Otterbot: twinked HC orb/fireball sorc guardian

[Russell.s]

Otterbot

(A hardcore, twinked, journey)

The Name
When I was a kid playing D2 on b.net and having no idea what I was doing, I always loved leveling up with an Enchant bot around. I also like otters (the animal). Thus Otterbot was born. There's nothing complicated about my naming schemes!

The Plan
Otterbot started out as a twinked Enchant sorc, and made it to early Hell with Kuko bow before I realised that Fireball and Frozen Orb were probably a better combo. I wish I had kept her as an enchantress, both for more style and more interest! But hindsight is 20/20, as they say.

Skills & stats
Nothing exciting here, just Frozen Orb, some cold mastery, and Fireball.

The Journey
I respec'd and made it to Act 4 before losing interest on the twinked journey. Finally I decided to blast the rest of the way through to the finish, which I did in about 30 minutes skipping everything with teleport. Ancients were no problem, none of them spawning with dual Fire/Cold immunities.
The Worldstone Keep had wisps, frenzytaurs, and succubi, on all three levels, which I pretty much ignored by blindly teleporting through them until I reached the throne room. Baal was a push-over, dropped nothing. End credits, yadda yadda.
I really liked having teleport exclusively to right click, the other two skills being available on left click. I wish, wish wish wish wish, that you could bind teleport to left click, so you can alternate between walking and teleporting by holding shift. Alas it is not to be.
Stand-out item for me is Wizardspike. What a great little knife!
Enchant is fun, but it's hard to argue for it being much better than Fireball. Definitely has more style points though. I feel constantly with the Sorc that I'm about 20 skill points short. I'd like to have two elements available, but I'd also like to max teleport, or an armor skill, or static, etc.

Notable Drops
Tal Rasha's Amulet from a rogue in Act 1 Hell
Gul rune from Hellforge

The Future
I am feeling generally uninspired by Otterbot. I like teleport, and I like Sorcs, but I think twinking my journey made it less meaningful to me. I'm thinking of rolling up some whacky build, but I don't have much in the way of 'good' items, so my options are limited. Do people have a favourite sorc build (pre-infinity) that they would like to recommend? Perhaps I could just go back to Enchant, slap a demon machine on her, and call it a day. I think I may roll up an untwinked sorc at some point and start the journey again... But not this week.

May Otterbot's life from here be more interesting!

Spoiler: Stats and skills

Name: Otterbot
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 804428831
Level: 81

Naked/Gear
Strength: 90/107
Dexterity: 150/153
Vitality: 205/221
Energy: 35/37
HP: 569/940
Mana: 194/545
Stamina: 348/499
Defense: 37/932
AR: 700/768

Fire: 167/127/67
Cold: 170/130/70
Lightning: 195/155/95
Poison: 182/142/82

MF: 50 Block: 74
GF: 100 FR/W: 20
FHR: 42 IAS: 0
FCR: 110

Fire Bolt: 1/7
Warmth: 1/7
Inferno: 1/7
Blaze: 1/7
Fire Ball: 20/26
Fire Wall: 1/7
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 18/24
Fire Mastery: 6/12
Hydra: 0/0

Charged Bolt: 0/0
Static Field: 1/6
Telekinesis: 1/6
Nova: 1/6
Lightning: 0/0
Chain Lightning: 0/0
Teleport: 1/6
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 1/6

Ice Bolt: 1/7
Frozen Armor: 1/7
Frost Nova: 1/7
Ice Blast: 1/7
Shiver Armor: 1/7
Glacial Spike: 1/7
Blizzard: 1/7
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 20/26
Cold Mastery: 8/14

Spoiler: Gear

Tal Rasha's Adjudication
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0xc66974d1
Item Level: 73
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

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 25
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0x96801347
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+25% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x73df7a69
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +22
Magic Damage Reduced by 12

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 121
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xea7007e4
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+121 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+121 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Trang-Oul's Girth
Troll Belt
Defense: 150
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x9ac1baf6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+87 Defense
+66 to Life
Replenish Life +5
+26 to Mana
+30 Maximum Stamina
Cannot Be Frozen
Requirements -40%
Set (3 items): Cold Resist +40%

Order Grasp
Ring
Required Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0xc4570b00
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+53 to Attack Rating
Replenish Life +8
All Resistances +10
Lightning Resist +17%
Magic Damage Reduced by 1

Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 165
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x9eb8ff1a
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+150% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
+14 to Vitality
+81 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +46%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x1324324
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Fire Absorb 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
100% Extra Gold from Monsters

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xb3c12c89
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +20%
Damage Reduced by 10
Level 5 Oak Sage (16/27 Charges)

Russet Ring of Greed
Ring
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0xd82a5c05
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Unidentified
Fire Resist +12%
34% Extra Gold from Monsters

Wizardspike
Bone Knife
One Hand Damage: 23 - 49
Durability: 19 of 26
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 38
Required Dexterity: 75
Fingerprint: 0x9a7e821f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+50% Faster Cast Rate
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
+162 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +75

Whitstan's Guard
Round Shield
Defense: 154
Chance to Block: 67
Durability: 64 of 64
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 53
Fingerprint: 0xb378edcc
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Block Rate
55% Increased Chance of Blocking
+175% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +19
Half Freeze Duration
+5 to Light Radius
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond

Spoiler: Charms

Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 1
Fingerprint: 0xb84acfa7
Item Level: 5
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Cobalt Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xee61e45
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Cold Resist +9%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x301a5c87
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Fiery Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xb63a210e
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Adds 1 - 2 Fire Damage

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x800212ee
Item Level: 67
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +10%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbd74179f
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life

Fiery Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9c5bdf75
Item Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Fire Damage
+17 to Life

Cobalt Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xbb784c3e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +11%

Chilling Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x3562f794
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Cold Skills (Sorceress Only)

Garnet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xbb3fe195
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +9%

Cobalt Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xeab2b911
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +8%

Crimson Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xd76bbeb0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Fire Resist +4%

Coral Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x1e134384
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xa3450705
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery

Garnet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x809a5511
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%

Lapis Small Charm of the Icicle
Small Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0xe2d6d86f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 4 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Cold Resist +6%

Spoiler: Alhizeer the sophisticated

Mercenary:

Name: Alhizeer
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 64575300
Level: 81
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 179/184
Dexterity: 144/149
HP: 1607/1727
Defense: 1189/1930
AR: 1865/378595

Fire: 160/120/60
Cold: 160/120/60
Lightning: 160/120/60
Poison: 160/120/60

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 119
Durability: 13 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x62688b2b
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

Shaftstop
Mesh Armor
Defense: 622
Durability: 41 of 45
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 92
Fingerprint: 0xc9d8595e
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+191% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+60 to Life
Damage Reduced by 30%

Insight
Thresher
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 49 - 475
Durability: 58 of 65
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 152
Required Dexterity: 118
Fingerprint: 0xaa527920
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
237% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
202% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+5 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

 

[Maltatai]

Otterbot needs some points in enchant so she can warm a stone and put it on her stomach after eating, thus gathering mana through the warmth as well as digesting the meal.

I can recommend an archmage build with an iron wolf mercenary, that's been the most fun I've had with sorceresses. Surprisingly durable mercs too, three have made it into hell without dying a single time.

 

[DaveWThe2nd]

Nice job Russels. Guardians are always an accomplishment.

 

[Russell.s]

Otterbot needs some points in enchant so she can warm a stone and put it on her stomach after eating, thus gathering mana through the warmth as well as digesting the meal.

I can recommend an archmage build with an iron wolf mercenary, that's been the most fun I've had with sorceresses. Surprisingly durable mercs too, three have made it into hell without dying a single time.

Thanks for the advice Maltatai! I might have to look into this Archmage build. Was there a particular trio of skills you found most fun?

Nice job Russels. Guardians are always an accomplishment.

Thanks DaveW . It felt less exciting than my recent barb having been twinked, but it's still cool. The next sorc is on her way though, and she will be untwinked and single-pass!

 

[PhineasB]

Congrats on the Guardian! As for a quirky, fun build for a Sorc, I really enjoyed my charged bolt/FO and Fire ball/Nova Sorcs during my 7x7, and the more recent dual nova (although that might be tough without strong twining gear). I really enjoy the in-your-face play style for sorcs and those skills give that feel while also being plenty powerful without Infinity (maybe less so for dual nova though). Looking forward to the next Guardian, and don’t forget to add yours the to Mat/Pat/Guardian compilation that is stickied

 

[Maltatai]

Thanks for the advice Maltatai! I might have to look into this Archmage build. Was there a particular trio of skills you found most fun?

It's hard to pick one in particular...

...and the most important thing to remember is not to pay too much attention to what anyone else says but play as you prefer it. But for my part I value safety over all other things so I prefer skills that are easy to aim with and offer sniping or crowd control abilities. If you value the same I could recommend the following.

Cold skills: Ice blast and glacial spike are excellently stylish and beautiful and the freezing is highly useful. Frozen orb hits so much that it's a very easy to use skill as well. Blizzard is my least favourite for ana rchmage because its erratic hit rate. The damage is impressive, especially against groups of big mosters, but all the littl eones that avoid it drive me mad. The skill is much better suited as a complement to a single target attack but not for being your only source of your third damage type.

Fire skills: Hydras are adorable and the safest but I have come to appreciate meteors more and more due to the vastly increased fire duration at high levels. Carpet bombing enemies is a difficult but rewarding skill to master. Both meteors and fire walls are obvious complements to ice blast that keeps the foe in one place. I toasted hell Andariel with all three of these without the caster taking a single hit and all hirelings surviving so each is evidently quite workable. Fire ball is quite fun and stylish as well but bringing up the damage with an archmage could be a bit of a challenge.

Lightning skills: Thunder storm is my favourite since you can just teleport around dangerous enemies and wait for it to strike. Great graphics and sounds as well of course. Chain lightning is such a general fantasy games epic (long live Solmyr the genie) that it is very tempting to invest a lot in but again, an archmage will be hard pressed to find the skill points to spare for that. If you work with a lightning mage or a combat mercenary maxed static field might actually be a workable choice. Even with the limitations in hell it helps ridiculously much for its cost.

 

[Russell.s]

Thanks for your reply Maltatai!

...and the most important thing to remember is not to pay too much attention to what anyone else says but play as you prefer it...

I think this was the most important bit for me! It's easy to get caught up thinking about which skill would be 'best' and ignore what I actually want to do with a character.

I'm thinking at the moment a maxed static field and blizz combo would be cool. Whether I throw in a third element depends on how well my merc can handle the cold immunes, and if I find them particularly bothersome.

 

[Maltatai]

Fire wall can be a solid addition even at one point, since it is damage every frame and thus prevent regeneration just like poisoning. Also, if you max glacial spike to synergize blizzard the enemies will be easily frozen for a long time which works great along with fire walls, should you want to max it. I can really recommend that combination just for being hilarious. If you go with a melee mercenary freezing and fire wall or meteor obviously fits very well.