MF: 96
GF: 144


Gear:

Helm: Griffon's 17/12, empty socket.
Armour: Chains of Honour Wyrmhide
Weapon: Crescent Moon ethereal CS
Shield: 33fcr spirit monarch
Gloves: Magefist
Belt: Arachnid
Boots: Awful tri-res rares
Ring1: SoJ
Ring2: Rare - 10fcr/13strength/31life/17-5-25 resists
Amulet: Crafted - 2sorc/10fcr/20mana/7mana regen/13mf/PLR
Charms: 30 life skiller and 4 plain skillers. Gheeds 39/144/14 and various resists/mana/fhr small charms.
Mercenary: Infinity CA/Fortitude/VG


Another in depth mat thread for you all :)

Boots:

Code:
Wraith Slippers 
Chain Boots 
Defense: 9 
Durability: 12 of 16 
Required Level: 52 
Required Strength: 30 
Fingerprint: 0x84628e60 
Item Level: 86 
Version: Expansion 1.10+ 
+30% Faster Run/Walk 
Replenish Life +3 
Cold Resist +27% 
Fire Resist +8% 
Poison Resist +33% 
12% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
 
Originally posted by Klonki on Sep 1, 2011:

Matriarch #3 Dielena ~ Lightning Sorceress

The countness-killer. Lightning-sorceress. 👍

352q5hl.jpg


Stats

Strength: 161 (151)
Dexterity: 25 (25)
Vitality: 346 (314)
Energy: 76 (35)

Level 90 (1.657.346.096)

Life / Mana ~ 801 - 572

Skills:

Equipment
Weapon / Shield: Eschuta 20/3. No 55die yet. Spirit: 35/92/8
Switch: None
Armor: Viper "921def" Allres@ 50. (um)
Helm: 20/1 circ (Hope to get griffon anytime this century)
Belt: Arach
Gloves: Magefist (30ed)
Boots: wt47
Rings: 10fcr, 87mana. 10fcr, 57mana, 26% fr.
Amulet: 2/17, 20 cr. (Orange sexy thing, thanks to Greebo)

Inventory: One Lightning skiller. Some resist-charms.

Merc:

Andy mask. 30/9
Insight: Sup CV. 16 medi, 205ed. Later on an Infinity. 302/48. Great Poleaxe
Fortitude: Dusk 1332def. 30 @ all.

Any nice finds. Tons of Puls, ums. Less of mals, ists at the Countness. Maybe some higher ones. :)

HF Hell:
avlk3q.png


Story: I have always strived to make a 200fcr-sorceress. Took the opportunity and waited until the last to kill Baal in hell until I had my Infinity. Normal and Nightmare went smooth, even hell until act4. Ancient was relatively easy, even in the Throne Room. It felt as normal with an infinity on the Merc. Baal died quite quickly when I put static Until 25%. All those bad drops. :banghead: Dielena was proud from the slaughter of Baal and will continue with her mainproject. The Countness :yes::coffee:

:jig:
 
Originally posted by Kyrandia on May 21, 2009:

EtaCarinae, No-Vita FO/Nova/ES Sorceress

EtaCarinae
No-Vita FO/Nova/ES Sorceress

No Vita? Really?

Well, almost. ATMA says her Vitality is 20, so I must have put 10 points in it at some point, I just don't remember doing so :p (and it certainly isn't necessary with this build). Anyway, here are her (base) stats:

Strength 151
Dexterity 32
Vitality 20
Energy 267

Points left: 30 (at level 83)

Life: ~1000
Mana: ~2000

What's with the name?
EtaCarinae is the name of a star which is expected to explode in a supernova in the astronomically near future. I chose this name because I originally intended to make a dual-Nova sorc, but after reading renegademaster's interesting post I decided to make an ES sorc instead (my first!).

Skills
Warmth 1 (13)
Frozen Orb 20 (34) all prereqs 1
Cold Mastery 6 (20) future points go here until reaching -135%, and then in Ice Bolt
Telekinesis 20
Teleport 1
Static Field 1 (16)
Nova 20(35)
Lightning Mastery 20(35)

How can you make an ES sorc without any points in ES?
I used a +1 ES staff with the runeword "Memory", which provides a level 7 Energy Shield. Add +10 (lightning) skills from other gear, and you get:
Energy Shield: Level 17
Absorbs 72% Damage
Duration (seconds) 1104

This is what renegademaster called a "partial ES" build: it leaves you enough skill points for a strong primary and secondary attack. And with 20 points in Telekinesis, each point of damage absorbed costs only 0.75 mana.

Gear
Harlequin Crest 'Sol'
Skin of the Vipermagi (28% resist all, MDR 13) 'Sol'
String of Ears (MDR 14)
Flail 'Heart of the Oak' (switch: 'Memory' staff)
Monarch 'Spirit' (35% FCR)
Frostburn
Crafted caster boots (FRW, +mana, +regenerate mana)
Mara's Kaleidoscope (30% resist all)
2x SoJ
3 plain lightning GC
2 plain cold GC
Several small charms with +life and +mana

Total damage reduction: DR 14 (+22%), MDR 27 (resists 20/55/55/55). Note that resistances are irrelevant, since they get applied after damage reduction.

In areas with many cold immune monsters I tried swapping Shako for Griffon's, which increased killing speed, but reduced safety (the Griffon's has a rainbow facet in it, so I lost out on 7 DR as well as the +life and +mana of Shako).

LCS

Merc: Act 2 Normal (Combat), wearing Treachery, Vampire Gaze (15% IAS jewel) and eth Thresher 'Insight'.

Is 14 DR / 27 MDR enough?
Yes and no.

Most monsters don't do more than ~100 damage. Of this 100, 72 points are absorbed by the Energy Shield (at a cost of 54 mana), so we take 28 damage. Since I had a Magic Damage Reduction of 27, this meant I was practically immune to elemental damage. Seriously, I could walk through a room filled with Black Souls while whistling "Ride of the Valkyries". In areas where there were a lot of elemental damage monsters I was basically tanking for my merc. :D

On the other hand, 14 DR is not enough to avoid taking damage from hard hitting monsters that do physical damage. Then again, this is a sorceress we're talking about. If you find yourself in melee range with a monster and it is not in hit recovery, then you're doing something wrong. You kill them before they get to you, that's the idea. Besides, the merc is pretty good at tanking just those monsters. :)

So, although strictly speaking 14 is not enough, in practice this character was exceptionally safe. As far as I remember she didn't die once.

Mana burn?
Mana burn was less of an issue than I feared. In most cases, a single hit by a mana burn monster would all but empty the mana pool but not kill the ES. Given her high mana regeneration rate, thanks to Insight, this meant that she was always able to teleport away almost immediately after being hit. Of course, any subsequent hit would kill the ES, so care was still needed. The most dangerous were cold immune mana burn monsters, since Nova requires being a bit closer to the monsters.

Final thoughts
I have to say, this character was great fun to play. Being virtually immune to damage allows for very aggressive play. Basically I was blind teleporting all over the place (mana is never an issue, that's another great thing :D), killing monsters as I went along. This build lets you jump into most packs with little danger. Anything that does elemental damage, or partly (such as fire/cold skeleton archers) is harmless. Anything that does limited physical damage (Spike Fiends, Fallen, Corrupt Rogue Archers) is harmless too. The only thing you have to be careful of are the fast, hard hitting monsters. But even if you occasionally jump into the wrong pack, 28% of whatever damage they dish out is not going to put you into hit recovery, so you can just teleport out again. (Make sure to keep your chance to block as low as possible!)

Normal and NM were done on p8, Hell on p3 until Act IV, then p1.

Future plans
Getting a few more levels, then retirement. The gear requirements don't allow for much MF, so that's not an option. However I expect to play her occasionally in the future, just for the fun of it. :)

Thanks
- renegademaster for his guide
- Sirpoopsalot for his example
- you for reading
 
Originally posted by @maareek on Feb 10, 2008:

Matriarch Sparky, Lightning Sorceress

Sparky, the Lightning Sorceress, has just become my first Matriarch. :) To be more precise, my first character to beat Hell Baal, male or female. Others have come close, but fell off to the temptation of MF running this target or the other (or to the player's interest in playing them declining while his interest to play another char rose...).

To say she was a blast to play would be a vast understatement. Early on I had to get used to the spells because I had only used them as charges on orbs to test them out. Once I did, it was loads of fun. There was constant action: positioning the merc, positioning myself, dodging this or that; it was great.

To put it mildly, she demolished opponents. I'm most proud of the fact that she spent very little time below /players 3, even in Hell. OK's have never been this easy. The merc still died some to IM, but only because I got sloppy. Anything not LI fell easily regardless of how much HP they had, but there were an awful lot of LIs. :( Act V was a pleasure, save for the Anya Quest. Going into the Frozen River, I thought this was going to be a cakewalk compared to how it went with my Blizzsorc ... I was sorely mistaken. I went in at players 7, and quickly ran into a champ pack of gloams, and bought it. Through careful luring out and liberal usage of my lower resist wand on switch, I managed to clear out a path to Anya without going below /p 3, but the gloams still managed to plug me two more times. I was fairly upset at myself, since Sparky hadn't died in Hell up to that point. Oh well.

After that I found the Glacial Trail waypoint and muled some LR charms in my inventory to max out that resist. Of course I only encountered three more gloams from there. :rolleyes:

I rerolled two areas, because I stopped at the waypoints in those areas to mule off some items having 1 of 3 monsters in that area being LI, and when I came back there were 2 out of the 3 that were LI and they were tough (LI Abyss Knights in River of Flames and LI Frenzytaurs in Glacial Trail backed up by LI Rogues*shudder*). Ancients required no rerolls, since only one was LI, and his immunity was broken with my wand.

One moment in the WSK I found funny: I come back from my last muling session and head down to WSK lvl 3. After encountering 3 monster types, all non-LIs, I bump the players setting up to 7, then promptly run into a bosspack of LI Storm Casters in the next room. Back to players 3 *grumble*.

Anyway, enough of my babbling, here's the important stuff.

Name : Sparky
Type : Sorceress
Level : 85

Stats:
(these stats are naked, equipped stats are here)
Strength : 127
Energy : 50
Dexterity : 25
Vitality : 298
Stat Points Rem : 15
Skill Points Rem: 0

Life : 1006 / 760
Mana : 493 / 233

Items:
Code:
10: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 116
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x574f38ad
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
+45 Defense
All Resistances +15
10% Life stolen per hit
10% Mana stolen per hit

11: Tal Rasha's Adjudication
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x6f049851
+50 to Life
+42 to Mana
Lightning Resist +33%
Adds 3-32 lightning damage
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels

***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
10% Faster Cast Rate
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***


12: Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0xae36c602
+120% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 10
All Resistances +34
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
30% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Perfect Topaz
Inserted into a Serpentskin Armor

24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Required Level: 18
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

13: Nagelring
Ring
Required Level: 7
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x125d59e2
+56 to Attack Rating
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
Attacker Takes Damage of 3
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

14: Beast Coil
Ring
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x1cbb8932
+8 to Strength
+18 to Maximum Stamina
+32 to Attack Rating
All Resistances +5
10% Faster Cast Rate

15: Tal Rasha's Fine-Spun Cloth
Mesh Belt
Defense: 98
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Strength: 46
Required Level: 53
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x7bf9f19f
+20 to Dexterity
+30 to Mana
15% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Requirements -20%
37% Damage Taken Goes to Mana

***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+60 Defense
10% Faster Cast Rate
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***


16: War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 130
Durability: 47 of 48
Required Strength: 95
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xe7e62765
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
+172% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Minimum Damage
+25 to Maximum Damage
+30 Maximum Durability
Attacker Takes Damage of 7
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
25% Faster Run/Walk
40% Slower Stamina Drain

17: Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 25
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Strength: 45
Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x199b0d74
+30% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%
+10 Defense
Adds 1-6 fire damage
20% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Fire Skills

22: Grim Wand of Lower Resistance (on switch)
One-Hand Damage: 5 to 11
Durability: 15 of 15
Required Level: 36
Staff Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0x95ba581
+1 to Decrepify (Necromancer Only)
+1 to Bone Prison (Necromancer Only)
+1 to Iron Maiden (Necromancer Only)
150% Damage to Undead
Level 2 Lower Resist (69/75 Charges)

42: Tal Rasha's Lidless Eye
Swirling Crystal
One-Hand Damage: 18 to 42
Durability: 50 of 50
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 65
Orb Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xd83397f6
+10 to Energy
+57 to Life
+77 to Mana
20% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Fire Mastery (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Lightning Mastery (Sorceress Only)
+1 to Cold Mastery (Sorceress Only)

***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
-15% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+15% to Cold Skill Damage
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***

43: Lidless Wall
Grim Shield
Defense: 283
Chance to Block:  40%
Durability: 69 of 70
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x539c1c8d
+10 to Energy
+88% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +19
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
+1 to Light Radius
20% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
+5 to Mana After Each Kill
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Perfect Diamond
Inserted into a Grim Shield

All Resistances +19

Required Level: 18
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Charms:
Code:
2: Ocher Small Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 19
Fingerprint: 0xaa6479c1
+1 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +6%

3: Shimmering Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 64
Fingerprint: 0xb53823bc
All Resistances +13

5: Ruby Grand Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 22
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x1efd0052
+16 to Life
Fire Resist +30%

6: Sparking Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 61
Fingerprint: 0xc652f842
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

7: Cobalt Large Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 19
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x188936a6
+18 to Life
Cold Resist +11%

8: Small Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0x3190b37b
+15 to Life

23: Azure Grand Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xa9c5a2bf
+10 to Life
Cold Resist +9%

28: Amber Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x3541cfdd
Lightning Resist +11%

29: Ocher Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 61
Fingerprint: 0xa6da72db
Lightning Resist +7%

30: Ocher Small Charm of Greed
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0xe49b5d9b
Lightning Resist +6%
6% Extra Gold from Monsters

Now for the merc:

I went with a Might merc, since my other sorcs have a Barb and a Defiance merc. I have to say, I really enjoyed having him instead. He wasn't a match for a Defiance merc in tanking, but against anything he could leach he was very sturdy. Only large crowds of LIs proved much threat (plus IM and Pindle's group) to him, and I could generally stretch those groups out and make them manageable. If I couldn't (like in the Durance, where there were packs of LI Urdars EVERYWHERE), we relied on that 120 FCR to get us where we were going.

Mercenary Items :

Code:
1: Duriel's Shell
Cuirass
Defense: 710
Durability: 45 of 150
Required Strength: 65
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x80c2b5dd
+15 to Strength
+198% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +20%
Lightning Resist +20%
Cold Resist +50%
Poison Resist +20%
+100 Maximum Durability
Cannot Be Frozen
+106 to Defense (Based on Character Level)
+85 to Life (Based on Character Level)

2: Crown of Thieves
Grand Crown
Defense: 468
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Strength: 93
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x8f6ab63c
+25 to Dexterity
+50 to Life
+35 to Mana
+174% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +33%
10% Life stolen per hit
95% Extra Gold from Monsters
15% Increased Attack Speed
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (1: 1 used)

Jewel of Fervor
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xb09920df
15% Increased Attack Speed

3: Insight
Superior Grim Scythe
'RalTirTalSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 102 to 217
Durability: 62 of 63
Required Dexterity: 140
Required Strength: 140
Required Level: 27
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0xac66ce1c
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
+210% Enhanced Damage
+1 to Attack Rating
+9 to Minimum Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
Increase Maximum Durability 14%
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+4 to Critical Strike
35% Faster Cast Rate
239% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 13 Meditation Aura When Equipped
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Ral Rune
Inserted into a Grim Scythe

Adds 5-30 fire damage

Required Level: 19
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Tir Rune
Inserted into a Grim Scythe

+2 to Mana After Each Kill

Required Level: 13
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Tal Rune
Inserted into a Grim Scythe

+75 poison damage over 5 seconds

Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Sol Rune
Inserted into a Grim Scythe

+9 to Minimum Damage

Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Notable finds: Skullder's Ire in WSK 2, Blackoak Shield in Act IV, Bonehew from a Log in Kurast Bazaar, and Naj's Puzzler in the River of Flames.

Hellforge:
NM: Hel
Hell: Mal

Future Plans:
She has an insanely good LK map, so she'll be visiting there a lot. She may pay some visits to the Countess, but I'm not sure as I hate running the Countess. Of course, I wanted to make her to run Baal and cows, so she'll be doing that, but I'd like to at least get an Um for Crescent Moon before I get too much into cows.

Sorry this is so long, but I really enjoyed playing her, and she is my first Mat, so I'm allowed to go a little overboard, I hope. :wink3:
 
Originally posted by @maareek on Jun 15, 2015:

Matriarch BoltOnBoltOff, Charged Boltress

She's The Bolter.

I'd never made a Charged Boltress, but when Zenigma mentioned making one with his freshly made Infinity in the IFT a little while back it seemed like a reasonable way to put my new(ish) Infinity through its paces while also testing out a build I had no experience with. Probably wouldn't have bothered with a thread except I had recently read a comment by one of my favorite Youtube let's players (and by "one of my favorites" I mean "the only one I make time for anymore") saying his favored recording software was OBS so I decided to test that against what I had done before (FRAPS, along with the subsequent encoding). So basically this thread is just going to be some readouts and three videos. At least there's commentary!

In order to see how she'd fare as a pure Boltress, I didn't take a backup attack, so she currently has 30 skill points unassigned. Finds were a Gull, a Gul and a Felloak. She took 10 hours, 8 minutes and 17 seconds for which I mostly blame thinking I could play her at the same time as listening to various lectures and panel discussion videos on Youtube, as it turns out D2 characters are less interesting than discussions on nothing and Bill Nye getting fired up about math.

Leveling runs in the Pits, from before hitting 80. I didn't realize until I had uploaded this one that I had messed up in the settings (when I set it up to downscale 1080 into 720 it saved the scaling ratio, even when recording in 600p, and I didn't think to check that at first). There's some amount of random brain droppings that demonstrate my tenuous grasp on sanity, though, if you're into that kind of thing.

Some p5 Pit runs after getting the sorc and merc geared, or at least what I thought was finished at the time. Glorious 480p this time around, and I even show the gear, for those who go for that. Plus it's not as long, but still manages to preserve the awkward failness of the original.

p3/p8/p3 Baal run, with a little overview of the gear. Witness sub-par playing combined with statements that are, at times, obviously untrue!

Gear
Code:
Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 178
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x4ed5dc8
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 41 Nova when you Level-Up
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-25% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+15% to Lightning Skill Damage
+125 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xb76072c0
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 41 Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+3% to Lightning Skill Damage

Crescent Moon
Crystal Sword
ShaelUmTir
One Hand Damage: 14 - 44
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x1b89c795
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 17 Chain Lightning on striking
7% Chance to cast level 13 Static Field on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
196% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+9 Magic Absorb
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (30/30 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 143
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 85 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xab1aec2a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+108 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
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

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 134
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xb7e511c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+114% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xe31b431c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +48
Magic Damage Reduced by 10
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Um Rune

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0xf66ac32b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +29

War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 120
Durability: 48 of 48
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x35edf7ec
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+151% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 6
46% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xb4fa4ed
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x656b14db
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
4% Life stolen per hit
+42 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 85
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xd9990c5e
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%

Call to Arms
War Scepter
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 36 - 62
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x56a9b202
GUID: 0x5a9ae240 0x6303b098 0x0
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
+2 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
269% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Fist of the Heavens (Paladin Only)
+3 to Holy Shield (Paladin Only)
+1 to Conversion (Paladin Only)
+16 to Battle Command
+13 to Battle Orders
+13 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

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 137
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 85 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x1213c4ed
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+34% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+109 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
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

Charms
Code:
Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x2dbf64c7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +3

Sparking Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x9130e571
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+7% Faster Run/Walk

Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x257a8eae
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+20 to Life

Shimmering Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x6183429e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
All Resistances +14

Garnet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa201c79f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Fire Resist +8%

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xcdfbfa9f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4

Coral Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xcf1c3cac
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Cobalt Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2c4a747e
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +9%

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x50fd039b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Serpent's Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xcd36c385
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+35 to Life
+51 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x7c225f73
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 to Life
+16 to Mana

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x86e1b149
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Amber Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xcc412a81
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Lightning Resist +10%

Merc
Code:
Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 313
Durability: 10 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x37978aca
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
10% Life stolen per hit
+102% Enhanced Defense
+30 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (3/20 Charges)

Duriel's Shell
Cuirass
Defense: 706
Durability: 150 of 150
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x451407f7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+196% Enhanced Defense
+106 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+15 to Strength
+85 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +20
Cannot Be Frozen
+100 Maximum Durability
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Fervor

Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xb0d8c872
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed

Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 85 - 1000
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0x23bb4c09
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
374% Enhanced Damage
-49% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+42 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

Thanks to Nagisa for three of the Sparking skillers (the lifer I found), Rawness for the Amber SC of Balance and the Serpent's GC of Sustenance, and nulio for the facet in the Griffon's, the base for the Infinity and for originally sending the beta CtA to Nagisa. Thanks, again, to Nagisa and frozzzen for sending that stick my way.

And, of course, thanks to you for reading/watching/commenting/praying for my sanity. It is appreciated. No direct kpop this time around, but in case anyone is brave enough I'll include a link to the playlist on my channel just to sort of save face.
 
Originally posted by Mursilis on Aug 11, 2006:

First Matriarch (light sorc)

Well this is my first matriarch in SP, I have a few on Battle.net but always partied to bypass the hardest sections. Not so in this case, everything done solo with only self found items. Granted I did MF for two weeks on Andariel, Mephisto and Countess in Hell before completing Acts IV and V so I could have technically been done earlier.

She had difficulties starting (which sorc doesn't?) but started twinkled with the Cathan's set made things going a little quicker. Played on /players 8 for all of Normal and Nightmare and while did run into roadblocks from time to time didn't encounter too many problems. Granted once she gained teleport she did have the nasty habit of forgetting what skill she had set and teleporting into Fanatic boss packs, but that's why I don't play hardcore. :rolleyes: She did get stuck at the end of Nightmare for a while as she was missing a few key pieces of equipment to be able to survive in Hell. But multiple MF runs on Andariel, Mephisto, Diablo and Baal netting her an Oculus and IK Detail and we were off and running in Hell, only /player 1 of course. Granted I was being a bit picky and so didn't bypass Act 1 in Hell until she found a Monarch in the Pits to make her Spirit, but she didn't complain (much).

After she was decked out we ran (literally) through the rest of the Acts, no rerolling anything or leaving the game because of tough spawns, including the ancients. Which was tough as one was lighting immune so her poor mercenary had to poke him to death. This unfortunately required her entire stash of full Rejv potions, ouch. But eventually even Baal succumed to her rather potent lightning blasts and she became my first of hopefully many matriarchs.

Matriarch Dorigen (Level 88)

Stats (naked)(final)
Strength: 131 (168)
Dexterity: 25 (32)
Vitality: 289 (333)
Energy: 85 (107)

Life: 1015
Mana: 818

Resists
Fire: 75
Cold: 75
Lightning: 75
Poison: 75

Skills
Fire:
Warmth - 1
Cold:
Frozen Armor - 1
Lightning:
Charged Bolt - 20
Lightning - 20
Chain Lightning - 20
Lightning Mastery - 20
Nova - 11
Energy Shield - 1 (as a test)
Thunder Storm - 1

Equipment
Helm: Harlequin Crest
Amulet: Tal Rasha's Adjudication
Armor: Skin of the Vipermagi (Umed)
Weapon: The Oculus (socketed with a +11 resist all jewel)
Shield: Spirit
Belt: IK Detail
Gloves: Frostburn
Boots: Tearhaunch
Ring1: Shadow Hold Ring
+17 to Attach Rating
+1 to Maximum Damag
Fire Resist +29%
Cold Resist +11%
34% Extra Gold from Monsters
Poison Length Reduced by 25%
Ring2: Storm Master Ring
+73 to Attack Rating
Cold Rssist +29%
Poison Resist +29%
Charms: Skillers and MF gems

Mercenary (Act2 Defiance)
Helm: Vampire Gaze
Armor: Shaftshop
Weapon: Insight

Most noteable find: Lo rune :jig:

As you can tell the stat points weren't perfectly placed so wasted quite a few here and there, but in the end it didn't really matter. I wasn't looking for the "perfect" build anyway. I'm simply paranoid about elemental damage so for all characters I try to make sure they are maxed in all ways, although I could live wihtout the cold resistance if necessary. She is my main MFing character with about 200 or so MF. I intend to run Andariel, Mephisto and Pindle with her mostly at /players 5 and once and a while throw in a Diablo or Pits run for variety. As a side note, the Lo rune was blind luck, and now lets me complete my Bowazon (with a Fortitude) I'm working on so she can now go finish Hell now as well.
 
Originally posted by Naab on Sep 9, 2006:

Matriarch Griffon

Character name : Griffon
Character type : Sorceress
Character level : 83
Character exp : 923142794

Strength : 156
Energy : 35
Dexterity : 25
Vitality : 289
Stat Points Rem : 0
Skill Points Rem: 0

Life : 864 / 740
Mana : 436 / 199
Stamina : 462 / 435

resistances; 18/75/75/75

skills
20 charged bolt,lightning,chain lightning,lightning mastery
10 nova
1 warmth

equipment:

Code:
2: Sparking Grand Charm
3: Sparking Grand Charm
4: Sparking Grand Charm of Balance
5: Sparking Grand Charm of Life
+10 to Life
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

6: Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
+15 to Life
+16 to Mana

7: Serpent's Small Charm of Life
+9 to Life
+17 to Mana

8: Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
+12 to Life
+14 to Mana

9: Serpent's Small Charm of Life
+8 to Life
+15 to Mana

10: Serpent's Small Charm of the Glacier
+16 to Mana
Adds 3-5 cold damage over 1 seconds

11: Serpent's Small Charm
+17 to Mana

12: Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
+16 to Life
All Resistances +3

16: Sparking Grand Charm
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

31: Shimmering Grand Charm of Inertia
All Resistances +12
7% Faster Run/Walk

37: Serpent's Small Charm of Strength
+1 to Strength
+17 to Mana

40: Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 188
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 76
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xe1aa1c8a
+133 Defense
Adds 1-74 lightning damage
25% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
100% Chance to cast Level 41 Nova When You Level Up
+16% to Lightning Skill Damage
-25% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x2908b6f7
Adds 1-74 lightning damage
100% Chance to cast Level 41 Nova When You Level Up
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance

41: Mara's Kaleidoscope
All Resistances +23
+2 to All Skill Levels

42: The Stone of Jordan

43: Doom Whorl
Lightning Resist +29%
Cold Resist +30%
Poison Resist +28%
10% Faster Cast Rate

44: Arachnid Mesh

45: Natalya's Soul
+98 Defense
Lightning Resist +23%
Cold Resist +15%
+50 Maximum Durability
40% Faster Run/Walk
Heal Stamina Plus 20% (Based on Character Level)

46: Trang-Oul's Claws

50: Bitter Call
Level 2 Lower Resist (0/75 Charges)

62: Crescent Moon
Crystal Sword
'ShaelUmTir'
One-Hand Damage: 15 to 45
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 47
Sword Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 28
Fingerprint: 0xf60bdab4
+205% Enhanced Damage
20% Increased Attack Speed
Ignore Target Defense
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
+10 Magic Absorb
10% Chance to cast Level 17 Chain Lightning on striking
7% Chance to cast Level 13 Static Field on striking
Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (30/30 Charges)
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Socketed (3: 3 used)

63: Spirit
Monarch
'TalThulOrtAmn'
Defense: 147
Chance to Block:  42%
Durability: 83 of 86
Required Strength: 156
Required Level: 54
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x54a4c8d
+22 to Vitality
+103 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Lightning Resist +35%
Cold Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
55% Faster Hit Recovery
27% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skill Levels
+3 Magic Absorb
Socketed (4: 4 used)

64: Skin of the Vipermagi
Wyrmhide
'Um'
Defense: 842
Durability: 19 of 24
Required Strength: 84
Required Level: 57
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x5d46a168
+120% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 11
All Resistances +50
Required Level +7
30% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Mercenary Items :

Code:
1: Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 24 of 40
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xcec5d8ea
+100% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
Damage Reduced by 16%
Adds 6-22 cold damage over 4 seconds
6% Life stolen per hit
6% Mana stolen per hit
15% Slower Stamina Drain

2: Shaftstop
Mesh Armor
Defense: 680
Durability: 42 of 45
Required Strength: 92
Required Level: 38
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 99
Fingerprint: 0x59fb381a
+60 to Life
+218% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Damage Reduced by 30%

3: Insight
Thresher
'RalTirTalSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 70 to 719
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Dexterity: 108
Required Strength: 142
Required Level: 53
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0xd09f9b84
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
+241% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+5 to Critical Strike
35% Faster Cast Rate
244% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 16 Meditation Aura When Equipped
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (4: 4 used)

Gameplay: Everything exept RoF,CS,baal wave 3 and ancients in hell were on p8 and she owned all non LI's very fast.Hardest monsters were baal minions wave 3 and lister(extra fast = Yuck).

Deaths: Very many - It isnt easy to play a char with 800 life.

Drops:Stone crusher from random monster in RoF,pul in ancients way from an artic blast casting creature:brainiac:

Hellforge.NM Um hell Lum

Overall i liked this character, becoz of her very quick killing, but she was very fragile which i didnt like.In the future she will hopefully find many HR's in AS.😃
 
Originally posted by NagisaFurukawa on Nov 28, 2008:

Matriarch Fate, Charged Boltress (Nanoha 4/12)

Hope everyone [who celebrates it] had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Introduction
Introducing Matriarch Fate. This is a "remake" of my first Guardian, an LF/CS amazon. A little bit weaker, but infinitely less stressful. =). Oh yeah. Just in case you were wondering, my avatar is a picture (fanart, most likely) of Fate.

Name: Fate Testarossa-Harlaoun
Origin: Altseima, South Mid-Childa | Uminari City, Non-Administrated Planet #97
TSA: Enforcer | Captain
Riot 6: Judge Advocate General, Captain, Lightning 1, Guard Wing
Device: Bardiche Assault (Intelligent Device: Battleaxe of Light)
Magic Style: Mid-Childa, Air Combat S+ Rank

"Aces" are some of the universe's most powerful mages, and Fate is one of only three known to work for the TSA. She possesses remarkable speed (nice amount of FRW), and combines this with her natural affinity for lightning (entire skill tree) to obliterate anything silly enough to get in her way. As an Enforcer, Fate performs high level investigations with little to no help from others (Fire Iron Wolf, read: no help). Despite this, she is still able to find time to act as a guardian to two children, a godmother to another, and a mother to her wolf familiar (used some Spirit Wolf charges, though they died rather quickly, =X).

Always wanted to make a Charged Boltress, but was actually a little scared. Believed that it was a very underpowered build, in spite of what people would say. Ended up being very fun though. =).

Stats
Level: 81
Experience: 779999921

Strength: 30 (46)
Dexterity: 25 (25)
Vitality: 340 (340)
Energy: 100 (109)

Life: 935
Mana: 900
Stamina: 484

Resists: -26/-8/75/-1

FHR: 32% (10 frames)
FCR: 79% (9 frames)
FRW: 70%

Skills
Charged Bolt: 20 (25) 192-211 Damage, 24 Bolts
Lightning: 20 (25) 4-4787 Damage
Thunderstorm: 20 (25) 1095-1528 Damage
Static Field: 7 (12), 10.6 Yard Radius

Lightning Mastery: 20 (25)
Teleport: 1 (6)
Warmth: 1 (6)
Prerequisites: 1

Equipment
Weapon: 'Crescent Moon' Fate's Bardiche (Ethereal)
Helm: Fate's Corpse Visage Tiara
Armor: 'Shael' Skin of the Vipermagi
Gloves: Magefist
Belt: Havoc Winding Sharkskin Belt
Boots: Fate's Amber Chain Boots of Acceleration
Amulet: Skull Scarab
Ring: Bahamut's Ring of the Apprentice
Ring: The Stone of Jordan

Code:
Crescent Moon
Fate's Bardiche
'ShaelUmTir'
Two-Hand Damage: 2 to 114
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Strength: 30
Required Level: 47
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x78b94fa9
+186% Enhanced Damage
20% Increased Attack Speed
Ignore Target Defense
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
+10 Magic Absorb
10% Chance to cast Level 17 Chain Lightning on striking
7% Chance to cast Level 13 Static Field on striking
Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (25/30 Charges)
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (3: 3 used)

Fate's Corpse Visage
Tiara
Defense: 44
Durability: 25 of 25
Required Level: 67
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x29852271
+16 to Strength
+9 to Energy
+18 to Mana
Fire Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +42%
Cold Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Attacker Takes Damage of 2
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
20% Faster Run/Walk
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
'Shael'
Defense: 279
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xfcd29a8f
+120% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 11
All Resistances +29
20% Faster Hit Recovery
30% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 25
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Strength: 45
Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x6347400e
+26% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%
+10 Defense
Adds 1-6 fire damage
20% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Fire Skills

Havoc Winding
Sharkskin Belt
Defense: 66
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 73
Fingerprint: 0xc3eeb292
+27 to Mana
+80% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana 4%
Lightning Resist +22%
9% Faster Cast Rate
10% Chance to cast Level 3 Charged Bolt when struck

Fate's Amber Chain Boots of Acceleration
Defense: 8
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Strength: 30
Required Level: 43
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x990c8c49
Lightning Resist +34%
40% Faster Run/Walk

Skull Scarab
Amulet
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 95
Fingerprint: 0xca164490
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%
Poison Resist +16%
1% Life stolen per hit
10% Faster Run/Walk
10% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Bahamut's Ring of the Apprentice
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0x9e1ba695
+117 to Mana
10% Faster Cast Rate

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x2e7a32db
+20 to Mana
Adds 1-12 lightning damage
Increase Maximum Mana 25%
+1 to All Skill Levels

Serpent's Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x1cba18fa
+50 to Mana

Serpent's Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 51
Fingerprint: 0x779a0f4
+43 to Mana

Lapis Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 94
Fingerprint: 0xc57fd655
+18 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

Amber Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xbb9c9b63
Lightning Resist +10%

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x76bd540c
+19 to Life
Poison Resist +9%

Sapphire Small Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0xc8ac3e07
+10 to Life
Cold Resist +11%

Serpent's Grand Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 69
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xb6fc0941
+36 to Life
+58 to Mana

Serpent's Grand Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x9f05ec93
+48 to Mana
12% Faster Hit Recovery

Mercenary
Name: Jelani (Varies)
Class: Iron Wolf, Fire
Level: 81

Weapon: Hexfire
Shield: Lidless Wall
Helm: Peasant Crown (Ethereal)
Armor: Skin of the Vipermagi (Ethereal)

Comments
1) Charged Bolt is a pretty strong skill. Despite being only at level 25, it killed extremely quickly on /players 8 through Normal and Nightmare. Act 1 Hell was played on /players 3. Was still effective, but monsters began hitting harder, making it tougher to get close. The rest was played on /players 1. Charged Bolt still killed decently, but without a tank, it was very difficult to get close enough for the skill to truly shine.

2) As you probably know, Act 3 Fire mercenaries are absolutely useless. =). If it would quit using Inferno all the time, it might actually have some semblance of usefulness, but even then... I kind of doubt it. He had to be switched out for an Act 2 mercenary from time to time, in order to dispose of LI monsters which HAD to be killed to make progress in the game (such as the Council, Ancients, etc.).

3) Did not want to create an overpowering Lightning skill, and thus invested in Thunderstorm and Static Field. The extra points in Static didn't help that much. Had to get close for Charged Bolt to kill anyway, so it wasn't exactly gamebreaking. Thunderstorm was okay. Did not always remember to recast it, but it did a nice job of sniping more dangerous enemies, or finishing off stuff that had wandered away. =).

4) 100 Energy? Yes. Not the smartest thing ever, but only cost Fate 140 hit points. The extra 175 extra mana was pretty helpful anyway. Could have used more FCR or resists or... lots of other stuff, but the build was completely viable as is.

5) Lots of NDEs and deaths. Both in "real life" and in the game, Fate is quite fragile. Blindly teleporting is not very smart with such low FCR, and it doesn't help that her mercenary is always a hit or two away from its death. She rerolled her Hell Ancients at least a few dozen times, managing to die around five or six times. On the successful run, she actually ran out of potions after disposing of only Talic, with the remaining two being LI. She tried taking a few swings to apply Open Wounds, but her 5% Chance to Hit was not very helpful. Lastly, in case you are wondering why she binded "Throw", it was to 1) avoid stupidly running into enemies to attack and die and 2) avoid wasting durability while doing #1.

6) Finds? Her Hellforge drops were lackluster, but she found 35 MF War Travelers somewhere along the way, and actually got a Mal rune from Hell Eldritch. =).

7) Looking for some CB spam? Not enough FCR.

Future Plans
1) Already took Fate out for a couple of Baal runs. Was not very useful.

2) Might take a very short break from this project. My pace is speeding up alarmingly, and I need to study for finals...

Thanks
1) road2elysium for the ethereal Bardiche.
2) ...somebody for the Tiara. Xena1985?
3) Neksja for the FCR amulet.
4) NacRuno for the FCR ring.
5) SP(T)F and readers. =).
 
Originally posted by NagisaFurukawa on May 11, 2009:

Matriarch Nanoha, Lightning Baller

Introduction

For the first nine years of her life, Takamachi Nanoha had been living what looked and felt like a lovely life among family and friends. Upon entering the third grade, however, her teacher had posed her a mindblowing question. "What kind of job would you like in the future?" While her two best friends were virtually set in their plans, Nanoha was still searching for some sort of direction. As a series of unfortunate events came to pass, however, Nanoha became involved with a collection of jewels, a ferret, and a girl she desperately wanted to save, and she quickly discovered not only the path which was right for her, but one which only she herself alone could take...

/summary

Design
A pretty large number of dual tree sorceresses have been explored to the fullest, but a Lightning / Fire Ball hybrid hasn't gotten much, if any, attention (at least as far as I can tell), despite both skills being commonly either used on an individual basis, or in a pairing with something like Blizzard or Frozen Orb. Would a Lightning / Fire Ball hybrid be the most effective build in the world? All things considered, probably not. There's a boatload of synergies, and neither run on a timer nor provide you with the safety of the alternatives in the cold tree... but why should that stop me from trying it out, right?

Nanoha, for reasons unknown to me, is sometimes affectionately referred to as the "White Devil". Her preferred method of combat is "beam spamming" (Lightning), though she occasionally relies on her semi-guided projectiles (Fire Ball). While Hydra may have done more damage, made her progress a bit safer, and been better suited for the theme of being a devil, Nanoha stuck with Fire Ball, the skill which more accurately depicted her fighting style. In order to make up for this minor transgression, and you KNOW she had to make up for it somehow, Nanoha was given an interesting twist. No points for figuring it out, though I won't just openly tell you. :p.

Numbers
LCS

Lightning: 9-3891 damage, 14 frame cast rate
Fire Ball: 1677-1870 damage, 10 frame cast rate
Energy Shield: 50% damage converted, 193.75% damage to mana

Strength: 10 (64)
Dexterity: 25 (58)
Vitality: 10 (50)
Energy: 490 (666)

Lightning: 20 (25)
Charged Bolt: 20 (25)
Lightning Mastery: 15 (20)

Fire Ball: 20 (25)
Fire Bolt: 18 (23)
Fire Mastery: 2 (7)

Energy Shield: 0 (7)
Static Field: 1 (6)
Teleport: 1 (6)
Telekinesis: 1 (6)

Enchant: 0 (6)

Frozen Armor: 1 (6)

Items
Weapon 1: 'Lum' Ondal's Wisdom
Weapon 2: 'Memory' Battle Staff
Helm: 'Lum' Peasant Crown
Armor: 'Lionheart' Dusk Shroud (ethereal)
Gloves: Nanoha's Gravepalm
Belt: Nanoha's "Pain Fringe" Crafted Light Belt
Boots: Nanoha's Waterwalk
Amulet: Amulet of Enlightenment
Ring: Ring of Wizardry
Ring: Ring of Wizardry

Charms: 112% Resist All
Strength Bugger: "Blood Collar" Rare Amulet

Code:
Ondal's Wisdom
Elder Staff
'Lum'
Two-Hand Damage: 80 to 93
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Dexterity: 37
Required Strength: 44
Required Level: 66
Staff Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xfc619f25
+57 to Energy
+523 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 6
+5% to Experience Gained
45% Faster Cast Rate
150% Damage to Undead
+4 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Memory
Battle Staff
'LumIoSolEth'
Two-Hand Damage: 15 to 16
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 37
Staff Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x9ded1e79
+10 to Energy
+10 to Vitality
+50% Enhanced Defense
+9 to Minimum Damage
Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Increase Maximum Mana 20%
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
33% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to Static Field (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Enchant (Sorceress Only)
+1 to Fire Ball (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Energy Shield (Sorceress Only)
-25% Target Defense
150% Damage to Undead
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Peasant Crown
War Hat
'Lum'
Defense: 108
Durability: 10 of 12
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xf6df4c80
+30 to Energy
+20 to Vitality
+100% Enhanced Defense
Replenish Life +11
15% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Lionheart
Dusk Shroud
'HelLumFal'
Defense: 561
Durability: 10 of 11
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xec61ab4f
+25 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+15 to Dexterity
+20 to Vitality
+50 to Life
+20% Enhanced Damage
All Resistances +30
Requirements -15%
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (3: 3 used)

Nanoha's Gravepalm
Sharkskin Gloves
Defense: 102
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x7f10f9f8
+10 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+157% Enhanced Defense
124% Damage to Undead
+163 to Attack Rating against Undead

Nanoha's Pain Fringe
Light Belt
Defense: 6
Durability: 13 of 14
Required Level: 72
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x41af94d4
+19 to Strength
+38 to Life
+11 to Mana
+52% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana 8%
Lightning Resist +30%
9% Faster Cast Rate

Nanoha's Waterwalk
Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 115
Durability: 13 of 14
Required Strength: 47
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xde2db188
+15 to Dexterity
+62 to Life
+40 to Maximum Stamina
+188% Enhanced Defense
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist
20% Faster Run/Walk

Amulet of Enlightenment
Required Level: 33
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x1a884c95
+30 to Energy

Ring of Wizardry
Required Level: 33
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x16d4942d
+19 to Energy

Ring of Wizardry
Required Level: 33
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 97
Fingerprint: 0xa88853f3
+20 to Energy

Shimmering Grand Charm of Flame
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xcc93fc08
All Resistances +15
Adds 1-2 fire damage

Shimmering Small Charm of Shock
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x7231d9cd
All Resistances +5
Adds 1-5 lightning damage

Shimmering Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x74b19b29
All Resistances +15

Shimmering Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x463aa383
All Resistances +14

Shimmering Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 36
Fingerprint: 0xb8c60a08
All Resistances +14

Shimmering Grand Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x165a9f9b
+12 to Life
All Resistances +14

Shimmering Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x5d7ab04e
All Resistances +14

Shimmering Small Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x8ce21174
+1 to Dexterity
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Small Charm of Greed
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x58a4e724
All Resistances +5
10% Extra Gold from Monsters

Shimmering Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x4b5da631
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Small Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: Expansion <-- [1.09 SC Vanilla]
Item Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x46558eda
+2 to Dexterity
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xe0f21122
All Resistances +4

Blood Collar
Amulet
Required Level: 50
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x94627604
+20 to Strength
+16 to Energy
+5 to Minimum Damage
All Resistances +19
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels

The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
'Shael'
Two-Hand Damage: 59 to 698
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Dexterity: 79
Required Strength: 104
Required Level: 75
Polearm Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x2f6bc674
+231% Enhanced Damage
Adds 4-44 cold damage over 0 seconds
12% Life stolen per hit
Requirements -25%
20% Increased Attack Speed
Ignore Target Defense
33% Deadly Strike
33% Chance to cast Level 1 Decrepify on striking
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (1: 1 used)

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
'Ort'
Defense: 130
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 44
Fingerprint: 0x605b27ae
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
+45 Defense
Fire Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +45%
Cold Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
10% Life stolen per hit
10% Mana stolen per hit
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Guardian Angel
Templar Coat
'Ral'
Defense: 794
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Strength: 118
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x93bf41c7
+189% Enhanced Defense
+20% Increased Chance of Blocking
Fire Resist +30%
+15 to Maximum All Resistances
+1 to Paladin Skill Levels
+4 to Light Radius
30% Faster Block Rate
222% Bonus to Attack Rating Against Demons (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Mercenary
CS (LCS?, :p)

Class: Town Guard / Desert Mercenary, Defiance

Weapon: 'Shael' The Reaper's Toll (ethereal)
Helm: 'Ort' Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Armor: 'Ral' Guardian Angel

Questing
Normal: Nanoha was twinked from essentially the very beginning, equipping partial Death's at level 6, and partial Cathan's at level 11. With this extra strength, she was able to throw on a 1.07 Raven Claw at level 15, which carried her deep into Normal. With all of her points invested in energy, however, she made a complete transition to a mix of Charged Bolt (a little bit dangerous, but workable for a while) and Lightning by the end of Act 4, dumping her bow for a Razorswitch, while giving her mercenary an ethereal 'Insight' Halberd. As you can probably imagine, things progressed both quickly and smoothly from there, despite her relatively diminutive life pool.

Nightmare: While her progress slowed down a little by Nightmare, due in large part to the arrival of much of her end game gear, Nanoha had no trouble making it through to the end, though she suffered a few deaths due to either careless teleportation or the buggy vipers near Nihlathak. Not much else to report, aside from a splendid gift for her troubles. :).

Hell: Despite her Fire Ball's still laughable damage, Nanoha's Lightning was more than enough to get her through the first three acts of Hell, as the hit points of most monsters were still quite low. By Act 4, however, she started having minor troubles, and really lived up to her role as a beam spammer. Some monsters were certainly much trickier than others, but they could all be disposed of with some tactics and patience. A prime example of this was Hephasto. While big and ugly and altogether capable of killing her mercenary in a second or two, Hephasto proved as susceptible to "moating" as your everyday monster. Although the process took upwards of 10-15 minutes (notice her damage), her reward was quite nice, and well worth the trouble. For the Ancients, she simply split them up and let her mercenary make short work of them, while she pretended to contribute with her marginal damage. :p. A five minute process involving a handful of potions, but nothing to write home about. From there, only Lister and his minions were noticeably grueling, requiring hit and run tactics while she tickled them with Lightning, but the battle tested Nanoha inevitably prevailed.

By the time she had killed Hell Baal for the first time, Nanoha was level 79, and had managed to complete all of her quests on her own. In order to bring her to level 89, however, it took a few extra trips through Hell via MP, a ridiculous amount of /players 8 Eldritch runs, and a handful of Hell Baal runs.

Impressions
Energy Shield gave her noticeably more survivability, despite her minimal investment in it. While this was obviously dictated by her low life pool, it was still nice to see the skill really shine. As far as her attacks, Lightning and Fire Ball were pretty good complements, in the sense that one does line damage, while the other is more radial, but Lightning was the big winner for Nanoha, as she was constantly teleporting away, making a linear attack more useful. Fire Ball was a relatively slow killer, even on /players 1, but it was enough to eventually get the job done against immunes, though her mercenary likely was doing most of the work. *whistle*

After playing around with the skill calculator a little earlier, it quickly became apparent that a Lightning / Fire Ball hybrid could deal some very nice damage, given above average equipment, but that would hardly make her any different from many other hybrid builds. Of course, a skill calculator doesn't ever tell the full story, so I tested things for myself. When Nanoha equipped some better gear such as Griffon's Eye and Arachnid Mesh (was hard to get much more, because of her issues with stat points, :p), her kill speed rocketed upwards, but she was still nothing special compared to many other dual tree sorceresses. *shrug*

One thing I found enjoyable was that Nanoha was more of a glass water pistol than cannon. :D. All of her battles felt more like actual fights than merely slaughters, though those can be equally fun.

Long story short, a workable build, but nothing to write home about.

Recap
For the last ten months or so, I've been theming virtually all of my characters around the popular, albeit somewhat sketchy, anime series known as Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha, and Nanoha, the title character, was not an exception. While it was certainly fun, it's about that time that I give this some closure.

Guardian Fate, Fury
Guardian Signum, Bowsin
Patriarch Zest, Berserker
Matriarch Vita, Martial Artist
Patriarch Yuuno, Armageddon Mauler
Matriarch Fate, Charged Boltress
Matriarch Alicia, 'Rift' Enchantress
Matriarch Vivio, Phoenix Striker
Guardian Hayate, Glacial Orber
Matriarch Fate, Fury
Matriarch Vivio, Hybridzon
Patriarch Chrono, Zealot/Templar/Cleric
Matriarch Nanoha, Lightning Baller

Let's see now. Just by looking at that chronologically ordered list, I can tell you I restarted right before beginning this project (bad trade), a little after making Signum (sheer boredom), a bit after making Vivio #1 (computer failure), and as soon as Hayate kicked the bucket to a pack of Conviction Gloams (rage quit). Fail. I don't even want to imagine how my stashes would look, had none of this ever happened.

All that aside, my goals for this project were relatively simple. Have a lot of fun connecting two of my major interests, Diablo 2 and anime, while trying out some unconventional builds and/or items. I guess my hope was to either discover something new in the process, or just inspire someone else to try things they otherwise wouldn't consider. While it's hard to say how much of that was actually accomplished, the experience was quite fulfilling, making it altogether worth the time and effort put into it.

Thanks
buraz and lionheartthebrave for the lovely jewelry.
SSHdude for the all-important staff.
maareek for the nice looking Dusk Shroud.
The many who have contributed along the way.
The SP(T)F for putting up with so many of these threads. :D.
Anyone who made it through this extremely long-winded post alive.

Questions? Comments? Mistakes? :p.
 
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