Patriarch Black_Dow, Vengeance Barbarian

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Black_Dow
Patriarch Black_Dow, Vengeance Barbarian

A lot of men, most men even, wouldn’t have dared meet no look like that from Black Dow. He got the name from having the blackest reputation in the North, with coming sudden in the black of night, and leaving the villages behind him black from fire. That was the rumour. That was the fact.

- Joe Abercrombie, The Blade Itself



Black_Dow is named after one of the northern barbarians in Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy, and other books. He is the kind of person you only want on your side, because it is better than him being your enemy. He is a cruel warrior who kills without mercy. Like many of the characters from the books though he isn't a clear cut bad guy. He has moments of compassion, although in his own slightly twisted way. Sometimes he does the bad deeds so that someone else doesn have to.


Equipment
It wasn’t ’til the Dogman was hid behind a bush with his bow in his hand and a shaft at the ready that he realised. He’d no idea what the signal was. He looked down at the Shanka, still sat there all unwary, grunting and shouting and banging about. By the dead he needed to piss. Always needed to piss before a fight. Had anyone said the signal? He couldn’t remember.
‘Shit,’ he whispered, and just then Dow came hurtling out from the trees, axe in one hand, sword in the other. ‘F***ing Flatheads!’ he screamed, giving the nearest a fearsome big blow in the head and splattering blood across the clearing. In so far as you could tell what a Shanka was thinking, these ones looked greatly surprised. Dogman reckoned that would have to do for a signal.

- Joe Abercrombie, The Blade Itself


The build started with the equipment. As fighting with an axe and sword is a key characteristic, I had to build this in. The trouble is for most normal Barb skills, this means pumping two masteries, so is not ideal. I got the idea for this when I made Ninefingers. As Vengeance is an oSkill, the Barb will only hit with the primary weapon. That means I can use a more powerful weapon in the primary slot and get the skill from Kingslayer in the secondary. Not to say that I never used the secondary weapon, just less often.

Although Dow isn't described as wearing black armour in the books, I thought it was fitting to carry the theme through. There are comparatively few Black Armours in the game (IKSC is dark grey) so I went with Corpsemourn. I used the Corpse Explosion charges a few times, repair costs are not too bad. Darksight helm was chosen for the CBF, but the colour worked too, even though the Barb looks pin-headed wearing it. Getting CBF in the helm allowed me to use three piece IK armour for stats, resists, AR, IAS. Mara's and two Beta BKWBs boosted Vengeance damage with +skills and provided leech and resists.

Weapon: eBotD Berserker Axe
Shield: Kingslayer Conquest Sword

Switch Weapon: Lacerator
Switch Shield: Lacerator

Helm: Darksight Helm 'Vermillion Jewel of Carnage'
Armour: Corpsemourn 'Um'
Belt: IK Detail
Boots: IK Pillar
Gloves: IK Forge

Amulet: Mara’s Kaleidoscope
Ring 1: 1.10a BKWB
Ring 2: 1.10a BKWB

Inventory: 1.07 Damage Charms, some with resists.

Code:
Breath of the Dying
Superior Berserker Axe
VexHelElEldZodEth
One Hand Damage: 188 - 554
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 103
Required Dexterity: 40
Fingerprint: 0x67f9e198
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
50% Chance to cast level 20 Poison Nova when you Kill an Enemy
Indestructible
+60% Increased Attack Speed
423% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
+52 to Attack Rating
+200% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
7% Mana stolen per hit
12% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
All Stats +30
+1 to Light Radius
Requirements -20%
Ethereal
6 Sockets (6 used)
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune
Socketed: Zod Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune

Kingslayer
Conquest Sword
MalUmGulFal
One Hand Damage: 128 - 183
Durability: 18 of 32
Required Level: 58
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 112
Fingerprint: 0xd7595af8
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Increased Attack Speed
247% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
33% Chance of Crushing Blow
50% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
+1 to Vengeance
+10 to Strength
40% Extra Gold from Monsters
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Gul Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune

Lacerator
Winged Axe
Throw Damage: 21 - 181
One Hand Damage: 33 - 169
Quantity: 180
Required Level: 68
Required Strength: 96
Required Dexterity: 122
Fingerprint: 0x2dea9a46
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 3 Amplify Damage on striking
+30% Increased Attack Speed
202% Enhanced Damage
33% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
Hit Causes Monster to Flee 50%
Replenishes quantity


Lacerator
Winged Axe
Throw Damage: 21 - 183
One Hand Damage: 33 - 170
Quantity: 180
Required Level: 68
Required Strength: 96
Required Dexterity: 122
Fingerprint: 0x33755c91
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 3 Amplify Damage on striking
+30% Increased Attack Speed
205% Enhanced Damage
33% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
Hit Causes Monster to Flee 50%
Replenishes quantity

Darksight Helm
Basinet
Defense: 254
Durability: 29 of 30
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 82
Fingerprint: 0xa8422cbb
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Chance to cast level 3 Dim Vision when struck
+26 to Maximum Damage
5% Mana stolen per hit
+170 Defense (Based on Character Level)
Fire Resist +39%
Cannot Be Frozen
-4 to Light Radius
Level 5 Cloak of Shadows (30/30 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Vermilion Jewel of Carnage

Vermilion Jewel of Carnage
Jewel
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x5344b4cf
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+26 to Maximum Damage

Corpsemourn
Ornate Plate
Defense: 1226
Durability: 57 of 60
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 170
Fingerprint: 0x4ed631c1
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Chance to cast level 2 Iron Maiden when struck
Adds 12 - 36 Fire Damage
+172% Enhanced Defense
+8 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +15
Level 5 Corpse Explosion (40/40 Charges) 1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Um Rune

Immortal King's Detail
War Belt
Defense: 194
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xc6d20f25
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

Immortal King's Pillar
War Boots
Defense: 126
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 125
Fingerprint: 0x4b74655
Item Level: 87
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

Immortal King's Forge
War Gauntlets
Defense: 236
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0x3e0a3d03
Item Level: 87
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

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x47d7b64f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +30

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xd37a79fe
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+42 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xdb4669c0
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+42 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Forked Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x6bc5fb5c
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+23 to Maximum Damage

Small Charm of Maiming
Small Charm
Required Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x4f2318b8
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+6 to Maximum Damage

Small Charm of Maiming
Small Charm
Required Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x1780e7c7
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+6 to Maximum Damage

Serrated Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x6790f865
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+6 to Maximum Damage

Jagged Small Charm of Maiming
Small Charm
Required Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x17ad0f56
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+7 to Maximum Damage

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x27364375
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x157c6576
Item Level: 47
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Serrated Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1270831c
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x6b08b5e0
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+20 to Maximum Damage

Serrated Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x69340324
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion
+28 to Maximum Damage

Small Charm of Maiming
Small Charm
Required Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x784c54f7
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion
+6 to Maximum Damage

Shimmering Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0x1bd2f068
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
All Resistances +15

Small Charm of Maiming
Small Charm
Required Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x34de2fd8
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion
+6 to Maximum Damage

Amber Small Charm of Maiming
Small Charm
Required Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x2e0b5e17
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion
+5 to Maximum Damage
Lightning Resist +12%


Skills
Using Vengeance meant I had many spare skill points, so lots of options to add interesting backups. Axe Mastery was maxxed and one in Sword Mastery for the occasional hits with it. I decided to add War Cry for Stun. This meant I didn't need to rely on Delirium procs from the Merc, so he got equipped with a Vampire Gaze. After that I decided to add Lacerator's on switch for a ranged option and ctc Amp. This meant getting a point in Frenzy was a good idea for the insane FRW and bonus to attack speed.

Bash: 1/9
Leap: 1/9
Double Swing: 17/25
Stun: 0/0
Double Throw: 1/9
Leap Attack: 1/9
Concentrate: 0/0
Frenzy: 1/9
Whirlwind: 0/0
Berserk: 0/0

Sword Mastery: 1/7
Axe Mastery: 20/26
Mace Mastery: 0/0
Polearm Mastery: 0/0
Throwing Mastery: 1/7
Spear Mastery: 0/0
Increased Stamina: 1/7
Iron Skin: 1/7
Increased Speed: 1/7
Natural Resistance: 4/10

Howl: 1/7
Find Potion: 0/0
Taunt: 1/7
Shout: 1/7
Find Item: 0/0
Battle Cry: 1/7
Battle Orders: 20/26
Grim Ward: 0/0
War Cry: 20/26
Battle Command: 1/7

Stats
Name: Black_Dow
Class: Barbarian
Experience: 1065340302
Level: 85

Naked/Gear
Strength: 120/218
Dexterity: 97/152
Vitality: 293/338
Energy: 10/45
HP: 1355/1483
Mana: 94/94
Stamina: 444/544
Defense: 24/2074
AR: 470/19047

Fire: 75
Cold: 75
Lightning: 75
Poison: 46

MF: 25 Block: 20
GF: 40 FR/W: 40
FHR: 30 IAS: 115
FCR: 0

Vengeance Damage: 1782-7911 at 10 FPA without Frenzy. Not sure how quick he attacks with.
Vengeance AR: 4396 - Loads with Conviction.

Black_Dow LCS Baal.jpg


Mercenary
No real surprises here. Infinity is the obvious choice if you have the Conviction yourself, so that means Act2. Might to boost the physical damage. I originally planned to go with Delirium, so I had Chains of Honor equipped for the leech. In the end I went with Vampire Gaze, so I could have used a different armour, but it all worked nicely anyway.

Merc: Neeraj, A2 NM Offensive Might
Merc Weapon: 'Infinity' Thresher
Merc Helm: Vampire Gaze 'Um'
Merc Armour: 'Chains of Honor' Dusk Shroud
Code:
Chains of Honor
Dusk Shroud
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 776
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0xf0c887ec
Item Level: 86
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

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x66077ece
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
6% Mana stolen per hit
8% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
All Resistances +15
Damage Reduced by 16%
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Um Rune

Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 71 - 833
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0x2c532938
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
295% Enhanced Damage
-53% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+42 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune


Finds
Not much really. Harpoonist's Grand Charm of Maiming was picked up somewhere. I also found some Cunning GTs in open play, but unfortunately no staffmods.


Gameplay
Most of the game was played at /players5 but I think I went down to /players3 in a few places.

I like questing with a lot of skills, possibly why I like assassins so much. In this case I had almost too many. On the Vengeance side I had Frenzy on right click most of the time. I ran around with RMB held down and charged up Frenzy. Then run into a pack of monsters, a War Cry or two to stun them and then switch to Vengeance. If Frenzy ran out before they were all dead, a quick switch back for a few hits, then back to Vengeance.

For dangerous packs, especially if they were PI or mana burn, I softened them up with a few Lacerator throws. This isn't always ideal as the ctc Hit Causes Monster to Flee can mean they run off and wake up more trouble. Being able to Double Swing to proc Amp on Mana Burns is also useful. Corpse Explosion was used on a few occasions. The radius isn't great at level 5, but a few casts gets the job done.

Overall I liked the character. Quite safe although I did still manage to kill him a few times. Nice set of skills and looks badass too.

Black_Dow Andariel.jpg

Black_Dow Mephisto.jpg

Black_Dow Frozenstein.jpg
 
Avengers... Assemble!
I have planned an Avenger (or really a character using Vengeance) in every class. They won't necessarily use it exclusively, but at least half of the time. I'm not calling this a Sept as they are not standalone characters - I have already included some of these characters in two handed sword septs and I'm not going to repeat them unless I can add something different to the build. I already have a Paladin Avenger, but I'm planning a new one. Assassin, Amazon I don't think I can really do much different though, so they are done. Sorc maybe one day, but I don't think there is much to add new for her.

ClassNameBuildLevelTitle
AmazonBrienneVengeance83Matriarch
AssassinMonza_MurcattoVengeance84Matriarch
BarbarianBlack_DowVengeance85Patriarch
DruidThe_LimperVengeance Fire Hunter77Champion
NecromancerAnomander_RakeVengeance / Iron Golemancer-
PaladinTyraelJusticar42Champion
SorceressSharadimVengeance ES Enchantless85Matriarch

I'm planning an MP project around this, but I will make a separate thread about that.
 
Last edited:
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