Mummy Sarcophagus is the culprit, I suspect. I’m trying to recall all the rolls/areas that can cause, but can’t offhand. I do recall A5 surface areas can also be an issue, maybe due to the Imp nests?
Edit: this post from @jiansonz from old forum seems to capture rolls that line up with my experience.
Icy Veins provides detailed builds, guides, and news for Diablo 2 Resurrected for all classes: amazon, assassin, barbaria, druid, necromancer, paladin, sorceress.
www.diabloii.net
I think fire towers mights also trigger, beyond this list. Additional detail would be not only to not directly cast CoS here (via character or having active hotkey for Shadow Warrior), but also not to have Shadow Master that can cast on its own when these spawns are around.
Thanks. I also noticed that @art_vandelay documented known causes of Cloak of Shadows crashes here. Wisely, @maxicek included it in our "SPF Community & Links" perma-pinned topic, in this post.
I will try to be more careful about cloaking from here on. I have almost never used CoS, neither on one of my previous assassins, nor when I put a Nadir runeword hat on heroes of other classes. However, with Weaver and her Blade Fury/Shadow Warrior build, I have really enjoyed the spell so far. As I play through the quests yet again, making monster heads smoky and environments dark is a fun and refreshing variation. If I notice my Blade Fury chances-to-hit get too low in Hell Difficulty, it will still be awfully tempting to quickly cast a cloak to make fights easier, even in locations where a nest, sarcophagus, demon-hut, etc. present a risk of a crash.
I have made lots of assassin builds that use Shadow Masters. I'm told that they can cast CoS, but personally I have never once seen that minion attempt it.
Forges:
Nice finds: high runes, Demon Limb from Andy, Nature's Peace from a unique act 2 zombie, Lenymo TC3 from an act 1 carver, and Infernal Cranium TC3 from Baal.
Here's an interesting screen clip which shows that, although possessed champions are immune to most curses, one can still get affected by a Cloak of Shadows:
Started: 12 Sep 2022
Finished: 25 Nov 2022
Code:
Name: Weaver
Class: Assassin
Experience: 1116276031
Level: 85
Naked/Gear
Strength: 230/234
Dexterity: 110/138
Vitality: 155/155
Energy: 25/31
HP: 683/773
Mana: 151/190
Stamina: 368/383
Defense: 27/2410
AR: 100000514/100000704
Fire: 176/136/76
Cold: 201/161/101
Lightning: 176/136/76
Poison: 180/140/80
MF: 49 Block: 18
GF: 0 FR/W: 30
FHR: 130 IAS: 0
FCR: 0
Fire Blast: 3/4
Shock Web: 1/2
Blade Sentinel: 1/2
Charged Bolt Sentry: 1/2
Wake of Fire: 1/2
Blade Fury: 20/21
Lightning Sentry: 1/2
Wake of Inferno: 0/0
Death Sentry: 3/4
Blade Shield: 0/0
Claw Mastery: 1/10
Psychic Hammer: 1/10
Burst of Speed: 1/10
Weapon Block: 1/10
Cloak of Shadows: 20/29
Fade: 1/10
Shadow Warrior: 20/29
Mind Blast: 0/0
Venom: 20/29
Shadow Master: 0/0
Tiger Strike: 0/0
Dragon Talon: 0/0
Fists of Fire: 0/0
Dragon Claw: 0/0
Cobra Strike: 0/0
Claws of Thunder: 0/0
Dragon Tail: 0/0
Blades of Ice: 0/0
Dragon Flight: 0/0
Phoenix Strike: 0/0
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xc649a96e
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xfda9f7e5
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Bramble Winding
Mithril Coil
Defense: 178
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 78
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x1cb2a169
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Life stolen per hit
5% Chance of Open Wounds
+170% Enhanced Defense
+1 to Strength
+13 to Life
Replenish Life +4
Lightning Resist +15%
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%
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x65c787d5
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
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%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 35%
Replenishes Health 35%
Skull Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 260
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xe0bf7a8c
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+68% Enhanced Defense
+6 to Energy
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +11%
Poison Length Reduced by 25%
Duress
Sacred Armor
ShaelUmThul
Defense: 1692
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 232
Fingerprint: 0x5e6c53a1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
15% Enhanced Damage
Adds 37 - 133 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+184% 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
Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate
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%
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%
Venom Grip
Demonhide Gloves
Defense: 103
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xfda5c55
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 60 Poison Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
5% Life stolen per hit
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
+130% Enhanced Defense
+21 Defense
+5% to Maximum Poison Resist
Poison Resist +30%
Manald Heal
Ring
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x4c3bd7fe
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
4% Mana stolen per hit
+20 to Life
Replenish Life +5
Regenerate Mana 20%
Nagelring
Ring
Required Level: 7
Fingerprint: 0x63d5b0b4
Item Level: 38
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+50 to Attack Rating
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
Attacker Takes Damage of 3
15% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shadow Dancer
Myrmidon Greaves
Defense: 143
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 71
Required Strength: 167
Fingerprint: 0xc394abef
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+99% Enhanced Defense
+23 to Dexterity
Requirements -20%
Dread Emblem
Amulet
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xe5c4916a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Assassin Skill Levels
+1 to Maximum Damage
Replenish Life +10
+15 Maximum Stamina
Cold Resist +21%
22% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Strength
War Fist
AmnTir
One Hand Damage: 59 - 71
Durability: 64 of 64
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 108
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0x7de511c5
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
35% Enhanced Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
25% Chance of Crushing Blow
+3 to Venom (Assassin Only)
+1 to Claws of Thunder (Assassin Only)
+2 to Shadow Warrior (Assassin Only)
+20 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
+2 to Mana after each Kill
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Tir 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
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
Malice
Suwayyah
IthElEth
One Hand Damage: 51 - 78
Durability: 48 of 48
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 99
Required Dexterity: 99
Fingerprint: 0xbd832841
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
-25% Target Defense
+50 to Attack Rating
100% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Venom (Assassin Only)
+1 to Blades of Ice (Assassin Only)
-100 to Monster Defense Per Hit
Replenish Life -5
+0 to Light Radius
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune
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
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
Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%
Jade Talon
Wrist Sword
One Hand Damage: 107 - 141
Durability: 56 of 56
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 105
Required Dexterity: 105
Fingerprint: 0xcd5f66ce
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+1 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
215% Enhanced Damage
12% Mana stolen per hit
All Resistances +49
Jade Talon
Wrist Sword
One Hand Damage: 106 - 140
Durability: 56 of 56
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 105
Required Dexterity: 105
Fingerprint: 0x7a26cd38
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
+1 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
212% Enhanced Damage
12% Mana stolen per hit
All Resistances +43
Weaver's Scissors Katar of Vileness
Scissors Katar
One Hand Damage: 9 - 17
Durability: 68 of 68
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 55
Required Dexterity: 55
Fingerprint: 0x7985b51a
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Serpent's Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0xab71bc79
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+28 to Life
+26 to Mana
Serpent's Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x9649aa33
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 to Mana
Amber Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x74e6563c
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +11%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shimmering Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xc0e27a03
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5 to Dexterity
All Resistances +13
Mentalist's Grand Charm of Storms
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2669eafa
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
Adds 1 - 25 Lightning Damage
Mentalist's Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x8477477
Item Level: 54
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+3 to Strength
Ruby Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x91dce4f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Life
Fire Resist +10%
Crimson Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x543c78b0
Item Level: 78
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +5%
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Small Charm of Thunder
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x9392882b
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 18 Lightning Damage
Weaver's Soul Thirst
Scissors Katar
One Hand Damage: 9 - 33
Durability: 68 of 68
Required Level: 18
Required Strength: 55
Required Dexterity: 55
Fingerprint: 0x835cdaf4
Item Level: 41
Version: Expansion 1.10+
11% Enhanced Damage
+15 to Maximum Damage
+17 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 109 Lightning Damage
+1 to Mana after each Kill
Weaver's Shadow Mantle
Breast Plate
Defense: 65
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 9
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0xd5830269
Item Level: 24
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+4 to Maximum Damage
+3 to Dexterity
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Carbuncle Jewel
Socketed: Carbuncle Jewel
Carbuncle Jewel
Jewel
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0xdc1253ea
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
Carbuncle Jewel
Jewel
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0xd1fd43ac
Item Level: 22
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
Mercenary:
Name: Geshef
Race: Eastern Sorceror
Type: Cold-Normal
Experience: 74565194
Level: 85
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 137/137
Dexterity: 110/110
HP: 1168/1264
Defense: 817/2234
AR: 1685/1685
Fire: 197/157/97
Cold: 169/129/69
Lightning: 169/129/69
Poison: 169/129/69
Peasant Crown
War Hat
Defense: 162
Durability: 7 of 7
Required Level: 28
Required Strength: 10
Fingerprint: 0x4f1141cb
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+15% Faster Run/Walk
+100% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Vitality
+20 to Energy
Replenish Life +8
Ethereal
Hailstone Pelt
Great Hauberk
Defense: 1222
Durability: 33 of 50
Required Level: 78
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0xadb40173
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+143% Enhanced Defense
+2 to Life
Fire Resist +28%
Damage Reduced by 1
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
Half Freeze Duration
48% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Gemmed Dimensional Blade
Dimensional Blade
One Hand Damage: 19 - 52
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 75
Required Dexterity: 50
Fingerprint: 0xdf2682d4
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+94 to Life
Ethereal
6 Sockets (6 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Hope
Socketed: Jewel of Hope
Socketed: Jewel of Hope
Socketed: Jewel of Hope
Socketed: Jewel of Hope
Socketed: Jewel of Hope
Jewel of Hope
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x24204b10
Item Level: 46
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Jewel of Hope
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xaff70d70
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Jewel of Hope
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x815ca6e0
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Jewel of Hope
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xe92a3d90
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Jewel of Hope
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x2754a6d4
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Jewel of Hope
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x28d95a52
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Rhyme
Tower Shield
ShaelEth
Defense: 33
Chance to Block: 44
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x36a9098c
Item Level: 24
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +25
Cannot Be Frozen
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune
Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate
Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%
Focused Skills: 20 Cloak of Shadows, 20 Shadow Warrior, 20 Venom, 20 Blade Fury, 3 Death Sentry, 3 Fire Blast. (Now 13/30 assassin skills have been maxed.)
One Pointers: Claw Mastery, Weapon Block, Burst of Speed, Fade, Psychic Hammer, Blade Sentinel, Wake of Fire, Shock Web, Charged Bolt Sentry, Lightning Sentry.
Mercenary gear:
Peasant Crown (ethereal unique) war hat
Hailstone Pelt (crafted) great hauberk (enhanced defense, life, fire resist, half freeze duration, socketed with 2PTopaz)
regular (gemmed) dimensional blade (socketed with six jewels of hope for a total of +94 life)
Rhyme (ethereal runeword) tower shield
Thoughts:
Fun and challenging character, and fortunately she only experienced the dreaded game crashing Cloak of Shadows bug four times. I followed much of the advice in this Ninja guide, but also consulted and incorporated advice from a Shadow guide and a Blade Fury guide. (All three of these guides are hosted here at this site.)
I think It's difficult to make a build focused around a Shadow Warrior. Compared to her spoiled little sister, the Shadow Master, the warrior only has two potential advantages: (1) a negligible amount of higher defense than Shadow Master, and (2) opportunity to micromanage her skill usage. A warrior's gear is comparatively limited: each time she is summoned, she gets a randomly rolled magic (blue) version of whatever headgear and body armor the caster is wearing, and two randomly rolled low level magic (blue) claw weapons (cestus and blade talons). That's it. No other gear. This fact tends to nerf most of the skills that might have been fun to make her use:
Martial Arts: Tiger Strike and the dragon finishers are all rather weak on a warrior, because she's effectively barefoot, and her claws are not exceptional nor elite. The elemental charge-ups could become somewhat useful with a shadow warrior, but none are synergized until after the shadow warrior actually attacks with both the charge-up and Phoenix Strike.
Traps: The lightning and fire traps are difficult to make effective, because none are synergized until after the shadow warrior actually attacks with each synergy. A warrior never casts Blade Fury missiles, and the other blade skills are pretty tame, because her claws are not exceptional nor unique. (Update: again, I was wrong! snickersnack's Matriarch Noether summoned a Shadow Warrior that cast Blade Sentinel traps, and reported that they caused damage based on the assassin's weapon, not her shadow's.)
Shadow Disciplines: A Shadow Warrior ignores every skill in the middle column: no claw mastery, never dual-claw blocking, and of course a shadow can't summon a shadow.
That just leaves six shadow discipline skills that could possibly be reasonably useful when cast by a Shadow Warrior. Weaver completely ignored Mind Blast and Fade (I plan to max those on other future assassins), so I configured RMB hot-keys to activate and use five skills: Burst of Speed, Venom, Psychic Hammer, Cloak of Shadows, and Death Sentry.
I invested heavily in Weaver's strength, so that she could equip a sacred armor, the strongest of the game's elite torso wrappers. I can seldom know what magic affixes got bestowed on the sacred armor and demonhead that the Shadow Warrior inherited each time she was summoned, but there were many times she turned out to be nice and tanky! I'm confident that she got some sweet "godly" and/or "of the mammoth" mods at least a few times. Of course, there were other times the warrior was decidedly fragile; I imagine to myself that she got "glimmering" and/or "of greed" mods on those spawns. As for the magic claws: I never noticed the little red "of the leech" animation swirl atop the warrior's head, but I did occasionally notice "hit causes monster to flee."
Here's how Weaver's warrior tends to behave: if there is no enemy nearby, she just idles. If in melee range of an enemy, she almost always just starts normal-attack clawing at her foe. Otherwise, she makes a choice: about half of such decisions are to close to melee range, and the other half, to use whatever skill happens to be active on the right mouse button. (My left button was always set to either normal attack or Blade Fury, so LMB skills never mattered.) Unless I could detect that I had a real lucky "tanky" roll on the warrior's headgear and body armor, it was bothersome to try to patiently get her to buff herself with Venom or Burst of Speed, so most of the time I was content with letting her cast cloaks and death sentries. The shadow warrior is actually talented at trap placement; her behavior code was almost always good enough to cast a sentry near a corpse that is also close to an enemy, so that its first shot explodes nice amounts of health away from the nearby monster. When I do make extra effort to get the warrior to cast buffing skills, they do help her normal attacks quite a bit. According to a formula I found, the minion casts Venom at skill level 23 or 25, and Burst of Speed at level 14. With +skills, Weaver herself could only cast level 10 BoS. With that buff active, the shadow warrior actually walks and runs slightly faster than the assassin that summons her.
I don't have the favorite options (Grief and Fortitude runewords) that most guides recommend for really beefing up Blade Fury's skill-based damage, because I choose to play without the FAM for ladder runewords. I did make and try out a "Black" runeword in a legendary mallet, and even though the knockbacks and crushing blows were nice, it was still a bit underwhelming. +Skills got 50% block out of a one-point-wonder Weapon Block, so I chose to equip claw weapons on Weaver. With a pair of Jade Talons, it was never necessary to use Fade to max her resists.
This was my first time ever to go all the way with an Iron Wolf mercenary. Weaver started hell difficulty at level 72, and I tried to see how far she could go at /players7. She was instantly stymied in the Den of Evil, because Corpsefire spawned with stone skin and spectral hit mods, making him immune to my physical damage, immune to the mercenary's cold damage, and highly resistant to Venom's poisonings. The unique zombie was consistently replenishing his own life as fast as I could reduce it, and I was starting to think I might have to save/exit and try the Den of Evil quest again at a lower /players level. But I decided to visit Charsi first, and luckily she had an inexpensive scissors katar of vileness in her inventory! I remembered reading somewhere that the "prevent monster heal" mod provided by the vileness affix lasts a very long time - more than an hour, if I'm not mistaken. So I purchased it, made it her main weapon, and then went back and sprayed a few ninja stars at Corpsefire until I saw Venom's little poison cloud confirm that he'd been hit and his life replenish shut down. Then I swapped back to her Strength runeword claw, and a few minutes later, Venom and crushing blows had finally defeated Corpsefire at /p7! After that victory, I looked through the stashes for a nice elite claw, used a cube recipe to put three sockets in it, and then put a Malice runeword into it. That gave me a nicer "prevent monster heal" weapon to use for the rest of hell difficulty whenever I wanted Weaver to fight any other self-healing monsters. Nevertheless, when she finally rescued Anya and defeated Nihlithak in hell act 5, I judged that the shopped scissors katar of vileness was the most appropriate trophy to personalize.
Next up: Valois the hammerdin has advanced to NM Act 5, and Umfaan the werebear has arrived at regular difficulty act 3. I have changed my mind about making Umfaan wear the Aldur's Watchtower set, because Weaver found a six-socket ethereal great poleaxe! I'm finally going to put one of my stashed Zod runes to use. I'm looking forward to watching my poor werebear suffer indigestion, uncontrollably burping bright green fumes as he fights with a shiny new eBotD.
I also just created three more characters to finish out this next sept:
Telasa is named after a Japanese video streaming platform. (I had never heard of it until today, but apparently it's a popular web site.) She'll be an "orbitall" build, and will be my opportunity to max the Teleport skill.
Shiksa is an epithet in Yiddish dialects, a curse that labels a girl as an outcast. (Some web sites suggest that it's a common insult, but that it can be quite offensive in some communities. If you count yourself among the deeply offended, please let me know, so that I can try to issue you a personal apology.) I'm not sure what her skills will be , but I'm learning toward a frost archer build.
Relick just looked to me like a nerdy old-english spelling that befits a necromancer. He'll probably be my opportunity to max the Revive skill. I have no idea how I'll ever manage to recruit an army of twenty corpses within the skill's three-minute timeout window, but I suppose it will be fun to try.
[edit: spelling]
[edit July 2023: correciton regarding shadow warriors and blade skills]
With maxed revive, you may want to draw a lot of monsters to you with attract/confuse or with a few bone walls, so that the masses congregate where your huge army is growing huger.
Malice claws and fear is a hilarious combination for blade fury...
Captain's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xd15f892c
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
Shimmering Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x11b3408a
Item Level: 40
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +14
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x9d139327
Item Level: 10
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Tangerine Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0x126192af
Item Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Lightning Resist +3%
Lapis Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xb9fe23e7
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +7%
Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xa72d29b5
Item Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +3
Bronze Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xde27d43e
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+3 to Attack Rating
Garnet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x73c17951
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%
Ocher Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x1d2b392b
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +7%
Azure Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0x670d7420
Item Level: 2
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +5%
8% Extra Gold from Monsters
Crimson Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 5
Fingerprint: 0x3456d508
Item Level: 16
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Strength
Fire Resist +3%
Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 110
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x75b335f7
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+129 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+129 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Entropy Torc
Amulet
Required Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0xa6be538c
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Paladin Skill Levels
+4 to Energy
+10 Maximum Stamina
All Resistances +14
Level 2 Teleport (25/25 Charges)
Skullder's Ire
Russet Armor
Defense: 663
Durability: 90 of 90
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 97
Fingerprint: 0xcd8cac37
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+172% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 10
107% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
Repairs 1 Durability in 5 Seconds
+60 Maximum Durability
Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xfb65604d
Item Level: 70
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+154 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+19 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen
Scintillating Ring of the Apprentice
Ring
Required Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x8de05b1b
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
All Resistances +15
Stone Fringe
Sharkskin Belt
Defense: 79
Durability: 12 of 14
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xc5790f07
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
14% Chance to cast level 5 Nova when struck
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+43 Defense (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +5
+19 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 7%
Dire Hold
Demonhide Gloves
Defense: 33
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 46
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x69d73083
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
3% Mana stolen per hit
+15 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 9%
+3 to Mana after each Kill
19% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Holy Thunder
War Scepter
EthRalOrtTal
One Hand Damage: 16 - 37
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xb3ab06c2
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
60% Enhanced Damage
+10 to Maximum Damage
-25% Target Defense
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 21 - 110 Lightning Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+3 to Holy Shock (Paladin Only)
+3 to Holy Shock (Paladin Only)
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Lightning Resist +60%
Level 7 Chain Lightning (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%
Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%
Steelclash
Kite Shield
Defense: 50
Chance to Block: 33
Durability: 47 of 47
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 47
Fingerprint: 0x47c84ce1
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Paladin Skill Levels
+20% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+60% Enhanced Defense
+20 Defense
All Resistances +15
Damage Reduced by 3
+3 to Light Radius
+17 Maximum Durability
Garnet Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xac73fcd3
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +9%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x1d18c1df
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Rugged Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0xf783b1f0
Item Level: 1
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
+5 Maximum Stamina
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Greater Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +180
Greater Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +180
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
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%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Grand Scepter
One Hand Damage: 8 - 18
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 18
Required Strength: 37
Fingerprint: 0x6144351d
Item Level: 36
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+150% Damage to Undead
+1 to Vigor (Paladin Only)
+3 to Blessed Hammer (Paladin Only)
Hailstone Rock
Akaran Targe
Defense: 101
Chance to Block: 30
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 44
Fingerprint: 0xfe930913
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Paladin Skill Levels
+30% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
+12 to Mana
All Resistances +53
Poison Resist +19%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Level 2 Nova (25/25 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Headstriker
Battle Sword
One Hand Damage: 40 - 171
Durability: 32 of 32
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 92
Required Dexterity: 43
Fingerprint: 0xf97e2897
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
150% Enhanced Damage
+86 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
7% Life stolen per hit
129% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Prevent Monster Heal
+15 to Strength
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Amn 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
Focused Skills: 20 Blessed Hammer, 20 Blessed Aim, 20 Vigor, 20 Concentration, 12 Holy Bolt. (Now 18/30 paladin skills have been maxed.)
One Pointers: Might, Prayer, Cleansing, Defiance, Redemption.
Zero-pointer: Holy Shock, from a switch weapon's staffmod, used quite a bit in late normal difficulty but very seldom afterward.
Equipment:
Harlequin Crest (unique) shako
Skullder's Ire (unique) russet armor
Dire Hold (crafted) demonhide gloves (10% IAS, 19% MF)
Stone Fringe (crafted) sharkskin belt (10% FCR, 10% FHR, 14% ctc level 5 nova when struck, defense based on character level)
Ghoul Spur (rare) greaves (30% FRW, lightning/poison resists, 24% MF)
Raven Frost (unique) ring
Scintillating (magic) ring of the apprentice (15% all resists, 10% FCR)
Entropy Torc (rare) amulet (+1 paladin skills, energy, stamina, 14% all resists, teleport charges)
plain (white) grand scepter (+3 Blessed Hammer, +1 Vigor)
Hailstone Rock (rare) Akaran Targe (+1 paladin skills, 30% FBR, 20% ICB, resists, mana)
Holy Thunder (runeword) war scepter (+6 Holy Shock)
Steelclash (unique) kite shield
assorted charms (life, MF, resists, and one "Captain's" offensive aura skiller)
Mercenary gear:
Immortal King's Will (set) avenger guard (sockete with two PTopaz)
Leviathan (unique) kraken shell
Headstriker (unique) battle sword (socketed with an amn)
Thoughts:
Blessed Hammer builds are pretty standard, with only minor variations. After maxing the customary four hammerdin skills on Valois, I put a point in Redemption for recovery and corpse disposal, and then the rest of his skill points into Holy Bolt as his magic-immune option. I would have used the Holy Thunder runeword to fight a wailing beast if he encountered one, but he didn't.
I had read a few recommendations about giving a one-handed instead of a two-handed sword to a barbarian mercenary, with Headstriker singled out for its inherent deadly strike. I decided to try it out for this character, and can confirm that Qual-Kehk's man is fantastic when he swings a Headstriker. Although I didn't upgrade from its exceptional to its elite version, doing so would likely have made the barbarian even more potent.
I learned that Hammers are best delivered at point-blank range, if the enemy is above or to the left of the paladin, or a tile or two away if the enemy is to the right or below. I am not very good at pointing+clicking carefully enough to perfectly position the paladin before unleashing his magic-cheese-on-sticks spells. For the most part the barbarian mercenary was able to clean up an monsters missed by my poorly aimed hammer spirals. The amulet's teleport charges were the best way to get to the perfect hammer-launching spots, but I only used those a few times. If I ever manage to make an Enigma runeword, I'm confident it would transform Valois into my best Chaos Sanctuary runner. I was tempted to make an Enigma during my Cube Grail project, but I decided to hold on to those runes, and use them to cube up to Cham and Zod instead. I suppose we can never know whether that decision delayed or advanced the successful finish of my Cube Grail.
Next up: I spent a little time with Shiksa, and she quickly advanced to normal act 2. Telasa has reached normal act 4, and has spent ten points in her teleport skill. My cuddly werebear Umfaan is up to level 67. He recently defeated nightmare difficulty Nihlithak. Maxed Werebear/Maul/Shock Wave have been just as fun as expected. He has used an Husoldal Evo unique bec-de-corbin polearm throughout most of nightmare, which worked very well so far. At level 66, he switched to swiping with a Hellslayer unique decapitator axe, which swings a little slower, but still appears to kill enemies a lot faster. Just two more levels, and then I can finally treat myself to my first ever eBotD experience. I might make Umfaan explore some of the cave or hellgate side areas in NM act 5, because if I can grind up to level 69 before reaching the Arreat Summit, I could use nightmare ancients as my inagural Breath-of-the-Dying event.
normal and hell forges: (nm forge coughed up a Sol rune)
goodies, both TC3: another Infernal Cranium and another Pluckeye.
Started: 28 Oct 2022
Finished: 6 Jan 2023
Focused Skills: 20 Werebear, 20 Maul, 20 Shock Wave, 20 Fire Claws, 8 Lycanthropy. (Now 18/30 druid skills have been maxed.)
One-pointers: Werewolf, Feral Rage, Poison Creeper, Carrion Vine, Solar Creeper, Firestorm, Molten Boulder, Fissure, Volcano
Code:
Name: Umfaan
Class: Druid
Experience: 1181838857
Level: 86
Naked/Gear
Strength: 150/205
Dexterity: 70/102
Vitality: 280/310
Energy: 20/70
HP: 752/796
Mana: 190/190
Stamina: 424/484
Defense: 17/1818
AR: 320/16900
Fire: 140/100/40
Cold: 102/62/2
Lightning: 156/116/56
Poison: 99/59/-1
MF: 24 Block: 10
GF: 100 FR/W: 30
FHR: 82 IAS: 80
FCR: 10
Raven: 0/0
Poison Creeper: 1/3
Oak Sage: 0/0
Summon Spirit Wolf: 0/0
Carrion Vine: 1/3
Heart of Wolverine: 0/0
Summon Dire Wolf: 0/0
Solar Creeper: 1/3
Spirit of Barbs: 0/0
Summon Grizzly: 0/0
Werewolf: 1/11
Lycanthropy: 8/18
Werebear: 20/30
Feral Rage: 1/11
Maul: 20/30
Rabies: 0/0
Fire Claws: 20/30
Hunger: 0/0
Shock Wave: 20/30
Fury: 0/0
Firestorm: 1/3
Molten Boulder: 1/3
Arctic Blast: 0/0
Fissure: 1/3
Cyclone Armor: 0/0
Twister: 0/0
Volcano: 1/3
Tornado: 0/0
Armageddon: 0/0
Hurricane: 0/0
Spiritual Grand Charm of Incineration
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xebf212b6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
Adds 7 - 14 Fire Damage
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x973e8243
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Flaming Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0xd44dccd4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 21 - 39 Fire Damage
Shimmering Small Charm of Blight
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x3ee7b1c
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 Poison Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
All Resistances +5
Lapis Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x7b28a0a0
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +6%
Spiritual Grand Charm of Frost
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x35d07a7b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Lapis Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xb59b15da
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Strength
Cold Resist +6%
Spiritual Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x623e1f4f
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
+12% Faster Hit Recovery
Arcing Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x1d6a2eb1
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 43 Lightning Damage
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x24e3a376
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Key
Fingerprint: 0x309eb6c1
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Amber Small Charm of Frost
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xadc34830
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Lightning Resist +10%
Coral Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xa1cf0fc6
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +8%
Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x870ecfa2
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 24 Lightning Damage
Jade Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x241bf44b
Item Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +9%
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x3fc24867
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Arcing Small Charm of Flame
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x1967ef36
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Fire Damage
Adds 1 - 38 Lightning Damage
Jalal's Mane
Totemic Mask
Defense: 247
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x60564004
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
+2 to Druid Skill Levels
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+150% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Energy
All Resistances +30
+5 to Mana after each Kill
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Blood Talisman
Amulet
Required Level: 30
Fingerprint: 0x7abdd0e7
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
5% Bonus to Attack Rating
+1 to Dexterity
All Resistances +15
Lightning Resist +12%
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
+5 to Light Radius
The Gladiator's Bane
Wire Fleece
Defense: 1259
Durability: 135 of 135
Required Level: 85
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x4d69a0d5
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+151% Enhanced Defense
+50 Defense
Damage Reduced by 16
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
Cannot Be Frozen
Poison Length Reduced by 50%
Attacker Takes Damage of 20
+103 Maximum Durability
Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xc58d296a
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Fire Absorb 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
100% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ghoul Knot
Ring
Required Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0x3319dd48
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+120 to Attack Rating
All Resistances +10
Lightning Resist +11%
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
Skull Lock
Battle Belt
Defense: 61
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 88
Fingerprint: 0x65246b89
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 4 Frost Nova when struck
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+42% Enhanced Defense
+4 to Life
Lightning Resist +25%
Attacker Takes Damage of 4
6% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 146
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xd9929730
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+171% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability
Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 80
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xa34e0f6
Item Level: 65
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%
Caretaker's Tyrant Club of the Locust
Tyrant Club
One Hand Damage: 32 - 58
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 133
Fingerprint: 0x5b2aaac4
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Summoning Skills (Druid Only)
+150% Damage to Undead
6% Life stolen per hit
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
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%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Spiritual Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x40ef8bb7
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
+4 to Strength
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Breath of the Dying
Great Poleaxe
VexHelElEldZodEth
Two Hand Damage: 310 - 855
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 136
Required Dexterity: 72
Fingerprint: 0x9b11eb29
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Poison Nova when you Kill an Enemy
Indestructible
+60% Increased Attack Speed
350% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
+50 to Attack Rating
+200% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
7% Mana stolen per hit
14% 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%
Umfaan's Stone Mask
Antlers
Defense: 44
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 12
Required Strength: 24
Fingerprint: 0x8da36917
Item Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+27% Enhanced Defense
+13 Defense
+9 to Life
Poison Resist +20%
Repairs 1 Durability in 33 Seconds
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Eburine Jewel of Spirit
Eburine Jewel of Spirit
Jewel
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0xd72e839
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 Defense
+3 to Life
Umfaan's Rune Shroud
Dusk Shroud
Defense: 622
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 67
Fingerprint: 0xc055cbba
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+34 to Life
Fire Resist +23%
Poison Length Reduced by 50%
Repairs 1 Durability in 33 Seconds
Ethereal
Umfaan's Brimstone Brogues
Battle Boots
Defense: 61
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xe6703eef
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+29% Enhanced Defense
Poison Resist +31%
11% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Mercenary:
Name: Leharas
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Normal
Experience: 70786348
Level: 86
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 192/217
Dexterity: 155/183
HP: 1870/1979
Defense: 1373/2515
AR: 1985/2030
Fire: 252/212/152
Cold: 171/131/71
Lightning: 171/131/71
Poison: 171/131/71
Natalya's Totem
Grim Helm
Defense: 258
Durability: 34 of 40
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x7642565c
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+147 Defense
+15 to Strength
+27 to Dexterity
All Resistances +18
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
Cruel Mantle
Loricated Mail
Defense: 884
Durability: 57 of 108
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 149
Fingerprint: 0x611b54c1
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Charged Bolt when struck
+9 to Maximum Damage
+45 to Attack Rating
Adds 25 - 42 Fire Damage
Adds 1 - 94 Lightning Damage
+78% Enhanced Defense
+1 to Dexterity
+2 to Life
Fire Resist +31%
Damage Reduced by 1
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Eagle Scarab
Socketed: Raven Talisman
Eagle Scarab
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x2b025472
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Attack Rating
Adds 1 - 94 Lightning Damage
Fire Resist +13%
Raven Talisman
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x59e81c2
Item Level: 76
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Maximum Damage
+34 to Attack Rating
Adds 25 - 42 Fire Damage
+1 to Dexterity
Kelpie Snare
Fuscina
Two Hand Damage: 83 - 153
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 33
Required Strength: 77
Required Dexterity: 25
Fingerprint: 0x93afa3c6
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
179% Enhanced Damage
Adds 30 - 50 Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Slows Target by 75%
+10 to Strength
+107 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Fire Resist +50%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Amn 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
Equipment:
Jalal's Mane (unique) totemic mask (socketed with PTopaz)
The Gladiator's Bane (unique) wire fleece
Laying of Hands (set) bramble mitts
Skull Lock (crafted) battle belt (FHR, enhanced defense, life, 6% damage to mana)
Gore Rider (unique) war boots
Dwarf Star (unique) ring
Ghoul Knot (rare) ring (FCR, +120AR, resists)
Blood Talisman (rare) amulet (+2 shapeshifting, 5% bonus to AR, +5 light radius, resists)
Breath of the Dying (ethereal runeword) great poleaxe
Caretaker's (magic) tyrant club of the Locust (+2 summoning, 6% life leech)
a few charms (resists, elemental/poison damage, FHR, and four "spiritual" skillers)
Mercenary gear:
Natalya's Totem (set) grim helm
Cruel Mantle (rare) loricated mail (enhanced defense, life, fire resist, socketed with two rare jewels giving damage, fire damage, lightning damage, AR)
Kelpie Snare (unique) fuscina (socketed with Amn)
Thoughts:
Umfaan was one of the most fun experiences I ever had with a melee character. I brought him to level 69 in nightmare difficulty, just before he ascended the arreat summit, so that he could use a shiny new ethereal Breath of the Dying pole arm to fight the ancients. I even waited to socket the runes into the weapon until that moment. Now, you may have noticed that BoTD has two variable mods: between 350% and 400% enhanced damage, and between twelve and fifteen percent life leech. My rolls were 350 and 14! After briefly laughing and shaking my head at my worst luck with that damage roll, I defeated the NM ancients faster than I ever had with any other character.
It's not strictly necessary to max Shock Wave, because its main benefit (enemy stun length) peaks at skill level 15 (ten seconds). Regardless, for the sake of this project, I maxed it and its synergy Maul. These let Umfaan inflict almost 350 damage per stomp! That isn't nearly as great as his damage capabilities with Maul and Fire Claws, which could exceed 2000 per swipe after a dozen Maul charge-ups. But a couple of times I chose to slowly defeat a pack of monsters from afar with only stomping spells, for no other reason than "because I could."
He used maxed Fire Claws to battle physical immunes. With only four synergy points, he received a nice +88% fire bonus, bringing his fire damage to just under 1000 per strike. Many unique enemies throughout hell difficulty were immune to both physical and fire, but he still prevailed against each of those, thanks to bits of cold/lightning/poison damage provided by charms. I had originally thought about making a "kodiak" build, with maxed Hunger instead of Fire Claws. However, after looking more carefully at the properties of a Breath of the Dying runeword, I anticipated that I would never actually use that skill. The runeword already gives 60% IAS. At that speed, a great poleaxe morphed into the werebear's fore-paw swings quite fast (seven frames per attack), and I doubted Hunger's much weaker bite attacks would happen much faster. The other benefit of Hunger, its mana and life leech, is also moot because the runeword inherently provides adequate amounts of both.
My only complaint concerns the famous runeword. I'm still a tiny bit disappointed that its poison nova procs always erupted around the hero. I think the on-screen eye candy could have been so much cooler if the novas expanded from around the vanquished monster, literally the final breath of the dying, rather than belched forth from "him what killed 'em." No matter, though; it's still a great way to put a Zod rune to good use.
Coming up: Telasa the orbitaller is currently in Hell act 2, Shiksa the frost archer in Nightmare act 1, and Relick the reviver in normal act 5.
forges:
Interesting finds: two Biggin's Bonnets, another Jade Talon, and an Arachnid Mesh in Duriel's quest drop:
Started: 12 Sep 2022
Finished: 2 Feb 2023
Code:
Name: Telasa
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 983259872
Level: 84
Naked/Gear
Strength: 60/81
Dexterity: 75/118
Vitality: 340/342
Energy: 35/64
HP: 843/969
Mana: 201/351
Stamina: 487/500
Defense: 18/1191
AR: 325/540
Fire: 45/5/-55
Cold: 103/63/3
Lightning: 63/23/-37
Poison: 58/18/-42
MF: 202 Block: 12
GF: 112 FR/W: 30
FHR: 50 IAS: 0
FCR: 40
Fire Bolt: 20/29
Warmth: 1/10
Inferno: 0/5
Blaze: 0/2
Fire Ball: 20/29
Fire Wall: 0/0
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 0/0
Fire Mastery: 1/7
Hydra: 0/0
Charged Bolt: 0/0
Static Field: 1/4
Telekinesis: 1/4
Nova: 0/0
Lightning: 0/0
Chain Lightning: 0/0
Teleport: 20/23
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 0/0
Ice Bolt: 6/9
Frozen Armor: 0/0
Frost Nova: 1/4
Ice Blast: 1/4
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 1/4
Blizzard: 1/4
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 20/23
Cold Mastery: 1/4
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x9391151
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Burning Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xd9665815
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)
38% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x237232db
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%
Coral Large Charm of Strength
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xd93ca414
Item Level: 33
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Strength
Lightning Resist +11%
Sapphire Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x8240b6b8
Item Level: 41
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +30%
28% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xa81c3fa1
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +4
Serpent's Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x4469f0ac
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Mana
10% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ocher Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x33a7da1f
Item Level: 32
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +18%
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x67b85e95
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Key
Fingerprint: 0xede994a5
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Emerald Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x69c1d67b
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +11%
Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 136
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x31b50da0
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+126 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+126 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
74% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Tancred's Weird
Amulet
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x9b6c0f63
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Damage Reduced by 2
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
Set (2 items): 78% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Set (3 items): +60 to Attack Rating
(2 items): Adds 15 - 15 Lightning Damage
Que-Hegan's Wisdom
Mage Plate
Defense: 673
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xef400dd4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+157% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Energy
Magic Damage Reduced by 6
+3 to Mana after each Kill
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Blood Gyre
Ring
Required Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0x790e90c7
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Dexterity
Cold Resist +6%
Poison Resist +13%
36% Extra Gold from Monsters
9% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Rune Finger
Ring
Required Level: 47
Fingerprint: 0xbf26473a
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Strength
+12 to Energy
+7 to Mana
+13 Maximum Stamina
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Bladebuckle
Plated Belt
Defense: 51
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 60
Fingerprint: 0x27165707
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+83% Enhanced Defense
+30 Defense
+5 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
Damage Reduced by 3
Attacker Takes Damage of 8
Tancred's Hobnails
Boots
Defense: 2
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xb93f3b47
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Dexterity
Heal Stamina Plus 25%
Set (2 items): +30% Faster Run/Walk
Set (3 items): +10 to Strength
(2 items): Adds 15 - 15 Lightning Damage
Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 24
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0x1668c64a
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+20% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x28f05cd4
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
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%
Lucky Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Fingerprint: 0x64e7b539
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
11% 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%
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%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Wizardspike
Bone Knife
One Hand Damage: 23 - 49
Durability: 21 of 26
Required Level: 61
Required Strength: 38
Required Dexterity: 75
Fingerprint: 0xd7d28fca
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+50% Faster Cast Rate
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
+168 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +75
Lidless Wall
Grim Shield
Defense: 276
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x47e6acf3
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+83% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Energy
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
+4 to Mana after each Kill
+1 to Light Radius
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Leaf
War Staff
TirRal
Two Hand Damage: 12 - 28
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 19
Fingerprint: 0x6f2854c
Item Level: 24
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Fire Skills
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
+3 to Inferno (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Warmth (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Fire Bolt (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Fire Ball (Sorceress Only)
+1 to Blaze (Sorceress Only)
+1 to Inferno (Sorceress Only)
+168 Defense (Based on Character Level)
Cold Resist +33%
+2 to Mana after each Kill
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
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
Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%
Telasa's Stone Song
Jared's Stone
One Hand Damage: 8 - 18
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 51
Fingerprint: 0xde078cbf
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Cold Skills (Sorceress Only)
Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
+6 to Energy
+40 to Life
+59 to Mana
Telasa's Hailstone Hood
Circlet
Defense: 27
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x74a09e92
Item Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)
+9 to Dexterity
Attacker Takes Damage of 4
65% Extra Gold from Monsters
Telasa's Cruel Blazer
Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 37
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 47
Fingerprint: 0xe9afa348
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Dexterity
Cold Resist +5%
Lightning Resist +17%
Poison Resist +19%
Repairs 1 Durability in 33 Seconds
Mercenary:
Name: Haseen
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Comb-Normal
Experience: 65994140
Level: 84
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 188/188
Dexterity: 152/152
HP: 1790/1790
Defense: 1317/2383
AR: 1961/1961
Fire: 151/111/51
Cold: 151/111/51
Lightning: 151/111/51
Poison: 151/111/51
Stealskull
Casque
Defense: 219
Durability: 18 of 24
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 59
Fingerprint: 0x778e068c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
5% Mana stolen per hit
5% Life stolen per hit
+201% Enhanced Defense
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Black Hades
Chaos Armor
Defense: 847
Durability: 68 of 70
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 140
Fingerprint: 0xd39cc00b
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+31% Damage to Demons
+220 to Attack Rating against Demons
+147% Enhanced Defense
Half Freeze Duration
72% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
-2 to Light Radius
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Hone Sundan
Yari
Two Hand Damage: 100 - 202
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 101
Fingerprint: 0xf5eff6f0
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Increased Attack Speed
176% Enhanced Damage
Adds 20 - 40 Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
45% Chance of Crushing Blow
Repairs 1 Durability in 10 Seconds
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael 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
Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate
Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate
Focused Skills: 20 Fire Bolt, 20 Fire Ball, 20 Teleport, 20 Frozen Orb, 6 Ice Bolt
One-pointers: Warmth, Fire Mastery, Static Field, Telekinesis, Frost Nova, Blizzard, Ice Blast, Glacial Spike, Cold Mastery
Zero-pointers: Inferno, Blaze (from staffmods on Leaf runeword weapon, only used a few times)
Equipment:
Harlequin Crest (unique) shako (socketed with PTopaz)
Que-Hegan's Wisdom (unique) mage plate (socketed with PTopaz)
Magefist (unique) light gauntlets
Bladebuckle (unique) plated belt
Tancred's Hobnails (set) boots
Blood Gyre (rare) ring (dexterity, resists, GF, MF)
Rune Finger (rare) ring (strength, energy, mana, MF)
Tancred's Weird (set) amulet
Wizardspike (unique) bone knife
Lidless Wall (unique) grim shield
Leaf (runeword) war staff (+6 Fire Ball, +7 Inferno)
some charms (resists, mana, dexterity, GF, and one "Burning" skiller)
Mercenary gear:
Sealskull (unique) casque
Black Hades (unique) chaos armor (socketed with 3xPTopaz)
Hone Sundan (unique) yari (socketed with Amn and two Shael)
Thoughts:
(These are my observations; corrections and alternate opinions are welcome.)
I enjoyed early versions of Socialism's "orbitaller" ([orb] + [t]eleport + fire b[all]) guide. It's a fun and snarky read, was pinned in one of the old diabloii.net strategy forums, and was recommended at the time for an easy-to-play untwinked starter character that could be reasonably efficient at magic-finding and wealth-building. I think it was the only guide that ever recommended more than one point invested in Teleport; it recommended at least five. The extra teleport investment was supposed to reduce overall mana consumption when rapidly traveling to a targeted area. That way, a sorceress would still have plenty of mana left over upon arrival to cast Fire Balls and Frozen Orbs. Later game patches seemed to make monsters drop mana potions more often, and many players had success with a different magic farming method: spend fewer points in Teleport, drink potions after teleporting, kill enemies with stronger synergized Frozen Orbs, then pick up replacement blue potions. Such players would emphasize skill points in Cold Mastery and Ice Bolt rather than Teleport.
Rather than limit Teleport to one or five points, I decided this was my opportunity to try the maximum twenty skill points! With her +skills items, Telasa casts her Teleport spells at either skill level 23 or 24; these only cost two or one mana per cast. Her mana regeneration rate is strong enough that her mana pool actually grows larger after teleporting than it was before traveling, and even mana-burning monsters can't prevent her from immediately teleporting away from them. The guide recommended healthy amounts of faster hit recovery items (86% breakpoint for seven-frame recovery animation), so that orbitallers can quickly teleport away after getting hit. Telasa wears the customary Bladebuckle belt as her primary source of FHR (30%), along with her Que-Hegan's armor (another 20%), and these seemed sufficient.
Her newly maxed skills are Fire Bolt and Teleport, so now 15 of 30 sorceress skills have been maxed in this project. For most of Telasa's equipment and charm options, I chose to strengthen her fire skills rather than her Frozen Orbs. With her Leaf runeword, her Fire Ball missiles kill non-fire-immunes quite rapidly. Against lone targets, she spams decently-damaging Fire Bolts endlessly, without ever depleting her mana. She did not disappoint as a magic finder. While questing, she found some nice loot, my favorites of which were another Jade Talon and another Arachnid's Mesh. I think she falls just short of tournament competitiveness, but I expect I will continue to enjoy some casual magic finding runs with her.
Nice finds, including a Dwarf Star from quest diablo, another Stormshield from a frenzytaur, and two grailers, a Reaper's Toll and a Horizon's Tornado:
Started: 12 Sep 2022
Finished: 10 Feb 2023
Code:
Name: Shiksa
Class: Amazon
Experience: 957930441
Level: 83
Naked/Gear
Strength: 115/130
Dexterity: 140/155
Vitality: 235/235
Energy: 15/15
HP: 919/960
Mana: 138/183
Stamina: 381/401
Defense: 35/1767
AR: 670/40545
Fire: 104/64/4
Cold: 89/49/-11
Lightning: 102/62/2
Poison: 90/50/-10
MF: 0 Block: 21
GF: 71 FR/W: 50
FHR: 35 IAS: 70
FCR: 0
Magic Arrow: 0/0
Fire Arrow: 0/0
Cold Arrow: 20/29
Multiple Shot: 0/0
Exploding Arrow: 0/0
Ice Arrow: 20/29
Guided Arrow: 0/0
Strafe: 0/0
Immolation Arrow: 0/0
Freezing Arrow: 20/29
Inner Sight: 20/25
Critical Strike: 1/6
Dodge: 0/0
Slow Missiles: 1/6
Avoid: 0/0
Penetrate: 1/6
Decoy: 10/15
Evade: 0/0
Valkyrie: 0/0
Pierce: 1/6
Jab: 0/0
Power Strike: 0/0
Poison Javelin: 0/0
Impale: 0/0
Lightning Bolt: 0/0
Charged Strike: 0/0
Plague Javelin: 0/0
Fend: 0/0
Lightning Strike: 0/0
Lightning Fury: 0/0
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
M'avina's Tenet
Sharkskin Belt
Defense: 86
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xae226efc
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
5% Mana stolen per hit
+50 Defense
+5 to Light Radius
Set (4 items): Cold Resist +25%
Lightning Resist +25%
Fire Resist +25%
Poison Resist +25%
(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Amazon Skill Levels
+100 to Attack Rating
+100 Defense
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Viridian Small Charm of Incineration
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x814d0853
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 13 Fire Damage
Poison Resist +7%
Lapis Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0x8daf98ee
Item Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +6%
Crimson Small Charm of Winter
Small Charm
Required Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0xb41b8bc9
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 5 - 8 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Fire Resist +5%
Russet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xbeecb4ba
Item Level: 28
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +7%
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x236cdda5
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x9ba974d6
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x3a520ea
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fletcher's Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xbfb64e6d
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
+5 to Strength
Fletcher's Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x1e59e04f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
15% Extra Gold from Monsters
Fletcher's Grand Charm of Craftmanship
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x674aae06
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
+1 to Maximum Damage
Fletcher's Grand Charm of the Icicle
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x61eaefc7
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
Adds 2 - 4 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Key
Fingerprint: 0x5f7fd808
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Coral Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x1e007576
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Lightning Resist +8%
Snowy Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x3167ca1f
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 3 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Flaming Large Charm of Sustenance
Large Charm
Required Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x6f8202ac
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 20 - 39 Fire Damage
+21 to Life
Amber Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x55962863
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +11%
Shimmering Small Charm of Flame
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x742e8da6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Fire Damage
All Resistances +3
Garnet Small Charm of Frost
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x4893626a
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Fire Resist +9%
Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 146
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0x83684453
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+171% Enhanced Defense
+20 Maximum Stamina
Requirements -25%
+10 Maximum Durability
M'avina's True Sight
Diadem
Defense: 206
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 64
Fingerprint: 0x76e69205
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Increased Attack Speed
+150 Defense
Replenish Life +10
+25 to Mana
Set (2 items): +1 to All Skills
Set (3 items): 50% Bonus to Attack Rating
Set (4 items): Cold Resist +25%
Lightning Resist +25%
Fire Resist +25%
Poison Resist +25%
(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Amazon Skill Levels
+100 to Attack Rating
+100 Defense
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
M'avina's Embrace
Kraken Shell
Defense: 1197
Durability: 48 of 48
Required Level: 70
Required Strength: 22
Fingerprint: 0xd710a60c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Glacial Spike when struck
+2 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
+332 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+350 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 8
Requirements -30%
Set (3 items): +30% Faster Hit Recovery
(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Amazon Skill Levels
+100 to Attack Rating
+100 Defense
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
M'avina's Icy Clutch
Battle Gauntlets
Defense: 94
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 32
Required Strength: 88
Fingerprint: 0xdcda0281
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 18 Cold Damage Over 6 Secs (150 Frames)
+50 Defense
+10 to Strength
+15 to Dexterity
Half Freeze Duration
56% Extra Gold from Monsters
Set (4 items): Adds 131 - 252 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
Set (5 items): +20% to Cold Skill Damage
(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Amazon Skill Levels
+100 to Attack Rating
+100 Defense
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Corruption Talisman
Amulet
Required Level: 46
Fingerprint: 0x3c8ac827
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 4 Frost Nova when struck
+1 to Amazon Skill Levels
4% Mana stolen per hit
Hit Causes Monster to Flee 10%
Damage Reduced by 1
Attacker Takes Damage of 10
The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xc38eb282
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%
Manald Heal
Ring
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0xbdd583ac
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Mana stolen per hit
+20 to Life
Replenish Life +8
Regenerate Mana 20%
Wizendraw
Long Battle Bow
Two Hand Damage: 5 - 31
Durability: 40 of 44
Required Level: 26
Required Strength: 40
Required Dexterity: 50
Fingerprint: 0xf0c2a2e6
Item Level: 46
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Fires Magic Arrows
74% Enhanced Damage
+76 to Attack Rating
-35% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+15 to Energy
+30 to Mana
Cold Resist +26%
Arrows
Fingerprint: 0xab042c49
Item Level: 48
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Shiksa's Spirit Mask
Tiara
Defense: 50
Durability: 25 of 25
Required Level: 52
Fingerprint: 0xad52fd0b
Item Level: 48
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Amazon Skill Levels
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+5 to Maximum Damage
+19 to Energy
Cold Resist +16%
Shiksa's Hailstone Dart
Long Battle Bow
Two Hand Damage: 3 - 32
Durability: 25 of 44
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 32
Required Dexterity: 40
Fingerprint: 0xd6adc865
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
+14 to Maximum Damage
Adds 1 - 26 Lightning Damage
Adds 7 - 26 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Requirements -20%
Shiksa's Viper Greaves
Greaves
Defense: 26
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 19
Required Strength: 70
Fingerprint: 0xa6f1e480
Item Level: 54
Version: Expansion 1.10+
14% Chance to cast level 5 Charged Bolt when struck
+65% Enhanced Defense
+18 Maximum Stamina
Poison Resist +35%
Repairs 1 Durability in 33 Seconds
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
M'avina's Caster
Grand Matron Bow
Two Hand Damage: 7902 - 7903
Durability: 36 of 55
Required Level: 70
Required Strength: 108
Required Dexterity: 152
Fingerprint: 0xefdd6017
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Increased Attack Speed
Fires Magic Arrows
188% Enhanced Damage
+50 to Attack Rating
Set (2 items): Adds 114 - 377 Magic Damage
Set (3 items): 10% Chance to cast level 15 Nova on striking
Set (4 items): +2 to Bow and Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only)
(2 items): +20 to Strength
(3 items): +30 to Dexterity
+3 to Amazon Skill Levels
+100 to Attack Rating
+100 Defense
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Arrows
Fingerprint: 0x32945928
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Mercenary:
Name: Ahsab
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Def-Normal
Experience: 63677436
Level: 83
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 187/187
Dexterity: 151/151
HP: 1750/1775
Defense: 1288/2020
AR: 1952/1952
Fire: 150/110/50
Cold: 150/110/50
Lightning: 150/110/50
Poison: 150/110/50
Iron Pelt
Trellised Armor
Defense: 480
Durability: 26 of 157
Required Level: 33
Required Strength: 61
Fingerprint: 0xca74ba90
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+50% Enhanced Defense
+249 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+25 to Life
Damage Reduced by 17
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
+125 Maximum Durability
Vampire Gaze
Grim Helm
Defense: 252
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x4b0ee139
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 6 - 22 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
8% Mana stolen per hit
6% Life stolen per hit
+100% Enhanced Defense
15% Slower Stamina Drain
Damage Reduced by 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 53 - 622
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 107
Required Dexterity: 81
Fingerprint: 0x19b9aad5
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
195% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (10 Frames)
13% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
Ethereal
Focused Skills: 20 Inner Sight, 20 Cold Arrow, 20 Ice Arrow, 20 Freezing Arrow, 10 Decoy (This makes 14 of 30 amazon skills maxed.)
One-pointers: Slow Missiles, Critical Strike, Penetrate, Pierce
Zero-pointers: With the complete set, normal attack with M'avina's Caster shoots level 1 Magic Arrows instead, and Wizendraw's normal attack shoots level 5 Magic Arrows instead. Used a lot.
Equipment:
M'avina's True Sight (set) diadem
M'avina's Embrace (set) kraken shell
M'avina's Icy Clutch (set) battle gauntlets
M'avina's Tenet (set) sharkskin belt
Gore Rider (unique) war boots
Manald Heal (unique) ring
The Stone of Jordan (unique) ring
Corruption Talisman (hit-power crafted) amulet (+1 zon skills, mana steal, 10% hit causes moster to flee)
M'avina's Caster (set)
Wizendraw (unique) long battle bow (-35% enemy cold resist)
some charms (resists, elemental damage, life, and four "Fletcher's" skillers)
Ahsab's mercenary gear:
Vampire Gaze (unique) grim helm
Iron Pelt (unique) trellised armor
The Reaper's Toll (ethereal unique) thresher
Thoughts:
I had thought about building a "cold rogue wannabe," copying the act 1 mercenary's skills (Inner Sight and Cold Arrow) and maxing Ice Arrow for its damage synergy. But when I found the complete M'avina's Battle Hymn set and decided to try it out, I went ahead and maxed Freezing Arrow as well. She had four cold damage charms in her backpack, and they turned out to be sufficient to extend chill and freeze durations comfortably enough, even in Hell difficulty.
Inner Sight is a great little spell. The attack rating tooltip pop-ups on the LCS often showed numbers between 50% to 60% chances to hit, but after casting Inner Sight, it sure looked like sparkly monsters were getting hit with at least nine out of every ten arrows.
The game tried to treat Shiksa as poorly as her name suggests - she died several times to "stair trap" mobs, including wailing beasts at the Forgotten Tomb entrance and frenzytaur death lords at the Throne of Destruction entrance. But she persevered.
Next up: I'm inclined to keep Yanina the rapid trapper where she is (hell act 3) and let her shop and craft some more. Relick the reviver has advanced to hell act 4's river of flame, so I expect I'll write his patriarch report here relatively soon. When that happens, another sept will be complete. Then... another sept, of course. I decided I would start the next seven all at once:
She is named after a bird species -- specifically, a variety of African finches. I'm planning a "Gendarme" martial arts build for her, featuring the entry-level skills Tiger Strike and Dragon Talon.
She is named after an ancient Greek city, supposedly the place where the "Myrmidions" trained or billeted or something. I want her to Fend.
Orsini is the name of an old family of Italian nobility. I think he will try a Leap Attack build.
Nearch is one of the named craters of our moon, named after an ancient Greek explorer. I'm thinking he'll be a golemancer.
"Manque" is an old epithet for someone that chooses not to pursue a goal or ambition that everyone else expected him to go for. Not sure yet what I'll do with him.
She's named after a small village in northwestern Minnesota, noted as the place where a young woman was frozen after being exposed to cold weather for six hours, yet survived and recovered. I think Lengby thus befits a "cold armor" sorceress, probably a melee build.
Kibble is a common term for "coarse pellets of animal feedstock." With that name, I think he needs to be a pet summoner and hunter.
Thoughts:
I was concerned that I would have a difficult time maintaining an army of twenty revives before the timer expired, but @Maltatai's advice was proved correct. (For this character, attract was his nice safe way to start collecting revivable corpses.) I would start by visitng Cold Plains to quickly raise nine necroskeletons, a golem, and perhaps a necromage or two, and then bring those summons to wherever I was questing. Once there, I usually just made Relick spam some amplify curses, and then start reviving monsters as soon as they dropped (except perhaps to replace a fallen necroskeleton when necessary, which wasn't often). Generally, Relick had recruited his maximum complement of 23 or 24 revives within a minute or two. If he kept on reviving, that number wouldn't drop. If he switched to exploding corpses, a few revives might expire, but were easy enough to replace. If he had to run a screen-distance away, half or two-thirds of his revives would evaporate, but the necroskeletons and remaining revives were aptly capable of providing more corpses to revive, and soon enough Relick had 23 again.
Thanks to level 23 or higher Summon Resist, all of Relick's pets were protected form two-thirds (67%) of every monster's elemental or poison damage, which I'm sure helped his revives almost always stay around for their full three minute tours-of-duty, and also made the necroskeletons pleasantly tanky.
Making Relick equip all three pieces of the Naj's Ancient Vestige set was also a great help. With a generous pool of more than 500 mana, more than 75% mana regeneration, and five mana after each kill, he never needed to swallow a blue potion. Even if a monster burned away all of Relick's mana, he only had to wait almost four seconds to regenerate the 45 mana points needed to cast another revive spell. As long as corpses could be produced at that rate, that still let him revive 23 corpses in two minutes. For those times when he needed to travel and not risk having some nice revives go poof, teleport charges on Naj's Puzzler were a reasonably inexpensive way to bring the whole army along somewhere. But usually teleport was only necessary when I wanted to bring a carefully curated platoon of heavy-hitting revives to an important battle, like a superunique or an act boss. The Ancients, under an aplify or decreipify curse, took about five minutes to defeat. Fortunately the necroskeletons were plenty capable of finishing the job after the revives all went back to their nap time after the first three minutes of the battle.
I only regret over-investing in vitality and under-investing in dexterity, because Naj's Puzzler is also a very capable melee weapon. Poor Relick only struck with one out of every five or six swings, so he wasn't very effective at helping his minions produce more corpses.
Relick summoned lots of clay and blood golems, but if there was anything metal lying around, Relick preferred to morph that into an iron golem. Most of the time, the golem only lasted for a few battles. A large fraction of Relick's disposable iron golems came from low quality items (damaged, crude, cracked), serving the purpose of keeping a golem around with the rest of the army until a nicer magic or rare elite metal item became available. Magic-item iron golems would persist for a few more battles, but since I wasn't willing to spend more than one skill point in any golem skill, even elite magic armors with godly mods weren't sufficient to keep any iron golem alive forever. Not a problem, they still proved useful.
That's 34 heroes completed. I'm counting it as "almost" five septs, pending the assassin Yanini, who is still holding back for more shopping and crafting. Sometime soon I'll post an update to the skills checklist, but it will probably be quite a while before I put another Mat/Pat "boast post" into this little thread.
Glad to hear you could make revive work conveniently for you. This is such a crowd of cool characters, I will make a point of reading through it thoroughly later.
Also, ...must...resist...making stupid pun about Naj's nice things...
Heh - thanks, Maltatai. I don't even know how to pronounce Naj. I can think of at least five different sounds that various languages represent with the letter J. Each one lends itself to a different knee-slapping pun. (Naj, Naj! -- Who's There? -- Naj! -- Naj who? -- Naj out all its teleport charges, gieb Ort for repair plz kthx bye)
Code:
Amazon, 14/30:
Jab x Cold Arrow x Inner Sight
Impale x Ice Arrow x Slow Missiles
Fend x Freezing Arrow x Decoy
Power Strike Magic Arrow x Valkyrie
x Charged Strike Multiple Shot Dodge
x Lightning Strike Guided Arrow Avoid
Poison Javelin x Strafe x Evade
x Lightning Bolt Fire Arrow x Critical Strike
Plague Javelin Exploding Arrow Penetrate
x Lightning Fury Immolation Arrow Pierce
Assassin, 13/30:
Fists of Fire Burst of Speed Shock Web
Claws of Thunder Fade Charged Bolt Sentry
x Blades of Ice x Venom x Lightning Sentry
Tiger Strike x Claw Mastery x Death Sentry
Cobra Strike Weapon Block Fire Blast
x Phoneix Strike x Shadow Warrior x Wake of Fire
Dragon Talon x Shadow Master x Wake of Inferno
x Dragon Claw Psychic Hammer Blade Sentinel
Dragon Tail x Cloak of Shadows x Blade Fury
Dragon Flight Mind Blast Blade Shield
Barbarian, 18/30:
x Howl x Sword Mastery Leap
x Taunt x Axe Mastery Leap Attack
Battle Cry Mace Mastery Whirlwind
x War Cry x Pole Arm Mastery x Bash
x Shout x Throwing Mastery x Stun
Battle Orders x Spear Mastery x Concentrate
Battle Command Increased Stamina x Berserk
Find Potion x Increased Speed x Double Swing
Find Item x Iron Skin x Double Throw
Grim Ward Natural Resists x Frenzy
Druid, 18/30:
x Fire Storm x Werewolf x Oak Sage
x Molten Boulder x Feral Rage x Heart of Wolverine
x Fissure Rabies x Spirit of Barbs
x Volcano Fury Raven
Armageddon x Lycanthropy Spirit Wolf
Arctic Blast x Fire Claws x Dire Wolf
Cyclone Armor Hunger x Grizzly
Twister x Werebear Poison Creeper
Tornado x Maul x Carrion Vine
Hurricane x Shock Wave x Solar Creeper
Necromancer, 15/30:
x Skeleton Mastery x Poison Dagger Dim Vision
x Golem Mastery x Poison Explosion Confuse
x Summon Resist x Poison Nova Attract
Clay Golem x Teeth Amplify Damage
Blood Golem x Corpse Explosion Iron Maiden
Iron Golem x Bone Spear Life Tap
Fire Golem x Bone Spirit x Lower Resist
x Raise Skeleton Bone Armor Weaken
x Skeletal Mage Bone Wall Terror
x Revive x Bone Prison Decrepify
Paladin, 18/30:
Prayer Might x Sacrifice
Cleansing x Blessed Aim x Zeal
Meditation x Concentration x Vengeance
Defiance x Fanaticism x Conversion
x Vigor x Holy Fire x Holy Bolt
Redemption x Holy Freeze x Blessed Hammer
x Resist Fire x Holy Shock x Fist of the Heavens
x Resist Cold Thorns Smite
x Resist Lightning Sanctuary Charge
x Salvation Conviction Holy Shield
Sorceress, 15/30:
Frost Nova Static Field x Inferno
x Blizzard Nova Blaze
x Frozen Orb Thunder Storm Fire Wall
Ice Bolt Charged Bolt x Fire Bolt
x Ice Blast x Lightning x Fire Ball
x Glacial Spike x Chain Lightning x Meteor
Freezing Armor Telekinesis Warmth
Shiver Armor x Teleport Enchant
Chilling Armor Energy Shield x Hydra
x Cold Mastery x Lightning Mastery x Fire Mastery
I've never found Naj's Light Plate nor Silkweave, and I don't recall ever using Gloom's Trap or Carin Shard, so I had to look up the properties of these items. After one "Oh, I see!" moment after another, I realized that this is one of the most elegantly equipped for purpose characters I've ever read about. Kudos!
The identically named jewels in the merc's weapon are a chef's kiss touch.
Holy Geminids, Batman! Identically named stones! I didn't even notice when I put them in that rare ogre axe! I was focused on getting that -15% requirements attribute, because otherwise a town guard needs to advance to a rather high experience level to carry an ogre axe. I also wanted the weapon to have several other mercenary friendlly weapon mods.
Haseen is pleased that you noticed, and wants to exhibit his prize polearm:
(Okay, I admit that the jewels' matching colors was intentional. I try to keep that aesthetic with all of my jewel-decorated socketed items. But I'm still astounded that they also shared rare jewel names, and I would have never noticed without your pointing it out, @Zyr!)
Pretty treasures included a TC3 from normal Andy, a unique jewel from quest Meph, and another Reaper's from quest Baal:
Started: 10 Feb 2023
Finished: 11 May 2023
Code:
Name: Quelea
Class: Assassin
Experience: 953948533
Level: 83
Naked/Gear
Strength: 175/201
Dexterity: 125/171
Vitality: 185/185
Energy: 25/30
HP: 769/922
Mana: 148/297
Stamina: 403/403
Defense: 31/1569
AR: 100000589/100001245
Fire: 92/52/-8
Cold: 86/46/-14
Lightning: 109/69/9
Poison: 76/36/-24
MF: 48 Block: 69
GF: 16 FR/W: 30
FHR: 59 IAS: 40
FCR: 0
Fire Blast: 0/0
Shock Web: 0/0
Blade Sentinel: 0/0
Charged Bolt Sentry: 0/0
Wake of Fire: 0/0
Blade Fury: 0/0
Lightning Sentry: 0/0
Wake of Inferno: 0/0
Death Sentry: 0/0
Blade Shield: 0/0
Claw Mastery: 1/5
Psychic Hammer: 1/5
Burst of Speed: 1/5
Weapon Block: 1/5
Cloak of Shadows: 1/5
Fade: 1/5
Shadow Warrior: 1/5
Mind Blast: 7/11
Venom: 0/0
Shadow Master: 20/24
Tiger Strike: 20/24
Dragon Talon: 20/24
Fists of Fire: 0/0
Dragon Claw: 0/0
Cobra Strike: 20/24
Claws of Thunder: 0/0
Dragon Tail: 0/0
Blades of Ice: 0/0
Dragon Flight: 0/0
Phoenix Strike: 0/0
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xccbe688c
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Foul Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x3dd519d9
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 50 Poison Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
8% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shogukusha's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf7b1b05c
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
Static Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x2dcca9c1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Adds 1 - 10 Lightning Damage
Static Small Charm of Thunder
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xf8cb898c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 24 Lightning Damage
Foul Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xc305e0ec
Item Level: 54
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 50 Poison Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+2 to Strength
Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbcfc3cc4
Item Level: 61
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Small Charm of Winter
Small Charm
Required Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0x76be2e7c
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 5 - 9 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Stalwart Small Charm of Thunder
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x634fa946
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 17 Lightning Damage
+28 Defense
Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x1b7a6acb
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +10%
Small Charm of the Glacier
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0xe3ac4809
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 3 - 6 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Emerald Small Charm of Greed
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xb02e275d
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +11%
8% Extra Gold from Monsters
Foul Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xc8680228
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 50 Poison Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+2 to Dexterity
Arcing Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x9cebff48
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 26 Lightning Damage
Fine Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0x95d65b5f
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Maximum Damage
+12 to Attack Rating
+1 to Strength
Smoking Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0xb7bc0342
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 9 - 13 Fire Damage
+14 to Life
Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x9ac19c75
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 28 Lightning Damage
Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x6e4301c1
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 28 Lightning Damage
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x9e8868f7
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Sapphire Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xee3d8a16
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +10%
Metalgrid
Amulet
Required Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x6c2b5356
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+414 to Attack Rating
+336 Defense
All Resistances +25
Level 22 Iron Golem (11/11 Charges)
Level 12 Iron Maiden (20/20 Charges)
Mentalist's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x9beac877
Item Level: 58
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+17 to Life
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x61e418af
Item Level: 12
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Quelea's Shadow Emblem
Kite Shield
Defense: 18
Chance to Block: 28
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 10
Required Strength: 47
Fingerprint: 0x6a85043f
Item Level: 22
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
+5 to Mana
Attacker Takes Damage of 3
Quelea's Carrion Claw
Scissors Katar
One Hand Damage: 14 - 37
Durability: 204 of 204
Required Level: 9
Required Strength: 47
Required Dexterity: 47
Fingerprint: 0xc61a6b81
Item Level: 22
Version: Expansion 1.10+
40% Enhanced Damage
Adds 2 - 14 Damage
+18 to Attack Rating
4% Mana stolen per hit
Poison Resist +6%
Requirements -15%
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Cinnabar Jewel of Wrath
Socketed: Rusty Jewel of Freedom
Cinnabar Jewel of Wrath
Jewel
Required Level: 8
Fingerprint: 0xcadc5aea
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
Rusty Jewel of Freedom
Jewel
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0x18c75faa
Item Level: 14
Version: Expansion 1.10+
16% Enhanced Damage
Requirements -15%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Greater Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +180
Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 35%
Replenishes Health 35%
Quelea's Shadow Clasp
Mithril Coil
Defense: 129
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 78
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x2a60e310
Item Level: 74
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Life stolen per hit
10% Chance of Open Wounds
+96% Enhanced Defense
+13 to Strength
+19 to Life
Cold Resist +11%
Fire Resist +17%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Ondal's Almighty
Spired Helm
Defense: 207
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 16
Fingerprint: 0x1ce46d74
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Weaken on striking
+24% Faster Hit Recovery
+50 Defense
+10 to Strength
+15 to Dexterity
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Requirements -40%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
(2 items): Heal Stamina Plus 50%
(3 items): Replenish Life +20
(4 items): Adds 30 - 30 Fire Damage
+2 to All Skills
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
Cannot Be Frozen
+5 to Light Radius
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Haemosu's Adamant
Cuirass
Defense: 701
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 23
Fingerprint: 0x6196f296
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+500 Defense
+40 Defense vs. Melee
+35 Defense vs. Missile
+75 to Life
24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Requirements -20%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
(2 items): Heal Stamina Plus 50%
(3 items): Replenish Life +20
(4 items): Adds 30 - 30 Fire Damage
+2 to All Skills
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
Cannot Be Frozen
+5 to Light Radius
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Ghoul Scratch
Battle Cestus
One Hand Damage: 36 - 42
Durability: 72 of 72
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 110
Required Dexterity: 110
Fingerprint: 0xfe72856d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 342 Lightning Damage
Adds 50 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+3 to Death Sentry (Assassin Only)
Smoking Wrist Sword
Wrist Sword
One Hand Damage: 34 - 45
Durability: 56 of 56
Required Level: 46
Required Strength: 105
Required Dexterity: 105
Fingerprint: 0x9c8bf79
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 55 - 125 Fire Damage
+3 to Death Sentry (Assassin Only)
+1 to Mind Blast (Assassin Only)
+1 to Lightning Sentry (Assassin Only)
Grim Finger
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 79
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x5d3a23f1
Item Level: 74
Version: Expansion 1.10+
14% Chance to cast level 5 Charged Bolt when struck
+2 to Martial Art Skills (Assassin Only)
6% Life stolen per hit
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
+20% Enhanced Defense
+11 to Life
The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xd6b7e37f
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%
Stone Gyre
Ring
Required Level: 70
Fingerprint: 0x898c783d
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Life stolen per hit
+5 to Energy
+29 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 8%
All Resistances +10
Lightning Resist +14%
Shadow Dancer
Myrmidon Greaves
Defense: 143
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 71
Required Strength: 167
Fingerprint: 0xc394abef
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+99% Enhanced Defense
+23 to Dexterity
Requirements -20%
Dangoon's Teaching
Reinforced Mace
One Hand Damage: 269 - 1451
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 68
Required Strength: 145
Required Dexterity: 46
Fingerprint: 0xc6c0d0a8
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Frost Nova on striking
+40% Increased Attack Speed
35% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+124 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 20 - 30 Fire Damage
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Bliss
(2 items): Heal Stamina Plus 50%
(3 items): Replenish Life +20
(4 items): Adds 30 - 30 Fire Damage
+2 to All Skills
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
Cannot Be Frozen
+5 to Light Radius
Ruby Jewel of Bliss
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x5aa018e8
Item Level: 70
Version: Expansion 1.10+
35% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
Taebaek's Glory
Ward
Defense: 268
Chance to Block: 49
Durability: 78 of 100
Required Level: 81
Required Strength: 185
Fingerprint: 0x696a7efc
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+30% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+112 Defense
+6 to Dexterity
+100 to Mana
Lightning Resist +30%
Attacker Takes Damage of 30
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ivory Jewel of Daring
(2 items): Heal Stamina Plus 50%
(3 items): Replenish Life +20
(4 items): Adds 30 - 30 Fire Damage
+2 to All Skills
Cold Resist +50%
Lightning Resist +50%
Fire Resist +50%
Poison Resist +50%
Cannot Be Frozen
+5 to Light Radius
Ivory Jewel of Daring
Jewel
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0xd0303de0
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+62 Defense
+6 to Dexterity
Mercenary:
Name: Haseen
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 69471978
Level: 83
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 183/183
Dexterity: 147/187
HP: 1687/1737
Defense: 1245/2468
AR: 1889/2101
Fire: 180/140/80
Cold: 147/107/47
Lightning: 147/107/47
Poison: 193/153/93
Atma's Wail
Embossed Plate
Defense: 907
Durability: 105 of 105
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 125
Fingerprint: 0xeb8a94dd
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+144% Enhanced Defense
+166 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+15 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +10
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
20% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+50 Maximum Durability
Crown of Thieves
Grand Crown
Defense: 316
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0xd47a4019
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
9% Life stolen per hit
+178% Enhanced Defense
+25 to Dexterity
+50 to Life
+35 to Mana
Fire Resist +33%
89% Extra Gold from Monsters
Viperfork
Mancatcher
Two Hand Damage: 131 - 287
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 71
Required Strength: 132
Required Dexterity: 134
Fingerprint: 0xbf559305
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 9 Poison Explosion on striking
+50% Increased Attack Speed
212% Enhanced Damage
+212 to Attack Rating
Adds 325 Poison Damage Over 10 Secs (250 Frames)
Poison Resist +46%
Focused Skills: 20 Tiger Strike, 20 Cobra Strike, 20 Dragon Talon, 20 Shadow Master, 7 Mind Blast
One-pointers: Burst of Speed, Fade, Claw Mastery, Weapon Block, Shadow Warrior, Psychic Hammer, Cloak of Shadows
Zero-pointer: Death Sentry (claws on weapon switch, used often)
Equipped:
Ondal's Almighty (set) spired helm (socketed with PTopaz)
Haemosu's Adamant (set) cuirass (socketed with PTopaz)
Grim Finger (crafted) vampirebone gloves (+2 martial arts, 6% life steal, 10% crushing blow)
Shadow Clasp (crafted) mithril coil (1% life steal, 10% open wounds, 13 strength, cold/lightning resists)
Shadow Dancer (unique) myrmidion greaves
Metalgrid (unique) amulet
The Stone of Jordan (unique) ring
Stone Gyre (crafted) ring (6% life steal, resists, and caster craft attributes)
Dangoon's Teaching (set) reinforced mace (socketed with magic jewel, +35% enhanced damage/+9 min damage)
Taebaek's Glory (set) ward (socketed with magic jewel, +62 defense/+6 dexterity)
Ghoul Scratch (rare) battle cestus (+3 Death Sentry, 40% IAS, lighting/poison damage)
Smoking (magic) wrist sword (+3 Death Sentry, fire damage)
charms: life, resists, elemental and poison damage, and two skillers (one Mentalist's, one Shogukusha's)
Haseen's mercenary gear:
Crown of Thieves (unique) grand crown
Atma's Wail (unique) embossed plate
Viperfork (unique) mancatcher
Thoughts:
When I restarted back in 2020, my first assassin was a dancer named Tulle. She received just 18 points in Dragon Talon, which was was sufficient to give her four quick kicks per attack. When I wanted to make Tulle fight, I would hold down the right mouse button, and she would just keep kicking until I let go of the button.
By contrast, Quelea is my first assassin ever to get the full twenty point investment into Dragon Talon. Instead of just kicking, she would also use Talon in its finishing move role to release maxed Tiger- and Cobra-Strike charges. (My assassin maxed skills tally is now 16/30.) For crowd control, she relied on her might-aura mercenary, a summoned Shadow Master, and some Mind Blasts. She also dropped many Death Sentry traps to help accelerate her kills. Kicking occasionally with Cobra Strike charges was a novel way to keep the red and blue bulbs full, but I don't think it was that much more effective than just sipping on potions.
Of all the characters that could possibly be built around the Heaven's Brethren set, I think this one might be the most effective. The Dangoon's Teaching mace swings very fast and hits frequently, so it's a good weapon for quickly getting charge-ups primed for Dragon Talon finishing attacks. She had 69% blocking with the Taebaek's Glory shield, with only the modest dexterity necessary to carry an elite claw on switch. The rest of the set provides plenty of other helpful mods, such as fast life replenish, +skills, frequent Weaken curse procs, cannot be frozen, and best of all, increased resistances. With her single point in Fade, Heaven's Brethren helped her achieve 75% elemental resists and 74% poison resist in Hell difficulty! All four Heaven's Brethren items can be socketed by Larzuk, so I used the rewards of all three of Quelea's Shenk quests, and a fourth Shenk quest on another character, to make sure he punched a useful hole in each.
I also found a thematic connection that seems right for a kicker. The Heaven's Brethren items were named after famous ancient Koreans. Taekwondo, which means "hand and foot art" in the Korean language, is a visually appealing fighting style noted for its large variety of foot strike techniques and other leg maneuvers.
I had originally intended to upgrade some Gore Riders for Quelea's end-game boot weapon. The extra crushing blow probably would have been nice, but the Shadow Dancer boots kick just as hard, and I wanted the boost to shadow skills for effective Mind Blasts, a stronger Shadow Master, and to help get those max resists with Fade.
Next up:
My jabber/fender amazon is level 82, and has advanced to Hell act 3.
My level 70 golemancer and my level 74 leap-attacker are each questing in Hell Act 1.
My smiter paladin is level 58 in Nightmare act 3.
My cold-armor sorceress is level 42 in Normal act 5.
My druid summoner has yet to begin Normal act 1.
(And my level 69 rapid trapper continues her shopping and crafting spree in Hell acts 1, 2 and 3!)
Name: Phthia
Class: Amazon
Experience: 1025270592
Level: 84
Naked/Gear
Strength: 120/140
Dexterity: 160/204
Vitality: 215/215
Energy: 15/28
HP: 861/883
Mana: 139/188
Stamina: 362/362
Defense: 40/1481
AR: 770/1185
Fire: 128/88/28
Cold: 102/62/2
Lightning: 128/88/28
Poison: 119/79/19
MF: 85 Block: 28
GF: 0 FR/W: 39
FHR: 30 IAS: 20
FCR: 0
Magic Arrow: 0/0
Fire Arrow: 0/0
Cold Arrow: 0/0
Multiple Shot: 0/0
Exploding Arrow: 0/0
Ice Arrow: 0/0
Guided Arrow: 0/0
Strafe: 0/0
Immolation Arrow: 0/0
Freezing Arrow: 0/0
Inner Sight: 1/2
Critical Strike: 12/13
Dodge: 0/0
Slow Missiles: 1/2
Avoid: 0/0
Penetrate: 20/21
Decoy: 20/21
Evade: 0/0
Valkyrie: 0/0
Pierce: 0/0
Jab: 20/26
Power Strike: 0/0
Poison Javelin: 0/0
Impale: 1/7
Lightning Bolt: 0/0
Charged Strike: 0/0
Plague Javelin: 0/0
Fend: 20/26
Lightning Strike: 0/0
Lightning Fury: 0/0
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xc4bcf209
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Harpoonist's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x14258510
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
Acrobatic Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x6b3a9519
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Passive and Magic Skills (Amazon Only)
Crimson Small Charm of Pestilence
Small Charm
Required Level: 24
Fingerprint: 0xb63d502e
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 25 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Fire Resist +4%
Crimson Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xf83f1715
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +5%
Small Charm of Pestilence
Small Charm
Required Level: 24
Fingerprint: 0x95be04d
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 25 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Bronze Small Charm of Pestilence
Small Charm
Required Level: 24
Fingerprint: 0x5bd54a77
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Attack Rating
Adds 25 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xf288064a
Item Level: 42
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Small Charm of Winter
Small Charm
Required Level: 38
Fingerprint: 0xa4a692d3
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 5 - 7 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Crimson Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x8e2e0f1b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +3%
Azure Small Charm of Fire
Small Charm
Required Level: 15
Fingerprint: 0xefed3c70
Item Level: 36
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 3 Fire Damage
Cold Resist +3%
Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0x3c1a2be7
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Small Charm of Burning
Small Charm
Required Level: 24
Fingerprint: 0x156de178
Item Level: 70
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 4 - 5 Fire Damage
Key
Fingerprint: 0x6be449dd
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x7653668f
Item Level: 67
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Cobalt Small Charm of Frost
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x6a0f5177
Item Level: 44
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Cold Resist +9%
Garnet Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x848a5216
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +8%
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x7ef9e2f5
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x95b417f
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
The Cat's Eye
Amulet
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x90926237
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+100 Defense
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+25 to Dexterity
Smoke
Great Hauberk
NefLum
Defense: 866
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 56
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0xd68f89fe
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+75% Enhanced Defense
+280 Defense vs. Missile
+10 to Energy
All Resistances +50
-1 to Light Radius
Level 6 Weaken (18/18 Charges)
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Nef Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune
Nef Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Knockback
Armor: +30 Defense vs. Missile
Shields: +30 Defense vs. Missile
Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy
Grim Touch
Ring
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x564b2edc
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5 to Minimum Damage
8% Life stolen per hit
Replenish Life +9
Lightning Resist +19%
Poison Resist +29%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xd4e51b8a
Item Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+176 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+19 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen
Loath Fringe
Mithril Coil
Defense: 60
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 56
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x35ad8445
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Charged Bolt when struck
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+20 to Strength
+9 to Mana
Fire Resist +18%
Goblin Toe
Light Plated Boots
Defense: 33
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 22
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x754ad05c
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
25% Chance of Crushing Blow
+50% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 1
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
-1 to Light Radius
Doom Claw
Gauntlets
Defense: 21
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 60
Fingerprint: 0xb7387589
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
+15 to Attack Rating
+32% Enhanced Defense
Replenish Life +3
Lightning Resist +5%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+1 to Light Radius
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Phthia's Viper Branch
Glaive
Throw Damage: 34 - 39
One Hand Damage: 15 - 30
Quantity: 40
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 52
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x4751fd44
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Increased Attack Speed
80% Enhanced Damage
+6 to Minimum Damage
+87 to Attack Rating
Adds 7 - 11 Fire Damage
Cold Resist +10%
Phthia's Brimstone Spur
Heavy Boots
Defense: 6
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 16
Required Strength: 18
Fingerprint: 0x4752199f
Item Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Phthia's Grim Circlet
Armet
Defense: 294
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 109
Fingerprint: 0xdd62e48e
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+96% Enhanced Defense
+3 to Energy
Lightning Resist +14%
48% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Socketed: Perfect Topaz
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Stoneraven
Matriarchal Spear
Two Hand Damage: 256 - 375
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 142
Fingerprint: 0xe0394ad8
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
295% Enhanced Damage
Adds 101 - 187 Magic Damage
Adds 4 - 16 Fire Damage
+555 Defense
All Resistances +41
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Fire
Ruby Jewel of Fire
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xe76cf1e2
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
38% Enhanced Damage
Adds 4 - 16 Fire Damage
Thunderstroke
Matriarchal Javelin
Throw Damage: 94 - 178
One Hand Damage: 81 - 145
Quantity: 80
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 107
Required Dexterity: 151
Fingerprint: 0x544a2570
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 14 Lightning on striking
+2 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
+15% Increased Attack Speed
170% Enhanced Damage
Adds 1 - 511 Lightning Damage
-15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+3 to Lightning Bolt (Amazon Only)
Bitter Tower
Blade Barrier
Defense: 156
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 83 of 83
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0xefc1ec23
Item Level: 76
Version: Expansion 1.10+
2% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Strength
+14 to Life
All Resistances +10
Lightning Resist +30%
Fire Resist +19%
Attacker Takes Damage of 5
Mercenary:
Name: Ilzan
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 71974446
Level: 84
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 184/194
Dexterity: 148/148
HP: 1727/1755
Defense: 1274/2264
AR: 1898/1898
Fire: 170/130/70
Cold: 164/124/64
Lightning: 148/108/48
Poison: 148/108/48
Beast Visage
Death Mask
Defense: 234
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xd2976c6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
14% Chance to cast level 5 Nova when struck
+169% Enhanced Defense
+28 to Life
Cold Resist +16%
Fire Resist +7%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Toothrow
Sharktooth Armor
Defense: 756
Durability: 43 of 63
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0xaa6d9acd
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
40% Chance of Open Wounds
+170% Enhanced Defense
+57 Defense
+10 to Strength
Fire Resist +15%
Attacker Takes Damage of 37
+15 Maximum Durability
Hone Sundan
Yari
Two Hand Damage: 100 - 204
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 101
Fingerprint: 0x8b5f5c01
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Increased Attack Speed
178% Enhanced Damage
Adds 20 - 40 Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
45% Chance of Crushing Blow
Repairs 1 Durability in 10 Seconds
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael 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
Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate
Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate
Focused Skills: 20 Fend, 20 Jab, 20 Decoy, 20 Penetrate, 12 Critical Strike. (Seventeen of the thirty amazon skills have now been maxed.)
One-pointers: Impale, Inner Sight, Slow Missiles - each used a few times early game, but rarely thereafter.
Equipped:
Grim Circlet (rare) armet (enhanced defense, lightning resist, soceted with 2xPTopaz)
Smoke (runeword) great hauberk
Doom Claw (rare) gauntlets (+2 J&S skills, enhanced defense, life replenish, 25% MF)
Loath Fringe (rare) mithril coil (10% FHR, 20 strength, mana, fire resist)
Goblin Toe (unique) light plated boots
The Cat's Eye (unique) amulet
Grim Touch (rare) ring (life leech, life replenish, resists, MF)
Raven Frost (unique) ring
Thunderstroke (unique) matriarchal javelin
Bitter Tower (crafted) blade barrier (2% life leech, strength, resists)
Stoneraven (unique) matriarchal spear
Ilzan's Mercenary Gear:
Beast Visage (rare) death mask (14% ctc nova, 169% enhanced defense, 28 life, resists)
Toothrow (unique) sharktooth armor
Hone Sundan (unique) yari (socketed with Amn, Shael, Shael)
Thoughts:
Difficult character to play, but very fun. Other classes have similar "multiple attack" melee skills (double swing, zeal, fury). Those automatically attack the same enemy multiple times when no other is in melee range, and attack multiple enemies otherwise. When used together, Jab and Fend require more attention, but provide more control.
Jab always triple-attacks the same foe, no matter what else is nearby. Her javelins added lightning damage and her spear added magic damage, and when fighting physical immunes, it was nice to watch those extra damage types happen with all three jabs during just one attack.
Fend attacks only once if there's just one enemy in range, but even then inflicts rather strong damage. When fightning flayers and rat-men, it was fun to start a Fend cycle and watch it continue. I once watched it take out eight flayers with just one click. However, when swarmed by undead flayers and stygian dolls, Fend is absolutely scary. I did manage to keep her alive during one such encounter, but only by panic-tapping a full rejuvenation potion hot-key four times during a couple of Fend cycles, which I'm sure was the fastest I have ever depleted a column of belt potions.
The Thunderstroke javelins were useful against magic immunes, and in melee combat, they seemed to attack faster and do more damage per second than the Stoneraven spear. They also let her defend with her blood-crafted shield, which had a nice block rate, never lower than about 68%. Regardless, for almost all enemies throughout Hell difficulty, I preferred attacking with the spear. I was genuinely surprised at how much I learned to enjoy positioning decoys beside enemies before stabbing them at spear range! In item stat tables I that found, the "range adder" attribute for matriarchal javelins is reported to be 3 2, and for matriarchal spears is 4. I'm not completely certain about how the range adder gameplay mechanics work, but I believe it means that my amazon can attack from one two "terrain tiles" farther away with her spear than with her javelins. What a difference that extra range makes! There's great safety in poking at baddies from over a decoy's shoulder. That safety diminished when Phthia switched to javelin/shield, because the decreased attack range put her just close enough to enemies, that they would frequently stop targeting the decoy and begin targeting my heroine instead.
Equipped:
Arreat's Face (unique) slayer guard
Lionheart (runeword) sacred armor
Soul Knuckle (crafted) war gauntlets (IAS, enhanced defense, cold resist)
Eagle Clasp (crafted) mesh belt (life, FHR, 10% open wounds)
Goblin Toe (unique) light plated boots
The Mahim-Oak Curio (unique) amulet
Bitter Touch (rare) ring (attack rating, 9 min damage, 9 strength, fire/poison resists)
Raven Frost (unique) ring
Passion (runeword) legendary mallet
Stormshield (unique) monarch (socketed with PDiamond)
Windhammer (unique) ogre maul
assorted charms: elemental damage, attack rating, mana, MF, an Expert's skiller, a Fanatic skiller, and a really nice (97/14/38) Gheed's Fortune
Gulzar's Mercenary Gear:
Guillaume's Face (set) winged helm (socketed with PTopaz)
Shaftstop (unique) mesh armor
Viperfork (unique) mancatcher
Thoughts:
During my work on the skills census thirty months ago, I had found just four Leap Attack patriarchs. Three of them equipped a Passion runeword: sirpoopsalot (1) and maxicek (2) put their runes into swords, and stephan (3) into a spear. Their write-ups easily convinced me to try the same build, but to be just a tiny bit different, I decided to put my Passion into a hammer.
For most of normal and nightmare difficulties, Orsini used various two-handed hammers, with standard tactics of Leap or Leap Attack to deliver the first blow to an enemy, followed by normal melee attacks until all nearby enemies were defeated. If any battle or mob started to get too dangerous, he would Leap away to retreat a bit and recover, then try again with another Leap Attack.
He acquired his one-handed Passion hammer during Act 4 of nightmare difficulty, and from then on he followed up his initial Leap Attacks with Zeal instead of normal attacks. In hell difficulty, he would occasionally switch to his big Windhammer maul when he wanted to deliver a massive initial blow to a champion or unique boss, but immediately switch back to the one-handed Passion weapon in melee. That way he could take advantage of his shield to help block and parry, while he smacked around with Zeal or Berserk.
For the first five barbarians of this project, none of them had received more than one skill point in Battle Orders. Until hell difficulty act 3, Orsini kept the same constraint, but after all four primary skills were maxed, I finally relented, and put more leftover points into BO.
I chose to max his Battle Command skill. BC's skill-boosting buff coupled very well with Passion's Zeal skill, because it brought Zeal cycles up from two to three attacks, with a generous buff duration that let him happily Zeal away without having to stop frequently to recast BC. During hell act 2, I was delighted when he found a Jah rune, with which I finally created my first Engima armor! Up to this point, Orsini had been adventuring with a Lionheart runeworded armor. When Orsini dressed up in the new Enigma, his Zeal attacks went to four attacks per cycle, and five per cycle with Battle Command active. Teleporting was a really nice bonus, especially in hell act 4's River of Flame and Chaos Sanctuary.
Nevertheless, when he got to act 5, I found that I was using Leap Attack almost exclusively to hop from monster pack to monster pack, and almost never had a need to teleport. So I took back the Enigma and put him back into his Lionheart armor. During his remaining quest, I felt that Lionheart's extra stats and resists were more beneficial than the seldom-used teleport ability, higher defense, and higher strength that Enigma provided.
Next up: the other four characters in this sept. Nearch the necromancer has advanced to hell act 3, and he's already happily teleporting his golems around with the Enigma. Manque the paladin is in hell act 2. Lengby the sorceress is in hell act 1, and Kibble the druid should soon finish nightmare act 4.
Name: Nearch
Class: Necromancer
Experience: 1030140192
Level: 84
Naked/Gear
Strength: 165/228
Dexterity: 120/135
Vitality: 200/200
Energy: 25/25
HP: 599/772
Mana: 191/290
Stamina: 347/347
Defense: 30/1603
AR: 555/1887
Fire: 108/68/8
Cold: 69/29/-31
Lightning: 165/125/65
Poison: 108/68/8
MF: 84 Block: 17
GF: 0 FR/W: 78
FHR: 0 IAS: 20
FCR: 0
Amplify Damage: 1/4
Dim Vision: 0/0
Weaken: 1/4
Iron Maiden: 1/4
Terror: 20/29
Confuse: 0/0
Life Tap: 1/4
Attract: 0/0
Decrepify: 1/4
Lower Resist: 1/4
Teeth: 1/3
Bone Armor: 0/0
Poison Dagger: 0/0
Corpse Explosion: 5/7
Bone Wall: 0/0
Poison Explosion: 0/0
Bone Spear: 0/0
Bone Prison: 0/1
Poison Nova: 0/0
Bone Spirit: 0/0
Skeleton Mastery: 0/0
Raise Skeleton: 0/0
Clay Golem: 1/3
Golem Mastery: 20/22
Raise Skeletal Mage: 0/0
Blood Golem: 1/3
Summon Resist: 1/3
Iron Golem: 20/22
Fire Golem: 20/22
Revive: 0/0
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x399f5b9b
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Hexing Grand Charm of Frost
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x1f3c48fd
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Curses (Necromancer only)
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Serpent's Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xb8057c26
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30 to Life
+59 to Mana
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x46dd4af9
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Key
Fingerprint: 0xb90143b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Toxic Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0xd2a6cee2
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 100 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Shimmering Grand Charm of Thunder
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xddf45643
Item Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
All Resistances +15
Emerald Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x707faa6
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +11%
Emerald Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x233e951e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +10%
Coral Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe91bdb34
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Lightning Resist +8%
Russet Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 10
Fingerprint: 0xf62bf647
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +6%
Skull Brow
Grand Crown
Defense: 217
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x39a2d40a
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Nova when struck
+89% Enhanced Defense
Cold Resist +24%
Lightning Resist +33%
Damage Reduced by 2
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
Angelic Wings
Amulet
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x6fd228dc
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+3 to Light Radius
Set (2 items): +75 to Life
Set (3 items): +1 to All Skills
(2 items): +10 to Dexterity
Enigma
Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 873
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0x1121887f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+770 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
84% 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%
Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xf44bf94d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+234 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+15 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen
Angelic Halo
Ring
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x17640bcf
Item Level: 91
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Replenish Life +6
Set (2 items): +1008 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)
Set (3 items): 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
(2 items): +10 to Dexterity
Gale Fringe
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 129
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 68
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x30ea1382
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+102% Enhanced Defense
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +19%
Fire Resist +29%
Poison Resist +10%
Damage Reduced by 3
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
Pain Blazer
War Boots
Defense: 59
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 125
Fingerprint: 0x9b9ec3d1
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+10% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +30%
Poison Resist +22%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Storm Hand
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 97
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xb0b42e62
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+15 to Attack Rating
2% Life stolen per hit
8% Chance of Crushing Blow
+47% Enhanced Defense
+17 to Life
Lightning Resist +30%
+1 to Light Radius
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%
Gut Siphon
Demon Crossbow
Two Hand Damage: 80 - 123
Durability: 35 of 40
Required Level: 71
Required Strength: 141
Required Dexterity: 98
Fingerprint: 0xed9070d1
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
Piercing Attack
208% Enhanced Damage
16% Life stolen per hit
33% Chance of Open Wounds
Slows Target by 25%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Realgar Jewel of Fervor
Realgar Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x991ee93e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
28% Enhanced Damage
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x7fcf8fdf
Item Level: 8
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Bolts
Fingerprint: 0x630fcaf0
Item Level: 89
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Nearch's Dire Shroud
Demonhide Armor
Defense: 231
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x57616a35
Item Level: 66
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+24% Faster Hit Recovery
+69% Enhanced Defense
+7 to Dexterity
Cold Resist +14%
Fire Resist +21%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Nearch's Spirit Touch
Heavy Gloves
Defense: 8
Durability: 42 of 42
Required Level: 4
Fingerprint: 0xe3af3eac
Item Level: 10
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Attack Rating
+19% Enhanced Defense
Cold Resist +6%
+1 to Light Radius
Repairs 1 Durability in 33 Seconds
Hellrack
Colossus Crossbow
Two Hand Damage: 128 - 326
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 76
Required Strength: 163
Required Dexterity: 77
Fingerprint: 0x47a62083
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
259% Enhanced Damage
+14 to Minimum Damage
116% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 63 - 324 Fire Damage
Adds 63 - 324 Lightning Damage
Adds 63 - 324 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (33 Frames)
Replenish Life +4
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 18 Immolation Arrow (150/150 Charges)
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Honor
Socketed: Shadow Heart
Ruby Jewel of Honor
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xd1fc370
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
40% Enhanced Damage
Replenish Life +4
Shadow Heart
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x9d70b25a
Item Level: 78
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Minimum Damage
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Bolts
Fingerprint: 0x99ad086e
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Gemmed Bone Wand
Bone Wand
One Hand Damage: 3 - 7
Durability: 15 of 15
Required Level: 35
Fingerprint: 0x9da589ce
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Terror (Necromancer Only)
Replenish Life +4
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Honor
Jewel of Honor
Jewel
Required Level: 35
Fingerprint: 0xdf9df7a1
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +4
Nearch's Bramble Rock
Hellspawn Skull
Defense: 195
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 82
Fingerprint: 0x2448c3b7
Item Level: 48
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 5 - 14 Poison Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
+1 to Bone Prison (Necromancer Only)
+3 to Terror (Necromancer Only)
+38% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +28%
Poison Resist +10%
Damage Reduced by 1
Mercenary:
Name: Emilio
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Def-Nightmare
Experience: 71979752
Level: 84
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 184/197
Dexterity: 148/148
HP: 1727/1727
Defense: 1274/2130
AR: 1898/2163
Fire: 148/108/48
Cold: 148/108/48
Lightning: 163/123/63
Poison: 155/115/55
Blackhorn's Face
Death Mask
Defense: 247
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x1fff43c8
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slows Target by 20%
+185% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +15%
+20 Lightning Absorb
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 25
Carrion Jack
Mesh Armor
Defense: 609
Durability: 30 of 45
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 92
Fingerprint: 0xffce6086
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+24% Faster Hit Recovery
+15 to Attack Rating
+185% Enhanced Defense
+3 to Strength
Poison Resist +7%
+1 to Light Radius
Honor
Cryptic Axe
AmnElIthTirSol
Two Hand Damage: 94 - 399
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 165
Required Dexterity: 103
Fingerprint: 0x1659a0bc
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
160% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
+9 to Maximum Damage
+250 to Attack Rating
7% Life stolen per hit
25% Deadly Strike
+10 to Strength
Replenish Life +10
+2 to Mana after each Kill
+1 to Light Radius
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Sol 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
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
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
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
Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7
Focused Skills: 20 Fire Golem, 20 Golem Mastery, 20 Iron Golem, 20 Terror, 5 Corpse Explosion. (18/30 necromancer skills maxed)
One-pointers: Clay Golem, Blood Golem, Summon Resist, Teeth, Amplify Damage, Iron Maiden, Life Tap, Weaken, Decrepify, Lower Resist
Zero-pointer: Bone Prison (shrunken head staffmod, used just a couple of times)
Equipped:
Skull Brow (crafted) grand crown (enhanced defense, cold/lightning resists)
Enigma (runeword) light plate
Storm Hand (crafted) vampirebone gloves (IAS, enhanced defense, lightning resist, 8% crushing blow)
Gale Fringe (crafted) spiderweb sash (life, resists)
Pain Blazer (rare) war boots (FRW, lightning/poison resists)
Angelic Wings (set) amulet
Angelic Halo (set) ring
Raven Frost (unique) ring
Hellrack (unique) colossus crossbow (socketed with a magic and a rare jewel: 40% enhanced damage, +14 min damage, 4 life replenish, 5% MF)
Gemmed (normal) bone wand (+3 terror, socketed with +4 life replenish "jewel of honor")
Bramble Rock (rare) hellspawn skull (+3 terror, +1 bone prison, enhance defense, fire/poison resists)
assorted charms: resistances, life, mana, poison/cold damage, and one Hexing skiller
stashed: Gut Siphon (unique) demon crossbow (socketed with magic Realgar Jewel of Fervor), retrieved from stash when fighting superuniques.
Emilio's Mercenary Gear:
Blackhorn's Face (unique) death mask
Carrion Jack (rare) mesh armor
Honor (runeword) cryptic axe
Thoughts:
For Nearch, I maxed Golem Mastery and two of the golem skills: Fire and Iron. (Some year in the future, I anticipate making a "pin cushion" golem build, with which I'll max Iron Maiden and the other two golem skills.)
Rather than babysit iron golems wrought from useful metal items, I really wanted the freedom to summon a hot fire golem whenever I wished. Unfortunately, to summon a level 20 Fire Golem requires two hundred and forty mana, and the blue bulb of an unequipped necromancer just won't ever contain that much blue juice. I didn't want to spend any stat points in energy, but I also didn't want to rely on equipment for mana. If my hero were killed, I wanted to be able to summon a fire golem as a companion during corpse retrieval. The only remaining option was a mana charm, and this beauty made it possible:
Code:
Serpent's Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xb8057c26
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30 to Life
+59 to Mana
That number 59 is the highest possible roll for a serpent's prefix on a charm, and that happens to be enough for a necromancer with base energy to reach 240 maximum mana at character level 79. (Necromancers get two mana points for each level gained. Therefore, I paced Nearch's Fire Golem skill investments to match: for example, he had 18 Fire Golem points at level 69, 19 at level 74, and finally the full twenty points at level 79. As long as the Serpent's grand charm stayed in his inventory, he was never in danger having too little mana to cast a Fire Golem.)
I have seen other SPFers use the name "Sparky" for their pet Fire Golems, and I like that name too. Nearch's Sparky was a very good fighting companion. Of course, summons of other classes have their strengths. I have used grizzly bears and Valkyries that were tankier and hit much harder. I have used shadow masters that were much more versatile, decoys that were more obedient, and vines great at tidying up messy floors. Sparky has a reliable fire-punch, amazing speed and tactics thanks to maxed Golem Mastery, and surprisingly good positioning to enjoy healing moments within firewalls, meteors, and even Diablo's giant firestorms. My biggest worry with him was his growing fire aura radius, and there were indeed many times when large numbers of off-screen enemies were awakened and drawn toward the golem. Those situations were my inspiration for maxing the Terror curse. When I felt that mobs around Sparky and/or the mercenary were getting a bit too thick, a few Terror casts would almost always temporarily relieve the pressure. Terror was quite effective against frenzytaur monsters. They would run away at their accelerated speed, and stay away long enough to calm back down to normal speed before they were able to return back again to the golem. When enemy numbers were manageable without resorting to Terrors, my chosen curse favorites were Lower Resist for physical immunes and Amplify Damage for the rest, with Decrepify for act bosses.
Enigma's ability to Teleport is just so nice! Atop the Arreat Summit, teleporting made it a lot simpler to divide and conquer the ancients, separating each and taking them on in turn.
The unique elite crossbows are two of my favorite weapons. Hellrack's strength and dexterity requirements were another reason I didn't want to spend any points in energy. I think of Hellrack as the game's way of providing a Vengeance-style three-element attack, but at range instead of in melee! Its main drawback is that its damage profile induces most superunique monsters to ignore the golem and mercenary, and always target their attacks at the necromancer instead. I brought the Gut Siphon out of the stash for those fights. Sure enough, bosses would always choose to target the golem or the mercenary when they see the necromancer wielding the Gut Siphon instead of the Hellrack.
Unfortunately, he didn't have any finds sufficiently notable or interesting to motivate me to capture any other screenclips.
Started: 10 Feb 2023
Finished: 13 July 2023
Code:
Name: Manque
Class: Paladin
Experience: 1087768440
Level: 85
Naked/Gear
Strength: 165/222
Dexterity: 135/144
Vitality: 205/215
Energy: 15/40
HP: 823/993
Mana: 141/179
Stamina: 353/453
Defense: 33/1657
AR: 660/705
Fire: 201/161/101
Cold: 175/135/75
Lightning: 175/135/75
Poison: 180/140/80
MF: 34 Block: 45
GF: 50 FR/W: 20
FHR: 44 IAS: 20
FCR: 20
Sacrifice: 0/0
Smite: 20/23
Holy Bolt: 1/4
Zeal: 0/0
Charge: 1/4
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 1/4
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 20/23
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0
Might: 1/6
Holy Fire: 1/6
Thorns: 1/6
Blessed Aim: 1/6
Concentration: 1/6
Holy Freeze: 1/6
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 1/6
Fanaticism: 20/25
Conviction: 0/0
Prayer: 1/4
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 20/23
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 1/4
Resist Lightning: 0/0
Vigor: 1/4
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 3/6
Salvation: 0/0
Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xd0ad955d
Item Level: 6
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0xe53c5b67
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30 to Life
Captain's Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xc5ba9aaa
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+4 to Dexterity
Captain's Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf084f70
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+4 to Dexterity
Key
Fingerprint: 0x1a8c4076
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Coral Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x86d95959
Item Level: 56
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +8%
Jade Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x2e375438
Item Level: 52
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +9%
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Azure Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x736ea47d
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +3%
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Coral Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x4b3cb29d
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%
Cobalt Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x8e59b3c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +8%
Stout Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0xc467301c
Item Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 Defense
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Beryl Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 14
Fingerprint: 0xe84702d2
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 to Life
Poison Resist +3%
Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xcb809d8a
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Antidote Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Poison Resist +50%
Manque's Doom Circlet
Basinet
Defense: 199
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 72
Fingerprint: 0x6781c6e4
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+57% Enhanced Defense
+6 to Life
Lightning Resist +29%
Repairs 1 Durability in 33 Seconds
Ethereal
Manque's Spirit Guard
Crown Shield
Defense: 33
Chance to Block: 45
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 18
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0xbd654a5a
Item Level: 34
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
+9 to Life
+14 to Mana
All Resistances +14
Lightning Resist +17%
+1 to Light Radius
Darksight Helm
Basinet
Defense: 252
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 82
Fingerprint: 0xc9bf2679
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Chance to cast level 3 Dim Vision when struck
5% Mana stolen per hit
+170 Defense (Based on Character Level)
Fire Resist +32%
Cannot Be Frozen
-4 to Light Radius
Level 5 Cloak of Shadows (30/30 Charges)
Entropy Eye
Amulet
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x180a1ce5
Item Level: 74
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Strength
+19 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 8%
Cold Resist +38%
Poison Resist +31%
Principle
Balrog Skin
RalGulEld
Defense: 511
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 165
Fingerprint: 0x82a045fc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 5 Holy Bolt on striking
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
+50% Damage to Undead
+125 to Life
15% Slower Stamina Drain
+5% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist +30%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Gul Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune
Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%
Gul Rune
Required Level: 53
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Bonus to Attack Rating
Armor: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist
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
Viper Harness
Mesh Belt
Defense: 36
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x1881ac13
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+24% Faster Hit Recovery
+26 to Strength
+2 to Life
+15 Maximum Stamina
Lightning Resist +30%
Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 168
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x9e10de31
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+155% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
+85 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +58%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Loath Hold
Ogre Gauntlets
Defense: 93
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 86
Required Strength: 185
Fingerprint: 0x8fa860d
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
14% Chance to cast level 5 Nova when struck
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+30% Enhanced Defense
Cold Resist +36%
Fire Resist +15%
Damage Reduced by 3
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
Havoc Eye
Ring
Required Level: 51
Fingerprint: 0xce569d7d
Item Level: 92
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Minimum Damage
+3 to Mana
Lightning Resist +30%
Poison Resist +5%
Damage Reduced by 2
Blood Band
Ring
Required Level: 23
Fingerprint: 0x4ca0a534
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+15 to Energy
+16 to Mana
Cold Resist +16%
Lightning Resist +24%
Thawing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% to Maximum Cold Resist
Cold Resist +50%
Manque's Bitter Buckle
Plated Belt
Defense: 11
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 19
Required Strength: 60
Fingerprint: 0xe62f7e64
Item Level: 46
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 3 Charged Bolt when struck
+9 to Strength
+9 to Mana
Cold Resist +20%
Lightning Resist +7%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%
Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x5df00530
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Baranar's Star
Devil Star
One Hand Damage: 129 - 159
Durability: 172 of 172
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 153
Required Dexterity: 44
Fingerprint: 0x808f1ee2
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+50% Increased Attack Speed
200% Enhanced Damage
200% Bonus to Attack Rating
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 1 - 200 Fire Damage
Adds 1 - 200 Lightning Damage
Adds 1 - 200 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (86 Frames)
+15 to Strength
+15 to Dexterity
+100 Maximum Durability
Splendor
Kurast Shield
EthLum
Defense: 320
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 55 of 55
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 124
Fingerprint: 0xc8b6c0c0
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+20% Faster Block Rate
+93% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Energy
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +45
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
20% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+3 to Light Radius
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune
Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%
Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy
Crushflange
Mace
One Hand Damage: 4 - 15
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 9
Required Strength: 27
Fingerprint: 0x99000df4
Item Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
59% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
33% Chance of Crushing Blow
Knockback
+15 to Strength
Fire Resist +50%
+2 to Light Radius
Splendor
Sacred Targe
EthLum
Defense: 241
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 45 of 45
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0x18157f52
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+20% Faster Block Rate
+69% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Energy
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +44
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
20% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+3 to Light Radius
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune
Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%
Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy
Mercenary:
Name: Fazel
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 74612768
Level: 85
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 186/186
Dexterity: 150/152
HP: 1767/1767
Defense: 1302/2304
AR: 1913/1913
Fire: 154/114/54
Cold: 149/109/49
Lightning: 187/147/87
Poison: 149/109/49
Grim Mantle
Wire Fleece
Defense: 766
Durability: 27 of 32
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0xd43dcefd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck
+9 to Maximum Damage
+43% Damage to Undead
+46 to Attack Rating against Undead
Adds 45 - 82 Fire Damage
+59% Enhanced Defense
+2 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +23%
Damage Reduced by 5
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Eagle Talisman
Socketed: Pearl Jewel of Burning
Eagle Talisman
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xd10b4139
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Maximum Damage
Adds 22 - 45 Fire Damage
+2 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +23%
Pearl Jewel of Burning
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xadd7cbbd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+43% Damage to Undead
+46 to Attack Rating against Undead
Adds 23 - 37 Fire Damage
Gale Horn
Grand Crown
Defense: 236
Durability: 39 of 50
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x2e742f87
Item Level: 70
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+106% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +5%
Damage Reduced by 3
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
The Reaper's Toll
Thresher
Two Hand Damage: 36 - 431
Durability: 62 of 65
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 114
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0xfd4702f4
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking
206% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (43 Frames)
11% Life stolen per hit
33% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
Focused Skills: 20 Smite, 20 Holy Shield, 20 Fanaticism, 20 Defiance, 3 Redemption.
One-pointers: Sanctuary and its prerequisites.
Zero-pointer: Cloak of Shadows (charges from Darksight Helm, seldom used)
Equipped:
Darksight Helm (unique) basinet
Principle (runeword) balrog skin
"Loath Hold" (crafted) ogre gauntlets (IAS, enhanced defense, cold resist)
"Viper Harness" (rare) mesh belt (FHR, strength, lightning resist)
Sandstorm Trek (unique) scarabshell boots
"Entropy Eye" (crafted) amulet (10%fcr, mana, mana regen, cold/poison resists)
"Havoc Eye" (rare) ring (lightning/poison resists)
"Blood Band" (rare) ring (energy, mana, cold/lightning resists)
Crushflange (unique) mace
Splendor (runeword) sacred targe (44% all resists)
Baranar's Star (unique) devil star
Splendor (runeword) kurast shield (45% all resists)
assorted charms: resistances, life, dexterity, MF, and two "Captain's" offensive aura skillers
Fazel's Mercenary Gear:
"Gale Horn" (crafted) grand crown (enhanced defense, lightning/fire resists)
"Grim Mantle" (rare) wire fleece (enhanced defense, 5DR, 3MDR, and socketed with two jewels that each add fire damage)
The Reaper's Toll (unique) thresher
Thoughts:
His name is basically a dad joke. When I randomly retrieved the word "manque" from the /usr/share/dict/words file on a Linux server, the first pun to cross my mind was to build a paladin "monk," which seemed appropriately thematic. But I also noticed that the word could also be spelled and pronounced "manqué," which means "a person who has failed to live up to a specific expectation or ambition." Indeed, I had briefly thought about building a charging abbot, but I changed my mind and built a cookie-cutter smite paladin instead, so I guess it's accurate to call him a "paladin manqué" for failing to follow through on my original notion.
My first smiter patriarch was surprisingly durable and effective. On a whim I made a Principle runeword, just to enjoy the novelty of coupling Smite's "always hits" feature with Principle's "100% chance to cast holy bolt on striking." That combination converts the proc into "100% chance to cast on every attack," and changes the sounds of his Smite attacks from "whack-whack-whack" to "whop-whop-whop." Yes, you guessed it: that is the reason I name this build "Noisy Smiter."
After he gained a few more levels, I got so accustomed to his "whop-whop" sounds that I decided to just leave him in that armor rather than swap it out for something better. But how might I best exploit that armor? In my honest opinion, Principle (Ral+Gul+Eld) is the most disappointing offering among the 1.11 patch runewords. It has the highest level requirement of that batch, thanks to that Gul. Furthermore, the attribute provided by Gul is "+5% to maximum poison resist," which would be completely wasted with most of the gear choices I might otherwise select for a Smiter. So I just leaned into my choice: I determined to find and equip poison resistance gear, enough that he achieved 80% in hell difficulty! Bonus: he managed to achieve 75% resistance to fire, lightning, and cold as well.
Many equipment mods don't work with Smite attacks. Fortunately, with my main weapons, there were only two attributes that were ignored: "+7 minimum damage" on a ring and "5% mana stolen per hit" on his helmet. The equipment mods I missed most were "life/mana stolen per hit." He drank down many more red, blue, and purple potions than any of my characters so far. To keep stocked up, he also used more town portals than any of my characters so far. Everyone that purchased stock in Akara's, Lysander's, or Drognan's shops should expect a nice dividend this fiscal quarter. You're welcome.
Unless produced by a chance-to-cast proc, non-physical damage sources also never apply to smite attacks, so every Smiter needs a PI solution. Manque's method was going to be normal attacks with Baranar's Star on weapon switch, and a one-pointer Sanctuary aura for undead PIs. However, after his mercenary acquired The Reaper's Toll, Manque's weapon switch became mostly unnecessary, and he never activated the Sanctuary aura at all. He encountered only one stone-skin monster with physical immunity that couldn't be broken by the thresher's very frequent Decrepify proc.
This brings the Paladin maxed skills count up to 21/30.
In honor of his "Whop Whop Whop" smiting noises, and in honor of all the gold he spent on potions and scrolls, I dedicate this recording of David Bowie's Golden Years to Patriarch Manque, the "Paladin Manqué."
Been some time since I looked through this but a quick glance is enough to tell that Nearch rocks in terms of style points. He only lacks a fire mage to complete the theme. Or maybe a fire rogue, which would be infinitely more useful probably*.
www.diabloii.net
I think fire towers mights also trigger, beyond this list. Additional detail would be not only to not directly cast CoS here (via character or having active hotkey for Shadow Warrior), but also not to have Shadow Master that can cast on its own when these spawns are around.
After briefly laughing and shaking my head at my worst luck with that damage roll, I defeated the NM ancients faster than I ever had with any other character.
Google