Patriarch Messremb, Bearbarian

maxicek

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Aug 5, 2005
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Patriarch Messremb, Bearbarian

Defense has an interesting history for me in the SPF. When I first joined (2005) the dogma was to ignore it. This was a bit different from BNet, where there was much more interest in it as a stat. Over time the SPF has been more interested in defense, possibly due to people migrating here from BNet, but I have never really tried it on a build.

Messremb is my character from the Barbarian Horde MP group. My build concept was to go for the ultimate tank and, for the first time ever, to focus on defense. I have had a barbarian bear idea floating around for a while, this seemed to be the ideal time to try it out, especially as I had others to help with those annoying Physical Immunes.

Skills

Bash: 1/3
Stun: 1/3
Concentrate: 1/3
Berserk: 1/3

I used the quest rewards in Hell for Berserk, just in case I needed an attack for PIs. I would need to shift to human form obviously. I didn't need it in the MP Group and I think my Merc would have me covered with Decrepify anyway.

Pole Arm Mastery: 20/22
Increased Stamina: 1/3
Iron Skin: 20/22
Increased Speed: 3/5
Natural Resistance: 5/7

Howl: 1/3
Shout: 20/22
Battle Orders: 20/22
Battle Command: 1/3

Maxxed Iron Skin and Shout for the defense. I didn't really need so many points in Increased Speed & Natural Resist, but I had nothing else to do with them.

Stats

Name: Messremb
Class: Barbarian
Experience: 1256796904
Level: 87

Naked/Gear
Strength: 167/205
Dexterity: 55/93
Vitality: 298/318
Energy: 10/10
HP: 1379/1740
Mana: 96/139
Stamina: 451/451
Defense: 13/2347
AR: 260/1612

Fire: 166/126/66
Cold: 134/94/34
Lightning: 151/111/51
Poison: 138/98/38

MF: 61 Block: 11
GF: 0 FR/W: 30
FHR: 89 IAS: 130
FCR: 25

Messremb LCS Baal dead.jpg

Equipment

Weapon: Ethereal Tomb Reaver, Zod & 2x RJoF

Switch: Beast Berserker Axe & Demon Limb

Helm: Crown of Ages
Armour: Fortitude Kraken Shell
Belt: Thundergod’s Vigor
Boots: Shadow Dancer
Gloves: Laying of Hands

Amulet: Highlord's Wrath
Rings: Ravenfrost, Rare with Leech

Inventory: Sharp GCs, Steel GCs, a bit of Poison resist, and even some Stalwart SCs of Vita got an outing too.

This is the first time I have used this Tomb Reaver on a character I think. I levelled in The Cave to meet the ridiculous level 84 requirement. Seeing as this allowed me to wear a Crown of Ages too, why not? T-Gods was upped for the extra defense. Shadow Dancers for the FHR and the dext bonus helps equip the TR.

I decided to go for huge Lightning Resists too so that I could go toe to toe with anything and not worry about it. That meant TGods or a Wisp. I also needed 30IAS from my gear to hit 7FPA with the Tomb Reaver. Nosferatu's coil was briefly in consideration with Steelrends, but the upped TGods and LoH combo gave better resists and more defense.

Werebear duration was a bit low, I could have done with a HoTO on switch, but I needed the AR boost from Demon Limb's enchant charges.

Code:
Tomb Reaver
Cryptic Axe
Two Hand Damage: 198 - 913
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 84
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 93
Fingerprint: 0xaa0e84b0
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+90% Increased Attack Speed
306% Enhanced Damage
+225% Damage to Undead
+311 to Attack Rating against Undead
All Resistances +40
10% Reanimate as: Returned
+13 Life after each Kill
61% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+4 to Light Radius
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Fervor
Socketed: Zod Rune
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Fervor

Crown of Ages
Corona
Defense: 355
Durability: 42 of 50
Required Level: 82
Required Strength: 174
Fingerprint: 0x895d57ed
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+50% Enhanced Defense
+106 Defense
All Resistances +26
Damage Reduced by 31%
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Fortitude
Kraken Shell
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1557
Durability: 45 of 48
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 174
Fingerprint: 0xc263a4d7
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
+87 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +30
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 85
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x7e82798a
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%

Thundergod's Vigor
Colossus Girdle
Defense: 192
Durability: 18 of 24
Required Level: 74
Required Strength: 185
Fingerprint: 0xcda420ae
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 7 Fist of the Heavens when struck
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
+3 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only)
+3 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only)
+196% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb
Required Level +7

Shadow Dancer
Myrmidon Greaves
Defense: 135
Durability: 18 of 24
Required Level: 71
Required Strength: 167
Fingerprint: 0x7bda8c56
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+88% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Dexterity
Requirements -20%

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xf2d3be5b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+249 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

Eagle Band
Ring
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x1d71b633
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Maximum Damage
+92 to Attack Rating
8% Life stolen per hit
+18 to Strength
+3 to Mana
Cold Resist +18%

Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x824f738
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
32% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15

Demon Limb
Tyrant Club
One Hand Damage: 90 - 163
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 133
Fingerprint: 0xccf0df96
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
182% Enhanced Damage
+123% Damage to Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 222 - 333 Fire Damage
8% Life stolen per hit
Fire Resist +16%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Level 23 Enchant (10/20 Charges)

Beast
Berserker Axe
BerTirUmMalLum
One Hand Damage: 85 - 252
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 138
Required Dexterity: 59
Fingerprint: 0x9c1c5872
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+40% Increased Attack Speed
255% Enhanced Damage
20% Chance of Crushing Blow
25% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Werebear
+3 to Lycanthropy
+37 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Level 13 Summon Grizzly (5/5 Charges)
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune

Emerald Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x95c81037
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Poison Resist +11%

Emerald Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbd68edb5
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
Poison Resist +11%

Steel Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xab5c5280
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+96 to Attack Rating
+37 to Life

Steel Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x9a8c3723
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+92 to Attack Rating
+45 to Life

Steel Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xd2255eda
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+106 to Attack Rating
+34 to Life

Steel Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x46972d5c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+123 to Attack Rating
+29 to Life

Steel Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xe248779
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+126 to Attack Rating
+27 to Life

Steel Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x2705f770
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery
+122 to Attack Rating

Steel Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xf2a2f24a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery
+128 to Attack Rating

Steel Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xef1c5f66
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+28 to Attack Rating
+17 to Life

Stalwart Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xcce52677
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+27 Defense
+17 to Life

Stalwart Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x80a0efa
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+26 Defense
+17 to Life

Stalwart Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x9d23f123
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+28 Defense
+18 to Life

Stalwart Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x87031477
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+24 Defense
+17 to Life


Mercenary

Ulf, A5 Barbarian
Weapon: Lawbringer
Helm: Andariel’s Visage
Armour: Fortitude

I think this is the first time I have ever used an Act 5 Mercenary all the way through the game. I didn't miss the might from the normally ubiquitous A2 Merc as @ffs was providing level 34 might thanks to 2x Last Wish. He stayed alive pretty well, I think I had to resurrect him twice. Fortitude helped to get his damage up to an acceptable level to leech with the low base damage on Lawbringer. Ulf was very aggressive and Decrep triggered all the time. I like the knockback from the Sanctuary too which stops the annoying stacking of PI Ghosts.

Code:
Mercenary:

Name:       Ulf
Race:       Barbarian
Type:       1hs-Normal
Experience: 79942292
Level:      87
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   213/242
Dexterity:  137/147
HP:         1737/1834
Defense:    1634/5416
AR:         2209/2209

Fire:       154/114/54
Cold:       184/144/84
Lightning:  184/144/84
Poison:    254/214/154

Fortitude
Kraken Shell
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3435
Durability: 25 of 25
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 164
Fingerprint: 0xd5a80032
Item Level: 85
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
+97 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +29
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

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 347
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xffca12b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+35% Increased Attack Speed
9% Life stolen per hit
+124% Enhanced Defense
+29 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Fervor

Lawbringer
Balrog Blade
AmnLemKo
One Hand Damage: 33 - 168
Two Hand Damage: 123 - 265
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 175
Required Dexterity: 77
Fingerprint: 0x309bc876
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
20% Chance to cast level 15 Decrepify on striking
Level 17 Sanctuary Aura When Equipped
50% Enhanced Damage
-50% Target Defense
Adds 150 - 210 Fire Damage
Adds 130 - 180 Cold Damage Over 6 Secs (161 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
+219 Defense vs. Missile
+10 to Dexterity
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune


Gameplay


Messremb was incredibly durable. Defense was a big part of this, but the huge lightning resists and the % damage reduction also helped. Some monsters ignore your defence anyway (there used to be a list of these, but I couldn't find it). Charge from Prowling Dead always hits. I think all archers always hit too, but I may need to do some experiments here. Elemental attacks from Gloams of course, but I had TGods for that.

And that 90% Lightning Resist and absorb proved very useful helping others with body retrieval:
Barbarian Horde Deaths 1.jpg

Barbarian Horde Deaths 2.jpg

Thanks to the rest of The Barbarian Horde:

D2DC - Beutegreifer, a Frenzy Barb
ffs - BuffMachine, a WC/Throw/support Barb
Vildecor - Valborg, a Berserker
d2lover - Chef, a DaggerFrenzy Barb
PhineasB - Romulus, a Wolfbarb
snickersnack - Freddie, a Singer


Messremb completes a Bear in every class. Three Druid bears, but I put one here I am yet to write up. He forms an as yet unfinished series of fire based Druid builds, I will probably write them up then the series is complete. Once again, like my Avengers, not a sept as some of the characters have already appeared in other Septs.

ClassNameBuildLevelTitle
AmazonIllianTitan Bearzon86Matriarch
AssassinUrsulaWearbear86Matriarch
BarbarianMessrembBearbarian87Patriarch
DruidBjarkiFlaming Maul88Patriarch
NecromancerMorduBearmancer86Patriarch
PaladinIsklorPolar Bear85Patriarch
SorceressLyannaDream Bear Sorc88Matriarch


He also appears in my Multiplayer "not a Sept" collection that is nearing completion.

ClassNameBuildLevelTitle
AmazonAntiopeFrozen Arrow85Matriarch
AssassinHarley_QuinnKick / Berserk83Matriarch
BarbarianMessrembBearbarian87Patriarch
DruidThe_LimperVengeance Fire Hunter85Patriarch
Necromancer
PaladinIsklorPolar Bear85Patriarch
Sorceress

Messremb Spider Portal.jpg
 
Love the screenies of the many deaths of the Horde. I thought my guy had died three times, not twice, and that’s now confirmed :D Darn beetles. Also, very kind of @ffs to leave that TP for you.

On a more serious note, excellent write up as always.
 
Nice character! A tiny bit jealous of the Tomby, I'm at 4 eth ones without 3os...

Also, very kind of @ffs to leave that TP for you.
Since we all went Barb reduced the utility of my Barb was reduced a bit, others had higher level BO etc.... I was bascially just providing Might and Amp, so creating TPs was the least I could do on top of that. :D
 
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