Matriarch/Patriarch/Guardian Archive Thread

Originally posted by @Cyrax on Aug 7, 2009:

The Sword of Destiny has reached it's destiny (a guardian thread)

The legends are many. A single warrior. A single blade. Together, no host of evil can stand against them. They are linked through prophecy and legend. Aragorn and Anduril. Rand al'Thor and Callandor. King Arthur and Excalibur.

A short overview of the rules of the tourney:
1) The first unique or set two-handed sword that drops is your character's "Sword of Destiny," the weapon that has been linked to him/ her through prophecy. Once that weapon drops, it is the only weapon that is permitted to be used, with one exception (see #2).
2) No warrior is more intimately linked to his sword than the warrior who has crafted his or her own sword. Once, and once only per character, you may use runes to create a runeword out of a two-handed sword. Once that is done, the character can never use any other weapon, with no exceptions.
3) Only 2-handed swords.
4) Untwinked hardcore (or SC until first death)
5) No socketing allowed except for sword
6) No gambling
7) Melee kills only
8) For amazons only passive tree skills

For a full overview see this thread.

And thus the journey of BigSword started as part of the Sword of Destiny tournament.

A tournament that either keeps you on your toes or gets you killed. From pretty early on in the game a had a couple of NDE's. Not finding a good sword also didn't help. I think i played with a 3x chipped 2-handed sword from the moment i found it early in act 1 until somewhere in act 4. Things got a little easier when i got to lvl 30 and got my valk. An extra meatshield was very welcome. Played normal and NM at p8 except for actbosses.

Things really started to get interesting when at the end of NM act II i found my Sword of Destiny. It turned out to be blacktongue. At that time i was very disappointed with that. But later on in the game i came to realise it's true potential. I don't think i could have finished this game without it.

I think i had several NDE's in almost every act in NM. Things didn't improve when going to hell. Resists weren't that great in NM, but really plummeted (sp?) there. The first act actually wasn't too bad. The second on the other hand...

That's where hell really lived up to it's name. First let me say that at this time i'm fighting with my blacktongue, once upped and shaeled. So you know damage ain't good to begin with. But that was the least of my problems. There were PI's everywhere. First 2 tries at Radament, he was both PI. After that in nearly every area of this act i encountered PI's. Only thing helping me through this is my sword. Now i see you thinking, how can such a crappy sword help you get through that mess. Crappy as it may be, my SoD had 2 helpfull aspects. The first and most important: prevent monster heal. A quality often overlooked. Especially when twinking. But very, very valuable to the untwinked, underpowered adventurer. The second is the poison damage. It wasn't much, but it helped to get the job done. Other than that i had a couple of sc's with some elemental damage, but that would have taken forever. Needless to say i had never been happier to enter act III.

Act III was easy. Especially compared to the previous act. Act IV took some sweet time, but not too difficult either. Btw, all this time (starting in NM) the merc doesn't like to work. So to avoid that, he decides to die. A lot. But what do you expect. His weapon is a lance with one socket that containes a flawed topaz. Only somewhere in act IV he found something to replace that. Damage pretty much stayed the same, but at least that thing had some LL.
Interesting thing i found out when taking on Diablo was that when i had valkyrie selected with my hotkeys that Diablo would target me, but as soon as i switched to inner sight he'd turn his attention back to my valkyrie.

So on to the final act. Rescued the frigging barbs not once, but twice. Somehow there were no barbs inside one of those fences. So i couldn't complete the quest :banghead:. Also had to take several attempts to save Anya. First time there were ghosts that are both physical and poison immune. That would have taken me about a decade to get through that. After several attempts i found an acceptable spawn. Still hard on the merc though with all those succubi. He doesn't take those magic balls to well.
Then on to the ancients. They quickly disposed of the merc (who saw that coming :surprise: ). After some running i ditched the thrower. Now it's 2 on 2. Or actually 2 on 1. Since i got cursed and one of the 2 was extra strong i didn't dare to risk a OHKO. So my valk took both out. Then the last one. Being the thrower he doesn't like to stay in a place where you can hit him. Quite annoying. Luckily my valk somehow pinned him against a pillar. I don't know why he didn't run, because he could escape both left and right, but he just stood there. So from behind the valk i landed some hits of my own. Finally not being there for decorative purposes, but actually feeling usefull. Took some sweet time since he was stoneskin. I think i whacked at him for about 20 mins (remember: i still have pathetic damage).

Then the WSK. With the end in sight, the fun is far from over. Had trouble there with flesh spawner minions with hardly any room too move. Also fun are those zealots. Especially the guys that heal them and also cast down blizzards. What made that extra fun is my negative cold resist. But i managed to reach my wp.
So yesterday started the final stretch. From the wp went left. Bham, souls combined with fanat aura. Ok, maybe left isn't such a good choice. Right then. Bham again. This time souls with might aura. Okay i think i'll pass. So S&E and try again. Don't remember if it was on lvl 2 or 3, but i got OK's combined with deathlords. Also a fun combo. If you're not my merc that is. He found a new poker, but still died every 5 secs or so. So i left him for dead before running out of gold. Ofc that means no might aura and with my already low damage it's slow going.
Made it to the throneroom. Some more OK's to keep me at my toes. First wave was easy. Second wasn't to hard as long as i watched the coldmages (still negative cold resists). Third also easy. Fourth wave i even found the time to take a screenie. Didn't really look forward to Lister. So i lured him out and parked him. Good thing too, because he was PI. So that would have been both dangerous and slow. Only had these 2 stragglers left to deal with.
So just Baal and we're done. At least that's what you'd think. Normally he's not that hard. But normally i'm twinked and fully armed. Not this time. So let's sum it up:
- no merc (tried 2 or so, but died very very fast)
- no real damage to speak of
- no crushing blow
- negative cold resists (nice combo with the icewedges)
- no slow, so he moves around, clones himself (i think about 30 times) and tentacles everywhere
So you see it's not as easy as it looks. Here's a shot when i'm already fighting him a long time. I think i spend about 2.5 hours before i finally got him. In that time i went back to town numerous times for more potions and scrolls. And i was very happy i stocked up on full juvies, because they were lifesavers in numerous occassions. His drop was pretty decent actually. And so i made it to guardian at lvl 79.

All in all i can hardly believe i finally made it. I think i had something like 20 or maybe even 30 NDE's throughout the game. Somehow i still managed to stay alive. Sometimes luck. Sometimes skill. And often a combo of both.

And to finish things. Here's the stats and equip:

lvl 79

str 125 (131)
dex 70 (70)
vit 275 (276)
ene base

damage: 268-388 (That's without might, i'm not even gonna list with might since in endgame the merc was more dead than alive. And note: a large part of it is poison damage from the sword, so physical damage is way lower)
AR: 2222 (39% chance to hit Baal)
life: 1138
mana: 151

Resists fire/cold/lightning/poison: 38/-19/46/10

Skills:
Max inner sight, decoy, valkyrie and penetrate
3 critical strike
2 D/A/E
1 slow missiles

Gear (including charms):

Code:
Blacktongue
Gothic Sword
'Shael'
One-Hand Damage: 22 to 63
Two-Hand Damage: 62 to 95
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Dexterity: 20
Required Strength: 113
Required Level: 31
Sword Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x58f8d125
+59% Enhanced Damage
+50 to Attack Rating
Poison Resist +50%
+112 poison damage over 6 seconds
Required Level +5
20% Increased Attack Speed
Prevent Monster Heal
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Plague Horn
Circlet
Defense: 57
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x1f1ba4e
+29 to Life
+85% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +22%
+1 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)

Doom Mark
Amulet
Required Level: 52
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 44
Fingerprint: 0xebfd96e9
+19 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 4%
Damage Reduced by 4
All Resistances +8
7% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)

Death Jack
Breast Plate
Defense: 82
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Strength: 30
Required Level: 55
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 78
Fingerprint: 0xa3450964
+57 to Life
+20% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 7
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
Lightning Resist +22%
Attacker Takes Damage of 8
Half Freeze Duration

Dire Claw
Gauntlets
Defense: 20
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 60
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x367b6a1d
+27% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Attack Rating
Fire Resist +22%
+5 to Light Radius
10% Increased Attack Speed
5% Bonus to Attack Rating

Bone Lock
Belt
Defense: 5
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Strength: 25
Required Level: 19
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xa7f25ebd
+6 to Strength
+8 to Maximum Stamina
Fire Resist +20%
Attacker Takes Damage of 5
17% Faster Hit Recovery

Stone Touch
Ring
Required Level: 70
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 72
Fingerprint: 0xbf6bc38b
+1 to Vitality
+14 to Attack Rating
+2 to Minimum Damage
Damage Reduced by 1
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
All Resistances +8
+1 to Mana After Each Kill

Ghoul Grasp
Ring
Required Level: 16
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 36
Fingerprint: 0x60cb9472
+112 to Attack Rating
+1 to Maximum Damage
4% Life stolen per hit
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 2 Charged Bolt (25/25 Charges)

Bone Nails
War Boots
Defense: 65
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 125
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xc510c287
+21% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 2
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
Fire Resist +7%
Lightning Resist +26%
Cold Resist +29%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
30% Faster Run/Walk

Sharp Grand Charm of the Glacier
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0xc0a160de
+52 to Attack Rating
+8 to Maximum Damage
Adds 3-5 cold damage over 1 seconds

Amber Small Charm of Fire
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x52044979
Lightning Resist +11%
Adds 2-4 fire damage

Amber Small Charm of Frost
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0x6842c29f
Lightning Resist +10%
Adds 1-2 cold damage over 1 seconds

Garnet Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 20
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0x10474382
Fire Resist +9%

Russet Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 8
Fingerprint: 0xaa60a1f3
Fire Resist +7%

Ocher Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 16
Fingerprint: 0x517fbac0
Lightning Resist +7%

Viridian Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x8fbc81a1
Poison Resist +7%

Viridian Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 30
Fingerprint: 0xf351c35e
Poison Resist +7%

Ocher Small Charm of Greed
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 52
Fingerprint: 0x497aeebf
Lightning Resist +6%
9% Extra Gold from Monsters

Lapis Small Charm of Shock
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x55d2194d
Cold Resist +6%
Adds 1-4 lightning damage

Amber Large Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xb338be13
Lightning Resist +13%

Crimson Small Charm of Shock
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 9
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 6
Fingerprint: 0xc5515099
Fire Resist +5%
Adds 1-5 lightning damage

Tangerine Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0x470bc431
Lightning Resist +5%

Small Charm of Frost
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x7d2efc6
Adds 1-2 cold damage over 1 seconds

Steel Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x9a0687eb
+18 to Life
+35 to Attack Rating

Sharp Large Charm of Quality
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 48
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x4fe5df20
+42 to Attack Rating
+6 to Maximum Damage

Small Charm of Venom
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x6e3a579a
+15 poison damage over 4 seconds

Merc gear:

Code:
Doom Mask
Circlet
Defense: 24
Durability: 66 of 105
Required Level: 19
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0x27173898
+6 to Strength
Adds 1-109 lightning damage
62% Extra Gold from Monsters

Viper Cloak
Templar Coat
Defense: 341
Durability: 47 of 60
Required Strength: 118
Required Level: 46
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0xe094961f
+12 to Life
+24% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 3
Cold Resist +14%
2% Life stolen per hit
+2 Life after each Demon Kill
5% Chance to cast Level 3 Frost Nova when struck

Hailstone Nails  >> found in hell WSK lvl 2 until then he used grim prod (see below)
Mancatcher
Two-Hand Damage: 117 to 252
Durability: 25 of 28
Required Dexterity: 134
Required Strength: 132
Required Level: 55
Spear Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xc9eee3b9
+174% Enhanced Damage
+343 to Attack Rating
+2 to Minimum Damage
6% Mana stolen per hit

Grim Prod
Lochaber Axe
Two-Hand Damage: 12 to 125
Durability: 44 of 50
Required Strength: 80
Required Level: 36
Polearm Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x8c3fc5ba
+116% Enhanced Damage
+11 to Attack Rating
Adds 8-24 cold damage over 1 seconds
7% Life stolen per hit
Level 3 Zeal (14/27 Charges)
 
Originally posted by @Drystan on Jul 10, 2009:

Guardian One (Lowest leveled Guardian) & Guardian Ashtoroth (Blocking Fishymancer)

1.12 FAM Guardians

Guardian One

Stats*

Character name : One
Character type : Hardcore Amazon
Character level : 1
Character exp : 0

Strength : 20
Energy : 15
Dexterity : 25
Vitality : 20

Life : 50 / 50
Mana : 15 / 15
Stamina : 84 / 84

Picture

The Hellforge Drops for this set (total 5,) were actually pretty good. I remember getting an Ist, Gul, Lem, and Pul.



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



Guardian Ashtoroth

Stats


Character name : Ashtoroth
Character type : Hardcore Necromancer
Character level : 81
Character exp : 764965169

Strength : 72
Energy : 25
Dexterity : 144
Vitality : 254
Stat Points Rem : 0
Skill Points Rem: 0

Life : 810 / 703
Mana : 685 / 185
Stamina : 458 / 398

Max Vit or Max Block? I've only ever made Paladin's with Holy Shield aim for blocking, so this was a change for me. I didn't like blocking either, but was impressed by a few of the things it could block.
On the other hand, it created a danger as well for my style of play. It put me in danger on a number of occasions that wouldn't've occurred on a Max Vit character.
These dangers included blocking a weak attack, and ending up surrounded by multiple attackers, elemental skills that do significantly more damage IMO due to the lower life, and block lock.

The benefits of Max Block on this Summonmancer were not worth the decrease in health. To me, the blocking was comparable to the Oculus' CTC Teleport. Sometimes, it'll trigger and get you trapped in a middle of a mob and/or blocklocked, and other times it'll get you away from taking damage. It's a chance that I personally would prefer not to rely on in HC.
In addition, blocking while running doesn't really work too well from my experience.

Items

Peasant Crown
Golemlord's +3 Summon Skills Amulet
Arm of King Leoric
Homunculus
Ravenfrost
Stone of Jordan
Waterwalk

Uncertain Belt
Uncertain Gloves

Bone
Dusk Shroud
'SolUmUm'
Defense: 440
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Strength: 77
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xb63bac51
+124 to Mana
Damage Reduced by 7
All Resistances +30
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels

15% Chance to cast Level 10 Bone Spear on striking
15% Chance to cast Level 10 Bone Armor when struck
Socketed (3: 3 used)

Skills

1 Amp Damage
20 Dim Vision

1 Clay Golem
1 Blood Golem
1 Iron Golem
1 Golem Mastery
1 Summon Resist
1 Summon Skeletal Mage
1 Revive
20 Raise Skeleton
20 Skeleton Mastery

2 Bone Armour
20 Corpse Explosion

Standard Summonmancer skill layout.

Dim Vision is a massive survival skill for HC. Most of the dangers are blinded from a screen away and don't even come close to doing damage.

Bone (SolUmUm) armour is a great treat - Resists, +skills, and level 10 bone armour when you get the occasional hit.

In the end, I got around 13 Skeletons, 7 Mages, and ~13 Revives. There weren't any areas or monsters that were unkillable, as Corpse Explosion always took over as soon as a corpse appeared.

Crow Nest Boss Picture One
Crow Nest Boss Picture Two


Thanks for reading, and for the still friendly atmosphere of the SPF. I've kept this relatively short due to my final 'new' retirement from D2. I'm hoping it'll last a little longer this time.

~Dryst


*Yes, I know level one's can't enter the Worldstone Keep
 
Originally posted by @Drystan on Jul 16, 2011:

Guardian Parthenia - Passivezon

Guardian Parthenia_Neos
Level 80 Passivezon​

Hey all again. How are y'all doing! Here's a new Guardian to prove that I'm still in the world of Sanctuary. Not the most active or enjoyable build, but one that I wanted to try anyway. Very much twinked, as I would not have the patience to do this build untwinked. Enjoy. :)

Stats

Naked/Gear
Strength: 116/186
Dexterity: 126/182
Vitality: 233/253
Energy: What?

HP: 907/1089
Mana: 133/153

Hell Resists


Fire: 49
Cold: 99
Lightning: 53
Poison: 17

Chance to Block: 75
Chance to Dodge: 61
Chance to Avoid: 71
Chance to Evade 61

Skills

Inner Sight: 1/17
Critical Strike: 4/20
Dodge: 20/36
Slow Missiles: 1/17
Avoid: 20/36
Penetrate: 1/17
Decoy: 4/20
Evade: 20/36
Valkyrie: 20/36
Pierce: 0/0

Items

Rich (BB code):
Entropy Beads
Amulet
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xf562a45e
Item Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+5 to Life
Cold Resist +22%
Fire Resist +32%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Valkyrie Wing
Winged Helm
Defense: 277
Durability: 39 of 40
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0xd9155cfe
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Amazon Skill Levels
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+180% Enhanced Defense
+4 to Mana after each Kill
1 Sockets (0 used)

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 25 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x457d515f
Item Level: 28
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +34
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
Level 4 Oak Sage (23/25 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)

Stormshield
Monarch
Defense: 444
Chance to Block: 47
Durability: 85 of 86
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x9c95da94
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+35% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+300 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+30 to Strength
Cold Resist +60%
All Resistances +19
Lightning Resist +25%
Damage Reduced by 35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 10
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 22 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xe1edb83a
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +30
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x3d2324da
Item Level: 49
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: 0x69a0cdeb
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
4% Life stolen per hit
+40 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 147
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xb681709c
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 7 Fist of the Heavens when struck
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
+3 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only)
+3 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only)
+179% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb

Immortal King's Forge
War Gauntlets
Defense: 112
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xfda47beb
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+65 Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity

Cow King's Hooves
Heavy Boots
Defense: 39
Durability: 13 of 14
Required Level: 13
Required Strength: 18
Fingerprint: 0x5f37f10e
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 25 - 35 Fire Damage
+34 Defense
+20 to Dexterity
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

War Staff of Teleportation
War Staff
Two Hand Damage: 12 - 28
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 24
Fingerprint: 0x40c82bc7
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Teleport (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Meteor (Sorceress Only)
Level 5 Teleport (47/48 Charges)

Valkyrie Prebuff

Rich (BB code):
Spirit
Crystal Sword
TalThulOrtAmn
One Hand Damage: 5 - 15
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xac756a23
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+31% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+105 to Mana
+5 Magic Absorb
4 Sockets (4 used)

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 205
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 39 of 44
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 146
Fingerprint: 0x71943f4a
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+93 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+6 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)

Acrobatic Charms

Code:
Acrobatic Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x95fd06cc
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
32% Extra Gold from Monsters

Acrobatic Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x7b4714f7
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)

Acrobatic Grand Charm of Craftmanship
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2abd5bed
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
+1 to Maximum Damage

Acrobatic Grand Charm of Storms
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x640bb405
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
Adds 1 - 31 Lightning Damage

Acrobatic Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf129edf8
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
+30 to Life

Acrobatic Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe5a72b18
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
+14 to Life

Acrobatic Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x68e7b37d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
+14 to Life

Acrobatic Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x5e40e5d0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
+5 to Dexterity

Plus assorted small charms.

Mercenary - Might

Name: Waheed
Race: Desert Mercenary

Rich (BB code):
Treachery
Wyrmhide
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 958
Durability: 13 of 13
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 74
Fingerprint: 0x1dbf57da
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 127
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x94675293
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Mana stolen per hit
10% Life stolen per hit
+45 Defense
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
All Resistances +15
1 Sockets (0 used)

Obedience
Cryptic Axe
HelKoThulEthFal
Two Hand Damage: 230 - 1057
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 124
Required Dexterity: 75
Fingerprint: 0x6fd271f2
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
30% Chance to cast level 21 Enchant when you Kill an Enemy
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
370% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
-25% to Enemy Fire Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
+290 Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
All Resistances +25
Requirements -20%
Ethereal
5 Sockets (5 used)

Story

Firstly, Parthenia was very heavily twinked. I have wanted to try out a Passivezon, but wanted as strong a Valkyrie as possible, and enough skills to lead to lots of dodging and avoiding. She was also played under Single Pass rules, so no levelling at Baal before the next difficulty, and no S&E to avoid death. Unfortunately, the path through the Prime Evils' minions was relatively unexciting. No real dangers for a character leads to a dull story. But here is Parthenia Neos' story.

Normal went by with twinked Gull+Envy Jewel setup. Parthenia did not use her respecs to change her build, but she did use them to alter stats when new gear became available, if she hadn't already planned for it. Other than that, normal was pretty easy, and done mostly on /players8. At level 42, Acrobatic skillers were twinked on, and the Valkyrie got a big buff.

Nightmare was pretty easy as well. Stand back, and wait for the merc/Valk to kill everything. Cast slow missile, cast inner sight and watch. Even the odd Physical Immunes were taken down with elemental damage.
The fight with Sin Tongue was an annoying fight. Waheed had gotten stuck just around a corner, and that left Parthenia's Valkyrie to do the damage. It was okay, except when Mr. Tongue raised the skeleton behind him, the Valk would target the skeleton, allowing Mr. Tongue to regenerate half his hitpoints. After a good few minutes of regenerating health, Parthenia TP'd to town, and got her mercenary to attack as well.

Hell had a plethora of Physical Immunes, but Parthenia, Waheed and their trusty Valkyrie fought their way through through the mobs of demons.
Mephisto wasn't too tough, as he kept targetting the Valkyrie, while Diablo would only target Waheed, and then went for the Valkyrie. Parthenia hid around a corner and waited. Mephisto was generous though, donating a new Arachnid's Mesh.

The Frozen River would have taken an eternity, as it spawned two types of witches: the Cold Immune, and the Physical Immune. As Parthenia recognised the layout of the cave, and knew there was a small gap that would make it much quicker if she teleported over it. she shopped a Staff of Teleportation.
After that, Parthenia let the Valkyrie fight her way to the Worldstone Keep, where the Valkyrie found, and killed the demon, Baal and his Minions.

All in all, a very safe character, having max block, high life, and >60% to dodge all attacks. In addition, a massive level 36 tank of a Valkyrie, and a Might merc using Obedience. The Valkyrie did die a couple of times, but it took an aweful lot to take her down. Not the most fun or active character, but I did want to try a Passivezon.

Again, thanks for reading, and hope you're all enjoying D2! Questions, and comments on how lame or boring this character is are very much welcome. ;)

Cheers
~Dryst :)
 
Originally posted by naranjadita on Dec 27, 2015:

Guardian thread: (yet another) M'avina amazon.

So, it's an itsy-bitsy past 3 AM (edit - it's actually around 5:30 now, it took me 2 and a half hours to put all screenies and stuff together) - the best time to write a long delayed Guardian thread. It's been a long time since I posted one actually, heh. And I think that it'll take really long till I make a new one - maybe, forever, maybe less than that. I've been playing the game for more than a dozen years so... yeah. Gotta take a break I guess. Sadly, the time flows. And now I can't play several hours straight with no worries in my head greater than upcoming History test and stuff alike.

Damn, I feel worried and lost whenever such thoughts arise in my head. Sometimes it feels like I finished school a year ago. Maybe a year and a half. It gets even more intense when you walk around places that are no more. Hey, hey! There was an apple orchard here - like, a week ago - where did it go? There was also a tree with branches situated perfectly to climb 20 feet upwards within just a few seconds. ...yeah, there's a school stadium in place of orchard. And the tree was cut - five years ago, actually. Shut up. You're closer to your 30th birthday than you are to that tree.

Some day I'll die and have to be burnt or buried. Sometimes I don't give a buck, sometimes the inevitability and such almost make me cry - of anger, of fear, of self-pity.

Time, what a soulless meat grinder.

===

Here we are - yet another M'avina amazon. First of all - my gratitude to Drystan for giving me one of his M'avina's Circlets. I was missing that piece of gear and I wasn't ready to spend a couple hundred hours hunting for the particular item - we all know what a trolling itch can the game be.
Drop wise the game was pretty uneventful - had a Vex rune, though. I'd be more excited to see an ever elusive Tyrael's Might or SoJ.
The Hellforge drops weren't brilliant - got something I don't even remember from NM HF, and got an Um from H HF.

Now, check the spoiler'd section to get to the fun part~

Click Me Now!

Early game was played with 1pt strafe (and all corresponding prerequisites). With high dex and good weapons like Buriza it was - well, not really a piece of cake, but still pretty smooth and easy.
To make things clear - yeah, I did invest a hard point in strafe, 'cause I don't really like the idea of recpec'ing a character before the game is beaten.

Immediately after reaching lvl 63 ('Beast' War Scepter) I switched to melee play style. Despite base vitality, the life pool was more or less acceptable due to good life bonus from equipment and charms and life bonus from Were-skills. Valk was really tanky, too!
Still, with all stuff listed above, I had to un-shift to human form and use strafe and guided arrows when the game went hard and heavy on me. Fortunately, being ranged didn't feel superior to being melee in most cases just a bit safer.

The damage was sufficient. Not great, due to the stats provided by M'avina set - with high dex Buriza would be better, but I wanted a shiny aura! - but sufficient. Lack of Crushing Blow wasn't really noticeable - until I had to fight Hell Baal. Ugh, it took three or four forevers!

It was fun.
Well, as fun as a melee amazon can be, lol.

Get some screenies.
Vex rune
Hell Hellforge
Slapping Andariel's butt
Going coward mode against Lister
Corner-tricking Mephisto
Weird Andy drop - 2 essences!

Thanks for reading.
Happy New Year, people.
 
Originally posted by Road Ratt on Feb 26, 2008:

Guardian Athena, Untwinked Zon

My first ever Guardian. 😃

Version: 1.11 (RWM & Atma for stash)

Name: Athena Acriella
Type: Hardcore Zon (passive)
Level: 82
Exp: 855,673,673

Stats:
Str: 88 (99)
Dex: 177 (214) (max block)
Vita: 220
Nrg: 15
Stat points remaining: 0

Life: 1031
Mana: 168

Skills:
Valk: 20
Decoy: 20
Penetrate: 20
Dodge: 6
Avoid: 2
Evade:6
Inner Sight: 11
Crirical Strike: 6
Pierce: 1
Slow Missiles: 1

Total plusses to skills: 7

Gear:
Helm: Nat's 11 str, 22 dex, 11 resist
Armor: Vipermagi 33 resist
Belt: Razortail
Boots: Nat's cold res 20, light res 20
Gloves: +3 Passive skill, 3 ll
Shield: Moser's Blessed Circle (2 p diamonds)
Weapon: Suicide Branch
Ammy: +2 Passive skill, 2 DR
Ring 1: +96 AR, replenish life +3, light res 20, Fire res 18
Ring 2: 5 ll, +17 mana, fire res 22, poison res 25

Merc Gear:
Helm: Tal's, Guillaume's Face (for ancients and bosses)
Armor: Iron Pelt 19 dr, 11 mdr
Weapon: 4os Eth CA Insight

Forges:
Nm: Dol
Hell: Mal

Major finds: 4os Eth Ca while running hell pits for merc polearm and os armor, Pul in pit level 2 while killing monsters, Mal at hell forge.

Since it was my first attempt at a guardian in 2 years I only made up one rule: Complete all quests in every difficulty.

I started out using daggers and throwing knives but by the time i hit nm I was mainly relegated to summoning, I had hoped to find some good throw knives in nm or hell but that never happened. I never had to S&E and had only one NDE, it was in the pits a pack of archers caught me off guard when I forgot to cast my decoy ahead. Normal and nightmare weren't too difficult and I had few problems. I mf'ed nm mephy a while since I've played a similar build to this online and knew I probably wouldn't mf hell due to the time it takes to kill hell bosses.

Things went slow in hell arcane sanctaury due to the phys. immunes, then hell chaos sanctuary went slow due to my merc dying from IM. Hell ancients killed my merc so fast I only got to feed him one full rejuv then my valk took 15 minutes to kill them all. WSK 2 was full of Gloams and Skele mages, took forever to wade through that mess. WSK 3 of course had OB knights, I got lucky and took the correct route to throne room so didn't have to deal with them very long. Not much problems in the throne room the second wave took a bit of time to kill due to the poison and lister spawned with the might aura but i got lucky and lister managed to slip to the outside of the pack so I cast my decoy near him while my merc faught and killed him. Baal was tough to kill, it took a half hour of resurrecting my merc and all the full rejuvs I had saved but he finally went down and I did this ---> :jig:

All in all an interesting build that I'm liking more and more every time I play it.

Thanks for reading, Road Ratt
 
Originally posted by tigercan on Jul 7, 2008:

Introducing Guardian Lorena_Bobbitt

Started this character a while back while I was working on my HC untwinked septumvirate and before I knew it she was in hell.

Took a D2 hiatus to play some CoD4, and with the D3 announcement figured I'd fire up the old D2 to get in the mood for some more monster smashing.

Last night Lorena_Bobbitt became my latest Guardian.

As you may have guessed by the name, she was a daggerzon.
Not the most exciting character I've played by any means, but she was probably one of the safest, if not the safest, which is a good thing considering you only get once chance.

No NDE's along the way as most of the gameplay involved setting decoys then advancing once enemies were engaged with decoy & valk and stabbing them with the Malice knife to start them bleeding. Thorns from the Edge bow on the merc worked fairly well, and most packs were down to around half life before I even engaged them.

Ancients took out the merc pretty quick so I couldn't rely on thorns to do the work for me. Decoy kept Talic busy and lots of stab & runs plus the valk getting the odd shot in eventually dropped the other two. After that Talic was easy.

PI's were tackled with Malice & the nice fire damage throwing knife I picked up along the way.

Hellforge netted a Ko in hell :(

Anyway, enough preamble...onto the stats & stuff:

Clvl: 80

Str: 142 (92)
Dex: 199 (173)
Vit: 230 (210)
Nrg: 25 (15)

Life: 1083 (838)

Resists: 27/22/65/12 in hell

Damage: 345-760

Skills:

Decoy: 21
Valk: 21
Penetrate 21
Critical Strike 8 51% chance
Dodge 9 (46% chance)
Avoid 7 (50% chance)
Evade 9 (46% chance)
Rest in pre-reqs.

Items:

Guillaume's Face
Angelic Ammy
Lionheart Great Hauberk
Sigons Gloves
Sigons Belt
Goblin Toe Boots
Angelic Ring
Rainbow Ring (resist all 10%)

Weapon set 1:
Spineripper Bone Knife
Rhyme Heater

Weapon set 2:
Malice Cinquedeas
Rhyme Grim Shield

Weapon 3:
Dire Spike
Flying Knife
Throw Damage: 29 to 70
One-Hand Damage: 29 to 70
Quantity: 200
Required Dexterity: 141
Required Strength: 48
Required Level: 67
Dagger Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x5d46ead
+27% Enhanced Damage
+2 to Maximum Damage
Adds 143-237 fire damage
Adds 1-7 lightning damage
10% Increased Attack Speed


Mercenary:

Shikha
Level 80 Rogue

Resists: 55/75/55/55 (75 all with fade)
Damage: 191-239

Merc gear:

"Edge" Edge Bow
Treachery Dusk Shroud
Chromatic Circlet of the Whale (21 resist all, +96 life)
 
Originally posted by Wolron on May 17, 2006:

First Guardian -(Untwinked, Single Skill Tree, no weapon until Hell Baal)

It took me a long time to make my first Guardian, but that time has finally come. I did it playing in the weaponless tournament. My character (Wolazon) is an Amazon that uses only the passive and magic skill tree. That decision was easy because both the other skill trees only make sense for a character with a weapon. Her final skill distribution (counting 6 added points to all skills due to equipment) is:

Decoy, Valkarie, Penetrate, Critical Strike --- all at 26
Dodge 9
Avoid 10
Evade 8
Inner Sight 12 (never used after the first couple acts of normal)
Slow Missiles 7 (never used)

All but the last two are synergies for the Valkarie. This gave Wolazon a very powerful and long lived Valkarie that did most of the killing. Since the mercenary must also go weaponless, and Act 3 cold merc was used. He was effective in freezing the opposition and in killing those that were susceptible to cold spells.

The tournament required full clears of all areas, so that meant that Wolazon went into all the areas that people usually avoid due to lack of interest. You know, places like the infernal pit in Act 5, and all those other pits and caves and holes. She played at "players 1" through most of normal difficulty. That was because she was playing without the valkarie and killing was really difficult with nothing but fists and a few helpful charms. Then the Valk was available in Act 4 and 5. Once she gained a little strength, "players 3 or 4" was used through Nightmare. Only "players 1" was used in Hell. The final level of Wolazon was 85.

Wolazon played weaponless through all three levels of difficulty until spending two very frustrating hours trying to make a dent in Hell Baal. Actually a dent was made, but it was about 11:00pm and I just could not see spending another 6 hours to finish him off. The problem was that the Valkarie kept going after the Baal clone. I would try to recast her next to the true Baal, but one of Baal's spells eats mana and I could never keep enough mana potions as well as health potions available. The merc was useless of course, and died quickly whenever I tried him out. Wolazon was even worse because she could do no damage to speak of and I could not afford to let her die. Those tenticled things are murder in Hell and they trapped her several times and she lost nearly all of her 1022 life points.

Finally I decided to allow Wolazon to use the weapon that she found in Hell Act 3. I had been carrying it around at the suggestion of my mentor (Skunkbelly) who was sure that I would have to use some weapon to get past the Hell Ancients. He was wrong about the ancients, but Baal redeemed him and his advice came in handy. Skunkbelly's thought was to use a few skill points in guided arrow and get a good bow. Wolazon could have done that because she had saved up her last 8 skill points. However, I could never find a bow that was nearly as good as that weapon, so I simple put the last 8 points in Critical Strike. The weapon is the Gimmershred unique flying axe. It has 240 axes and the following attributes:

Throw damage: 45-201
One Hand Damage: 51-198
218-483 fire damage
29-501 lightning damage
176-397 cold damage over 4 seconds

Wolazon also had +24-34 poison damage over 2 seconds in the Dark Adherent Dusk Shroud she was wearing, so that gave her all elemental damage as well as physical.

Even with this potent weapon, it took me another 45 minutes to finish off Baal. His drop included two uniques: Ripsaw Flamberge and Gravinspine Bone wond; one set item: Arctic mitts; a few lack luster rares.

Now Wolazon is basking in the adulation of the entire town of Harrogath. However, she is really peeved at me for not being willing to stay up all night and let her accomplish her weaponless feat. I humor her, but I haven't the heart to tell her that she would have only died trying at the hands (tenticles) of one of Baal's monstrous beasts.

Hail "Guardian Wolazon"!
 
Originally posted by Arkardo on Apr 16, 2011:

Guardians #6 and 7: Karai, Kicksin, and Fail, Hammerdin

Hey folks,

Allow me to present to you my 6th and 7th Guardians, Karai and Fail!

Karai

Name: Karai
Class: Assassin
Experience: 677934553
Level: 79

Naked/Gear
Strength: 119/156
Dexterity: 50/105
Vitality: 296/296
Energy: 25/25
HP: 1094/1291
Mana: 142/182
Stamina: 537/574
Defense: 12/1872
AR: 100000214/2100014700 <-- still amazed by this bug :scratchchin:

Fire: 185/145/85
Cold: 190/150/90
Lightning: 183/143/83
Poison: 141/101/41

MF: 0 Block: 14
GF: 13
FR/W: 33
FHR: 130
IAS: 15
FCR: 20

Fire Blast: 3/5 <-- to give one more shot to Death Sentry
Shock Web: 1/3
Blade Sentinel: 1/3
Charged Bolt Sentry: 1/3
Wake of Fire: 1/3
Blade Fury: 1/3
Lightning Sentry: 1/3
Wake of Inferno: 0/0
Death Sentry: 18/20
Blade Shield: 0/0

Claw Mastery: 1/6
Psychic Hammer: 1/6
Burst of Speed: 1/6
Weapon Block: 1/6
Cloak of Shadows: 1/6
Fade: 1/6
Shadow Warrior: 1/6
Mind Blast: 1/6
Venom: 20/25
Shadow Master: 12/17

Tiger Strike: 0/0
Dragon Talon: 20/25
Fists of Fire: 0/0
Dragon Claw: 1/6
Cobra Strike: 0/0
Claws of Thunder: 0/0
Dragon Tail: 1/6
Blades of Ice: 0/0
Dragon Flight: 1/6
Phoenix Strike: 0/0


Equipment:
Code:
Bartuc's Cut-Throat
Greater Talons
One Hand Damage: ** - 155
Durability: 69 of 69
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 79
Required Dexterity: 79
Fingerprint: 0x118560de
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
200% Enhanced Damage
Adds 25 - 50 Damage
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
8% Life stolen per hit
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity

Jade Talon
Wrist Sword
One Hand Damage: 102 - 135
Durability: 56 of 56
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 105
Required Dexterity: 105
Fingerprint: 0xf8e3043c
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
201% Enhanced Damage
13% Mana stolen per hit
All Resistances +46

Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x9aa18275
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
+120% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Fervor

Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x2872688
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed

Blood Eye
Amulet
Required Level: 35
Fingerprint: 0x49220374
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+15 to Dexterity
+29 to Life
All Resistances +15
Lightning Resist +20%
Damage Reduced by 2

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 107
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x1a73eccc
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Life stolen per hit
+164% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 13%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
+10 Maximum Durability

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 74
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x2197b15b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%

Duress
Dusk Shroud
ShaelUmThul
Defense: 1254
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0xfe505abe
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
12% Enhanced Damage
Adds 37 - 133 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+189% Enhanced Defense
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +15
3 Sockets (3 used)

Gore Rider
Myrmidon Greaves
Defense: 194
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Level: 72
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x471b8829
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+190% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Required Level +7
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Bone Loop
Ring
Required Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0xa959b634
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Maximum Damage
5% Mana stolen per hit
3% Life stolen per hit
+7 Maximum Stamina
All Resistances +10
+2 to Light Radius

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x4fac8496
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+211 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Harmony (switch for FRW)
Razor Bow
TirIthSolKo
Two Hand Damage: 39 - 91
Durability: 28 of 32
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 62
Fingerprint: 0xeb52ceaa
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped
275% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Fire Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Lightning Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Cold Damage Over 6 Secs (146 Frames)
+4 to Valkyrie
+10 to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana 20%
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+2 to Light Radius
Level 20 Revive (25/25 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)


Inventory:
Code:
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xaddc1d99
Item Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Ocher Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 7
Fingerprint: 0xd0ef7029
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Lightning Resist +20%

Mentalist's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2052ef13
Item Level: 67
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)

Amber Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x6df9c106
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+29 to Life
Lightning Resist +13%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd5a8ad0b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Russet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xab27d47b
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +6%

Shimmering Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x2c7fb5f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Strength
All Resistances +3

Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0x9051a055
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life

Rugged Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xcf77952d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
+10 Maximum Stamina

Emerald Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x5a32236e
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Poison Resist +11%

Shimmering Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0x1fe82aa7
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +7

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xa4dd58e7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe8b3f239
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x7f46cd5
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3566a0b3
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe86fdf99
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xbfc59d23
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x4fd85adb
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%

Ruby Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0xd3eecadb
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +27%
13% Extra Gold from Monsters

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x96e62c74
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Code:
Mercenary:

Name:       Durga
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 59916394
Level:      79
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   176/181
Dexterity:  141/146
HP:         1527/1527
Defense:    1132/1752
AR:         1841/366359

Fire:       143/103/43
Cold:       173/133/73
Lightning:  143/103/43
Poison:    143/103/43

Treachery
Dusk Shroud
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 368
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x6693df4a
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
3 Sockets (3 used)


Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 33 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x4d0e2007
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
6% Mana stolen per hit
6% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Damage Reduced by 17%
Magic Damage Reduced by 10


Insight
Cryptic Axe
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 180 - 789
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 93
Fingerprint: 0x63f966f
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 15 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
251% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
198% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+5 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)

My general thoughts about this character is that she's more difficult than I had expected. With over 75% resists for fire, cold and lightning, 44% blocking from Claw Block and 13% DR I had expected more safety. I had to rely on Cloak of Shadows to save my rear end on too many occasions to remember. I guess I should've gone with a shield. Oh well.
Death Sentry is such a great skill; I cannot imaging completing Hell without. Most of the monster encounters looked like this: kill 1-2 monsters, lay a DS, kill some more while DS layeth the smacket down.
The damage of this build ain't great, especially in case of physical immune monsters. Venom and OW still get the job done, though. Again, DS helps a lot here. In case of poison immunes, Talon does a decent on its own. No problem there. When monsters are both (like the ghosts in the Frozen River), you get hairy situations. You can kill other monsters and let DS do the job once again though. Wait, why not just use a trap build in the first place? :scratchchin:
In all seriousness, this character was fun to play; it's just that the damage output isn't great, and neither is this char safe. Too bad I didn't have a Stormlash or something. Oh well. I still managed to kill Baal, so what's to complain about? 👍

Epic fight with big D
Baal's crappy drops (no pun intended)

Fail


Name: Fail
Class: Paladin
Experience: 1565054589
Level: 89

Naked/Gear
Strength: 58/156
Dexterity: 132/138
Vitality: 335/337
Energy: 15/17
HP: 1221/1584
Mana: 147/458
Stamina: 487/577
Defense: 33/1137
AR: 645/675

Fire: 262/222/162
Cold: 331/291/231
Lightning: 278/238/178
Poison: 194/154/94

MF: 120 Block: 53
GF: 236
FR/W: 40
FHR: 24
IAS: 0
FCR: 100

Sacrifice: 0/0
Smite: 1/6
Holy Bolt: 1/6
Zeal: 0/0
Charge: 1/6
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 20/25
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 12/17
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

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

Prayer: 1/6
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 1/6
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 1/6
Resist Lightning: 0/0
Vigor: 20/25
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 1/6
Salvation: 0/0

Gear:
Code:
Wizardspike
Bone Knife
One Hand Damage: 23 - 49
Durability: 16 of 26
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 38
Required Dexterity: 75
Fingerprint: 0x7d2844a2
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+50% Faster Cast Rate
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
+178 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +75
Fire Resist +27%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel

Ruby Jewel
Jewel
Required Level: 13
Fingerprint: 0xbd7a16a5
Item Level: 62
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +27%

Stormshield
Monarch
Defense: 473
Chance to Block: 47
Durability: 85 of 86
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xcb2e9008
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+35% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+333 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+30 to Strength
Cold Resist +60%
All Resistances +19
Lightning Resist +25%
Damage Reduced by 35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 10
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond

Wraith Scarab
Amulet
Required Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0x48ac066f
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Paladin Skill Levels
+1 to Maximum Damage
+28 to Strength
Fire Resist +7%
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xcc393b86
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +43
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Scintillating Jewel

Scintillating Jewel
Jewel
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0x5053a53f
Item Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +12%
Lightning Resist +12%
Fire Resist +12%
Poison Resist +12%

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 133
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x47290bc
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+16 to Life
+133 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+133 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +13
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Scintillating Jewel of Hope

Scintillating Jewel of Hope
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x345af7ef
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
Cold Resist +13%
Lightning Resist +13%
Fire Resist +13%
Poison Resist +13%

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xaf12c888
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+44 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Bitter Harness
Belt
Defense: 7
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0x5df7601d
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+24% Faster Hit Recovery
+20% Enhanced Defense
+28 to Strength
Lightning Resist +22%
+1 to Light Radius

Natalya's Soul
Mesh Boots
Defense: 137
Durability: 66 of 116
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0xcf49580d
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+93 Defense
Heal Stamina Plus (Based on Character Level) +22%
Cold Resist +25%
Lightning Resist +24%
+50 Maximum Durability

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 74
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x307458f5
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xfc932ed2
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Fire Absorb 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
100% Extra Gold from Monsters

Inventory:
Code:
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x1933c7a6
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Shimmering Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0x1fe82aa7
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +7

Shimmering Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x2c7fb5f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Strength
All Resistances +3

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x8381f2e8
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
136% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 10%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items



Sapphire Large Charm of Strength
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xb7d79602
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Strength
Cold Resist +15%

Amber Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x6df9c106
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+29 to Life
Lightning Resist +13%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3566a0b3
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd5a8ad0b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xbfc59d23
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe86fdf99
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x601700b1
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Russet Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0x80966141
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Life
Fire Resist +6%

Lapis Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 16
Fingerprint: 0x54572f0c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Strength
Cold Resist +7%

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xa4dd58e7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4

Russet Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 16
Fingerprint: 0x8b77ea5b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Strength
Fire Resist +6%

Garnet Large Charm of Dexterity
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xe1953ec7
Item Level: 36
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x7f46cd5
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe8b3f239
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life


Mercenary:
Code:
Name:       Gulzar
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 85555676
Level:      89
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   193/198
Dexterity:  156/161
HP:         1927/1927
Defense:    1416/2036
AR:         1961/390239

Fire:       153/113/53
Cold:       183/143/83
Lightning:  153/113/53
Poison:    153/113/53

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 33 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x4d0e2007
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
6% Mana stolen per hit
6% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Damage Reduced by 17%
Magic Damage Reduced by 10


Treachery
Dusk Shroud
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 368
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x6693df4a
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
3 Sockets (3 used)


Insight
Cryptic Axe
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 180 - 789
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 93
Fingerprint: 0x63f966f
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 15 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
251% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
198% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+5 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)

Yeah, he's a hammerdin. He would've been my second Guardian, but I didn't want to kill the Ancients yet. You see, I figured that, if I ever wanted a level 99 character, this one would be it. I figured I would run the Chaos Sanctuary till 98 and then kill them, for the hard experience bonus. Does this mean I'll never have a level 99 character? Pretty much, or at least not in this patch. Maybe I'll pick him up again once I create an Enigma, but for now I'll let him rest.

Anyway, he's a pretty easy character, as you would expect. I don't remember too much about playing him, but it was smooth sailing from the beginning. Magic immunes are a pain, of course, it was nothing my merc souped up with my Concentration aura couldn't handle. He could even tank the Ancients just like that. w00t...

Moar crappy Baal drops


So yeah, that's all folks. Writing one Guardian thread takes enough time as it is, so I kept these two a lil' shorter than usual. On the bright side, this completes my first sept, so I'll create a nice cute summary tomorrow. 👍
 
Originally posted by Arkardo on Apr 28, 2012:

Guardian #15: Darkoooo, the loooong overdue Natalya Phoenix Striker

Intro

Well, better late then never. A little over a year ago, Darkoooo generously donated me a Natalya's Mark. I then set off to make a Phoenix Striker sporting full Natalya's, but alas, deeds struck. Being discouraged to try again, it took me almost a year to restart this character. Fortunately, this time around I had more succes! 👍

Stats
Name: Darkoooo
Class: Assassin
Experience: 840705962
Level: 82

Naked/Gear
Strength: 114/149
Dexterity: 48/118
Vitality: 318/318
Energy: 25/25
HP: 1523
Mana: 194
Defense: 1628
AR: 3483 (PS) 3483/3325 (FoF/CoT) 3910/3752 (Dragon Claw)

Fire/Cold/Lightning/Poison: 71/76/90/72 (75 max all)

MF: 40
GF: 136
Block: 49 (Claw Block)
FR/W: 40 + 51 from BoS
FHR: 35 (6 frames)
IAS: 70/30 (7 fpa PS, 5fpa FoF, CoT, DC)
FCR: 0
DR/DR%/MDR: 28/41/31
Life/mana leech: 20 (+7 for Bartuc's)/21
Double damage %: 30% CS + 16% DS = 41.2%

Fists of Fire: 20/26
Claws of Thunder: 20/26
Phoenix Strike: 20/26
Dragon Claw: 1/7 <-- finisher
Dragon Flight: 1/7 <-- very useful
Shadow Warrior: 19/24 <-- pretty good tank
Claw Mastery: 1/6
Burst of Speed: 1/6
Weapon Block: 1/6 <-- 49% block
Mind Blast: 1/6
Cloak of Shadows: 1/6 <-- Mind Blast + Cloak of Shadows = IDDQD
Fade: 1/6
Death Sentry: 0/0 <-- no DS; dropped in favor of a more durable Shadow Warrior

Gear
Natalya's Mark [29% cold resist jewel]
Natalya's Shadow [3x Sol]
Natalya's Totem [Sol]
Natalya's Soul
Bartuc's Cut-Throat [Eth Rune]
Ghoul Touch Gauntlets
Gauntlets
Defense: 18
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 60
Fingerprint: 0x7bf76b30
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+10% Increased Attack Speed
3% Mana stolen per hit
+17% Enhanced Defense
+4 to Strength
Poison Resist +10%
String of Ears
Highlord's Wrath
Raven Frost
Doom Circle Ring
Ring
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x1fc1daa6
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 4 - 4 Damage
4% Mana stolen per hit
Lightning Resist +23%
Fire Resist +30%
Poison Resist +30%

Set bonusses: (just putting this here for your viewing pleasure ^^)
(2 items): Magic Damage Reduced by 15
(3 items): +200 Defense
(4 items): Poison Resist +20%
+3 to Assassin Skill Levels
14% Mana stolen per hit
14% Life stolen per hit
+150 Defense
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
Damage Reduced by 30%
Unrecognized property: 181 <-- lol GoMule, that's the fade effect

Switch: nothing. I didn't have enough strength for a Demon's Limb, not even with a triple pamethyst shield. Maybe I should've Hel'd it. Oh well...
Inventory: Gheeds, looots of life and resist charms

Mercenary
Neeraj, level 82 Holy Freeze, sporting:

  • The Reaper's Toll [Shael]
  • Treachery Dusk Shroud
  • Vampire Gaze [IAS jewel]

Finds

  • A Gul, finally breaking my bad luck streak at the HF
  • A Gull from NM Baal

Experience
That was easy enough! PS'ers take a while to get used to, but once you get the hang of them, they're quite good! The first time around I was quite put off by the timing of PS, but I learned that the term "Phoenix Striker" is a bit of a misnomer. CoT and FoF are far better in most situations. You don't risk releasing the wrong charge, damage-wise they're not far off from PS, and they are dual-claw attacks, so they charge pretty fast. I decided to put a point in Claw Block, as outright negating half (almost all types of) damage at the cost of one skill point and the block pause seemed worth it. This also allowed me to take Shadow Warrior. Once I got to 79, I respec'd and ditched Death Sentry in favor of more points in SW. While DS would have been useful to have, I decided I was already using enough keyboard shortcuts, and my SW turned from a crumbly cookie to a decent tank.

Speaking of level 79, it took quite a damn long time to reach it. You see, I want to start Hell with my end-gear, or at least my build-defining equipment. This was probably my least favorite part of this character.

Gear-wise, I decided to go with Bartuc's as my secondary claw, and not with Jade Talon. While the resists of the latter would have been very useful, I preferred the skills, stats, life leech and AR bonus of the former. Both are, in my opinion, equally fine choices though. I went with Highlord's, because I didn't really have anything better. The Cat's Eye would've been great, as would have been Mara's or a nice +2 assassin skill level rare, but alas. I Sol'd all the armor sockets, despite having 41% DR from gear already. One is better than the other, depending on the situation, so I just took both. This, together with the DR%, MDR, almost max'd resists and 49% block, made this character quite durable!

Snapshots
Monsters with lots of HP + FE + Cursed = watch the **** out, as I've learned the hard way
'sploding NM Thresh Socket (who killed Darkoooone) to hell
Finding a Bartuc's slightly stronger than my current ones :)
"They'll never see me coming!" <-- really nice with the fade effect
'Lost' City?
Look at us being cool and see-thru and all (ugh, sorry for keeping the map up)
No kick damage?
Hephasto getting his face murdered
Lord de Seis, sporting Might instead of Fanatism for a change
A convicting Infector, seconds after almost deeding me and me escaping using Dragon Flight
Baal regretting getting up this morning

Conclusion
This Guardian completes my second sept! Sweet chocolate Jesus, who would've thought I would get this far? Certainly not me... Anyway, thanks for reading! Special thanks to Darkoooo for his generousity, of course. Here's to ya, mate! :guiness:
 
Originally posted by @Darkoooo on Apr 16, 2011:

Guardian #13, Jaedhann the Fana Zealot

I never thought I'd have such high end equipment in HC but 1.13c made it possible.:cloud9: I played him on /p8 through the whole game because he didn't have any problems surviving due to the high dps and life leech, but especially life tap from Exile which was active 90% of time.

Normal & Nightmare
Even though 1.13 introduced respecs, I decided to play him without any because zealots cruise through Normal and Nightmare as it is. Standard envy setup til lvl 18, then I switched to Zeal with Bloodrise+Carnage Jewels setup. At lvl 24 Bonesnap came available, and it's upped and Shael'd version at 34 which i kept all the way through Nightmare.

Hell
I knew the biggest problem with this char would be Physical Immunes (who would have thought) so I made a Passion Berserker Axe on switch for the one point Berserk. Even though I'm sure it would have worked great at p1, higher player settings kill the usefulness of 1pt Berserk and make it very slow killing and dangerous. Getting my defense to 0 and leaving me without any leech, for this char meant stripping him of all defensive capabilities. With the spare skill points I even tried 1pt Vengeance+1pt Conviction but that was just as slow, so I decided to use the coward's way out and teleport past everything physical immune :embarassed:. At first I didn't think I'd use teleport from Enigma to that extent but I was forced since I had no other solution to PIs.

I have never played a melee enchantress so this was the first time I met with tele stomping followed by a melee attack. I like it, made things easy when facing a minion pack. Also teleport+charge got me through the game very fast, especially through the act 2 deserts. Life Tap made him almost invincible, especially when I gave him a CtA on switch.


In Chaos Sanctuary I encountered Lord De Seis with a Blessed Aim aura, I don't think I've seen that before and I've done a number of CS runs with my hammerdin (doesn't he have Fanaticism mostly?).

Ancients didn't roll with the best mods, merc bit the dust shortly after spawning so I missed his Static Field, but they went down fast enough.


Baal gave me my 10th AoKL so I thank him for that.

Jaedhann -- LCS

Stats:

Strength: 41
Dexterity: 98
Vitality: 371
Energy: 15

Skills:
Max Zeal, Sacrifice, Fanaticism, Holy Shield

1pt Conversion, Vengeance, Conviction, Cleansing

Equipment:

Helm: Um'ed Guillaume's
Amulet: Highlord's
Weapon: EBotD BA
Shield: Exile ST
Armor: Enigma LP
Gloves: LoH
Belt: Arachnid
Boots: Gore Riders
Ring1: Ravenfrost
Ring2: Plague Touch -- rare FCR ring
Switch: CtA + Fal'd HoZ

Inventory:
Grand Charms (8) - +777 to AR, +29 to Max Damage, +206 to Life, 12 FHR
Small Charms (8) - +20 AR, +2 to Max Damage, + 82 to Life, 10 FHR, 20 Lres, 21 Cres, 31 Fres


Rich (BB code):
 Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x67fcaffe
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
+120% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
All Resistances +15
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Um Rune
 
Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xfa458ad4
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
32% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15
 
  Breath of the Dying
Berserker Axe
VexHelElEldZodEth
One Hand Damage: 163 - 481
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 103
Required Dexterity: 40
Fingerprint: 0xfd1aebad
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Poison Nova when you Kill an Enemy
Indestructible
+60% Increased Attack Speed
354% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
+50 to Attack Rating
+200% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
7% Mana stolen per hit
15% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
All Stats +30
+1 to Light Radius
Requirements -20%
Ethereal
6 Sockets (6 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune
Socketed: Zod Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune

Exile
Sacred Targe
VexOhmIstDol
Defense: 1159
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 23 of 23
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 76
Fingerprint: 0xc35ef378
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 5 Life Tap on striking
Level 16 Defiance Aura When Equipped
+2 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+30% Faster Block Rate
Freezes target +1
+239% Enhanced Defense
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Cold Resist
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist
All Resistances +45
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Repairs 1 Durability in 4 Seconds
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
 

Enigma
Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 878
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0xed91a9e6
Item Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+771 Defense
+64 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
86% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
 
  Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xaec86634
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+250 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen
 
  Plague Touch
Ring
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x45517708
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+111 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +29%
Poison Resist +30%

  Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 19 - 57
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x53adb7ca
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
286% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Battle Cry
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Command
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune
 
  Herald of Zakarum
Gilded Shield
Defense: 483
Chance to Block: 52
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 89
Fingerprint: 0xa539485b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Block Rate
30% Increased Chance of Blocking
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+186% Enhanced Defense
+30 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
All Resistances +50
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Fal Rune


Merc -- Emilio -- Might merc
Helm: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest

Armor: EDuriel's
Weapon: Crescent Moon EThresher (198% ED)

Finds:

NM HF -- Lem
Hell HF -- Mal
Ancient's Way -- Natalya's Mark

Plans:
This old fella goes to retirement, no real MF potential in him and I don't have the stamina to level a melee char. He was fun, and I really just wanted to see what kind of damage can a BotD produce, maybe I'll make a Fury Druid with HoW to compare the two. I wanna thank Jaedhann for letting me borrow his name without even saying I could, you're the best!
 
Originally posted by @Corax on Apr 25, 2005:

Guardianz0r!!!!! BlackLotus

There was something about Blacklotus that made people uncomfortable, maybe it was the fact she was an assassin, a mage slayer or maybe it was because of the old wooden leg she used to slay her enemies. She had not the slightest idea when it came to weaponry and thought that wielding a slightly green, cheese smelling leg was the best way to smite the demon baal from this world. and she was right...........*DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNHHH*


Guardian Blacklotus
lvl 69 Assassin

Equipment: this is what toting alot of mf threw normal and nightmare and going from lvl 35 to 45 on p1 baal runs in normal does for you.

Weapon: dual Sol'ed, pskull wirt's leg
Shield: pdiamond Sigons
Armour: Mechanic's armour of life (+76 life, dmg reduce 1)
Helmet: Lore great helm
Boots:Rare greaves ( 30%fr/w, low FR, half freeze, 23% MF)
belt: Sigons belt
gloves: Sigons gloves
Amulet: Angelic
Rings:angelic ring and a 3% LL rare one with abit of AR
Charms: hah! none

Stats: base(equip)
Str: 90(100)
dex: 155(165)
vit: 170(170)
nrg: Base(35)

Life: 827
Mana: 144
Resists: 39/14/44/14
AR norm attack: 4132
AR Tiger Strike: 4330
damage: 827-828
Defense: 977 with CoS

Skills:base(skills)
20 Tigerstrike(22)
20 Venom(22)
20 Fade(22)
16 CoS(18)
1 Cobra Strike(3)
+prereqs

No merc, i did have one but he was attracting monsters and kept dieing and putting me in jeopardy. so he was turfed.


this was a very hard achievement, with alot more time spent fleeing for my life than actually fighting. typical fight was CoS then charge up and release TS with venom active. In hell all fights possible were skipped and only quest enemies were killed.
Hell, even without fighting took ~14 hours i guess. the ancients themselves took over an hour. with me performing running attacks against madawc until he died, then hitting korlic in the back till he fell. then trying the same thing on talic. was a very close thing even with my inventory FULL of full rejuvs.

Against Baal I lured away all the minions possible, fallen of first wave, cold mages of second and the entire 3rd, 4th n 5th wave. so i only had to kill the FE shaman which was nerve racking( you try hitting something then having .4 of a sec to get away) and achmel's mummies. i hate that guy :mad:
Baal himself was surprisingly easy if somewhat long winded, almost ran out of money buying pots.

The hardest boss would of been duriel as his room lacks the room needed to dodge. and his damn HF. but i got him eventually.

:drink: time for me!
thanks to fbob for running the tourney n making me make such a crazy character.
the tourney participants for making it alot of fun.
anyone who dueled/ Mp'ed with my windy yesterday for a needed sin break.
and of course wirt, for the use of his leg
 
Originally posted by DeathMaster on Jun 7, 2010:

1.12 Guardian Chun-Li

First LCS:

1337 moment, no it was really just happened after I assigned the quest reward points

Final status, after defeating baal

Gear:
Primary weapon:
187%ED (socket with P skull) and 175%ED (socket with plain 10% resist jewel) Bartuc's cut

Switch weapon - used for hell ancients, entering door/stair (add safety to deal with door/stair trap), and last wave and a few cases that I wanted extra safety:
200% ED (socket with P skull) + stormshield (PD)

Magic glove:
Kenshi's Leather Gloves of Fortune
Defense: 2
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xd436f1af
22% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+3 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)

Rare tiara:
Spirit Hood
Tiara
'Um'
Defense: 45
Durability: 25 of 25
Required Level: 67
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 96
Fingerprint: 0x874b96c8
+15 to Strength
+90 to Attack Rating
All Resistances +33
Replenish Life +5
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
Poison Length Reduced by 75%
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Armor - Duress in dusk shroud
Rings - 2x Raven
Amulet - mara's
Belt - Thundergod's
Boots - upped Gore rider

Status naked:
90 Str, 79 Dex, 331 Vit, base Eng

Charms to make up some AR, life, resistant, +str, a little +damage (leave 2x4 space).

Skill (4 unspent):
Trap - 1 DS, 1 BF, all pre-req
Shadow - 1 fade, 1 MB, 9 SM, 20 CM, all pre-req
MA - 20 PS, 20 DTalon, 3 FoF, 3 CoT, all pre-req

Players:
True full clean all the way.
P8 normal and NM (NM ancient @P1)
Hell @P3 upto act5, 7 tombs, act3 under ground areas, and CS in act4 @P1. act5 @p1

NDEs:
This is embarrassing, the first two NDEs all happened in act1 normal, while I was just "cutting through" everything with some bought crapy weapon, I ran into two archer packs, with such low life, I almost lost at this early stage.
The third NDE was with hell ancient, before I could check all their mod (no aura), either the leaper or the axe throw hit me, HP almost dropped to empty. A quick potion and TP fixed it (I didn't dare to try again).


Part 2 - game play and some thought + Merc

Merc is HF (as you can see from the image) using eth reaper's toll (shael) + duriel's shell (no socket) + vampire gaze (10% resist jewel). It would be better if I hired a might merc, but I wanted a change. HF didn't really cut it.

I made a few changes from my original plan.
DT is my primary primary attack, just kick, kick kick. This skill looks cool, but with some considerable disadvantages:

1. single target only, if your target moved away, your kick doesn't target anything else.
2. only the first kick with release charge, so the first one missed, you have to try another full kick again.
3. if you block during the kick, you still see the animation, but like the bugged zon skill, your kick does no damage.

PS is my secondary attack to break PIs, and area of effect attack, plus added crowd control if they are not CIs.

BF was planned to be rarely used, and indeed I only used it when OKs are around and a couple of time I didn't want to get into melee.

Hell ancients were taken down with pure melee, gambled with one cursed + something, one extra fast + something, one stone skin + mana burn (really pain in the behind).


Part3 - planning and what has changed.

If you are old enough, you should have played this awesome fighting game called Street fighter. Chun-Li was one of the fav characters of most people who played this game.

Her primary attack is a fast multi kick, DTolen is almost perfect for this skill in D2. She also has a head down, helicopter like spin kick which is not possible to do in D2. Original Street fighter, Chun-Li doesn't have ranged missile attack, but in later games, she has a missile attack from her fist. As I needed an anti IM attack, and BF is a missile attack from "fist", this will do.

Chun-Li wears no armor, so she won't have any heavy armor in D2. Dusk shroud is the lightest looking armor. She wears no hat/helm, so a circlet class head gear is the best for this build. I was lucky to gambled one (by my necor). I didn't plan to up gore rider, but after everything in place, I was only 5 str less to meet the str requirement for upped gore rider. I only need one large charm, so I upped it.

I also didn't plan a claw/shield switch backup. After all, Chun-Li use no shield. But some where in NM, I realised DT is dangerous, particularly if you are surrounded. I was thinking, I might need some extra protection if things really turned nasty. But I did try to not use the weapon switch unless things are really nasty.

I decided to use fade as aura of choice (for the max resist all and a little PDR).

I didn't think I missed anything, if I did, just ask.

I did miss noticeable finding:
HF dropped a Mal, not very good, but at least it was not a Hel.
Found a MA skiller, too bad I have no space for it.
 
Originally posted by @Drystan on Oct 1, 2007:

Guardians RhanaSwiftBlade (7/7), Caellyn (8/7), & StormStrike (9/7.)

Well, I now have 7 alive Guardians, 1 for each character (+a couple extra.) Here they are.

Introducing number 7/7, Guardian RhanaSwiftblade, the HC Martial Artist

Guardian RhanaSwiftblade

Level : 80

Stats (base (with items))

Strength : 68 (179)
Dexterity : 79 (187)
Vitality : 323 (323)

Life : 1444
Mana : 163

Resists
FR : 37
CR : 48
LR : 44
PR : 8

Skills

Martial Arts
20 (25) To Tiger Strike & Dragon Tail
1 (7) To Cobra Strike

Shadows
20 (26) To Claw Mastery
17 (22) To Shadow Mastery
1 (6) To Burst of Speed, Claw Block, Cloak of Shadows & Mind Blast

Traps
1 (5) To Death Sentry

Damages (with Might)
Tiger Strike Charge-up: 716-1443
Dragon Tail Fully Charged: 10K-16K
Death Sentry Corpse Explosion

Items
Rich (BB code):
Weapon 1:

Bartuc's Cut-Throat
Runic Talons
One-Hand Damage: 94 to 176
Durability: 55 of 69
(Assassin Only)
Required Dexterity: 115
Required Strength: 115
Required Level: 67
Claw Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x90cf3cb9
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
+188% Enhanced Damage
+25 to Minimum Damage
+50 to Maximum Damage
9% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
Required Level +7
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)

Weapon 2:

Bartuc's Cut-Throat
Greater Talons
One-Hand Damage: 79 to 141
Durability: 69 of 69
(Assassin Only)
Required Dexterity: 79
Required Strength: 79
Required Level: 42
Claw Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xfc57cdf7
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
+161% Enhanced Damage
+25 to Minimum Damage
+50 to Maximum Damage
5% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)

Armour:

Duriel's Shell
Cuirass
Defense: 688
Durability: 150 of 150
Required Strength: 65
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xc3f71584
+15 to Strength
+190% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +20%
Lightning Resist +20%
Cold Resist +50%
Poison Resist +20%
+100 Maximum Durability
Cannot Be Frozen
+100 to Defense (Based on Character Level)
+80 to Life (Based on Character Level)

Helm:

Natalya's Totem
Grim Helm
Defense: 239
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 59
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 94
Fingerprint: 0x9e00c85f
+14 to Strength
+27 to Dexterity
+136 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
All Resistances +18

Amulet:

Chromatic Amulet of the Titan
Required Level: 50
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0xedf48f0f
+17 to Strength
All Resistances +26

Gloves:

Immortal King's Forge
War Gauntlets
Defense: 113
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 110
Required Level: 30
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xfdfc9f45
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
+65 Defense
12% Chance to cast Level 4 Charged Bolt when struck

***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
25% Increased Attack Speed
+120 Defense
10% Life stolen per hit
10% Mana stolen per hit
Freezes Target +2
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***

Belt:

Wilhelm's Pride
Battle Belt
Defense: 75
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Strength: 88
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xcdddda67
+75% Enhanced Defense
Cold Resist +10%
5% Life stolen per hit
5% Mana stolen per hit

Boots:

Immortal King's Pillar
War Boots
Defense: 124
Durability: 24 of 24
Kick Damage: 39 to 80
Required Strength: 125
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0xcfe11f8f
+44 to Life
+110 to Attack Rating
+75 Defense
40% Faster Run/Walk

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

Ring 1:

Plague Finger
Ring
Required Level: 13
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x5a70f61a
+18 to Maximum Stamina
+30 to Attack Rating
+3 to Minimum Damage
Fire Resist +29%
Lightning Resist +21%
+3 to Light Radius

Ring 2:

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x54e7d3e1
+15 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+158 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

Prebuff Items (BoS and Shadow Master)

Glyph Visor
Diadem
Defense: 119
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 67
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0xbce1d994
+96% Enhanced Defense
+3 to Minimum Damage
Damage Reduced by 3
All Resistances +10
Attacker Takes Damage of 6
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels

Treachery
Scarab Husk
'ShaelThulLem'
Defense: 460
Durability: 17 of 28
Required Strength: 95
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x560364c
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)

Mercenary (Might) Items:
Code:
Honor
Thresher
'AmnElIthTirSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 40 to 375
Durability: 40 of 65
Required Dexterity: 118
Required Strength: 152
Required Level: 53
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0x3205fb6
+10 to Strength
+160% Enhanced Damage
+250 to Attack Rating
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +10
+1 to Light Radius
+1 to All Skill Levels
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
25% Deadly Strike
Socketed (5: 5 used)

Rockstopper
Sallet
Defense: 299
Durability: 10 of 10
Required Strength: 33
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xc6e04bdc
+15 to Vitality
+219% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 10%
Fire Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +21%
Cold Resist +34%
30% Faster Hit Recovery
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)

Duriel's Shell
Cuirass
Defense: 676
Durability: 150 of 150
Required Strength: 65
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xa1b1b0aa
+15 to Strength
+184% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +20%
Lightning Resist +20%
Cold Resist +50%
Poison Resist +20%
+100 Maximum Durability
Cannot Be Frozen
+100 to Defense (Based on Character Level)
+80 to Life (Based on Character Level)

For Baal:

Kelpie Snare
Fuscina
Two-Hand Damage: 97 to 182
Durability: 17 of 18
Required Dexterity: 15
Required Strength: 67
Required Level: 33
Spear Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x6f18ab57
+10 to Strength
+140% Enhanced Damage
+30 to Minimum Damage
+50 to Maximum Damage
Fire Resist +50%
Slows Target by 75%
+100 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)

Charms
Code:
These are only the nice charms.

Shimmering Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 28
Fingerprint: 0xde1d64ad
All Resistances +9

Flaming Large Charm of Storms
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 59
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0x8221613a
Adds 14-33 fire damage
Adds 1-28 lightning damage

Mentalist's Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 52
Fingerprint: 0xa2025d9c
+1 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)

Shimmering Large Charm of Inertia
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 18
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0x8ffc89fe
All Resistances +5
5% Faster Run/Walk

Fine Grand Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xba709b7c
+26 to Life
+48 to Attack Rating
+4 to Maximum Damage

Random Thoughts

Quite a fun character, mostly. From Normal to Diablo in Nightmare, it was all /players 8, including bosses and Normal Ancients. Just before fighting NM Diablo on /players8, I came across a random crash error, and while progressing wasn't even close to her life threatening, it was long going, and I wasn't prepared to go through that again. So, I dropped it down to /pl1 for NM Diablo and Hell.
It was a bit confusing, as I still don't know how Dragon Tail works. Sometimes, Physical Immunes were unbeatable. They took no damage from the kick, while other times, they died instantly. I think if you attack a Physical immune with the kick, it only deals physical or something. Not sure.
But in most cases, non PI or FI went down very quickly. Charged up and then kicked with explosive force. Was fun, until the final run. The kick was worth it on its own without the chargeups, but the mana cost was too much. Cobra strike was helpful in maintaining/healing to full health/mana.
The Ancients were a nightmare. For the final Ancient (whirlwinder) I had to run to the top right corner to stop him from whirling me. I kept trying to spawn a ctc Amp damage shadow (they are awesome,) but no luck, and it was a very long battle. I think (judging by amount of BoS casting,) 15-20 minutes.

Baal was another long battle, but I equipped the Eth Kelpie Snare to make it easy. The damage of Dragon Tail didn't seem to help at all. But in the end, Baal fell, and the world of Sanctuary is safe (again.)

Pictures

Hiding in the Corner With Talic
Stats on Baal
Kicking Baal's ***


Sorry, Imageshack.us keeps coming up in page not found, so I'll try to upload some pictures for StormStrike and RhanaSwiftBlade at another time.
 
Originally posted by @Drystan on Oct 1, 2007

Introducing Guardian Caellyn (Yes, I know this used to be my Blizz Sorc's name, but I forgot I had already had one previously,) the HC Trapsin.

Guardian Caellyn

Level : 82

Stats (base (with items))

Strength : 77 (158)
Dexterity : 53 (105)
Vitality : 350 (350)

Life : 1467

Resists
FR : 14
CR : 33
LR : 46
PR : 37

Skills

Traps

20 to LS, DS, CBS
17 to Fireblast

Shadow
8 to Shadow Master (10 w/ +skills)
1 to Burst of Speed

Damages
Fireblast : 360-502
Lightning Sentry : 1-1858
Death Sentry : 1-1040

Items
Code:
Weapon: 

Harmony
Short Battle Bow
'TirIthSolKo'
Two-Hand Damage: 26 to 47
Required Dexterity: 40
Required Strength: 30
Required Level: 39
Bow Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0x39008520
+10 to Dexterity
+247% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
Regenerate Mana 20%
Adds 55-160 fire damage
Adds 55-160 lightning damage
Adds 55-160 cold damage over 4 seconds
+2 to Light Radius
+2 to Valkyrie
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped
Level 20 Revive (25/25 Charges)
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Armour: 

Caellyn's Natalya's Shadow
Loricated Mail
Defense: 663
Durability: 36 of 36
Required Strength: 149
Required Level: 73
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xd5e8dedc
+178 Defense
Poison Resist +25%
Poison Length Reduced by 75%
+2 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+82 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (1: 0 used)

Helm: 

Caellyn's Natalya's Totem
Grim Helm
Defense: 257
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 59
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xed645eba
+17 to Strength
+30 to Dexterity
+156 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
All Resistances +19

Amulet: 

Chromatic Amulet of the Titan
Required Level: 50
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x2bc9216c
+19 to Strength
All Resistances +30

Gloves: 

Gravepalm
Sharkskin Gloves
Defense: 104
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0x7f9b8e4
+10 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+161% Enhanced Defense
163% Damage to Undead
+170 to Attack Rating against Undead

Belt:

Sigon's Wrap
Plated Belt
Defense: 175
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 60
Required Level: 6
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x3bbcdab
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +20%

***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+164 to Defense (Based on Character Level)
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***

Boots:

Natalya's Soul
Mesh Boots
Defense: 163
Durability: 66 of 66
Kick Damage: 23 to 52
Required Strength: 65
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xc3dcf0d
+122 Defense
Lightning Resist +21%
Cold Resist +25%
+50 Maximum Durability
40% Faster Run/Walk
Heal Stamina Plus 20% (Based on Character Level)

Ring 1:

Havoc Touch
Ring
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0xe24caa54
+11 to Strength
+27 to Life
+16 to Attack Rating
+1 to Maximum Damage
Lightning Resist +25%
Poison Resist +24%

Ring 2:

Eagle Turn
Ring
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0xfa10bd1f
+17 to Strength
+4 to Energy
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
Fire Resist +9%
Lightning Resist +9%
Cold Resist +29%
Poison Resist +9%

Weapon Switch:

War Staff of Teleportation
Two-Hand Damage: 12 to 28
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 24
Staff Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 77
Fingerprint: 0x9fd7f6a4
+1 to Energy Shield (Sorceress Only)
150% Damage to Undead
Level 4 Teleport (45/45 Charges)

Mercenary (Prayer) Items:
Code:
The Spirit Shroud
Ghost Armor
Defense: 295
Durability: 6 of 20
Required Strength: 38
Required Level: 28
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0x8e88be9
+150% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 8
Replenish Life +10
+1 to All Skill Levels
Cannot Be Frozen

Stealskull
Casque
Defense: 236
Durability: 14 of 24
Required Strength: 59
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xe40db318
+224% Enhanced Defense
5% Life stolen per hit
5% Mana stolen per hit
34% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
10% Increased Attack Speed
10% Faster Hit Recovery

Insight
Superior Great Poleaxe
'RalTirTalSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 152 to 397
Durability: 45 of 55
Required Dexterity: 99
Required Strength: 179
Required Level: 63
Polearm Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x9a4fc1b3
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
+206% Enhanced Damage
+7% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Critical Strike
35% Faster Cast Rate
211% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 14 Meditation Aura When Equipped
Socketed (4: 4 used)

The standard run of the mill Trapper, except no +trap claws. I found the Valkyrie/Shadow combo pretty fun, but not completely effective. As a trapsin with a shadow already, another spammable tank wasn't really required.
I don't think she had too much trouble throughout, as I guardianed her a short while ago. I wanted my 7/7 Sept to be my MA 'sin, so that's why I never posted it.
I did have some trouble making a trapsin. The previous one to Caellyn died quite harshly. Maggot Lair Act 2 Hell (!) she was fighting a Cold Enchanted Scarab Beetle. From around the corner, she sees a frost nova erupt, and rushes in to check the damage. Guess what! There's another CE Beetle that just died, and it's frost nova took her down to practically no health. She was slain by a random lightning bolt immediately after.
I'm not sure if it was two CE beetles, or if one of the frost novas were from the shadow, but I thought she had won the battle, and she got cut down immediately after. :(

Caellyn's got a Spirit Monarch lined up for when (if) she gets some claws, but I think she'll retire from saving the world.
 
Originally posted by @Drystan on Oct 1, 2007:

Introducing Guardian Caellyn (Yes, I know this used to be my Blizz Sorc's name, but I forgot I had already had one previously,) the HC Trapsin.

Guardian Caellyn

Level : 82

Stats (base (with items))

Strength : 77 (158)
Dexterity : 53 (105)
Vitality : 350 (350)

Life : 1467

Resists
FR : 14
CR : 33
LR : 46
PR : 37

Skills

Traps

20 to LS, DS, CBS
17 to Fireblast

Shadow
8 to Shadow Master (10 w/ +skills)
1 to Burst of Speed

Damages
Fireblast : 360-502
Lightning Sentry : 1-1858
Death Sentry : 1-1040

Items
Code:
Weapon: 

Harmony
Short Battle Bow
'TirIthSolKo'
Two-Hand Damage: 26 to 47
Required Dexterity: 40
Required Strength: 30
Required Level: 39
Bow Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0x39008520
+10 to Dexterity
+247% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
Regenerate Mana 20%
Adds 55-160 fire damage
Adds 55-160 lightning damage
Adds 55-160 cold damage over 4 seconds
+2 to Light Radius
+2 to Valkyrie
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped
Level 20 Revive (25/25 Charges)
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Armour: 

Caellyn's Natalya's Shadow
Loricated Mail
Defense: 663
Durability: 36 of 36
Required Strength: 149
Required Level: 73
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xd5e8dedc
+178 Defense
Poison Resist +25%
Poison Length Reduced by 75%
+2 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+82 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (1: 0 used)

Helm: 

Caellyn's Natalya's Totem
Grim Helm
Defense: 257
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 59
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xed645eba
+17 to Strength
+30 to Dexterity
+156 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
All Resistances +19

Amulet: 

Chromatic Amulet of the Titan
Required Level: 50
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x2bc9216c
+19 to Strength
All Resistances +30

Gloves: 

Gravepalm
Sharkskin Gloves
Defense: 104
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Strength: 20
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0x7f9b8e4
+10 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+161% Enhanced Defense
163% Damage to Undead
+170 to Attack Rating against Undead

Belt:

Sigon's Wrap
Plated Belt
Defense: 175
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 60
Required Level: 6
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x3bbcdab
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +20%

***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+164 to Defense (Based on Character Level)
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***

Boots:

Natalya's Soul
Mesh Boots
Defense: 163
Durability: 66 of 66
Kick Damage: 23 to 52
Required Strength: 65
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xc3dcf0d
+122 Defense
Lightning Resist +21%
Cold Resist +25%
+50 Maximum Durability
40% Faster Run/Walk
Heal Stamina Plus 20% (Based on Character Level)

Ring 1:

Havoc Touch
Ring
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0xe24caa54
+11 to Strength
+27 to Life
+16 to Attack Rating
+1 to Maximum Damage
Lightning Resist +25%
Poison Resist +24%

Ring 2:

Eagle Turn
Ring
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0xfa10bd1f
+17 to Strength
+4 to Energy
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
Fire Resist +9%
Lightning Resist +9%
Cold Resist +29%
Poison Resist +9%

Weapon Switch:

War Staff of Teleportation
Two-Hand Damage: 12 to 28
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 24
Staff Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 77
Fingerprint: 0x9fd7f6a4
+1 to Energy Shield (Sorceress Only)
150% Damage to Undead
Level 4 Teleport (45/45 Charges)

Mercenary (Prayer) Items:
Code:
The Spirit Shroud
Ghost Armor
Defense: 295
Durability: 6 of 20
Required Strength: 38
Required Level: 28
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0x8e88be9
+150% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 8
Replenish Life +10
+1 to All Skill Levels
Cannot Be Frozen

Stealskull
Casque
Defense: 236
Durability: 14 of 24
Required Strength: 59
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xe40db318
+224% Enhanced Defense
5% Life stolen per hit
5% Mana stolen per hit
34% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
10% Increased Attack Speed
10% Faster Hit Recovery

Insight
Superior Great Poleaxe
'RalTirTalSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 152 to 397
Durability: 45 of 55
Required Dexterity: 99
Required Strength: 179
Required Level: 63
Polearm Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x9a4fc1b3
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
+206% Enhanced Damage
+7% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Critical Strike
35% Faster Cast Rate
211% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 14 Meditation Aura When Equipped
Socketed (4: 4 used)

The standard run of the mill Trapper, except no +trap claws. I found the Valkyrie/Shadow combo pretty fun, but not completely effective. As a trapsin with a shadow already, another spammable tank wasn't really required.
I don't think she had too much trouble throughout, as I guardianed her a short while ago. I wanted my 7/7 Sept to be my MA 'sin, so that's why I never posted it.
I did have some trouble making a trapsin. The previous one to Caellyn died quite harshly. Maggot Lair Act 2 Hell (!) she was fighting a Cold Enchanted Scarab Beetle. From around the corner, she sees a frost nova erupt, and rushes in to check the damage. Guess what! There's another CE Beetle that just died, and it's frost nova took her down to practically no health. She was slain by a random lightning bolt immediately after.
I'm not sure if it was two CE beetles, or if one of the frost novas were from the shadow, but I thought she had won the battle, and she got cut down immediately after. :(

Caellyn's got a Spirit Monarch lined up for when (if) she gets some claws, but I think she'll retire from saving the world.
 
Originally posted by Evah on Dec 7, 2008:

Guardian Ashura, Titan Kicker

Name: Ashura
Class: sin
lvl: 78
twinked, vanilla, 1.12

stats:
str 420/484
dex base/70
vit base/36
ene base/35

sub-stats:
hp 507
mana 205
def (with aura) 7448
claw block 53%
res (with fade) 75/75/75/26 (27% physical)

Dragon Talon
5 kicks
dmg 1085-1779
ar 12061

Dragon Flight
dmg 2263-3561
ar 12709

Skills:

-=MA=-
Dragon Talon 20/26
Dragon Flight 20/26
2 prereqs

-=SHADOW=-
Weapon Block 12/13
Fade 20/27 (pre-buff claws)
Shadow Master 9/16 (pre-buff claws)
CoS 1/2
Mind Blast 1/2
4 prereqs

-=TRAPS=-
none

Items*
Code:
Storm Crest
Circlet
Defense: 45
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 43
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 61
Fingerprint: 0x82010dea
+62 to Life
+46% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +13
+1 to Assassin Skill Levels
20% Faster Run/Walk
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Sensei's Blade Talons of Quickness
One-Hand Damage: 10 to 14
Durability: 69 of 69
(Assassin Only)
Required Dexterity: 50
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 38
Claw Class - Fastest Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xd8e72bbe
8% Life stolen per hit
6% Mana stolen per hit
40% Increased Attack Speed
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
Socketed (2: 2 used)

Sensei's Blade Talons of Readiness
One-Hand Damage: 10 to 14
Durability: 69 of 69
(Assassin Only)
Required Dexterity: 50
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 30
Claw Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 91
Fingerprint: 0x5b4bc999
Cold Resist +25%
10% Increased Attack Speed
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
Socketed (2: 1 used)

Immortal King's Detail
War Belt
Defense: 142
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 110
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0x873fc649
+25 to Strength
+36 Defense
Fire Resist +28%
Lightning Resist +31%
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+105 Defense

Immortal King's Forge
War Gauntlets
Defense: 111
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Strength: 110
Required Level: 30
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x73afaef0
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
+65 Defense
12% Chance to cast Level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
25% Increased Attack Speed

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x85b6c4e8
+19 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+230 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

Angelic Halo
Ring
Required Level: 12
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xbf221d00
+20 to Life
Replenish Life +6
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+936 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)

Angelic Wings
Amulet
Required Level: 12
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xb82fa5b3
+3 to Light Radius
20% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+75 to Life

Myrmidon Greaves of Haste
Defense: 63
Durability: 24 of 24
Kick Damage: 83 to 149
Required Strength: 208
Required Level: 65
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 91
Fingerprint: 0x3f913cc2
20% Faster Run/Walk

Stone
Superior Dusk Shroud
'ShaelUmPulLum'
Defense: 1698
Durability: 23 of 23
Required Strength: 77
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0x96f26dfa
+16 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+16 to Vitality
+228% Enhanced Defense
+35% Enhanced Defense
+300 Defense vs. Missile
All Resistances +15
Increase Maximum Durability 15%
60% Faster Hit Recovery
Level 16 Molten Boulder (80/80 Charges)
Level 16 Clay Golem (16/16 Charges)
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Prebuff Claws:
Shadow Blade Talons of Quickness
Shadow Blade Talons

Charm Summary (w/o mentioning minor stuff like +3 str or +15 max stamina)

Fire res: +27%
Cold res: +31%
Lit res: +30%
hp +38
FRW +10%
AR +73
+1 to MA Skills

*sockets in the circlet and both claws are granted by Larzuk. Though I have wasted 3 or 4 similar katars before I got 2 OS in the off-hand one.

Mercenary:
Jemali, lvl 78 Defiance Paladin (normal)

Code:
Stealskull
Casque
Defense: 237
Durability: 15 of 24
Required Strength: 59
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xa8b81dc1
+225% Enhanced Defense
5% Life stolen per hit
5% Mana stolen per hit
34% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
10% Increased Attack Speed
10% Faster Hit Recovery

Skin of the Flayed One
Demonhide Armor
Defense: 379
Durability: 58 of 58
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0xa018ac91
+177% Enhanced Defense
6% Life stolen per hit
+30 Maximum Durability
Replenish Life +23
Attacker Takes Damage of 15
Repairs 1 durability in 10 seconds

Honor
Mancatcher
'AmnElIthTirSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 118 to 248
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Dexterity: 134
Required Strength: 132
Required Level: 55
Spear Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0xbcb0673c
+10 to Strength
+160% Enhanced Damage
+250 to Attack Rating
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +10
+1 to Light Radius
+1 to All Skill Levels
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
25% Deadly Strike
Socketed (5: 5 used)

Woestave+Rattlecage vs bosses

Thoughts.
- Meet the pure titan kicker. No traps. No charge-ups. Only rough force and power of physical-damage kicks. Good attack speed, built-in physical res, nice damage, high mobility and awesome crowd control skills - a whole bunch of features and tips to compensate extremely low life.
- A very poor lifebulb made my knees shake quite often - Ashura had more NDEs than any of my previous characters. I also had to avoid kiling FEs starting from late Nightmare. Also I haven't taken care of some way of breaking physical immunity, so I had to skip some monsters. Unfortunately, Hell Hephasto and Infector were PI. I kept them in hit recovery state by constantly kicking (and drinking tea while the mouse button was being held with pliers) till merc with open wounds and shadow with elemental charge-ups tickled them to death.
- Chaos Sanctuary! A wonderful place for any meleer. And it becomes even more wonderful if your life equals your damage divided by ~15. Mind Blast and CoS were absolutely awesome when I cleared the area. DF is a great skill to kill (or seriously injure before DTing) Oblivions.
- Overally, DF was an interesting (at least) skill that combines good damage and extreme mobility. There is no better skill to get rid of key monsters who stand in the middle of CoSed/MBed crowd of minions: Oblivions, all kinds of resurrectors. I don't regret those 20 skill points.
- Minions. Actually, having an additional tank is definitely a good idea if you have only 500 hp. Shadow Master worked surprisingly well! She was tough enough to hold most monsters, and she was my only way to deal with quest related PIs. Clay Golem from my armour was nice, too. Any monster who hit him became very slow. 1.7k hp was enough to keep him alive during most fights, and low recharge cost (~5k IIRC) was pleasant, too.
- Hell Ancients. I've spent two or three tomes of TP before I managed to get an appropriate combination of mods (no curses, no party-auras, no extra fasts), and the Ancients were slain relatively easy.
- Finds. Um from Hell Hellforge and Verdungo (13%dr, 36 vit) from Hell Diablo.
:girly:
 
Originally posted by jiansonz on Dec 28, 2013:

Guardian Faith, Exposure tournament dual claws Phoenix Striker

Somewhat belated (but not nearly as much as the next one I am going to write...), I present to you my second Guardian of my favourite build. Many of my Phoenix Strikers have been killed in assorted tourneys, but this one lived.

The rules in Morathi's Exposure tourney are not complicated. Other than some minor details, it can pretty much be summed up as: No merc, no summons and no shield. I first started a Poisonmancer in this tourney. Progress was slow for him in early Act V Normal so I ended up creating a second entrant, even though I apparently was hesitant at first:






Here is my first report for Faith and you can read all of them in the tourney thread. Quite a few screenshots there as well.

Fists of Fire use with my claws (Katars, then Cesti, then Blade Talons) carried me to late Normal, where Phoenix Strike was built to high levels. The lightning synergy was the first to be maxed, because the lightning charge needs more synergy help to be powerful (no continous damage like the fire charge).

The weapon switch (my Blade Fury switch) first held some different javelins (used with Throw, not BF), later a 'Black' Maul, then The Meat Scraper and finally Fleshrender in second half of Hell. I simply did not hit with Blade Fury often enough for the Black knockback to be reliable, so it was hit-and-run bleeding against the enemies I could not safely tank. Well, unless I could kill them with Meteor flames from earlier fighting, or with Death Sentry explosions. :)
Enemies that were BF-bleeded on the run on Hell difficulty include Mephisto (with moat trick), Hephasto, Thresh Socket, a nasty spider boss in Ruined Temple, Berserker spearwoman in an ice cave, Korlic, Talic, Berserker and Champion Assailants on the Throne level, Lister and all his seven minions, Cow King and a whole bunch of others.

I found a Lem rune in Nightmare and could thus make a Treachery armor. This armor freed up skill points and gear choices (that would otherwise have gone towards resist gear and Fade) which allowed me to go all out +Martial Arts skills on gear and to max both main PS synergies and get a large radius Death Sentry. Of course, getting the Fade to trigger often enough was not easy in some areas. Not when you mainly try to play in a way so you don't get hit...
Many were the times I left a wussy monster somewhere so I could go there, have the monster beat on me and get Fade to trigger again. Sometimes I could use traps - the physical damage ones (spiky ball traps, spear traps) were my favourites. Fire traps hurt a bit much when my resists were bad. However, fellow player felixbavaria pointed out that I could get some claws and have a castable Fade of decent level. A very good suggestion that I made use of - I kept two claws in my stash so I could buff with level 8 Fade when needed.

I had planned for higher level Mind Blast but never actually pumped it beyond the first point (giving me level 3 MB). There were two main reasons for this. Firstly, Cloak of Shadows and Phoenix Strike's third charge (cold) were enough crowd control for most situations. Secondly, sometimes I just wanted to push some monsters back with MB and not convert them. Too high level MB would have made this harder.

There were a bunch of nasty NDEs. The two worst happened in Act V Hell and they are described in the last reports in the thread. Colenzo's pack very nearly scored a kill. That can't have happened often...:badteeth:


Guardian Faith, dual claws Phoenix Striker
Level: 87
STR 80, DEX 79+3, VIT 346, ENE 25
Life 1446, Mana 228
Weapon block: 49%
Resists with level 15 Fade triggered: 75/75/75/0
Resists without Fade: 28/36/26/-60 (so usually no need to panic if it timed out)
Phoenix Strike Attack Rating: 8078
Phoenix Strike damage numbers

Skills
Phoenix Strike 20+14
Fists of Fire 20+14
Claws of Thunder 20+14
Dragon Flight and prereqs 1+14

Death Sentry 12+2
Blade Fury and prereqs 1+2

Weapon Block 7+2
Claw Mastery, Burst of Speed, Cloak of Shadows, Mind Blast and prereqs 1+2

Primary Gear:
* Kenshi's Circlet of the Vampire (7), 'OrtThul'
* Kenshi's Amulet
* Rare Greater Talons 'Eth' with Fool's ability, 30% IAS and 20% Resist Cold
* 'Treachery' Cuirass
* Kenshi's Blade Talons 'Eth'
* Kenshi's Gauntlets of Charged Bolt
* Rare ring with 22% Fire Resist, +3 DEX, +100 AR and +74 mana
* Crafted Mesh Belt with +51 life, 10% OW, 10% FHR and 3% life steal
* Rainbow(10) Ring of the Wolf (17)
* Amber(33) Greaves of Acceleration

* Steel (115) Grand Charm of Life (8)
* 2x Garnet (22) Grand Charm
* Grand Charm of Vita (37)
* Amber (15) Large Charm of Life (7)
* Ruby (14) Large Charm
* Coral (8) Small Charm of Greed
* Garnet (8) Small Charm
* Sapphire (11) Small Charm
* Azure (5) Small Charm of Life (10)
* Small Charm of Vita (18)
* 2x Small Charm of Sustenance (13)
* Small Charm of Sustenance (12)

Weapon switch (used with Blade Fury)
* Fleshrender unique Barbed Club

In stash
* Triumphant Greater Talons of Ease with +3 Fade (for prebuffing Fade)
* Shadow Blade Talons of Blight (for boosting level of prebuffed Fade)
* Amulet of Teleportation (for separating Hell Ancients)


Monsters parked: none!

Highest runes found: Ist (Hell cow level), Mal x2 (one from Hellforge), Um, Lem (used for Treachery)


(and what about that Poisonmancer? Killed by a pack (including Champs) of Black Raptors in NM Far Oasis.
I am very impressed by OldSoldier who made it all the way to Guardian with the same build in the tourney)
 
Originally posted by @Kitteh on Mar 18, 2019:

Guardian #17 - Philautia - The Self-Loving Assassin with an Attitude Problem

1589826294786.png

Philautia, my dual claw phoenix striker, has become guardian #17! She was a lot of fun to play and is naturally very versatile, and thus I opted not to max blades of ice and instead put points into claw mastery for the attack rating. The CoS crashed me a couple of times when I failed to notice the static spawn, but otherwise it was fine. I would like to replay the build using alternative weapon types in the future, but not for some time yet :) I have a crescent moon/obedience polearm based PS build in mind. She may get used for an inefficient RFL cows batch, depending whether I even get around to doing a batch with my javazon...

I'm not entirely settled on what the next guardian will be yet, but options include; Korlic for Trials and Tribulations, a zeal barb, a wolfbarb, a zeal druid or a zealot of some form.



Name: Philautia
Class: Assassin
Experience: 922235793
Level: 83

Naked/Gear
Strength: 79/141
Dexterity: 116/222
Vitality: 290/329
Energy: 25/35
HP: 1084/1354
Mana: 148/349
Stamina: 535/679
Defense: 29/1514
AR: 100000544/-194912643

Fire: 192/152/92
Cold: 185/145/85
Lightning: 207/167/107
Poison: 177/137/77

MF: 103 Block: 31
GF: 14
FR/W: 26
FHR: 80
IAS: 20
FCR: 0


Fire Blast: 0/0
Shock Web: 0/0
Blade Sentinel: 0/0
Charged Bolt Sentry: 0/0
Wake of Fire: 0/0
Blade Fury: 0/0
Lightning Sentry: 0/0
Wake of Inferno: 0/0
Death Sentry: 0/0
Blade Shield: 0/0

Claw Mastery: 18/26
Psychic Hammer: 1/9
Burst of Speed: 1/9
Weapon Block: 7/15
Cloak of Shadows: 1/9
Fade: 0/0
Shadow Warrior: 1/9
Mind Blast: 0/0
Venom: 0/0
Shadow Master: 0/0

Tiger Strike: 1/18
Dragon Talon: 1/18
Fists of Fire: 20/37
Dragon Claw: 1/18
Cobra Strike: 1/18
Claws of Thunder: 20/37
Dragon Tail: 0/0
Blades of Ice: 1/18
Dragon Flight: 0/0
Phoenix Strike: 20/37


Waterwalk
Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 121
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 32
Required Strength: 47
Fingerprint: 0xa58509d1
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+204% Enhanced Defense
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+15 to Dexterity
+61 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Raven Touch
Ring
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xd697bdf8
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+23 to Attack Rating
2% Mana stolen per hit
+8 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +24%
Poison Resist +27%

Shogukusha's Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x890d1b8
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
14% Extra Gold from Monsters

Shogukusha's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x9ccf78d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+16 to Life

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xcf4e35ba
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+236 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Sapphire Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xcf855ffd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +11%

Garnet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xb92e2864
Item Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%

Lapis Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0x65b73eb
Item Level: 56
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

Coral Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x850fee22
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Lightning Resist +8%

Garnet Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xd941c3ff
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xf09899bf
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Garnet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x6b134095
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +9%

Emerald Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xeac64511
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +11%

Tangerine Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xa76a6514
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Lightning Resist +4%

Garnet Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x850a3db8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+28 to Life
Fire Resist +12%

Garnet Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x34b40f3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +8%

Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9bb77838
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Lightning Resist +11%

Garnet Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x34aee7a5
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +8%

Chains of Honor
Dusk Shroud
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 770
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x60dd1934
Item Level: 73
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

Verdungo's Hearty Cord
Mithril Coil
Defense: 135
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x2f48f04e
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+105% Enhanced Defense
+37 to Vitality
Replenish Life +12
+104 Maximum Stamina
Damage Reduced by 15%

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 104
Durability: 11 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x66ae94b8
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+124 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+124 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +15
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
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%

Shimmering Large Charm of Dexterity
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0xa4e3c26a
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Dexterity
All Resistances +7

Sapphire Large Charm of Life
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x895750fe
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Life
Cold Resist +13%

Shimmering Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0x1ed42a3b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +6

Sapphire Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xe79ff377
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +15%

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

Spirit Knuckle
Demonhide Gloves
Defense: 58
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x60ac9fc6
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+20% Increased Attack Speed
3% Life stolen per hit
+63% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +21%
21% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Chaos Scarab
Amulet
Required Level: 51
Fingerprint: 0x22efe4b1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+17 to Dexterity
+8 to Energy
+37 to Mana
All Resistances +11
Damage Reduced by 1

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x106979d5
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x9e2ecea5
Item Level: 8
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x863cc167
Item Level: 8
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Shogukusha's Grand Charm of Thunder
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xd17644ed
Item Level: 56
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
Adds 1 - 17 Lightning Damage

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%

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

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

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

Call to Arms
Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 27 - 74
Durability: 13 of 13
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 33
Fingerprint: 0x66fa77b9
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
290% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+6 to Battle Command
+5 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
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: 271
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x55b90e4e
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+80% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Energy
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
+3 to Mana after each Kill
+1 to Light Radius

Bartuc's Cut-Throat
Runic Talons
One Hand Damage: 92 - 174
Durability: 64 of 69
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 115
Required Dexterity: 115
Fingerprint: 0x999a14be
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
183% Enhanced Damage
Adds 25 - 50 Damage
-25% Target Defense
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
8% Life stolen per hit
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
Required Level +7
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Eth Rune

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

Bartuc's Cut-Throat
Runic Talons
One Hand Damage: 91 - 172
Durability: 65 of 69
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 115
Required Dexterity: 115
Fingerprint: 0xdba1dee5
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
178% Enhanced Damage
Adds 25 - 50 Damage
-25% Target Defense
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
7% Life stolen per hit
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
Required Level +7
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Eth Rune

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


Mercenary:

Name: Ahsab
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Comb-Normal
Experience: 63655112
Level: 83
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 187/187
Dexterity: 151/151
HP: 1750/1750
Defense: 1288/1634
AR: 1952/1952

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

Treachery
Light Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 94
Durability: 49 of 60
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0xee36c417
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

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

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

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


Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 38 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x68f17b95
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
6% Mana stolen per hit
6% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Damage Reduced by 20%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15


The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 36 - 425
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0xf6df256f
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
202% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (29 Frames)
15% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
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
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Milb on Apr 1, 2010:

Guardian #15, comeback #87??

Hello SPF!! Hope everyone is well.

Appears I've been bitten by the old D2 bug yet again so I'm back for a bit more hardcore action! Didn't have my laptop handy a few weeks back so I had none of my chars or stashes so I started up an untwinked Phoenix Strike Assassin. At early levels she was an excellent killing machine on normal mobs but extremely squishy. Had an epic fight with normal Duriel where I had managed to get my merc bugged (mobs won't target him) and my strategy basically involved casting a Shadow to distract him, dropping 5 level one Charged Bolt Sentries then running round in circles until I needed to drop more CBSs. Rinse and repeat until out of health and mana pots. Took me almost an hour :crazyeyes:

Anyways, got my laptop back the next day and gained a huge amount of survivability, playing this game untwinked ain't my thing after the amount of time spent mf'ing etc. (Btw, I saw jiansonz did one of these in a tournament untwinked, big respect!)

Had my first and only NDE in Act 3 normal, probably one of the most random one's I've had. Not the scariest monster I've ever encountered in game if I'm honest, it was a bloody normal, non-unique Jungle Hunter. Appears a change with 1.13 makes it so when you alt-tab in SP the game keeps running, so when I was looking for something to listen to on youtube the bugger had managed to kill my merc and was slowly whittling me down. I alt tabbed with no visible health remaining, hammered my rejuv button then turned and practically one shot him....

That was about the end of the real excitement really, was a nice light show all the way to guardian with lots of lightning, meteors and ice bolts flying all over the place. Played a lot of assassins but the use of CoS and MB really come into their own when you have to get into melee range, with CoS just shutting down whole screens, and by the time you've fired off two or three sets of lightning most of the screen is dead, assuming it's not lightning immune. There's also a certain satisfaction in chaining meteors down too, especially the noise, as you can hear about 3 or 4 before they start coming down, and you just think to yourself, 'well, you're boned!' :propeller:

I struggled a fair bit with AR throughout the game until I started using an ITD weapon, which made it hard to judge how many charges you had at any particular time, so was difficult to use the right element at the right time. Also, think I've seen it mentioned before, but when you are in the middle of mobs spamming away, it is almost impossible to see the charges orbitting you so you end up losing a lot of damage potential.

As per usual, p8 normal an nightmare, p1 for Hell, stopped and did NM Baal until about lvl 77 so she was fairly close to the level needed for her end game gear, which she eventually got in Act 3. I decided to go for full Nat's set as the stats on it seemed designed for the build, and I've never used it before, must say, it's a very nice set. The amount of resists from that and a Jade Talon let me use BoS all the time keeping full resists and very strong PDR%.

Anyways, enough rambling, gear and stats:

Guardian Lauree, Lvl 82, 1367 hp, 310 mana, 42% PDR, 75/75/75/75 resists with BoS active, 47% block.
722-953 basic Phoenix Strike damage (with Venom active)(4979 AR)
854-1125 Dragon Claw finisher (5979 AR)
2.5-2.8k Meteor damage, with 2.4-2.6k DPS
3-6264 Chain Lightning damage
450-480 Ice Bolt damage (not synergized, only really used to stun packs)

Gear:
Full Nats, Eth in claw, Hel and a PRuby in chest (with all the gear I have my best Nat's Armor is a 2 socket :whistling:)
Jade Talon
String of Ears
Ravenfrost 166AR/19 dex
2 MA skills, 10fcr, 61 mana, 9 dex, 18 all res crafted amulet.
2 MA, 20 IAS, 22 light res, 5 str rare vambraces.
107 AR, 4LL, 63 mana, 15 fire res rare right (think I found this on the way)
3 MA Skillers (of which one has 39 life :cloud9:)
Assorted charms found on the way, nothing special.

Merc finished with a Reapers, Tals Mask and an eth Dusk Shroud Duress.

Skills 20 (32 after +skills) PS, 20 FoF, 20 CoT, 1 in Dragon Claw, 1 in all Shadow Disciplines except weapon mastery which is where all remaining points are going, and 1 in Death Sentry + prereqs.

Like a pro I found out that having an old RWM installed nullified the new rune drop rates, so did the whole thing in 1.13b with 1.12 drop rates. Got a gul from the hellforge though so can't complain too much, D2 gods patting me on the head for being a nab.

Anyways, currently mf'ing on my trapper, found a Trang's belt so will probably be starting up a Poisonmancer again anytime soon (lost my last one in Hell pits mf'ing instead of questing:tombstone:). Also found a Tal's Chest and a Vex with the rune drop rates sorted out, hopefully I'll have something shiny for the IFT soon enough!

Thanks for reading, hoping to be hanging around for more than one post this time!
Milb
 
Originally posted by Nightfish on Apr 19, 2006:

Oops I deed it again... #24

As promised in my last thread, the third guardian of the easter weekend is not far behind. I've got some mixed feelings on this one but see for yourself as you feast your eyes on:

Guardian FallFromGrace -- lvl 79 Assassin

Stats


Str: 100 (120)
Dex: 70 (110)
Vit: 295 (330)

Life: 1327

AR: 5k-ish with enchant. Way, way too low.
Defense: 761

Resis: LR / CR / FR / PR: 75 / 52 / 75 / 75

Skills:

Fists of Fire: 20 (32)
Claws of Thunder: 20 (32)
Blades of Ice 20 (32)
Phoenix Strike 20 (32)

Dragon Talon: 1
Dragon Claw: 0*

Fatal mistake here. I did not skill a finishing move until lvl 79. Bad, bad idea. The AR boost would have been so very helpful. If she gains another level she'll put the point in DC.

Burst of Speed: 1 (5)
Fade: 1 (5)
Weapon Block: 1 (5)
CoS: 1 (5)
Mind Blast: 1 (5)

Another mistake, I skilled weapon block. Was more harm than help on this one. More on that later. No points in shadows or traps. Didn't miss the shadow, did miss death sentry but she was supposed to pull her own weight this time without help from traps.

Gear

Armour: Iron Pelt (Sol)
Belt: Verdungo's
Helm: Kenshi's Coronet of the Bat (Sol Sol)
Gloves: Kenshi's Gloves of 10% IAS
Rings: Ravenfrost / Nature's Peace
Ammy: Amulet of life everlasting (25 DR)
Boots: Aldur's

Weapons: Bartuc's (Eth) / Jade Talon (Eth)

This puts her at +12 to martial arts, +4 shadow disciplines and a whooping "Damage reduced by 75". That is quite a bit. She was almost PI in nightmare and still hart to hurt in hell. Amplify damage doesn't really bother her. What does still hurt bad are might, fana and extra strong (and of course things like urdars, etc). Now, you might have wondered why I said weapon block was a mistake. Well, thing is that with 75 DR she does not really need it. However if I let her get swamped in enemies she gets continuously interrupted in her attacks and I think that's at least partly due to weapon block. I had one situation in nightmare where she was completely stuck and couldn't act at all but did not get hurt either. Funny to see, though.

Mercenary:

Prepare to be surprised for Nightfish used ... a FIRE ROGUE. Yes, indeed. I went and got one of these worthless ladies. I planned to put delirium on my merc and I figured nobody was more suited to confuse everybody than a woman. Okay, just kidding. But I thought a ranged merc might be able to do this just as well as a desert one. Gave her said hat and my upped WWS together with a treachery armour.

I was quite dissappointed by her most of the time, though. Even with the WWS her damage is pathetic and she runs around way too much. "Ooooh, looky!!! A butterfly!!! *bounces off*" Damnit... -.- She kept on charging straight into mobs and I found myself having to constantly tank for her but she still managed to get annihilated frequently. The best thing that can be said about her is that she didn't die to iron maiden. Maybe she would have been worth something if my fortitude wasn't made in a boneweave that she cannot wear... Then again, maybe not.

For the ancients I briefly replaced her with an A2 def merc, though. Sorry missy, but you just don't cut it there.

Thoughts:

So, after all the facts, how about some impressions? Well, first of all let me say that playing with 4 charge ups takes skill. Unfortunately it takes more skill than I have to use them all effectively. For the most part it was still great fun and surprisingly effective. Obviously nothing is really immune to her as she has so many different elements at her disposal. Even if one area spawns, say, cold and fire immunes she can just go with lightning for this one and still hurt everything in the same attack.

The damage reduction worked out perfectly, too. I think she is the best tank I ever had. It was a bit of a stretch but she still managed to scrounge up +12 to martial arts (includes only 1 skill charm) and have high DR. If I had perfect equipment (kenshi's tiara of life everlasting; kenshi's amulet of life everlasting) she would probably rock even more.

Some thoughts on the individual skills: The three single element charge ups are all relatively easy to use and all do their job, even in hell. Phoenix strike however is a bit iffy. The meteor is quite powerful and burns forever which makes it awesome vs bosses. Problem is that it's sometimes hard to see that you have charged up once and you end up charging too much. The second and third charge (lightning and ice respectively) are a *lot* less useful, especially indoors. They almost always hit walls, etc. In open areas with lots of enemies they were good, though.

One issue that I was not able to completely overcome was AR. I though 5k plus CoS plus Eth rune plus inner sight would be enough but it wasn't. Of course she did kill but it would be so much easier to use the chargeups if you hit 100%. Adding delirium also owned my CoS use for AR. Maybe that was a bad idea.

Gameplay

Overall she was very easy to play. The amount of DR give you a lot of leeway in terms of potion use and potty breaks without going back to town. Only real NDEs was vs overlapping damage enhancer auras in hell and hephasto. Boy does this guy hit hard or what? Here weaponblock was useful again becaues two hits in a row would have killed her...

Basically her strategy was to just run up to stuff, charge up and release with a normal attack (next time I'm getting dragon claw for that). If there were more than 10 enemies she'd use CoS, before going in. The 4 different attack skills -- 6 if you count the different phoenix charges -- make for a lot of variety and allow her to adapt to pretty much any situation.

She ran burst of speed as her primary aura. The only time she used fade was vs a bunch of conviction gloams and to shake the occasional curse.

She even killed at good speed until act 4 hell. For some reason she bogged down a bit there. Really missed death sentry at this point. If she had 10 extra skill points... Or 2 +3 DS claws on switch maybe...

The chaos sanctuary in hell really sucked pretty bad. That place took forever to clear out with just CoS and my merc. Halfway through I remembered that I could just take off my claws and charge barefisted but it still took forever. Diablo was easy, though, as all act bosses were. She can tank and she has meteor. GG NO RE.

I was a bit worried about the ancients and because she was running low on gold I ditched the rogue and came back with a trusty desert man. He got some CB and we were good to go. To be honest he did most of the killing on mount arreat but she did the tanking. But that was okay. They were all magic resistant or spectral hit / stone skinned which made them poor targets for the assy herself anyway. Uneventful fight due to the lack of damage enhancers on the old people. 75 DR didn't seem like much to me but she can tank them forever... Good stuff. Think I'll use it again on other chars as long as it doesn't cripple them.


Well, that's basically it for her. Nothing uber, nothing extremely flashy, just a solid guardian. She was fun but not in the way some of my other chars were. Then again, she wasn't as boring as some of them either. Just plain average I guess. Didn't really find anything worthwhile except for a Mal rune from the hellforge. Slowly getting closer to that Lo rune I need for my fortitude Archon Plate...

Next up... Dunno yet. Probably a paladin as there are so many of these boring guys left. Well, so long, see ya next time!


Sept Status Report:

Assassin: 5
Amazon: 4
Barbarian: 4
Druid: 2
Necromancer: 2
Paladin: 2
Sorceress: 5

See the pattern? :shocked:


Dashy, this is for you:

Guardian. Assassin. 24 of 49. Melee elemental. Fire Rogue. Damage Reduction. Okay, not great. See ya next time.
 
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