Patriarch ArchieBowman - Bowbarian

[SirName]

Archibald "Archie" Bowman​

Archie is Witchwild String wielding Barbarian with a Rouge merc. Archie focused on crowd control an fighting from a safe distance over raw damage.

Specs at patting​

Spoiler: Stats

Name: ArchieBowman
Class: Barbarian
Experience: 756440775
Level: 81

Naked/Gear
Strength: 103/123
Dexterity: 287/367
Vitality: 100/100
Energy: 10/10
HP: 575/582 (1152 with BO)
Mana: 90/170 (336 with BO)
Stamina: 247/267
Defense: 71/1518
AR: 1420/2621 (8334 with Enchant)

Fire: 93 (capped at 75)
Cold: 93 (capped at 75)
Lightning: 118 (capped at 75)
Poison: 93 (capped at 75)

MF: 25
Block: 0
GF: 0
FR/W: 85
FHR: 15 (7 frames)
IAS: 75 (10 fpa)
FCR: 0 (13 frames)

DS: 96
OW: 10
CB: 15
Life steal: 8
Mana steal: 0
Slow: 45
Pierce: 33
PDR: 8%
MDR: 0

Asorb
Fire: 0
Cold: 40%
Lightning: 20

PMH: yes
Knockback: yes

Spoiler: Skills

Bash: 0/0
Leap: 15/17
Double Swing: 0/0
Stun: 0/0
Double Throw: 0/0
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: 0/0
Spear Mastery: 0/0
Increased Stamina: 1/3
Iron Skin: 1/3
Increased Speed: 2/4
Natural Resistance: 12/14

Howl: 8/10
Find Potion: 1/3
Taunt: 2/4
Shout: 1/3
Find Item: 1/3
Battle Cry: 20/22
Battle Orders: 20/22
Grim Ward: 8/10
War Cry: 0/0
Battle Command: 0/0

Spoiler: Gear

Head: Blackhorn's Face with Crimson Jewel of Fervor
Body: Chains of Honor Archon Plate
Belt: Razor Tail
Gloves: Cleglaw's Pincers
Boots: Gore Rider
Amulet: Cat's Eye
Rings: Raven Frost & Raven Frost / Dwarf Star
Weapon: ArchieBowman's Witchwild String Diamond Bow (Shael Shael) / Harmony Diamond Bow (switch with merc)
Shield: -
Switch: Demon Limb (Hel)
Charms: Assortment of Sharp and Fine ones and a few of Balance ones

Equipment​

Archie wielded a bow more or less from when it was possible. Starting with a Gemmed Hunters Bow (+11 to minimum damage) on level 3 an assortment of gemmed bows were used until more useful options appeared. Mentionable is an intermediate fire damage build with Kuko Shakaku (Shael) and Spirit Forge armour with fire damage jewels coupled with Infernostride an some fire charms.

Spoiler: examples of used early weaponry

Gemmed Hunter's Bow
Hunter's Bow
Two Hand Damage: 13 - 14
Durability: 17 of 32
Required Level: 3
Required Dexterity: 28
Fingerprint: 0x892d688b
Item Level: 42
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Minimum Damage 3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Joyfulness
Socketed: Jewel of Joyfulness
Socketed: Jewel of Joyfulness

Gemmed Short Battle Bow
Short Battle Bow
Two Hand Damage: 5 - 56
Durability: 39 of 40
Required Level: 15
Required Strength: 30
Required Dexterity: 40
Fingerprint: 0x70c9aef9
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+45 to Maximum Damage 5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune

Gemmed Short Siege Bow
Short Siege Bow
Two Hand Damage: 13 - 75
Durability: 32 of 40
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 65
Required Dexterity: 80
Fingerprint: 0xff88d7b6
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+45 to Maximum Damage 5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune

Edge
Large Siege Bow
TirTalAmn
Two Hand Damage: 10 - 42
Durability: 29 of 44
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 80
Required Dexterity: 95
Fingerprint: 0x7c551085
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 15 Thorns Aura When Equipped
+35% Increased Attack Speed
+354% Damage to Demons
+280% Damage to Undead
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
All Stats +6
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Reduces all Vendor Prices 15% 3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Skystrike
Edge Bow
Two Hand Damage: 17 - 56
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 28
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 43
Fingerprint: 0xabe4bc19
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
2% Chance to cast level 6 Meteor on striking
+1 to Amazon Skill Levels
+30% Increased Attack Speed
197% Enhanced Damage
+100 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 250 Lightning Damage
+10 to Energy

Kuko Shakaku
Cedar Bow
Two Hand Damage: 26 - 76
Durability: 17 of 28
Required Level: 33
Required Strength: 53
Required Dexterity: 49
Fingerprint: 0x4d667165
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Fires Explosive Arrows or Bolts
Piercing Attack
163% Enhanced Damage
Adds 40 - 180 Fire Damage
+3 to Immolation Arrow (Amazon Only) 1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune

Spirit Forge
Linked Mail
Defense: 437
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 74
Fingerprint: 0xcbcd8c19
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 34 - 112 Fire Damage
+153% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
+93 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Fire Resist +5%
+4 to Light Radius 2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Fire
Socketed: Jewel of Fire

Jewel of Fire
Jewel
Required Level: 28
Fingerprint: 0x50b5f8d7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 7 - 28 Fire Damage
Jewel of Fire
Jewel
Required Level: 28
Fingerprint: 0xb548713e
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 7 - 19 Fire Damage

Harmony
Superior Blade Bow
TirIthSolKo
Two Hand Damage: 75 - 139
Durability: 32 of 32
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 76
Required Dexterity: 119
Fingerprint: 0x3aff06e8
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped
218% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Fire Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Lightning Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (83 Frames)
+5 to Valkyrie
+10 to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana 20%
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+2 to Light Radius
Level 20 Revive (25/25 Charges) 4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune

Lava Gout gloves were used for Enchant ( = AR boost) until Demon Limb was equippable. My original plan was to equip an already upped WWS asap but Archie fell in love with Harmony (first in Blade Bow, later a Diamond Bow version). The Vigor speed boost was nice as usual with Harmony but in Archies case only a minor thing (Increased Speed skill + Cat's Eye amulet). Mostly I liked it for the good physical and elemental damage. But also for the possibility to cast a Valkyrie at will. However after NM Andariel instagibbed the Valk it was clear she was not going to be much of a tank later on.

Razortail as belt was a no brainer: the only item enabling (possibly) attacking more than one enemy at the time.

I had considered Guillaume's as headpiece but as it seems I use it on most non casters, I wanted something else. Blackhorn's Face had slows enemies and prevent monster heal, which is nice for a low damage output character.

For boots I used War Travellers for a good while, but for Hell I decided I wanted a source of CB even though it is not as effective with ranged attacks. Gore Riders were chosen. I reasoned the raw damage drop from removing travs would mostly be covered by the gained DS.

For armour many things would have worked but CoH just ticked most boxes. Would not have made one specifically for this character but I had one available.

For some reason I was quite dead set on wielding the Cat's Eye so went with that.

Ended up mostly using double Raven Frosts for the AR & dex but switched the other to one for Dwarf Star at times for some extra elemental protection.

I believe Archie entered Hell at level 74 or so. Went at P1 all the way. By the time of reaching level 76 in Act 2, specifically Maggot lair, I got the feeling I wanted to lower the player setting as kill speed was slowing down (might have been due to monster not being undead/demons against which any ED (Coh & Loh) I had was effective against). But as I was already at P1 I tried the upped WWS the merc was wielding instead of the trustworthy Harmony Dbow that had gotten me this far. Immediately everything felt better. Perhaps it was the more visual Magic arrows. Mercs firing was now more hidden atleast. Nevertheless the boost in DS must have had something to do with the feeling I got. Also the QoL change of not needing to worry about arrows (and extra quivver in inventory all the time) was huge. I then slapped two Shaels into the WWS and was rocking at 9fpa!

Later on I tried on a pair of crafted knockback gloves instead of LoH and started using them full time. The knockback was just so nice. Later still, I tried on Cleglaw's Pincers. Their slow effect combined with that of Blackhorn's Face was so lovely I did not mind 10 fpa attack. I actually never came to check my IAS before after patting: noticed I could have swapped one Shael from WWS to something else.

Skills​

Using a weapon for which there are no masteries nor combat skills gives quite nice freedom for skill placement. Early on I pumped 15 points into Leap as a test. When Leaps range increases the knockback effect becomes hilarious crowd control when short jumping in place. The problem is one can't shoot while leaping. Leap did not see much action but I did not feel the need to respec as skillpoints were plentyful. It remained a nice get over obstacles skill which saw use in Act 5 open areas. It was much nicer to jump over doors instead of shooting them for a minute. I also wanted to have it available as an escape-Lister's-pack-if-everything-else-fails-solution.

Another skill which was pumped points into early was Grim Ward. I liked Grim Ward. When one enemy died I raised a GW to produce a safe zone. When a GW was in place Archie was free to concentrate fully on shooting. In the end I settled for 8 hard points (+2 from CoH) as I felt safe enough with the range it provided. Especially in Act 3 jungles, every time before going forward a GW was put up so Archie could just run back to safety if it looked like he was going to get swarmed. As fun as the idea sounded of maxing GW just for the sake of it, I believe that would have ruined the skill: enemies would have run off so far they would not have come back to be shot. The only downside was that the occasional Amp from WWS was instantly overridden. But: safety first!

I did not use any 1-point wonders as I put two points in Taunt and Increased Speed making them 2-point wonders. Both skills were considered for maxing but given the ideas were given up as benefits were minor.

Battle Orders was maxed asap. Howl was given a few points to overcome level differences of enemies to be an effective panic button skill. Battle Cry was maxed but very late in Archies adventure. Almost halving enemies damage output sound good? Autohit your enemies sound good? This was a no brainer.

After maxing BC (at level 7X something) I chose to assign all future points to Natural Resist although resists were maxed already. A bit of overstacking never hurt anyone.

Shout and Iron Skin were skipped as
a) I was not going to tank
b) merc was not going to tank

Find Item was not used to find stuff rather as an effort to "consume" corpses with it with the idea that they could not be revived. The corpses in this case would be skeletons which GW can't be used on. I am of the belief this did not work as I wanted it to.

Thoughts​

I liked this character. It was not the fastest playthrough nor the most damaging build, but definetly something different. Barbarians have really good crowd control skills but usually I think they are more of a side show, here they were the build.

I had initially planned on hiring a Might merc, but by the time the switch from Rogue was possible I had started to enjoy the dual arrow flurries of Archie and Abhaya. And If a tank was to be needed there was the Valkyrie available.

Same base weapon on both Archie and merc was nice as they were interchangeable even in the field if it would have been seen as necessary. This swap was necessary for the ancients where a tank as squishy as the Valkyrie was, was needed to prosper. At that point I was then attacking at 11 fpa but on the other hand Abhaya was at dishing out arrows with 9fpa. I checked the speeds out afterwards. Apparently Rogues have the same speed breakpoints as Barb regarding bows as the tables were identical.

I must admit damage output was a bit low. Going for full clears would have taken ages. I did more or less follow the rule of not skipping enemies who would be challenging to defeat. An exception was made in the Durance level 1 when Archie ran into a double pack of Frenzytaurs where the other boss was PI. I just wanted to get to the last waypoint fast to quit for the day after getting past the ancients.

Had no problems with Baal waves. Even Listers gang went down easily although kited quite a bit from the throne. The slow did its magic. Same was true for Baal. He did not copy himself at all and after a few minutes of firing he was dead.

Deaths​

-first try on ancients without Valkyrie
-pre Nihlatak poison snake

Finds​

Fal, Lem
Pluckeye from Duriel
Dark Adherent from Baal
Ist from Hell hellforge

Readouts​

Spoiler: Gear

Blackhorn's Face
Death Mask
Defense: 278
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x5101a1c8
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+5 to Minimum Damage
Prevent Monster Heal
Slows Target by 20%
+220% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +15%
+20 Lightning Absorb
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 25
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Crimson Jewel of Fervor

Crimson Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xe9caa8b6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+5 to Minimum Damage

The Cat's Eye
Amulet
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0xbac4da01
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+100 Defense
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+25 to Dexterity

Chains of Honor
Archon Plate
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 884
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x4fc3bfca
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x9ce8ef1e
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+243 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

Razortail
Sharkskin Belt
Defense: 106
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 32
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x9318ca35
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Piercing Attack
+10 to Maximum Damage
+146% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+15 to Dexterity
Attacker Takes Damage of (Based on Character Level) 81

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 150
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xca9cc0d6
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+179% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x7462e5b
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+192 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

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xd8deab3f
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Fire Absorb 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
100% Extra Gold from Monsters

Cleglaw's Pincers
Chain Gloves
Defense: 9
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0xac26559f
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Slows Target by 25%
Knockback


Demon Limb
Tyrant Club
One Hand Damage: 102 - 185
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 107
Fingerprint: 0x1a2096ae
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
219% Enhanced Damage
+123% Damage to Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 222 - 333 Fire Damage
8% Life stolen per hit
Fire Resist +20%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Level 23 Enchant (20/20 Charges)
Requirements -20%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune


ArchieBowman's Witchwild String
Diamond Bow
Two Hand Damage: 89 - 108
Durability: 37 of 40
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 89
Required Dexterity: 132
Fingerprint: 0x30ffb2af
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
2% Chance to cast level 5 Amplify Damage on striking
+40% Increased Attack Speed
Fires Magic Arrows
170% Enhanced Damage
81% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +40
Required Level +7
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune


Doom Touch
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 54
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x2e87075f
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 4 Frost Nova when struck
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Knockback
+21% Enhanced Defense
+1 to Dexterity
Poison Resist +24%
Attacker Takes Damage of 4

Spoiler: Charms

Fine Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x131c4ebd
Item Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+12 to Attack Rating
+7 to Life

Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x9a7d0e8a
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Maximum Damage
+59 to Attack Rating

Sharp Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0x8cec9faa
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Maximum Damage
+70 to Attack Rating

Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x6002490
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Maximum Damage
+49 to Attack Rating

Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xcd09dbd2
Item Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Maximum Damage
+50 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x28e0e97f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+16 to Attack Rating
+2 to Dexterity

Fine Small Charm of Pestilence
Small Charm
Required Level: 24
Fingerprint: 0xe2046254
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+12 to Attack Rating
Adds 25 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)

Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xc5d7398d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Maximum Damage
+51 to Attack Rating

Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x55c4c83e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery

Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x667841c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x812a7651
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
+16 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x8f1cb880
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+17 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x3a95ff3f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+3 to Maximum Damage
+14 to Attack Rating

Spoiler: Merc

Name: Abhaya
Race: Rogue Scout
Type: Fire - Normal
Experience: 53805870
Level: 81
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 133/133
Dexterity: 201/211
HP: 1320/1320 (2613 with BO)
Defense: 1102/1587
AR: 2183/2183

Fire: 138/98/38 (+60 with Fade)
Cold: 168/128/68 (+60 with Fade)
Lightning: 147/107/47 (+60 with Fade)
Poison: 138/98/38 (+60 with Fade)

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xf1ce3040
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
8% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Lightning Resist +9%
Damage Reduced by 18%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Camphor Jewel of Fervor

Camphor Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x2297549a
Item Level: 41
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
Lightning Resist +9%


Treachery
Mage Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 233
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xe317375e
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune


Harmony
Diamond Bow
TirIthSolKo
Two Hand Damage: 132 - 158
Durability: 24 of 40
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 89
Required Dexterity: 132
Fingerprint: 0x1da004c2
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped
274% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Fire Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Lightning Damage
Adds 55 - 160 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (81 Frames)
+3 to Valkyrie
+10 to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana 20%
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+2 to Light Radius
Level 20 Revive (25/25 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune

Pics​

 

[drmalawi]

I really want to make a bowbarb one day. This was a very nice read! Well done!

 

[LouB]

Great write up. Love Barbs, but not sure I have the patience for this build. Wonder how things would have gone with Faith and Wrath bows?

 

[Swamigoon]

Sweet innovative build! I want to make something like this someday too.

Battle Cry has a rather short range. Did you have any problems with that, seeing as how Archie is a ranged attacker?

Thanks so much, @SirName!

 

[little birdy]

Nice Pat! Now you’ve got me thinking about a Bow Barb…

In D2R, one could make a ‘Wisdom’ helm to add another 33% pierce, not to mention Cannot be Frozen, a juicy AR bonus, mana steal, and mana per kill. It’s a nifty little helm. Or a ‘Mist’ bow (more expensive) for 100% pierce.

 

[LouB]

Well that's two Runewords (Plague and Wisdom) that don't show up on the Website's list of Runewords.

Delirium is also a great Runeword for the Rogue to help with Crowd control.

 

[SirName]

Thank you all for your kind words.

Just to be clear, this was not something that had not been done before. There is another bow wielding barb in the compendium: Jason Maher's Kyne

Matriarch/Patriarch/Guardian Archive Thread

Originally posted by Grape on Jul 18, 2016: Patriarch Germanicus - 3 FPA Wolfbarb with elemental damage Some forewords Somewhere in the middle of endless Travi runs I picked up yet another SC with some lightning dmg on it. "The hell I keep these for anyway", I thought to myself. Stashed it...

www.purediablo.com

@LouB Faith is very nice and would certainly work with how Archie was built. More speed, more damage and no need for Demon Limb for AR. Wrath's ctc would interfere with the warcries or rather the other way around: GW would override the Decrepify / Life Tap. Therefor if using Wrath and or Delirium one would not need the crowd control warcries provide. And that is fine! But with Archie I specifically wanted to use the crowd control skills available to a barbarian. Noteworthy is that regardless of item choices nothing will change the fact that you will be attacking one target at the time (if not piercing and some unlucky monster is hiding behind the other one).

@Swamigoon I did have some troubles with BC yes. Archie has loads of run speed so he could often run to a pack, BC, and retreat somewhere to shoot. In some cases this speed even allowed to easily dodge some projectiles. But with hard hitting enemies using BC was a bit dodgy. Usually minions of a dangerous pack would be first Howl'd and then the boss was given BC. This was not always that easy with the fairly low FHR and no FCR. The animation of BC would show, but no effect as Archie was in hit recovery so a few tries were needed.

Btw, I believe Grim Ward adds damage in D2R. Something to check out for anyone planning a bowbarian.

 

[Miron]

Very impressive and unique build! congrats!

another one to add to never ending "to do" list

 

[drmalawi]

Btw, I believe Grim Ward adds damage in D2R. Something to check out for anyone planning a bowbarian.

yes but only agaist monsters that can be "howled" i.e. no bosses, uniques, champions etc

Also needs to be inside range of the grim ward, which is kinda the point of grim ward, to keep trash mobs away from you fightning a though boss etc

 

[LouB]

I can see why you'd get frustrated with Delirium or Wrath on a build that you intended to rely on Warcries. The only Barb I've played in the last couple of years is my Wolfbarb and since he was always in Wolf form I've gotten away about thinking about warcries other than BO and Shout. I did have the opposite concern when I switched to D2R. I had already Pated my Wolfbarb with an Act 5 Barb with Lawbringer and as I journeyed to 99 I got very frustrated when the Barb would issue Battle Cry and overwrite the decrepify from Lawbringer when I was fighting PIs and Bosses. I ended up switching to a Frenzy Barb Merc who uses taunt instead of Battle Cry

 

[little birdy]

The Frenzy variant of the Act V mercenary is awesome. Tough as nails even with very mediocre gear.