Patriarch Mr_H - Singer Barb with a career switch

[T72on1]

View attachment 11721


I've always wanted to make a Singer Barb, but never got around to do so. When this beauty dropped during this year's MFO ...

View attachment 11720

... I just knew I had to be starting to use some rares at some point, and this was the perfect excuse to do so. Singer obviously immediately came to mind. Later on, when actually planning such a Singer, it occured to me that, for the strongest setup, this Circlet actually wouldn't be necessary, as a Singer Barb gets plenty of fcr from dual Hoto, Arachnid's and one other piece of gear. So I decided that, after reaching pat status, he would be converted to a 200% fcr chest runner. But more on that later.

I started out Mr_H, who is named after my favourite singer Steve Hogarth from the brilliant band Marillion, as a Double Swing Barb, using full Death's set, dualing wielding two swords of the set. After reaching level 30 I respecced to a Singer.

This character only had one major goal: get through the game as fast as possible. So I also put a point into Increased Speed and ran through the game, only doing the necessary and/or useful quests, and mainly killing boss packs only. Certainly after reaching the level to use Enigma, this obviously went very fast.

Near the end of NM however, killing speed slowed down, and I realized I wouldn't be able to go through Hell fast, unless I settled for a low player setting, which would mean finishing Hell at level 75 or so. While a chest runner doesn't really need to be high level, and in this particular case I probably would have more than enough skill points to spend at that level for the intended purpose, it just felt wrong to pat a character at such low level.

So I decided to respec Mr_H into a WW Barb. This way he teleported and spinned his way through Hell on /p5. When killing Baal he was level 81, which is still low, but probably good enough. This is his endgame readout:

Spoiler

Name: Mr_H
Class: Barbarian
Experience: 762455309
Level: 81

Naked/Gear
Strength: 95/178
Dexterity: 129/150
Vitality: 266/266
Energy: 10/10
HP: 1239/1282
Mana: 90/417
Stamina: 413/433
Defense: 32/1680
AR: 630/32046

Fire: 270/230/170
Cold: 220/180/120
Lightning: 272/232/172
Poison: 220/180/120

MF: 87 Block: 20
GF: 10 FR/W: 89
FHR: 30 IAS: 40
FCR: 100

Bash: 1/8
Leap: 1/8
Double Swing: 0/0
Stun: 1/8
Double Throw: 0/0
Leap Attack: 1/8
Concentrate: 1/8
Frenzy: 0/0
Whirlwind: 20/27
Berserk: 1/8

Sword Mastery: 20/25
Axe Mastery: 0/0
Mace Mastery: 0/0
Pole Arm Mastery: 0/0
Throwing Mastery: 0/0
Spear Mastery: 0/0
Increased Stamina: 1/6
Iron Skin: 1/6
Increased Speed: 1/6
Natural Resistance: 7/12

Howl: 1/6
Find Potion: 1/6
Taunt: 1/6
Shout: 1/6
Find Item: 9/14
Battle Cry: 1/6
Battle Orders: 20/25
Grim Ward: 0/0
War Cry: 0/0
Battle Command: 1/6

Sharp Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xc0bb00b7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7% Faster Run/Walk
+7 to Maximum Damage
+74 to Attack Rating

Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x6fe30393
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Maximum Damage
+49 to Attack Rating

Sharp Grand Charm of the Glacier
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xbfa52ad9
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Maximum Damage
+68 to Attack Rating
Adds 3 - 7 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)

Sharp Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xbb4ddf76
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Maximum Damage
+52 to Attack Rating
+20 to Life

Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x24ea1d2a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Maximum Damage
+64 to Attack Rating

Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x54d91c50
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Maximum Damage
+56 to Attack Rating

Sharp Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xcdcdfa7e
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Maximum Damage
+56 to Attack Rating
+8 to Life

Sharp Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xa34ca193
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7% Faster Run/Walk
+10 to Maximum Damage
+56 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xd4aca937
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+11 to Attack Rating
10% Extra Gold from Monsters

Fine Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xfc5780fa
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+18 to Attack Rating
+2 to Strength

Fine Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x3732ee9e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+19 to Attack Rating
+15 to Life

Fine Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x37a7021d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+20 to Attack Rating

Fine Small Charm of Lightning
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x2eff5f2f
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+20 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 7 Lightning Damage

Fine Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x53f48333
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+20 to Attack Rating
+1 to Strength

Fine Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x7103af3d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+16 to Attack Rating
+1 to Dexterity

Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xb61bc280
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
30% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15

Enigma
Mage Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 992
Durability: 38 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x81689074
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+751 Defense
+60 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
81% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Entropy Loop
Ring
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0xb57c00ab
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+87 to Attack Rating
4% Mana stolen per hit
5% Life stolen per hit
+3 to Mana
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Dread Grip
Ring
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xbc4907a8
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Minimum Damage
+105 to Attack Rating
7% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +4
All Resistances +10
Lightning Resist +17%

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 103
Durability: 11 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x8803808c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
8% Life stolen per hit
+154% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
+10 Maximum Durability

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 143
Durability: 18 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0x51a70e59
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+166% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 84
Durability: 5 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x696dc95a
Item Level: 85
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%


Arreat's Face
Slayer Guard
Defense: 321
Durability: 29 of 55
Required Level: 58
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0x681ef622
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
39% Enhanced Damage
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
3% Life stolen per hit
+166% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
All Resistances +30
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel

Ruby Jewel
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xbe17e8a6
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
39% Enhanced Damage

Grief
Phase Blade
EthTirLoMalRal
One Hand Damage: 31 - 35
Indestructible
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Fingerprint: 0x2e89d7d9
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
35% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+34% Increased Attack Speed
Damage +386
Ignore Target's Defense
-25% Target Defense
+151% Damage to Demons (Based on Character Level)
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
-23% to Enemy Poison Resistance
20% Deadly Strike
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+11 Life after each Kill
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune

Grief
Phase Blade
EthTirLoMalRal
One Hand Damage: 31 - 35
Indestructible
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 136
Fingerprint: 0x57656e1
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
35% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+35% Increased Attack Speed
Damage +350
Ignore Target's Defense
-25% Target Defense
+151% Damage to Demons (Based on Character Level)
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
-23% to Enemy Poison Resistance
20% Deadly Strike
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+12 Life after each Kill
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune

Wizardspike
Bone Knife
One Hand Damage: 23 - 49
Durability: 22 of 26
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 38
Required Dexterity: 75
Fingerprint: 0xd50eb436
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

Wizardspike
Bone Knife
One Hand Damage: 23 - 49
Durability: 18 of 26
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 38
Required Dexterity: 75
Fingerprint: 0x423ea7d3
Item Level: 85
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

Mercenary:

Name: Jemali
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 62197382
Level: 79
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 176/176
Dexterity: 141/141
HP: 1527/1628
Defense: 1132/4516
AR: 1841/1841

Fire: 169/129/69
Cold: 169/129/69
Lightning: 169/129/69
Poison: 169/129/69

Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 23 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x1bc5ae51
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
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
Damage Reduced by 19%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15


Fortitude
Balrog Skin
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3132
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 155
Fingerprint: 0x3e6d842b
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
+101 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +26
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

The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 58 - 683
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 107
Required Dexterity: 81
Fingerprint: 0x725bb23b
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
224% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (20 Frames)
11% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
Ethereal

I'm not sure, but I'll probably have him gain another few levels first, since level 81 still feels wrong in some way. After that he will be converted to a 200% fcr chest runner, not so much for LK, but mostly if I ever feel the need to contribute to RoF and act 5 chest running threads. I haven't really given much thought to his gear and skills, but it will probably be something like this (suggestions are always welcome):

Gear:

Head: Brimstone Circlet rare Circlet (socketed with ?)
Amulet: 20% fcr rare, ideally 2/20, although it doesn't matter that much
Body: Enigma
Gloves: Magefist
Belt: Arachnid's
Boots: indecided. Something with 40% frw probably. Unless mf matters for those super chests and special chests, but I don't think so
Rings: 10% fcr rares, others stats probably mana and life
Weapons: dual Suicide Branch (socketed with? probably useful jewels, or even Io rune or something like that)

Merc: Insight, helm and armor won't matter much probably

Skills: max BO, Howl, Natural Resistance and Increased Speed. 1 point in Battle Command and War Cry.

 

[jonny5]

Nice Pat. A singer is still on my to-do list. A circlet like that and it would definitely move up the list, though. For boots, I think it's hard to beat Aldur's for a chest runner: 40-50% FR, +50 life, 40% FRW. Simple, effective, and you probably have about 5-20 spare pairs sitting around collecting dust.

 

[Pb_pal1]

That circlet

Congrats!

 

[Mir]

Congrtz on the pat!

I'm not sure, but I'll probably have him gain another few levels first, since level 81 still feels wrong in some way. After that he will be converted to a 200% fcr chest runner, not so much for LK, but mostly if I ever feel the need to contribute to RoF and act 5 chest running threads. I haven't really given much thought to his gear and skills, but it will probably be something like this (suggestions are always welcome):

Gear:

Head: Brimstone Circlet rare Circlet (socketed with ?)
Amulet: 20% fcr rare, ideally 2/20, although it doesn't matter that much
Body: Enigma
Gloves: Magefist
Belt: Arachnid's
Boots: indecided. Something with 40% frw probably. Unless mf matters for those super chests and special chests, but I don't think so
Rings: 10% fcr rares, others stats probably mana and life
Weapons: dual Suicide Branch (socketed with? probably useful jewels, or even Io rune or something like that)

Merc: Insight, helm and armor won't matter much probably

Skills: max BO, Howl, Natural Resistance and Increased Speed. 1 point in Battle Command and War Cry.

If you going to use him only for chest runs then I think the gear is fine, but if you want to use him for MF too then Reaper's Toll will be better then insight and equipment need to be focused on manna and +skills (in that order).

 

[T72on1]

Thanks guys.

@mir No, only chest runs. Otherwise I'd spec him quite differently indeed.

 

[ioupain]

Nice Patriarch @T72on1!

When I saw the title of the thread I thought it was going to be inspired by 'H from Steps'