The Faithful Seven Swords

maxicek

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Aug 5, 2005
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My second two handed sword sept was all built around an Act 1 Mercenary with a Faith Bow, very kindly given to me by Neksja. This was pre 1.13, so that was an extremely generous gift.
The threads were originally posted between 2008 and 2010. By this point in time LK CHest mechanisms were being uncovered. 1.13 was released towards the end of the sept.
 
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I am John Daker, the victim of the whole world's dreams. I am Erekosë, Champion of Humanity, who slew the human race. I am Hawkmoon. I am Corum. I am Ilian. I am Aubec. I am Elric. I am Asquiol. I am Ulysses. I am Cornelius. I am many more.

I am Urlik Skarsol! Count of the White Wastes! Lord of the Frozen Keep! Prince of the Southern Ice! Master of the Cold Sword! I come in furs and metal, my chariot drawn by bears, my black beard bristling, to claim my blade, to aid my folk!


Urlik.jpg

Urlik_Skarsol
Patriarch Urlik_Skarsol - 2h Sword PDR Berserker



The name is fairly well known around the SPF, mainly for the excellent runefinder's guide, but he wasn't intended as a tribute build. Urlik is a themed build based on the character from the book Phoenix in Obsidian by Michael Moorcock. Urlik is yet another incarnation of The Eternal Champion, an inspiration for several of my Patriarchs to date. The Eternal Champion is a mortal soldier who is doomed to fight to maintain the balance between Law and Chaos, and so never knows peace. He exists in different incarnations, in all times and universes. He rarely has knowledge of previous incarnations, but memories come to him as nightmares. There are common themes between the characters, such as a powerful sword and a doomed love, but they often inhabit very different universes.


Stats

Name: Urlik_Skarsol
Class: Barbarian
Experience: 975621862
Level: 84

Naked/Gear
Strength: 118/138
Dexterity: 141/161
Vitality: 246/246
Energy: 10/10
HP: 1165/1246 (2.5K with BO)
Mana: 93/151
Stamina: 396/426
Defense: 35/1179
AR: 690/690

Resists after Hell Anya
With Shield / Without
Fire: 104 / 76
Cold: 74 / 46
Lightning: 114 / 86
Poison: 104 / 76

Block: 68%
FR/W: 30%
FHR: 30%
IAS: 35%

Damage / Attack Rating:
Berserk, Sword, 2h: 4679-10K / 8397 AR at 13FPA
Berserk, Sword, 1h: 1997-6502 / 8397 AR
Berserk, Axe: 2639-4682 / 7260 AR

Concentration, Sword, 2h: 2302-5143 / 3791 AR
Concentration, Sword, 1h: 983-3002 / 3791 AR

Damage / AR with Fanaticism:
Berserk, Sword, 2h: 5223-12K / 9798 AR at 11FPA
Berserk, Sword, 1h: 2330-6750 / 9798 AR at 10FPA
Berserk, Axe: 2956-5245 / 8609 AR

Concentration, Sword, 2h: 2846-6347 / 5193 AR
Concentration, Sword, 1h: 1215-3700 / 5193 AR

Urlik Baal.jpg

Urlik Ancients.jpg


Skills
Bash: 1/5
Leap: 1/5
Stun: 1/5
Leap Attack: 1/5
Concentrate: 1/5
Whirlwind: 1/5
Berserk: 20/24

Sword Mastery : 1/3
Increased Stamina : 1/3
Iron Skin : 1/3
Increased Speed : 1/3
Natural Resistance : 3/5

Howl : 20/22
Shout : 19/21
Battle Orders : 20/22
Battle Command : 1/3


Equipment
Urlik wields The Black Sword, a sentient sword of immense power that freezes it's victims and sucks out their souls. This fits the theme nicely:

Death
Colossus Sword
One Hand Damage: 192 - 517
Two Hand Damage: 448 - 892
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 60
Required Strength: 137
Required Dexterity: 68
Fingerprint: 0x5c3ff463
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
Properties:
393% Enhanced Damage
50% Chance of Crushing Blow
Indestructible
25% Chance to cast level 18 Glacial Spike on attack
100% Chance to cast level 44 Chain Lightning when you Die
Level 22 Blood Golem (15/15 Charges)
4% Deadly Strike
Ethereal
Requirements -20%
+1 to Light Radius
+50 to Attack Rating
7% Mana stolen per hit
+1 - 50 Lightning Damage
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Gul Rune

Switch Weapon: 'Oath' 1.07 Small Crescent
Switch Shield: Gerke's Sanctuary 'Sol' (21 PDR)

Helm: Arreat's Face socketed with an Aureolic Jewel of Fervour
Armour: 1.07 Ancient Armour of Amicae with 4x Sol runes (42 PDR)
Belt: Trang Oul's Girth
Boots: Silkweave
Gloves: Laying of Hands

Amulet: Chromatic Amulet of Life Everlasting (22RA / 20PDR)
Ring1: Nature's Peace (11PDR)
Ring2: Nature's Peace (11PDR)

Inventory: Steel charms, Amber Charms & Sapphire Charms, both Tomes & the Cube

I have a total of 84 PDR with the sword in two hands, 105 PDR with the shield. Most of the time I used the sword two handed, sometimes I used the switch combination. For the ancients and the WSK I used the sword with the shield. This gives me an extra frame attack speed and more protection, at the expense of quite a bit of damage.

The belt, boots & gloves slots gave me a few problems deciding on the best combination. Originally I was going to use three IK pieces for a nice AR boost, with a Prayer / Insight merc to solve my life & mana problems. But when Neksja gave me the Faith bow, I wanted to use it to get a faster attack. Nightsmoke was my next choice, but I was unsure if I would receive enough damage to get the benefit of the damage to mana (It turns out that I probably do). Anyway I decided that +mana after each kill was the way to go. With the insane damage of 'Death' I can kill things in only a few hits. Berserk cost 4 mana per swing. Silkweave gets me +5 and the Jewel in the Helm gives me +3 to mana after each kill. So if on average I kill things in two swings, I have no net loss of mana.

The decision not to use Nightsmoke belt gave me the option to get my Cannot be Frozen mod (and a nice mana and life boost) from Trang's Girth. This meant I could use another Nature's Peace ring instead of the usually obligatory Ravenfrost.

I chose The Laying of Hands as gloves first for the IAS and second for nice chunk of fire resist. The Damage to Demons mod is always nice, even with the huge damage bonus from Berserk.

Code:
Oath
Small Crescent
One Hand Damage: 264 - 417
Durability: 13 of 13
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 105
Required Dexterity: 73
Fingerprint: 0x315db2
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
Properties:
364% Enhanced Damage
50% Increased Attack Speed
+15 Magic Absorb
Indestructible
30% Chance to cast level 20 Bone Spirit on striking
Level 17 Iron Golem (14/14 Charges)
Level 16 Heart of Wolverine (20/20 Charges)
Ethereal
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
75% Damage to Demons
Prevent Monster Heal
+10 to Energy
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune

Gerke's Sanctuary
Pavise
Defense: 267
Chance to Block: 54
Durability: 172 of 172
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 133
Fingerprint: 0x31626c90
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
239% Enhanced Defense
30% Increased Chance of Blocking
Magic Damage Reduced by 16
+100 Maximum Durability
Replenish Life 15
All Resistances +28
Damage Reduced by 21
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune

Arreat's Face
Slayer Guard
Defense: 306
Durability: 55 of 55
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0x83208132
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
153% Enhanced Defense
5% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
All Resistances +30
15% Increased Attack Speed
+3 to Mana after each Kill
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Aureolic Jewel of Fervor

Aureolic Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xc4b790a6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
15% Increased Attack Speed
+3 to Mana after each Kill


Chromatic Amulet of Life Everlasting
Amulet
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x3802fc21
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Damage Reduced by 20
Fire Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Cold Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%

Ancient Armor of Amicae
Ancient Armor
Defense: 227
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 100
Fingerprint: 0x517a8f73
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion
Properties:
Damage Reduced by 42
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x91796898
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Damage Reduced by 11
Poison Resist +25%
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Prevent Monster Heal
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xd693fc23
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Damage Reduced by 11
Poison Resist +25%
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Prevent Monster Heal
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Trang-Oul's Girth
Troll Belt
Defense: 142
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 90
Fingerprint: 0x8c72209
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+66 to Life
+45 to Mana
+30 Maximum Stamina
+78 Defense
Replenish Life 5
Requirements -40%
Cannot Be Frozen
Set (3 items):
Cold Resist +40%

Silkweave
Mesh Boots
Defense: 114
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0x694f08c1
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
155% Enhanced Defense
+200 Defense vs. Missile
10% Increase Maximum Mana
30% Faster Run/Walk
+5 to Mana after each Kill

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 83
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x38d61308
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%
20% Increased Attack Speed
350% Damage to Demons
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking

Amber Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 22
Fingerprint: 0x4151d693
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+15 to Life
Lightning Resist +30%

Steel Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xfffa8769
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+98 to Attack Rating

Steel Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 44
Fingerprint: 0xd5dc8a7c
Item Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+65 to Attack Rating

Steel Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 44
Fingerprint: 0xccd9cc33
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+72 to Attack Rating

Amber Large Charm of Greed
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x4fc41409
Item Level: 46
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Lightning Resist +15%
8% Extra Gold from Monsters

Sapphire Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xbbe1be9b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Cold Resist +10%

Sapphire Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xf88d14b
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Cold Resist +10%

Steel Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 44
Fingerprint: 0xeec9912f
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+65 to Attack Rating

Steel Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 36
Fingerprint: 0xabd6a1a9
Item Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+63 to Attack Rating

Steel Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x7990b4b7
Item Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+132 to Attack Rating

Amber Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x69422070
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Lightning Resist +15%


Mercenary
Mahala - A1 Cold Arrow merc:
Helm: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Armour: Duriel's Shell
Weapon:

Faith
Ward Bow
Two Hand Damage: 86 - 227
Durability: 47 of 48
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 72
Required Dexterity: 146
Fingerprint: 0x7a73f069
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
All Resistances +15
330% Enhanced Damage
+120 - 120 Fire Damage
300% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to All Skills
Level 14 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
1% Reanimate as:
Ignore Target's Defense
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
75% Damage to Undead
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ohm Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune

The first outing for 'Faith' on a mercenary. I'm sure that a Prayer + Insight merc would have made the character much more durable, but the Fanaticism makes about a 2FPA improvement in my attack speed, which is quite significant in terms of damage per second. The boost in damage and AR is nice too, but was really secondary to the attack speed on this build. With almost all the holes in my equipment stuffed with Sols, I needed as much external help as possible with the IAS.

If I played steadily, she rarely died. The few times when she died (and I didn't) were when I ran too far into a mob of monsters and let myself get outflanked. As long as she had space she could run into safely, she survived very well.


Finds
Hellforge: Lum NM, Pul Hel.
Plague Bearer and Bartuc's Cut Throat in the Lut Gohlein Sewers. Some nice Greater Talons from Duriel, which will be useful for my WW/Trap assassin:

Raven Song
Greater Talons
One Hand Damage: 25 - 75
Durability: 65 of 69
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 79
Required Dexterity: 79
Fingerprint: 0x1542f2ab
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+4 to Minimum Damage
Knockback
30% Increased Attack Speed
+2 to Lightning Sentry (Assassin Only)
+1 to Blades of Ice (Assassin Only)
+1 to Dragon Flight (Assassin Only)
+1 to Mana after each Kill
37 to Maximum Damage (Based on Char Lvl)
309 to Attack Rating (Based on Char Lvl)


Random Thoughts
This was the first time I have ever played a PDR character, so I didn't really know what to expect. He was very durable, especially with the shield, but wasn't completely invulnerable. As so many of the monsters in Hell also do elemental damage, the life bulb always went down slowly. With all gear slots dedicated to PDR, getting enough resists / absorb is difficult.

I had a few deaths, mainly when I got impatient to finish an area and waded into the fray too far and got surrounded. Lord de Seis got me in NM, I'm not sure how. I died in Hell Tal Rasha's Tomb to a very large mob of Unravellers and skeletons, when I was trying to get to Duriel in a hurry. Once to souls in the Plains of Despair and a couple in A5.

Every single undead unique that I seemed to come across in A2 seemed to be mana burn, which is a major pain for a berserker. Claw Vipers were annoying because their knockback stopped me getting my relatively slow attack off, but they went down quickly when I connected. Magic immune Mummies were not so bad as I still had a respectable 5K concentration attack and they couldn't resurrect their skeletons thanks to Nature's Peace.

The 100% magic damage from Berserk at first seems a great solution for PI Ghosts, but in reality it was rubbish. The trouble is that when you swing at the ghost, your defense goes to zero. So they hit you straight away and suck you mana dry. So now you have no attack. I just chugged a blue potion and swung away until the mana got sucked again, usually 2-3 swings. I dealt with them by using howl to stop them stacking and make them run away, then hit them when they ran.

Howl was very useful generally, but there are some times when you definitely shouldn't use it. The Plains of Despair when souls are about is a good example. One howl sends a soul pack scattering. So far, so good. The trouble is, particularly in open areas, that they run miles across the map. This wakes up all their Burning Soul buddies, and they all come back to find you. I knew I should have packed that T-Gods.

Gerke’s has a slow block rate and sometimes I could get stuck in the middle of a pack blocking and not attacking. Howl was great in these situations for breaking the pack. You can then kill the unique and get rid of any nasty auras, and then hack down the stragglers as they flee. Truly barbaric.

All in all, one of my favourite characters so far. Nice style and fun to play. He is my ninth character to complete the game with a single two handed sword and my 30th Mat / Pat to date.

Urlik Horadric Staff.jpg

Thanks
Neksja for the Faith bow of course.
Sequana for trading me the jewel for my helm.
Darkooo for trading the 1.07 Small Crescent and the Ancient Armour.
Jae for trading the 1.07 Colossus Sword.
Maxgerin for trading the Vex rune to go into the sword.
Asmo and Nightfish for the berserker guides - I didn’t really follow either of them, but the info in both was very useful when planning the builds.
 
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Corum

Corum stripped the gauntlet from his six fingered hand. He was shivering with the tension. Then he pushed the eye patch up to his forehead.
He began to see the darker planes. Again he saw the landscape on which a black sun shone. Again he saw the four cowled figure.
And this time he stared into their faces.
He screamed.
But he could not name the reason for his terror.
He looked again.
The Hand of Kwll stretched out towards the figures. Their heads moved as they saw the hand. Their terrible eyes seemed to draw the heat from his body, all the vitality from his soul. But he continued to look at them.
The Hand beckoned.
The dark figures moved towards Corum.
...
Hollow voices issued from the strangely distorted mouths: "Master. We will do your will. We will do the will of Kwll." - The Knight of the Swords.


1899535-corumcomingofchaosdonmaitz.jpg

Patriarch Corum - 2h Sword Melee / Revive Necromancer

Corum is another incarnation of The Eternal Champion. He is not human, in many respects his race is similar to elves. Not the tree hugging elves of Tolkein, but of a similar type but more focused on art and science than nature. The world of the Vadhagh is invaded by the new race of humans, or Mabden. Corum gets captured by them and tortured. His eye is removed and his hand cut off before he escapes.
Eventually he meets a sorcerer who gives him the magical eye of Rhynn and Hand of Kwll as replacements. These are used to look into a netherworld from where Corum can summon aid in the form of the enemies he has previously slain.

In the books he fights and kills three Chaos Lords - A story that has many parallels with the D2 plot. Wikipedia Entry with plot synopsis.

I had been thinking about making a themed build based on Corum for a while. Revives are obviously ideal for the summoned creatures, but how would the rest of the build work out? I didn't want the build to be wholly a revivomancer. Eternity on a Paladin would have fitted the build nicely, but I have no Ber to spend on it and, if I did, I would need to make it in a repairable weapon. Plus charges are a major pain.

Then one day Neksja decided to part with his Faith bow. This is the glue that holds the whole build together and allowed me to make the character as a meleemancer with revives. A Faith merc gets over most of the major issues with meleemancers - AR, IAS and damage - not to mention the boost it would give to the revives.

Corum NM Ancients.jpg

Corum NM Baal.jpg


Stats
Name: Corum
Class: Necromancer
Experience: 761648072
Level: 81

Naked/Gear
Strength: 146/163
Dexterity: **/111
Vitality: 236/251
Energy: 25/25
HP: 878
Mana: 236
Stamina: 043
Defense: 651
AR: about 4.5K all in. A bit low, but not too bad for a meleemancer.

Fire: 141/101/41
Cold: 147/107/47
Lightning: 185/145/85
Poison: 160/120/60

MF: 0 Block: 0
GF: 75
FR/W: 20
FHR: 57
IAS: 45
FCR: 0


Skills
Amplify Damage: 1/4
Dim Vision: 1/4
Weaken: 1/4
Iron Maiden: 1/4
Terror: 1/4
Life Tap: 1/4
Decrepify: 5/8

Teeth : 1/4
Bone Armor : 1/4
Corpse Explosion : 1/4
Bone Wall : 20/23
Bone Spear : 1/4
Bone Prison : 20/23

Skeleton Mastery : 20/25
Raise Skeleton : 1/6
Clay Golem : 1/6
Golem Mastery : 1/6
Raise Skeletal Mage : 1/6
Blood Golem : 1/6
Summon Resist : 1/6
Iron Golem : 1/6
Revive : 10/15

10 points in revive were more than enough. It was rare that I actually had all 15 revives alive at any one time.
Although I had a single point in CE, I only used it once in NM. I managed to explode a doll underneath myself in the flayer dungeon and kill myself.


Equipment
Prince Corum wore a conical silver helm which had his full name carved above the short peak - Corum Jhaelen Irsei - which meant Corum, the Prince in the Scarlet Robe. It was the custom of the Vadhagh to choose a robe of distinctive colour and identify themselves by it. Beneath the coat was a double bynie made up of a million tiny links. The upper layer of the byrnie was silver and the lower layer was of brass.

For weapons other than a bow or lance, Corum bore a long hafted Vadhagh war axe of delicate and intricate workmanship, a long, strong sword of a nameless metal manufactured on a different plane of the Earth, with a pommel and guard worked in silver and both red and black onyx. - The Knight of the Swords.


Weapon: 'Passion' Champion Sword
Switch Weapon: 'Obedience' Cryptic Axe
Yes, another 2h sword. Probably a cryptic sword would fit the theme best, but I couldn't stand the thought of the incredibly low damage. Obedience was used for the ctc enchant, and in many battles where I needed the resists.

Helm: Sazabi's Mental Sheath with Rare Jewel 30% Lightning Resist.
Doesn't look as conical or silver as I would have liked, but it was the best I could think of.

Armour: Artisan's Light Plate of the Whale
No robes in D2, so I decided to go with a red armour instead. The fact it had a huge life bonus and 3 sockets I stuffed with jewels helped.

Belt: String of Ears
Boots: Sandstorm Trek
Gloves: Laying of Hands

Amulet: Seraph's Hymn
Ring1: Ravenfrost
Ring2: Rare with mana leech

Inventory: 2x Graverobbers GCs, 2xSteel GCs, various resist & balance charms.

Code:
Passion
Champion Sword
One Hand Damage: 65 - 147
Two Hand Damage: 194 - 227
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 163
Required Dexterity: 103
Fingerprint: 0xc0e096e4
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
174% Enhanced Damage
25% Increased Attack Speed
+1 to Zeal
+1 to Berserk
+10 Hit Blinds Target
61% Bonus to Attack Rating
Level 3 Heart of Wolverine (12/12 Charges)
Hit Causes Monster to Flee
+1 - 50 Lightning Damage
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
75% Damage to Undead
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Obedience
Cryptic Axe
Two Hand Damage: 155 - 705
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 132
Required Dexterity: 82
Fingerprint: 0x2a793e28
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
All Resistances +27
370% Enhanced Damage
+221 Defense
40% Faster Hit Recovery
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
30% Chance to cast level 21 Enchant when you Kill an Enemy
-25% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Requirements -20%
+10 to Dexterity
+3 - 14 cold damage with 3 sec Duration
25% Target Defense
+10 to Strength
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune

Sazabi's Mental Sheath
Basinet
Defense: 180
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 82
Fingerprint: 0xcf3ae95c
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+100 Defense
Fire Resist +20%
Lightning Resist +20%
+1 to All Skills
+8 to Minimum Damage
+6 to Maximum Damage
Cold Resist +30%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Bone Gyre

Artisan's Light Plate of the Whale
Light Plate
Defense: 98
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0xfbd4b2e7
Item Level: 98
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+99 to Life
+4 to Minimum Damage
Lightning Resist +89%
+5 to Strength
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Ambergris Jewel of Joyfulness
Socketed: Ambergris Jewel
Socketed: Ambergris Jewel of Virility

Seraph's Hymn
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x2c68ebb5
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+2 to Light Radius
36% Damage to Demons
36% Damage to Undead
+178 to Attack Rating against Demons
+174 to Attack Rating against Undead
+2 to All Skills
+1 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x9a9bb61b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+15 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+224 to Attack Rating
+15 - 45 cold damage with 4 sec Duration
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

Bone Finger
Ring
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xe74ead8d
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+4 to Dexterity
+67 to Attack Rating
Lightning Resist +5%
5% Mana stolen per hit
Level 1 Attract (22/22 Charges)
All Resistances +11

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 104
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x39c85bc6
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
155% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
Damage Reduced by 15%
6% Life stolen per hit
+10 Maximum Durability

Sandstorm Trek
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 163
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x82c99542
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+12 to Strength
+15 to Vitality
148% Enhanced Defense
Poison Resist +70%
20% Faster Run/Walk
20% Faster Hit Recovery
50% Slower Stamina Drain
81 Maximum Stamina (Based on Char Lvl)
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 79
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xacefe333
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%
20% Increased Attack Speed
350% Damage to Demons
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking

Sapphire Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x776e3634
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Cold Resist +10%

Shimmering Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x32e88031
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Fire Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Cold Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%

Shimmering Grand Charm of Maiming
Grand Charm
Required Level: 63
Fingerprint: 0x1bd2f068
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+3 to Maximum Damage
Fire Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Cold Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%

Sapphire Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x7afe1cf5
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+2 to Dexterity
Cold Resist +11%

Sapphire Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x41ddd59a
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+2 to Dexterity
Cold Resist +10%

Sapphire Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x3e5c3837
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+13 to Life
Cold Resist +10%

Graverobber's Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x366afc13
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+31 to Life
+1 to Summoning Skills (Necromancer Only)

Graverobber's Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x27d3f9e6
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+1 to Summoning Skills (Necromancer Only)

Steel Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0x2705f770
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+122 to Attack Rating
12% Faster Hit Recovery

Emerald Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xff31bee8
Item Level: 56
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Poison Resist +11%
5% Faster Hit Recovery

Steel Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x73a9deb1
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+38 to Life
+122 to Attack Rating

Iron Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x1e60d9b1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+19 to Attack Rating
5% Faster Hit Recovery

Azure Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x1ebb7fbb
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Cold Resist +5%
5% Faster Hit Recovery

Snake's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x8725a973
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+11 to Mana
5% Faster Hit Recovery

Jade Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x7213224d
Item Level: 72
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Poison Resist +8%
5% Faster Hit Recovery


Mercenary
Floria, A1 Fire Arrow
Helm: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Armour: Duriel's Shell
Weapon: Faith Ward Bow


Finds
Hellforge: Dol NM, Fal Hell. My poor hellforge run continues. No other finds of significance that I can remember.


Random Thoughts
I played NM at players 8. I died alot. Hell was much better, but the the trouble with wading into combat with a meleemancer is that once the bone armour has gone, that life bulb goes down quickly. Most combat sequences were cast bone armour, cast decrepify, wade in with sword or Cryptic Axe and hope that the monsters were dead before the bone armour was depleted. Survivability depended alot on my revives, so...


Five Best Revives
1. Venom Lords - They don't pack as much of a punch as frenzytaurs, but for me they are better because they are more common and easier to kill in the first place. Particularly where you need them, like the Chaos Sanctuary.
2. Frenzytaurs - No surprise here. Fast, big damage. The only thing that lets them down is they down spawn when you want them to.
3. Witches - I managed to get gloams, witches and Vipers at the Frozen River in Hell. Reviving the witches took care of them without problem.
4. Ghosts - In the Arcane Sanctuary all other revives get stuck. These fly all over the place and stack nicely on the enemies.
5. Rogues - Plentiful in Act 1 and have one of the best qualities a good revive needs - speed.

Corum Dark Lancers.jpg

Corum Ghosts.jpg

Five Worst Revives
1. Urdar - Often recommended by the guides, I can't stand them. Sure, they pack a punch, but they are far too slow. Without teleport, by the time you have got them from one battle to the next, the timer has run out.
2. Thrashers - Same as Urdars.
3. Crushers - Yawn. Still too slow.
4. Gloams - Big Lightning damage, firing against Lightning Immunes. Worthless.
5. Fallen Shamen - Just a waste of mana. Fallen themselves almost made my top 5 best though.

He was great fun to play, but very fragile. Getting caught without a pack of revives could bring a swift death.
 
Last edited:
Beowulf
Patriarch Beowulf - 2h Sword Kodiak

A Druid with a two handed sword?
Yep. Despite one two handed sword sept already completed and a lot of hours in therapy I still have an addiction. Heroes use swords. Big swords. Heroes don't hide behind shields. Axes and Hammers are for side-kicks (Gimli in The Lord of The Rings?).

But what's with this questions format of Pat thread
Well it's a Druid, so this pat thread is brought to you with added essence of Liquid_Evil.

Beowulf? Like the Film?
Kind of, but I haven't seen it. Beowulf is an ancient English myth. Actually it is the oldest surviving writing in the English language.

So this is a themed chracter?
No, not really. I liked the name and was reading about the character. One of the suggested entymologies of Beowulf is Bee-Wolf, or bear. So I used that idea. At no point in the story does Beowulf actually change into a bear, but I think he is described as fighting with the spirit of a bear. So tenuously themed at best.


Skills

Summoning Skills
Raven: 1
Oak Sage: 1
Summon Spirit Wolf: 1
Summon Dire Wolf: 20 (Cast at 22)
Summon Grizzly: 1

I used Dire Wolves pretty much exclusively. The bear came out a few times (Ancients for example) but the Wolves were fairly good with Fanaticism, even though I was only casting them at level 22.

Shapeshifting Skills
Werewolf : 1
Lycanthropy : 12 (Cast at 14)
Werebear : 10 (Cast at 12)
Feral Rage : 1
Maul : 20
Fire Claws : 1
Hunger : 10
Shock Wave : 15


Stats
Name: Beowulf
Class: Druid
Experience: 883922182
Level: 83

Naked/Gear
Strength: 167/189
Dexterity: 92/110
Vitality: 226/226
Energy: 20/20
HP: 640/666 (1.5K in bear form)
Mana: 184/224
Stamina: 367/387
Defense: 23/2181
AR: 430/430

Resists in Hell (After Anya)
Fire: 25
Cold: 45
Lightning: 85
Poison: 15

FR/W: 35
FHR: 87
IAS: 120

Damage
Hunger Damage at 4FPA: 290-1438 / 7206 AR
Maul Damage at 5FPA: 716-2129 / 8102 AR

Beowulf LCS Hunger.jpg

Beowulf LCS Maul.jpg


Equipment
Weapon: Colossus Blade 'ShaelShaelShaelShaelShaelShael'
That gives me a 5FPA Maul and 4FPA Hunger with Fanaticism from Faith. (6/5 without. For the Stats heads, 35 off weapon IAS would also give 5/4)

Switch Weapon: Demon Limb
Switch Shield: Spirit
I much prefer using the ctc Enchant on Obedience to Demon Limb. With very little free space in my stash, picking up items to sell was annoying and those charges don't come cheap. But the attack speed with obedience was unfeasibly slow, so I went to Demon Limb.

Helm: Guillaume's Face + Ambergris Jewel of Lightning
Armour: Duress Great Hauberk
Belt: Crafted Blood Belt
Boots: Gore Rider
Gloves: Crafted Blood Gloves

Amulet: Metalgrid
Ring1: Ravenfrost
Ring2: Rare with resists and AR

Inventory: Loads of elemental damage charms, a few resist charms, both tomes and the cube. 4 slots empty.

Code:
Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x165bb3fa
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+15 to Strength
120% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
Lightning Resist +30%
+1 - 51 Lightning Damage
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ambergris Jewel of Lightning

Metalgrid
Amulet
Required Level: 81
Fingerprint: 0x1b20b3f8
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+414 to Attack Rating
+328 Defense
Fire Resist +32%
Lightning Resist +32%
Cold Resist +32%
Poison Resist +32%
Level 12 Iron Maiden (20/20 Charges)
Level 22 Iron Golem (11/11 Charges)

Duress
Great Hauberk
Defense: 1319
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 56
Required Strength: 118
Fingerprint: 0xff7d9328
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
165% Enhanced Defense
11% Enhanced Damage
+37 - 133 cold damage with 2 sec Duration
40% Faster Hit Recovery
33% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
All Resistances +15
Cold Resist +30%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x3924a31e
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+18 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+237 to Attack Rating
+15 - 45 cold damage with 4 sec Duration
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

Raven Finger
Ring
Required Level: 51
Fingerprint: 0xb52af63a
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+109 to Attack Rating
+7 to Minimum Damage
Fire Resist +18%
Half Freeze Duration
All Resistances +7

Gale Clasp
Mithril Coil
Defense: 77
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 78
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x2d8cfcc7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+12 to Life
17% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +27%
Cold Resist +18%
1% Life stolen per hit
17% Faster Hit Recovery
9% Chance of Open Wounds

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 148
Durability: 34 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xbd835e53
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+20 Maximum Stamina
175% Enhanced Defense
+10 Maximum Durability
Requirements -25%
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike

Bitter Hand
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 65
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x2c64f596
Item Level: 93
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+14 to Life
Lightning Resist +27%
Poison Resist +7%
1% Life stolen per hit
Half Freeze Duration
9% Chance of Crushing Blow
12% Chance to cast level 4 Charged Bolt when struck

Gemmed Colossus Blade
Colossus Blade
One Hand Damage: 25 - 65
Two Hand Damage: 58 - 115
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 189
Required Dexterity: 110
Fingerprint: 0xa901faca
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
120% Increased Attack Speed
6 Sockets (6 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Shael Rune

Demon Limb
Tyrant Club
One Hand Damage: 102 - 185
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 133
Fingerprint: 0xd5a9e092
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
219% Enhanced Damage
Fire Resist +20%
+222 - 333 Fire Damage
11% Life stolen per hit
123% Damage to Demons
Level 23 Enchant (20/20 Charges)
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
150% Damage to Undead

Spirit
Monarch
Defense: 148
Chance to Block: 22
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xa45ae10b
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+22 to Vitality
+96 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
55% Faster Hit Recovery
32% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skills
+8 Magic Absorb
Poison Resist +35%
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Code:
Shimmering Grand Charm of Incineration
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x5b2a9fc3
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Fire Resist +13%
Lightning Resist +13%
Cold Resist +13%
Poison Resist +13%
+6 - 8 Fire Damage

Jade Large Charm of Incineration
Large Charm
Required Level: 26
Fingerprint: 0xac8b838
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Poison Resist +11%
+6 - 17 Fire Damage

Flaming Large Charm of Storms
Large Charm
Required Level: 59
Fingerprint: 0x73f3255
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+10 - 43 Fire Damage
+1 - 37 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm of Strength
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xd45051d5
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+5 to Strength
+1 - 75 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm of Frost
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xe860cd79
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+1 - 85 Lightning Damage
+1 - 3 cold damage with 1 sec Duration

Shocking Large Charm of Burning
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xeafb2b23
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+3 - 11 Fire Damage
+1 - 71 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xb74b74e
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+1 - 90 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x532d7925
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+1 - 87 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm of Inertia
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x50adfb18
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+1 - 77 Lightning Damage
5% Faster Run/Walk

Shocking Large Charm of Strength
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x6aaaf8f9
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+2 to Strength
+1 - 89 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm of Winter
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x47731879
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+1 - 76 Lightning Damage
+4 - 9 cold damage with 1 sec Duration

Shocking Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x52bc2509
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+1 - 89 Lightning Damage

Tangerine Small Charm of Storms
Small Charm
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xc756882
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Lightning Resist +4%
+1 - 25 Lightning Damage

Ruby Small Charm of Thunder
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xe3d96d5d
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Fire Resist +10%
+1 - 15 Lightning Damage


Mercenary
Visala, Fire Arrow merc:
Helm: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest + Tin Jewel of Fervour
Armour: Treachery
Weapon: 'Faith' Ward Bow
Originally I was going to go with a Reapers + Blessed Aim merc and an extra 35IAS off weapon. But using a Faith merc looked like a better option as it allowed me to cram in 10% more crushing blow and give up less stash space for resists instead of elemental damage small charms. She was very durable and has the maximum 8FPA attack speed. I may try to tweak her gear to get knockback in (Giants Skull), but I think the durability will go down.

Code:
Treachery
Archon Plate
Defense: 972
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 93
Fingerprint: 0x65fd7372
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
45% Increased Attack Speed
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
Ethereal
20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 118
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xb8b6b502
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
+45 Defense
10% Life stolen per hit
10% Mana stolen per hit
All Resistances +15
+39 to Attack Rating
15% Increased Attack Speed
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Tin Jewel of Fervor

Faith
Ward Bow
Two Hand Damage: 86 - 227
Durability: 47 of 48
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 72
Required Dexterity: 146
Fingerprint: 0x7a73f069
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
All Resistances +15
330% Enhanced Damage
+120 - 120 Fire Damage
300% Bonus to Attack Rating
+2 to All Skills
Level 14 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
1% Reanimate as:
Ignore Target's Defense
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
75% Damage to Undead
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ohm Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune


Did you find anything decent?
Hellforge: Um NM, Hel Hell.
A few other minor uniques whilst levelling in the Cold Plains Cave to get to 81 & equip Metalgrid, but nothing that is memorable.


So how did he play?
I can't link directly to the build guide as it is at a competing site. Let's just say the name is a bit of a pun involving the name of a female character class and the drainage area of the largest river on the planet.

Well, from a speed point of view maybe. But it's a bit like slapping someone around the face really quickly with a damp rubber glove compared to a few less whacks with a house brick. I have built all off the above builds (well I used double swing for mana burns on my Frenzy Barb). I have built Zealots and Fury Wolves as 2-handers. And they are all considerably more powerful than a Kodiak.

The leech from hunger is in no way comparable to life tap. With life tap one hit will re-fill the life bulb. This isn't the case with Hunger, the base damage is too low. To be honest the leech from Hunger isn't even comparable to using a decent weapon and having about 10% life leech in your gear. In the words of Liquid himself, 100% of nothing is still nothing. The mana leech isn't bad though, Mana burners were little problem.

Well that first major chunk goes down very quickly, that's true. But the last 20% takes considerably longer. I'll take a kicker any day. I think Grief Smiters may have something to say about taking down bosses quickly. You still have to hit the boss, and AR can be tricky to come by when all you inventory is stuffed full of elemental charms.

My life pool wasn't bad by any means, but wasn't great either. I had very little +life from items as most of them were dedicated to cramming in as much elemental damage as possible. I haven't played a Bearsin, so I can't compare to that, but I have played several kickers:
- It is easier to get the Crushing Blow at speed on a kicker. Burst of Speed gives you many more weapon choices.
- You have a decent physical damage with Myrmidon Greaves
- You have Venom to add a second source of damage
- Cloak of Shadows gives better crowd control than Shockwave and needs far fewer points to be effective.
I had the biggest problem with ranged attackers, particulary when trying to rescue Anya. Gloams, Vipers and Witches throwing red balls of pain at me are not great for this build. The low range of shockwave was the biggest issue here. Once I could get in close enough I could stun the mobs and take them down easily, but getting close was the problem.

So did you die much?
Does a Werebear defecate in The Dark Wood?

After playing the build through, at several times I felt myself questioning if SSoG had actually played the build, or just made it up on paper. I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't go so far as to say it is underpowered, at least on /players1. But overpowered is just plain wrong. For me this statement is the one that miss sells the build more than any other in the guide. Average powered maybe with ideal equipment, do-able with a 6 Shael 2h weapon, but overpowered? All the people who ever played a Grief + Fortitude Zealot are laughing at this point, or crying if they have made a Kodiak and even imagined it would be remotely comparable.

I cannot imagine any Werebear gear setup that would not be better using Maul, Fireclaws or a combination of the two as a primary attack. Generally, for a given weapon, Hunger is a frame quicker than Maul or Fireclaws. Use a Ribcracker and the same equipment and you will do more much more raw damage, if slightly less crushing blows per second. Up the players setting and your Kodiak starts to look more like a Koala.

I considered using Armageddon after my re-start, but decided against it. The biggest trouble about this statement is the "in the thick of things" bit. With a Stormshield on, thigs may have been a bit different. But I found this bear quite fragile. Shockwave is a great skill and can shut down many packs quite quickly. But I found it very important to keep everything stunned if I wasn't to be swiftly overwhelmed.

But how was 70% Crushing Blow at 4FPA?
Crushing Blow is the most overrated melee modifier in the game.

Ouch. Contraversial.
OK, I'm being deliberately contraversial here to make a point.

But at low player settings, except Lister, the Ancients and the Act Bosses it isn't really needed. A hefty whack with a decent weapon, particularly if you are packing Fortitude, Laying of Hands or decent skill ED will reduce life just as swiftly. In the absence of any base damage, those Fallen take just as long to kill as an Ancient. Trouble is there are many more Fallen than there are Ancients. If you prioritise damage you will one hit kill those Fallen anyway and won't need the crushing blow.

Sure, if you are boss running at lower player settings, crushing blow is great. But why would you do that? If you are melee Baal running you won't be at low player settings. If you are killing Meph for items a sorc will be better. If you are generally questing PvM speeding up the handful of bosses that you will fight at the expense of having to hit every monster in the game at least five times just doesn't make sense.

If you have the CB anyway, great. Just don't prioritise CB over raw damage. Fortunately many of the items that have CB also have deadly strike too. If you really need CB for the ancients, keep some gear in your stash or on your weapon switch.

Crushing Blow is nerfed at higher player settings?
I can't remember where I got the formula, probably from RTB somewhere:

CB damage = HP*1/(4*B*R*(N+1)/2)

which can be simplified to

HP/(2*B*R*(N+1))

HP = remaining hit points
B = 1 when monster is not a boss and B = 2 when monster is a boss
R = 1 when attack is melee and R = 2 when attack is ranged
N = number of players*

Or as a table:
Code:
               Melee            Ranged  
Players    Norm     Boss     Norm     Boss
1         25.0%    12.5%    12.5%     6.3%
2         16.7%     8.3%     8.3%     4.2%
3         12.5%     6.3%     6.3%     3.1%
4         10.0%     5.0%     5.0%     2.5%
5          8.3%     4.2%     4.2%     2.1%
6          7.1%     3.6%     3.6%     1.8%
7          6.3%     3.1%     3.1%     1.6%
8          5.6%     2.8%     2.8%     1.4%

Those are nice percentages, but how many hits is what matters. Note that this table is only the actual number of effective crushing blows delivered. If not every hit is a crushing blow, it will take even longer.

Code:
      Number of crushing blows to reduce Boss to:      
            75% Life  50% Life  25% Life
/players1      2         5        10
/players2      3         8        16
/players3      5        11        21
/players4      6        14        27
/players5      7        16        32
/players6      8        19        38
/players7      9        22        44
/players8     10        24        49

OK, you've put me off Kodiaks
I wouldn't go so far as to say I hated the build, in fact I quite enjoyed it. My biggest problem is that the guide over-sells it hugely. If you want a challenge though, give it a try. The best thing is the room for customisation. As SSoG says in the guide, you only need about 12 points, so that gives you a huge range of possibilities to play with.

So what's next?
Well this is part of another Sept, so eventually I will be working on that (see next post). But before then I have some PvP characters to level and do some runs for nice items.

Thanks
- Anyone who has managed to wade through this enormous tread to actually get as far as reading this bit.
- Anyone I traded with for the charms, Asmo for trading the Jewel in the helm.
- Neksja for the 'Faith' of course.
- RibGriller for the gloves, ring and some of the charms.
- SSoG for an interesting build guide.

...

A feeble attempt, your Pat thread isn't as good as one of Liquids.
I know, but I'm English and therefore have a much drier sense of humour.
 
Last edited:
Katajana
Matriarch Katajana - Fanatic Zealot

A Fanatic Zealot Assassin ? Hax!
Yes, with a bit of help from 'Passion' and 'Faith' I have a female fanatic zealot. With a two handed sword of course. And she looks damn cool. Maybe I'd even go as far as a stylin' if I was Liquid.

Katajana1.jpg

Katajana Returned.jpg

Katajana Ancients.jpg

Katajana Baal.jpg


Stats
Name: Katajana
Class: Assassin
Experience: 820922822
Level: 82

Naked/Gear
Strength: 165/186
Dexterity: 70/89
Vitality: 245/245
Energy: 25/25
HP: 60/175 <-Silos? Actually about 1K
Mana: 0/40 <-?
Stamina: 0/70 <-?
Defense: 17/1389
AR: About 6.5K with Enchant.

Resists in Hell with Fade:
Fire: 75
Cold: 45
Lightning: 75
Poison: 21

GF: 75
FR/W: 30
FHR: 52
IAS: 65

Katajana Zeal.jpg

Katajana Berserk.jpg

Katajana Obedience.jpg


Skills
Two skill points unspent.

Traps
Fire Blast: 1/4
Shock Web: 1/4
Charged Bolt Sentry: 1/4
Lightning Sentry: 20/23
Death Sentry: 20/23

Shadow Disciplines
Claw Mastery : 1/4
Psychic Hammer : 1/4
Burst of Speed : 1/4
Weapon Block : 1/4
Cloak of Shadows : 1/4
Fade : 20/23
Shadow Warrior : 1/4
Mind Blast : 1/4
Venom : 20/23
Shadow Master : 1/4

Martial Arts
None.

I didn't intend to put any points into Shadow Master, but after building so many PvP assassins I was on auto-pilot and wasted 3 points on Claw Block and shadows. I decided I would'nt go back and re-do her, it wasn't like I really needed the points.

I put points into LS and DS for a useable trap attack. Fade was maxxed for maximum damage reduction - 23% Fade + 13% from the belt = 36%, which isn't too bad. One of my original plans was to pre-buff with 2x Shadow Blade Talons to get to 42%, but in the end I needed Enchant more.

I'm not sure what to do with my remaining points. If I level her a bit more I may get Dragon Flight, just because it is fun.


Equipment
Weapon: 'Passion' Balrog Blade

Switch Weapon: 'Obedience' Cryptic Axe

Helm: Guillaume's Face + Ruby Jewel (38% ED)
Armour: Naj's Light Plate
Belt: String of Ears
Boots: Gore Rider
Gloves: Laying of Hands

Amulet: Highlord's Wrath
Ring1: Ravenfrost
Ring2: Bul Kathos' Wedding Band

Inventory: 6x Steel GCs, Resist SCs, 2x Tomes and the cube.

Assassins are incredibly slow with two handed swords, capping out at a 13FPA normal attack or a 7FPA Zeal. I was struggling for +skills, so decided to stick at a four swing Zeal cycle. Given that this means a 34 frame cycle - about 1.4 seconds - I think not going for five hits was a good idea. It was pretty much a choice between Highlords and 4 hits or Mara's & 5.

You may notice a complete absence of mana leech. I needed to wear BKWB for an extra Zeal hit, and I didn't want to compromise my other gear choices. So enter Naj's Light Plate. +1 Skill, 25 resist all and a whopping 45% damage to mana. You may have been looking at the skill points and thinking "Hmm, you could just sit back, let the merc get the first kill and let DS do all the work." Well, with a small mana pool, I would have needed to chug potions constantly. To replenish the mana I needed to get into combat and get hit. With no shield this wasn't a problem and I had few mana problems.

Code:
Passion
Balrog Blade
One Hand Damage: 40 - 204
Two Hand Damage: 150 - 322
Durability: 39 of 50
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 185
Required Dexterity: 87
Fingerprint: 0x445ab504
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
173% Enhanced Damage
25% Increased Attack Speed
+1 to Zeal
+1 to Berserk
+10 Hit Blinds Target
56% Bonus to Attack Rating
Level 3 Heart of Wolverine (12/12 Charges)
Hit Causes Monster to Flee
+1 - 50 Lightning Damage
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
75% Damage to Undead
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Obedience
Cryptic Axe
Two Hand Damage: 155 - 705
Durability: 47 of 65
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 132
Required Dexterity: 83
Fingerprint: 0x6f24a121
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
All Resistances +23
370% Enhanced Damage
+207 Defense
40% Faster Hit Recovery
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
30% Chance to cast level 21 Enchant when you Kill an Enemy
-25% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Requirements -20%
+10 to Dexterity
+3 - 14 cold damage with 3 sec Duration
25% Target Defense
+10 to Strength
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune

Naj's Light Plate
Hellforge Plate
Defense: 812
Durability: 44 of 60
Required Level: 71
Required Strength: 49
Fingerprint: 0x419735f9
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+65 to Life
+300 Defense
+45 Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to All Skills
All Resistances +25
28% Enhanced Damage
Cold Resist +24%
Requirements -75%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ghoul Gyre

Ghoul Gyre
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xa3fc8687
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
28% Enhanced Damage
Cold Resist +24%
Requirements -75%

Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 35 of 40
Required Level: 58
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x536f6beb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+15 to Strength
120% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Hit Recovery
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
38% Enhanced Damage
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel

Ruby Jewel
Jewel
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xd544468a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
38% Enhanced Damage


Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x693fb726
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Lightning Resist +35%
+1 - 30 Lightning Damage
20% Increased Attack Speed
+1 to All Skills
+15 Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of
3% Deadly Strike


Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x38435008
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+17 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
+235 to Attack Rating
+15 - 45 cold damage with 4 sec Duration
20% Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xda2ce4a6
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+50 Maximum Stamina
5% Life stolen per hit
+1 to All Skills
41 to Life (Based on Char Lvl)

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 111
Durability: 19 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xb316eaa9
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
177% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 11
Damage Reduced by 13%
6% Life stolen per hit
+10 Maximum Durability

Gore Rider
War Boots
Defense: 147
Durability: 27 of 34
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Fingerprint: 0xa1857dc9
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+20 Maximum Stamina
174% Enhanced Defense
+10 Maximum Durability
Requirements -25%
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike

Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 80
Durability: 5 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x4ca36690
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%
20% Increased Attack Speed
350% Damage to Demons
10% Chance to cast level 3 Holy Bolt on striking

Steel Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xa44a05a3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+130 to Attack Rating

Steel Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xdd24d4f4
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+122 to Attack Rating

Steel Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xe8ff9a25
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+127 to Attack Rating

Steel Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x6828fa06
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+100 to Attack Rating

Steel Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 35
Fingerprint: 0xc5d487f1
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+6 to Strength
+111 to Attack Rating

Coral Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x28185d24
Item Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Lightning Resist +9%

Coral Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xa2f3c997
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+9 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Russet Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x5d066238
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Fire Resist +6%
5% Faster Hit Recovery

Arcing Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x3aac885b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+1 - 37 Lightning Damage
5% Faster Hit Recovery

Coral Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x13bc5eac
Item Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+2 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +9%

Amber Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x32a1658f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
Lightning Resist +10%

Steel Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 35
Fingerprint: 0x6a835873
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Properties:
+111 to Attack Rating
12% Faster Hit Recovery


Mercenary
A1 Fire Rogue:
Helm: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Armour: 'Treachery' Ethereal Archon Plate
Weapon: 'Faith' Ward Bow


Finds
Hellforge: Pul NM, something subbish like Hel in Hell. Nothing else memorable to report.


Random Thoughts
I designed her to be as strong as possible, and she wasn't bad. 2.5K damage with the sword and 4K or so with Obedience is pretty good I think for a character using a non-native skill. I played through at /P1. Game play was pretty standard - cast CoS, Zeal away. I tried to limit my use of DS, but sometimes dropping a couple was very useful when I found myself getting overwhelmed.

Like the some of the other characters in the sept, not having a merc that tanks and you can hide behind makes things more difficult. Reaper's and Holy Freeze is a great defense for low power melee builds. Being the tank makes things much more difficult. Fortunately the Assassin has Cloak of Shadows though.

Thanks for reading.
 
Last edited:
Asquiol
Patriarch Asquiol - Frost Zealot

When I made my first 2-handed sword sept, my mercenary of choice for the weaker builds was a Holy Freeze Act II mec with a Reaper's Toll. Staying close to him meant safety thanks to the huge slow provided. Wander too far off and death was often waiting for me.

This character was designed to turn that relationship around - the merc provides the Fanaticism, so I tried to make a very safe character by providing the Holy Freeze and Decrepify myself. Did it work? Well, read on...

Asquiol Diablo.jpg

Asquiol Baal.jpg


Stats
Name: Asquiol
Class: Paladin
Experience: 929800270
Level: 83

Naked/Gear
Strength: 175/185
Dexterity: 69/113
Vitality: 251/251
Energy: 15/23
HP: 957/1014
Mana: 138/178
Stamina: 397/397
Defense: 17/874

LCS / Damage / AR
Lawbinger & Holy Freeze: 3477-4123 Damage / 6133 AR
BKSC & Concentration: 1868-3475 Damage / 6114 AR
BKSC & Holy Freeze: 3997-5241 Damage / 6114AR

Resists without fade / with fade:
Fire: -2 / 58
Cold: -9 / 51
Lightning: 29 / 89
Poison: -4 / 56

MF: 23
GF: 148
FR/W: 20
FHR: 30
IAS: 45

Asquiol LCS Lawbringer HF.jpg

Asquiol LCS BKSC HF.jpg

Asquiol LCS BKSC Conc.jpg


Skills
Sacrifice: 10/12
Zeal: 15/17

Might: 1/11
Holy Fire: 1/11
Blessed Aim: 1/11
Concentration: 1/11
Holy Freeze: 20/30

Prayer: 1/3
Defiance: 1/3
Resist Cold: 20/22
Cleansing: 1/3
Vigor: 1/3
Redemption: 1/3
Salvation: 20/22


Equipment
Weapon: 'Lawbringer' Balrog Blade
Switch Weapon: 'Voice of Reason' Balrog Blade / Bul Kathos' Sacred Charge
Helm: Nightwing's Veil / Guillaume's Face
Armour: Treachery
Belt: Hsarus' Iron Stay
Boots: Hsarus' Iron Heel
Gloves: Crafted Bolld Gloves - Glyph Claw

Amulet: +2 Offensive Auras Rare - Bitter Scarab
Ring1: Ravenfrost
Ring2: Carrion Wind

Inventory: 6x Captain's GCs, 3x Ruby SCs, 1x Amber SC, 2x SCs of Balance, both tomes and the cube. 2x4 slots empty.

Code:
Lawbringer
Balrog Blade
AmnLemKo
One Hand Damage: 15 - 75
Two Hand Damage: 55 - 118
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 185
Required Dexterity: 87
Fingerprint: 0xabf1d2ce
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 15 Decrepify on striking
Level 16 Sanctuary Aura When Equipped
-50% Target Defense
Adds 150 - 210 Fire Damage
Adds 130 - 180 Cold Damage Over 6 Secs (139 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
+233 Defense vs. Missile
+10 to Dexterity
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune

Bul-Kathos' Sacred Charge
Colossus Blade
One Hand Damage: 79 - 206
Two Hand Damage: 184 - 365
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 161
Required Dexterity: 94
Fingerprint: 0x5b788c12
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
218% Enhanced Damage
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
Knockback
+9 to Dexterity
All Resistances +20
Requirements -15%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Havoc Whorl

Voice of Reason
Balrog Blade
LemKoElEld
One Hand Damage: 15 - 75
Two Hand Damage: 55 - 118
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 185
Required Dexterity: 87
Fingerprint: 0x9a76855b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
18% Chance to cast level 20 Ice Blast on striking
15% Chance to cast level 13 Frozen Orb on striking
+50 to Attack Rating
+347% Damage to Demons
+361% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Adds 100 - 220 Cold Damage Over 5 Secs (131 Frames)
-24% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+10 to Dexterity
Cannot Be Frozen
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
+1 to Light Radius
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune

Nightwing's Veil
Spired Helm
Defense: 331
Durability: 40 of 40
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 96
Fingerprint: 0xa039a9f1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
12% Enhanced Damage
+7 to Maximum Damage
+10% to Cold Skill Damage
+107% Enhanced Defense
+16 to Dexterity
+8 to Energy
Lightning Resist +25%
+9 Cold Absorb
Half Freeze Duration
Requirements -50%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Raven Gyre

Guillaume's Face
Winged Helm
Defense: 217
Durability: 33 of 40
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 115
Fingerprint: 0x1e027260
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
12% Enhanced Damage
+8 to Maximum Damage
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
+120% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
+7 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +25%
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Doom Whorl

Bitter Scarab
Amulet
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x7fc4d516
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
Adds 1 - 2 Fire Damage
7% Mana stolen per hit
All Resistances +11
Lightning Resist +34%

Treachery
Sharktooth Armor
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 245
Durability: 48 of 48
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0xc6077c62
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xcfe0c61b
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+234 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+18 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Carrion Wind
Ring
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x4ffe1799
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 10 Poison Nova when struck
8% Chance to cast level 13 Twister on striking
9% Life stolen per hit
+141 Defense vs. Missile
Poison Resist +55%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Level 21 Poison Creeper (15/15 Charges)

Hsarus' Iron Stay
Belt
Defense: 212
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0x3a7d1d52
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +20%
Set (2 items): +207 Defense (Based on Character Level)

(2 items): Attacker Takes Damage of 5

Hsarus' Iron Heel
Chain Boots
Defense: 8
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0xd80214f7
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +25%
Set (2 items): +830 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)

(2 items): Attacker Takes Damage of 5

Glyph Claw
Sharkskin Gloves
Defense: 50
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0xdf5b1c5d
Item Level: 92
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Life stolen per hit
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
+25% Enhanced Defense
+12 to Life
Lightning Resist +18%
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x373e7eb7
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+20 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe02c7014
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+5 to Life

Captain's Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x898d173e
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
23% Extra Gold from Monsters

Captain's Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xc71f9209
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+6 to Strength

Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xdee40421
Item Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery

Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xb9b35fe1
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x919ac33d
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x40c38fab
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +10%

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x7ecc62d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%

Amber Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x2ccd6f4c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +11%

Captain's Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe8160e2b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+4 to Strength

Captain's Grand Charm of Thunder
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x202d6c92
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
Adds 1 - 19 Lightning Damage


Mercenary
Mercenary Type: A1 Fire Arrow
Helm: Tal Rasha's HC
Armour: Treachery
Weapon: Faith Ward Bow


Finds
Hellforge: Io? NM,Gul Hell.
Nothing else interesting to report.


Random Thoughts
OK, I've skimmed through all that, did you die?
Yes, lots.

Noob. What was the problem?
Treachery. Specifically the fade not going off. When you start playing, or after fade wears off, my resistance were a bit sucktacular to say the least (see above). The problem was (I'm not sure of the exact mechanics) is that ctc seems to need a physical hit to go off. Because of the slowing effect of HF and Decrep, I rarely got hit by physical attackers. So Fade frequently ran out, leaving me vulnerable to ranged elemental attackers - Scarabs lightning bolts, Vampires etc. Undead monsters were less of an issue thanks to the Sanctuary from Lawbringer.

Couldn't you use Salvation until Fade triggered?
Yes, and I did. It wasn't without it's own problems though. Using Salvation made me more vulnerable to Physical attacks due to the lack of HF. Also it doesn't cover poison resists.

How would you have improved it?
Treachery is a great armour, but maybe this wasn't the best use for it. I could have got the 45IAS I needed by other means and upped my resistances without resorting to fade - Smoke, Veil of Steel, Kira's etc. But once I was equipped, I decided to stick with it. I could have also dropped out a couple of Captain's GCs for Shimmering GCs. This would have made the character playable with base resist, and just used Fade to top up the resists so I got 75% to everything. I have done this before with Treachery and I think it works better than relying on a ctc to get your important resists (like lightning) to 75%.

What did you do about CIs?
One of the many advantages of the Faith Merc is the bonus she provides to physical damage. With a 2h sword, even without the ED bonus on Lawbringer, this contributed nicely to my damage. If I switched to BKSC, I was doing even better physical damage. Normally I just waited for decrep to cast with Lawbringer and switched to BKSC to finish the job. I did put one point in concentration to further boost my physical damage, but rarely used it. It was normally better to take slightly longer killing them with the added safety of HF.

You have two switch swords?
Yes. I started with Voice of Reason, but there were few occasions to use it where Lawbringer wasn't a better choice. I kept BKSC and Guillaumes in the stash for boss fights and the Ancients. In the end, I found the extra resists and damage on BKSC was more useful, so mainly used that in the second half of Hell.

So did you hate it?
I'm finding playing Zeal based Paladins a bit too one dimensional. Turn on aura, run up to monsters, Zeal, rinse & repeat. I find the variation with crowd control skills (Shockwave, CoS) that I get from Assassins, Druids and other build more fun. Zeal paladins seen a bit more wack & run. I wouldn't say I hated it, in fact I think this could be a very powerful build. Death & Fortitude for good physical damage, Draculs and all the usual gear. I could have gone this route, but all out power has never really been what these 2h swords are about. It's more about using accessible equipment in a slightly different way to get a viable end build.
 
Last edited:
Sharadim
Matriarch Sharadim, Enchantless ES Fanatic Vengeance Sorceress
Alternate Title: ES Justicar?

Regular readers of my 2h Sword projects will probably know by now that many of them have been based on characters from the Eternal Champion novels by Michael Moorcock. Sharadim also appears in this series, but as an adversary of the champion. She is a human princess who leagues with the powers of Chaos to attempt to win power for her own ends. She doesn't swing a two handed sword in the book, but the look of the sorceress in a mask and Balrog Skin with a red sword certainly look suitably demonic.


Stats

Name: Sharadim
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 1103434201
Level: 85

Sharadim LCS.jpg

Naked/Gear
Strength: 155/195
Dexterity: 63/87
Vitality: 49/91
Energy: 248/248
HP: 262/640
Mana: 629/1331
Stamina: 197/418
Defense: 15/2104

Vengeance Damage: 4668-11K
Vengeance AR: 7557 AR
Thats pretty nice damage and AR by any build's standards. If only it wasn't at 12FPA...

Resists
Fire: -72
Cold: -47
Lightning: -41
Poison: 58

Yes, those resists are correct. The beauty of Energy Shield.

GF: 162
FR/W: 30
FHR: 30
IAS: 65
FCR: 0

FCR on a sorc? Nah. Actually I could have done with a bit of FCR for spamming of static, but there was no room in my gear.


Skills

Fire:
Warmth: 20/26
Fire Mastery: 20/26

Lightning:
Charged Bolt: 1/7
Static Field: 1/7
Telekinesis: 20/26
Lightning: 1/7
Chain Lightning: 1/7
Teleport: 1/7
Energy Shield: 20/26
Lightning Mastery: 10/16

Cold:
Cold Mastery: 1/7


Equipment
Weapon: 'Kingslayer' Balrog Blade

Switch Weapon: Memory Gnarled Staff / Demon Limb / CtA
I kept them in the cube and swapped them around to pre-buff.

Helm: Andariel's Visage
Armour: Arkaine's Valour
Belt: Hsarus' Iron Stay
Boots: Hsarus' Iron Heel
Gloves: Frostburn

Amulet: 'Dread Noose' rare amulet with +2 sorc skills, mana leech & 75%PLR. Thanks again to Thyiad for trading this to me.
Ring1: Ravenfrost
Ring2: Dwarf Star 15MDR

Inventory: Poison Resist Charms, Shocking Large Charms, both tomes and the cube. Memory and Demon Limb were kept in the cube.

Code:
Kingslayer
Balrog Blade
MalUmGulFal
One Hand Damage: 51 - 255
Two Hand Damage: 187 - 401
Durability: 20 of 50
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 185
Required Dexterity: 87
Fingerprint: 0x22e8ac
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Increased Attack Speed
240% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
20% Bonus to Attack Rating
33% Chance of Crushing Blow
50% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
+1 to Vengeance
+10 to Strength
40% Extra Gold from Monsters
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Gul Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 376
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x87cefa13
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+35% Increased Attack Speed
9% Life stolen per hit
+143% Enhanced Defense
+30 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +91%
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jade Jewel of Fervor

Jade Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xe2138a60
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
Poison Resist +21%

Arkaine's Valor
Balrog Skin
Defense: 1434
Durability: 20 of 30
Required Level: 85
Required Strength: 165
Fingerprint: 0x429ee967
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+177% Enhanced Defense
+42 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 22
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune

Hsarus' Iron Stay
Belt
Defense: 217
Durability: 14 of 16
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0xc3df9c96
Item Level: 30
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +20%
Set (2 items): +212 Defense (Based on Character Level)

(2 items): Attacker Takes Damage of 5

Hsarus' Iron Heel
Chain Boots
Defense: 8
Durability: 14 of 16
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0xd80214f7
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
Fire Resist +25%
Set (2 items): +850 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)

(2 items): Attacker Takes Damage of 5

Frostburn
Gauntlets
Defense: 48
Durability: 22 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 60
Fingerprint: 0xe0caf6f5
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Enhanced Damage
Adds 1 - 6 Cold Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
+14% Enhanced Defense
+30 Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 40%

Dread Noose
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x3bab4e4b
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Mana stolen per hit
All Resistances +3
Lightning Resist +26%
Magic Damage Reduced by 3
Poison Length Reduced by 75%

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xb7fb93fe
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+242 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+17 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x93d69ebc
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Fire Absorb 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
100% Extra Gold from Monsters

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 56
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x3416b4a1
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
279% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Battle Cry
+3 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Command
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune

Memory
Gnarled Staff
LumIoSolEth
Two Hand Damage: 13 - 14
Durability: 35 of 35
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x39c2a6eb
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+33% Faster Cast Rate
+9 to Minimum Damage
-25% Target Defense
+3 to Energy Shield (Sorceress Only)
+2 to Static Field (Sorceress Only)
+3 to Energy Shield (Sorceress Only)
+50% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Vitality
+10 to Energy
Increase Maximum Mana 20%
Magic Damage Reduced by 7
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Lum Rune
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune

Demon Limb
Tyrant Club
One Hand Damage: 104 - 189
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 133
Fingerprint: 0xd74adc58
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
227% Enhanced Damage
+123% Damage to Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 222 - 333 Fire Damage
8% Life stolen per hit
Fire Resist +17%
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
Level 23 Enchant (7/20 Charges)

Shocking Large Charm of Anthrax
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x3e497083
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - ** Lightning Damage
Adds 50 Poison Damage Over 6 Secs (150 Frames)

Shocking Large Charm of Incineration
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x976cf988
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 9 - 16 Fire Damage
Adds 1 - 66 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm of Dexterity
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xf3c485e3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 71 Lightning Damage
+4 to Dexterity

Shocking Large Charm of Inertia
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x654c8c2b
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 1 - 84 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm of Vita
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x15faa8c5
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 72 Lightning Damage
+28 to Life

Shocking Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x5fb98810
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 84 Lightning Damage

Shocking Large Charm of Greed
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0xaedbbe5
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 85 Lightning Damage
22% Extra Gold from Monsters

Shocking Large Charm of Dexterity
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x75ec47e5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 89 Lightning Damage
+3 to Dexterity

Shocking Large Charm of Inertia
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x5ddd6549
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 1 - 73 Lightning Damage

Emerald Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x4b21eb8e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +10%

Emerald Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x26951ae5
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +10%

Emerald Large Charm of Storms
Large Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xcb812817
Item Level: 77
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 29 Lightning Damage
Poison Resist +14%

Shocking Large Charm
Large Charm
Required Level: 60
Fingerprint: 0x93ec9be5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 86 Lightning Damage


Mercenary
Liene, A1 Fire Arrow
Helm: Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest socketed with Tin Jewel of Fervor
Armour: Treachery Ethereal Archon Plate
Weapon: Faith Ward Bow


Finds
Hellforge: ? NM,Hel Hell.
I had a few better than average charms, a 24% Saracen's Chance which I will never use, a few other odds & ends that will gather virtual dust in a stash, but nothing outstanding.


Random Thoughts
In my first 2h Sword sept, I didn't really enjoy my Enchantress, Cymoril. She was too fragile in melee and had too much reliance on her backup attack and mercenary. As I was going with a Faith Rogue, that meant I had to do the tanking myself, so that meant energy shield. A full ES doesn't leave enough skill points left for a fully synergised Enchant. So I decided to use synergise Demon Limb charges instead. That left me 10 points to put into lightning mastery. So If I have Lightning Mastery and Fire Mastery, I tought those would make a nice synergy for Vengeance. Gul+Mal is a high price to pay for a niche build, but I was rewarded with 4.5 to 11K damage, albeit at a slow attack speed.

I had always wanted to use Andariel's Visage and Arkaine's on a character, but was always one problem - the level requirement. Lvl 83 is normally about when I finish the game, not equip my end game gear. So I found an orb with +2 Sorc skills and +3 Meteor in my stash and ran the Mausoleum as a Meteor sorc until I was 85. No real finds or problems, but she did have a tendency to hide inside walls.

Sharadim Behind Wall.jpg

When I got to equip my end game gear, things started to go along quite nicely. The damage was impressive, most things going down in one or two hits at /Players1. I tried upping the players settings, but stronger monsters meant that I got surrounded more, took more hits in a short space of time and this takes the ES down quickly. For a sorceress she could tank pretty well, but she is still reasonably fragile. Mana burns were a big problem as I did not have enough life to tank more than a single hit if the ES went down. The seriously negative resists didn't help either. This meant I had to check the mods on almost every boss pack, a lesson I learnt quickly. It's also surprising quite how many mana burns there are when you are worried about them. I came across a Unique Blood Hawk nest (something I have never seen before) near the monastery. It was the subject of one of the tasks in the 12 Days of Christmas Tourney in 2008, and nobody managed to find it.

Sharadim Blood Hawk Boss.jpg

Act bosses were fairly easy, even without the usual boss crippling skills like Decrepify or slow from Kelpie Snare. Static down to half life and then wack away. I usually had to chug a few potions, but nothing too major. Diablo was very easy after the pain of the Chaos Sanctuary (FIs and mana burns), Baal was a bit more problematic due to his annoying knockback mana burn attacks. Ancients went down at the first try too, despite one being mana burn.

Sharadim Diablo.jpg

Sharadim Baal.jpg

I enjoyed playing her, which is more than I can say for my previous enchantress. She was much more durable and had decent damage, so all in all a fairly successful build.
 
Last edited:
Ilian
Matriarch Illian, 2h Sword Titan Bearzon

Illian LCS Tyrael.jpg
LCS and Baal defeated. (Decoy out to show how she looks in human form)

Illian is named after yet another incarnation of The Eternal Champion, a source for many of my characters and especially my 2h Sword characters. I had a lot of difficulty deciding on the build for this character. After making eBoTD I had to include it in this sept, but the thought of slogging through Hell using only normal attack at the 12FPA cap again didn't exactly fill me with enthusiasm. It was Nagi who suggested I make a Werebear. And just to spice it up a bit more, I decided to make her a Titan build. That kind of blew any intention of a themed character out of the water, but never mind. She would probably never have been finished otherwise.

Slogging through Normal and Nightmare with an underpowered character is one of the things that put me off starting this character for so long. It is a big grind until you can equip your end game gear at level 77 (Kira's). So I shamelessly abused the 1.13 re-spec system for this girl. I used the 1.09 Ravenclaw until the normal River of Flame waypoint, when I dumped all my points into Charged Strike and Lightning Fury, and levelled through as a Lightning Javazon until I had reached killed Baal enough times to hit my level goal. I managed to find one of my favourite Jewel, Ambergris of Fervour somewhere in A5. Only 21% I think, but nice anyway. NM Hellforge dropped a Hel.

I am sure the game designers didn't really think someone would re-spec a top end skill and then re-spec to dump all their skill points into the passive tree. And then put about 40 points into dexterity to allow me to equip the sword, before pressing the shift key and dumping all their remaining stat points into strength. This is the first time I have made a Titan character and it was a struggle against instincts not to shift click Vitality instead of strength.

There is no point making a Titan build if you equipment leaves no room for Fortitude (assuming you have it). I wanted a high chance to hit too, so that meant Angelics. I was looking at a Metalgrid / Ravenfrost combination at one point but that didn't get the AR where I wanted it. I was a bit worried about how my life bulb would look, so when choosing my gear I tried to get all my resists, AR, FHR etc from my equipment, so I could stuff my inventory with SCs of Vita. The CBF and huge resists on Kira's helped free up slots that would otherwise be used for resists. Shadow Dancers and Bloodfist helped with the FHR, as well as getting me a nice chunk of dext, life and the extra 10IAS I needed to hit 6FPA. I toyed with the idea of using Dracul's instead of Bloodfist and putting 24FHR in the inventory, but in the end I didn't need the lifetap. I decided I didn't want to use Call to Arms either on this character as I can't stand swapping weapons from the cube to pre-buff. For me it ruins the game flow. Cast Valk, change to Werebear, switch to sword, run around with right mouse button held down and whack things. As it turned out, the extra life from CtA really wasn't needed either. 2.1K life in bear form, 1.1K life in human form, over 11K AR and about 5K-10K damage, with 65% skill based Critical Strike added on top. Nice.

Act 1 was a breeze. With all that damage, only Stone Skins took more than two whacks to die at /players3. I levelled to 83 in The Pits at /players5 (/players8 was do-able, but a bit too slow for my liking) before heading into the Catacombs. I was a bit worried about how I would handle PIs. For Uniques I generally killed the minions and left the Merc and Valk to finish then, albeit slowly, whilst I just stood there and tanked. The ghosts in the monastery were just ignored, but I did start thinking about a PI solution for A2. Andariel put up little resistance and after a few paw swipes all that was left was a stream of fire.

Illian Andariel.jpg

I muled on a Passion Thunder Maul and a Lawbringer Phase Blade for A2. Passion would obviously mean I would have to change back to human form, and drop my life down to about 1.1K. Lawbringer would be unlikely to provide enough damage to kill stuff at P3, but the knockback from Sanctuary would make avoiding the ghosts easier. As it was I used neither, not only because I realised I didn't have enough dexterity for the Lawbringer anyway. A2 brought my first death. I was rushing through the tombs trying to complete the act and got sandwiched between a doorway by PIs. I probably should have just S&Ed, but tried to tank it out. I failed on this occasion. Duriel's Holy Freeze didn't slow things down much and soon the bear's feet were squishing slugs as I ran over to Tyrael for a quick chat before boarding the boat to the Jungle.

Now I am never really sure why people hate the Jungle so much. The maze bit only lasts for a few waypoints and is easily teleported over if you are a sorc, or run through for most other characters. I mainly play melee characters, so for me the unleechables and PIs of A2 are much more annoying. Many of the monsters in A3 are demons, so Laying of Hands makes this a breeze. Illian actually does more damage to Undead thanks to the boost from BoTD. The hefty leech makes things fairly easy and I was soon looking for the brain in the Flayer Dungeon. Again I was a bit worried about the PIs. My second death came when I was running away from some Ghosts and ran into a bosspack of dolls. I'm still not sure what happened. I play fairly quickly and don't check boss mods. One minute I had a full life bulb, next it was empty. I was more cautious as I went to collect the heart and this time the dolls posed no problem. The council was wiped out effortlessly, despite the Hydras, and I was soon hunting for Mephisto in the Durance of Hate. Huge amounts of dolls meant one finger was hovering near the potion keys at all times. Level three was easily cleared of council members, partly thanks to a combat shrine near the stairs. Mephisto didn't put up much resistance either.

Illian Durance.jpg

Illian Souls.jpg

The Pains of Despair gave me the opportunity to face some Souls. Having built in a big lightning stack, I would have been disappointed if it was Soul-free. Multiple bolts of lightning were easily tanked and I cleared the whole area for the fun of it. Somewhere around this time I was rewarded for my efforts with a 25% DR, +41 Str Leviathan. A quick stop by the Hellforge gave me a Lem, and then it was time to face the Chaos Sanctuary. The removal of IM may have meant that the CS has lost some of it's bite, but it still has teeth. It seemed that almost every Uniquemonster in there was PI, and some of them FI too, so my merc was no help. I just ignored those that couldn't be killed and cleared the area. When The Infector of Souls also spawned PI+FI, it was time to go and get the 'Passion' Thunder Maul. I cleared out all his minions first, got the maul from my stash, changed to human form and gave him a few berserks. That sorted him out. Diablo was swiftly put to the sword.

Illian PI as druid.jpg
(Where did that Druid come from?)

The Bloody Foothills spawned Burning Dead Archers. I was concerned about getting locked up a rain of fiery arrows with un-leechable enemies, but luckily Enslaved also spawned so I had something to re-charge the life bulb with other than potions. The Crystalline Passage spawned PI Frenzytaurs. Great. But once again I was lucky and didn't run into a boss pack. The merc took a bit of a beating as I passed the lone groups by. The Frozen River had Souls, Witches and snakes. Normally this is one of the combinations I dread, but Illian handled herself fairly well, although she did guzzle a few purples. With Anya saved it was on to the Ancients Way and The Arreat Summit, to face what I expected to be the biggest challenge in the game.

I took a break to mule off and replenish my stock of rejuvs. When Illian returned to The Ancients Way it was full of Frenzytaurs. The boss packs were my biggest challenge to date. After lulled into a false sense of security by being able to take out the first pack, I waded into the second. My life bulb dropped quickly. I guzzled some rejuvs, but couldn't break out of the dodge lock, so to avoid the inevitable death I had to S&E. The monster spawns in the next game were much more tame and I reached the Arreat Summit without incident.

Illian Frenzytaurs.jpg

I approached The Altar of the Heavens in human form. I cast a decoy next to one of The Ancients, checked my mercenary and valkyrie were at full health and shifted to bear form. I activated the altar and braced for battle. The battle was swiftly over. I think the merc was a casualty on my side, but Illian didn't even need a potion. The Worldstone Keep was opened and I pushed through to the waypoint.

Illian Ancients.jpg

The WSK gave me fairly easy monster rolls, but I did have burning souls again. The Throne of Destruction level had OKs, but there weren't huge amounts of them so it wasn't a problem. The minion waves were uneventful. I was a bit worried about getting pinballed and dodge locked by Lister and The Minions of Destruction. I was careful not to get surrounded and Lister was defeated fairly easily. Using normal attack meant I didn't need to worry about Baal's annoying mana burn for a change. The fight was a bit slow without crushing blow, but easy. I could have pretty much have name locked him, taped down the mouse button and gone to get a beer to celebrate.

Illian Minions.jpg

Illian LCS Baal.jpg

TL;DR Version
Titan Bearzon would eat a Kodiak for breakfast. Unless it was PI.



Skills
16 Critical strike
20 Penetrate
0 Pierce
1 Inner Sight
1 Slow Missiles
14 Dodge
9 Avoid
14 Evade
1 Decoy
20 Valkyrie

No Bow / Javelin skills. With no +skills, that was how it looked in game too.


Equipment
Weapon: 'Breath of the Dying' 1.07 Ethereal Colossus Blade

Switch Weapon: 'Beast' Berserker Axe
Switch Shield: 'Spirit' Monarch

Helm: Kira's Guardian 'Um' (84% resist all)
Armour: 'Fortitude' Archon Plate
Belt: Thundergods Vigor
Boots: Shadow Dancer
Gloves: Bloodfist

Amulet: Angelic Wings
Ring1: Angelic Halo
Ring2: Angelic Halo

Inventory: Both Tomes, a bit of resist, a pinch of FHR and the rest all small charms of Vita. 2x4 Slots free.


Mercenary
Mercenary Type: A1 Fire Arrow
Helm: Tal Rasha's HC
Armour: 'Treachery' Ethereal Archon Plate
Weapon: 'Faith' Ward Bow

Code:
Breath of the Dying
Colossus Blade
VexHelElEldZodEth
One Hand Damage: 198 - 520
Two Hand Damage: 467 - 923
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 144
Required Dexterity: 80
Fingerprint: 0x3fffe1eb
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
50% Chance to cast level 20 Poison Nova when you Kill an Enemy
Indestructible
+60% Increased Attack Speed
437% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
+50 to Attack Rating
+200% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
7% Mana stolen per hit
13% 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

Fortitude
Archon Plate
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1515
Durability: 56 of 60
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0xe5dc704a
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 15 Chilling Armor when struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+96 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +25
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Kira's Guardian
Tiara
Defense: 157
Durability: 23 of 25
Required Level: 77
Fingerprint: 0x3163a11e
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+108 Defense
All Resistances +84
Cannot Be Frozen
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Um Rune

Beast
Berserker Axe
BerTirUmMalLum
One Hand Damage: 85 - 252
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 138
Required Dexterity: 59
Fingerprint: 0x9c1c5872
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+40% Increased Attack Speed
255% Enhanced Damage
20% Chance of Crushing Blow
25% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Lycanthropy
+3 to Werebear
+37 to Strength
+10 to Energy
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Level 13 Summon Grizzly (5/5 Charges)
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 136
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xc3251766
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+31% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+110 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+6 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Angelic Wings
Amulet
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0x8df432cb
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
(3 items): +50 to Mana

Angelic Halo
Ring
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0xd1664a77
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Replenish Life +6
Set (2 items): +1032 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)
Set (3 items): 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

(2 items): +10 to Dexterity
(3 items): +50 to Mana

Angelic Halo
Ring
Required Level: 12
Fingerprint: 0xb9a8883f
Item Level: 38
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Replenish Life +6
Set (2 items): +1032 to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)
Set (3 items): 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

(2 items): +10 to Dexterity
(3 items): +50 to Mana

Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 156
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xea3c4b71
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 7 Fist of the Heavens when struck
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
+3 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only)
+3 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only)
+196% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb

Shadow Dancer
Myrmidon Greaves
Defense: 131
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Level: 71
Required Strength: 167
Fingerprint: 0x24ab989d
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Shadow Discipline Skills (Assassin Only)
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+83% Enhanced Defense
+21 to Dexterity
Requirements -20%

Bloodfist
Heavy Gloves
Defense: 18
Durability: 13 of 14
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0xaa53a49
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+5 to Minimum Damage
+20% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
+40 to Life

Code:
Shimmering Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x1bfdbf23
Item Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +15

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xdb544c2
Item Level: 73
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Poison Resist +9%

Burly Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1e1400d4
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 Defense
+20 to Life

Russet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x85a115e0
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Fire Resist +7%

Amber Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x18b974f8
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+37 to Life
Lightning Resist +29%

Amber Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xec5c0ad0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

Viridian Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd661d6f3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Poison Resist +6%

Stout Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x411f3c2
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 Defense
+20 to Life

Snowy Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb415caf8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 3 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
+20 to Life

Smoldering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8ead2410
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 2 - 10 Fire Damage
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb14fd3e3
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe49ee6f5
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb80f080c
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa400e366
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xdd7d01a1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xebb80c97
Item Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Septic Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x65c08dd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 15 Poison Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
+20 to Life

Ocher Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x5c94096d
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +6%

Crimson Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbf1558cd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Fire Resist +5%

Cobalt Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb76d21e7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Cold Resist +8%

Smoldering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xba48d975
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 3 - 5 Fire Damage
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x15c96dda
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc046f95b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x90e19f52
Item Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Code:
Faith
Ward Bow
OhmJahLemEld
Two Hand Damage: 86 - 227
Durability: 47 of 48
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 72
Required Dexterity: 146
Fingerprint: 0x7a73f069
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 14 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+2 to All Skills
330% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
300% Bonus to Attack Rating
+75% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Adds 120 - 120 Fire Damage
All Resistances +15
10% Reanimate as: Returned
75% Extra Gold from Monsters
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ohm Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune

Treachery
Archon Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 972
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 93
Fingerprint: 0x65fd7372
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck
25% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Lem Rune

Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest
Death Mask
Defense: 118
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xb8b6b502
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+39 to Attack Rating
10% Mana stolen per hit
10% Life stolen per hit
+45 Defense
+60 to Life
+30 to Mana
All Resistances +15
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Tin Jewel of Fervor

Tin Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0x3f092fec
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+39 to Attack Rating
 
Last edited:
I was Elric of Melniboné and I defied the Lords of Chaos with my runesword Stormbringer in my hands and a wild joy in my heart…
I was Dorian Hawkmoon and I fought against the Beast Lords of the Dark Empire and my sword was called the Sword of the Dawn…
I was Roland dying at Roncesvalles with the magic blade Durandana slaying half a hundred Saracens…
I was Jeremiah Cornelius. No sword now but a needle gun shooting darts as I was chased through a city by a surging, insane mob…
I was Prince Corum in the Scarlet Robe, seeking vengeance at the Court of the Gods…
I was Artos the Celt, riding with my burning blade uplifted against the invaders of my kingdom’s shores…
And I was all of these and more than these and sometimes my weapon was a sword, at others it was a spear, at others a gun… But always I bore a weapon that was the Black Sword or a part of that strange blade.
Always a weapon—always the warrior.
I was the Eternal Champion and that was my glory and my doom…
 
Last edited:
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