Skunkbelly's Ultimate Tournament Challenge
- Thread starter skunkbelly
- Start date
Um.... yeah that's exactly why I put those points into cleansing
. Sorry to hear about losing Bishop Hoop. Durance Council is tough enough, I can't imagine doing it mercless with a second choice weapon (I just ran passed Bremm like a little baby).That's because I had Bishop through Act 4 Normal, so I didn't do too much damage to him. I only put one maybe two levels on him, and had the Izual reward for extra skill points. Skills went into Cleansing and prereq, stats into energy.
I had a Magewrath, so I played him as a ranger throughout all of Act 4 since it was dealing similar dmg to my Bloodletter and was way safer. Obviously this worked out great in the Chaos Sanctuary. Was running concentration exclusively. Only time I meleed with him was against Diablo, so the Bloodletter did come in handy for that.
Billybgame
New member
Eliot has indeed lived through his tussle with Mephisto.
What an interesting one it was, too. After reading of Bishop's demise, it reminded me to do what I prefer to do on level 3 of the Durance. Run! Run as quick to the left, as I can, ignoring any ghoul lords, or whatever's there, into the lefthand side room. I'll take out whatever's in there, and stake my claim to a safe haven. If anything follows me from the area I just ran past, I'll deal with them, too. But, the main thing is to avoid the scary confrontation with the Council. I've died too many times to them, and it's just not worth it.
So, after I did my run, I was pleased to see only the Boss council guy in the room this time. However, I thought it curious that ghoul lords were coming into the room. I later found they were Extra Fast. More like Flash on speed, it seemed. AND!, the next thing I see, with meteors and firewalls everywhere is Mephisto herself charging into the room. I have never seen that one before. Usually, I have to go draw her out. I have no idea what happened, but I was quite startled, and ran for my life, to where I would usually go to root her out. That's when I noticed those ghoul lords were Extra Fast. They were so hot on my tail, I barely could get a TP down. Not sure how the merc didn't die in all this, but we made it to town. The strategy worked well, as when we came back, we were able to pick off most of the ghoul lords, without attracting Mephisto's attention, who was seemingly taking a nap in that room. The merc didn't survive this strategy though. But, Eliot and his summon sidekick, and a protective barrier(rinse, repeat), took Mephisto down. A Demon Limb tyrant club is not a bad drop. One of the weirder Mephisto battles, for me, though.
I had run Lower Kurast a bunch of times, but couldn't even do it as much as you did Skunk. I gave up a little over 200K. A bunch of merc deaths later, and I'm less than 100, now. So, I may do some more tomorrow. I've had enough for one day. For sure, if I still live, I'll pass him tomorrow. I should probably quit while I'm ahead. But, beyond cash, I'd like one more good rune from Lower Kurast. I got an Io and Amn, but that's it. So, my goal is one more good one, then I think I'll call it quits.
What an interesting one it was, too. After reading of Bishop's demise, it reminded me to do what I prefer to do on level 3 of the Durance. Run! Run as quick to the left, as I can, ignoring any ghoul lords, or whatever's there, into the lefthand side room. I'll take out whatever's in there, and stake my claim to a safe haven. If anything follows me from the area I just ran past, I'll deal with them, too. But, the main thing is to avoid the scary confrontation with the Council. I've died too many times to them, and it's just not worth it.
So, after I did my run, I was pleased to see only the Boss council guy in the room this time. However, I thought it curious that ghoul lords were coming into the room. I later found they were Extra Fast. More like Flash on speed, it seemed. AND!, the next thing I see, with meteors and firewalls everywhere is Mephisto herself charging into the room. I have never seen that one before. Usually, I have to go draw her out. I have no idea what happened, but I was quite startled, and ran for my life, to where I would usually go to root her out. That's when I noticed those ghoul lords were Extra Fast. They were so hot on my tail, I barely could get a TP down. Not sure how the merc didn't die in all this, but we made it to town. The strategy worked well, as when we came back, we were able to pick off most of the ghoul lords, without attracting Mephisto's attention, who was seemingly taking a nap in that room. The merc didn't survive this strategy though. But, Eliot and his summon sidekick, and a protective barrier(rinse, repeat), took Mephisto down. A Demon Limb tyrant club is not a bad drop. One of the weirder Mephisto battles, for me, though.
I had run Lower Kurast a bunch of times, but couldn't even do it as much as you did Skunk. I gave up a little over 200K. A bunch of merc deaths later, and I'm less than 100, now. So, I may do some more tomorrow. I've had enough for one day. For sure, if I still live, I'll pass him tomorrow. I should probably quit while I'm ahead. But, beyond cash, I'd like one more good rune from Lower Kurast. I got an Io and Amn, but that's it. So, my goal is one more good one, then I think I'll call it quits.
Ok, got back to playing this tournament after a break, due mainly to school. Dickinson is in the Lower Kurast, and I should be done with her tomorrow sometime. Like most others, I'd like to take the opportunity to fill up on some gold. Merc's been pretty good so far, but he's been knocked down more than once. Teleport helps a lot.
Olga was received, and will be my first repeated character if I survive with Dickinson.
Olga was received, and will be my first repeated character if I survive with Dickinson.
Billybgame
New member
Thought about this a bit more, and I have bad news.
It'll be impossible for me to be done with act 4 by Saturday. I haven't even received my act 4 character, for starters. Second, I work afternoons Thursday, and start double shifts(afternoons and midnights), Friday, through Sunday morning. Then, I'm busy all day Sunday. It'll be Monday or Tuesday, of next week, for me, for sure. Heck, it'll be then, before I can even start. As you inferred, it might not take me too long, to pass on or perish, though.
skunkbelly
New member
Just do your best, Billy. If you need until next Tuesday, we'll survive... especially since you don't have your character.
Of course, I don't have *my* character either. Hint, hint.
Of course, I don't have *my* character either. Hint, hint.
Billybgame
New member
Okay, I'm all done with Eliot, and he's en route to Skunkbelly.
Got me a Hel, in my second LK run of the day, and being I was still living, and I hadn't had the merc die on me yet, I thought that was good enough.
P.S. Being I've never had a Guardian, I'm starting to think this might be about the farthest I've gotten into Hardcore. Kinda proud of that!
Got me a Hel, in my second LK run of the day, and being I was still living, and I hadn't had the merc die on me yet, I thought that was good enough.
P.S. Being I've never had a Guardian, I'm starting to think this might be about the farthest I've gotten into Hardcore. Kinda proud of that!
skunkbelly
New member
Eliot received, Diablo defeated. He will be passed on shortly.
Hellforge: Ist
# of runewords I can use my shiny Ist in (in this tourny, at least): 0
Not too much to report. No real big danger to myself, though Mr. Merc died several times, and depleted about a third of my gold with resurrections. The character is reasonably well built, though ideally about 7-8 skill points would have been better spent (well, maybe more like 9-10). It's hard to tell how handicapped he really is, because my gear for him is a bit mediocre for act 4 hell... only 3 +skills total... in an more typical untwinked tournament, he would easily have +5 at this point, at a minimum, and potentially more. But he ought to do OK in act 5... my main worries for him are the Ancients. Not sure if he'll do enough damage to defeat them or not. Time will tell... and the nice thing is, it won't be my problem!
Hellforge: Ist
# of runewords I can use my shiny Ist in (in this tourny, at least): 0
Not too much to report. No real big danger to myself, though Mr. Merc died several times, and depleted about a third of my gold with resurrections. The character is reasonably well built, though ideally about 7-8 skill points would have been better spent (well, maybe more like 9-10). It's hard to tell how handicapped he really is, because my gear for him is a bit mediocre for act 4 hell... only 3 +skills total... in an more typical untwinked tournament, he would easily have +5 at this point, at a minimum, and potentially more. But he ought to do OK in act 5... my main worries for him are the Ancients. Not sure if he'll do enough damage to defeat them or not. Time will tell... and the nice thing is, it won't be my problem!
skunkbelly
New member
Rule Change For Act 5 Hell
RULE CHANGE FOR ACT 5 HELL:
One thing that makes me most irritated with this game is that the pit vipers in Nihlathak's temple are insanely bugged. I'd hate for us to have come so far with six characters, only to have people die to bugs... the Ancients and WSK will be enough of a challenge.
SO... it is not required to do the Nihlathak quest. However, obviously, if you don't do the quest, you can't take advantage of the Personalization Reward... so if you find something terrific in Act 5, you might find yourself risking the vipers anyway. Up to you.
RULE CHANGE FOR ACT 5 HELL:
One thing that makes me most irritated with this game is that the pit vipers in Nihlathak's temple are insanely bugged. I'd hate for us to have come so far with six characters, only to have people die to bugs... the Ancients and WSK will be enough of a challenge.
SO... it is not required to do the Nihlathak quest. However, obviously, if you don't do the quest, you can't take advantage of the Personalization Reward... so if you find something terrific in Act 5, you might find yourself risking the vipers anyway. Up to you.
Eliot received, Diablo defeated. He will be passed on shortly.
Hellforge: Ist
# of runewords I can use my shiny Ist in (in this tourny, at least): 0
Not too much to report. No real big danger to myself, though Mr. Merc died several times, and depleted about a third of my gold with resurrections. The character is reasonably well built, though ideally about 7-8 skill points would have been better spent (well, maybe more like 9-10). It's hard to tell how handicapped he really is, because my gear for him is a bit mediocre for act 4 hell... only 3 +skills total... in an more typical untwinked tournament, he would easily have +5 at this point, at a minimum, and potentially more. But he ought to do OK in act 5... my main worries for him are the Ancients. Not sure if he'll do enough damage to defeat them or not. Time will tell... and the nice thing is, it won't be my problem!
Wow that was incredibly fast, thanks and congratulations on the Ist and act completion. Welcome to Act 5 (upon character arrival).
I hardly recognize Eliot. He's the only character I'll be replaying. I remember having a blast with him in Act 2 normal as I used my 4 socket composite bow (Tal, Ral, Ral, PShaph) behind Gumby and the Merc to tear down most everything in the act. I must say I'm a little surprised to be playing a bonemancer as the other two necros have been a *censored* and a *censored*. But I like the prospect of trying out a boner in hell.
I took him out for a quick spin to get a feel for him. Found a Flamebelow off a random monster. Also got my merc up to lvl 81 so he can finally use his reward item Arioc's Needle :jig: , man this so beats a ferocious mancatcher. Also crafted all craftable items as caster gear and got absolute junk. At least there were some random +skills so they should sell for a good price if Fort Knox ever runs out of gold.
I'm also a bit worried about the Ancient's. Heck I'd be worried about them no matter what character got sent to me. The max plus skills I can muster is 4, but I don't think I'll have the resistance to pull that off. So best bet case scenario I think will be three. Maybe I'll reroll some Grand Charms, I've got enough to get 1 skiller if I get lucky. I personally wasted at least 4 skill points into poison dagger and explosion, so I can't complain much about the skill placement. I also dumped a bunch of points into Clay Golem, but those won't be wasted should I make it to Baal.
Good luck to those still in the hunt for a Gaurdian:wink2: .
*runs off to read Bonemancer guides*
PS. I never run Hell Nihlathak. Do buggy serpents always spawn or is it a random roll? Thanks
If I am not mistaken, there are 4 or 5 types of monsters for Nilly's chamber? So the chance they will be there is quite high. (Only 3 types of monsters can be there)
harlot type, temple guards, flayers, vipers, maybe those enslaved (Baal minion) type?
skunkbelly
New member
And remember, there are three levels to the temple, too... so if you don't get the vipers on level 1, you might see them on 2 or 3.
@ Brak: Eliot has a very key skill that makes his life much easier than it ought to be, given the lack of well-selected gear. But that's all I'll say :flip:
@ Brak: Eliot has a very key skill that makes his life much easier than it ought to be, given the lack of well-selected gear. But that's all I'll say :flip:
skunkbelly
New member
Sorry for the delay... but Dickinson has made it safely through Act3 and killed Mephisto. He dropped 2 uniques, one a druid helm. This is the second time I've ever found this item, and they've both been from Mephisto, and they've both been in this less than desirable condition. Typical.
Cerebus' Bite
Blood Spirit
Defense: 514
Durability: 11 of 11
(Druid Only)
Required Strength: 76
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xd08a0b
+135% Enhanced Defense
7% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Feral Rage (Druid Only)
109% Bonus to Attack Rating
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+4 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)
Anyway... not too many bad spots, but I had to get used to her play style at first which is always dangerous so late in the game. Actually had my closest death fighting Wendugu or whatever his name is in the bottom of the Flayer Dungeon. I saw he was cold enchanted, and I thought I was far enough away, but it hit me anyway. Just when I'm foolishly standing there marvelling at how low the explosion took my life bulb to, my merc kills the flayer-version that supports him and a second explosion took my life bulb to almost nil. Got careless but lucky there.
Not as much gold as I'd like, but plenty of rejuvs, and I've yet to sell off anything from my stash, so I should be OK. I hope. Good luck to those left, Dickinson will be sent once this is posted.
Cerebus' Bite
Blood Spirit
Defense: 514
Durability: 11 of 11
(Druid Only)
Required Strength: 76
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 87
Fingerprint: 0xd08a0b
+135% Enhanced Defense
7% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Feral Rage (Druid Only)
109% Bonus to Attack Rating
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+4 to Shape-Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)
Anyway... not too many bad spots, but I had to get used to her play style at first which is always dangerous so late in the game. Actually had my closest death fighting Wendugu or whatever his name is in the bottom of the Flayer Dungeon. I saw he was cold enchanted, and I thought I was far enough away, but it hit me anyway. Just when I'm foolishly standing there marvelling at how low the explosion took my life bulb to, my merc kills the flayer-version that supports him and a second explosion took my life bulb to almost nil. Got careless but lucky there.
Not as much gold as I'd like, but plenty of rejuvs, and I've yet to sell off anything from my stash, so I should be OK. I hope. Good luck to those left, Dickinson will be sent once this is posted.
Well I burnt through 150 Pgems I collected mostly from running Lower Kurast to get rune drop screenies. Ended up with three skillers but nothing for a Necro. Notable charms were:
I guess I'll get by with what I've got. Feel like I wasted my socket reward. Stuck a hole in Eliot's armor to PRuby it. But on second thought, I should have Amn'd the merc's weapon. This way I could either ditch his helm for resistance or over double his life leech, greatly increasing his survivability. Guess I was just too excited beefing up the necros red ball.
Code:
Captain's Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x8c386a76
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
Expert's Grand Charm of Greed
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 85
Fingerprint: 0xefa10b7b
40% Extra Gold from Monsters
+1 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
Preserver's Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x70418f0f
+4 to Maximum Damage
+1 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
Shimmering Grand Charm
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 27
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x4f781027
All Resistances +13
wasn't sure about this one, but I kept it anyway
Bloody Grand Charm of Maiming
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 67
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 80
Fingerprint: 0x1ba631a3
+3 to Minimum Damage
+4 to Maximum DamageI guess I'll get by with what I've got. Feel like I wasted my socket reward. Stuck a hole in Eliot's armor to PRuby it. But on second thought, I should have Amn'd the merc's weapon. This way I could either ditch his helm for resistance or over double his life leech, greatly increasing his survivability. Guess I was just too excited beefing up the necros red ball.
skunkbelly
New member
That last GC could probably get you a few hundred gold from Charsi But the others are worth saving. Too bad there was nothing for a necro, though... but 150 gems and 3 skillers is a darn good ratio! Wish I had that kind of luck when I bother to reroll charms...
But the others are worth saving. Too bad there was nothing for a necro, though... but 150 gems and 3 skillers is a darn good ratio! Wish I had that kind of luck when I bother to reroll charms...