Liu powered his way through Act One tonight, reaching level 20.
Mace Mastery, Double Swing, and
dual rare flails made quick work of his enemies, even with players 8 active the whole way. I really enjoyed the beatings, since my last couple HC tourney chars were quite "damage-challenged". A few times, I glady charged into the mobs and took some rapid hits down to the 25% life range. I will have to get used to working without a shield (and control my bloodlust).
I plan on maxing Mace Mastery, using Double Swing and Bash. On the weapon switch, I'm thinking about pumping Throw Mastery / Double Throw.
I already gambled a nice shield when the occasion calls for it. It's a
rare bone shield with 65% blocking, 17% FHR, +10 life, 13% fire resist, 10% damage to mana, and a socket.
My best find so far is this sweet low-level
flail, gambled from Gheed:
35% Enhanced Damage
+2 max damage
+ 13 AR
4% mana leech
Prevent Monster Heal

Socketed (2) Hmmm.... what should I use for socketing?.....
My current armor is boring and very common for new characters, non-magical and full of chipped topazes. My level 13 cold rogue's gear is equally uninspiring.
I found two uniques so far,
Axe of Fechmar and
Serpent Lord Long Staff. Neither are of any use to me. I also found
Arctic Binding which is in my stash.
Skills / Stats update: Str 67, Dex 40, Vit 55, Eng 10, with 10 points saved
1 Howl
1 Find Potion
3 Find Item
7 Mace Mastery
1 Bash
1 Leap
6 Double Swing
Liu Zhixin, level 20, Act 2 Normal, Lut Gholein
Isolde, level 13, cold rogue