After the Earth Shifter (et al.) Druid being the sixth character in this sept a couple of days ago, I just went ahead and concluded the sept with this Necromancer. The Necro was already at A5 Normal, so had a pretty easy route ahead of him that would be finished quickly.
Here's the Pat Baal run on P5:
Most relevant stats and information in the vid above, but anyhow here's his final gear and build:
Full GoMule dump:
Much like the recent Druid, he went through several builds and stages before arriving at the above.
Original Plan
As stated in the sept thread, the original plan was to use Poison Dagger and Mang Song's Lesson, along with 3-piece Trang's and its +18 Fire Ball bonus. He ended up doing neither. It didn't take long until a number crunch made me realize that FB damage would simply be pathetic, no matter how much + skill gear and facets I'd throw on him. It would be fun at lower levels, but the combination with Mang Song's would only be possible at lvl 82. No thanks! I very much wanted to do this as a combination though, "just" going for PDagger wasn't something I was interested in at this point – maybe next time.
But it wasn't all that bad, since my 99ers found/made gear for not one, but two further Melee Necro builds that I've been meaning to try. Much like the Druid, I went for both of them: (1) Bone Spear CtC with Bonehew, and (2) a BotD Necro. I also knew I'd play him as a Bear due to the horrible Necro attack speed in unchanged form.
Here are the weapons, first a 1% off perfect Bonehew:
... and a perfect roll BotD (11 ED base):
Normal & Nightmare
After starting the first few levels with Envy jewel'ed gear, he made his way towards Bone skills. That was a few months ago so I don't recall all the details, however I remember he struggled a bit until A5. I think he was always a bit ahead in locations. When I picked him up he was level 23 at the beginning of A5 Normal, and I first went back and ran City of the Damned until he was lvl 25 and able to use Spirit. He gained a couple of more levels there and then turned to Eldritch, once he delivered nice XP. He then levelled up to 42 in A5, donning Viper, 2x SoJ, a +2 Necro circlet, a handful of Fungal skillers... typical caster twinking gear. I also made a +7 BS White and a +4 BS SPlendor for him to further boost his damage.
He was then played as a Bonemancer for the remainder of Normal and NM, until arriving again at A5 Nightmare, where he levelled to 64 doing Eldritch runs.
At this point he used his first respec to go for the Bonehew build, maxing 3 BS synergies and spending most of his remaining points in AD some CE. Gear in this stage was mostly tailored to allow him to reach 7 FPA, meaning 2x Shael in the weapon and in this case an additional 85 IAS from gear:
Obviously it tore through NM like butter, but I noticed that the Bone Spear procs weren't really something one could rely on (neither directionally nor in terms of damage). He did look very cool though with the semi-transparent look from Fade and proccing those Bone Spears.
Hell
Entering Hell, I kept using the Bonehew build throughout A1, though it became more and more appararent that BS procs don't do enough, and his physical damage was somewhat lacking. So it was time to go for the above BotD build, which he then played all the way to Baal (with one further respec in between to move skill points around a bit).
BotD Melee/Caster Hybrid Playstyle:
Very much like the Druid, I knew I was going to shift in and out of Werebear quite often. While for the Druid it was for casting Fissure, for this guy it was all about Amp and CE. The DPS just skyrockets when AD is up, and I'd always cast it unless there were only 1-2 monsters around. I mean, this was a build that utilized one of the heaviest hitting weapons in the game, and AD then practically doubles that. Too awesome a combo not to make the most of I felt. Accordingly I maxed Amp in order to curse the whole screen and then hack away. CE was maxed as well, he had many spare points anyway. I tried to not use it too often – it frankly feels like cheating – but there were many situations where it was quite handy, in particular vs large groups of ranged enemies that would have taken rather long to focus down.
Make no mistake, this may be "just a fun build"... but it is strooooong. P5 often felt too easy, so I completed a large part of Hell on P8, including all of A4 and most of A5 (until Ancients). One could totally play this build as a caster who just uses BotD/Bear to deliver the first couple of corpses for the CE chain. Imagine you're playing a summoner Necro with somewhat weaker summons, but instead hitting with 9k dmg (plus AD) on his own to deliver those corpses... doesn't sound too bad, does it?
Some explanations on gear choices and build:
Drops:
So, that finally concludes the sept. Thanks for reading, and see you around!
Here's the Pat Baal run on P5:
Most relevant stats and information in the vid above, but anyhow here's his final gear and build:
Code:
Guillaume's Face (IAS/res jewel)
BotD eth GPA (411 ED)
Fortitude AP
HLW
LoH
Nosferatu's Coil
Ravenfroat
BKWB
Gore Rider
Switch: Beast/Spirit; CtA swapped in form inventory
Merc (Might): Infinity, Andy, CoH
Inventory: CtA, various damage and resist charms
Build:
20 Poison Dagger
20 Poison Explosion
20 Amplify Damage
20 Corpse Explosion
1 Revive
1 pre-reqs
rest Skeleton Mastery
Full GoMule dump:
Code:
Name: TBU_Shiv
Class: Necromancer
Experience: 1141635601
Level: 85
Naked/Gear
Strength: 123/186
Dexterity: 41/100
Vitality: 316/346
Energy: 25/55
HP: 833/1230
Mana: 193/233
Stamina: 464/534
Defense: 10/2226
AR: 160/878
Fire: 159/119/59
Cold: 106/66/6
Lightning: 164/124/64
Poison: 111/71/11
MF: 0 Block: 10
GF: 0
FR/W: 30
FHR: 35
IAS: 125
FCR: 25
Amplify Damage: 20/22
Dim Vision: 0/0
Weaken: 0/0
Iron Maiden: 0/0
Terror: 0/0
Confuse: 0/0
Life Tap: 0/0
Attract: 0/0
Decrepify: 0/0
Lower Resist: 0/0
Teeth: 1/3
Bone Armor: 0/0
Poison Dagger: 20/22
Corpse Explosion: 20/22
Bone Wall: 0/0
Poison Explosion: 20/22
Bone Spear: 0/0
Bone Prison: 0/0
Poison Nova: 0/0
Bone Spirit: 0/0
Skeleton Mastery: 6/8
Raise Skeleton: 1/3
Clay Golem: 1/3
Golem Mastery: 1/3
Raise Skeletal Mage: 1/3
Blood Golem: 1/3
Summon Resist: 1/3
Iron Golem: 1/3
Fire Golem: 0/0
Revive: 1/3
Lapis Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xb374ad0f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Cold Resist +7%
Coral Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x1ea15855
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Lightning Resist +8%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xeae20c9c
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+215 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
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x618e8bd8
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
31% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15
Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x831fd904
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+42 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina
Ruby Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x54082ad0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Fire Resist +11%
Emerald Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2c216878
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Poison Resist +10%
Lapis Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xfe0fef10
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +7%
Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0x1548f59c
Item Level: 62
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Crimson Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x406ec42d
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
Fire Resist +3%
Nosferatu's Coil
Vampirefang Belt
Defense: 56
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x647ce1bc
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
5% Life stolen per hit
Slows Target by 10%
+15 to Strength
+2 to Mana after each Kill
-3 to Light Radius
Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x5fb83519
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
+120% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
Poison Resist +17%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jade Jewel of Fervor
Jade Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x31b36780
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
Poison Resist +17%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3d432c66
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x15d447f7
Item Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xb9016610
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Storm Crest
Circlet
Defense: 51
Durability: 90 of 105
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x3c9f0fe4
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
5% Life stolen per hit
+67% Enhanced Defense
+14 to Strength
+21 to Life
All Resistances +18
Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x4ecaebf1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Fire Resist +11%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x7226b711
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Maximum Damage
+58 to Attack Rating
Sharp Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x2fd59b1f
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Maximum Damage
+54 to Attack Rating
Rainbow Amulet of Luck
Amulet
Required Level: 19
Fingerprint: 0x4dfd5930
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +11
28% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Enigma
Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 874
Durability: 58 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0x70e9174c
Item Level: 1
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+769 Defense
+63 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
85% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life
Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Flawless Amethyst
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +100 to Attack Rating
Armor: +8 to Strength
Shields: +24 Defense
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0xbcd6852b
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fine Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xe2203e18
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+1 to Maximum Damage
+20 to Attack Rating
Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3a01c108
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +11%
Tangerine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x60b4a857
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Lightning Resist +5%
Fortitude
Archon Plate
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1560
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0xdbe2ae25
Item Level: 84
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
+106 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +28
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
El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7
Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7
Lo Rune
Required Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike
Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Sharp Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xb23b5aa7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Maximum Damage
+71 to Attack Rating
+5 to Dexterity
Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe8a07e63
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%
Cobalt Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3d614695
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Cold Resist +8%
Shimmering Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x35e08965
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Strength
All Resistances +13
Tangerine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x18d2c2e1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +5%
Shimmering Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xb59a45d1
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+36 to Life
All Resistances +13
Sharp Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x6ed5732c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Maximum Damage
+67 to Attack Rating
+4 to Dexterity
Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 153
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xfac4030c
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+184% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability
Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 176
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x849d4126
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+168% Enhanced Defense
+13 to Strength
+14 to Vitality
+85 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +67%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Shimmering Grand Charm of Incineration
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xbecab4f8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 11 Fire Damage
All Resistances +15
Crimson Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0x59f8c76c
Item Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Fire Resist +3%
String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 106
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x95f95b7b
Item Level: 38
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Life stolen per hit
+161% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 14%
Magic Damage Reduced by 11
+10 Maximum Durability
Ocher Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0x368e4efc
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +6%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Jewel of Knowledge
Jewel
Required Level: 6
Fingerprint: 0x90d804f3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Energy
Doom Whorl
Ring
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x8406df96
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+36 to Attack Rating
8% Life stolen per hit
+14 to Strength
+4 to Mana
Lightning Resist +9%
Flawless Amethyst
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +100 to Attack Rating
Armor: +8 to Strength
Shields: +24 Defense
Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 81
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x2bfec81b
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%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 35%
Replenishes Health 35%
Beast
Double Axe
BerTirUmMalLum
One Hand Damage: 18 - 47
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xcbcdd5db
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+40% Increased Attack Speed
268% Enhanced Damage
20% Chance of Crushing Blow
25% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Werebear
+3 to Lycanthropy
+30 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
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%
Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy
Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 134
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x66ad5357
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+29% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+106 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%
Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%
Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%
Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 55
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x73428373
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
271% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+3 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
Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%
Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 35%
Replenishes Health 35%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Flawless Amethyst
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +100 to Attack Rating
Armor: +8 to Strength
Shields: +24 Defense
Flawless Ruby
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 10 - 16 Fire Damage
Armor: +31 to Life
Shields: Fire Resist +28%
Breath of the Dying
Superior Great Poleaxe
VexHelElEldZodEth
Two Hand Damage: 352 - 970
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 136
Required Dexterity: 72
Fingerprint: 0x4f6973f5
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Poison Nova when you Kill an Enemy
Indestructible
+60% Increased Attack Speed
411% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
+50 to Attack Rating
+200% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
7% Mana stolen per hit
15% 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
Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Hel Rune
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Requirements -20%
Armor: Requirements -15%
Shields: Requirements -15%
El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Eld Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Armor: 15% Slower Stamina Drain
Shields: 7% Increased Chance of Blocking
Zod Rune
Required Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Indestructible
Armor: Indestructible
Shields: Indestructible
Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%
Mercenary:
Name: Waheed
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 74583740
Level: 85
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 186/236
Dexterity: 150/150
HP: 1767/1767
Defense: 1302/2536
AR: 1913/1913
Fire: 184/144/84
Cold: 214/174/114
Lightning: 214/174/114
Poison: 284/244/184
Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 365
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x5c41a9c1
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
8% Life stolen per hit
+136% Enhanced Defense
+30 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (4/20 Charges)
Chains of Honor
Superior Scarab Husk
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 869
Durability: 14 of 28
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xa3e946d5
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+83% 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
Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7
Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Infinity
Colossus Voulge
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 89 - 886
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 200
Required Dexterity: 45
Fingerprint: 0xe32c84d8
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
259% Enhanced Damage
-47% 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
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%
Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Much like the recent Druid, he went through several builds and stages before arriving at the above.
Original Plan
As stated in the sept thread, the original plan was to use Poison Dagger and Mang Song's Lesson, along with 3-piece Trang's and its +18 Fire Ball bonus. He ended up doing neither. It didn't take long until a number crunch made me realize that FB damage would simply be pathetic, no matter how much + skill gear and facets I'd throw on him. It would be fun at lower levels, but the combination with Mang Song's would only be possible at lvl 82. No thanks! I very much wanted to do this as a combination though, "just" going for PDagger wasn't something I was interested in at this point – maybe next time.
But it wasn't all that bad, since my 99ers found/made gear for not one, but two further Melee Necro builds that I've been meaning to try. Much like the Druid, I went for both of them: (1) Bone Spear CtC with Bonehew, and (2) a BotD Necro. I also knew I'd play him as a Bear due to the horrible Necro attack speed in unchanged form.
Here are the weapons, first a 1% off perfect Bonehew:
... and a perfect roll BotD (11 ED base):
Normal & Nightmare
After starting the first few levels with Envy jewel'ed gear, he made his way towards Bone skills. That was a few months ago so I don't recall all the details, however I remember he struggled a bit until A5. I think he was always a bit ahead in locations. When I picked him up he was level 23 at the beginning of A5 Normal, and I first went back and ran City of the Damned until he was lvl 25 and able to use Spirit. He gained a couple of more levels there and then turned to Eldritch, once he delivered nice XP. He then levelled up to 42 in A5, donning Viper, 2x SoJ, a +2 Necro circlet, a handful of Fungal skillers... typical caster twinking gear. I also made a +7 BS White and a +4 BS SPlendor for him to further boost his damage.
He was then played as a Bonemancer for the remainder of Normal and NM, until arriving again at A5 Nightmare, where he levelled to 64 doing Eldritch runs.
At this point he used his first respec to go for the Bonehew build, maxing 3 BS synergies and spending most of his remaining points in AD some CE. Gear in this stage was mostly tailored to allow him to reach 7 FPA, meaning 2x Shael in the weapon and in this case an additional 85 IAS from gear:
Code:
GFace
Bonehew 'Shael Shael'
HLW
Treachery
LoH
String of Ears
Raven
Dual leech ring
Gore
Obviously it tore through NM like butter, but I noticed that the Bone Spear procs weren't really something one could rely on (neither directionally nor in terms of damage). He did look very cool though with the semi-transparent look from Fade and proccing those Bone Spears.
Hell
Entering Hell, I kept using the Bonehew build throughout A1, though it became more and more appararent that BS procs don't do enough, and his physical damage was somewhat lacking. So it was time to go for the above BotD build, which he then played all the way to Baal (with one further respec in between to move skill points around a bit).
BotD Melee/Caster Hybrid Playstyle:
Very much like the Druid, I knew I was going to shift in and out of Werebear quite often. While for the Druid it was for casting Fissure, for this guy it was all about Amp and CE. The DPS just skyrockets when AD is up, and I'd always cast it unless there were only 1-2 monsters around. I mean, this was a build that utilized one of the heaviest hitting weapons in the game, and AD then practically doubles that. Too awesome a combo not to make the most of I felt. Accordingly I maxed Amp in order to curse the whole screen and then hack away. CE was maxed as well, he had many spare points anyway. I tried to not use it too often – it frankly feels like cheating – but there were many situations where it was quite handy, in particular vs large groups of ranged enemies that would have taken rather long to focus down.
Make no mistake, this may be "just a fun build"... but it is strooooong. P5 often felt too easy, so I completed a large part of Hell on P8, including all of A4 and most of A5 (until Ancients). One could totally play this build as a caster who just uses BotD/Bear to deliver the first couple of corpses for the CE chain. Imagine you're playing a summoner Necro with somewhat weaker summons, but instead hitting with 9k dmg (plus AD) on his own to deliver those corpses... doesn't sound too bad, does it?
Some explanations on gear choices and build:
- The PN procs from BotD actually helped, and only required 40 hard points (as opposed to the Bonehew variant)
- BotD requires 65 IAS in bear form to reach 8 FPA, the maximum on a Werebear with this runeword. This was achieved with LoH, Highlord's, IAS-jewel'ed headpiece and Nosferatu's coil. I thought this was the best way to go about it as it leaves the armor slot for Fortitude. This provides a huge damage boost, bigger than with most other chars that use it, given it's not additive with lots of other off-weapon/skill-based ED, accordingly it makes a very big difference in damage output.
- How about adding a Pride or Beast IG? I seriously considered that, and his second respec included 20 points in GM in order to test whether the golem would survive (tried with Reaper's IG). Unfortunately, it doesn't – the build just doesn't have enough + skills to boost its survivability enough. However, I do believe it could be enough when adding a bunch of Graverobber skillers. I might check this out in the future. For now I just used his third respec to move those points elsewhere (maxing CE, rest into Skeleton mastery to allow Revives to survive a little longer).
- Infinity Merc is fantastic for this build: As for most Bear builds, CtH is an issue, and Infinity singlehandedly solves it. Plus it boosts the fire portion of CE. Together with Amplify Damage removing pretty much any physical immunities, this meant he could handle every situation without running into any problems really.
Drops:
So, that finally concludes the sept. Thanks for reading, and see you around!
Last edited: