RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

[Sparks]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Well, I've got bored of my Fishymancer. He's undergeared for doing Baal runs at the moment so they are slow, Baal himself takes something like 5 minutes without CB lol. I don't feel like running other areas as I have in the back of my mind that any items I find in 1.09 can be brought forward.

So I've decided to go back to my Barb and get to Hell Mephisto. I'll run that boss for some basic items then Pat him. I'll make sure I get an Azurewrath and aim for beta Rune Words. Could you PM that HF rushing guide? Sounds like it's just what I need!

My only problem is using Whirlwind. At skill level 1 it has -50% damage and with a slow two-hander it takes a while to kill things. At 25 mana if WW doesn't hit something I can't whirl again! I have to then auto attack to leech some mana back. Even Berserk is quite expensive and I only just leech enough. I may have to go back to using Concentrate for now and hope WW will come into it's own with more points or a weapon with IAS on it.

Edit: Berserk converts some of the attack to Magic which explains the poor leeching. I've put Concentrate on left click and use that for single targets or when out of mana and Whirlwind on right click for groups of mobs. Works quite well for now.

By the way, Baal in 1.13c is level 99 and Diablo is level 94. So it is possible to get high level charms in 1.13c but it might take a lot of running to get many!

I've installed Diablo to different directories. I did this by installing each version and then patching, one at a time. I zipped the installation and removed the directory temporaily until all the versions were installed. I did this as when I was installing one version the patch was applied to the wrong directory!

I have a batch file for each version:

@echo off

reg add "HKCU\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Diablo II" /v "InstallPath" /t REG_SZ /d "D:\Diablo II LoD 1.09d" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Diablo II" /v "Program"     /t REG_SZ /d "D:\Diablo II LoD 1.09d\Diablo II.exe" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Diablo II" /v "Save Path"   /t REG_SZ /d "D:\Diablo II LoD 1.09d\save\\" /f

D:
cd "\Diablo II LoD 1.09d"
"Diablo II.exe" %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9

The batch file works by changing the paths in the registry for Diablo II. It doesn't need Administrator rights so it works without a pop-up in Windows 7. For Windows XP you will probably need to download the reg utility as I don't think it comes with it.

You need to change the paths for the directory and drive of course. You can then have a shortcut pointing to the batch file and mark it to start minimized. When using the shortcut you hardly notice the batch file as it starts and then closes quickly once Diablo II is running.

The %1 etc allow you to add command line options in the shortcut as normal.

For 1.13c RWM I have the following:

@echo off

reg add "HKCU\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Diablo II" /v "InstallPath" /t REG_SZ /d "D:\Diablo II LoD 1.13c" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Diablo II" /v "Program"     /t REG_SZ /d "D:\Diablo II LoD 1.13c\Diablo II.exe" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Diablo II" /v "Save Path"   /t REG_SZ /d "D:\Diablo II LoD 1.13c\save\\" /f

D:
cd "\Diablo II LoD 1.13c\Runewords"
"..\Diablo II.exe" -direct %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9

I've tested this by making a new Insight Polearm and it worked fine.

 

[mattinm]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

I've installed Diablo to different directories. I did this by installing each version and then patching, one at a time. I zipped the installation and removed the directory temporaily until all the versions were installed. I did this as when I was installing one version the patch was applied to the wrong directory!

I have a batch file for each version:
[highlight]Batch information removed by me for a smaller quote[/highlight]

OT: If you're going to go through the process of changing the registry anyway, instead of the rename method of "low-tech" multi-installations, why wouldn't you just use the TrenShadow version switcher? It does essentially the same thing (I have points on my system for 1.06b, 1.09, 1.13c, 1.13c HC, 1.13c FAM) in a significantly smaller footprint. Here's a link to my guide if you're interested in using TrenShadow. I know there are forum members who still haven't heard of it. Not saying that you haven't heard of it, and you may be avoiding it intentionally, but, really, I see no reason not to use it .

------------------------------

On topic:

I've currently got a Frenzy barb in the vein of RobbyD going, but he's parked at Normal Diablo right now, level 25. I've been able to clear the sanctum a few times, but Diablo kills me way too quickly right now. I think I'm going to run Mephisto for a little while, to gain some very basic wealth, and then attempt to power through Big D over the weekend. With the 1.13 Ladder eating most of my time (sooooo close to level 97 now), I just haven't had the patience for the character for any extended period of time, sadly.

 

[Sparks]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

OT: If you're going to go through the process of changing the registry anyway, instead of the rename method of "low-tech" multi-installations, why wouldn't you just use the TrenShadow version switcher? (snip...) Not saying that you haven't heard of it, and you may be avoiding it intentionally, but, really, I see no reason not to use it .

Ah, I hadn't seen that switcher. I tend to be suspicious of other people's game modifications, I'll have a further look at this though.

On topic:

I've currently got a Frenzy barb in the vein of RobbyD going, but he's parked at Normal Diablo right now, level 25. I've been able to clear the sanctum a few times, but Diablo kills me way too quickly right now. (snip...)

I played all the way through normal on /players 8 doing all quests and caves etc. I got to Diablo at 33; with BO I have 600 life now. I did Diablo on /players 8 but it took a long time with about 4 trips to the town. My Barb is WW but he only used Concentrate as it uses far less mana and WW wasn't hitting much. Any time he did the fire on the ground or the lightning hose I ran. It really did take a long time :whistling:.

Edit:

I've noticed that BO doesn't last for as long in 1.09 as it does in 1.13. I have 11 points in BO now and it's just shy of 2 minutes, in 1.13 I have that at around level 6. WW uses more mana: 28 at level 8 but Arreat Summit shows it as 16. I'm not having any problems with mana now though.

Perfect Tarnhelm dropped the other day and now perfect Chance Guards. Now I remember these always being variable, since classic, so I'm lucky rather than the stats being fixed in 1.09?

I also found a 7% Manald Heal which I'm really pleased about as now I can use my Savage Battle Scythe of Carnage. I had to use most of my saved stats to be able to use it but the Elite Swords I plan to use need the stats too.

Something is trying to tell me to stay in 1.09...

Spoiler

Tarnhelm
Skull Cap
Defense: 10
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Strength: 15
Required Level: 15
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0xf04fdb8
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+1 to All Skill Levels

Chance Guards
Chain Gloves
Defense: 28
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Strength: 25
Required Level: 15
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x87bae711
+21% Enhanced Defense
+25 to Attack Rating
+15 Defense
200% Extra Gold from Monsters
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Light Radius

Manald Heal
Ring
Required Level: 15
Item Version: Expansion
Item Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x2f4a0768
+20 to Life
Regenerate Mana 20%
7% Mana stolen per hit
Replenish Life +7

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

I added a discussion of an interesting difference I noticed from current documentation - the calculation for Frenzy speed and selection of the first-swing weapon that currently applies (1.10+) does not appear to apply to 1.09. Playing with Doombringer, Baranar's Star, and Lightsabre combinations, I could not find a setup to swing the Lightsabre first at all, or use the Lightsabre as the non-Frenzy (such as Berzerk) left-click attack. My preliminary theory is that the game automatically makes the higher damage weapon the primary weapon, but I have not tested this theory in detail.

@ Sparks
Mana cost for WW was reduced, yes - also for Double Swing, which means you don't get a mana free DS Mana-burn solution in 1.09. Warcry durations are also much shorter in 1.09.

You indeed got lucky with your MF rolls for the Tarnhelm and Chancies - but there are some other items for which 1.09 stats are fixed but 1.10+ stats are variable, such as the Fireball level for the Hellslayer, resists for Nat's boots, etc.

"Something is trying to tell me to stay in 1.09..."

That same voice seems to speak to me as well.

 

[CRG]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

- Magic Damage Reduction, to my understanding, is much more powerful in 1.09 than 1.10+, and is related to the huge danger of MSLE. In 1.09, MDR reduces magic (elemental) damage by that amount per frame, instead of per second. That means that with some decent MDR (say, 15+), you can stand in Diablo's Firestorm or The Summoner's Fire Wall with no damage, since those deliver damage per frame.

This is correct. MDR in v1.09 worked per frame. That's why you all-but need a piece of gear MDR gear (2-4 is OK) on when you take on Diablo in norm. You're liable to get grilled otherwise.

Pierce is capped at 5 hits.

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Thanks for the verification, Crazy Runner Guy. I've noticed that 15 MDR or so with some resists appears to be enough for Hell Diablo (Tal's 3-piece, Vamp's Gaze, Skullder's Ire are even nicer due to this mechanic).

One thing I mean to add to the guide is the bug I've been noticing with Static not being capped to 50% in some instances, but I want to observe it some more before posting my understanding. I got it to trigger last night (P5 in Frozen River), and I took note of the unique's mods:

Fire Enchanted
Cold Enchanted
Lightning Enchanted

I'll keep running my Sorc in the cold caves and pay attention to the mods of the monster when it triggers.

I should note that, in researching my Necro, a difference I've noted is that Lower Resists impacts magic damage, so it's effective for Bone Spear or Bone Spirit.

Speaking of pierce/GA - I noticed that if the Valk is actively engaged with a monster, GA will miss that monster completely, and if you are spamming GAs, they will keep stacking and going back and forth. If you can get your Valk to walk away, they all the sudden start hitting the monster.

 

[CRG]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

One more thing: you should check out Icebird's 7x clvl 99 characters. All of the threads he has started are here: http://www.purediablo.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1840290 (some are pre-last forum hickup, many years ago). He, along with the late Ryondaahl (who died in 2006), each made 7 99'ers and finished just as v1.10 was coming out.

Btw, what version are you playing? I'm in 1.09b.

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

That link doesn't work for me, but I would LOVE to see that! It would be a great addition to the guide as well.

I didn't know about the differences in 1.09 patches when I originally installed, and it doesn't make a distinction on the screen title, but based on the fact that my level 93 sorc has never been teleported by the Occy, I think it's safe to say it's 1.09d.

BTW, I've edited the guide for my more recent observations.

 

[CRG]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

That link doesn't work for me, but I would LOVE to see that! It would be a great addition to the guide as well.

I didn't know about the differences in 1.09 patches when I originally installed, and it doesn't make a distinction on the screen title, but based on the fact that my level 93 sorc has never been teleported by the Occy, I think it's safe to say it's 1.09d.

BTW, I've edited the guide for my more recent observations.

OK - I just hope that the patch differences doesn't affect by ability to MP with you.

Icebird's "The Endless" (contains Hern, lvl 99 druid and Dream, lvl 99 bowazon)
Despair, lvl 99 necro
Destruction, lvl 99 barbarian (I can attest to the power of the build - I played it in v1.09 Bnet)
Angel, lvl 99 sorc
Destiny, lvl 99 pally
ClawsofFury, lvl 99 assassin

Rhyondahl's 7 99ers. (with brief report on Sky, his sorc)
Armella, clvl 99 zon
Knucklebones, clvl 99 necro
Arpad, clvl 99 barbarian
(name unknown), clvl 99 druid (lost to last forum reset)

Another thing to know re: v1.09 - Hakai no Tenshi, the maker of ATMA, completed the grail in v1.09 by doing about 30K pindle runs...

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Another thing to know re: v1.09 - Hakai no Tenshi, the maker of ATMA, completed the grail in v1.09 by doing about 30K pindle runs...

Wow, just wow. Just thinking of the dedication needed for that Stormspire and Griz set makes me dizzy.

Thanks for the build liniks - I've added those to the guide!

**********Static Bug Update***********

I got Static to get Thresh Socket to a sliver in a P8 game, so it apparently can work for SuperUniques as well as random uniques. I didn't get his mods, though.

 

[CRG]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

I've not gotten a ring with over 8% LL in 1.09, but I haven't really done much crafting. I DO think that kind of thing is possible in 1.07 though.

The max in v1.09 is 11% - the clvl was very high, though - clvl 87, IIRC. That's 3% from the blood craft and 8 from the suffix. BvB barbs back in v1.09 were tricked out with LL - Arreats(6)/SoE(8)/crafted blood ring (11) (two if you dropped the Raven or had a Cham somewhere)/Crafted blood gloves (6 was max) - that's 31% leach; 42% if you drop the Raven. When the strategy compendium gets back and working, Darius wrote the definitive guide on PvP/PvM S/S (sword/shield) barbs - it's a great read.

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Reorganized and cleaned up (after feeling pwned by maxicek's Aggressin guide).

 

[tavaritz]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

RobbyD: I only have one ask: Please, post a picture of a purple monster.

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

RobbyD: I only have one ask: Please, post a picture of a purple monster.

Here's one from Act 5 that was inadvertently taken while showing off a charm. I'll try to capture some better shots - the Frenzytaurs of the Chrystalline Passage are quite impressive when they spawn multi-color.

Here's a pair of Corrupt Archers that spawned green and blue - this pic has the bonus of showing the +3 skills lightning hose Rogue Merc in action.

*********EDIT************

Here's a few more:

and now the promised Frenzytaur:

 

[ioupain]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Hi, thanks for the guide - very useful. I was wondering if there was a 1.09b Cow Guide (how you did it in SP - I'm assuming MattinM's updated trenshadow with multiple instances) But a quick how to would be nice - so that I don't screw up my character by killing the Cow King in the wrong way.

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Hi, thanks for the guide - very useful. I was wondering if there was a 1.09b Cow Guide (how you did it in SP - I'm assuming MattinM's updated trenshadow with multiple instances) But a quick how to would be nice - so that I don't screw up my character by killing the Cow King in the wrong way.

I'm glad you found this guide useful. I have been editing it from time to time as I notice new things or have corrections, so it's still a work in progress.

To ansower your question, I don't know how to use trenshadow. My cowing has been strictly single player and being very careful not to kill the Cow King.

 

[ioupain]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Ok - thanks. I'm sort of ok on Trenshadow - I just have to get reacquainted with it. You also answered my other question - so I will have to be very careful too unless someone else can shed any light on the procedure to kill the Cow King in 1.09 without losing the quest...

EDIT: As far as I have seen, Countess in Hell is only CI (+PI sometimes) My MeteOrb has no problems running her. My Bowazon has difficulty with all the PI ghosts on the way though. So my MeteOrb is my Countess runner.

Have I just been lucky?

Could be a difference between 1.09b and 1.09d (but not listed in patch notes)

Here is a screenshot

EDIT2: For anyone reading this later, I was being silly and misread the very first post. There is no difference in Countess immunities between 1.09b and 1.09d - which incidentally was probably why I couldn't find it in the patch notes ...

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Ok - thanks. I'm sort of ok on Trenshadow - I just have to get reacquainted with it. You also answered my other question - so I will have to be very careful too unless someone else can shed any light on the procedure to kill the Cow King in 1.09 without losing the quest...

EDIT: As far as I have seen, Countess in Hell is only CI (+PI sometimes) My MeteOrb has no problems running her. My Bowazon has difficulty with all the PI ghosts on the way though. So my MeteOrb is my Countess runner.

Have I just been lucky?

Could be a difference between 1.09b and 1.09d (but not listed in patch notes)

Here is a screenshot

In my experience, 1.09 Hell Countess is always CI/FE, and will spawn PI about a third of the time. She's never LI. Your screenie is consistent with that. For a Zon, a lightning skill should always work - my Zon is my second best Countess runner - she uses Frozen Arrow for the Ghost packs (maxed FA from a Buriza will generally shatter the minions in 2 shots) followed by Fire Arrow (bugged in 1.09 and much less mana intensive) for the Unique that remains. My Zon is a pure Bow user, so I don't have a lightning skill to use, but Fire Arrow (I recommend a Nef rune in the Buriza) generally deals with a PI Countess.

That being said, my best Countess runner is my Pally, because he has a built-in skill for dealing with the Ghosts (Sanctuary) and Zealing with the Lightsabre or Schaefer's Hammer under Conviction deals with a PI Countess with no problems.

I actually had to get some practice to run her with my MeteOrb sorc, since in her map, the Countess often spawns with a pack of FI Goatmen in her chamber as well, requiring both Meteor (for Countess) and Frozen Orb (for the Goatmen). If you map doesn't spawn those in her chamber, then yes, Meteor should do the job no problem.

My other Countess runners are my barb (frenzy with Baranar's Star and Lightsabre actually deals with Ghosts pretty well, and obviously Berzerk deals with them as well (often, though, he will just run past them), and Zerk is also used for a PI Countess) and Druid (relies on the lightning hose Rogue Merc for ghosts and PI Countess).

Obviously none of these builds have any problems when Countess doesn't spawn PI (for the Sorc, the merc gets the job done).

I don't think there are any differences in how monsters spawn or anything else between 1.09b and 1.09d. The only difference I'm aware of is the broken CtC in 1.09d.

 

[ioupain]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

I think I was being an idiot and read: CI/FE as Cold Immune and Fire Immune rather than enchanted. Yes she is always CI/FE - you're right. I often get FI goatmen in the room but since I'm running countess on P1 at the moment it is not a problem. My Zon has no problems with the Countess herself - just the 5 levels of ghosts on the way slow her down because she has to use her PI solution (she can do it - but it's too long for my taste)

Yeah after following your guide I got that awesome one point in Fire Arrow - which I make good use of. I also have one point in FA. I have LF at 20 but with PI's my mana goes quickly even with +mana items. As soon as I got my Buriza I put a Nef in it! I love knockback on any bowazon

 

[RobbyD]

Re: RobbyD's Time Traveler's Guide to 1.09 v1.1

Speaking of Countess, I did a little ATMA research, and it revealed something I should have realized long ago - NM Countess in 1.09 is bugged to be able to drop from up to TC66 (which is also the range for Hell Countess). I guess I didn't put 2 and 2 toghether before now because the LoH drop I got from NM Countess happened long before I had gained a decent understanding of the game.