Patriarch Ulrich - 2H Salvation Zealot

SirName

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2019
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Name: Ulrich
Class: Paladin
Experience: 1076592689
Level: 85

Naked/Gear
Strength: 159/175
Dexterity: 46/77
Vitality: 300/314
Energy: 15/25
HP: 1108/1558
Mana: 141/196
Stamina: 448/533
Defense: 11/2246
AR: 215/1784

Hell resists are with Salvation added
Fire: 72/32/78 capped @75
Cold: 102/62/108 capped @75
Lightning: 72/32/78 capped @75
Poison: 154/114/54

MF: 2
GF: 0
FR/W: 20
FHR: 90
IAS: 50
FCR: 0

PDR% 26
PDR 14
MDR 12
Cold abs% 20

Mana steal 4%
Life steal 7%

OW 33%
CB 15
DS 0%

Sacrifice: 20/21 (not used)
Smite: 1/2 (not used)
Zeal: 20/21 main skill
Charge: 20/21 tricky situation solution
Vengeance: 20/21 PI solution

Salvation: 15/16 providing +106 to fire, cold and lightning resists

Final Gear:
Head: CoA (2x Sol)
Armor: Duress Kraken Shell
Gloves: Ghoulhide for manasteal, damage to undead was nice too
Belt: String of Ears
Boots: Sandstorm Trek
Weapon: Oath Balrog Blade
Amulet: Angelic Wings
Ring1: Raven Frost
Ring2: Angelic Halo
Switch: Demon Limb for AR boost charges & Gemmed Crown Shield with 99 res all to not drop resists with 100 points when switching
Stash: Thundergod's Vigor for special occasions (was not used)
Inv: mostly life charms, mostly

Merc:
Name: Chalan
Aura: Holy Freeze
Head: Guillaume's Face
Armor: Shaftstop
Weapon: Eth Reaper's Toll (Shael)

2-hander characters are fun but I often find myself forced to wear that one resist circlet and Smoke. It was time to break free from that.

The goals for Ulrich were
-use Salvation as main aura
-use Oath Balrog Blade.
-use CoA
-use Duress Kraken Shell
-get as much life as possible
-enhance the defensive attributes of his gear with Defiance from merc

As a youngling Ulrich was a bit foolish and put one point into Might (silly boy). He used that 1 point Might for the entirety of Normal. Stepping into Nightmare Salvation was set for the right click skill on main switch and was never changed after that. This is the way. Ulrich still needed to use townportals. This was solved with dedicating a belt slot for scrolls. I also bound my usual 'use townportal from Tome' hotkey (5) to that beltslot.

Ulrich Was a 2-hander from start to finish. He was not really picky on weapon type though. These saw use before level 53.
-Chieftain
-Bonesnap
-King's Grace Gothic Sword
-Ribcracker
-Steeldriver
-Crainte Vomir
-The Vile Husk

In Act 2 Nightmare Ulrich became level 53 and was able to equip Oath. What a difference to The Vile Husk. No surprise when new minimum damage was about double of the old weapons maximum damage. Smooth sailing after that for the rest of NM of course. But it was also a bit of a sad moment in a way. Ulrich's main skill Zeal and its synergy Sacrifice were maxed at that point which meant Ulrich's damage peaked then and there and monsters were only going to get tougher and tougher from there onwards. Ok Duress was going to give a small boost when equippable but still.

Entered Hell at level 73 after equipping Veil of Steel (really happy this saw some action) and well... Hell is not something you can prepare for in NM. You learn how to play in Hell in Hell. Ulrich died his one and only time in Cold Plains. What he learned was to play more carefully. And also that the Defiance merc idea was crap and Ulrich promptly got himself a safer Holy Freeze merc. Shaftstop was equipped to lessen damage intake. Imho this is when Ulrich looked his coolest. The red belt graphic from that darkish armour was a good match with the enchanted red ethereal sword. Another level of safety was gained when Chalan reached level 76 and equipped Reaper's. At some point I began to miss having some CB and went back to Duress.

Even though Ulrich defines himself a Zealer I would say Charge was a pivotal part of this build.

General tactics: Probe by running, retreat a bit when enemies sighted. This to prevent being swarmed. After retreating charge back at the closest by then Holyfrozen enemy usually placing him on same line with the others following. Start Zeal, Chalan arrives and applies Decrepify if enemies still living. This all gets toned down a bit when the monstertypes of the area become known.

Dangerous looking bosspacks: Either the boss or just some random minion gets Charged multiple times to single out of the pack. Zeal that single enemy to death if charging has not finished the foe already. Repeat until pack seems manageable enough to engage with Zeal.

Physical immunes: Vengeanced.

Played mostly on P3, that was safer than P1 in a sense. Too easy monsters lead to recklessness. P3 was the sweetspot as battles were not drawn out either. Returned to P7 pits on several occasions which resulted the such high level for on patting.

Most annoying monsters were of course manastealing ranged attackers. Add physical immunity for gravy (Vengeance was manahungry). Close calls were caused by Exploding critters in Act3 dungeons. Act 5 open areas were crappy as usual with projectiles from all angles. I feared the amping witches would be hard but it was tactically possible to even keep merc alive resquing Anya.

Ancients needed to be rolled once, as merc died pretty fast on first try where I tried to run away and split em up. Second try: No auras in sight, so just started whacking at start. Merc applied Decrepify and a few pots and just standing there zealing it was over with.

What remained as possible challenge were Souls. I feared meeting them but also wanted to :) Thankfully Throne of Destruction delivered. How did Ulrich do? No sweat as long as tactics were used to lure 1-2 at a time. The Thundergods in stash was left to gather dust.

Throneroom: Waves 2 and 3 were trickiest. 3 fullrejus on both was needed. Rest were easy. Ok did approach Listers gang veery carefully and lured a few at a time. Baal lasted probably a minute or 2: 3 rejus were needed.

Finds:
Sur
20 life + poisondamage SC from third wave before Baal
Widowmaker
The Thundergods in stash was found by Urlich in Hell act 1.
Treads of Cthon from Big B.
Can't remember forgerunes

I really liked this playthrough although an early death when entering Hell caused conserns of viability. Tactics were changed and everything went well. The shieldlessness gave a nice challenge.

Random thoughts:
-The instant Townportals when used from belt were awesome and I will surely use that again especially on chars which don't need the pots.
-If I ever make a charger I will use a range 1 weapon to get it going easier: need less steps backwards. Would think an Insight staff would be nice.
-As this was such a success I want to try a "regular" 2h FanaZealot too and try to get resist elsewhere. Already made an Obedience GPA.. :)

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc8beec7e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Fiery Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc36b40fc
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 3 Fire Damage
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2bff4692
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe7e717a4
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life

Viridian Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x2c62a623
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+31 to Life
Poison Resist +8%

Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xe7130ce1
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xceb07353
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life

Lucky Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0xc68c4733
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+34 to Life
2% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Steel Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xd171bafb
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+132 to Attack Rating
+5 to Dexterity

Steel Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xd96d2d53
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+132 to Attack Rating

Emerald Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xb9d50e04
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Strength
Poison Resist +10%

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x9d20de4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4

Toxic Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0xb1d6fa35
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 100 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x215855ba
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb8669bb
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbe76a091
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xfc3fc914
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd616507
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life

Stalwart Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xfe130e5d
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+27 Defense
+13 to Life
String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 106
Durability: 20 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x456ce410
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Life stolen per hit
+161% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 14%
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
+10 Maximum Durability

Ghoulhide
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 117
Durability: 15 of 16
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x91400b79
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+170% Damage to Undead (Based on Character Level)
+680 to Attack Rating against Undead (Based on Character Level)
4% Mana stolen per hit
+161% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Life

Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 171
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x18336e24
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+160% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
+14 to Vitality
+85 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +64%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds

Crown of Ages
Corona
Defense: 390
Durability: 28 of 50
Required Level: 82
Required Strength: 174
Fingerprint: 0xd7e30
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+50% Enhanced Defense
+141 Defense
All Resistances +23
Damage Reduced by 12%
Damage Reduced by 14
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Angelic Wings
Amulet
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x3f519faa
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+3 to Light Radius
Set (2 items): +75 to Life

Angelic Halo
Ring
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x35df967c
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Replenish Life +6
Set (2 items): +1020 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)
(2 items): +10 to Dexterity

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x62475e29
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+180 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+16 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Duress
Kraken Shell
ShaelUmThul
Defense: 1416
Durability: 46 of 48
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 174
Fingerprint: 0x3ddb5a55
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
11% Enhanced Damage
Adds 37 - 133 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+181% Enhanced Defense
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +30%
All Resistances +15
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Demon Limb
Tyrant Club
One Hand Damage: 99 - 180
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 133
Fingerprint: 0xa3b0f1a1
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
212% 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 (13/20 Charges)

Gemmed Crown Shield
Crown Shield
Defense: 30
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 18
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x806460e8
Item Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +99
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond

Ulrich's Oath
Balrog Blade
ShaelPulMalLum
One Hand Damage: 82 - 421
Two Hand Damage: 308 - 665
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 175
Required Dexterity: 77
Fingerprint: 0xc99d281
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
30% Chance to cast level 20 Bone Spirit on striking
Indestructible
+50% Increased Attack Speed
276% Enhanced Damage
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Prevent Monster Heal
+10 to Energy
+13 Magic Absorb
Level 16 Heart of Wolverine (20/20 Charges)
Level 17 Iron Golem (13/14 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune

Veil of Steel
Spired Helm
Defense: 396
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 164
Fingerprint: 0x7b1d5a1c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+93 to Attack Rating
+60% Enhanced Defense
+140 Defense
+15 to Strength
+15 to Vitality
All Resistances +50
-4 to Light Radius
Requirements -15%
+20 Maximum Durability
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Argent Jewel of Freedom

Argent Jewel of Freedom
Jewel
Required Level: 36
Fingerprint: 0x589406d9
Item Level: 46
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+93 to Attack Rating
Requirements -15%

Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 156
Durability: 18 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xb6233bb0
Item Level: 72
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)
+195% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb
Name: Chalan
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Def-Nightmare
Experience: 74604560
Level: 85
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 186/201
Dexterity: 150/150
HP: 1767/1827
Defense: 1302/2169
AR: 1913/1913

Fire: 149/109/49
Cold: 149/109/49
Lightning: 149/109/49
Poison: 149/109/49

Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x8d1ca46f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
+120% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength

Shaftstop
Mesh Armor
Defense: 650
Durability: 33 of 45
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 92
Fingerprint: 0x36be7c4d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+204% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+60 to Life
Damage Reduced by 30%

The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 54 - 635
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 107
Required Dexterity: 81
Fingerprint: 0x68d83a77
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
201% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (37 Frames)
15% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
Ethereal
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune

Pics showing damage & AR for warying skills,Chalans numbers
Screenshot009.jpgScreenshot008.jpgScreenshot007.jpgScreenshot006.jpgScreenshot005.jpg
And some shots to give a better idea of looks (Baals red room makes an eth red sword harder to see). These have differing gear setups: entered Hell with Veil of Steel, then switched armor to Shaftstop and then the Act3 pic has final gear.
Screenshot019.jpgScreenshot016.jpgScreenshot013.jpgScreenshot010.jpg
 
Congrats in the Pat, the Sur was a nice bones too; it's been years since I've seen a rune that high!
 
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A paladin using Salvation as their full-time aura is not something you see everyday, congrats!

Did you ever feel like you needed a little more damage without Fanaticism (or a might merc)?
 
A paladin using Salvation as their full-time aura is not something you see everyday, congrats!

Did you ever feel like you needed a little more damage without Fanaticism (or a might merc)?
Well not really no. I wasn't expecting a P8 playthrough, rather P1-P3. Player setting was lowered in areas with highly physical resistant enemies for comfort. So with more ED same would have happened anyway, just P5 -> P3 rather than now P3 -> P1.

My Zeal + Str ~ 500ED
Fana + Might would be in the ballpark of an additional 600ED.

So having Fana & Might would roughly double my ED. I reasoned this means I have the same damage as a onehander Oath Fanazealot (not considering slower attack speed).
 
2h Sword and a Kraken shell. It doesn't get any more stylish than this on a Paladin.
Congratulations on the Patriarch.
 
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Chieftain
-Bonesnap
-King's Grace Gothic Sword
-Ribcracker
-Steeldriver
-Crainte Vomir
-The Vile Husk
Congrats on the Pat! Curious, was that an upped Steeldriver? I usually go straight from Bonesnap to SD. They are only a few levels apart..

-The instant Townportals when used from belt were awesome and I will surely use that again especially on chars which don't need the pots.
+1 for this. I'm surprised at how many players don't do this!
 
Thanks for the replies all! Sorry for the delay in responding.
Congrats!!! So... Come up with any fancy name for this build? You know every Pally has to have one.. :D
Ok then! Not the most original, but this build shall henceforth be known as
Salvator

Even has its own brew ;)
 
Congrats on the Pat! Curious, was that an upped Steeldriver? I usually go straight from Bonesnap to SD. They are only a few levels apart..
It was a non upgraded one. I think I wanted to honor sword usage at that time. Otherwise upped SD would have been an excellent choice.
 
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