Patriach AdaM. Or if I had the foresight, Brooklyn because...

[saracen85]

99!

Created on 21st May 2021, Patriarched on 30th November 2021.

Spoiler: LCS and Character Dump

Name: AdaM
Class: Paladin
Experience: 3520485254
Level: 99

Naked/Gear
Strength: 53/139
Dexterity: 156/170
Vitality: 366/400
Energy: 15/17
HP: 1334/1730
Mana: 162/472
Stamina: 528/528
Defense: 39/1839
AR: 765/835

Fire: 178/138/78
Cold: 211/171/111
Lightning: 175/135/75
Poison: 175/135/75

MF: 310 Block: 45 (75 with HS)
GF: 123 FR/W: 70
FHR: 55 5Fr IAS: 0
FCR: 125 9Fr



***SKILLS***

Sacrifice: 0/0
Smite: 1/23
Holy Bolt: 1/22
Zeal: 0/0
Charge: 1/22
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 20/41 9FPA
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 20/41
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/15
Holy Fire: 0/0
Thorns: 0/0
Blessed Aim: 20/34
Concentration: 20/34
Holy Freeze: 0/0
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 0/0
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 0/0

Prayer: 1/15
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 3/17
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 1/15
Resist Lightning: 0/0
Vigor: 20/34
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 1/15
Salvation: 0/0



***GEAR***

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 141
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x82fb9b02
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
75% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ist Rune


Enigma (SHARED)
Superior Mage Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 1073
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xa51cf283
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+15% Enhanced Defense
+772 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune


Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 131
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xa700235f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+108% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)


Magefist
Battle Gauntlets
Defense: 69
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 88
Fingerprint: 0x35a61ad0
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+30% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%
Required Level +5


War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 130
Durability: 48 of 48
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x911d6d19
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+171% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 7
47% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability


Entropy Mark
Amulet
Required Level: 89
Fingerprint: 0x12a9b9b
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to Dexterity
+12 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 4%
Cold Resist +36%
Fire Resist +38%


The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xb20f6f04
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: 0x461dd551
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%


Heart of the Oak (MAIN)
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 36
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 25
Fingerprint: 0xb0dce593
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +38
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune


Spirit (MAIN)
Sacred Rondache
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 144
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 68 of 68
Required Level: 52
Required Strength: 109
Fingerprint: 0x42309ed2
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
+110 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +45
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+6 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune


Call to Arms (SWITCH-SHARED)
War Scepter
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 38 - 64
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x69d06f9b
Item Level: 54
Version: Expansion
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
280% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Holy Shield (Paladin Only)
+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 (SWITCH-SHARED)
Akaran Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 109
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 26
Required Strength: 44
Fingerprint: 0x6c8ed59e
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+109 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +35
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+5 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune



***INVENTORY***

7x Combat Skillers
Gheeds
Resist SCs
- 27 All

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0xbceb31a2
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xeb59970c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x183c01ea
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+27 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf6cea136
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+29 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x60421e67
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+29 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xeb1cafeb
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+31 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x5af354c1
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+32 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x9a836b8c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+32 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x3989ad35
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+36 to Life

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x28f94384
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
123% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x1c917453
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x25a8275f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x2acddaba
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xc0790be3
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +3
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x227793f1
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
All Resistances +4

Shimmering Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x14e67aa0
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
All Resistances +5

Stout Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x3e0b3e1c
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 Defense
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Burly Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xc5f07a68
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 Defense
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Stalwart Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x62e85bba
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+23 Defense
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Stalwart Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xd07f0f73
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25 Defense
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items



Mercenary:

Name: Kasim
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 114100380
Level: 98
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 209/224
Dexterity: 169/169
HP: 2287/2287
Defense: 1671/3028
AR: 2066/2066

Fire: 162/122/62
Cold: 192/152/92
Lightning: 162/122/62
Poison: 162/122/62


Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 22 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x7e786e4
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
+120% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength


Treachery
Hellforge Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 1140
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 186
Fingerprint: 0xaa5281c8
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


The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 63 - 749
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 107
Required Dexterity: 81
Fingerprint: 0xbb9683df
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
255% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 9 - 55 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (83 Frames)
12% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
Ethereal
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of the Glacier

Ruby Jewel of the Glacier
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x9a43615c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
38% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 11 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)

BACKGROUND

3rd ever Hammerdin build actually (1st was from 1.11d, 2nd was a recent Sander's Folly set build).

The idea of a min-maxed Hammerdin has always been floating in my head for a while, just that I held back by the lack of proper amulet (I do not want Mara's/FCR ring combo as my endgame).

I started him up as soon as I rolled the crafted ammy. Ironically, the Mara's combo was the staple up until level 89.

Going 99 wasn't really the primary goal; I wanted a dedicated Chaos runner. It just so happens that he leveled so well, so..

He is twinked to the teeth; I think his gear setup is close to what I consider cookie-cutter. I sorta felt dirty using them. I wouldn't even bother posting him if not for being a 99er. But he's a beast, mowing through mobs at p7/8 with ease. Even the Merc deals close to 10k max damage in case of Immunes.



LEVELING

Typical twinked leveling; Envy jewels and whatnot. It's not until after level 30 and a merc Insight that the build starts to take off.

Entered Nightmare around Level 45, Hell around 74.

Power leveled in the Pit so I can equip the Arach's, and then some. By the time he entered Chaos, he's around level 87.



DEATHS

Mainly encounters with Conviction mobs, due to a false sense of invincibility. Last death of consequence was near the tail end of level 93 when I started to get a little careless.

There were inconsequential deaths; experimenting at Nihlathak after fresh levels at 94 and 95, eventually scrapping the idea of mixing it to the Chaos runs.

Numerous NDEs, mainly due to fatigue; not BO-ing properly, TP into dangerous mobs etc. By level 97, the brain is hardwired to have 1 finger on top of the Full Rejuv hotkey every time attacking with Hammers (another finger on TP/Redemption, thumb on Stand Still)



STRATEGY

I started to feel that he could go all the way once he leveled to 97. My highest level characters are all 94s. The progress was quite bearable up until level 98 when I start to notice a huge slowdown in progress.

Because I'm highly susceptible to NDEs (I normally watch videeos while playing), I eventually limit myself to around 1-2m XP daily so I don't get burnt out. This way, I can also concurrently play other projects too. Bumped up to 5m XP a day this month to finish the job (I thought the ETA was around Christmas or end of year, so this was way ahead of schedule).

Never really research much into full optimization, so there's a lot of inefficiency here. Plus, I tend to pick up a lot of stuff, and meddle with stash management.

Spoiler: Sample Runs

He was placed 8th in 2021 Summer MFO (A85 Category), though unfortunately 0 Azurewrath drops despite ~15 unique Phaseblade drops.

NOTABLE DROPS

Spoiler

**Eths**

Eth Warshrikes x2
Eth Titans x2
Eth Reapers Toll x2
Eth Andariel's Visage x1


**TC87s**

Death's Fathom x1
Templar's Might x1
The Grandfather x2
Steel Pillar x2
Stormspire x2
Ghostflame x1
Windforce x4
Death Cleaver x3
Shadow Dancer x2
Executioner's Justice x1
Steelrend x1

IK Soul Cage x4
Griswold Valor x1
Griswold's Redemption x2


**Misc**

Mara's Kaleidoscope x5
Seraph's Hymn x1
Metalgrid x2
Stone of Jordan x3
Stormlash x1


**Runes**

Vex x 2
Ohm x 10
Lo x 5
Sur x 5
Ber x 4
Jah x 0
Cham x 3
Zod x 1

FUTURE PLANS

Retirement, for now. Not even sure he'll see resurrection since I already have a separate Uber Smiter build in the works.

I might be taking a break from the game and maybe come back in Resurrection mode though I'm still unsure how I might be going on about with transfer of characters/items.

But at least this character did get me enough runes for a 2nd Enigma, so that might ease transition by a bit.

 

[Jpy]

Grats on the 99 and nice haul!

 

[Triple Helix]

Congrats on level 99, and great writeup! That is one bad boy!

 

[WoRG]

Gratz on the 99er!

Ummm....Brooklyn because???

WoRG

 

[saracen85]

Gratz on the 99er!

Ummm....Brooklyn because???

WoRG

Brooklyn Nine Nine. TV reference.

TV junkie here. God knows how many series were binged in the making of this character.

 

[ipsilantee]

Congratulations on 99 and those drops. What a stylish way to get there too!

Excellent write-up. I always have a movie, show, or podcast playing in the background so I'll be taking notes of your strategy because it seems like it would work well for me.

 

[ffs]

Cool cool coocoocooocoolcool no doubt no doubt! Grats on the 99!

 

[PhineasB]

Wait, what? Such a low key 99er write up!

Please add this fine fellow to the general 99er progress thread so we have a full inventory of awesomeness for the SPF.

Also, great write up and major congrats on the Pally 99er!

 

[ziambe]

Just started cs on a hammerdin which i want to take to 97.

Can i ask whether you used xp shrines only for D, or did you try to use them for the vizier/pitlord packs too?

 

[saracen85]

O

Just started cs on a hammerdin which i want to take to 97.

Can i ask whether you used xp shrines only for D, or did you try to use them for the vizier/pitlord packs too?

Only for diablo. Shrine effect gets overwritten too easily on any boss packs so I didn't take any chances.