Matriarch/Patriarch/Guardian Archive Thread

Originally posted by Dezrok on Oct 20, 2013:

Guardian Zach - Beserker

Guardian Zach Lvl 85 Beserker (vanilla)


Zach is a pretty standard Beserker, which is a bit surprising as his skills were randomly rolled (10 skills randomly selected as a way of getting me to use some of the lesser utilised skills out there). But, when you roll Beserk, Leap Attack, War Cry, Battle Command, Battle Orders, Shout and Howl it really is a pretty off the shelf Beserker (add in Axe Mastery, Mace Mastery and Grim Ward to make up the ten).


He was moderately twinked. As one of my first twinked HC chars he didn't have much of a stash to choose from. Lots of Normal items, a few Exceptional items and no Elite items. All of his end game gear he found himself except for the IK Helm, a few of the charms and a couple of the runes used for upgrades.


LCS


Code:
Name:       Zach
Class:      Barbarian
Experience: 1103227955
Level:      85


            Naked/Gear
Strength:   134/194
Dexterity:  47/77
Vitality:   329/329
Energy:     10/20
HP:         1499/1666 (BO 2998)
Mana:       94/95 (BO 181)
Stamina:    480/480
Defense:    11/1027 (Shout 3502)
AR:         220/1434 (Beserk 9911)


Fire:       166/126/66 (Nat Res 75)
Cold:       143/103/43 (Nat Res 64)
Lightning:  165/125/65 (Nat Res 75)
Poison:     103/63/3 (Nat Res 24)


MF:         163       Block:      7
GF:         170
FR/W:       28
FHR:        50
IAS:        45
FCR:        0


Skills
Code:
Bash: 1/1
Leap: 1/1
Double Swing: 0/0
Stun: 1/1
Double Throw: 0/0
Leap Attack: 1/1
Concentrate: 1/1
Frenzy: 0/0
Whirlwind: 0/0
Berserk: 20/20


Sword Mastery: 0/0
Axe Mastery: 11/11
Mace Mastery: 0/0
Pole Arm Mastery: 0/0
Throwing Mastery: 0/0
Spear Mastery: 0/0
Increased Stamina: 0/0
Iron Skin: 1/1
Increased Speed: 0/0
Natural Resistance: 1/1


Howl: 20/22
Find Potion: 0/0
Taunt: 1/3
Shout: 5/7
Find Item: 0/0
Battle Cry: 1/3
Battle Orders: 10/12
Grim Ward: 0/0
War Cry: 20/22
Battle Command: 1/3


Gear
Code:
Zach's The Minotaur
Glorious Axe
Two Hand Damage: 174 - 349
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 164
Required Dexterity: 55
Fingerprint: 0xb73043ad
Item Level: 53
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
158% Enhanced Damage
Adds 20 - 30 Damage
30% Chance of Crushing Blow
Hit Blinds Target +2
Slows Target by 50%
+15 to Strength
Half Freeze Duration
Required Level +7
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune


Immortal King's Will
Avenger Guard
Defense: 161
Durability: 55 of 55
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0xe2108a2
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
+125 Defense
37% Extra Gold from Monsters
87% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+4 to Light Radius
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Socketed: Perfect Topaz


(2 items): +50 to Attack Rating
(3 items): +75 to Attack Rating


Angelic Halo
Ring
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x62dcd53b
Item Level: 22
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Replenish Life +6
Set (2 items): +1020 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)
Set (3 items): 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


(2 items): +10 to Dexterity


Angelic Wings
Amulet
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x2f775430
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+3 to Light Radius
Set (2 items): +75 to Life
Set (3 items): +1 to All Skills


(2 items): +10 to Dexterity


Immortal King's Detail
War Belt
Defense: 194
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xd3464725
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+36 Defense
+25 to Strength
Lightning Resist +31%
Fire Resist +28%
Set (2 items): +105 Defense
Set (3 items): +25% Faster Hit Recovery
Set (4 items): +100% Enhanced Defense
Set (5 items): Damage Reduced by 20%
Set (6 items): +2 to Masteries Skills (Barbarian Only)


(2 items): +50 to Attack Rating
(3 items): +75 to Attack Rating


Smoke
Cuirass
NefLum
Defense: 329
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x3f0dd582
Item Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+75% Enhanced Defense
+280 Defense vs. Missile
+10 to Energy
All Resistances +50
-1 to Light Radius
Level 6 Weaken (18/18 Charges)
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Nef Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune


Immortal King's Forge
War Gauntlets
Defense: 230
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0x9e2cad8a
Item Level: 76
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+65 Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
Set (2 items): +25% Increased Attack Speed
Set (3 items): +120 Defense
Set (4 items): 10% Life stolen per hit
Set (5 items): 10% Mana stolen per hit
Set (6 items): Freezes target +2


(2 items): +50 to Attack Rating
(3 items): +75 to Attack Rating


Loath Blazer
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 97
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0xd1b43c
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+47% Enhanced Defense
Cold Resist +13%
Fire Resist +30%
21% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Gold Ring of Fortune
Ring
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x1cdc5758
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+94 to Attack Rating
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Echoing War Sword
War Sword
One Hand Damage: 8 - 20
Durability: 44 of 44
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 71
Required Dexterity: 45
Fingerprint: 0x8a379cba
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)


Heart Carver
Rondel
One Hand Damage: 48 - 120
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 58
Fingerprint: 0xf94b874
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
230% Enhanced Damage
Adds 15 - 35 Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
35% Deadly Strike
+4 to Find Potion (Barbarian Only)
+4 to Find Item (Barbarian Only)
+4 to Grim Ward (Barbarian Only)


Sapphire Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x4183e7fa
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
Cold Resist +29%


Lizard's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xf9811257
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+1 to Mana


Lapis Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0x9e38f3d9
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 to Life
Cold Resist +7%


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


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


Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x4778eba5
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


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


Amber Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x9b5eb746
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +30%


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


Coral Large Charm of Sustenance
Large Charm
Required Level: 19
Fingerprint: 0xc699fcd2
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Lightning Resist +11%


Cobalt Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xabd2f69f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +8%


Ruby Large Charm of Inertia
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x48e8e87a
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +14%


Emerald Large Charm of Life
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x9ea70319
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Poison Resist +15%


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


Coral Small Charm of Venom
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x4e7844e5
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 15 Poison Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
Lightning Resist +8%


Lapis Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xe646dccf
Item Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +6%


Mercenary
Code:
Name:       Haseen
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 74567156
Level:      85
Dead?:      false


            Naked/Gear
Strength:   186/186
Dexterity:  150/150
HP:         1767/1767 (BO 3180)
Defense:    1302/2018 (Shout 6054)
AR:         1913/1913


Fire:       149/109/49 (Fade 75)
Cold:       179/139/79 (Fade 75)
Lightning:  164/124/64 (Fade 75)
Poison:    149/109/49 (Fade 75)


Blackhorn's Face
Death Mask
Defense: 266
Durability: 15 of 20
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x304f8e37
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slows Target by 20%
+206% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +15%
+20 Lightning Absorb
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 25


Zach's Treachery
Scarab Husk
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 450
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x55625ad3
Item Level: 82
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


The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 42 - 494
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0x6ee6695d
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
+15% Increased Attack Speed
251% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (37 Frames)
13% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Fervor


Ruby Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xefc527af
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
40% Enhanced Damage


Normal and NM were done on p3, with p1 for Hell. Yes, Zach could have coped with higher player settings, but there really wasn't a need. I wasn't going single pass, so I would speed through the Acts, killing most of what I came across and then run the Act Boss to level and build up the stash. The thought of grinding down all of those big life monsters on a higher setting ...


Most of the time he was pretty fun to play. Having to hit everything to kill it got a bit tedious every now and again, but with Howl and Leap Attack there really wasn't any need to kill everything. The tactic ended up being Howl everything and then kill anything that was left (Bosses and Champs mainly) or didn't run fast enough. Early on I made much more use of War Cry to stun everything I came across and then slaughter them all, but in Hell Howl became the preferred form of crowd control. A big damage magic attack was fun to play with, especially watching those normally tough monsters with high Phys Res melt under the onslaught.


For weapons it was 2H all the way. He used a variety of twinked swords and polearms early on including Shadowfang, Soulflay, Kelpie Snare, Hone Sundan and Pierre Tombale Couant. The last one was an especially nice hitting stick. However, The Minotaur (my final choice) has CB, blind and slow combined with decent damage and was easily the best Axe/Mace class weapon I had (the only two weapon masteries I had given myself access to) when it was time to upgrade something and start putting points into a Mastery. Slowed, blind and stunned (War Cry) monsters are really not very dangerous at all!


Things changed a bit when I found a Reaper's for the Merc. His Decrep would now override the blind and Howl (but not the stun), however, Decrep is pretty good also so it wasn't a bad change, just took a bit of adjusting as the Decrep wears off pretty fast and then the monsters are running at you instead of away.


Skill progression was 6 points in BO early on gave plenty of life and mana and there just didn't seem to be a need for any more until Hell. Then max Beserk and War Cry together, followed by Howl. Four more points in BO to get up around 3000 life, ten points in Shout to synergise Beserk (and the defense bonus was good for the merc and possibly not completely wasted on Zach when closing with ranged attackers). The plan originally was to max Shout, but ultimately the AR bonus from Axe Mastery won out as the most useful place for Zach to put his extra skill points.


NDEs = two. One in Hell Halls of Vaught when I walked into an invisible Viper trail and life went to almost zero very fast. The second in Hell WSK 3 when a Champ/Beserk pack of Moon Lords started beating on an amped Zach (courtesy of an Oblivion Knight). Merc died fast and Zach was heading the same way before effecting a runaway escape. Generally though he was very, very safe.


Around the Hell Crystal Passage Merc started dying lots. Not great armour (Iron Pelt) and low damage weapon (un-upgraded Hone Sundan) just weren't cutting it anymore. So, I took some time out and went to run Meph for a while. After lots of map re-rolls I still didn't have a good map, so I headed to Act 1 and ran Pits and then Countess to build up the stash with just about everything and fill out a decent set of end game gear.


Finds - Reaper's Toll, Baranar's Star, 2x Gheed's, Lacerator, Carrion Wind, Highlord's Wrath, Lo (from NM Baal minions), Gul (from grave on way to Countess), Hell Forge= Ith/Dol/Um and a perfect Ruby Jewel of Fervor (now in the Reaper's).


Now that he's a Guardian Zach will probably take a break, but he has good Pits, Countess and WSK maps, so will get used to keep building that HC stash for some other twinked chars. I have also just installed RWM, so I'm thinking that the Lo rune would look very good in a Fortitude, once I find a decent base and come up with a plan for his resists.


Other random skill HC projects underway include a BlizzWaller, a Kodiak Bear, an Aggressin and a Fire Ranger/Avenger. All will benefit greatly from Zach's little effort at building their stash.
 
Originally posted by Doctor Clock on Apr 14, 2012:

Guardian #2: Wotan

"In hasty action, self mastery is lost."
Lao Tzu



Guardian Wotan


Level 86 Untwinked Single Pass Berserker

Stats

Strength: 182
Dexterity: 95
Vitality: 256
Energy: 10

Berserk Damage: 2442-4933 without Might
2910-5899 with Might

Life: 1512 without Battle Orders
3084 with Battle Orders

Resistances: 75/58/75/51


Warcries


Howl: 20
Find Potion: 1
Taunt: 1
Shout: 5
Find Item: 1
Battle Cry: 1
Battle Orders: 20
War Cry: 7
Battle Command: 1


Combat Masteries

Sword Mastery: 8
Iron Skin: 1
Natural Resistance: 1


Combat Skills

Bash: 1
Leap: 1
Stun: 1
Leap Attack: 1
Concentrate: 1
Berserk: 20


Items

Head: Chromatic Coronet of Negation (25 resist all, 6MDR, Ral rune)
Amulet: Angelic Wings
Weapon 1: Wotan's Cruel Colossus Sword of Swiftness (ShaelShael)
Weapon 2: The General's Tan Do Li Ga//Echoing Long Sword
Armor: Hawkmail
Gloves: Magnus' Skin
Ring 1: Viper Master (76AR, 4%LL, 29% Lightning Resist)
Belt: Pain Lash ( 24%FHR, 7 STR, 30% Cold Resist, 22% Poison Resist)
Ring 2: Angelic Halo
Boots: Ghoul Spur (20%FRW, 33% Lightning Resist, 24% Fire Resist)

Backpack: Gheed's Fortune, +Life charms, +Resist charms, +Damage/AR charms


Haseen

Act 2 Nightmare Offensive

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Insight Thresher
Treachery Gothic Plate

Thoughts


My first melee Guardian, and untwinked single-pass at that. It actually went easier than I expected. However, I tend to play at a glacial pace, so that helps.

I hadn't realized how much crowd control Barbarians have when I started this character, but I was pleasantly surprised. War Cry, Taunt, and the occasional Howl made most encounters quite safe. The most dangerous fights were actually Champion packs as I couldn't consistently stun them.

Wotan used a once upgraded Bonesnap until Act 4 Hell where I was able to shop a few Colossus Swords. I got very lucky with a 267%ED//30%IAS//2os roll after only a few tries, and that carried me through to the end of the game. I was very happy to be able to use the chipped gem recipe again. It reminded me of .09.

I used the Tan Do Li Ga on switch to slow uniques and champions and swapped it to Kelpie Snare for bosses.

Not much in the way of NDEs. I think he dropped below 1k only a couple of times. Once was against Battlemaid Sarina. The other was against the welcoming crew at the Ancients Way. The Ancients themselves were very easy. One of the easiest rolls I've had. No curses and Blessed Aim. Nihlathak prepared a nice greeting for Wotan and Haseen, but I managed.

/players 8 through Normal and Nightmare in full MF gear. /players 3 through Hell. Full clears through all difficulties.

Notable finds were a Mal rune, Vex rune, Gheed's, Tal's Armor, and Mara's. Unfortunately only the Gheed's saw any use.

Thanks for reading.
 
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Originally posted by DX-Crawler on May 11, 2004:

Guardian IK_Ploppy

Today my IK Barb who uses Concentrate as main attack finally made Guardian status.
With a high defense and a hugh painful hammer he got his way through everything that came in his way.

Here the stats with equip:
Str 249
Dex 59
Vit 295
Ene 25
Concentrate damage 3240-5164
Berzerk Damage 3361-5278
Defense with shout and defiance 18580 when using conc 27000+
Life 3290
Mana 315
All res 75

Equip
Immortal King's Stone Crusher with 2 Shaels
Immortal King's Will with two jewels 40% ED and 30% ED
Immortal King's Soul Cage one free socket
Immortal King's Forge
Immortal King's Pillar
Immortal King's Detail
Rings 1 Raven Frost, 1 rare with 8% LL
Ammy Rare with 1 to masteries and some other mods

+1 Masteries GC
+1 Combat Skills GC
Some life charms and defense

Defiance mercenary
3*Amn Hone Sundan
Shaft Stop
Guillemas Face

Skill setup
Max BO, Shout, Conc
Points in Berzerk, Natural res, Taunt, Battle Cry, and some points in mastery.
Put some extra points in Bash as well to increase the damage even more not nececary though.
CB setup for my merc to kill Ball faster.

Can't remember that I had a NDE with this character along the way.
This was about it, he will be a rune runner when I can get a point in Increased Speed.
Hopefully my druid will be just as lucky. If I make him Guardian then all the male characters are done. And then I can play the female Characters. Haven't had any luck with those yet.

DX
 
Originally posted by ERayz on Jan 6, 2014:

King Loyal - 1.09 Classic Hardcore WW Barbarian

Hi everyone!

I'm really happy to show you my newest character, Loyal, the 1.09 Classic HC WW Barbarian

I've been trying to complete HC in Classic in the past, without any success. I kept dying in the Durance of Hate level 3, or River of Flame, mostly by bad luck AND a lack of decent gear. Then I revised my playstyle and started Loyal. Basically I told to myself that I should play a lot more patient, isolating monsters out of their packs one by one, if I'm unsure they are safe or not to attack. I also took the habit of always checking the mods of the unique monsters before even touching them, in fear of meeting an MSLE combo, which is deadly in 1.09. From my experience, this is a guaranteed 1 hit Deeds, even with decent resists and life, and since there is no absorb in Classic, I can't rely on that.

Something weird that I want to say about 1.09 is that most people talk about the Aura Enchanted mobs, with Conviction, saying the Aura is such a high level that when a monster has this aura, such as Bremm Sparkfist, makes it very hard to survive because the resists are getting lowered a lot. What is weird, is that whenever I encounter a monster with Conviction, my resists never drop more than 5%, even when I'm not maxed, and even in LoD.

I don't know if it's a bug in my patch files or whatever, but I won't complain! haha. But the Fanaticism and Might packs are pretty tough.


Ok so, here's Loyal the Barbarian:

View attachment 5169

King Loyal, Level 65

Life:
1487 (2631 with BO)

Strength: 69 (for BoneSnap)
Dex: 20 (base)
Vitality: 321
Energy:
10

Skills:

Combat
1 Bash
1 Leap
1 Stun
1 Leap Attack
4 Concentrate
20 Whirlwind
1 Berserk (to deal with PI)

Masteries
20 Mace Mastery
1 Iron Skin
9 Natural Resistances

War Cries
1 Howl
1 Shout
15 Battle Orders


At the beginning, I planned to max Concentrate before putting more points into BO, but I figured that level 4 Concentrate already had enough damage and AR, so I went for more life with BO, which I think was a smart choice since I'm playing HC, and even then I had some close calls.


Equipment

Helm:
Sigon's Visor
Weapon: BoneSnap 233%
Armor: IceBlink
Gloves: Bloodfist
Belt: Sigon's Wrap
Boots: Skull Thread (Rare Chain Boots 30% Faster Run/Walk, 14% Cold Resist, 32% Lightning Resist, Half Freeze Duration)
Amulet: Bronze Amulet of the Bat ( 13 AR, 4% Mana Stolen)
Ring 1: Silver Ring of the Leech (76 AR, 4% Life Stolen)
Ring 2: Garnet Ring of the Locust ( 27% Fire Resist, 6% Life Stolen)

-Sigon's helm and Belt for the Set bonus of 10% Life Stolen being very useful + High AR bonus on the Helm
-Bloodfist for the 30% FHR and 40 Life
-Bonesnap because of the low Str requirement and 40% Crushing Blow being REALLY useful, especially on P8. I ran Normal Meph until he dropped this, luckily, it took less than 20 runs.
-IceBlink I found in Hell Tal Rasha's Tomb, though it seems that Freezes target does not work in Hell difficulty? Anyway I needed the 30% Cold resist
-Skull Thread: These boots were my only source of Lightning resist, besides Natural Resistance, and I like the Half Freeze Duration and 30% FRW. The Cold res is a good plus. Dropped by NM Diablo
-My amulet sucks but I've never found anything better and Mana leech was mandatory on at least one piece of equipment. I must say I spent more than 10 million gold Gambling in hopes of getting something better.
-Rings: I wanted Life Leech on both, preferably with high AR, but I didn't have much luck, so I found a Fire Resist which is still very good.


Progression:

Normal

All of Normal was played on P8, with the exception of Meph running which was done on P3. I already had Sigon's Helm and Belt for him, found and transfered by my previous Classic HC Barb retired at level 44 (bad build, but alive!). Loyal wanted to kill Mephisto until he found Bonesnap, and it didn't take too much time, luckily (<20 runs).

I leveled in Chaos Sanctuary until level 40, before continuing to NM.

Nightmare

Again, all of NM was done on P8, but this time, I decided not to run Mephisto because the dolls in Durance of Hate were a real threat. I had a very close call when I attacked a unique stygian doll in Durance of Hate level 2. I had 1484 life (with BO) at this point , and the explosion of the doll left me with ~200 HP left from full life. From then I decided never to attack dolls again.

Act 4 was pretty easy except for Chaos Sanctuary, mainly due to Iron Maiden. I ran River of Flame + Chaos Sanctuary on P8 until level 60. Diablo dropped my boots on the first run, which is nice because I had very low lightning resist.

Hell

All of Act 1 was played on P8, and from this point, I played super carefully. Before attacking a group of monsters, I always checked if there was a unique, and if there was, I always checked his mods before even touching the pack.
I don't know if the Multiple Shot / Lightinng Enchanted would one hit kill me or not, and I don't want to know.

The hardest packs were packs of monsters on which I can't leech that have Mana Burn, mostly skeletons and PI monsters. Most of the time I would skip those.

I met this little guy in the Barracks:

View attachment 5166

Needless to say I didn't touch him :)

Most of Act 2 was played on P8, except for Arcane sanctuary, as I knew I'd find a lot of Spectres who are PI and can stack on top of each other. I did Tal Rasha's Tomb and Duriel on P8, Tal Rasha's Tomb took quite a bit of time because there were a LOT of Apparitions. Duriel, on the other hand, died in less than 20 seconds.

All of Act 3 and 4 were played on P1, mostly because Act 3 is boring IMO, and also has lots of potential dangers (dolls, council members, huge packs of fetishes, Travincal, etc.)

When I arrived at Travincal, Toorc had the MSLE combo, so I S/E and tried again.

View attachment 5167

I had another close call in Durance of Hate level 3 against Bremm, which had Mana Burn, and managed to swarm me with his minions, I used a few Full juvs and spammed WW to get out. Despite my maxed Fire Resist, his Hydras hurt me a lot. Mephisto as usual, was really easy for a WW Barb.

Then I arrived in Act 4, the Very first pack of monsters in the Outer Steppes was a Unique Doom Caster with Extra Fast, Multiple Shot and Lightning Enchant! I S/E promptly before getting killed. The next time, there was a pack of Champion Doom Casters, which is a lot easier to deal with ;)

Other than that, Act 4 went very well, I feared that Diablo would kill me with his lightining attack, because I have only 34 Lightning Resist, but it turns out I can tank it without any problem. Diablo died less than a minute later, dropped nothing valuable then let me finally see this screen:

View attachment 5168

And by the way, does anybody know why Diablo is so hard to hit, all my attacks seem to miss against him, even if the character screen says I have 60% chance to hit him, it seems like I have less than 10%. Does he have like, 75% chance to Block, but no block animation frames???

I plan on leveling this guy for a while, in River of Flames, not CS as I feel it unsafe and too likely to meet MSLE uniques.
If I ever find Spectral shard and Goldskin, then I will continue my Classic HC Sorc, currently level 25.
 
Originally posted by @Kitteh on Feb 3, 2019:

Guardian #14 - Bohica - Taking Acquiescence to a New Level

1590175636800.png

Bohica has made it to guardianship, becoming guardian #14. It was a fun weekend, especially as Diablo II has been minimal at best recently. He is named after the acronym 'Bohica', which mostly has military origins as far as I'm aware, but his use of the word is a nod to one of my favourite comic books, 'Negation'. Bohica is a fairly standard concentrate barbarian but he will hopefully become a successful Chaos Sanctuary runner and subsequently reach level 99, but that depends how he works out as a CS runner. He started of with Death's set before moving onto ethereal Ginther's Rift, before finally equipping Oath in a balrog blade. I'd like a Grief and Highlord's Wrath before I start running CS with him, but *shrug*. His journey included some nice drops, the traditional bad joke, my usual rambling and even an appearance from a European dictator, so that's nice. He is by far my safest build so far I think, with not a single NDE or even anything close to it really. He was also surprisingly quick for a single target killer...

I'm not sure what is coming next to be honest. I don't have a great cow runner at the moment, although I will probably opt for Haematopoiesis, although I've never tried a bonemancer for cow running before. I don't imagine that I will have time for another guardian before the RFL begins.

Enjoy the highlights! :)



Name: Bohica
Class: Barbarian
Experience: 886584124
Level: 83

Naked/Gear
Strength: 156/206
Dexterity: 98/188
Vitality: 246/283
Energy: 10/20
HP: 1163/1328
Mana: 92/132
Stamina: 395/539
Defense: 24/1274
AR: 475/32109

Fire: 147/107/47
Cold: 187/147/87
Lightning: 146/106/46
Poison: 124/84/24

MF: 0 Block: 75
GF: 50
FR/W: 60
FHR: 60
IAS: 135
FCR: 0


Bash: 20/24
Leap: 0/0
Double Swing: 0/0
Stun: 1/5
Double Throw: 0/0
Leap Attack: 0/0
Concentrate: 20/24
Frenzy: 0/0
Whirlwind: 0/0
Berserk: 1/5

Sword Mastery: 20/22
Axe Mastery: 0/0
Mace Mastery: 0/0
Pole Arm Mastery: 0/0
Throwing Mastery: 0/0
Spear Mastery: 0/0
Increased Stamina: 1/3
Iron Skin: 1/3
Increased Speed: 1/3
Natural Resistance: 4/6

Howl: 1/3
Find Potion: 1/3
Taunt: 0/0
Shout: 1/3
Find Item: 1/3
Battle Cry: 0/0
Battle Orders: 20/22
Grim Ward: 0/0
War Cry: 0/0
Battle Command: 1/3


Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xd0c9b7a9
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xb349d7f7
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Waterwalk
Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 121
Durability: 9 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

Treachery
Light Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 94
Durability: 51 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

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x40068b5c
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

The Cat's Eye
Amulet
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x8fe68115
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+100 Defense
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+25 to Dexterity

Sharp Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x756b5c38
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7% Faster Run/Walk
+10 to Maximum Damage
+56 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xbe8fde18
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Maximum Damage
+18 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x23106690
Item Level: 48
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+16 to Attack Rating

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1bcce38e
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x1551430f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+12 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xae809c66
Item Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Maximum Damage
+15 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x8c921577
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Maximum Damage
+17 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xef7c6f20
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
+19 to Attack Rating

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd01d4f37
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x86caba37
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life

Fine Small Charm of the Icicle
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x86dadd3
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
+12 to Attack Rating
Adds 2 - 4 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)

Fine Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x4a37c6b0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
+18 to Attack Rating
+2 to Dexterity

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

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 87
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xccacd616
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%


Verdungo's Hearty Cord
Mithril Coil
Defense: 135
Durability: 15 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%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd312c4bf
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xd0e5cbf9
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+249 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

Sharp Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x90ad07
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 to Maximum Damage
+39 to Attack Rating

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%

Arreat's Face
Slayer Guard
Defense: 333
Durability: 49 of 55
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0x6a287bd2
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
6% Life stolen per hit
+176% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
All Resistances +45
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%

Sharp Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x832824f0
Item Level: 40
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Maximum Damage
+36 to Attack Rating

Sharp Large Charm of Storms
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0xc99b4bce
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5 to Maximum Damage
+28 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 31 Lightning Damage

Iron Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x6763fdf2
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+33 to Attack Rating
+33 to Life

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

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

Fine Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x341992a3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
+3 to Maximum Damage
+13 to Attack Rating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Echoing Balanced Knife of the Leech
Balanced Knife
Throw Damage: 6 - 11
One Hand Damage: 1 - 8
Quantity: 160
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 51
Fingerprint: 0x70b0b356
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
4% Life stolen per hit

Echoing Balanced Axe
Balanced Axe
Throw Damage: 12 - 15
One Hand Damage: 5 - 10
Quantity: 130
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 57
Fingerprint: 0xb2668bb3
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oath
Balrog Blade
ShaelPulMalLum
One Hand Damage: 89 - 456
Two Hand Damage: 334 - 722
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 175
Required Dexterity: 77
Fingerprint: 0xb93150ac
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
30% Chance to cast level 20 Bone Spirit on striking
Indestructible
+50% Increased Attack Speed
308% Enhanced Damage
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Prevent Monster Heal
+10 to Energy
+15 Magic Absorb
Level 16 Heart of Wolverine (20/20 Charges)
Level 17 Iron Golem (14/14 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Lum 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

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

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

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

Stormshield
Monarch
Defense: 457
Chance to Block: 47
Durability: 83 of 86
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x8c6725be
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+35% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+311 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+30 to Strength
Cold Resist +60%
All Resistances +22
Lightning Resist +25%
Damage Reduced by 35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 10
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%


Mercenary:

Name: Chalan
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 67072034
Level: 82
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 181/196
Dexterity: 145/145
HP: 1647/1828
Defense: 1217/2005
AR: 1874/1874

Fire: 181/141/81
Cold: 211/171/111
Lightning: 181/141/81
Poison: 181/141/81

Duriel's Shell
Cuirass
Defense: 659
Durability: 145 of 150
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0xc4bee529
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+174% Enhanced Defense
+103 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+15 to Strength
+38 to Life
+83 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +20
Cannot Be Frozen
+100 Maximum Durability
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Ruby

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


Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 129
Durability: 18 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x65e6328e
Item Level: 88
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



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
 
Originally posted by @Kitteh on Nov 25, 2018:

Guardian #12 - Madawc - The Constantly Bullied 'Third Wheel' of The Ancients

1590175783215.png

Madawc, the first Guardian in my 'The Trials and Tribulations of 'The Ancients'' set, has reached guardianship. As my standard, he was completed at P8/P8/P3.

I mentioned it in the Daily on Friday, but Friday was not a good day for me. As I predicted, it has left me messed up all weekend. I am fairly certain that, as it always does, Diablo has kept me safe this weekend. This was a stark reminder of how big a role this video game has played and continues to play in my life - it is both concerning and comforting. I hope that you can all take a moment to consider the equivalent in yours lives.

Madawc is a double throw barb using dual gimmershreds. He also relies on Treachery for the ias/fade and Reaper's on the merc for the decrepify. A fun character, although going back to town all the time was a bit irritating, especially as I only had one set of weapons :rolleyes: It interfered with my WP/TP balance that I use when questing, which slightly slowed things down. The other annoying thing was the range... I didn't realise that after a certain distance, double throw will not hit at all, the annoying part being that the range is within one screen! :mad:

Madawc's highlights video includes a wonderful joke, an awful attempt at the German language and an insight into the Glasgow drugs trade. Perfect.



Name: Madawc
Class: Barbarian
Experience: 898716609
Level: 83

Naked/Gear
Strength: 77/94
Dexterity: 90/112
Vitality: 333/348
Energy: 10/10
HP: 1511/1602
Mana: 92/210
Stamina: 482/502
Defense: 22/649
AR: 435/995

Fire: 158/118/58
Cold: 180/140/80
Lightning: 131/91/31
Poison: 76/36/-24

MF: 0 Block: 14
GF: 56
FR/W: 37
FHR: 50
IAS: 125
FCR: 0



Bash: 1/1
Leap: 0/0
Double Swing: 20/20
Stun: 0/0
Double Throw: 20/20
Leap Attack: 0/0
Concentrate: 0/0
Frenzy: 0/0
Whirlwind: 0/0
Berserk: 0/0

Sword Mastery: 0/0
Axe Mastery: 0/0
Mace Mastery: 0/0
Pole Arm Mastery: 0/0
Throwing Mastery: 20/20
Spear Mastery: 0/0
Increased Stamina: 0/0
Iron Skin: 1/1
Increased Speed: 0/0
Natural Resistance: 9/9

Howl: 1/1
Find Potion: 0/0
Taunt: 0/0
Shout: 1/1
Find Item: 0/0
Battle Cry: 0/0
Battle Orders: 20/20
Grim Ward: 0/0
War Cry: 0/0
Battle Command: 1/1



Treachery
Light Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 94
Durability: 60 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

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x7b410531
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+162 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+18 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 155
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xffce4984
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+188% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Eagle Mark
Amulet
Required Level: 34
Fingerprint: 0xbd1d2b4a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Strength
+30 to Life
+78 to Mana
Cold Resist +31%
All Resistances +15
Poison Length Reduced by 50%

Ghoul Touch
Ring
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x99e3650a
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Maximum Damage
+91 to Attack Rating
6% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +9
Cold Resist +12%
Lightning Resist +14%

Steel Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x645a1e2b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+66 to Attack Rating
+27 to Life

Coral Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xc45365ee
Item Level: 62
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +12%

Ocher Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x9dd485e3
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +6%

Jade Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x1a08f6ee
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +8%

Garnet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xf07f494b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%

Jade Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x84b77149
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +9%

Sharp Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x832824f0
Item Level: 40
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Maximum Damage
+36 to Attack Rating

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 87
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x2109fcd6
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%


Tangerine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 1
Fingerprint: 0xa85cefb6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +5%

Sharp Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x90ad07
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 to Maximum Damage
+39 to Attack Rating

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

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1b36b3e6
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Jade Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xf59083c4
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +9%

Garnet Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x394b8d9c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +23%

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xd0c9b7a9
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x4bbb1bc2
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Rockstopper
Sallet
Defense: 174
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x687721a0
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+177% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Vitality
+15 to Life
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +52%
Fire Resist +29%
Damage Reduced by 10%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ambergris Jewel of Hope

Ambergris Jewel of Hope
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x5094206e
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Lightning Resist +22%

Sharp Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x756b5c38
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7% Faster Run/Walk
+10 to Maximum Damage
+56 to Attack Rating

Sapphire Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x52ccb6f1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Strength
Cold Resist +30%

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 111
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xe77297e8
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Life stolen per hit
+175% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 11
+10 Maximum Durability

Russet Small Charm of Flame
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x17fe7f5c
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Fire Damage
Fire Resist +6%

Jade Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xb020210d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +8%
6% Extra Gold from Monsters

Echoing Balanced Knife of the Leech
Balanced Knife
Throw Damage: 6 - 11
One Hand Damage: 1 - 8
Quantity: 160
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 51
Fingerprint: 0x70b0b356
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
4% Life stolen per hit

Echoing Balanced Axe
Balanced Axe
Throw Damage: 12 - 15
One Hand Damage: 5 - 10
Quantity: 130
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 57
Fingerprint: 0xb2668bb3
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x40068b5c
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Gimmershred
Flying Axe
Throw Damage: 40 - 178
One Hand Damage: 45 - 175
Quantity: 81
Required Level: 70
Required Strength: 88
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0xccdd2028
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Increased Attack Speed
170% Enhanced Damage
Adds 218 - 483 Fire Damage
Adds 29 - 501 Lightning Damage
Adds 176 - 397 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
Increased Stack Size

Gimmershred
Flying Axe
Throw Damage: 45 - 201
One Hand Damage: 52 - 198
Quantity: 82
Required Level: 70
Required Strength: 88
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0xa191b2db
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Increased Attack Speed
206% Enhanced Damage
Adds 218 - 483 Fire Damage
Adds 29 - 501 Lightning Damage
Adds 176 - 397 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
Increased Stack Size



Mercenary:

Name: Haseen
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 69474008
Level: 83
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 183/198
Dexterity: 147/172
HP: 1687/1820
Defense: 1245/2187
AR: 1889/1889

Fire: 200/160/100
Cold: 197/157/97
Lightning: 167/127/67
Poison: 167/127/67

Crown of Thieves
Grand Crown
Defense: 304
Durability: 49 of 50
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x35c4bcc5
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Life stolen per hit
+167% Enhanced Defense
+25 to Dexterity
+50 to Life
+35 to Mana
Fire Resist +33%
100% Extra Gold from Monsters


Duriel's Shell
Cuirass
Defense: 638
Durability: 150 of 150
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x3bbf3907
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+164% Enhanced Defense
+103 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+15 to Strength
+83 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +20
Cannot Be Frozen
+100 Maximum Durability
1 Sockets (0 used)


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
 
Originally posted by Miki- on Feb 13, 2006:

Guardian January, IK Barbarian

After finding IKSC from Tresh, playing my ww barbarian trough the hell was a breeze.
This makes my second SP Guardian, first one being a blizzardsorc

Guardian January, lvl 86 WW Barbarian

Stats with/without items:

Str 232/187
Dex 67/base
Vit 313
Nrg Base

Life/Mana with bo: 3976/285

Full resistances

Skills:

Maxed WW, Bo, Shout, Mace Mastery
1 point in Berserk, Nat. Res, Inc. Speed, Find item, Battle cry

AR: 11363 without any buffs, ctc enchant from armor increases a bit.

Items:

Full IK set, 2*topazed helm, topazed armor, 2*shael stone crusher.
At the moment I am using Angelic's amulet + one ring and raven frost to give nice AR boost.

Merc:

Lvl 86 might merc

Guillaume's Face
Stone Archon Plate
The Reaper's Toll

Playing this guy trough the norm/nm was very easy, ww'ing my way trough every enemy. Only places where I had to slow a bit were Chaos Sanctuary and WSK lvl3/Throne Room, you know why :azn: Normal and NM were played with /players 8. I had played this guy to Hell act1 before I found IKSC with my sorc. After that I made my way trough the Hell mainly with /players 5, Ancients were done at /players 3. Had one NDE when fooling around in pits
without IKSC, those fanatic archers can hit very badly if you're cursed.

I don't know what to do with this guy for now on, maybe some horking runs :scratch:

Any questions are welcome.
 
Originally posted by Milb on Jul 17, 2008:

Guardian No 12 - Alaric the Throw Barb

Hello SPF!

Introducing my 12th Guardian, Alaric the Throw Barb. I thought he had a pretty cool name, meaning 'Everyone's Ruler', which was kind of apt as nothing stood any real chance against him, until I found there's a merc called Alaric which kind of took the shine off it :( I may as well have called him Emilio or Neeraj!

Anyway, he was an extremely fun character to play, and very powerful. I basically played him as a Frenzy Barb until Act 4 NM using Butcher's Pupils. The fun started when I could equip him with dual Scalpers. This is also where I started using dozens and dozens of town portals to continually go back to get repairs. This got even worse when I upgraded to Demon's Arch spears with only 80 quantity, I was able to kill one or two packs then have to portal back and get repairs.

I decided to give myself a bit of a challenge and stick to players 3 in Hell, something which I don't normally risk, however, after seeing the damage figures and the amount of health he had I thought it would be a bit boring if I strolled through at p1 like I normally do :) I think it paid off as I found far more items than I normally would, nothing spectualar unfortunately (probably due to low mf) but there were a lot more high tc items dropping than I normally see.

I was tempted to use Warcry, as I used it with my Frenzy Barb and it was absolutely essential, but I decided against it. With the amount of damage he did, I could use the more 'basic' skills (Taunt and Howl) and keep control of all situations. I also wanted to play him in a diferent style, I didn't want to make two practically identical characters.

I think he'll retire to a life of Pit running after a couple of gear changes or, he'll take over LK running duties from my other Barb (I don't have a sorc who could run LK without the risk of dieing and I like the idea of doing it with 3.5k health!).

The stats:

Lvl 85
Str: 140(93)
Dex: 108(69)
Vit: 348
Ene: 10(20)

Skills:

20 BO, 20 Double Swing, 20 Double Throw, 20 Throw mastery, 1 in all the one point wonders, 1 in Frenzy and 2 left over.
Damage (with might + enchant):

Frenzy: 929-3434, 906-3356, 5673AR
Double Throw: 1428-6335, 1388-6133, 9716AR

3560 life, 307 mana
8k Defense

75/75/75/45 res.

Gear:

Arreats 'Thul'
Gloom Archon Plate (big disappointment, was hoping for more out of the Dim Vision)
Dual Gimmershreds 203ed / 187ed
2 Echoing weapons on switch and a Demon Limb in the stash
Crafted Amu, 1 Barb, 4LL, 5ML, 19 life, 8frw
Nosferatu's Coil
20IAS/KB Gloves / LoH for bosses and Bartucs Group onwards
Ravenfrost 166/19
Rare 29 fire / 24 lightning - from Ormus in Normal, never swapped it :)
Goreriders

In the stash are a Gheeds 35mf, assorted Fine/Sharp charms and a few res charms to plug a couple of gaps.

Merc (might), Reaper's Toll, Shaftstop, Guillaumes.

Notable finds: Burning GC, Entrapping GC, Mentalists GC of Inertia, Shadowkiller, Titan's (from a rack), Ali baba, Razortail (which I didn't have when I planned the Barb)

Best forges ever, Dol/Hel :hang:

In summary, a very, very fun character, as long as you don't mind going to town every two minutes to get repairs. I was hoping to finish him before Neksja as I saw a couple of posts about him building one but he beat me to the punch :doh:

Only 2 more characters to go to finish my second Sept, a Necro and a Druid, hopefully I'll be one closer in the coming weeks.

Thanks for reading!
Milb
 
Originally posted by Nightfish on Mar 20, 2008:

Guardians #42 & #43

Well, here we go again. Another two guardians done with. I think I'll keep bringing them in packs since I have some left that definetly aren't worth their own thread. In fact, one of these two isn't even worth a footnote, to be honest... Anyway:

Guardian 42: Belkar - Lvl 78 Barbarian

He's named after a funny little halfing in my favorite webcomic so you gotta imagine he's only 3 feet tall, tops. Size aside, the throwbarb this is is actually a fair representation of Belkar. He dual wields, throws weapons and brings fear into the hearts of his enemies. Also he likes to wear the heads of his victims as hats (find item skill).

Stats:
Str 110
Dex 205
Vit 160

Life: ~1850 (after BO)

Damage: 1500-5500
AR: 8500 (11500 with enchant, demon limb)


Relevant Skills:
Double Throw: 18
Howl: 10
Battle Orders: 20
Find Item: 9
Throw Mastery: 20
Speed, Stamina, Skin: 1
Natural Resist: 2
Leap Attack 1


Gear
2x Gimmershred (+2 in the Inventory to switch)
2 x Ali Baba (hork hork)
Ravenfrost, BKWB
LoH
Highlord's
Fortitude Archon Plate
Uppd Goldwrap
Gore Rider
Stealskull (the 10% IAS were needed for a breakpoint)



Well, nothing truly spectacular here. One thing that worked okay is getting some MF and and extra gold on him. Well, the MF did not actually bring anything useful, some gold and green but nothing I didnt have a dozen off yet. The gold find did help pay the huge repair costs, though.

Oh yea, he had a might merc, too. But that's pretty standard for me. I rarely use anything else.

Skillwise, most choices are pretty obvious, I guess. Between dex, might and fortitude, I was good on damage. Or rather, the crappy amount of damage double swing might add wasnt worth the points. So after throwing mastery I went with double throw for AR. After all, damage is nothing if you can't deliver the hits. Still, enchant was sorely needed. I can definetly tell when it runs out.

The main reason I got find item is because I had the points to spare. Really didn't need anything else. Defence was a respectable 8.5k but I wasnt tanking much anyway, so shout would be wasted. I got howl to lvl 10 for the simple reason of being able to scare monsters when I needed to. Sure, if I levelled this guy to 85, slvl 1 would do the trick. But 1) I won't do that, and 2) I needed howl to work in the chaos sanctuary. Definetly a winning move, even though howl isn't 100% reliable (and I don't mean that level dependancy thing, I mean it sometimes doesn't scare stuff even though it should). Still, even if it only scared two out of three monsters, it was a real life saver.

He wasnt really dangerous to play. Huge lifepool and all... Leap attack is pretty nice to move around, although it seems stuff can hit me while I'm airborne which almost killed me once. One thing I definetly find very annoying is the short range of throwing weapons. Pierce wouldnt even be worth it because my attack just vanishes anyway. Of course I'm used to strafe which hits stuff half a screen away. "Hey, what monsters spawn in this area?" "No idea, I only see corpses...."

Overall, I gotta say I hate playing him, though. Repairing all the time is tedious and kill speed is nowhere near what it should be to make up for that. Of all the (5) barbarians I played so far, this was by far the worst. Maybe he'd be better if I had lacerators, but I don't. Still, I'd rather play another 5 of him than one more:




Guardian 43: Vaarsuvius - Lvl 78 Druid

Also named after a character in said comic. That is where the fun ends, though, this guy does suck. And he sucks bad. Yes, my hatred for druids is on an all time high, after playing this pure fire build. I won't list all the stats and items, they're the basic caster stuff. HotO, Skin, SoJs, etc.

Basically I went and maxed 4 fire skills: fissure, firestorm, armageddon and volcano. Got one in the summons up to grizzly, too, for a change. Damageoutput is a joke, though. Compare yourself to any single tree sorceress and then kill yourself, V. Goddammit, does armageddon ever hit? Not really, no. It's so pathetic I don't even know where to start. It's like... well, if you want some graphical effects, that's something it's good for. Whee, look at meteors...

Actually I've had this guy parked in mid hell for over a year because he sucked so bad. Some time last week I pushed him the rest of the way but it was anything but fun. For all the good characters my little project brought me, this guy balances them out.

I have no idea how I got him through hell. A lot of the work was done by the mercenary, in the Chaos Sanctuary I actually suicide teleported around with a spellsteel to get something moving. That I didnt kill him there is nothing short of a miracle. PI/FI Balrog seal guardian made me save and exit to reroll him twice. On the third try I had the brilliant idea to do this seal *first* and not *last*... And he was killable. Ancients were relatively easy, thank god. Running around and spamming fissure got them.

Oh yea, speaking of PI/FI. I swear this has to be the most common immunity combination in the game. Sucks for this guy... Even if there was an area with no fire immunes worth running, this would be the last build I'd pick. I'd rather do it with a firebolt sorceress.... Got to hell, V. Oh, wait, you already did... Well, stay there. Don't call me. I won't call you either...




Not quite sure what I'll do next. I've got multiple chars parked all over nightmare up to act 1 hell. Will have to see what strikes my fancy... As for total numbers, I have 8 amazons and 8 sorcs already so I need 51 total to finish this thing assuming I can manage to not make 8 in a third class... (or 9 sorcs / zons). That's the problem if you start lots of chars and then don't finish all of them... After you come back from a break you see the abandoned one and go like "oh, cool, I only need to pick this one up in nightmare and I'll be one step closer to my goal".... Damn... :D Anyway, that means (at least) another 8 and I'm done. Finally...
 
Originally posted by Nightfish on Jul 21, 2008

Guardian #46

Guardian 46: Dashy - Lvl 79 Barbarian


Second to last Barbarian! Build is pretty much your standard concentration barb. Oh yea, finally got dashy's tribute build done. Sorrry it wasn't more spiffy, dude. :p

Stats with gear:
Str 200ish
Dex 100ish
Vit 250ish

Life: ~3000 (incl BO)
Defence: 20k (13k when not attacking with conc, 0 when using berserk (duh))


Damage: 2200-6000
AR: 8k (includes enchant and messerschmidt's bonus)


Relevant Skills:
20 Conc, 1 Zerk, 1 Leap Attack
20 Shout, 20 BO, 10 Battle Cry, 1 Battle Command, 1 Find Item
1 AxeMastery, 1 ISpeed, 5 Nat Res


Gear
Messerschmidt's Reaver (Shael)
2x Echoing Weapon's on Switch
LoH
Highlord's
Fortitude Archon Plate
SoE
Gore Rider
Guillaume's Face
Ravenfrost / 5% DualLeechRare

Nothing fancy, really. The only real trick here was to use an Obedience Thresher to get Enchant going. I kept that one in the Cube and switched it in as needed, killed one or two critters and swapped it back out. Neato. Also much cheaper lazier than using demon limb.

As usual, I was accompanied by a might merc, using some random items that I forget. I'm pretty sure he had some spear to poke stuff and helm to get some leech going and probably some sort of body armour so he doesn't die too often.

Thoughts
Well, the basic plan with this one is pretty simple. Run up to stuff and smack it. Repeat until stuff dies. In theory, his high life and defence should keep him safe. Stat-wise, the only problem was attack rating. Since I wanted to rack up on the deadly strike with highlord's, I wasn't going to use the angelic jewelry. Aside from a few AR charms and 100ish dex to provide some base AR, I had 100% bonus from messerschmidt's (always meant to use that weapon, even before I found my first one years ago). Enchant also helped, bumped AR up from 5500ish to around 8k. That's still not quite enough to reliably hit stuff in hell but luckily I had battle cry. Really nice warcry, that one. One drawback, however... The range is really, really not big enough. Wish it went up by just a little bit per level. Would've maxed it and definetly had a much easier time.

So, how did I like this one? Uhm... yea... I guess the word I'm looking for is "underwhelmed". I've played a fair share of builds by now and this one pretty much sucked considering the stats it displays and whatnot. The whole thing is a LOT less safe than my fendzon, which is ridiculous considering she has less than half his life and probably just a quarter of his defence. This barb had more NDEs than my last 5 chars combined. The kicksin I played just before didn't even break 1k life and was much less iffy to play.

Killspeed is about as expected. Actually I probably shouldn't refer to it as killspeed but something implying a more leisurely pace. Watch-stuff-die-of-old-age-speed. No, I kid... It's not quite that bad, but bad enough. Of course there is only so much a single-target attack can do. Of course I would have expected this build to kill faster than my untwinked berserker from way back, but no...

All in all I find the conc barb to be mediocre in all aspects. The gains in defence in no way justify the loss in kill speed when compared to frenzy, whirlwind or even berserk. Especially the monsters I thought this build would be able to handle well, frenzytaurs and the like, proved tough. Had to retreat a couple of times, once leap attack bailed him out just in the nick of time...

Anyway, there were no problems he couldn't handle, it's just that things were a lot harder than they were for my other barbs. Killspeed seriously plummetts for this guy and that partially negates the gain in defence. My frenzy barb had just killed the monsters as they came and never got into deep trouble because there simply weren't enough to surround him.

This guy's saving grace is totally the battle cry which allows him to persevere when swamped. Mostly. Curse plus anything still gets him. Heck, frenzytaurs get him even without a curse. As do balrogs. Pretty much all of the heavy hitters force him to use strategy rather than brute force.


SeptSept Status

8 Amazons
8 Sorceresses
7 Assassin
6 Paladins
6 Necros
5 Druids
6 Barbarians

so, a grand total of 5 chars to go. Gonna tackle a druid next. See yas!
 
Originally posted by PestinReace on Oct 30, 2009:

Guardian Thorgal - the untwinked Zerker

My first post here on this forum. I've been lurking in the hardcore-forum most of the time. I resigned from b.net a few months back and had a break from the game up until two weeks ago, where i looked into the SP-room and tried out the only char i had, a tesladin, and the old SP-memories came back to mind. I've made several SP-guardians before, mainly ranged builds. So this time i wanted to try out a meleebuild. My first thought was a WW/zerker but as most monsters in hell have physical resistance and finding a decent weapon in SP is quite difficult, i went for a zerker. And Thorgal was born.


Skill points

Howl (20)
Shout (20)
Battle orders (20)
Find potion (1)
Taunt (1)
Battle command (1)
Battle cry (1)
War cry (1)

Mace mastery (20)
Increased stamina (1)
Iron skin (1)
Increased speed (1)
Natural resistance (1)

Bash (1)
Stun (1)
Concentrate (1)
Berserk (1)

Amount of skill points: 93

Stat points

With/without items
Strenght: 115/90
Dexterity: 153/83
Vitality: 322/322
Energy: 10/10


Charms

Scs: lighting resist +6%
fire resist +9%
+11 to life
+9 to life
fire resist 9%
+1 to dexterity, fire resist +6%
+7 to life, lighting resist 8%
+2 to dexterity

Lcs: +15 to life
+3 to dexterity
+1 to maximum damage, +16 to attack rating, +2 to dexterity
+6 to life, cold resist 7%
+3 to dexterity

Gcs: +29 to life
+96 to attack rating
+39 to life
+1 to maximum damage, +10 to attack rating, +6 to dexterity
+21 to life, cold resist +30%
+17 to life


Main gear

Rares:

Helm http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/527/screenshot053s.jpg
Amulet http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8636/screenshot054y.jpg
Ring 1 http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5737/screenshot055n.jpg
Ring 2 http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2972/screenshot056p.jpg

Crafted gloves http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6984/screenshot057l.jpg

Uniqes:

Earthshaker 180ed
Twitchthroe Trellised armor
Waterwalk 208/67
Razortail
Rhyme Grim shield


Mercenary gear

Pierre tombale couant 'amn'
Stealskull
Gemmed Full plate mail 4x Perfect topaz


Some facts

Damage fully equipped and buffed with/without merc: 1135-2016/939-1668
Hit points and mana with/without BO: 3733 and 199/1705 and 91
Hell resistances: 74/60/75/44
75% block (Hell Baal)
Hellforges (Normal/NM/Hell): Ral/Lum/Lem


The journey

I moved swiftly through act 1,2 and 3 without facing any major difficulties, except the damage outcome. Using Isenhart sword, the killing speed was notably slowed down as I entered act 4. At this state I pretty much acted as a tank while the merc did the damage with his savage lochaber axe. Howl and taunt came well into use in the Chaos Sanctuary, not to mention the Infector of Souls pack. Diablo went down slowly but safely after a few trips of potionshopping.
And so, act 5. But no progressions there whatsoever. Although i did find a slightly better weapon, I really struggled to increase the damage. That became a growing problem as i got to the summit. And as my % of blocking was still low I had a hard time tanking all three Ancients, especially Talic. So I simply ran around picking them out 1 by 1.
Baals minions weren't too difficult, as warcry left them stunned. The Lister pack however, was another story. My damage was so low I could barely see their health bar dropping. As usual, I did the tanking role using concentrate while Fazel did his job. As if that went slow, killing baal went even slower. By now i was at 32.
I decided to get a Might aura mercenary before i started baalrunning. Back in normal, a few levels higher and a slightly improved damage, things were going alot faster. Baal netted me a Sureshrill Frost which came well into use.

At 45, I went back to NM. My only issue now was the lack of AR but besides that things went smoothly. Found some really helpful items on the way such as Vipermagi, Waterwalk, Gore Riders and Twitchthroe. The merc got his damage pimped through a Pierre Tombale and i got Earthshaker off NM Baal and by now the damage didn't look too shabby. I moved on to hell at 75.

As i slayed the first monsters in hell, my AR sunk even more. However, howl, taunt and warcry made it all easy. The only difficulties i faced were those ghosts in the tower cellar aswell as skeleton mages coupled with conviction.

Act 2 went slower as i faced larger mobs. Scarab boss packs could sometimes be a real pain and again, I had some trouble with the manaburning ghosts. CB made the process short of killing Duriel.

I had an easy time going through the jungle. Had to watch out for dolls sometimes but other than that all went fine. Until I entered the third level of Durance. Next to Bremm with fanaticism there where three bloodlord packs. One spawning with conviction and one with holy freeze. Having runned around between the entrance and the rooms with the other council uniqes, I separated the boss packs from each other killing them off by the famous hit-and-run tactic. Meph was a wimp.

Process was greatly slowed down as tougher monsters spawned. I maxed out Mace Mastery which pretty much solved the AR problem. As I reached the River of Flame, sand maggots and those four-legged demons spitting out babies awaited. This was one of the worst parts, if not the worst, and taunt really saved the day here. At one point the only way forward was a narrow line filled with several boss packs and doom knights standing behind bombarding me and the merc. In Chaos Sanctuary, monsters went down easier, although it took a while for me to chase down the oblivion mages :coffee:

Act 5 was a mix of sliding through and running forth and back. All good until I hit the Frozen River. Gloams coupled with snakes made it all slower. Again, taunt was a real winner. Nihlathak and Ancients went down quickly. However, the first level of the WSK proved to be anything but going down quickly. Flying witches casting amp damage and next to them several mobs of reanimated hordes. The first wave of minions was a laugh, but Achmel and his pack was something else. One of the mods he spawned with was teleport, which was really annoying as he teleported further out and revived all the mages outside the throne. To make it worse, the mummies where Magic Immune. Taunt and howl did the trick aswell as with the next two waves. Lister and his pack proved again to be quite difficult since i couldn't lure them out 1by1 and they spawned with mana burn. Standing in a corner, i used warcry while Fazel slowly took them down. Baal was a cake.

I had a great time with this guy and it went well over my expectations. Had no close calls whatsoever. For those of you who wonder why i maxed shout was mainly because i planned on having a defiance mercenary who could act as a tank. But even without the defiance aura and a poor defense armour, he did a great job through nightmare and the early parts of hell with 7.5k defense. Thanks for reading :)
 
Originally posted by @Pyrotechnician on Oct 2, 2012:

Guardian The_Punisher - Max Block Berserk Barb

Time for another write up thread, I was hoping to get this up before our next MP group started up, but I was too lazy to upload the images, but now that the other 2 in my group have made theirs, I am inclined to do the same.

Guardian The_Punisher

Skills/Stats:
Code:
Name:       The_Punisher
Class:      Barbarian
Experience: 1647997414
Level:      90
 
            Naked/Gear
Strength:   105/200
Dexterity:  140/205
Vitality:   290/290
Energy:     10/10
HP:         1353/1666
Mana:       99/139
Stamina:    446/486
Defense:    35/2850
AR:         685/26880
 
Fire:       165/125/65
Cold:       154/114/54
Lightning:  185/145/85
Poison:     94/54/-6
 
MF:         99       Block:      76
GF:         242
FR/W:       43
FHR:        55
IAS:        85
FCR:        25
 
Bash: 1/8
Leap: 1/8
Double Swing: 0/0
Stun: 1/8
Double Throw: 0/0
Leap Attack: 1/8
Concentrate: 1/8
Frenzy: 0/0
Whirlwind: 1/8
Berserk: 20/27
 
Sword Mastery: 5/8
Axe Mastery: 0/0
Mace Mastery: 0/0
Pole Arm Mastery: 0/0
Throwing Mastery: 0/0
Spear Mastery: 0/0
Increased Stamina: 1/4
Iron Skin: 1/4
Increased Speed: 1/4
Natural Resistance: 1/4
 
Howl: 20/27
Find Potion: 1/8
Taunt: 1/8
Shout: 20/27
Find Item: 1/8
Battle Cry: 1/8
Battle Orders: 20/27
Grim Ward: 0/0
War Cry: 1/8
Battle Command: 1/8

Gear:
Code:
Immortal King's Detail
War Belt
Defense: 194
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0x4a905986
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+36 Defense
+25 to Strength
Lightning Resist +31%
Fire Resist +28%
Set (2 items): +105 Defense
Set (3 items): +25% Faster Hit Recovery
Set (4 items): +100% Enhanced Defense
Set (5 items): Damage Reduced by 20%
Set (6 items): +2 to Masteries Skills (Barbarian Only)
 
(2 items): +50 to Attack Rating
(3 items): +75 to Attack Rating
 
Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xbbfd425e
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+160 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen
 
Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x2ffa2ce6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
33% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15
 
Immortal King's Pillar
War Boots
Defense: 123
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 125
Fingerprint: 0x32aba345
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+110 to Attack Rating
+75 Defense
+44 to Life
Set (2 items): 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Set (3 items): +2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
Set (4 items): +160 Defense
Set (5 items): Half Freeze Duration
 
(2 items): +50 to Attack Rating
(3 items): +75 to Attack Rating
 
Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xc944908b
Item Level: 99
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
 
Grief
Phase Blade
EthTirLoMalRal
One Hand Damage: 31 - 35
Indestructible
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Fingerprint: 0x46bb50f5
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
35% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+40% Increased Attack Speed
Damage +399
Ignore Target's Defense
-25% Target Defense
+168% Damage to Demons (Based on Character Level)
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
-21% to Enemy Poison Resistance
20% Deadly Strike
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+12 Life after each Kill
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
 
Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%
 
Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill
 
Lo Rune
Required Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike
Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
 
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
 
Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%
 
Stormshield
Monarch
Defense: 475
Chance to Block: 47
Durability: 56 of 86
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xc7b9bc4b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+55% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+337 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+30 to Strength
Cold Resist +60%
Lightning Resist +25%
Damage Reduced by 35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 10
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
 
Echoing Throwing Spear of Storms
Throwing Spear
Throw Damage: 12 - 30
One Hand Damage: 5 - 15
Quantity: 80
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 65
Fingerprint: 0x4ced4b58
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
Adds 6 - 47 Lightning Damage
 
Echoing Throwing Spear of Lightning
Throwing Spear
Throw Damage: 12 - 30
One Hand Damage: 5 - 15
Quantity: 80
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 65
Fingerprint: 0x68edf341
Item Level: 91
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
Adds 1 - 16 Lightning Damage
 
Fortitude
Wire Fleece
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1446
Durability: 15 of 32
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x7f20443b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 15 Chilling Armor when struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+135 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +29
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune
 
El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
 
Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7
 
Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7
 
Lo Rune
Required Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike
Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
 
Arreat's Face
Slayer Guard
Defense: 326
Durability: 49 of 55
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0xdb550d1b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
6% Life stolen per hit
+170% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
All Resistances +30
1 Sockets (0 used)
 
Immortal King's Forge
War Gauntlets
Defense: 235
Durability: 13 of 24
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xc0be7096
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+65 Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
Set (2 items): +25% Increased Attack Speed
Set (3 items): +120 Defense
Set (4 items): 10% Life stolen per hit
Set (5 items): 10% Mana stolen per hit
Set (6 items): Freezes target +2
 
(2 items): +50 to Attack Rating
(3 items): +75 to Attack Rating

Charms:
Code:
Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x8623aeaf
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%
 
Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x718eeb53
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
142% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
39% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
 
Ruby Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xff149531
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+37 to Life
Fire Resist +29%
 
Sounding Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2dbe370
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
 
Crimson Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xa5eb43cd
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +3%
 
Shimmering Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x27eae14f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 27 Lightning Damage
All Resistances +5
 
Sounding Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x6f319fb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
+24 to Life
 
Sounding Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x619fab18
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
+5 to Dexterity
 
Sounding Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x4b813a05
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)
 
Lucky Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x948c2b61
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+33 to Life
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
 
Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x92132a39
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
 
Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xfb3c45c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
 
Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xfed88b5b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
 
Stalwart Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x56164369
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+27 Defense
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
 
Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x7248e21c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Mercenary:
Code:
Name:       Hazade
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 88471582
Level:      90
Dead?:      false
 
            Naked/Gear
Strength:   195/195
Dexterity:  157/157
HP:         1967/1967
Defense:    1444/2824
AR:         1970/1970
 
Fire:       184/144/84
Cold:       184/144/84
Lightning:  169/129/69
Poison:    154/114/54
 
Treachery
Great Hauberk
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 1126
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 56
Required Strength: 108
Fingerprint: 0x997fde43
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
 
Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate
 
Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%
 
Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
 
 
The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 40 - 475
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0xc9a5b6d0
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
237% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (9 Frames)
11% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
1 Sockets (0 used)
 
 
Blackhorn's Face
Death Mask
Defense: 254
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x52eddfe0
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slows Target by 20%
+192% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +30%
+20 Lightning Absorb
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 25
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
 
Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

This character was essentially the tank of the MP group which can be found here:
https://diabloii.net/forums/threads/831912)

This is my second guardian which has been done solely through MP quest progression.

Build and Gear progression:
The build plan was from the beginning a berserk barb with max block. With my first guardian I was lucky enough to find 2 Lo runes (still no other runes yet higher than gul, except for a lucky trav run with this very barb that netted a Vex rune) and the game was apparently telling me to make a melee character. I believe I initially started with full sigon set until I could gradually replace my gear with better options. The IK gloves/boots/belt combo was used from the point I could equip them all the way to end game. The 3 part bonus is just too good to ignore, especially on these three pieces. My weapon progression went from a gemmed wirt's leg, to shadowfang, to headstriker. Headstriker maintained the build through to Act 4 NM where I was able to equip my shinney new grief. Arreats firmly took its place at Level 42, and my main shield was Rhyme in a Grim Shield for the nice CBF and blocking that it gives until I traded for a Stormshield. Sigons armor was replaced by a rockfleece to have some DR% and then was replaced by the wirefleece fortitude. My charms were pretty much a mish mash throughout the questing process of things that were picked up along the way until I needed to settle on a setup for the then up and coming MFO. The charm setup I have now definitely isn't the setup I ended the game with, I think I had some combination of fire and poison res charms for the most part which ended me with max all res. I eventually moved away from this to squeeze some more MF in but using my normal gear set I still have slightly overstacked fire and lightning. My final level when I made guardian was Level 85, but I didn't remember to make the screen shots and readout right after that.

Questing:
The joy of MP is that it makes questing so much more bearable, after being through the game a billion times, doing on your own just isn't too thrilling for me. All of Normal and NM were played on players 8. Most of hell was on players 3, but I think I put the settings up to 5 or 7 on occasion. Normal mode was slow go until all of us were able to use our main skills, but after that we started progressing pretty fast. For the beginning of NM mode I was pretty much just the tank of the group with a level of BO that everyone enjoyed, the single target attack with headstriker did damage, but not at a fast rate compared to the AOE skills of the rest of the group. Once I was able to equip grief in Act 4 NM though I went from just being a tank to taking down targets pretty fast with a couple swipes of the sword. Hell mode at this point wasn't very dangerous, grief paired with fortitude and a SS provided me with great damage and safety.

There were some cases where an enemy was Physical/Magic Immune, but that's what I have my good teammates for. Some members of our team ended up not making it to the end, coju had an unfortunate death to some non boss pack faithful in act 3 right after joining the game, and others joined the "real life" progress table rather than staying with us in the not real life progress. All in all 3 (pharphis, Jason Maher and myself) of us made it to the end, which makes it a slightly more successful endeavor than our last one which netted us 2 guardians in the end. I'm aiming for 4 guardians from our next up and coming MP group and expect to see it. I think I'll request that Thyiad ban anyone that drops out since that is obviously a reasonable request.

Future Plans:
After the group concluded I used him to clear the pits a few times in the MFO at P5 which brought me to Level 90. I'm pretty sick of the pits as of right now so I've been running Trav in hopes of finding some nice charms/runes. Even at P5 and switching to a more MF oriented setup including a dual Ptopaz IK helm and Skulders I can still tank almost anything they throw at me so I think I'll be doing that for a few hundred times.

Screen Shots for your enjoyment:
Baal, Baal, and more Baal.
Baals Minions, and more Minions
Red Pill or Blue Pill?

P.S. Thyiad is the bestest of the bestest.
 
Originally posted by RIP on Mar 25, 2007:

RIP's Vanilla 1.11 untwincked septavirate - Guardian Berserker (1/7)

Hello Diablo players!

Firstly, i want to say thank You for reading this thread.

Second, i want to shortly explain, why i decide follow Nightfish’s and Milb’s path and started my own septavirate quest.(Skip this part, if You are impatient like me :) )

Explanation is really simple – from the first day, when i discovered this great game i’ve been stunned by players, which was able to beat it without single death…
Many people say – do not start any HC character until You finished Hell difficulty with softcore character.Maby they are right…But this way is for kind of people with patience – and i’m not this kind.So, immediatelly after i finished Normal difficulty with my first SC character i played my second as HC.And now comes huge surprise...I failed.Also with second, third ....Finally i discovered great utility known as Atma (Thank You very much, Hakai no Tenshi) and twinking items helped me much, but still somehow Hell difficulty resisted my tryings...First character relatively close was my Javazon (killed by FE bug at Act 3 Lower Kurast).Then my trapper (normaly slain by Act 5 Ancients – damn, so close) and then my Berserk Barbarian – same place like trapper, but this death was more painfull – Korlic the Betrayer killed him with FE Bug.Again, damn, really close.Finally i started my second CHS/LF Amazon and...i can’t believe it, it’s done!!!To be honest, i used maby two times ESC button for avoiding death and doubts filled my mind – is she true Guardian or not?!One Year later Hrus helped me join this great forum (thank You again Hrus) and – there exist some people brave and good enough to beat this game HC without using ESC, untwincked and also they are able to do it with 7 character (one from each class)!!It’s fantastic, really amazing for me!Yes, You surely catch it – this was the moment, when i decide to start my own quest…

Back to the topic – now i need to reveal my rules for this septavirate:

1) HC only, aditional rule is Vanilla (i’m not using RRM/RWM)
2) Using ESC button for avoiding death – not allowed
3) Untwincked play – forgive me Nightfish, i want use Your definition – it means, that character can use only items he found .But there i made one exception – each character can use his own Atma stash – then this can be called selftwinking maby
4) One character from each class
5) Rerun areas allowed – can be done some MF runs, but not thousands of them



I started with skelenecro, everything goes easily until i reached Act 2 Hell – Tal rasha tomb.Again, my impatience = death for my character.I just entered one room in tomb before my army and death was unavoidable (he had no charges of teleport Btw)...Second was my Tesladin, Infector of souls and his army slain him with their huge Inferno attack (Normal).It was bad CHS map, because when i opened seal, there was no way, how to escape except using Town portal scroll.And they’ve been fast, really fast…Third was my Bone necro (Milb’s necro inspired me), but he died in NM Tal rasha tomb (cursed place for me), Vipers killed him really quickly, when he entered room (they destroyed his Bone Armor at one second) and finally my second Tesla pally – i don’t want talk about him to much, because Normal Ball killed him...Yes, i’m surelly bad player...

So, if not necro with his army, which character will be my first...Yeah!Barbarian – they have huge number of hitpoints and Berserk is magical attack, which
means is rarely resisted and there are almost no Magic Immune.And Yesterday i beat the game with him...There are his statistics:

Guardian Berserker, lvl 81:

Stat points:Without gear/with gear:


Strenght:118/161 (118 because i was hoping for GA)
Dexterity: 129/150 (Enough for 75%block with my shield and Twitchtroe)
Vitality: 243/243
Energy:10/10

Skill points:

Warcries:


20 BO
20 Howl /synergy and very good crowd control skill
10 Shout /synergy
10 War cry / i can’t imagine Hell play without this skill
1 Taunt /again great skill for crowd control
1 Battle Cry /used for Bosses
1 Battle command /why not increase skills?

Masteries:

1 Increased speed
1 Increased stamina
1 Iron skin /prerequisity for Natural resistence
1 Natural resistence

Combat skills:

20 Berserk /enybody surprised?
1 Leap
1 Leap Attack /those two leaps was maby waste of points, i used Leap attack two times
1 Stun
1 Bash
1 Concentrate /for Imunne Magic

Gear:

Weapon1/Shield1:Cruel Falcata/Rhyme Troll nest /Falcata details later
Weapon2/Shield2:Guardian Naga/Rhyme Barbed Shield
Armor:Twitchtroe / thanks to MR.Normal Mephisto
Head:Rare circlet /details later
Gloves:Blood craft /details later
Belt: Immortal king’s detail /thanks NM Mephisto
Boots:Immortal king’s pillar /thanks again NM Mephisto
Ammy:Angelic wings /thanks to NM Andy
Ring 1:Rare /details later
Ring 2:Angelic halo

Attack rating with Angelics:9960
Dmg Berserk - Cruel falcata with/without War cries and Might:1449 – 2650/1196 – 2188
Life and Mana with/without BO:2841/325 with BO, 1457/167 without BO

Resistances Hell difficulty with/without warcries:

Fire/Cold/Lightning/Poison

With:52/22/75/8

Without:43/13/75/-1

There i made mistake, because i wrongly socketed my Twitchtroe with ORT and not RAL

Item details:
Rare circlet:
Storm Cowl
Circlet
Defense: 53
Durability: 33 of 35
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0x476ab5b5
+71% Enhanced Defense
+59 to Attack Rating
+5 to Minimum Damage
All Resistances +17
6% Life stolen per hit
20% Faster Run/Walk ***** i know, nothing special, but i had no luck, while gambling

Falcata:
Cruel Falcata
'Shael'
One-Hand Damage: 113 to 215
Durability: 6 of 24
Required Dexterity: 88
Required Strength: 150
Required Level: 48
Sword Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0xb3472552
+266% Enhanced Damage
20% Increased Attack Speed
Socketed (1: 1 used) *****found and used at Act 5 Hell, rest of Hell Guardian Naga

Rare ring
Shadow Knot
Ring
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0xe5b08906
+8 to Life
+30 to Mana
+66 to Attack Rating
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
33% Extra Gold from Monsters*****holy crap, but again i will say, no luck, while gambling..

Blood craft gloves
Dread Hand
Heavy Gloves
Defense: 12
Durability: 12 of 14
Required Level: 54
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0x9ec44cba
+15 to Life
+75% Enhanced Defense
3% Life stolen per hit
20% Increased Attack Speed
8% Chance of Crushing Blow
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only) ***** will be really good for MA sin

I shoped mostly NM Meph for items (IK Boots and Belt are from him), also i made few NM Andy runs (pleased by Angelic ammy) and Normal Meph runs (Twitchtroe).Runes for shields are from NM Countess…When i recognize my mistake (with socketing armor) in Hell, i tried also run Hell Countess, but it was really dangerous (more on that in next section), so then i tried again NM Countess (hoping for HEL rune to unsocket) , but i had no luck…

Merc

There was only one real choice - Act2 Offensive Merc (Might)

Gear:

Head:Stealskull
Armor:4 x Pruby Duskshroud/Rattlecage
Weapon:Honor in Ethereal Mancatcher


Honor
Mancatcher
'AmnElIthTirSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 172 to 367
Durability: 15 of 15
Required Dexterity: 124
Required Strength: 122
Required Level: 55
Spear Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x9c77d34d
+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
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (5: 5 used)

Notable finds and gameplay events:

Players settings Normal/NM/Hell:8/8/1

Normal and Nightmare was relatively easy because huge barbs life, only one real NDE in game happened to me, when i tried to run Hell Countess…and when i say real, i mean real.I ran through door, immediately been attacked by two groups (one archers, second melee fighters), ranged group Boss was with Fana, AD, and melee group closed only one way to Escape…They eated my life orb like madmans, i just had time for drinking Full rejuv potions…I tried to cast Howl, trust me, but this was stopped by their attacks.Only two Full rejuv potions was remaining in my belt (i used 10 of them), when they gived me a chance and Howl makes them fly away, i ran back through the door and survived…
Ancients were relatively easy, i killed them on my first attemp, no auras, no AD, just one of them spawns with mana burn…

Notable finds:

Amber Small Charm of Good Luck
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 33
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x3b0fea77
Lightning Resist +10%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items*****from WK Hell

Crimson Jewel of Hope
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x14f594fc
+20 to Life
+7 to Minimum Damage ***** i’m not really sure about this one, but seems good

Shimmering Large Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 26
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 72
Fingerprint: 0x39f44d0e
+18 to Life
All Resistances +7

Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xf2c1ccd
+19 to Life

Ko Rune
Can be Inserted into Socketed Items

Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Helms: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion ***** Hell Countess

Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 159
Durability: 14 of 14
Kick Damage: 60 to 110
Required Strength: 91
Required Level: 64
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0xf48c7bdd
+13 to Strength
+14 to Vitality
+142% Enhanced Defense
Poison Resist +45%
20% Faster Run/Walk
20% Faster Hit Recovery
50% Slower Stamina Drain
+1 to Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
Repairs 1 durability in 20 seconds

Hellforges:Normal/NM/Hell

Nef/Shael/LEM ....like always

At the end, i want to say again thank You all for reading this, thanks Hakai for Atma, Nightfish for his great HC guides (for me he is HC Demigod), Milb for his huge help with choosing characters and his patience with me, Hrus for helping me with my first steps here on forum and also patience with my stupid questions and all others, which discovered HC world in Diablo for me...I really like SPF!

And, please, be patient, with my English, i’m not native English speaker…

Have a nice day

RIP




Ahh, i forget, do You have any advice for where to lvl up my barb now?And which gear is the best for him?Consider please, that i play Vanilla and my highest rune is GUL (i think better is to wait for another one and make HOTO)…Some S/U gear advice?And what to do with him now?MF surely not, maby rune hunt?Thank You
 
Originally posted by RIP on Nov 9, 2007:

Guardian Conan - The Immortal King

Hello

as title says, You can see there Guardian thread, same like any other - maby from Your point of view,but not mine...

Story:
I always wanted build up very powerfull character, almost unkillable, and first time i've seen these green words - IMMORTAL KING - i knew that i found it.There was just a small problem, gather all parts of this set...As You know, they can be found very easily with one HUGE exception - IK Armor.Its TC 87,so this means its very rare and can be found just in late stages of the game...For many players (including me) is the best way spent many hours while running Pindleskin...And thats what i did...My previous Barb Guardian BERSERKER ran him like mad and he finnally found it...

Ahh, and which name can be better for Immortal Babarian then Conan!?

Now we can return this thread to its purpose...


Guardian Conan, The Immortal King, lvl 92:


Stats (with BO and Might aura):

Warcries

Combat Masteries

Combat Skills

He reached Guardian title at lvl 90, mainly because almost p8 all the way and also i tested him as Countess (1k runs) and Meph runner (500 runs).Results were interesting, especially two MALs from Countess..

MAL1

MAL2


As You can see, skillpoints distribution was obvious for IK whirler:

20 Whirlwind
20 BO
20 Mace Mastery
20 Shout

then i worked on Berserk skill (11 hard points right now) for bigger power against PI...


Mercenary:

Mizan, lvl 92 NM offensive (Might)

His setup for questing:

Ethereal Vampire Gaze
Stone armor
Reapers Toll

he was almost unkillable too with Defense over then 23k and good life leech from Helm and Weapon...


Gameplay events and finds:

Events - no NDE's at all, and to be honest, no really scary moments (including Pindle running which i made lately).Like i said before -
p8 almost all the way (only Chaos Sanctuary Act4 Hell and Act 5 Hell was played at p1), but reasons for late decreasing were not problems
while running, but i can't wait longer for testing him as Pindle runner...

Lately he found 3 TC87 items in around 500runs which is record to me (two Bul Kathos Tribal Guardians and Griswolds shield - this one completed this set).

Other finds - two unique Legendary Mallets (Stonecrushers) and many grailers for me like Ribcracker, Zakarums Hand, Arreats face and others...

And right now i started my personal testing with him, because i want to compare this Barbarian with best Pindle runners in last Pindlethon.I want
to post results in special thread (propably December)...

Thanks for reading this, hopefully it covers everhing, what i wanted to say...

RIP

Edit:As always, i forgot something:

Hellforges Normal/NM/Hell
 
Originally posted by RIP on Aug 11, 2008:

Grom and Clever_Beast - Barbarian Guardian Twins + i'm back

Hello friends

its nice to be back, although not much time passed since i decided to take small breake...
Well, its not so easy to do it, when this game is so addictive...Aswell as this forum :)

Few may remember, that i left this game for some time namelly because i lost my beloved (and best) character, my IK Barb Conan...And whats the best way to forgot this loss?Build up another MF barbarian...And here he is:


Guardian Grom, lvl 90 Barbarian:

Firstly, i want to explain, why i've choosed this name...Answer lies in first Conan (The Barbarian) movie...On the beginning is young Conan sitting with his father somewhere between the mountains and listening fathers story about ogres and how they stollen fire from gods hands...Gods wanted to punish them for it and therefore they sended one of them (Crom) to do it...

Hmm, and now why my char is named Grom and not Crom...Thats simple...In my (czech) language is sound, which is created by lightning during the lightningstorm named Hrom (very close to Grom)...So my chars name includes both parts, therefore Grom is something like Barbarian Thundergod :)

Now we can continue...


Skills:

20
Whirlwind
20 Battle Orders
20 Polearm Mastery
15 Shout
11 Find Item - the most important skill right now, because it allowed Grom to wield Dual Alibabas without sacrificing % possibility to hork item :)

+ prerequisities and 1 point wonders


LCS: (with BO and Might aura)


Stats screen

Warcries

Masteries


Combat skills


Gear:


Rich (BB code):
Grom's Arreat's Face
Slayer Guard
Defense: 323
Durability: 53 of 55
(Barbarian Only)
Required Strength: 118
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0x21963f7f
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
+167% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +30
5% Life stolen per hit
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
Socketed (1: 1 used)



Grom's Tomb Reaver
Cryptic Axe
Two-Hand Damage: 124 to 594
Durability: 50 of 65
Required Dexterity: 103
Required Strength: 165
Required Level: 84
Polearm Class - Fastest Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xdae6fd7d
+278% Enhanced Damage
+27 to Maximum Damage
All Resistances +33
64% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+14 Life after each Kill
+4 to Light Radius
90% Increased Attack Speed
219% Damage to Undead
+311 to Attack Rating against Undead
10% Reanimate As: Returned
Socketed (3: 3 used)




Grom's Skullder's Ire
Balrog Skin
Defense: 1889
Durability: 90 of 90
Required Strength: 155
Required Level: 64
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xe451cece
+175% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 10
+60 Maximum Durability
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Required Level +7
+1 to All Skill Levels
112% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
Repairs 1 durability in 5 seconds
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (1: 1 used)



Soul Drainer
Vambraces
Defense: 146
Durability: 15 of 16
Required Strength: 106
Required Level: 74
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x28471748
+116% Enhanced Defense
7% Life stolen per hit
7% Mana stolen per hit
-50 to Monster Defense Per Hit
8% Chance to cast Level 3 Weaken on striking




String of Ears
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 176
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 53
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0xb9ecd289
+164% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 11
Damage Reduced by 15%
8% Life stolen per hit
+10 Maximum Durability
Required Level +7



War Traveler
Mirrored Boots
Defense: 172
Durability: 47 of 48
Required Strength: 163
Required Level: 67
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x139aab3b
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
+169% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Minimum Damage
+25 to Maximum Damage
+30 Maximum Durability
Attacker Takes Damage of 10
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Required Level +7
25% Faster Run/Walk
40% Slower Stamina Drain



Metalgrid
Amulet
Required Level: 81
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xbe2b9e87
+421 to Attack Rating
+303 Defense
All Resistances +34
Level 22 Iron Golem (11/11 Charges)
Level 12 Iron Maiden (20/20 Charges)



Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xc6cd53d4
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+199 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen



Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x732c3f2c
+18 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+241 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

I think i can say that Grom is usual Tomby whirler and he was build completelly around this weapon (Tomby socketed with 40%ED/12max. jewel, 15%IAS/7 max dmg jewel and 15%IAS/8 max dmg jewel) ...Arreats Face is so nice that i can't imagine better helm for him, but upped Eth Skullders Ire is what makes this char really unique fo me :)
Yes, i upped also Travs and String, but this was huge waste i tell You...Rest of the gear was choosed because of CBF/Dexterity/AR/ML/LL mods...As for charms, one Skiller for each Barbarian tree, one max dmg/AR GC, one Gheed (37%), rest of them SCs with max. dmg/AR/Life/Mana...

On the switch dual (jeweled) Ali Babas for even higher MF, whire horking items :)


Mercenary Hassen, lvl 90 offensive NM merc (Might):

Gear:


Rich (BB code):
The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two-Hand Damage: 39 to 459
Durability: 63 of 65
Required Dexterity: 89
Required Strength: 114
Required Level: 75
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xea1f3e01
+226% Enhanced Damage
Adds 4-44 cold damage over 1 seconds
13% Life stolen per hit
Requirements -25%
Ignore Target Defense
33% Deadly Strike
33% Chance to cast Level 1 Decrepify on striking



Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 313
Durability: 12 of 20
Required Strength: 102
Required Level: 83
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x47242092
+25 to Strength
+102% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
10% Life stolen per hit
20% Increased Attack Speed
+2 to All Skill Levels
15% Chance to cast Level 15 Poison Nova when struck
Level 3 Venom (16/20 Charges)




Gemmed Boneweave
'Ral'
Defense: 497
Durability: 45 of 45
Required Strength: 158
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x5d9692f1
Fire Resist +30%
Lightning Resist +23%
Cold Resist +23%
Poison Resist +22%
45% Increased Attack Speed
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Gameplay events and finds:


Well, this char was very safe, so no NDEs at all (what else You can expect from heavily twinked Barb :)), 1 point in Zerk is enough to deal with all PIs, also for Chaos Sanctuary and Throne room.There were few tougher battles, but nothing Grom can't handle with his skills...

Now to the more interesting part - MFing :)

Grom is simply lucky bastard :) He found Demon limb, Metalgrid and Mavs Diadem while questing (Baals drop), same for FAL and two IOs...HForges were UM/IST, so i don't think i will do much better with other char :)...Hmm, but he was designed for Pindle hunt, so how good he is?I say again pretty lucky :)

Threre are his rarest finds from lvl87 to his current lvl 90:

BK Sacred charge (grailer)

Death Cleaver (grailer)

Ghostflame - my second

Griss Caddy - my fifth

IKSC - replaced my previously lost :)

Mavs Diadem - yeah, another one, my fourth, damned, where is elussive Griffons?

Tals Ammy (grailer) - finally i've got this bastard after four Tals Plates and hundreds green ammys...


Hmm, i guess, these items are worth of posting in IFT :)


Hellforges:

Normal/NM/Hell


Final judgment - fun, versatile char, great MFer, lucky while speaking about runes, yeah, i love him ;-)








Now, this is Twin Gurdian thread, so am i missing something?Yeah, my second Barb :)


Guardian Clever_Beast, lvl 83 Barbarian:


Although i called them twins, Grom and Clever Beast cannot be more different...Yeah, they are both heavilly twincked and using great items, but thats all...Clever Beast has different skills, he is unlucky, while speaking about finds and also he had tougher way to Guardian Olymp...

Ohh, why Clever Beast?Check the gear section please and You will find the answer Yourself, i think :)


Skills:

20
Frenzy - yeah, thats all about
20 Axe Mastery
20 Double swing
20 Battle Orders
3 Taunt

again prerequisities and 1 point wonders...


As You can see, i played my Barb very offensively (thanks to great gear), but with no block and low defense it was sometimes difficult...Don't get me wrong, he is so powerfull, that You have feeling - he is immortal...And Your attention is quickly lowered and whats the result?You are fighting in the middle of the three Bosspacks with nasty mods - and thats bad...


LCS: (with BO, Might and Fanaticism aura)

Stats screen

Warcries

Masteries

Combat skills


Gear:

Rich (BB code):
Beast
Berserker Axe
'BerTirUmMalLum'
One-Hand Damage: 84 to 248
Durability: 17 of 26
Required Dexterity: 59
Required Strength: 138
Required Level: 64
Axe Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x7aafaa2b
+29 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+250% Enhanced Damage
40% Increased Attack Speed
+3 to Werebear
+3 to Lycanthropy
Prevent Monster Heal
25% Chance of Open Wounds
20% Chance of Crushing Blow
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
Level 13 Summon Grizzly (5/5 Charges)
Socketed (5: 5 used)



Death Cleaver
Berserker Axe
One-Hand Damage: 86 to 254
Durability: 14 of 26
Required Dexterity: 59
Required Strength: 138
Required Level: 70
Axe Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x6b8ea7f1
+259% Enhanced Damage
+9 Life after each Kill
40% Increased Attack Speed
-33% Target Defense
66% Deadly Strike



Clever_Beast's Arreat's Face
Slayer Guard
Defense: 347
Durability: 51 of 55
(Barbarian Only)
Required Strength: 118
Required Level: 50
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x4112abe6
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
+187% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Minimum Damage
+15 to Maximum Damage
All Resistances +30
4% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
Socketed (1: 1 used)



Lionheart
Clever_Beast's Scarab Husk
'HelLumFal'
Defense: 441
Durability: 20 of 28
Required Strength: 81
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x84788cd4
+25 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+15 to Dexterity
+20 to Vitality
+50 to Life
+20% Enhanced Damage
All Resistances +30
Requirements -15%
Socketed (3: 3 used)



Dracul's Grasp
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 141
Durability: 6 of 14
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 76
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x326604b
+13 to Strength
+114% Enhanced Defense
10% Life stolen per hit
+8 Life after each Kill
25% Chance of Open Wounds
5% Chance to cast Level 10 Life Tap on striking



Verdungo's Hearty Cord
Mithril Coil
Defense: 153
Durability: 15 of 16
Required Strength: 106
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x397bc5a6
+39 to Vitality
+100 to Maximum Stamina
+133% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 13%
Replenish Life +11
10% Faster Hit Recovery



Clever_Beast's Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 159
Durability: 27 of 34
Required Strength: 94
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x3a33adf8
+20 to Maximum Stamina
+196% Enhanced Defense
+10 Maximum Durability
Requirements -25%
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike



Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x18ebd9f1
+16 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+248 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen



Manald Heal
Ring
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x4786777b
+20 to Life
Regenerate Mana 20%
7% Mana stolen per hit
Replenish Life +6



Atma's Scarab
Amulet
Required Level: 60
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x5931f91d
Poison Resist +75%
+39 poison damage over 4 seconds
Attacker Takes Damage of 5
+3 to Light Radius
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
5% Chance to cast Level 2 Amplify Damage on striking
Mercenary Zanarhi, lvl 83 offensive NM (Might aura)

Gear:



Rich (BB code):
Crown of Thieves
Grand Crown
Defense: 321
Durability: 31 of 50
Required Strength: 103
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x3430dc00
+25 to Dexterity
+50 to Life
+35 to Mana
+182% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +33%
12% Life stolen per hit
97% Extra Gold from Monsters




Stone
Great Hauberk
'ShaelUmPulLum'
Defense: 3919
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Strength: 108
Required Level: 56
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0xc6ddbf59
+16 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+16 to Vitality
+282% Enhanced Defense
+300 Defense vs. Missile
All Resistances +15
60% Faster Hit Recovery
Level 16 Clay Golem (16/16 Charges)
Level 16 Molten Boulder (80/80 Charges)
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (4: 4 used)


His main weapon:


Crescent Moon
Great Poleaxe
'ShaelUmTir'
Two-Hand Damage: 218 to 600
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Dexterity: 89
Required Strength: 169
Required Level: 63
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xc23a7a60
+216% Enhanced Damage
20% Increased Attack Speed
Ignore Target Defense
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
+10 Magic Absorb
10% Chance to cast Level 17 Chain Lightning on striking
7% Chance to cast Level 13 Static Field on striking
Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (30/30 Charges)
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (3: 3 used)


and this was used in late Hell (Act 5 Hell)


The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two-Hand Damage: 37 to 438
Durability: 57 of 65
Required Dexterity: 89
Required Strength: 114
Required Level: 75
Polearm Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0x111adff3
+211% Enhanced Damage
Adds 4-44 cold damage over 2 seconds
14% Life stolen per hit
Requirements -25%
Ignore Target Defense
33% Deadly Strike
33% Chance to cast Level 1 Decrepify on striking
Beast and Death Cleaver - yeah thats great combo...Not matters that my Beast is NOT Ethereal Bugged one, its still very powerfull weapon...All items are around dmg/special effects like CB/Deadly strike/Open wounds, AR, LL, more LL and even more LL (i meant Life tap from Draculs)...As for charms, again important mods are max dmg/AR/Life/Resists etc...No skillers though
I've used Manald because i had not better rare ring with so high ML...Thats all...


Gameplay events and finds:


This char is great, when he is not fighting agains PIs...Even non leechable monsters are not problem because of huge help Life Tap from Draculs...Only problems are with PI, but Atmas scarab removed their immunity from most of them...Most, but not from all...And its even worse, when You are fighting agains PI Stone skin Boss, thats Nightmare...PI Stone skin Boss with dangerous aura and AD, thats Hell...That means, i must let live one boss in Mephisto fortress, because he was very dangerous (Blunderbose type) and i've been not able to do enough dmg (only Open wounds at this time)...

Although he had no real NDEs at all, he was couple of times in very dangerous situations, so i can't call him super safe...He is safe, but not matters on great gear, You must be prepared to be quick, when situation starts to be out of control...So its not no brainer :)

As for finds, only Reapers used lately by his merc is worthy of mentioning...HFges were FAL/LUM, nothing special...

HFes:

Normal/NM/Hell


Final judgment - fun, but not versatile char and heavily depended on his gear...Also i've been not satisfied with AR at the end, so still opened window for improvement....


And thats all folks :)


Thanks for reading this and i'm glad that i'm back :)


Edit:

Ohh, btw, i forgot to say congrats to Nightfish, which is very near to finishing his unbeliavable Quest, also to Milb (You've finished at least one Guardian my friend, don't You?) and basically to all in winmars thread, wow, great number of Guardian/Pat/Mat threads - grats boys,gals :)

Hmm, and i'm not recognizing much old good faces, so all the newcomers, be welcomed and enjoy Your stay here :)

And greetings to Czech team here on the forum (included Grisu i think :))
 
Originally posted by roninDOG on Oct 3, 2007:

roninDOG's HC Septumvirate Thread

A few years ago I started a HC Septumvirate. Im still attempting to complete that goal. I recently joined the Barb Thrower Tourney and realized that I liked posting updates about my HC characters adventures. After reading Butzull's Sepevirate Story thread I decided that I wanted to do something similar. So in this thread I will post about each of my Guardians, thier progress, struggles, and strategies. After completion I will post thier Guardian thread. Ill keep a list of the status of each character, a list of the Deeds, and a Flavie Report of my HC Self Found Grail. Since it might be fitting and I dont usually like starting threads I may throw in a Pat/Mat post every once in a while. Consider it a compilation of roninDOG's D2 life here at the SPF.

So to get things rolling, here is my second Septumvirate Guardian...



Madawc was strong, just like any Barbarian child of his age. At eight years he was already more muscular than many grown men from outside the kingdom of Haggorath, and the borders of the Frozen North. His frame however, unlike his peers, was lean and wiry, his muscle composed more of fast twitch fibers than the usual bulky mass of his tribal bretheren.

Being Barbarians they began training at an early age, because excelling at combat was the key to survival in desperate times, and consequently had become thier way of life. As children, instead of playing, they practiced with Collossus Blades, Mauls, Poleaxes, and other weapons typically used in melee combat. Madawc, however found them to be cumbersome, his smaller frame was not suited to heavy weaponry. His inability to weild any sort of martial arms led to him being called the "weakest" in the village.

One day after being soundly beaten by a younger Barbarian he came home frustrated. Barbarians did not cry, not even as children, but Madawc was upset. His blind Grandfather, without eyes, could still see his unhappiness. He brought Madawc into his room, and fumbling in the far corner he pried up a lose plank. Underneath was a worn tapestry and a box.

"Do you know from wherest thine name comest young one?"

Madawc shook his head no. Unraveling the tapestry of a long forgotten Barbarian King with throwing axes in hand, his Grandfather spoke.

"Thine name hailst from our ancestor, Lord Madawc, a long forgotten Ancient, whosest image thou bearst great likeliness to. Like thou, unablest to weild the heavy blade, he took up another form of arms." And with that he opened the splintering wooden box to reveal two glowing hand axes.

13 years later, when Hell itself laid seige to Haggorath, a tournament was to be held in order to find the most worthy hero. Trial by combat was the chosen method to reveal the will of the Gods. The prize, a death sentence....a charge to defeat the Three Prime Evils.

The next day, having won the tournament, young Madawc, the hero of his village, whose striking resemblance to the Ancient Protector of Haggorath was now apparent to all, set off to find a Monestary.




Madawc is a completed Guardian from the Throwing Barbarian Tournament started by Morathi. In short, he is HC, Untwinked, no ATMA (except muling off), no RWM, single pass only. He has found every WP and completed all quests in Normal, NM, and Hell difficulty.

To see more about Madawc's entire journey take a look at the following posts. They get more detailed and longer as time goes on, since NM and Hell are far more exciting than Normal.

Madawc is born
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5624333
A2 Norm Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5637297
A3 Norm Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5640903
A4 Norm Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5643773
A5 Norm Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5658007
A1 NM Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5674114
A2 Hell Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5715737
A2 Hell Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5731158
A3 Hell Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5737259
A4 Hell Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5763369
A5 Hell Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5810037
A5 Hell Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5826427
A5 Hell Update
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5845640
Guardian
https://diabloii.net/forums/posts/5869375



Character name : Madawc
Character type : Hardcore Barbarian
Character level : 83
Character exp : 890938566



Stats


Base
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_stats_1.jpg

With Items
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_stats_2.jpg

With Might, Shout, Battle Command, Battle Orders
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_stats_3.jpg

Total: 425 Stat Points, 0 left un-used

Stats were set up so I could pretty much use the better elite throwing weapons with my base Str and Dex, so just in case I got lucky with a Rare or Unique I wouldnt have too much trouble:

Winged Harpoon Str 76 Dex 145
Flying Knife Str 48 Dex 141
Winged Axe Str 96 Dex 122



Skills

Combat Skills
1 Bash
1 Leap
20 Double Swing
20 Double Throw

Combat Masteries
20 Throwing Mastery
1 Iron Skin
4 Natural Resistances

Warcries
1 Howl
1 Find Potion
1 Taunt
1 Shout
1 Find Item
1 Grim Totem
20 Battle Orders
1 Battle Command

Total: 94 Skill Points, 0 left un-used

Around the end of NM my AR was really suffering, and I decided to max Double Throw, despite its lack of damage bonus. Every single lvl I was able to hit more and it started to pay slow dividends. In fact with this character, I tried to focus on AR with his gear more than anything else aside from resistances, he really had trouble trying to hit things and it got frustrating. If I had better gear options I would have definately opted for 1 skill point in DT, and put the rest into crowd control skills, possibly War Cry, Howl, and Grim Totem. I would of taken a one point wonder in Increased Stamina and Increased Speed as well. Also with the lack of + skills I chose to put 4 points into Natural Resistances, to the point where the dimishing returns really starts to slope.

In HC I always try to use every skill and stat point, for 2 reasons.
#1 in HC, every little bit helps. That small bit of vit may save your life.
#2 in HC, having those little windows up can kill you. I lost a Level 87 HC Magezon in WSK 3 because I tried to run backwards and hit my stats window blocking half of the screen out. I was deeds by an EF/ES/CE/Fanatic pack of Flayers. So, I typically use every single stat and skill point at the moment I get them. It may be bad if I come across an item which needs more str or dex, but Ill just have to deal with that. Not having the window tabs on my screen is more important to me.



Gear

http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_right_hand.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_left_hand.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_armor.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_helm.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_amulet.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_ring_1.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_ring_2.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_belt.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_boots.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_gloves.jpg

Replacement Weapons:
Code:
Cruel Throwing Spear of Readiness
Throw Damage: 44 to 110
One-Hand Damage: 18 to 55
Quantity: 80
Required Dexterity: 65
Required Level: 43
Javelin Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 74
Fingerprint: 0xa8455271
+268% Enhanced Damage
10% Increased Attack Speed

31: Lord's Throwing Spear of Evisceration
Throw Damage: 19 to 100
One-Hand Damage: 8 to 75
Quantity: 2
Required Dexterity: 65
Required Level: 39
Javelin Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0x5c224158
+66% Enhanced Damage
+112 to Attack Rating
+51 to Maximum Damage

King's Winged Axe of Slaying
Throw Damage: 12 to 115
One-Hand Damage: 19 to 108
Quantity: 180
Required Dexterity: 122
Required Strength: 96
Required Level: 60
Axe Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0x513ba41f
+81% Enhanced Damage
+126 to Attack Rating
+7 to Maximum Damage

Fool's Throwing Spear of Evisceration
Throw Damage: 12 to 129
One-Hand Damage: 5 to 114
Quantity: 80
Required Dexterity: 65
Required Level: 37
Javelin Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 72
Fingerprint: 0x6c32c48
+58 to Maximum Damage
+41 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
+1369 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)

Charms:
Code:
Septic Small Charm of Blight
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 13
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xf132648e
+42 poison damage over 6 seconds

Small Charm of Anthrax
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 36
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0xf2cb4c53
+50 poison damage over 6 seconds

Large Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 14
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x55038738
8% Faster Hit Recovery

Viridian Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 4
Fingerprint: 0xb155c9b4
Poison Resist +7%

Crimson Grand Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 11
Fingerprint: 0x59776e0c
Fire Resist +8%
12% Faster Hit Recovery

Crimson Grand Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x764299e3
+28 to Life
Fire Resist +13%

Shimmering Large Charm of Pestilence
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 36
Fingerprint: 0x735147b9
All Resistances +4
+25 poison damage over 5 seconds

Lapis Large Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 12
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x888dd5c3
+15 to Life
Cold Resist +10%

Steel Large Charm of Greed
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 36
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x357496f9
+53 to Attack Rating
21% Extra Gold from Monsters

Amber Large Charm of Frost
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 54
Fingerprint: 0x61433c61
Lightning Resist +15%
Adds 1-2 cold damage over 1 seconds

Small Charm of Anthrax
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 36
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 61
Fingerprint: 0x55dff1e
+50 poison damage over 6 seconds

Shocking Large Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 60
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0x14dd7a83
+3 to Strength
Adds 1-80 lightning damage

Lapis Small Charm of Strength
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 13
Fingerprint: 0x33f8ab8
+1 to Strength
Cold Resist +7%

Lapis Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 10
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0x1c7e42eb
Cold Resist +7%

My stash held an alternative set of gear for my merc. I comboed Greyform with Woestave so he would still maintain leech and resistances without his awesome Wraith Dart Stygian Pike. This alternative set of gear is what was used to bring down EVERY PI. 50% Open Wounds on Upped Woestave FTW.

Stash:
Code:
Greyform
Quilted Armor
Defense: 28
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Strength: 12
Required Level: 7
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0xc0b7e2d
+10 to Dexterity
+20 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
Fire Resist +20%
Cold Resist +20%
5% Life stolen per hit

Woestave
Bec-de-Corbin
Two-Hand Damage: 15 to 103
Durability: 41 of 55
Required Dexterity: 91
Required Strength: 133
Required Level: 33
Polearm Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x83836bf1
+22% Enhanced Damage
-3 to Light Radius
Required Level +5
Hit Blinds Target +3
Prevent Monster Heal
-50 to Monster Defense Per Hit
Freezes Target +1
50% Chance of Open Wounds
Slows Target by 50%



Merc

Id like to give a little shout out to my merc Chalan here. Chalan was probably the most bad *** merc I have ever had in my life. While he didnt pwn on /p8 he really did on /p1. His survivability against staggering odds was impressive and I learned what mercs really need to survive by expiramenting with his gear. When surrounded by groups of Abyss Knights, Frenzytaurs, or whatever, he would sit all comfy in the middle and hold the line while I threw stuff. I think the key to his success was decent hurty stick + 9% LL on it, CBF, the added rez from his items, go go +20 Lit absorb, and the PMH on Black Horns. After a while I started to feel like we were really a team, and after playing like we were a team we started to do really well in Hell.

I love you Chalan....

With Items
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_merc_1.jpg

With Might, Shout, Battle Command, Battle Orders
http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_merc_2.jpg

Mercenary Items :
Code:
Blackhorn's Face
Death Mask
Defense: 251
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0xc3ad413
+189% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +15%
Prevent Monster Heal
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 25
+20 Lightning Absorb
Slows Target by 20%

Hawkmail
Scale Mail
'Ral'
Defense: 118
Durability: 36 of 36
Required Strength: 44
Required Level: 19
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x25cb14d4
+95% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +30%
Cold Resist +15%
+15% to Maximum Cold Resist
10% Faster Run/Walk
Cannot Be Frozen
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Wraith Dart
Stygian Pike
'Shael'
Two-Hand Damage: 87 to 440
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Dexterity: 87
Required Strength: 158
Required Level: 49
Spear Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0x849d5932
+104% Enhanced Damage
+185 to Attack Rating
Adds 1-3 fire damage
9% Life stolen per hit
7% Mana stolen per hit
20% Increased Attack Speed
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (1: 1 used)



Items Found

http://www.freewebs.com/ronindog/madawc/madawc_report.html



Strategy

Typical Throwing Barb strategies employed here.

Usually I would let my merc tank while I picked guys off from afar. Grim totems would be planted on pretty much every single corpse to keep guys off my back so both of us could target one guy. I decided on Grim Totem over anything else because it seemed like Howl required more than one point to be affective sometime in late NM. The range on it was small and guys would turn right back around in a short amount of time. Since I had a lack of + skills Grim Totem seemed the most effective choice with just one skill point. Targeting the same guy took them down pretty quick and I think it was a necessary tactic in Hell. Ranged mobs were taunted and controlled.

With BO, decent Vita, and a focus on resitances gear and skill wise this Barb was incredibly sturdy. Most dangerous situations I had enough life and speed to get out before I had a NDE. A few well placed leaps and I was usually in the clear. There were a few NDEs, but just a few. Im talking Fanatic packs of Wraiths or Might packs of Frenzytaurs situations. Otherwise no too much trouble with survivability.

PIs and Heros were all dealt with the same treatment. Leap lock and let the merc own them with a big hurty stick or OW. Leap is a pretty incredible skill. With a single point you can hop around really quick and keep lots of guys off your back. Or you can leap lock a single Hero, be it Lord De Sies, the Smith, or the Armorer. While they are in constant knock back your merc can whittle away at them. In one dangerous situation, while having a bit of fun in the Durance I controlled two Urdar boss packs while my merc spanked those bad actors. Definately one of my favorite skills for a barb after playing this character.



Final Comments

Madawc was without a doubt the hardest character I have ever played to completion. While I am continuing with my Untwinked HC sept I doubt I will ever prohibit myself from using ATMA and RWM again, oh ya and to hell with single pass. I found the

Runes and a 5os Eth Elite Polearm to make an Obedience, and I lost probably 100 Full Juvs, 8 stacks of Cruel Harpoons, some set/uniques, and a Stregnth Eth Lance due to item rot. There were a few points where I ran out of gold and Full Juvs, and since this is single pass I got really scared and thought about abandoning the challenge.

After that rant, Id also like to say that this was the most satisfying character I have ever played as well. This was the first time I have every completed every quest and found every WP. Actually after each quest and every WP I would re evaluate my gear, my strategies, and try to figure out excactly what I had to do to make progress. For some reason after everything was done, all the work was worth it.

Having saved the world 3 times Madawc is now PERMANENTLY retired.

Thanks for sticking around to read, more Septumvirate Guardian posts and progress updates ahead, as well as a few Pat/Mat posts to mix things up a bit.



-rD
 
Originally posted by @Thyiad on Apr 10, 2007:

Corebar the Guardian

Well, I made it. Yup: Corebar makes Guardian.

He's my first Guardian and apart from a bit of MFing, he's MP'd all the way. My thanks to Lpr and TmX for being great companions (and protectors - I'm happy to hide behind a sorceress, thanks) :wink3:.

Stats
Code:
Character name  : Corebar
Character type  : Hardcore Barbarian
Character level : 83
Character exp   : 924920439

Strength        : 187
Energy          : 10
Dexterity       : 43
Vitality        : 250
Stat Points Rem : 20
Skill Points Rem: 25

Life            : 2629 / 1179
Mana            : 256 / 92
Stamina         : 879 / 399

Skills
Code:
Concentrate 20
WW 7 (indecision on my part. I remembered how bad I am at WW)
Natural Resistances 4
Battle Command 1
Beserk 1
Battle Cry 20
Shout 5
FI/Find Potion 1
Warcry 1

(Waits for "Mastery, Thy?" comments. Ok I was waiting for an IK Maul to drop. I have dreams of him being an IK Barb. :rolleyes: So I sort of have erm, 20 saved stat points.)

Gear
Rich (BB code):
Sigon's Wrap Plated Belt - Sigons set donated by LprMan :thumbsup:
Sigon's Gage Gauntlets
Gore Rider War Boots
Sigon's Visor Great Helm
The Spirit Shroud Ghost Armor

Headstriker - Donated by Doomas :thumbsup:
Battle Sword
One-Hand Damage: 40 to 168
Durability: 27 of 32
Required Dexterity: 43
Required Strength: 92
Required Level: 39
Sword Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 47
Fingerprint: 0x9b506f69
+15 to Strength
+150% Enhanced Damage
Prevent Monster Heal
+83 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
124% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)

Havoc Rock
Monarch
Defense: 207
Chance to Block:  47%
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Strength: 156
Required Level: 54
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0xc867d4f
+6 to Strength
+8 to Life
+39% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 2
Lightning Resist +26%
Cold Resist +20%

Bitter Hold
Ring
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xc944b763
+6 to Minimum Damage
Fire Resist +29%
Lightning Resist +7%
Cold Resist +7%
Poison Resist +7%
3% Life stolen per hit
+1 to Mana After Each Kill
5% Chance to cast Level 3 Chain Lightning on attack

Entropy Grasp
Ring
Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 30
Fingerprint: 0xb1253457
+103 to Attack Rating
Lightning Resist +22%
Cold Resist +24%
3% Mana stolen per hit
Replenish Life +3

Wraith Talisman
Amulet
Required Level: 48
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x47c8856a
+1 to Maximum Damage
Fire Resist +14%
Lightning Resist +52%
Cold Resist +14%
Poison Resist +24%
5% Mana stolen per hit
Level 1 Twister (22/22 Charges)

Inventory
Code:
Jade Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x686a10ed
Poison Resist +24%

Stalwart Large Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 37
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xd2a5eb0a
+57 Defense

Foul Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xa1d6ce15
+50 poison damage over 4 seconds

Crimson Large Charm of Flame
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 5
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0x927c9f80
Fire Resist +7%
Adds 1-2 fire damage

Small Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0x23df29c
+14 to Life

Fiery Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 73
Fingerprint: 0xc1e41fb6
+17 to Life
Adds 1-2 fire damage

Azure Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0x6b305270
Cold Resist +5%

Snowy Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 20
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x85389fc9
Adds 1-3 cold damage over 1 seconds

Russet Large Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 12
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 77
Fingerprint: 0xab0484a1
Fire Resist +10%

Stout Small Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xa41960fa
+5 Defense
5% Faster Hit Recovery

Small Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x78566e8c
+14 to Life

Best Finds
Code:
Fal Rune
Hellforge: Lum IIRC

Tarnhelm
Skull Cap
Defense: 8
Durability: 14 of 18
Required Strength: 15
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x1839b9ed
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
29% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+1 to All Skill Levels

Doombringer
Champion Sword
One-Hand Damage: 103 to 265
Two-Hand Damage: 247 to 354
Required Dexterity: 103
Required Strength: 163
Required Level: 69
Sword Class - Fast Attack Speed
Indestructible
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xb2f3dd69
+207% Enhanced Damage
+30 to Minimum Damage
+100 to Maximum Damage
6% Life stolen per hit
Increase Maximum Life 20%
40% Bonus to Attack Rating
Indestructible
8% Chance to cast Level 3 Weaken on striking

Mercenary Items
Code:
Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 116
Durability: 15 of 20
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 78
Fingerprint: 0xc4ea5dd5
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
+45 Defense
All Resistances +15
10% Life stolen per hit
10% Mana stolen per hit

Boneflesh
Plate Mail
Defense: 257
Durability: 41 of 60
Required Strength: 65
Required Level: 26
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x4cfaa727
+120% Enhanced Defense
+35 to Attack Rating
5% Life stolen per hit
25% Chance of Open Wounds

Malice
Cryptic Axe
'IthElEth'
Two-Hand Damage: 43 to 208
Durability: 35 of 65
Required Dexterity: 103
Required Strength: 165
Required Level: 59
Polearm Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0xcba319b5
+33% Enhanced Damage
+50 to Attack Rating
+9 to Maximum Damage
Drain Life -5
+0 to Light Radius
-25% Target Defense
Prevent Monster Heal
-100 to Monster Defense Per Hit
100% Chance of Open Wounds
Socketed (3: 3 used)

The Crystalline Passage proved I was hosting: five boss packs in the space of two screens, three of which were Might enchanted. That and the Convicted Quill rats a few doors down. The Anya bit was the worst for me. I hate those witch things that throw fireballs. WSK wasn't too bad; Deathlords. Obviously there were Gloams; I was hosting.

I'm looking forward to my next HC MP; great co-operative play.

I will probably MF with this guy. NM Memphy first then Hell. I just don't want to get him killed ...
 
Originally posted by Vulpine on Aug 1, 2011:

Guardian Atlas, Guardian Daishi

Hi guys.

I've finished a little project consisting of two characters and I'm glad to introduce Guardian Atlas and Guardian Daishi. Some of you will notice that the names are taken from MechWarrior universe, where Daishi and Atlas are massive 100 ton Mechs carrying some really serious weaponry and thus able to kick arses and shins.

After finishing the previous project I was going to take a lil rest from D2, but with runes obtained I was able to create a really powerful weapon and this kinda ruined my retirement related plans.

I wanted to give this monster proper use. No silly charge-ups, jumping around or rushing forward like a Peterbilt truck with broken brakes. What I was seeking is high damage multiplier combined with good usability. So I decided to build a Fanatic Avenger and a Berserker (with a bit more strength than most characters usually need).

Oh and one more thing: /p8 all the way, from normal to hell (including Baal and the Ancients).


Guardian Atlas.

Atlas wasn't a very hard character to play. Perhaps, I was lucky with monster rolls. No NDE's. As a pay off, Atlas had terrible luck with drops. The only elite unique he found was a Wizardspike somewhere in Act5, Hell. Hellforge gave him Io.

Lack of shield and total absense of crowd control made me pick a defensive mercenary instead of offensive one, and with ice armour from Forti the defence rating went up to 10k, and that was pretty good and enough to help me stay alive.

There was and interesting boss encounter in some icy cave of Act 5 - I bumped into a conviction gloam! But Resist Lightning aura allowed me to ignore the damage this guy was dealing (light res was 95% under gloam's conviction aura)

I was really nervous when Atlas touched the Arreat altar. But the barbarian trio was surprisingly easy even on /p8. Everything went like it usually does: first Madawk and Korlik were killed, then Tallik followed them.

By the way, Tallik spawned with a knockback on his weapon, and this caused funny effect in combo with his Whirlwind (looked very much alike with using namelock Charge on a single monster). Anyone wants to plan a build revolving around this effect? :3

Rich (BB code):
Equipment:
Forti
Steelrend
Wartravs
Mavina's belt
Mara
Ravenfrost
BKWB
Death axe (Demonlimb)
Kira [Vermilion jewel of Carnage]

Charms: lots of AR charms, some skillers and +all res.

Mercenary:
Normal, Defensive
'Stone' eth bugged Boneweave
Reaper's Toll [Shael]
Andariel's Gas Mask [Ral]

Skills:
Vengeance 20+5
Fanaticism 20+3
Resist Fire 16+3
Resist Lightning 16+3
Resist Cold 16+3
Redemption 1+3
Guardian Daishi.

This char was much more interesting. Zero defence combined with decision to use BO as a one-pointer and to have low vita sounded very promising :3

But the outstanding crowd control provided by Howl and Taunt saved my arse hundreds of times!
When I saw a large crowd of monsters, I scared them away with Howl and picked out one by one with Taunt. And what i especially like about Howl is the possibility to reduce the threat from minions to zero and take boss monster one on one-with-merc. Despite what mommy says, you don't have to eat the brokkoli to have your icecream ^^

So, as soon as I got used to utilizing Howl and Taunt properly, the game was a breeze. As a pay off, Daishi's level is lower than that of Atlas, cause he didn't have to grind throught all the monsters he encountered.

There were some scary moments, though. A4 monsters have heavy paws on /p8: thought I didn't have to do an emergency S&E, they often reduced my health by half in one hit. A5 was nice, too: I was attacked by three champion lancers in some cave. Their jabs are really strong (tho not as strong as a 14k-46k berserk is :D)!

Sazabi's balrog skin was a nice surprise. Other than this, no other notable finds. Anyway, still better than Wizzy from Atlas -_-.

Rich (BB code):
Equipment:
Forti
IK Gloves
Gores
IK Belt
Highlord
Ravenfrost
BKWB
Death axe (HotO + Echoing Morning Star)
Arreat Face [Ruby jewel]

Charms: 3 combat skillers, a bit of allres, many small lifers.

Mercenary:
Nightmare Offensive
'Stone' eth bugged Boneweave
'Obedience' eth Cryptic Axe (Kelpie vs bosses)
Andariel's Gas Mask [Ral]

Skills:
Berserk 20+10
Howl 20+5
Taunt 1+5
Battle Cry 1+5
Shout 20+11 
Battle Orders 1+11
Battle Command 2+11
Axe Mastery 20+5
Natural Res 4+5

Thoughts and random stuff:

1). I should have made a standard avenger. This would increase damage output and solve the AR problem. The LCS damage would have been, probably, halved, but LCS is no more than a penis extender in this case.
2). Did you know, that Lord de Seis can be of different flavors? Like, Strawberry, Peach, Green Apple, Holy Shock, Grapes, Might, Fanaticism.
I didn't.
3). Some screenies. Of course, I forgot to take 'shots when they could have been quite sightful, so those listed below are quite boring. Skip this part, you'll miss nothing interesting.
- Nice maps for A2 and A4, Hell.
- Excellent /p8 quest drop from Hell Diablo.
- Hell WSK Welcome Party.

Everyone (except Corax), thanks for reading this wall of text (I know Cor won't read and will probably post TLDR comment or non at all), and thanks for ignoring all mistakes, typos and misspellings in the post.
 
Originally posted by Ancient of Mu Mu on Aug 11, 2013:

Guardian Elvis McCool - Singer Barbarian

The Ballad of Elvis McCool.

Wining the 'Who's Got Talent' search at Harrowgath sent young Elvis M'Cool , singer barbarian into the field where he proved popular with the troops, his swagger and raw voice belting out the hits, providing a short but welcome relief to the horrors of battle.

Finally, dismissing his backup singers he donned his armor and took the battle directly to Baal in a clambake bakeoff.

Needless to say Baal was a second rate talent and admitted defeat, slinking back to whatever pit had spawned him but vowing a rematch someday.

A compilation album was released as the king sank into obscurity, eclipsed by singers with different styles. It's said he got fat and lazy but others whispered he was tainted by his time battling the prime evils and was battling the curse of lycanthropy.

Either way, all the hits on K'Tell can be yours for $9.99 Gold dinars!

Songs include:

'Andariel I'm A Fool For Your Poison Love'

'A Hunka Hunka Burning Love'

'I Left My Heart In Travincal'

'Wicked Witchy Women'

'Big Bad Goat Clan Man'

and many, many more!!!!

bonus tracks include the number one SMASH HITS!!!

'Saturday Nights Alright for Fighting'

'You Aint Nothing But A Hellhound'



I started this guy with one point in conc and had him wearing sigon's for teh ultimate twinkage! (just kidding, but it is pretty good)

No real issues, when he got bonesnap things went faster.

Finally, I maxed WW and he was good with this up until late nightmare where his kill speed was getting slow. (players 8 natch)

Still short of a mal for 'Oath' runeword I then respecced him at Lev 61 at naranjadita's urging/build info to a singer and it was smooth sailing from then on. (thanks also to FredofEriks write-up on his singer for build info)

Two NDE's where I had to save and exit, once due to everyone's favorites, stygian dolls the other to mass pack of death lords, with succubae and a couple of bosses cursed, with speed, amp damage and ignore physical.

It felt strange to wade into groups and belt out songs, but a stunned monster is a dead monster. Much safer than melee.

I just wish he did slightly more damage but some skillers should help if I ever find them. Runes were fal from hellforge. No real finds.

Plans for him now, I'm going to respec and don the wolfhowl naranjadita kindly donated to me.

In summary, this is the first melee toon I have gotten through to guardian. Oh wait, he's more a caster right? Hmmmmm....

Anyone with a lev95+ HC melee character feel free to let me know how you did it.

cheers all

Code:
Character name  : ElvisMcCool
Character type  : Hardcore Barbarian
Character level : 80
Character exp   : 727049795

Strength        : 112
Energy          : 10
Dexterity       : 57
Vitality        : 301
Stat Points Rem : 0
Skill Points Rem: 0

Life            : 1771 / 1377
Mana            : 552 / 89
Stamina         : 555 / 447

Gold (Inventory): 144302
Gold (Stash)    : 463421

Number of Items : 29

1: Horadric Cube

2: Russet Grand Charm of Dexterity
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 7
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x3a5110b9
+3 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +18%

3: Tome of Identify
Quantity: 7

4: Iron Grand Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 53
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x8e5933a4
+33 to Life
+63 to Attack Rating

5: Sharp Grand Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x440ddadc
+24 to Life
+68 to Attack Rating
+7 to Maximum Damage

6: Cobalt Large Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 19
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xe63ad105
+16 to Life
Cold Resist +12%

7: Large Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 14
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x819e01d
8% Faster Hit Recovery

8: Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 71
Fingerprint: 0x98d36752
+40 to Life
+40 to Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
100% Extra Gold from Monsters
15% Fire Absorb

9: Steel Small Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 49
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x145c9f09
+12 to Life
+36 to Attack Rating

10: Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x5854d17a
+20 to Life

11: Sapphire Small Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x388dbfba
Cold Resist +10%
5% Faster Hit Recovery

12: Iron Small Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 31
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0xcce588f7
+9 to Life
+16 to Attack Rating

13: Coral Small Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 20
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xdf69516b
Lightning Resist +9%

14: Iron Large Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 34
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xc9f6c68c
+24 to Life
+41 to Attack Rating

15: Echoing Amulet of Perfection
Required Level: 51
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xdecae3cc
+19 to Dexterity
+3 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)

16: Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 143
Durability: 29 of 34
Required Strength: 94
Required Level: 47
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x7120c7ba
+20 to Maximum Stamina
+165% Enhanced Defense
+10 Maximum Durability
Requirements -25%
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike

17: Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x41a98a8a
+15 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+171 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

18: Skin of the Vipermagi
Wyrmhide
Defense: 961
Durability: 16 of 24
Required Strength: 84
Required Level: 57
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x549cb8f9
+120% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
All Resistances +34
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Required Level +7
30% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (1: 1 used)

Perfect Topaz
Inserted into a Wyrmhide

24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Required Level: 18
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

19: Arreat's Face
Slayer Guard
Defense: 337
Durability: 46 of 55
(Barbarian Only)
Required Strength: 118
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xc44743f9
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
+179% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +30
6% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
Socketed (1: 0 used)

20: Frostburn
Gauntlets
Defense: 48
Durability: 22 of 24
Required Strength: 60
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x5072a898
+14% Enhanced Defense
+5% Enhanced Damage
+30 Defense
Adds 1-6 cold damage over 2 seconds
Increase Maximum Mana 40%

21: Gloom's Trap
Mesh Belt
Defense: 94
Durability: 11 of 16
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 36
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xccf671df
+15 to Vitality
+131% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana 15%
5% Mana stolen per hit
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
-3 to Light Radius

22: Stout Large Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 14
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x69d65980
+3 Defense
8% Faster Hit Recovery

23: Rugged Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xd85358ff
+20 to Life
+11 to Maximum Stamina

24: Large Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 66
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xe261882f
+32 to Life

25: Tome of Town Portal
Quantity: 20

26: Large Charm of Balance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 14
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 47
Fingerprint: 0xd59a223f
8% Faster Hit Recovery

27: Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x634f83f8
+16 to Life

28: Spirit
Crystal Sword
'TalThulOrtAmn'
One-Hand Damage: 5 to 15
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 25
Sword Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x7a14010e
+22 to Vitality
+102 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Adds 1-50 lightning damage
Adds 3-14 cold damage over 3 seconds
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
7% Life stolen per hit
55% Faster Hit Recovery
32% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skill Levels
+3 Magic Absorb
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Tal Rune
Inserted into a Crystal Sword

+75 poison damage over 5 seconds

Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Thul Rune
Inserted into a Crystal Sword

Adds 3-14 cold damage over 3 seconds

Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Ort Rune
Inserted into a Crystal Sword

Adds 1-50 lightning damage

Required Level: 21
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Amn Rune
Inserted into a Crystal Sword

7% Life stolen per hit

Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

29: Wizardspike
Bone Knife
One-Hand Damage: 23 to 49
Required Dexterity: 75
Required Strength: 38
Required Level: 61
Dagger Class - Fast Attack Speed
Indestructible
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xc0df6a2a
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +75
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
50% Faster Cast Rate
Indestructible
+160 to Mana (Based on Character Level)

Mercenary Items :

1: Blackhorn's Face
Death Mask
Defense: 393
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Strength: 45
Required Level: 41
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xb5e79d2
+203% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +15%
Prevent Monster Heal
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 25
+20 Lightning Absorb
Slows Target by 20%
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)

2: Treachery
Wire Fleece
'ShaelThulLem'
Defense: 1039
Durability: 17 of 17
Required Strength: 101
Required Level: 53
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 84
Fingerprint: 0xbb4653ff
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
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (3: 3 used)

Shael Rune
Inserted into a Wire Fleece

20% Faster Hit Recovery

Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Thul Rune
Inserted into a Wire Fleece

Cold Resist +30%

Required Level: 23
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Lem Rune
Inserted into a Wire Fleece

50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Required Level: 43
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

3: Insight
Superior Cryptic Axe
'RalTirTalSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 120 to 508
Durability: 74 of 75
Required Dexterity: 103
Required Strength: 165
Required Level: 59
Polearm Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x829ab208
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
+239% Enhanced Damage
+2 to Attack Rating
+9 to Minimum Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
Increase Maximum Durability 15%
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+4 to Critical Strike
35% Faster Cast Rate
214% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Ral Rune
Inserted into a Cryptic Axe

Adds 5-30 fire damage

Required Level: 19
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Tir Rune
Inserted into a Cryptic Axe

+2 to Mana After Each Kill

Required Level: 13
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Tal Rune
Inserted into a Cryptic Axe

+75 poison damage over 5 seconds

Required Level: 17
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

Sol Rune
Inserted into a Cryptic Axe

+9 to Minimum Damage

Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion

So it was fairly standard, something like
Battle Order: 20
War Cry: 20
Battle Cry: 20
Taunt: 20
Shout: 1
Leap: 1
Natural Resistance: 1
Iron Skin: 1
Howl: Up to 20.(Currently six before +skills)
 
Originally posted by @Drystan on Aug 2, 2009:

Guardian Trol_HellScream - 200%FCR Singer Barb

Guardian Trol_HellScream
Barbarian, Level 82, Singer

Introduction and Reasonings

Some of you know I'm on a break from D2, but here's a new Guardian to show how well it's going!

Trol HellScream is the brother of Grom HellScream, a hero Orc. I thought for a Singer (whose taunts and warcries get very annoying after a short time,) that it was a fitting name. I ended up having to turn the sound off, instead of listening to those cries over and over.
This guy could really talk your ears off.

I had the impression that Singer Barbs were party chars with little ability solo. Their damages aren't the best, but I think it's effectively a close-ranged, tank of a sorceress! All the gear is aimed towards a sorc build. Insight, Spirits, Wizardspikes, FCR.
The only difference is that Singer's do Physical damage (I didn't know this until I ran into a PI and suddenly couldn't do much,) are very close range, and can tank better than any barb with their stunning effect. The damages are often spread to groups of up to 7 or 8, and more if you go down a different path to Trol's, so the total damage is greatly more than listed.
Adding to that, the stunning effect means you're hardly taking damage, BO for ~4000 hitpoints, and Taunt to lure all ranged into War Cries range, and you've got one hell of a caster.

Equipment choices were for the same reason as any sorc. FCR mostly, with life and resists. I wanted to try a 200% FCR character, but had to wait for level 80, so he finished slightly higher than most of my characters. Level 80 was achieved doing /pl8 runs in A3 Flayer Jungle to the unique guarding Lam's Tome.
Yes, it is possible for this character to run at /players8, however, only if you have patience in my experience.
Against small skeletons, imps, venom lords to an extent, War Cry can actually kill them reasonably quickly. Larger monsters, A5 Blundabore things, Thorned hulks, you're more of a stunner, allowing your merc to kill everything without taking much damage.
But, have a well equipped merc, and I'm sure he could go through at /pl8.

Battle Cry was a bit of a disappointment. It has less range than War Cry, so you've actually got to move in to them to cast it. Luckily, they're already stunned most times, and it halved their damage, and made them practically vulnerable for any character to hit them, and can be cast on bosses. It was still used merely to reduce damages of a hit that bypassed the stunning effect, and on bosses.

200% FCR vs Spirits

I didn't really get to test it out too much. I got to level 80 (Arach's) in Act 3, and didn't need to kill too much in Act 5, and then the belt broke. The extra resists of Wizzy's were nice, but from that little experience, I didn't prefer one over the other. For questing to Baal, it probably isn't all that much different.
I was using Arreat's Face for a few extra skills and resists, so it was probably much the same.

Stats and Skills

Stats
Strength
: 98 / 108
Dexterity : 30 / 75
Vitality : 367 / 421

Life : 3991 / 1984
Mana : 1000 / 551

Damages
WarCry 105% FCR: 840 - 878
WarCry 200% FCR: 702 - 741*

*+ 1 skill (Ethereal 0Dur Arach's, with ~200 less mana/life, but max resists)

Skills
Code:
Howl           07
Taunt          20
Battle Cry     20
War Cry        20

Battle Orders  20
Battle Comms   01

Find Potion    01
Find Item      01

Iron Skin      01
Natural Resist 01

Resists
Spirit x2

Fire: 61
Cold: 45
Light: 42
Poison: 42

200% FCR
Resist All: 75+

Charms, Items and Mercenary

Notable Charms

Code:
Sounding Grand Charm of Life
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0xa51e2995
+6 to Life
+1 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)

Sounding Grand Charm of Craftmanship
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x1bfe6f2e
+1 to Maximum Damage
+1 to Warcry Skills (Barbarian Only)

Shimmering Large Charm of Sustenance
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 34
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x100ca51b
+24 to Life
All Resistances +6

Azure Small Charm of Vita
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 39
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x12f8abe8
+19 to Life
Cold Resist +3%

Items
Rich (BB code):
Doom Veil
Circlet
Defense: 27
Durability: 13 of 35
Required Level: 35
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 47
Fingerprint: 0x8aec1d6f
All Resistances +17
6% Life stolen per hit
20% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Mana After Each Kill
+2 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)

Spirit
Crystal Sword
'TalThulOrtAmn'
One-Hand Damage: 5 to 15
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 25
Sword Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0xac756a23
+22 to Vitality
+105 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Adds 1-50 lightning damage
Adds 3-14 cold damage over 3 seconds
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
7% Life stolen per hit
55% Faster Hit Recovery
31% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skill Levels
+5 Magic Absorb
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Spirit
Crystal Sword
'TalThulOrtAmn'
One-Hand Damage: 5 to 15
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 25
Sword Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xbf2802fc
+22 to Vitality
+97 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Adds 1-50 lightning damage
Adds 3-14 cold damage over 3 seconds
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
7% Life stolen per hit
55% Faster Hit Recovery
34% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skill Levels
+6 Magic Absorb
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 14 of 24
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xe1edb83a
+120% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
All Resistances +30
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
30% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
Socketed (1: 1 Perfect Topaz)

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0xe1229e51
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+197 to Attack Rating
Adds 15-45 cold damage over 4 seconds
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 191
Durability: 0 of 7
Required Strength: 40
Required Level: 80
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x506d4e47
+104% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
20% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
Slows Target by 10%
Level 3 Venom (4/11 Charges)
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)

Waterwalk
Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 118
Durability: 11 of 14
Required Strength: 47
Required Level: 32
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x6c974afe
+15 to Dexterity
+56 to Life
+40 to Maximum Stamina
+196% Enhanced Defense
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist
20% Faster Run/Walk

The Mahim-Oak Curio
Amulet
Required Level: 25
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x4eeaa2de
+10 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+10 to Dexterity
+10 to Vitality
+10% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
All Resistances +10
10% Bonus to Attack Rating

Frostburn
Gauntlets
Defense: 47
Durability: 22 of 24
Required Strength: 60
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x2f355ef1
+12% Enhanced Defense
+5% Enhanced Damage
+30 Defense
Adds 1-6 cold damage over 2 seconds
Increase Maximum Mana 40%

And this nice ring:

Grim Spiral
Ring
Required Level: 48
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x9a908ea9
+40 to Mana
+26 to Attack Rating
+1 to Maximum Damage
All Resistances +9
10% Faster Cast Rate

200% FCR Switch

Rich (BB code):
Wizardspike
Bone Knife
One-Hand Damage: 23 to 49
Required Dexterity: 75
Required Strength: 38
Required Level: 61
Dagger Class - Fast Attack Speed
Indestructible
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0x8d978a1c
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +75
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
50% Faster Cast Rate
Indestructible
+164 to Mana (Based on Character Level)

Wizardspike
Bone Knife
One-Hand Damage: 23 to 49
Required Dexterity: 75
Required Strength: 38
Required Level: 61
Dagger Class - Fast Attack Speed
Indestructible
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xc81a9b96
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +75
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
50% Faster Cast Rate
Indestructible
+164 to Mana (Based on Character Level)

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 68
Durability: 15 of 16
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 45
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 99
Fingerprint: 0x364c9858
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%
20% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to Curses (Necromancer Only)
+25% to Poison Skill Damage

Act 2 Might Merc
Rich (BB code):
Insight
Cryptic Axe
'RalTirTalSol'
Two-Hand Damage: 112 to 469
Durability: 36 of 65
Required Dexterity: 103
Required Strength: 165
Required Level: 59
Polearm Class - Slow Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x3758a2
+5 to Strength
+5 to Energy
+5 to Dexterity
+5 to Vitality
+213% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
Adds 5-30 fire damage
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+5 to Critical Strike
35% Faster Cast Rate
221% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Mana After Each Kill
Level 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
Socketed (4: 4 used)

Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 35 of 40
Required Strength: 115
Required Level: 34
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 75
Fingerprint: 0x90c34c8d
+15 to Strength
+120% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike

Treachery
Hellforge Plate
'ShaelThulLem'
Defense: 672
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Strength: 186
Required Level: 59
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0x62f7a9e1
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
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired), Socketed (3: 3 used)

Kelpie Snare
Stygian Pike
Two-Hand Damage: 145 to 631
Durability: 24 of 35
Required Dexterity: 87
Required Strength: 158
Required Level: 56
Spear Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x4f3c66c7
+10 to Strength
+169% Enhanced Damage
+30 to Minimum Damage
+50 to Maximum Damage
Fire Resist +50%
Required Level +7
Slows Target by 75%
+102 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)

Finds, Fights and Strategies

Hellforge was a Lum, however, Trol completed the N/NM Baal quests in an MP game with 5 HF rushees, and they got a couple of Pul's, and some lower. Overall, their NM Forges were slightly better than their Hell ones.

The fight with Diablo was fairly straight forward. Let Mizan do damage, while Trol shouted at him, and dodged the odd flame wall.

These are some action shots with Gloams and OK's in the WSK. The general tactic is WarCry, run in, WarCry, Taunt, run a little further, WarCry, Taunt if needed, and then keep WarCrying.

The Ancients weren't really noteworthy. Rerolled once or twice, and then took them on. They did have Conviction and Lightning Enchanted, and one thing I noticed was that this combo was one of the most dangerous for Trol. He avoided Lightning at all costs, even with max resists.

For PI's I had to kill, it took some time. For the PI Lister, I stunned his minions, the merc doing most of the damage, and lured Lister out. I then stunned him, and ran in to fight Baal.

Baal decided to cast his clone, even while slowed by a Kelpie, although it didn't really add to the difficulty. He cast it after he was almost slivered. As I never had enough mana, the merc with an upped Kelpie, Guillames and Treachery did most of the damage.

Conclusion

I'd recommend this build if you enjoyed casters, but wanted more durability and ability to tank and get right in the fighting, but didn't mind a slower pace. Thanks for reading, and questions, comments etc are welcome.
I think I'm going to try start my break again now, so no future plans for him or builds. :)

Cheers, and thanks for reading!
~Dryst :)
 
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