Matriarch Talith, Dual Nova Sorc with Tal's Set

[PhineasB]

Matriarch Talith, Dual Nova Sorc with Tal's Set and Insight Prayer Merc

This Sorc is the first in what I hope will eventually be a sept focused on a less common build within each class. I moved ahead to that project to get a character for the MP Class Set group that @maxicek hosted, but unfortunately I couldn't finish with the group due to having to work during the second scheduled session

Overview of Build
The MP group picked up at the start of A1 Hell, so she leveled as a charged boltress with mad twinking gear, lots of Tirs early until Insight let her plow through. With the Tal's Set, she was fully equipped by late NM and changed to the dual nova spec. I sank extra points into Blizzard and Frozen Orb, the latter as a LMB skill and the former for dealing with swaths of LIs. I could have skipped Blizzard (didn't really use it) to max FO, but it worked fine as built.

I must say that I really enjoyed the dual nova, and the FO supplement worked well. She more than held her own in p8 with the MP group (especially when Infinity was around), with her merc's Insight mitigating any mana issues. When I switched to solo, she was good on p3, but I did end up teleporting through in stretches. The Set worked out quite nicely for this build, with Griffon's for the helm and Fathom weapon making for a stronger potential combo while still maintaining 3-piece Tal's or other gear options. I focused on pumping the Cold damage with facets. I have >150 facets in my stash, so I ended up going with some higher end ones for Talith

As mentioned, I couldn't finish with the group, so picked up solo at LK. I also realized that I am to blame for the group's snafu with the Flail. Talith had two of Khalim's body parts when I picked up, because I had been the one who was going to make the Flail. Sorry guys, that was two big fails that I contributed, along with the false "exit" in the Dry Hills Hell HF was a Ko and NM was a Hel. Otherwise, she didn't find anything of note, which was somewhat of a surprise with the full set.

Final gear:
- Tal's Orb (5/5 Cold Facet) / Spirit
- CtA / Spirit switch
- Tal's Mask (5/5 Cold Facet)
- Tal's Armor (4/5 Cold Facet)
- Tal's Belt
- Trang's gloves
- Eth Sandstorm Trek
- Tal's Amulet
- 2 x SOJ
- Backback: Mix of Cold and Lightning Skillers with life and resist/mana/life SCs

Merc:
- eth Insight Thresher (level 17 Meditation)
- Fortitude
- Vamp w Realgar JOF

Gameplay
Talith was played up to LK in Hell at players 8 with the MP group. The link shows some videos of the group play, which was plenty powerful but perhaps not as stylish as the first two MP groups (2H Vengeance only and Shapeshifters). He was joined by:
@maxicek - Antiope, M'avina's FA Strafer
@ffs - Spectre, Natalya's WW/Venom Assassin
@d2lover - Trang-Oul, Trang's Zoomancer
@D2DC - Griswold, Griswold's Min-dmg Avenger
@Vildecor - Gurgalan, Immortal King's WW Barbarian

Thanks to the MP group for helping move another Mat/Pat along!

As expected with a dual nova Sorc, game play was pretty in-your-face, switching novas based on immunities. In MP group with Infinity, she generally stuck with nova because it was stronger, often throwing one or two casts of frozen nova to chill monsters and then switching to Nova the rest. I tried to limit the use of teleport except positioning, but wasn't as disciplined as I'd intended. Still, I very much enjoyed the dual Nova and want to give her a shot in AT. I know she will be less efficient than Blizz, but it may be a nice option to have if/when I shift back to MFing to try to finish my grail.

Thanks for reading!

Readouts

Spoiler: Mat Stats

Name:       Talith
Class:      Sorceress
Experience: 913457714
Level:      83

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   140/158
Dexterity:  25/45
Vitality:   305/340
Energy:     35/45
HP:         772/1183
Mana:       199/559
Stamina:    451/534
Defense:    6/1782
AR:         75/175

Fire:       136/96/36
Cold:       150/110/50
Lightning:  153/113/53
Poison:     140/100/40

MF:         102       Block:      7
GF:         0
FR/W:       20
FHR:        87
IAS:        0
FCR:        105

Fire Bolt: 0/0
Warmth: 1/8
Inferno: 0/0
Blaze: 0/0
Fire Ball: 0/0
Fire Wall: 0/0
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 0/0
Fire Mastery: 0/4
Hydra: 0/0

Charged Bolt: 0/0
Static Field: 1/12
Telekinesis: 1/12
Nova: 20/31
Lightning: 0/0
Chain Lightning: 0/0
Teleport: 1/12
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 20/33

Ice Bolt: 1/11
Frozen Armor: 0/0
Frost Nova: 20/30
Ice Blast: 1/11
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 1/11
Blizzard: 15/25
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 11/21
Cold Mastery: 1/13

Spoiler: Gear

Tal Rasha's Fine-Spun Cloth
Mesh Belt
Defense: 100
Durability: 13 of 16
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 16
Fingerprint: 0x2672ef6a
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Dexterity
+30 to Mana
37% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
14% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Requirements -20%
Set (2 items): +60 Defense
Set (3 items): +10% Faster Cast Rate

Tal Rasha's Adjudication
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x8f8f20c7
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
Adds 3 - 32 Lightning Damage
+50 to Life
+42 to Mana
Lightning Resist +33%
Set (4 items): +10% Faster Cast Rate

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 130
Durability: 7 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x22d101a8
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 43 Frost Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
10% Mana stolen per hit
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage
10% Life stolen per hit
+45 Defense
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
All Resistances +15
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xc259b3ce
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 43 Frost Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage

Tal Rasha's Guardianship
Lacquered Plate
Defense: 938
Durability: 43 of 55
Required Level: 71
Required Strength: 2
Fingerprint: 0xf9a6ac1b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 43 Frost Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-4% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage
+400 Defense
Cold Resist +40%
Lightning Resist +40%
Fire Resist +40%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
88% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Requirements -60%
Set (2 items): +10% Faster Cast Rate
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xeb2511e2
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 43 Frost Nova when you Level-Up
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-4% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x28c3ed74
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xca789f22
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%


Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 243
Durability: 8 of 8
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 81
Fingerprint: 0xd4852e2d
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+146% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
+13 to Vitality
+83 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +40%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Ethereal

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 73
Durability: 10 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x1e2c710d
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%

Call to Arms
Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 48
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xd0e4ad4c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
270% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune

Spirit
Superior Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 139
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 98 of 98
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xa2c1af0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+98 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Increase Maximum Durability 15%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rasha's Lidless Eye
Swirling Crystal
One Hand Damage: 18 - 42
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xec2df909
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage
+2 to Cold Mastery (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Lightning Mastery (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Fire Mastery (Sorceress Only)
+10 to Energy
+57 to Life
+77 to Mana
Set (2 items): +1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
Set (3 items): -15% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Set (4 items): -15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Set (5 items): +15% to Cold Skill Damage
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xcbc16a8d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 37 Blizzard when you Die
Adds 24 - 38 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (3 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+5% to Cold Skill Damage

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 148
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 67 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xecb5c04e
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+90 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Spoiler: Charms

Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x49d7f17b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+5 to Life

Chilling Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x915b5fbb
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Cold Skills (Sorceress Only)
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Ruby Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xd41d52c0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+33 to Life
Fire Resist +30%

Ruby Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x6e71ad5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Sparking Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x5fc609b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+30 to Life

Serpent's Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x76821bd4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
+17 to Mana

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4a758691
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Fire Resist +10%


Chilling Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xd2f18886
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Cold Skills (Sorceress Only)
+32 to Life

Chilling Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x5045a8a0
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Cold Skills (Sorceress Only)
+30 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe5f86b3b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+8 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xaca45792
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Strength

Emerald Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xaed79959
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
Poison Resist +10%

Emerald Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xf40f02c2
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Poison Resist +10%

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xef682610
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+17 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xbbcd6c78
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+17 to Mana

Spoiler: Merc

Name:       Vikhyat
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Comb-Normal
Experience: 63660420
Level:      83
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   187/192
Dexterity:  151/156
HP:         1750/1864
Defense:    1288/4960
AR:         1952/378688

Fire:       178/138/78
Cold:       178/138/78
Lightning:  178/138/78
Poison:    178/138/78

Fortitude
Archon Plate
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3420
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 93
Fingerprint: 0x65777894
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 15 Chilling Armor when struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+114 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +28
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x83dc856f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
24% Enhanced Damage
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
6% Mana stolen per hit
6% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Damage Reduced by 19%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Realgar Jewel of Fervor

Insight
Thresher
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 67 - 687
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0x6d2d9bb6
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
226% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
193% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+3 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

 

[Luhkoh]

Nice mat! But holy crap, this was my main takeaway.

I have >150 facets in my stash, so I ended up going with some higher end ones for Talith

Thats a ton! Have you ran a boatload of trav/mephy or something, or just mf'd that much in general? Either way crazy stuff, and cool character! MP group looks like it was fun.

 

[D2DC]

Congrats! Looking forward to the next MP group!

 

[PhineasB]

Nice mat! But holy crap, this was my main takeaway.

Thats a ton! Have you ran a boatload of trav/mephy or something, or just mf'd that much in general? Either way crazy stuff, and cool character! MP group looks like it was fun.

I was surprised when I saw that also, and ended up making a separate stash for facets one time when I scrolled through the unique jewerly stash I have for a bit The 6 completed 99ers actually contributed quite a bit of that. Combined with the 7x7+2 and associated area runs, plus a few Trav sets in RFL (and quite a few runs otherwise) and other RFL and MFO sets, I guess that's been enough.