The Hall of Legends

Originally posted by Nano on December 28, 2016

Ascent to 99, Izuna Reaches the Vertical Limit

It all started with a rather innocuous question by Kitteh in the first untwinked 99 thread.

"Would anybody be interested in another go of this in the future?"

Why yes, let the madness begin.

Journey

Level 1
Questing was straight forward. Progress through the acts as quickly as possible on players 1 and power level at Pindle as needed. Izuna went straight to lightning traps instead of Wake of Fire to save a respec for the future. The staple early runeword combination of stealth, spirit, and rhyme were strong enough for this stage of the journey, but something much more would be needed to continue on.
12 Hours in

Level 75
Knowing that the major inflection point of this journey would come at the transition from item grind to full-out level grind, I had to make preparations for collecting the key pieces of equipment that would allow me to get to said inflection point. These key pieces would be found in the famed superchests of Lower Kurast in the form of runes. Additionally, the accompanying crafting materials were also of interest. Without an extended stash, I'd have to craft jewelry as the materials came in, however, crafting +2 class skills amulets were not a possibility until I was a much higher level. This was really the only part of the journey where it hurt not to have extended stash. Lower Kurast would have to wait a bit longer.

Aside from leveling up, a few convenient items for Lower Kurast were also on the shopping list. Insight and Harmony item bases were scavenged from the Pits while Naj's staff was collected from Pindle. Malah's wand of lower resist gave Izuna just enough damage to take on p8 Pindle comfortably.
37 Hours in

Level 92
Of course the key pieces were the high runes that would allow me to obtain Enigma, Infinity, Call to Arms, and Heart of the Oak. Enigma was first priority, as it would provide me with greater mobility to search for the remaining runes.
86 Hours in
Quite a few Pit stops were needed to find those item bases for our runewords, especially the Infinity base. In the end, I relented and asked Larzuk to socket that ethereal colossus voulge.
125 Hours in

Level 94
The remainder of level 94 was spent testing Chaos Sanctuary runs, in an almost desparate manner to keep the Ancients Quest for level 98. It turns out I could not make CS runs worthwhile, as I had difficulty sniping boss packs in the CS in a timely manner. This is where the auto-aim mechanic of lightning sentry is detrimental. I bit the bullet and completed Ancients at the dawn of level 95 in order to move on to Baal runs.
136 Hours in (part 2 of post)

Level 95
The next two levels were completed rather quickly, in hindsight anyways. Between streamlining the Baal running process and the apparent progress in the experience bar, I was eager to get to the next level. An ethereal Death's Web drop by Baal was an extremely nice find in this stretch.
175 Hours in

Level 97
The Baal runs turned into a grind, with the novelty long gone by now. The occasional find motivated me to press forward, culminating with two unique Sacred Armor drops of the green variety. Shortly after, the 2016 Summer MFO began, and it would only make sense for an item drought to coincide. Wonderful. I did reach 98 as a consolation prize.

Looking back on it all, I have to say that level 97 was the true test of whether or not I would make it to 99. As difficult as level 98 would be, I'd have to say I underestimated level 97 the most. My time spent at level 97 is approximately half that of level 98, so it is certainly not to be taken lightly. The moment I dinged 98, I thought to myself, I have come too far to not see this through to the end.
239 Hours in

Level 98
The main tactic against Nihlathak was to win the corpse explosion slugfest. Izuna is very tanky with her 4k life pool; CE was not a concern unless cursed or under conviction. The biggest threat were those working as intended Tomb Vipers, with the crazy high DPS output made even deadlier if Nihlathak was cursed or assisting with might or fanaticism. The next collide issue meant teleporting into the poison clouds with a mercenary to be extremely deadly, and Izuna did suffer an early death due to that.

There were an abundance of S/U drops and a fair amount of high runes in this stretch, not because Nihlathak & Co. were great droppers, but just from the sheer number of runs (~12k) being done.

1756 out of 11802 total runs were completed with an experience shrine, or ~15%, which is 1 point lower than my initial theorycraft of 16%. I blame cursed Nihlathak! If I subtracted out the extra runs done to compensate for death, the total would be ~11400.

Level 99

360 Hours - Completed



Equipment
Shako 'Sol'
Enigma Light Plate
HoTo 40%
Spirit Monarch 34/112
CTA 6/5/2
Spirit Monarch 35/108
+2 Trap/10 FCR/19 Str/28 FR Amulet
20 IAS/15 Str/11 CR/27 LR Rare Glove
Arachnid Mesh
Aldur's Advance
BK Ring
Raven Frost

Mercenary:
Infinity CV
Fortitude
Andariel's Visage

Readout
Code:
Name:       Izuna
Class:      Assassin
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   47/157
Dexterity:  20/58
Vitality:   498/522
Energy:     25/27
HP:         1740/2283
Mana:       172/582
Stamina:    815/1045
Defense:    5/1532
AR:         100000064/100000434

Fire:       166/126/66
Cold:       126/86/26
Lightning:  132/92/32
Poison:     105/65/5

MF:         189       Block:      10
GF:         191
FR/W:       85
FHR:        67
IAS:        20
FCR:        104

Fire Blast: 20/38
Shock Web: 20/38
Blade Sentinel: 0/0
Charged Bolt Sentry: 20/38
Wake of Fire: 0/0
Blade Fury: 0/0
Lightning Sentry: 20/38
Wake of Inferno: 0/0
Death Sentry: 20/38
Blade Shield: 0/0

Claw Mastery: 1/12
Psychic Hammer: 1/12
Burst of Speed: 1/12
Weapon Block: 0/0
Cloak of Shadows: 1/12
Fade: 1/12
Shadow Warrior: 0/0
Mind Blast: 1/12
Venom: 0/0
Shadow Master: 0/0

Tiger Strike: 0/0
Dragon Talon: 0/0
Fists of Fire: 0/0
Dragon Claw: 0/0
Cobra Strike: 0/0
Claws of Thunder: 0/0
Dragon Tail: 0/0
Blades of Ice: 0/0
Dragon Flight: 0/0
Phoenix Strike: 0/0

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa98a6011
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+4 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x5e414b49
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x275625f6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Static Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1c49406f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 10 Lightning Damage
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa69122ef
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Serpent's Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x5e80f098
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+39 to Life
+59 to Mana

Entrapping Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xb8310eed
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
+6 to Life

Stout Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4a6cd51c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 Defense
+20 to Life

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x53c41aae
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+11 to Mana

Sapphire Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xcd5b4d6a
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Cold Resist +10%

Plague Talisman
Amulet
Required Level: 72
Fingerprint: 0x8c4d43db
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+19 to Strength
+20 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 9%
Fire Resist +28%
Damage Reduced by 1

Enigma
Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 872
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0x31d20f1e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+770 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xf50277b6
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+49 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x5670f9ce
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+180 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 130
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x76093f42
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
Damage Reduced by 7
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Aldur's Advance
Battle Boots
Defense: 40
Durability: 16 of 18
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x919b2672
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+50 to Life
+180 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 32%
Fire Resist +50%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Set (2 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (3 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (4 items): +15 to Dexterity

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 136
Durability: 10 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xda66d58e
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+116% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Skull Finger
Demonhide Gloves
Defense: 61
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x59e5ee18
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+72% Enhanced Defense
+15 to Strength
Cold Resist +11%
Lightning Resist +27%
Level 4 Fire Arrow (30/30 Charges)

Garnet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xcd63f69c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Fire Resist +8%

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x29b257b6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x3ce9e97a
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
+16 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb1f6a647
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb469d1d8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x934ad4
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
158% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 15%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Entrapping Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x7f1073a3
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
33% Extra Gold from Monsters

Entrapping Grand Charm of Flame
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x8cd8af6d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
Adds 1 - 2 Fire Damage

Entrapping Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x3a163f3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Entrapping Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xef8056c5
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
+6 to Dexterity

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 55
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x36a1b27f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
269% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+6 to Battle Command
+5 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 134
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x2e1b0c56
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+108 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x21a1d3eb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +40
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Ko Rune
Required Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 145
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 84 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xa4383a19
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+34% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+112 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+5 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Mercenary:

Name:       Fazel
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 114110994
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/239
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2398
Defense:    1671/5308
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       158/118/58
Cold:       188/148/88
Lightning:  188/148/88
Poison:    258/218/158

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 364
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x7fd12e9c
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+35% Increased Attack Speed
10% Life stolen per hit
+135% Enhanced Defense
+30 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Jewel of Fervor

Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xa7554cb7
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed


Fortitude
Lacquered Plate
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3273
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 198
Fingerprint: 0x44472e6d
Item Level: 88
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
+111 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +26
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7

Lo Rune
Required Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike
Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


Infinity
Colossus Voulge
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 102 - 1012
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 200
Required Dexterity: 45
Fingerprint: 0x278c7bdb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
310% Enhanced Damage
-50% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Item Finds
Medieval Mart Grail Pages (Thanks to Death_Dealer)
Normal Uniques
Exceptional Uniques
Elite Uniques
Class Specific Uniques
Set Items
Runes
Overall Stats

Most of the missing grailers are the usual TC3 and TC87 suspects. Grail at -34 upon reaching 99.

Highlights:
3x 40/15 Gheeds, all GF greater than 150%
Eth Death's Web
Eth Templar's Might
Numerous high runes
RJoF

Lowlights:
Not finding Tal's ammy before 99.
Cathan's rings


Run Totals
Code:
Pindle          1774
Pits             602
LK              6236
CS               178
Baal            1675
Nihlathak      11802
Exp. Shrines    1756


Closure
Izuna is taking a rest, but she will definitely be back for more adventures in the future. Moo?

Thanks to everyone in the untwinked 99er thread for all the support and motivation to press forward. Special thanks to @Kitteh for the 99 reboot, @Pb_pal for the competition, @T72on1 and @PhineasB for running with us from the start, and all remaining runners! Also, big thanks to the SPF, past and present, for the wealth of D2 knowledge to make this run possible.
 
Originally posted by hackedagainanda on Feb 15, 2016

Sylvia throws to new heights!

Sylvia has reached level 99!!!!!

She was my first ever amazon, and I ended up choosing to be a Javazon as my first entry into the wonderful world of missile weapons and other projectiles.


I think after doing about 5k baal runs with some nice rune finds, and my new favorite item Doom GPA, I willl retire Sylvia to doing cow runs and general goofing off in normal.

My gear is aimed with a strong bent towards safety in regards to defense: max block/85 light res and 20 light sorb

I once accidentally walked away from my computer during a run while the game was not paused, I don't know how but I had 103 life left after my 2k life pool disappeared. The act 5 monster pack was still there but they seemed to have lost all interest in killing Sylvia.

The readout is as follows:

Code:
Name:       Sylvia
Class:      Amazon
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   86/249
Dexterity:  175/220
Vitality:   304/339
Energy:     15/20
HP:         1158/1213
Mana:       162/266
Stamina:    465/465
Defense:    43/2546
AR:         845/1313

Fire:       161/121/61
Cold:       210/170/110
Lightning:  186/146/86
Poison:     171/131/71

MF:         211       Block:      74
GF:         97
FR/W:       107
FHR:        0
IAS:        0
FCR:        25

Magic Arrow: 0/0
Fire Arrow: 0/0
Cold Arrow: 0/0
Multiple Shot: 0/0
Exploding Arrow: 0/0
Ice Arrow: 0/0
Guided Arrow: 0/0
Strafe: 0/0
Immolation Arrow: 0/0
Freezing Arrow: 0/0

Inner Sight: 1/8
Critical Strike: 1/8
Dodge: 1/8
Slow Missiles: 1/8
Avoid: 1/8
Penetrate: 1/8
Decoy: 1/8
Evade: 1/8
Valkyrie: 20/27
Pierce: 1/8

Jab: 1/13
Power Strike: 1/13
Poison Javelin: 1/13
Impale: 0/0
Lightning Bolt: 16/28
Charged Strike: 20/32
Plague Javelin: 1/13
Fend: 0/0
Lightning Strike: 20/35
Lightning Fury: 20/35

Amber Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xc59d1734
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +11%

Snake's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x306ec7af
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Mana
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x953ad04e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +15

Serpent's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xf0d02c05
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Mana
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shimmering Small Charm of Frost
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x17969888
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
All Resistances +5

Shimmering Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x864178c4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +13

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Shimmering Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xcd5c3f4c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +15

Shimmering Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x10fdef1a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +15

Shimmering Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0xb4ed7ac7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7% Faster Run/Walk
All Resistances +14

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xaf3c4e7f
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+11 to Mana

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x2f5a4afd
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x32c011b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
97% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 15%
37% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa4b4c4b8
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 209
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0xc190948c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-24% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+17% to Lightning Skill Damage
+157 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xfeedb5ba
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x4599819f
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +28

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x49936dd9
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+243 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Scintillating Ring of the Vampire
Ring
Required Level: 74
Fingerprint: 0x95fa45f2
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Mana stolen per hit
All Resistances +15

War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 136
Durability: 48 of 48
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xf360a91b
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+184% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 5
48% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability

Thundergod's Vigor
War Belt
Defense: 155
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 110
Fingerprint: 0xdcd5f5d5
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
5% Chance to cast level 7 Fist of the Heavens when struck
Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
+3 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only)
+3 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only)
+193% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 Lightning Absorb

Lancer's Vampirebone Gloves of Might
Vampirebone Gloves
Defense: 64
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xbb051516
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
+4 to Strength

Emerald Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xd0250881
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +11%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Snake's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x3d5a56e1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Mana
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Emerald Small Charm of Frost
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x72ec94a6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
Poison Resist +10%

Enigma
Archon Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 1282
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x45dea986
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+758 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0x1f30ccf3
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0x77f924a8
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xd8c7aed3
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
+17 to Mana

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Call to Arms
Flail
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 3 - 89
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x529b4af6
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
271% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+4 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 136
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x120c48be
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+26% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+96 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+4 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Healing Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenish Life +320

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Sylvia's Titan's Revenge
Matriarchal Javelin
Throw Damage: 129 - 246
One Hand Damage: 114 - 210
Quantity: 140
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 107
Required Dexterity: 151
Fingerprint: 0xcd64d4e0
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
+2 to Amazon Skill Levels
+30% Faster Run/Walk
198% Enhanced Damage
Adds 25 - 50 Damage
9% Life stolen per hit
+20 to Strength
+20 to Dexterity
Increased Stack Size
Replenishes quantity
Required Level +7

Stormshield
Monarch
Defense: 509
Chance to Block: 47
Durability: 52 of 86
Required Level: 73
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x634c9a39
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Indestructible
+35% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage
+371 Defense (Based on Character Level)
+30 to Strength
Cold Resist +60%
Lightning Resist +25%
Damage Reduced by 35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 10
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xf01bb757
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Mercenary:

Name:       Alhizeer
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 114095538
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/234
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2423
Defense:    1671/5904
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       189/149/89
Cold:       189/149/89
Lightning:  189/149/89
Poison:    259/219/159

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 354
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x43d155d3
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
8% Life stolen per hit
+129% Enhanced Defense
+25 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist +0%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%


Fortitude
Sacred Armor
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3879
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 222
Fingerprint: 0x29230e37
Item Level: 85
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
+136 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +27
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7

Lo Rune
Required Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike
Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


Infinity
Great Poleaxe
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 284 - 784
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 169
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0x1a59a44e
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
313% Enhanced Damage
-52% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Overall she was a blast to play and when I started running WSK + Throne I found some more than decent items along the way.

I personally find teleporting straight to the throne room pretty boring, so clearing out the WSK alleviated boredom, and helped keep to me motivated and continue running at all hours of the day and night.

Here is the LCS:View attachment 2901
 
Originally posted by Kitteh on May 20, 2017

Fordyl Reaches 99 - The End of a Journey and the Beginning of Another


Prior warning, this is going to be soppy and disgusting. Stay with me though, there is a reason.
Before I joined this forum and during my initial years here I was going through my teenage years, and I was ill, so very ill. I was also pretty immature and by my own admission I have not always been a stand up citizen within this community, but I like to think that I have grown to be so. I joined this forum six years ago. Honestly, those years are fuzzy, but I think it was not long after joining the forum (not blaming the forum :p) that I reached the lowest point in my struggle with mental health. I had been self harming for years and ultimately had a couple of suicide attempts and a stay in a lovely little psychiatric ward. I actually had a bed next to Jesus, which was cool. Anyway, I slowly began the slow process of getting my life together and began to attend night classes, obtaining straight A's in biology and chemistry whilst doing some part time work. I then went to college and studied biomedical science for two years before heading to university, with direct entry into third year. On 3/7/17 I will begin my first professional research project under the supervision of a leading figure in my field at a prestigious cancer research institute, before returning to fourth year of university. After that, I hope to complete my PhD in cancer immunotherapy, secure a good postdoc position and contribute to the expansion of knowledge and the design of new cancer treatments. In that time there was a relationship, the loss of my best friend, she was a dog, but she was still my best friend for 19 years. I got into running and was qualifying for championships when my current ill health popped up. The point is, I was terribly low and now I feel terribly high in life. I feel like I've just reached the peak of a mountain, only to discover that through the snowstorm there is a greater mountain just ahead, begging to be climbed. I shall climb it. Soppy part over(ish), now the explanation for why it was important.


Five years ago on 19/11/12, Fordyl became a Patriarch. Fordyl has finally reached level 99, marking the end of a journey. Diablo has also been a mainstay in my life and my best coping method. During those years of piecing my life together, Fordyl has slowly creeped towards completion. As I reached milestones, so did Fordyl. As I grew in confidence, my confidence in Fordyl reaching 99 increased too. How apt that he should hit 99 just as I begin my new journey, almost as if his journey was perfectly in step with mine.

The thing is though, I have not done this alone. Through the dark times this forum has also been a mainstay for me, even when I did not deserve it's faith. The forum accepted me back after my misdeeds, often it was a lifeline during those times. The forum has been with me through it all, encouraging me, supporting me and accepting me. None of you will ever know quite how dramatic an effect you have had on my life. Likewise, the forum has been there for Fordyl as he began to cash his pension. Giving me competition, words of encouragement and advice.

I am making a record here, that Fordyl reaching 99 is a representation of incredibly community here in the SPF. This entire community has contributed to the completion of this project, whether intentionally or not. Thank you very much, for everything xx

An extra special thank you to @Thyiad.


The character himself!

Fordyl started off as a Travincal runner but ended up as a 99er. I'm not sure when that decision was actually made, but I suspect that @Cyrax had something to do with it... He died once, possibly twice. Including one at 98, which hurt. He very nearly died on my second last run ;) Originally he was running full clear P8 chaos runs, with some decent MF. I think it was halfway from 98 to 99 that I started running P1 seals and P7 Diablo, with all of my MF swapped out for life and DR.

If you have any questions, please do ask! Its hard to know what to say if I'm honest, so ask away.

Videos




Final equipment:
Helmet - Shako 'Ber'
Armour - Enigma BP
Weapon - HotO 39@
Shield - Spirit 35fcr in a 35@ SR
Belt - Arach
Gloves - Trang's
Boots - Hotspur
Amulet - Maras
Ring 1 - BK
Ring 2 - Fcr/str/life/res rare

Merc - Ethereal reaper's/Kira's/GA

LB skillers x4 - 16/18/25/34 life
Multiple life/res charms
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Originally posted May 22, 2017

A Merciful Ending: Untwinked Assassin Reaches 99

Mercy, an untwinked-99er-to be, began her journey in March 2016 as an entry in @Kitteh’s relaunch of the untwinked 99er challenge (original untwinked 99er tourney thread is here). She actually got a head start by about a week.

Let’s start things off with a vid of her last two runs, then stats and gear, followed by a rundown of progress and reflections and finds, before ending with a round of thanks for everyone who helped along the journey.

Stats and Such
How about info on Stats, Gear, Charms, and Merc? Sure, why not, see below (stats are with final skill point and stats unspent).
Code:
Name:       Mercy
Class:      Assassin
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   81/162
Dexterity:  20/57
Vitality:   459/488
Energy:     25/32
HP:         1623/2083
Mana:       172/486
Stamina:    766/996
Defense:    5/1508
AR:         100000064/100000446

Fire:       190/150/90
Cold:       148/108/48
Lightning:  172/132/72
Poison:     155/115/55

MF:         218       Block:      9
GF:         91
FR/W:       85
FHR:        89
IAS:        0
FCR:        115

Fire Blast: 20/40
Shock Web: 20/39
Blade Sentinel: 0/0
Charged Bolt Sentry: 20/39
Wake of Fire: 1/21
Blade Fury: 0/0
Lightning Sentry: 20/39
Wake of Inferno: 0/0
Death Sentry: 20/39
Blade Shield: 0/0

Claw Mastery: 1/14
Psychic Hammer: 1/14
Burst of Speed: 4/17
Weapon Block: 0/0
Cloak of Shadows: 1/14
Fade: 0/0
Shadow Warrior: 0/0
Mind Blast: 1/14
Venom: 0/0
Shadow Master: 0/0

Tiger Strike: 0/0
Dragon Talon: 0/0
Fists of Fire: 0/0
Dragon Claw: 0/0
Cobra Strike: 0/0
Claws of Thunder: 0/0
Dragon Tail: 0/0
Blades of Ice: 0/0
Dragon Flight: 0/0
Phoenix Strike: 0/0
Code:
Mercy's Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 110
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x782376be
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
74% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x6b8ff10a
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +28

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xede1ae81
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+197 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x3b88676
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+49 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 25
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0x53160735
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+26% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 138
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xd70968fe
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+120% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Mercy's Enigma
Superior Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 883
Durability: 66 of 66
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0x49c67301
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+14% Enhanced Defense
+760 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Durability 11%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Aldur's Advance
Battle Boots
Defense: 46
Durability: 15 of 18
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x2061da46
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+50 to Life
+180 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 32%
Fire Resist +50%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Mercy's Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x283c8135
Item Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +36
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 146
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xe8eb3521
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+98 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+5 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Call to Arms
Superior Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 19 - 57
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x7a78316c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
282% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 10%
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 146
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xe76c5272
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+32% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+100 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Code:
Emerald Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x59e35bbc
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Poison Resist +11%

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x5e53346c
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+15 to Mana

Coral Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x26637384
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Lightning Resist +9%

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8c4d7994
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xdc222d23
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ruby Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x94f7f078
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc197a2c8
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x6825c2c4
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Azure Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4dd6fc81
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +4%

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x3dcf2fb4
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
91% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 13%
39% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Coral Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf181982a
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Entrapping Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x6c3eacf6
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)

Entrapping Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x394d9aa6
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
+5 to Life

Entrapping Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x713d3250
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)

Entrapping Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x3ae958e7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)

Entrapping Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xc7172ad4
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3a779cd7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

Entrapping Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf91edc64
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Trap Skills (Assassin Only)
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Shimmering Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x69d4c8c0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+31 to Life
All Resistances +15

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x5a72bfdf
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+13 to Mana

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x165f4ac0
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Code:
Thankfully not needed much!

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 17 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0xa125c491
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +31
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Moser's Blessed Circle
Round Shield
Defense: 173
Chance to Block: 37
Durability: 59 of 64
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 53
Fingerprint: 0xd6a9c40d
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+210% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +25
Lightning Resist +28%
Poison Resist +25%
9% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Ambergris Jewel
Socketed: Jade Jewel of Prosperity

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 13 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xfead1590
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +35
Magic Damage Reduced by 12

Skull Hand
Demonhide Gloves
Defense: 46
Durability: 11 of 12
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x2d7e0e39
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Enhanced Defense
+12 to Strength
+9 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +24%
Fire Resist +27%

Bladebuckle
Plated Belt
Defense: 51
Durability: 13 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 60
Fingerprint: 0xcaac0a7b
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+80% Enhanced Defense
+30 Defense
+5 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
Damage Reduced by 3
Attacker Takes Damage of 8
Code:
Name:       Pratham
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 114149042
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/234
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2410
Defense:    1671/3528
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       162/122/62
Cold:       192/152/92
Lightning:  192/152/92
Poison:    262/222/162

Fortitude
Archon Plate
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1521
Durability: 57 of 60
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x8d09d49d
Item Level: 85
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
+123 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +30
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

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 336
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xf52e8813
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+35% Increased Attack Speed
+14 to Maximum Damage
10% Life stolen per hit
+117% Enhanced Defense
+25 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Vermilion Jewel of Fervor

Vermilion Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 50
Fingerprint: 0x86f46eb7
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
+14 to Maximum Damage

Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 64 - 757
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0xdae0dcd1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
259% Enhanced Damage
-52% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Progress
Mercy made quick progress early on, reaching level 87, and was aided by some very nice rune drops. A little more than a month in, she was at level 90 and had the base and runes for Infinity. She mixed up LK and Pits, mostly, for the next stretch, with a major assist of a Jah from a Pit run and then a final set of LK runs to make Enigma possible part way into level 94.

In all, 1103 runes found from LK plus some helpful finds while area running allowed Mercy to gracefully transition to XP grinding in late May 2016. Progress slowed over the summer due to work and starting a second untwinked 99er (Sorc that is currently level 96), but Mercy reached level 96 at the end of the summer.

A long break followed due to vacation and then a busy work schedule, but picked up again after Thanksgiving, reaching level 97 with Baal runs. I found level 96 and then level 97 especially to be the most challenging stretch. In terms of total time, they should have taken less than level 98, but they felt much longer, probably due to Baal runs being Mercy’s best option for XP. Mercy found her first +skill ring (BKWB) a third of the way into the level and still didn’t have Arachnid’s Mesh.

At this point, I set goals of 80 Baal runs each week (8 per weekday and 40 total on the weekend). I found it helped stay focused and not get discouraged by the slow progress on the XP bar. She generally exceeded her goal, particularly during Round 1 of the RFL. Those 20 hours got her almost all the way to level 98, and she finally hit level 98 in mid-February.

Mercy then transitioned to Nihl, following the path charted by @NanoMist's Izuna. She toyed around with becoming a kicker, which did not turn out well :oops: Nihl finally dropped Arachnid's, and she settled into the routine, visiting Nihl somewhere in the neighborhood of 11,500 times, hitting level 99 yesterday.

She had one real death, with body recovery, about a third of the way in. Again, I set a goal (XP per week this time), and Mercy again far exceeded that goal, finishing about 5 weeks earlier than the weekly goal projected.

Finds and What Not
As others have observed, the journey to 99 is lucrative in terms of finds, particularly in 1.13+. Untwinked makes it especially so, as the focus on getting runes for major runewords is paramount. And, unlike starting the quest for 99 with a character that was already at level 90 or so, the untwinked journey means you keep track of all the finds.

Key runewords made and total remaining high runes is below:
Code:
CoH (Eth)
CtA
Delirium
Enigma
HoTo x3 -- the 36@ roll was not improved upon :(
Fortitude
Infinity (Eth)

Mal – 8
Ist – 6
Gul – 5
Vex – 5
Ohm – 1
Lo – 4
Sur – 6
Ber – 1
Jah – 2
Cham – 1

And cubing up the mid-highs would get 2x Ohm or so.
Nihl was stingier with high runes for Mercy than he was for Izuna, but no complaints here.

Overall, Mercy made it to grail -29, with mostly TC3/TC87s missing, but also two exceptional uniques :mad:, three pieces of jewelry and two parts of the Cow set. There are too many nice finds to summarize well, so I will just list a few of the ones I liked the most (aside from the high runes above and Mercy's charm collection, which I really like).
Code:
Eth Griffon’s (bad roll, but it’s cool)
Eth Steel Shade (near perfect roll)
Pestilent small charm of Pestilence
Death’s Web (high roll -ePR)
I will probably spend an afternoon sorting through her stashes (1232 keeper items, runes and charms from Nihl; 1560 items, 233 keeper charms and 133 keeper jewels from 1-98) and being pleasantly surprised when I remember some of those.

Oh, and I almost forgot about my favorite find of all:
Code:
Preserver's Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x6d2f5a7b
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+45 to Life
Yes, the only Baal GC skiller with vita that she rolled was defensive aura :rolleyes:

Thank You-s
I have to start with thanks to this forum and everyone who participated or contributed to this thread and supported Mercy’s journey.

Special thanks go to @Pb_pal, @NanoMist and @T72on1 who have been in it from the beginning and helped with feedback and encouragement throughout. Of course, @Kitteh gets a special shout out for (re)starting this challenge, along with @NanoMist and @Pb_pal again, and @Neksja and others, for great theorycrafting info and pointers that we all benefited from. @Gripphon also gets special mention for the past work that provided a foundation for all our paths to 99 in this challenge.

What’s Next-es
As for what’s next, Mercy will stay strictly untwinked (with one exception noted below) and likely serve as a runner for future tourneys. I think she will do well in the WSK challenge @Gripphon plans. I am thinking about using the Cham in her Shako to free up the ring slot for MF or an SoJ for extra mana. Now that +life isn’t as big a deal (can’t lose XP!), charms and other gear (back to 7% caster ammy and gloves with +MF) are back in play.

If she Cham’s the Shako, she will loan it to Midrian, my Pit zerker. That’s the exception, but I think it’s easy to keep track of given that it’s personalized. :) Otherwise, she will mule off a bunch of skillers for other classes and the many other SCs with 10/11 resists + nice suffix (MF, vita, FHR) in her stash, plus some of the better finds that she will never use.

Hiatus, the 99er sorc, also will get more time. She’s just short of 96.25, and I may try to get a second 99er before the end of the year. With Mercy and Hiatus so far, I've moved from grail -15 overall to grail -7, so I'm hopeful Hiatus will chip away further over the last couple levels.

Finally, I have a couple builds in progress and think that will be a welcome break from countless runs of the same target. I also was inspired by the eth Nightwing’s that Mercy found and low-roll cold facets sitting around to try a more off-the-beaten-path build, so that should be fun to test.

Anyhow, final thanks are to everyone who followed Mercy’s journey (and is still reading this text wall). Cheers!
 
Last edited:
Originally posted December 25, 2017

The Hiatus Is Over: Untwinked Sorceress Reaches 99

Hiatus, an untwinked-99er-to be, began her journey in June 2016 as my second entrant in @Kitteh’s relaunch of the untwinked 99er challenge (original untwinked 99er tourney thread is here). Hiatus was created to provide some, erm, breaks as Mercy, an untwinked assassin, plodded her way to the goal.

When Mercy hit 99 in May 2017, Hiatus was part way into level 96. Along with progressing Phaedrus, an untwinked Pally and my third entry, from level 91 to level 94, Hiatus has been the main focus of D2 gaming time since then.

We’ll start with a vid of Hiatus pinging 99, then stats and gear, followed by a rundown of progress and reflections and finds, and then some concluding thoughts and thanks.
Obviously, Nihl had to roll LI a couple times as a farewell gift. :rolleyes:

Stats and Gear
Code:
Last skill point and stat points are unused.
Name:       Hiatus
Class:      Sorceress
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

Naked/Gear
Strength:   143/162
Dexterity:  25/45
Vitality:   377/416
Energy:     35/42
HP:         932/1471
Mana:       231/537
Stamina:    539/589
Defense:    6/974
AR:         75/175

Fire:       177/137/77
Cold:       178/138/78
Lightning:  188/148/**
Poison:     208/168/108

MF:         187       Block:      6
GF:         118
FR/W:       32
FHR:        90
IAS:        10
FCR:        124

Fire Bolt: 0/0
Warmth: 1/13
Inferno: 0/0
Blaze: 0/0
Fire Ball: 0/0
Fire Wall: 0/0
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 0/0
Fire Mastery: 0/0
Hydra: 0/0

Charged Bolt: 20/34
Static Field: 5/19
Telekinesis: 1/15
Nova: 20/34
Lightning: 20/34
Chain Lightning: 20/34
Teleport: 1/15
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 1/15
Lightning Mastery: 20/34

Ice Bolt: 0/0
Frozen Armor: 0/0
Frost Nova: 0/0
Ice Blast: 0/0
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 0/0
Blizzard: 0/0
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 0/0
Cold Mastery: 0/0
Code:
Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 9 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x9d495766
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +32
Magic Damage Reduced by 12

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x59e978db
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+49 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 134
Durability: 5 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x3a9d095d
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+114% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 130
Durability: 46 of 48
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x1a5c814e
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+172% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 9
49% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability

Bloodfist
Heavy Gloves
Defense: 18
Durability: 5 of 14
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0x244895a7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+5 to Minimum Damage
+19% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
+40 to Life

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x81064460
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +27

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 115
Durability: 9 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xe1c79998
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xbd51218c
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +24%
Damage Reduced by 8
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 55
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x3ed2310b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
267% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 141
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x4969d0ea
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+33% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+108 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x4a8952a8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +40
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Ko Rune
Required Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 146
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 73 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x4e480d84
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+34% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+106 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Code:
Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x5cd40a44
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x5a11b586
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x1ba2da10
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Sparking Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xbad3e4b1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+7% Faster Run/Walk

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x955cf496
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Viridian Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf877dfc8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Poison Resist +6%

Serpent's Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x6fb97697
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
+14 to Mana

Ruby Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xc75ddd06
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +11%

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2f8b1611
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9e920547
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x58cdd1a9
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ruby Small Charm of Strength
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x49208cea
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Strength
Fire Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2f14e1ec
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Shimmering Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 83
Fingerprint: 0x3481aa33
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+44 to Life
All Resistances +14

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xdd7cbc2a
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
118% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x38c48d14
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Crimson Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xc407cc55
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +4%
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Serpent's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x3c945fb0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Mana
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xef682610
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+17 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x41e84d9d
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xcec54b7c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+1 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x99c17b57
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x30694cd0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+5 to Mana

Amber Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xea30ae3a
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +10%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Boreal Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x3b517827
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 7 - 12 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x55ae6af
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xb368f84f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Garnet Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xb66107d5
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +8%
Code:
Not used for body recovery, but Darksight was used for CoS charges
to get some drops when Vipers were around.

Credendum
Mithril Coil
Defense: 111
Durability: 15 of 16
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x2ec235d2
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+50 Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
All Resistances +15

Moser's Blessed Circle
Round Shield
Defense: 169
Chance to Block: 37
Durability: 44 of 64
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 53
Fingerprint: 0xd6adb5aa
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+202% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +25
2 Sockets (0 used)

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0xe23e4ea6
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +34
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Ko Rune
Required Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x250a29f4
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +32
Magic Damage Reduced by 10

Darksight Helm
Basinet
Defense: 274
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 82
Fingerprint: 0xd44c3f02
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Chance to cast level 3 Dim Vision when struck
5% Mana stolen per hit
+198 Defense (Based on Character Level)
Fire Resist +38%
Cannot Be Frozen
-4 to Light Radius
Level 5 Cloak of Shadows (28/30 Charges)

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 54
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x89994ba5
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
261% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Battle Command
+3 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Code:
Name:       Zanarhi
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 114111696
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/229
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2287
Defense:    1671/2967
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       227/187/127
Cold:       227/187/127
Lightning:  227/187/127
Poison:    227/187/127

Delirium
Superior Demonhead
LemIstIo
Defense: 437
Durability: 18 of 20
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x4e0c42ea
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+14% Enhanced Defense
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality

Chains of Honor
Superior Scarab Husk
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 859
Durability: 22 of 30
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x89c6e0b6
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+81% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 10%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7

Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Infinity
Superior Cryptic Axe
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 197 - 909
Durability: 36 of 36
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 93
Fingerprint: 0x6b96974c
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
304% Enhanced Damage
-49% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 11%
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Progress, Reflections, and Findings
Hiatus started while Mercy was progressing towards level 95, quickly making it to level 85 as a pure Blizz sorc, mostly on Pindle. She then started mixing in AT, eventually hitting level 91, but still lacking some basics (including a 4os Monarch). But she found a 3os eTomby!

At level 92 she transitioned to some LK in search of runes, with a very nice run of runes leading to her HoTo. After a little break due to work and vacation, she hit level 94 in AT and finally found Shako and a 4os Monarch.

She slogged her way to 95, and was only a level behind Mercy. Mercy got the bulk of play time through the end of year, but Hiatus eventually focused on LK to get a Ber for CoH so that she could transition to CS. She eventually hit 96 in late January 2017 (I’d started the Pally by this point also, taking him toward level 90) but was then shelved until Mercy hit 99 in May 2017.

Hiatus got the bulk of play over the next couple weeks, hitting 97, with a 40@ HoTo reroll mixed in. She set a goal of 25M XP/week, mostly surpassing it. She had some nice finds and runes for Infinity along the way to hitting level 98 in September.

Hiatus switched to pure lightning after testing, using her last respec. About 11M into Nihl runs she had a nasty mishap, dying and then again with body recovery kit on resulting in loss of gear. Thankfully, her switch to lightning made the loss of gear manageable. And she got a nice CtA reroll and a quick Mara’s to replace the lost one as she gained back the lost XP.

At this point, it was back to avoiding deaths and setting a weekly goal, which she settled on 20M XP, hitting 98.25 before leaving for vacation in early October. After being away six weeks, Hiatus got back to running in mid-November, hitting 98.5 around Thanksgiving – and finally finding her Arachnid’s! :rolleyes:

With an assist to @ffs and @Yng, Hiatus swapped in Bloodfists to complete her gear (with the exception of a slight charm upgrade later on). She hit 98.75 and then completed the last ~tenth of the level before pinging 99 yesterday with a major boost from Ancients quest reward. :)

Character screen looks pretty cool!
Screenshot005.jpg
In general, she was relatively slow for the last level, with only 1 skiller to start (a second dropped along the way) and no Griffon’s. The lack of Griffon’s and skillers was felt. Given her gear available, however, I don’t know if anything else would have been faster. Maybe pure fire for Nihl, but she felt obligated to fry him to complete the elemental trifecta of sorcs in the 99er thread. She could have stuck with Blizz or gone Blova, but killing only Nihl, as those builds require, wasn’t in the plans due to loss of drops.

Speaking of which, Hiatus had some nice finds along the way, contributing a fair bit to my overall grail and eth grail. The key runewords and total remaining high runes is below:
Code:
CoH
CtA x3
Delirium
HoTo x4
Crescent Moon
Infinity (eth)

Mal – 7
Ist – 3
Gul – 6
Ohm – 4
Lo – 2
Ber – 1
Jah – 3
Overall, Hiatus made it to grail -33, with mostly TC3/TC87s (and Cow’s Set) missing. There was only one exceptional unique (unique cedar staff), Seraph’s Hymn, Frostwind, Fleshripper, and Nightwing’s missing otherwise. As with Mercy, there are too many nice items to summarize, so I will just list a couple favorites:
Code:
Astreon's (overall grailer)
Shimmering (14@) GC of Vita (44)
3os eTomby
Eth Death’s Fathom (low cold damage roll, but cool)
A couple nice skillers with sustenance suffix (Captain’s, Acrobatic, 2 Entrapping,
2 Harpoonists, Fletchers, Natural)

Thank You-s and What’s Next-es
As before, I have to start with thanks to this forum and everyone who participated or contributed to this thread. It’s much easier to plug away with company! So thanks, @everyone!

Special thanks go to @Pb_pal, @NanoMist and @T72on1 who were in it from Hiatus’s start and helped with feedback and encouragement throughout. Of course, @Kitteh gets a special shout out for (re)starting this challenge, along with @ffs for having another lightning Sorc far along. Finally, major thanks to all the recent entries for keeping this thread vibrant nearly two years after its start. :)

As for what’s next, Hiatus is going to Mat and then respec to Nova for Cow goodness in search of some bases needed for my runeword grail (and burning some of her runes along the way). Aside from that, she may get some use in future tourneys, although she will not stay untwinked. I will also sort through her stashes and may post some readouts of nice items that I’ve forgotten about.

Phaedrus is almost to 94.75, so I hope to bring him to a round 95 before taking a break from XP runs to quest some characters through. I have my trio of twins project with the Auradin in NM and itching to get him end game gear. I also plan to focus on the untwinked Barb in that project (also in NM) and a new Necro that I started recently.

I also plan to start working on the SPF 99er compendium that I mentioned a while back. I have an outline, some sections written up roughly, and notes for others. So I hope to post something for feedback before too-too long.

Final thanks are to everyone who followed along as Hiatus progressed to 99. Cheers!
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by ffs on April 29, 2018

With a little help from my friends - untwinked Sorc hits 99

HelpYourself, an untwinked Sorc created almost exactly a year ago, has finally reached her ultimate goal and hit level 99.

Let me start by saying that to me, the journey of this character is a prime example of an SPF product. It's surprising how a project like this can be approached when making use of all the information within this community, both about game mechanics and efficiency generally and the 99er mission specifically. It has been a great experience to build on the foundation of knowledge and experience of others, while discussing and theorycrafting along the way in order to find an improvement here or there, and to stay at high efficiency during the intimidating amount of hours spent on this mission.

All these things resulted in an amazing ride for this character, and eventually in what to my knowledge is the fastest XP gain known for 98-99. It truly was the most rewarding and satisfying experience I've had with this game (not to mention the most fun I've had with it, definitely since making my first Enigma and Infinity).

Hitting 99, Gear and Drops Highlights

So, here's the final moment:


Final gear (Nihlathak setup for 98-99)
Code:
Griffon's Eye (15/19) socketed with 5/5 facet
Chains of Honor (13% ED superior Scarab Husk)
+2 Sorc/9% FCR/8% ML/10@ craft amulet
Crescent Moon (eth Crystal Sword)
35% Spirit
Magefist
Arachnid Mesh
Nature's Peace (30 PR/11 DR)
Rare ring: 10 FCR/4@ (18 LR)/28 life/18 mana/1 DR
Aldur's Advance (mostly used WT along with MF and FR SCs for the last level though)

Switch:
+5 BO CtA (eth Double Axe)
Spirit

Merc:
Infinity (eth Thresher from ~98.3 onwards, first Infinity in eth CV before)
Delirium (eth Demonhead)
Treachery (eth bugged Wyrmhide)

Inventory:
3 Skillers, Gheed's
Life, life/resist SCs, one FHR/FR SC to get to 60% FHR

Body recovery kit in stash:
eth Hoto Flail (31@)
+3 BO CtA
Shako 'Sol'
35@ upped Viper
35% Spirit
Nature's Peace + rare 20 str ring

GoMule dump (Nihlathak setup)
Code:
Name:       HelpYourself
Class:      Sorceress
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   136/156
Dexterity:  25/25
Vitality:   384/406
Energy:     35/35
HP:         946/1414
Mana:       231/367
Stamina:    546/746
Defense:    6/1572
AR:         75/104

Fire:       183/143/83
Cold:       144/104/44
Lightning:  179/139/79
Poison:     179/139/79

MF:         65       Block:      2
GF:         147
FR/W:       40
FHR:        60
IAS:        20
FCR:        119

Fire Bolt: 0/0
Warmth: 1/10
Inferno: 0/0
Blaze: 0/0
Fire Ball: 0/0
Fire Wall: 0/0
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 0/0
Fire Mastery: 0/0
Hydra: 0/0

Charged Bolt: 20/31
Static Field: 5/16
Telekinesis: 1/12
Nova: 20/31
Lightning: 20/31
Chain Lightning: 20/31
Teleport: 1/12
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 20/31

Ice Bolt: 0/0
Frozen Armor: 1/9
Frost Nova: 0/0
Ice Blast: 0/0
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 0/0
Blizzard: 0/0
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 0/0
Cold Mastery: 0/0

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 136
Durability: 8 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x5393e9e7
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+117% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 141
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x9b6acb4e
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
Damage Reduced by 7
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Raven Wing
Amulet
Required Level: 89
Fingerprint: 0x5df29f35
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+9% Faster Cast Rate
8% Mana stolen per hit
+12 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 4%
+20 Maximum Stamina
All Resistances +10

Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 212
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x49c6528b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-24% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+20% to Lightning Skill Damage
+160 Defense
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x472bcd23
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 25
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0xe6811b62
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+30% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xcd9de07
Item Level: 9
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Stone Gyre
Ring
Required Level: 43
Fingerprint: 0x83446a4f
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+28 to Life
+18 to Mana
All Resistances +4
Lightning Resist +14%
Damage Reduced by 1

Chains of Honor
Superior Scarab Husk
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 869
Durability: 26 of 28
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xa3e946d5
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+83% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7

Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x3961300
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Call to Arms
War Scepter
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 39 - 66
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xe759edba
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
290% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+1 to Salvation (Paladin Only)
+6 to Battle Command
+3 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe8a07e63
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

Beryl Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x97ec5aa1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Poison Resist +5%

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xd11681ac
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Garnet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x346e4bd3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
Fire Resist +9%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8647b4cc
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x30d7941f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2f6e1088
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2e9a8692
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2db35f6b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x53d702d7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa634e423
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8f64cc4b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Fine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc7d46d4d
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+17 to Attack Rating
+20 to Life

Fiery Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x63d43039
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 3 Fire Damage
+20 to Life

Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x87c9ac3c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3a01c108
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +11%

Bronze Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc0297370
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Attack Rating
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbaed94e8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Garnet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x7936e154
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Fire Resist +8%

Smoking Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0x244b862a
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 9 - 17 Fire Damage
+19 to Life

Ruby Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x3574ca8b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +10%

Stout Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x512fcb92
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 Defense
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x29ebd64a
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x77867fe5
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +30%
Damage Reduced by 11
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Aldur's Advance
Battle Boots
Defense: 46
Durability: 16 of 18
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x5a8a029a
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+50 to Life
+180 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 32%
Fire Resist +47%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Set (2 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (3 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (4 items): +15 to Dexterity


Skin of the Vipermagi
Wyrmhide
Defense: 970
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 84
Fingerprint: 0xbae8f4cb
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +35
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
Required Level +7

Heart of the Oak
Superior Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 40
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 25
Fingerprint: 0x49d935b8
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
13% Enhanced Damage
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +31
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Ko Rune
Required Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Beast Turn
Ring
Required Level: 66
Fingerprint: 0x33b10036
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+31 to Attack Rating
+20 to Strength
+27 to Life
+18 Maximum Stamina
All Resistances +3
Level 5 Fire Bolt (18/32 Charges)

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x6244bee7
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +22%
Damage Reduced by 11
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xd3204c62
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
147% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 138
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xd284b43b
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+98 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

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x16dcbb7
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Perfect Ruby
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 15 - 20 Fire Damage
Armor: +38 to Life
Shields: Fire Resist +40%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 35%
Replenishes Health 35%

Call to Arms
Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 26 - 71
Durability: 13 of 13
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 33
Fingerprint: 0x68476366
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
275% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+4 to Battle Command
+5 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 133
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x72fa7708
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+105 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Crescent Moon
Crystal Sword
ShaelUmTir
One Hand Damage: 20 - 64
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 33
Fingerprint: 0xd4c479d
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 17 Chain Lightning on striking
7% Chance to cast level 13 Static Field on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
192% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+9 Magic Absorb
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

Um Rune
Required Level: 47
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Armor: Cold Resist +15%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Shields: Cold Resist +22%
Lightning Resist +22%
Fire Resist +22%
Poison Resist +22%

Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 145
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 84 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x24d16ecc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+106 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Mercenary:

Name:       Fazel
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 114103188
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/209
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2287
Defense:    1671/3169
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       162/122/62
Cold:       192/152/92
Lightning:  162/122/62
Poison:    162/122/62

Treachery
Wyrmhide
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 1030
Durability: 13 of 13
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 74
Fingerprint: 0x60fa3212
Item Level: 81
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

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters


Delirium
Demonhead
LemIstIo
Defense: 468
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 92
Fingerprint: 0x4e69d0da
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
Ethereal
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality


Infinity
Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 72 - 846
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 142
Required Dexterity: 108
Fingerprint: 0xd3491066
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
301% Enhanced Damage
-47% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

For general purposes she was mostly running a 38@ Hoto, Bloodfist, Mara's and BKWB + SoJ in the respective slots. Standard Merc setup was Andy's with IAS jewel and eth bugged Fortitude Scarab Husk along with Infinity.

Let's go through the highlights of her drops and other gear quickly to get that out of the way. It was a lot of stuff :) but of course that's not what this was all about. A brief summary of her journey will follow, including some details here and there and an explanation of the gearing choices.

Runewords and runes:
Runewords made:
2x Infinity (eth CV, eth Thresher)
1x Chains of Honor (superior 13% ED Scarab Husk)
1x Fortitude (eth bugged Scarab Husk)
6x Call to Arms (one +5 BO, others 1-3 BO)
2x Heart of the Oak (Flail 38@, eth Flail 31@)
1x Crescent Moon (eth Crystal Sword)
1x Delirium (eth Demonhead)

Mid/low level runewords for sake of completeness:
3x Insight (non-eth Thresher, lower lvl bases)
1x Stone (eth bugged Hellforge Plate)
2x Treachery (eth bugged Wyrmhide, eth Dusk Shroud)
4x Spirit (35/35/30 FCR Monarchs, 32 FCR Broad Sword)
1x Edge
1x Stealth

Further/leftover HRs (Gul+)
3x Gul
3x Lo
5x Sur
1x Ber
1x Cham

EDIT: See post below for where the remaining HRs ended up.

S&U highlights:
Griffon's Eye (+15/-19)
Eth Death Cleaver (271 ED)
Mang Song's Lesson (grailer)
Windforce
Stormlash (miserable 241 ED, but also a grailer)
Grandfather (248 ED)
2x Azurewrath (one 11 aura/267ed)
Earth Shifter
2x Schaefer's Hammer
Ravenlore (-13 EFR)
3x Tomb Reaver (one 3os, one eth 1os)
5x Stone Crusher
Natalya's Mark
2x Giant Skull (1os and 2os, first was a grailer)
6x Nightwing's Veil (one 15% CSD, one eth)
3x Head Hunter's Glory (one 3os)
Griswold's Honor
Griswold's Valor
4x Mara's
3x SoJ
3x BKWB
Blizzard Ormus (+8 others, i.a. Meteor)
4x Eschuta's Temper (best one +3/17 F/13 L, three low/average ones)
2x Boneflame (+2/+3 skills)
Stormspire
Steel Shade
11x RBF (plus one lost when Delirium bug crashed the game - the only item lost by it)
4x Arach
2x eth Demon's Arch
Eth Kelpie Snare
3x Lacerator
2x Warshrike
Viper 35@ (upped to Wyrmhide and used before CoH was made)
Eth Blinkbat's Form (eth grailer)
Torch of Iro (grailer)

Rare/craft/charms highlights:
2 Sin/20 FCR/47 life/19@ (47 FR) Tiara
2/20 P&B craft amulet
2/20 Amazon craft amulet
2/19 Pally Combat craft amulet
2/9/10@ Sorc craft amulet (the one she used)
2 Amazon/8 ML/@ Tiara
2 Amazon/20 FCR/30% ED Circlet
+5 Tornado Pelt

Charms:
Skillers: 53 total, 7 with life
15 Sharp GCs (including 2x Sharp GC of Vita)
2x Shimmering GC of Vita/Life
2x 250+ psn SCs
13x life/resist SCs
6x FHR/resist SCs
5x fine SCs with life
2x life/mana SCs

Fun facts
  • No level 85 area running! After running Meph, LK and Pindle until the Griffon's drop (and subsequent decision to go pure Lightning), I realized that there were no further S&Us to be obtained but merely runewords. She spent less than 20 minutes total in areas like AT or Pits.
  • Forgetting about the 5/5 facet (see below). She was so sure about being a Blizzy when it dropped, that I failed to remember it for days after the Lightning respec decision was made and Griffon's was socketed. It was only after finding another facet days later and dropping it in GoMule that I thought "wait a minute"...
  • Rolling six CtAs. The 5th one (+5 BO) was the first that rolled higher than +3 BO. She rolled a sixth one just because why not, which rather failed again at +2 BO.

With that out of the way, let me recap her journey (I'll try to be brief ;)).

The Beginning

She started out as a Blizzballer when I entered her into @Kitteh's reboot of the untwinked 99er challenge last June. After questing through the game (which wasn't that easy to be frank, not having played untwinked in many years), she ran LK for a bit and was quickly able to make her (first) Hoto, which rolled a nice 38@ (update post). She also ran Mephisto and picked up her first decent pieces of gear such as Naj's Light Plate and Skullder's Ire. A 35@ Viper followed soon, together with her first CtA (+3 BO) and an eth bugged Stone for the Merc. She was lucky with Meph moreover being kind enough to drop further essentials, in particular Arachnid Mesh, Shako, War Travelers and Tal Rasha's amulet. She spent her first socket quest on the Shako, naturally assuming it would be used as part of her end-game gear (which turned out not to be the case though).

At this point she was level 91 and I was pretty happy with her untwinked journey up to that point, but didn't think I'd see her through to 99 to be honest. Instead, I took a long break from the game when summer came around. I eventually got back to her in September, hitting LK again as she was only one Sur away from CoH.

A Decisive Drop

Everything changed for her when this happened shortly after coming back, after literally just a handful of Pindle runs: Not only a Griffon's Eye, but an almost perfect one at 15/19. She had found a 5/5 Lightning facet before from Mephisto (it was kind of funny as I've realized that only a couple of days after the Griffon's drop), which of course became part of the core piece of her equipment that dictated the remainder of her journey:

Code:
Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 212
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x49c6528b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-24% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+20% to Lightning Skill Damage
+160 Defense 1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x472bcd23
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 47 Chain Lightning when you Die
Adds 1 - 74 Lightning Damage
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+5% to Lightning Skill Damage


After some initial hesitation, and a little convincing to be credited to @T72on1 and @PhineasB, I decided that this drop on an untwinked Sorc had to be put to use. So I prepared to respec to pure Lightning and farm Infinity. In hindsight, this was probably the moment when I thought I might get her to 99. Shortly after she crafted a nice FCR amulet which she used for the majority of her journey (including 98-99) and worked on getting more runes.

After another break in October, she went back to running and farmed the remaining runes for Infinity rather quickly. She wasn't too lucky in terms of a good base though. After looking for racks until I almost went mad, I settled for a CV when I found a rack to keep things moving, and made her first Infinity.

More LK running then led to an eth bugged Fortitude for Merc and CoH for herself, while still failing multiple times to improve over her +3 BO CtA. :mad:

Transitioning to the XP Grind

At this point she was already mixing in XP runs. When running the numbers while running CS and Baal until 94, it turned out Baaling was the way to go for her after the Lightning respec. I dug out and relied heavily on a post by @NanoMist including XP tables, which was hugely helpful in quickly determining where the highest efficiency was for her. She also did dedicated Andariel runs in order to get a +1 ring, which actually worked, netting her first BKWB. Around this time she also finally got a good CtA (+5 BO) with her fifth try, performed some more XP gain tests, and subsequently fully transitioned to XP runs.

She ran Baal/waves for 94 to 98, starting to include Baal himself from level 95 onwards, which coincided with winter MFO coming around. She signed up for that and ran with a higher MF setup in the Baal category and, inter alia, found a SoJ (update post). Generally, despite Baal being notoriously stingy, drops turned out to be surprisingly nice in particular from 97 to 97.50, picking up a Windforce and an overall grailer addition in Mang Song's Lesson.

The Final Stretch: 98-99

Due to a massive work schedule for me in November and December, progress slowed down significantly around that time, but she picked up speed again towards the end of the year.

When she hit 97, I began to think about the 98-99 stage as well, and started to compare Hoto and Crescent Moon setups. While edging closer to and after eventually hitting 98 just before New Year's, there was another crucial stretch of theorycrafting and fruitful discussion, in particular with @PhineasB and @NanoMist weighing in on several topics such as XP shrines and frequency of immune rolls. As a result I concluded that a Crescent Moon setup for Nihlathak would have strong potential, given that Nihl rolls LI about 1/6 times, and having determined how CM outperforms Hoto by about 50% vs. broken LIs after running the numbers for her. The main idea was to take advantage of the fact that the massive amount of -ELR from faceted Griffon's and CM is applied in full after Conviction breaks an immunity. The aura only works at 20% efficiency when facing an immunity, thus barely breaking it, and therefore runs would often be too slow and troublesome to finish with a Hoto setup (resulting in aborted runs which hurt the average).

The underlying reasoning for her setup turned out to hold true. She was able to constantly push through breakable LI rolls and became the first untwinked 99er in the reboot to eclipse 3 million XP/h. This was greatly aided by the fact that I didn't suffer from an annoying S&E lag when running Nihl, which adds several seconds to run times and which most players seemed to encounter. But I didn't know that she would improve upon this significantly later on.

Running Nihlathak also started out nicely in terms of drops, and I got lots of helpful advice from @PhineasB and @T72on1 when it came to running him reasonably safely after starting out (clumsily, I might add, as I was not experienced with running him at all), such as side-stepping vs. Vipers or holding Alt while teleporting.

It was not all fine and dandy though. In a couple of painful experiences, she died several times early on, including one particularly ugly instance just after getting down the first 10% of the level: After getting stuck while teleporting through Halls of Pain, she landed in an ugly pack and died, which was embarrassing enough on its own. The Delirium bug then caused the game to crash during corpse recovery (at least the only failed recovery for her), as I had forgotten to remove it from the Merc, resulting in the loss of 29m XP. In an attempt to quickly make up for the lost experience, I stupidly let her die again on her way to 98.25 shortly after reaching 10% (for the second time).

Things were not going so well at all. :oops: :mad: :rolleyes:

However, she bounced back like a champ and responded by improving her efficiency, getting to an unheard of XP gain of 4 million XP/h. :eek: From then on, and after adjusting my routine a little bit in terms of better safety, things went smoothly all the way to the end, and she didn't get into any other truly dangerous situation whatsoever for the rest of the level. In particular, apart from the numerous great tips from the untwinked 99er crowd, running with a finger resting on Esc proved to be the most significant safety improvement, much more so than any damage reduction gear or other defensive stats.

Around the 98.3 mark, she finally rolled 4 sockets into an eth Thresher and made another Infinity. Around this time she had some of her nicest drops with a Stormlash (grailer for me), a nicely rolled eth Death Cleaver and several other good drops and crafts, including two 2/20 amulets (P&B and Amazon).

Another period of way too much work came my way early this year, followed by a rather long vacation and eventually @Grape hosting the RFL, which I had to participate in of course. This resulted in barely any progress at all from February to April. I found more time to run again after RFL round 2 ended, and hit 98.75 with her.

In a Herculean effort, if I may say so, I then ran her all the way to the end, gaining ~95m XP in the last 10 days or so (and in the face of a ~60h work week ;)). In this stretch she also delivered her best run times, at least to the extent I timed her, getting up to ~4.4m per hour. :eek: :eek: Her incredible performance regarding pace of XP gain for the last level may be the aspect of her journey I'm most happy about. Recorded a batch of runs extrapolating to ~4.2m per hour (with exceptionally bad luck regarding XP shrines, i.e. none sticking around for the kill at all) in this video:


Her final upgrade was a third skiller at 98.8. She can't complain about her overall drops, but had not been too lucky with Lightning skillers. Overall drops continued to be good until the end, when she hit 3.5b and 99 the following day, finding a couple of grailers for her during the last stretch.

Things to come

She will probably stay untwinked, and do whatever she wants without fear of dying. ;) I am planning a sept with characters using only items found by untwinked characters to make use of some of the cool stuff she found. She might also do a little bit of cheesy additional farming if a rune or two turns out to be required for that. :p

As for me personally, I will finish the RFL currently taking place and start the abovementioned sept, but probably will play quite a bit less in the near future. ;) I did start another untwinked 99er a couple of months ago, to have something else to go to when I needed some variation from grinding with HelpYourself: A Fishymancer called Ric who is currently at 93 and has assembled his core gear as well. I might play him more going forward and see where he ends up!

Thank you!

There are many people to thank, first and foremost the whole untwinked 99er crowd - @Kitteh for starting the challenge in the first place, but really everyone being active in it (past and present) and thereby providing a great deal of crucial information and motivation. Special shout-outs to @PhineasB, @T72on1 and @NanoMist, I'm 100% sure I wouldn't be done by now without their really invaluable comments and tips for this task in numerous phases of the journey. Other active runners like @Yng and @Grape simultanously running with Sorcs need to be mentioned also, and of course @Pb_pal whose vids and posts (especially regarding Nihl running) were a great source of information as well. There are many more SPF members past and present whose posts I've consulted in different stages, can't single out anyone -- so I guess final massive thanks to the SPF in general! :)

Thanks all, and thanks for reading, it has been a blast! :)

***

EDIT: Way too many typos :) also removed pics (somehow formatting was ugly and not necessary anyway as screenshots are in linked posts) and added some more details/drops and information. Fixed incorrect links; added use of remaining HRs.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Grape on June 29 2018

Taste of Nostalgia - IceTea hits level 99

Intro


My Diablo 2 history goes way back to the early 2000's. I remember a PC games magazine that my friend had, which wrote about Diablo 2 when it came out. We would read that article dozens of time until my friend finally bought the game. This was pretty much around the time when the LoD came out, because I remember him buying it as well quite soon. I'd then try it out myself and watch my friend play it, mesmerized by the atmosphere. I had had a little taste of Diablo series earlier, playing some demo version of the Diablo I, and I loved the games already.

I was wanting the game really bad myself, but I had to save a bit of money first to buy my very first own PC. The one my family had back then wouldn't most likely run that new game properly, heh. I started out with single play, but soon went to Bnet for good amount of years, little bit of on-off at times.

Most fond memories of those years and D2 are late summer nights when me and my best buddy of that time would go and buy couple big cans of (long forgotten brand of) Iced tea, stay up for most of the night and grind this game again and again. Looking back we were probably pretty damn "noobs" for a long time, but had so much fun.

Full forward some years, I had my prime time in Battle.net, achieving some "wealth" and knowledge, even. I had grown up with the game, but it was losing it's shining. I was playing less and less, until I stopped altogether for several years when I started my university studies. Every now and then I'd still think about the game, and whenever I had a sip of some iced tea, it would bring all those memories back...

I found my D2 and LoD discs by accident at the end of summer 2012, and decided to give a swirl, for nostalgia's sake. I decided to stay away from bnet, play this time on my own and finish the Hell all by myself for the first time without any company. I started an Assassin, and soon enough I remembered about this wonderful website I had posted a few times. Let's check it... and yes! They had a full forum dedicated to single players! Not a long to go and I was rocking the game with Atma, GoMule and finding many many inspiring posts from the SPF. Needless to say, it was you, forumites, who had me hooked up to the game again.

I decided my end-goal, sort of, with the game would be the Grail. Assassin (she was a Trapper, still is I think), while fun, wasn't the best character for the task. So, somewhere during the autumn 2012 a young Blizzard Sorceress called IceTea arrived to the Rogue Encampment...



IceTea


This character is my most played Diablo character ever, and very likely will remain so. She was my main MF character for a good while, had her moments in the LK, stayed in the Travi for a few years and finally pushed it to the levels 97 and 98 in the Chaos Sanctuary, and after that she went down to Nihlathak for the final level.

1-7x she quested normally. No memories of that time.
70 something she started to hit AT with really rookie gear.
Few moments with Meph, NM Andariel and Pindleskin in between,
but she pretty much kept at in the AT until she hit 96, all players 1, I think

She remained as a Blizzer all the time, but may have seen few re-specs already then, for little bit of optimization. Somewhere down the road she was my LK runner for a while, until I had more Sorcs to spare for the task.

When she was played little less when I started my adventures with my first 99er, Vodka, but at some point she turned to be my main Travi runner. First a regular one, later a very serious gold finder. I was starting to have decent roster of Sorcs capable for different tasks, so IceTea's job changed every now and then depending with whom I rolled some map worth of keeping etc. By far the most of the time she was running Travincal. She never went to kill Baal nor Ancients, just if...

I have lost the track, so I don't know the exact point when I went to try out the CS runs with her, probably soon after Gripphon or frozzzen posted about their Sorcs running two seals of CS with huge success. However, I remember that when I tried those runs too, I suddenly got an urge to level up at least once, maybe twice... or even. Don't know, I should be thinking about that later. It was around atutumn 2016 when I started taking the leveling there seriously.

By the time I hit 98, the current untwinked 99 challenge was on fire. They were making new 99ers and having a lot of fruitful discussions. I'm pretty sure I owe you guys a big thanks for making me run for my second level 99 after all. I was inspired by all of them, but hearing @T72on1 had picked a Fire Sorc against Nihlathak for the final level, I got really interested. My Chilling GCs set was really lacking almost any +Life at all, while I had many great Burning ones. What's the point of a twinked 99er if you can't show off your best items? ;)

I wrote only few updates to the guest for level 99 topic, but they cover it up for the most part. Couple horrible deaths along with ruining my Ancients within them was the worst part. Best part was finding crap loads of HRs. Otherwise it was quite an easy grind of nine months, with many other things in between.



Little peeks to her journey:


IceTea (and your average forum-poster, Grape) finds the first SP career HR

IceTea participates in the first tournament of hers, wins it. Along with couple big Grailers and one particular eth 3 socketed Tomb Reaver's

First MFO!!!

She has grown very fond of all those coins from the Council Members. Must kill them thousands of times. Rinse and repeat.

Returning to leveling! Chaos Sanctuary time.

Nihathak running with my first setup. What's that Spirit huh?


And finally, 99 ding:


Her final equipment:
Code:
Name:       IceTea

Class:      Sorceress

Experience: 3520485254

Level:      99


            Naked/Gear

Strength:   165/165

Dexterity:  35/35

Vitality:   350/597

Energy:     35/56

HP:         878/1679

Mana:       231/250

Stamina:    512/742

Defense:    8/2411

AR:         125/125


Fire:       190/150/90

Cold:       71/31/-29

Lightning:  101/61/1

Poison:     113/73/13


MF:         50       Block:      4

GF:         0

FR/W:       40

FHR:        30

IAS:        0

FCR:        110


Fire Bolt: 20/40

Warmth: 1/21

Inferno: 16/36

Blaze: 1/21

Fire Ball: 20/40

Fire Wall: 1/21

Enchant: 0/0

Meteor: 20/40

Fire Mastery: 20/40

Hydra: 0/0


Charged Bolt: 0/0

Static Field: 8/19

Telekinesis: 1/12

Nova: 0/0

Lightning: 0/0

Chain Lightning: 0/0

Teleport: 1/12

Thunder Storm: 0/0

Energy Shield: 0/0

Lightning Mastery: 0/0


Ice Bolt: 0/0

Frozen Armor: 0/0

Frost Nova: 0/0

Ice Blast: 0/0

Shiver Armor: 0/0

Glacial Spike: 0/0

Blizzard: 0/0

Chilling Armor: 0/0

Frozen Orb: 0/0

Cold Mastery: 0/0


Plague Talisman

Amulet

Required Level: 89

Fingerprint: 0xc2f4e9d7

Item Level: 92

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels

+20% Faster Cast Rate

+19 to Mana

Regenerate Mana 6%

All Resistances +12

Fire Resist +10%


Entropy Grip

Ring

Required Level: 60

Fingerprint: 0x2134dc8e

Item Level: 92

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+10% Faster Cast Rate

+34 to Life

All Resistances +8

Poison Resist +25%

+1 to Mana after each Kill


Aldur's Advance

Battle Boots

Defense: 39

Durability: 13 of 18

Required Level: 45

Required Strength: 95

Fingerprint: 0x50360a9a

Item Level: 87

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Indestructible

+40% Faster Run/Walk

+50 to Life

+180 Maximum Stamina

Heal Stamina Plus 32%

Fire Resist +50%

10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Set (2 items): +15 to Dexterity

Set (3 items): +15 to Dexterity

Set (4 items): +15 to Dexterity



Arachnid Mesh

Spiderweb Sash

Defense: 138

Durability: 7 of 12

Required Level: 80

Required Strength: 50

Fingerprint: 0xe89c9c87

Item Level: **

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to All Skills

+20% Faster Cast Rate

Slows Target by 10%

+120% Enhanced Defense

Increase Maximum Mana 5%

Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)


Harlequin Crest

Shako

Defense: 284

Indestructible

Required Level: 62

Required Strength: 50

Fingerprint: 0x54226c71

Item Level: 87

Version: Expansion

+2 to All Skills

+100% Enhanced Defense

Increase Maximum Life 40%

Damage Reduced by 7

50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

1 Sockets (1 used)

Socketed: Sol Rune


Sol Rune

Required Level: 27

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage

Armor: Damage Reduced by 7

Shields: Damage Reduced by 7


Arkaine's Valor

Balrog Skin

Defense: 1554

Indestructible

Required Level: 85

Required Strength: 165

Fingerprint: 0x4aab8133

Item Level: 87

Version: Expansion

+2 to All Skills

+30% Faster Hit Recovery

+200% Enhanced Defense

+247 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)

+198 to Life (Based on Character Level)

Fire Resist +50%

Damage Reduced by 8%

1 Sockets (1 used)

Socketed: Ber Rune


Ber Rune

Required Level: 63

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow

Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%

Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%


Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band

Ring

Required Level: 58

Fingerprint: 0xb8c9f0ca

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to All Skills

3% Life stolen per hit

+49 to Life (Based on Character Level)

+50 Maximum Stamina


Burning Grand Charm of Sustenance

Grand Charm

Required Level: 42

Fingerprint: 0x47b11b0f

Item Level: 90

Version: Expansion

+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

+27 to Life


Burning Grand Charm of Vita

Grand Charm

Required Level: 69

Fingerprint: 0x5edab777

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

+37 to Life


Burning Grand Charm of Sustenance

Grand Charm

Required Level: 53

Fingerprint: 0x918838cd

Item Level: **

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

+35 to Life


Burning Grand Charm of Sustenance

Grand Charm

Required Level: 42

Fingerprint: 0x2ef813c

Item Level: 81

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

+23 to Life


Shimmering Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0xba8a6f4a

Item Level: 80

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+18 to Life

All Resistances +3


Shimmering Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0x6170c05c

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+19 to Life

All Resistances +5


Garnet Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0xa1754989

Item Level: 95

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+20 to Life

Fire Resist +9%


Burning Grand Charm of Sustenance

Grand Charm

Required Level: 42

Fingerprint: 0xe446d335

Item Level: 94

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

+30 to Life


Burning Grand Charm of Life

Grand Charm

Required Level: 42

Fingerprint: 0x1430e2a5

Item Level: 80

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

+19 to Life


Burning Grand Charm of Life

Grand Charm

Required Level: 42

Fingerprint: 0x403ae23a

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

+12 to Life


Jade Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0x2aaeecd

Item Level: 80

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+20 to Life

Poison Resist +8%


Burning Grand Charm of Sustenance

Grand Charm

Required Level: 53

Fingerprint: 0x761bbb18

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

+31 to Life


Coral Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0x50b20ad7

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+20 to Life

Lightning Resist +9%


Jade Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0x8388bf60

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+20 to Life

Poison Resist +9%


Amber Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0x87a6bea7

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+19 to Life

Lightning Resist +11%


Amber Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0x24d41788

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+19 to Life

Lightning Resist +10%


Shimmering Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0x92c99569

Item Level: **

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+17 to Life

All Resistances +4


Shimmering Small Charm of Sustenance

Small Charm

Required Level: 25

Fingerprint: 0xdf4422f5

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+15 to Life

All Resistances +5


Shimmering Small Charm of Vita

Small Charm

Required Level: 39

Fingerprint: 0xd719bb3b

Item Level: 80

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+19 to Life

All Resistances +4


Horadric Cube

Fingerprint: 0xe3f185db

Item Level: 13

Version: Expansion 1.10+


Magefist

Crusader Gauntlets

Defense: 95

Durability: 18 of 18

Required Level: 69

Required Strength: 151

Fingerprint: 0xaaff85cb

Item Level: 46

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to Fire Skills

+20% Faster Cast Rate

Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage

+30% Enhanced Defense

+10 Defense

Regenerate Mana 25%

Required Level +12


Call to Arms

Superior Crystal Sword

AmnRalMalIstOhm

One Hand Damage: 19 - 57

Durability: 22 of 22

Required Level: 57

Required Strength: 43

Fingerprint: 0x5367fe4c

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+1 to All Skills

+40% Increased Attack Speed

285% Enhanced Damage

Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage

7% Life stolen per hit

Prevent Monster Heal

+5 to Battle Command

+6 to Battle Orders

+3 to Battle Cry

Replenish Life +12

30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Increase Maximum Durability 14%

5 Sockets (5 used)

Socketed: Amn Rune

Socketed: Ral Rune

Socketed: Mal Rune

Socketed: Ist Rune

Socketed: Ohm Rune


Amn Rune

Required Level: 25

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit

Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14


Ral Rune

Required Level: 19

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage

Armor: Fire Resist +30%

Shields: Fire Resist +35%


Mal Rune

Required Level: 49

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal

Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7


Ist Rune

Required Level: 51

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Ohm Rune

Required Level: 57

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage

Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist


Spirit

Monarch

TalThulOrtAmn

Defense: 147

Chance to Block: 0

Durability: 86 of 86

Required Level: 54

Required Strength: 156

Fingerprint: 0x1b897a07

Item Level: 84

Version: Expansion 1.10+

+2 to All Skills

+25% Faster Cast Rate

+55% Faster Hit Recovery

+250 Defense vs. Missile

+22 to Vitality

+103 to Mana

Cold Resist +35%

Lightning Resist +35%

Poison Resist +35%

+7 Magic Absorb

Attacker Takes Damage of 14

4 Sockets (4 used)

Socketed: Tal Rune

Socketed: Thul Rune

Socketed: Ort Rune

Socketed: Amn Rune


Tal Rune

Required Level: 17

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)

Armor: Poison Resist +30%

Shields: Poison Resist +35%


Thul Rune

Required Level: 23

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)

Armor: Cold Resist +30%

Shields: Cold Resist +35%


Ort Rune

Required Level: 21

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage

Armor: Lightning Resist +30%

Shields: Lightning Resist +35%


Amn Rune

Required Level: 25

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit

Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14


Eschuta's Temper

Eldritch Orb

One Hand Damage: 18 - 50

Durability: 30 of 30

Required Level: 72

Fingerprint: 0xdea15ffb

Item Level: 85

Version: Expansion 1.10+

100% Chance to cast level 31 Meteor when you Die

+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels

+40% Faster Cast Rate

Adds 17 - 45 Fire Damage

-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance

+18% to Lightning Skill Damage

+24% to Fire Skill Damage

+21 to Energy

1 Sockets (1 used)

Socketed: Rainbow Facet


Rainbow Facet

Jewel

Required Level: 49

Fingerprint: 0x755db0a2

Item Level: 94

Version: Expansion 1.10+

100% Chance to cast level 31 Meteor when you Die

Adds 17 - 45 Fire Damage

-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance

+5% to Fire Skill Damage


Phoenix

Monarch

VexVexLoJah

Defense: 146

Chance to Block: 0

Durability: 83 of 86

Required Level: 65

Required Strength: 156

Fingerprint: 0xc3ec02b1

Item Level: 80

Version: Expansion 1.10+

100% Chance to cast level 40 Blaze when you Level-Up

40% Chance to cast level 22 Firestorm on striking

Level 14 Redemption Aura When Equipped

350% Enhanced Damage

-28% to Enemy Fire Resistance

+388 Defense vs. Missile

+50 to Life

+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist

+10% to Maximum Fire Resist

+17 Fire Absorb

4 Sockets (4 used)

Socketed: Vex Rune

Socketed: Vex Rune

Socketed: Lo Rune

Socketed: Jah Rune


Vex Rune

Required Level: 55

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit

Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist


Vex Rune

Required Level: 55

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit

Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist


Lo Rune

Required Level: 59

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike

Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist

Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


Jah Rune

Required Level: 65

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense

Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%

Shields: +50 to Life


Mercenary:


Name:       Azrael

Race:       Desert Mercenary

Type:       Off-Nightmare

Experience: 114105528

Level:      98

Dead?:      false


            Naked/Gear

Strength:   209/236

Dexterity:  169/169

HP:         2287/2287

Defense:    1671/3518

AR:         2066/2066


Fire:       185/145/85

Cold:       185/145/85

Lightning:  185/145/85

Poison:    185/145/85


Delirium

Demonhead

LemIstIo

Defense: 363

Durability: 17 of 20

Required Level: 55

Required Strength: 102

Fingerprint: 0x4e2a0973

Item Level: 79

Version: Expansion 1.10+

1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck

6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck

14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck

11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking

+2 to All Skills

+261 Defense

+10 to Vitality

50% Extra Gold from Monsters

25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)

3 Sockets (3 used)

Socketed: Lem Rune

Socketed: Ist Rune

Socketed: Io Rune


Lem Rune

Required Level: 43

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters

Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters


Ist Rune

Required Level: 51

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Io Rune

Required Level: 35

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: +10 to Vitality

Armor: +10 to Vitality

Shields: +10 to Vitality



Tyrael's Might

Sacred Armor

Defense: 1484

Durability: 55 of 60

Required Level: 84

Fingerprint: 0xb20f1261

Item Level: **

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Indestructible

+20% Faster Run/Walk

+84% Damage to Demons

Slain Monsters Rest in Peace

+147% Enhanced Defense

+27 to Strength

All Resistances +23

Damage Reduced by 7

Cannot Be Frozen

Requirements -100%

1 Sockets (1 used)

Socketed: Sol Rune


Sol Rune

Required Level: 27

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage

Armor: Damage Reduced by 7

Shields: Damage Reduced by 7



Infinity

Thresher

BerMalBerIst

Two Hand Damage: 75 - 890

Durability: 33 of 33

Required Level: 63

Required Strength: 142

Required Dexterity: 108

Fingerprint: 0x7ef4d07f

Item Level: 79

Version: Expansion 1.10+

50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy

Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped

+35% Faster Run/Walk

322% Enhanced Damage

-47% to Enemy Lightning Resistance

40% Chance of Crushing Blow

Prevent Monster Heal

+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)

30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)

Ethereal

4 Sockets (4 used)

Socketed: Ber Rune

Socketed: Mal Rune

Socketed: Ber Rune

Socketed: Ist Rune


Ber Rune

Required Level: 63

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow

Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%

Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%


Mal Rune

Required Level: 49

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal

Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7


Ber Rune

Required Level: 63

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow

Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%

Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%


Ist Rune

Required Level: 51

Version: Expansion 1.10+

Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Shout out to @ffs who demonstrated the importance of - to enemy resistances with her untwinked Lightning Sorceress running Nihlathak. When I tried 'Phoenix' for the first time, it was no turning back, all I needed to do was to adjust the rest of the gear accordingly. And hey, I got to use my 2/20 Amulet again! (Although all of it wasn't needed).

Her best exp/hour during the last level was 3,66m but I very rarely paid attention to that since I was picking up a lot of junk and shrining gems and rolling charms all the time.

Her best moment during the last level. Completing the rune Grail, finally!

She has done so much running that basically half my stashes are her merit. Pointless to try and pick something. Let's just say it's a lot. Crap amount of lots of stuff for a single character. That's all :p

Her rune luck however, was spectacular for the last level. Unfortunately I spent couple of the HRs she found earlier while running Nihla, but I'm running Travincal now and I'll loan couple from there when the time is right so I can make a proper haulpic.

Meanwhile, my time is running up and I'm actually catching a flight soon... I'll be back on Sunday, hopefully there will be some questions so we can make this more interesting ;)

I may try to add some more content (isn't it a bit of a wall of text now, eh?) But let's see what I can find. Some old screen shots perhaps. Runes? Lot's of runes at least.


One last word

When I'm around here in the SPF, I often feel like there's many wonderful individuals around. There aren't any place in the entire internet I'd bother to waffle on this much nonsense, but I suspect some may even want to read this all, or even part of it.

Thank you SPF, I love this place. It keeps me playing. No way I'd play this game anymore without you! <3
 
Originally posted by Neksja on Aug 12, 2018

Aura - Untwinked 99 Hammerdin


Meet Patriarch Aura, untwinked 99 Hammerdin, the 7th character in the Hall of Fame in @Kitteh's re-launch of the The Untwinked Level 99 -tournament!

DBOjhxZ.png



We saw beginning of Aura's Journey back in October 2016, when he joined the Untwinked 99er tournament. That tournament brought me back from a several year break, however, I started off the tournament with Turirao, a fury Druid instead. It took about a month for me to realize that I needed a caster type character to be my first serious attempt at lvl99, walking melee-character would take ages and ages in comparison. Original plan was to play both Aura and Turirao side-by-side, but Aura quickly took over essentially full time and I was running like crazy, or at least it seemed like it.

The reason I went with Hammerdin over a sorceress was two-fold. First of all, I wanted a character that would strong overall, in as many areas of the game as possible, so he could be used in whatever tournament, challenge or crazy idea SPF sparked my interest. Sorceress and Hammerdin became my two options, but I figured that it would be easier to create a Hammerdin, as I would not have to go through respeccing, farming for Essences/Tokens if I wanted to change focus/target with my runner. Second reason was that no one in the tournament was running a Paladin, so I wanted to try and become the first untwinked Paladin 99er in SPF, which according to @PhineasB, I managed to accomplish in the end!

Aura was started on the 5th October 2016 and he reached Hell LK only 5 days later and immediately scored his first HR, Sur. I was on a beginning of a grind to get Aura enough runes to create Enigma and in the end, Enigma was built about a month later, 12th November 2016. This also marked the day he moved to doing Chaos Sanctuary runs, nearly all the time was spent there outside of various MF/RF tournaments during his career.

CS/Diablo runner was my plan for Aura from the beginning and it never truly crossed my mind to change that plan to Auradin, Telesmiter, or anything like that. Diablo, Diablo, Diablo. While I did some testing for Nihlathak runs, the drops, safety and only slightly less XP/hour were the reason I didn't do more than about 10 hours of Nihlathak runs at lvl98. However, Hammerdin is surprisingly okay Nihlathak runner. Max block, high health, stacked resists will help a lot and keep you quite safe, as long as you don't move by other means than teleporting. And leave your Merc in town! The main issue with Nihl runs with Hammerdin is actually killing Nihl, aiming hammers is an art in itself, but unlike with Sorcs, TrapSins, or Javazons, you'll pretty much have to telebomb Nihl to make sure you hit him with your hammers. And that's when Nihl starts teleporting and it becomes a wild goose chase, which decreases your efficiency quite a bit. But if anyone is planning on running Nihl with Hammerdin, it is definitely doable, but don't expect highly efficient XP/hour results like with other characters.

The Break. Yeah, that happened. ~15 months off from Diablo 2 completely when Aura was at 98.50, kinda took a full blown break from SPF too. Sorry for the disappearance. I've mentioned elsewhere, but that all occurred when things at my then current job got a bit bad. I was an only analyst with one supervisor, who decided to leave the company, while I took over all responsibility, workload yet did not get any more money or even a title promotion for it. So, I began a job hunt, got a new job in 2 months, where I was thrown in a challenging team, so I had to pick up on loads of skills/software etc on my own time so Diablo 2 was left behind. I am at that job now, I've moved up on the corporate ladder step by step and doing a better, higher paying role so things are better, though still not ideal as I am desiring to go back to research/academia, but that'll be the next chapter in my life. Now I am engaged, planning on a wedding, family, so life is back in a better place and I could pick up Aura again and more characters afterwards!

Last push. I am not going to lie, I wanted to push extra hard as I wanted to close the chapter on Aura and say that I have a 99 character in Single Player, who on top of that was an untwinked character. In the end, the final half of the last level took me 24 days to complete. I know originally @zticazzy pushed through the whole 98-99 level in a similar time frame, which is mental btw, but now that I think of my pace, it was a bit crazy too. However, that pace actually convinced me that I can do this with other characters too, but also that I can slow down and take my time with the next character :) But this last push after MFO warmup tournament, was purely about XP. I left so many items on the ground, that very few drops even sparked me to react "hey, that might be worth looking at". Runes became "meh", Sets/Uniques, even useful ones, where all "plah" unless they were grailers, which ended up being quite exciting though! So a lot of things on the ground were just colorful pixels on the blurry way to reach 99.

So, let's talk about drops. I feel like Aura was a fairly lucky character overall. Not the luckiest, but not the worst either. But let's talk about Holy Grail first.

The Holy Grail, 504 items of Green and Gold, so common yet so elusive. Aura finished with 481 Sets and Uniques from the Grail, so less than 5% away from completing it. Like most other runners, Exceptional Uniques was the only "category" fully completed, with Jewelry/Facets. In hindsight, if Aura would have ran a little bit more Cows, he could have completed Expansion sets, as he was missing 2 Cow items, found everything else. And, do I even need to mention that cursed Arcanna's Amulet, ruining finishing the Normal Sets! That Amulet will haunt me for a long, long time.

But because people like to see/read some finds, I've included the top5 finds in my opinion through the Journey, from Sets/Uniques:

Code:
Death's Web
Unearthed Wand
One Hand Damage: 22 - 28
Durability: 17 of 18
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 25
Fingerprint: 0xc496a134
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+2 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)
-49% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+11 to Mana after each Kill
+11 Life after each Kill

Astreon's Iron Ward
Caduceus
One Hand Damage: 127 - 148
Durability: 47 of 70
Required Level: 60
Required Strength: 97
Required Dexterity: 70
Fingerprint: 0xfed72ac2
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+10% Increased Attack Speed
245% Enhanced Damage
Damage +53
196% Bonus to Attack Rating
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 80 - 240 Magic Damage
33% Chance of Crushing Blow
Slows Target by 25%
Damage Reduced by 5

The Cranium Basher
Thunder Maul
Two Hand Damage: 127 - 605
Durability: 54 of 60
Required Level: 87
Required Strength: 253
Fingerprint: 0x1b6a1b16
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
4% Chance to cast level 1 Amplify Damage on striking
Indestructible
+20% Increased Attack Speed
225% Enhanced Damage
Adds 20 - 20 Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
75% Chance of Crushing Blow
+25 to Strength
All Resistances +25

Templar's Might
Sacred Armor
Defense: 1893
Durability: 55 of 60
Required Level: 74
Required Strength: 232
Fingerprint: 0xed449e1d
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+215% Enhanced Defense
+267 Defense vs. Missile
+12 to Strength
+11 to Vitality
+45 Maximum Stamina

Ormus' Robes
Dusk Shroud
Defense: 459
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 77
Fingerprint: 0x61d9f239
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+15% to Cold Skill Damage
+15% to Lightning Skill Damage
+12% to Fire Skill Damage
+3 to Blizzard (Sorceress Only)
+16 Defense
Regenerate Mana 10%

When you put your Top5 like that, it's not all that impressive, is it? That Death's Web is really good though, not too shabby with the Astreon's either, but after that it's a bit of scrambling. No CoA, Griffon's, Tyrael's :p and so on. But in the end it didn't matter too much, since they didn't make Aura any better or worse and I've barely played any twinked characters since starting with Aura, not sure I'll do that again to be honest. Maybe with all the runes I've gotten?

Runes, runes, runes! I'd say I picked up and stashed 99% of the runes dropped in Aura's career. Yes, Els and Eths and so forth. All of them. I can remember 4 cases where I had to leave a low rune like Tir on the ground because I didn't have room in my inventory and I'd guess with Blessed Hammer AoE damage, I've missed some runes that dropped off screen. So 99% is a good estimate. Here's what I ended up with in my stashes:

Code:
151    El Rune
107    Eld Rune
382    Tir Rune
241    Nef Rune
485    Eth Rune
340    Ith Rune
706    Tal Rune
505    Ral Rune
659    Ort Rune
495    Thul Rune
492    Amn Rune
349    Sol Rune
361    Shael Rune
224    Dol Rune
178    Hel Rune
125    Io Rune
95     Lum Rune
44     Ko Rune
46     Fal Rune
46     Lem Rune
26     Pul Rune
22     Um Rune
18     Mal Rune
12     Ist Rune
5      Gul Rune
3      Vex Rune
7      Ohm Rune
3      Lo Rune
5      Sur Rune
3      Ber Rune
3      Jah Rune
2      Cham Rune
0      Zod Rune

On top of those runes, Aura has made quite a few runewords involving high runes. I've made an Enigma, Infinity, 3 rolls of HOTO, 4 rolls of CTA, 2 Fortitudes and who knows how many rolls of Spirit/Insight in attempt to get better rolls. So all in all, plenty of runes I think! But no Zod, which was a bit of a bummer, would have been nice to complete dropped rune grail, but oh well. Maybe the next one will find Zod.

Before I give an overview of Aura's gear and skills, one last bit of drops. Skiller GCs. Aura was not the luckiest when it came to useful GCs for him, but he found decent skillers for others. I've kept all the skillers along the way too, here's the split, note "plain" includes useless mods like +1 dexterity or similar:

Code:
Amazon Passive 3 (3 Plain)
Amazon Bow 7 (7 Plain)
Amazon Javelin 2 (1 Plain, +7 life)

Assassin Trap 1 (1 Plain)
Assassin Shadow 2 (2 Plain)
Assassin Martial Art 3 (3 Plain)

Barbarian Combat 7 (6 Plain, +12 life)
Barbarian Masteries 4 (1 Plain, 1 FHR, +23 life, +14 life)
Barbarian War Cry 3 (3 Plain)

Druid Elemental 11 (9 Plain, +37 life, +31 life)
Druid Shape-Shift 5 (5 Plain)
Druid Summoning 7 (6 Plain, +7 life)

Necromancer Poison 5 (4 Plain, +32 life)
Necromancer Summoning 1 (1 Plain)
Necromancer Curses 5 (2 Plain, 1 FHR, +26 life, +22 life)

Paladin Offensive 3 (2 Plain, +40 life)
Paladin Combat 6 (6 Plain)
Paladin Defensive 6 (6 Plain)

Sorceress Fire 8 (7 Plain, 1 FRW)
Sorceress Cold 3 (1 FHR, +39 life, +31 life)
Sorceress Lightning 7 (4 Plain, 1 FRW, 1 FHR, +23 life)


Right, so Aura's Gear and Skills. He is a very standard Hammerdin I'd say, nothing too extra-ordinary. Gear first:

Helm: Harlequin Crest 'Ptopaz'
Amulet: 30@ Mara's
Weapon: 40@ HOTO in Flail
Shield: 35FCR Spirit in 42@ Sacred Rondache
Armor: Enigma in Light Plate
Gloves: Trang-Oul's
Belt: Arachnid's
Boots: Waterwalk
Ring 1: FCR + Res rare ring
Ring 2 BK Ring

Switch: 6BO CTA in Crystal Sword and Spirit Shield

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 129
Durability: 10 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x166f7682
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
74% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0xc7520585
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +30

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x2e0882cd
Item Level: 36
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +40
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Spirit
Sacred Rondache
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 155
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 66 of 68
Required Level: 52
Required Strength: 109
Fingerprint: 0xf2019229
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+108 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +42
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Enigma
Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 877
Durability: 57 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0x7e34c234
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+771 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 74
Durability: 13 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x66ced2a9
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 137
Durability: 10 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x3c781421
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+119% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Waterwalk
Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 122
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 32
Required Strength: 47
Fingerprint: 0x9ec7a50
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+206% Enhanced Defense
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+15 to Dexterity
+65 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Viper Touch
Ring
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0xebe5839d
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 50 Poison Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Replenish Life +5
All Resistances +5
Lightning Resist +30%
Fire Resist +27%

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xfc6badfd
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+49 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 17 - 53
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x58fdb46c
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
257% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+6 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+2 to Battle Cry
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

Spirit
Akaran Rondache
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 137
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: 59
Fingerprint: 0x3caf2f03
Item Level: 71
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+29% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+106 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +37
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Charms:
Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xa3e2d1f4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
112% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 15%
39% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Captain's Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x627b45a
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+40 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x9320af2
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)

Lion Branded Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x29cb9aac
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x4cee31b5
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+4 to Dexterity

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Dexterity
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xfef71ef2
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+4 to Dexterity

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xc402f7e1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+13 to Mana

Ruby Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xe7f0a13d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +10%

Ruby Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x4f4e4384
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +11%

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x28c47ef4
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+11 to Mana

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xfc0eebdc
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Crimson Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xff7446f
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +3%

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xefd11cfb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+17 to Mana

Russet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x7184516b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
Fire Resist +7%

Ruby Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xdd8b626
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +10%

Mercenary was Holy Freeze Act 2 Merc ever since acquired him, used him for extra safety, didn't need killing speed from Merc as I don't encounter any immunes. He was geared with Eth Andariel's Face, Eth Fortitude and Insight in Eth CA:

Insight
Cryptic Axe
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 183 - 801
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 93
Fingerprint: 0xe285071c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
256% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
232% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+5 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Fortitude
Archon Plate
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3447
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 93
Fingerprint: 0x1fba759b
Item Level: **
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
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +28
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 549
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 92
Fingerprint: 0xa34b8399
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+35% Increased Attack Speed
8% Life stolen per hit
+137% Enhanced Defense
+29 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -11%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (4/20 Charges)
Ethereal
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ruby Jewel of Fervor


Skills were as following:

Code:
20 Blessed Hammer
20 Concentration
20 Blessed Aim
20 Vigor
11 Holy Shield
10 Resist Fire
1 in Pre-reqs


So, fully knowing that Aura would spend an eternity in CS runs, I wanted to up my Fire Resists. The usual solution for Hammerdins is double/triple upped Hotspur to get that Fire Res max to 90%. I went slightly different. I decided that I'd use Waterwalk's for an extra 5% and then put 10 points in Resist Fire for another 5% to get my Fire Res Max to 85%. To me this was enough as Fire damage was really a threat only when Infector spawned with Conviction, at which point the Max amount didn't matter too much. So I opted for Waterwalk's for more +life and Dex for Max Block. I did not max Holy Shield as it would not have increased +block any way and the change in Def would not have made that big of a difference.


Gameplay, I don't think I need to explain how to play Hammerdins, pretty standard stuff. Though, I did record last 5 of Aura's runs, just to have a record of that final ding, so here you go. Just note that it's a bit slower than my usual running as my screen capture set up lags quite a bit so I was taking it quite safe. And yes, I missed an XP Shrine, but it was on purpose to get that last Ding when killing Diablo.


To finish off already quite long post, I thought I'd put together a list of posts from the Untwinked thread, if anyone wants to read through some more notable posts from Aura.

Aura's career through Untwinked 99er -tournament posts:

Thanks for reading if you made it this far! I'm sure I've missed loads of things so fire any questions if you have them! Few thanks that I'd like to say:


-SPF. Obviously. The Greatest community to exist online.
- @Kitteh for hosting such an amazing and historic tournament.
-All the runners in the 99 tournament, that I've discussed and theory crafted over Aura's career, you've also provided much needed motivation to keep running. Notably, I'd like to say thanks to @T72on1 @Pb_pal @NanoMist @PhineasB
-Any others, please don't take offense if I've not mentioned you, this thread is at least year too late due to me taking a break from the game and I'm not getting any younger, so apologies in advance for missing out on you.
- @maxicek and @Thyiad for running the SPF. Good community needs good mods. Thanks a lot for your work. And thanks to all the former mods who still might be lurking.


Until we meet again, possibly with Aurora the Sorceress :)

N
 
Originally posted by Yng on Aug 26, 2018

The Summit - Sophie the Untwinked 99er Sorceress

Sorceress_icon.gif
Desert_icon.gif
Matriarch Sophie and Neeraj the Holy Freeze Desert Mercenary

HFxUCH9.jpg


Start:
October 7, 2017

End:
August 26, 2018

Played Time:
<300 hours, 98-99 around 75-80 hours (I didn't keep exact count on this so it's just an estimate. Could've been done quite a bit faster.)


Skill By Area:
Normal Act 1 (Levels 1-13):
latest

Normal Act 2-5 (Levels 13-24):
latest

NM-Hell CS (Levels 24-98):
latest

Hell Nihlathak (Levels 98-99):
lightning.jpg
Lightning_Icon.png


Readouts:
Skills:

Fire Bolt: 0/0
Warmth: 1/7
Inferno: 0/0
Blaze: 0/0
Fire Ball: 0/0
Fire Wall: 0/0
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 0/0
Fire Mastery: 0/0
Hydra: 0/0

Charged Bolt: 20/30
Static Field: 5/15
Telekinesis: 1/11
Nova: 20/30
Lightning: 20/30
Chain Lightning: 20/30
Teleport: 1/11
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 20/30

Ice Bolt: 0/0
Frozen Armor: 1/7
Frost Nova: 0/0
Ice Blast: 0/0
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 0/0
Blizzard: 0/0
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 0/0
Cold Mastery: 0/0
Warmth - 1
Charged Bolt - 20
Static Field - 5
TK - 1
Nova - 20
Lightning - 20
Chain Lightning - 20
Teleport - 1
Lightning Mastery - 20
Frozen Armor - 1

Stats:
Name: Sophie
Class: Sorceress
Experience: 3520485254
Level: 99

Naked/Gear
Strength: 156/156
Dexterity: 25/25
Vitality: 364/386
Energy: 35/35
HP: 906/1491
Mana: 231/364
Stamina: 526/711
Defense: 6/1587
AR: 75/75

Fire: 177/137/77
Cold: 139/99/39
Lightning: 180/140/80
Poison: 157/117/57

MF: 6 Block: 2
GF: 0
FR/W: 40
FHR: 90
IAS: 30
FCR: 120
117 FCR/86 FHR/18k Lightning/2.6k HP/75 LR/75 FR/23 PDR

Main Setup:
Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 206
Durability: 8 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0xf4464dd9
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
-15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+14% to Lightning Skill Damage
+148 Defense
Damage Reduced by 7
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune

Skin of the Vipermagi
Wyrmhide
Defense: 902
Durability: 14 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 84
Fingerprint: 0x600f3a63
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +33
Damage Reduced by 7
Magic Damage Reduced by 12
Required Level +7
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Sol Rune

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 121
Durability: 7 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x4772166d
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+93% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Storm Gorget
Amulet
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0x2c0b94c6
Item Level: 92
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Maximum Damage
+8 to Life
+13 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 4%
All Resistances +19

Aldur's Advance
Battle Boots
Defense: 47
Durability: 14 of 18
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x50bc6400
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+50 to Life
+180 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 32%
Fire Resist +48%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Bloodfist
Heavy Gloves
Defense: 18
Durability: 9 of 14
Required Level: 9
Fingerprint: 0x9efddd72
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+5 to Minimum Damage
+18% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
+40 to Life

The Stone of Jordan
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x594cf792
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xf0684b52
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +26%
Damage Reduced by 9
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 144
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xe3133513
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+34% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+112 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Call to Arms
Superior Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 19 - 49
Durability: 27 of 27
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xc704f4e0
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
284% Enhanced Damage
+1 to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 14%
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune

Crescent Moon
Superior Crystal Sword
ShaelUmTir
One Hand Damage: 15 - 47
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x80c0b28b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 17 Chain Lightning on striking
7% Chance to cast level 13 Static Field on striking
+20% Increased Attack Speed
215% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+11 Magic Absorb
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Increase Maximum Durability 13%
Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (30/30 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 143
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 74 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xae91f36b
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+97 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+5 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Griffon's (Sol)
2 Lightning/10 FCR/19 Resists Craft Amulet
CM/Spirit
CtA/Spirit
Vipermagi (Sol)
Bloodfist
Arachnid
Aldur's Boots
SoJ/NP

Corpse Recovery:
Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x627b4b24
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +33
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xe7fcde9a
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +20%
Damage Reduced by 10
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 109
Durability: 5 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x3948a7f6
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
8% Life stolen per hit
+169% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
+10 Maximum Durability

Wraith Touch
Ring
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xfb4ba87e
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+3 to Minimum Damage
+78 to Mana
Lightning Resist +6%
Fire Resist +21%
Level 4 Poison Dagger (30/30 Charges)

Waterwalk
Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 123
Durability: 13 of 14
Required Level: 32
Required Strength: 47
Fingerprint: 0x723ee745
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+209% Enhanced Defense
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+15 to Dexterity
+63 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Call to Arms
Superior Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 19 - 49
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xc94b4a02
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
280% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+4 to Battle Command
+5 to Battle Orders
+3 to Battle Cry
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

Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 16 of 24
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x86924a6a
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+120% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +34
Magic Damage Reduced by 10

Moser's Blessed Circle
Round Shield
Defense: 158
Chance to Block: 37
Durability: 51 of 64
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 53
Fingerprint: 0x6b532225
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Block Rate
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
+183% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +63
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 114
Durability: 11 of 12
Required Level: 67
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xfd2dea46
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
Cannot Be Frozen
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Cham Rune
Shako (Cham)
HotO/Moser's (2x P Diamond)
CtA
Vipermagi
SoE
Waterwalk
NP/FCR Ring

Mercenary:
Name: Neeraj
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Def-Nightmare
Experience: 114097136
Level: 98
Dead?: false

Naked/Gear
Strength: 209/209
Dexterity: 169/169
HP: 2287/2287
Defense: 1671/2025
AR: 2066/2066

Fire: 162/122/62
Cold: 192/152/92
Lightning: 162/122/62
Poison: 162/122/62

Treachery
Breast Plate
ShaelThulLem
Defense: 67
Durability: 37 of 50
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0x70e6e435
Item Level: 84
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

Delirium
Mask
LemIstIo
Defense: 287
Durability: 13 of 20
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 23
Fingerprint: 0xd0c82107
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Infinity
Scythe
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 31 - 78
Durability: 36 of 65
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 41
Fingerprint: 0x75fbc282
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
293% Enhanced Damage
-46% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Holy Freeze
Delirium Mask
Treachery Breast Plate
Infinity Scythe

Charms:
Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe09d9dca
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)


Sparking Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x64a7cc7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Lightning Skills (Sorceress Only)

Shimmering Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x396daf9
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +3

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x72784616
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4776683e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Russet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xadd22a59
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Fire Resist +6%

Rugged Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x871c1d21
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+5 Maximum Stamina

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x207d47c8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Garnet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9d332710
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Fire Resist +9%

Emerald Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x79c2fb37
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Poison Resist +11%

Coral Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x7d751cce
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Coral Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x1035f992
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +8%
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Cobalt Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x508b1dc3
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Cold Resist +8%

Burly Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xddb84680
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 Defense
+20 to Life

Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9667c57f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 to Life
Lightning Resist +11%

Amber Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xc0aeb735
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

Amber Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x6d807a0f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 to Life
Lightning Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9ea9cd63
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x37be094d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf43f07ff
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb26df68a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Coral Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x2f8da8c4
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 to Life
Lightning Resist +8%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc2489bc5
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4254f8e
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x5cfbd581
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Sapphire Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xcba16b5e
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Cold Resist +11%

Burly Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x28791df7
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 Defense
+20 to Life

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd17ec091
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+3 to Mana

Garnet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xe5c3e0b1
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 to Life
Fire Resist +9%

Tangerine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x775f197f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +3%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8ea6648a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x761d49ee
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Fire Resist +10%


Finds:
Tried to include drop screenshot if possible, some I unfortunately no longer have.

Videos:


Unique:
Arachnid Mesh
Griffon's Eye
SoJ (1, 2)
BKWB
Mang Song's
Eth Lacerator
Shako
Eth Steelshade
Ravenlore
Windforce

Rune:
Gul - 4 (1, 2, 3, 4)
Vex - 4 (1, 2, 3, 4)
Ohm - 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Lo - 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Sur - 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Ber - 1
Jah - 2 (1, 2)
Cham - 3 (1, 2, 3)
Zod - 1

Charm:
Fungal - 4
Burning - 4
Chilling - 3
Sparking - 2
Entrapping - 4
Lion Branded - 2 (1 of Life)
Natural - 3 (1 of Vita)
Sapphire SC of Balance
14x 20 Life SC
15x 7 MF SC

Other:
+6 BO CTA
Eth Thresher Infinity
Caster Amulet Craft
3x Eth 4 socket Thresher
Eth 4 socket GPA
Eth 4 socket CA

Journey:
Sophie approached Normal/NM like most, quickly progressing through content and stopping at Pindle for levels. The goal was to reach hell AT as quickly as possible and as such we arrived heavily under geared/leveled and suffered the bulk of our deaths due to poor starting stats. Being that this was a SC project, I was ok with sacrificing a few deaths while clvl was still low and time lost being next to nothing for the sake of pushing XP quickly and getting a few drops along the way. I continued farming AT and eventually transitioned to LK with this map to acquire some of the more essential gear (HotO/CtA/Delirium/CoH) then back to AT to finish early leveling. At clvl 93 we started doing P8 2-Seal CS runs, C/Ting to the star (center) and only hitting Vizier/Infector packs along with unique packs that spawned close to the seals. This stayed the approach until the very last level. At 98, I used my last respec quest and spent all but 40m of the last level at P8 Nihlathak. The final 40m was acquired by killing Ancients.


Credits:
  • Thanks to diabloii.net for the amazing atmosphere and community!
  • Thanks to the entire untwinked 99er group, you all gave me motivation to push my own character further at some point or another!
  • Thanks and congrats to @Pb_pal @PhineasB @ffs for being the sorcs to hit 99 before me, leaving behind a pile of information and ideas to help with my own!
  • Thanks @Kitteh for relaunching the thread and giving us all a platform to complain about our drops on the way!
  • Thanks @onderduiker @NanoMist for tables and posts that were referenced for invaluable information!


Next?:

Sophie will serve as my dedicated LK runner and go to for multiple facets of RFO. For now I'm going to roll a nice map and try to produce 6x Ist for my Pit Barb-to-be's off hand. I also have a personal goal of finding a new P7/P8 pattern of Vex+ (highest I've found that was a new pattern is Ist). I've considered trying to reach 99 on an untwinked HC Sorc or Paladin as well, but for now that'll have to wait as I'd like to finish off the Pit Barb and practice speedrunning.
 
Originally posted by me on Oct 24, 2018



Screenshot010.jpg


After a journey of a little over 2.5 years, I finally managed to get my first ever level 99 character, in the Untwinked Level 99 challenge. Welcome to a little write-up about her :).

Note: I kept notes for Neverland’s journey, but unfortunately I only stored them locally and never cared to back them up. A computer crash wiped them away though, and while I luckily managed to recover most of the data, including my D2 character files and GoMule, the notes weren’t among those. So my story below is based on memory, and from scanning through the 99er thread again. Actually I was going to base it mainly on memory, but when I started reading through the 99er thread again, it sucked me in big time, and I ended up going through most of it. Definitely worth the read, I can recommend it to anyone, especially those who already finished a 99er !!!

The journey

I was the third person to join the 99er challenge, after Kitteh and Pb_pal, on March 20 2016. So yeah, I have been rather slow … Early progression was done on p3, going through as quickly as possible to reach Pindle in that difficulty, level up on him, go to the next difficulty, rinse and repeat. I got my first out of 13 deaths when doing nm Countess.

In Hell the original plan was to pay Meph some visits for some basic S/U, but after finding a Shako in act 1, I decided to have my first stop at AT and leave Meph alone. I leveled there for a bit, then moved on to Pindle runs for more xp. After a while I realized I needed to do LK runs first to get some basic gear, mainly CtA. But as I had never done LK runs in my life, I was reluctant to try it out and was hoping to find an Ohm rune on the go. That obviously didn’t happen, so in the end I gave in, rolled a good 2 campfire map and got going.

I did some Pindle runs in between, since LK didn’t immediately deliver and I was still getting used to LK, reaching lvl 8_8 that way. Things changed when I got back to LK and racked a Wizardspike. This allowed me to reach the 105 fcr breakpoint and finally have some better defensive stats, so runs went much smoother from that point on.

After 250 runs I had already found 2x Gul, so could cube up for Vex and make HotO. I still needed the base though. After some 500 runs in total I also got an Ohm with Sur and Ist only a few runs later. Again, I didn’t have a base item for CtA though

So I went back to AT in search for base items. I got the 4os Flail soon enough through a plain white one and the cube recipe. Ironically, not much after, I didn’t find a base for CtA, but another Ohm instead … When I finally got that base, the roll wasn’t too bad.

Some 1.5 months into the challenge I reached lvl 93 already, even taking the second spot at the time, by doing AT runs. I stayed in AT until 94.5, after which I switched to dual seal CS runs. In hindsight I should have made that switch earlier, as xp definitely came faster then.

From then on not much to report, although I did get some good drops, like my first ever Cham. I also decided to cube up two Sur runes and make CoH (I was still using SotV at the time) instead of saving them up for Infinity, which isn’t that important for a cold Sorc.

On June 16, 2016 I reached level 96, the first time ever that I managed to do so. That’s only after 3 months, still smooth going …

Progress towards level 97 was smooth as well at first, but then slowed down due to getting pulled towards the then rather new RoF Superchest runs first and MFO after that, followed by our annual holiday. So it wasn’t until August 5, 2016 that Neverland reached level 97. At that time we had one 99er and two people at level 98, so I was still quite happy with my progress.

After that I started doing Trav runs with Neverland as a change of pace, as well as LK runs. I had the idea for an oskill Sept and needed the runes, hence the shift of focus on other targets. I probably also needed a change of pace from CS, although I must admit I don’t really recall.

Between those runs, actually doing the Sept and giving in to a sudden D3 itch, Neverland didn’t make much progress towards level 98 for a long time. It wasn’t until the end of November 2016 that I picked up my CS runs with Neverland again in a decent way. Still it took me until December 16, 2016 until I hit 97.5. By that time we already had a second 99er, Nanomist very close to that milestone, and, while I was still up there as fourth highest entrant after those three, Neksja was very close to catching up on me. Mind you, I didn’t mind, and neither did he, as the 99er challenge is all about the journey, which we make with each other, not against each other.

I hit level 97.75 just before the end of that year, December 29, 2016 to be precise. Next milestone was in the first few days of 2017, when I finally managed to cube the right amount of sockets in an eth Polearm to make Infinity, after sitting on the runes for some time.

On January 11, 2017 Neverland hit level 98. I knew it has taken me long to get from 98 to 99, but it’s quite confronting to see I already got to 98 so long ago, some 22 months :oops:. After that I decided to take a break, since I wanted to do at least one round of the 2017 RFL with Neverland, as well as doing Cows for that tournament with a Javazon I still had to level.

In March I finally got back to the leveling process, starting out by respeccing Neverland from Blizzard to Meteor/Fireball and some 20 points unspent. After a bit of testing I put those into FO and 1 point Cold Mastery, to help against FE Nihl. I tried that out for a while, but soon realized that the FO wasn’t enough to bother with. Unbreakable FE Nihl just wasn’t worth it. Breakable FE went down just as fast or even faster with Meteor and Fireball, as often CIs were blocking my FO. So I used my last respec to get Neverland to full Fire Sorc, putting additional points into Static for a higher range and the rest of the points into Firewall. This worked very well. Breakable FE Nihl was taken care of with only Meteors and Fireballs a lot of the time, but Firewall did get used too, for example when FI monsters were in between Nihl and Neverland.

I died a few times in those early testing stages, as Nihl runs take some time to get used to. His CE isn’t that dangerous, but you have to know how to deal with the Vipers. Once I got into a routine of stepping away from my merc right after landing where I wanted to be, it went well though. O yes, and Delirium on the merc is an absolute life saver down there, is what other 99ers told me, and that definitely turned out to be true !!

It wasn’t until the beginning of May 2017 that I posted about some progress, getting to the 98.17 mark. I was still doing my oskill Sept in between, so progress was slow, but lucky for me, safe. After those deaths in the initial test runs I hadn’t had any deaths, and this remained the case for the rest of the road from 98 to 99 !!

After that I mainly went on with my oskill, and also got sidetracked to PoE, so Neverland was on another hiatus. It wasn’t until September 2017 that I got back into Nihl runs. By the end of the month I hit the 98.25 mark.

I then got sidetracked by the 5 stages of Grief tournament (yes, I get sidetracked easily ;)), so it wasn’t until the end of November before I continued Neverland. However soon after I had a computer crash, setting me back some 24M xp. Not that much in the grand scheme of things, but not what you need when just getting back to it again and are seeking to find the motivation to run to begin with.

I only got back into Neverland at the very end of 2017. Nihl was happy to see me though, and coughed up a DWeb in one of the first runs !! Not much later he would do the same with a DFathom. As I said previously, I had no deaths and even almost no NDEs from 98 to 99. The one at my birthday last year was really, really close though !!!

Early 2018 I progressed a bit, but apparantly got sidetracked again because of … reasons I guess. If I’m being honest, the main reason probably was that the Nihl runs are just so boring, so whenever the drops are also lousy, it’s 100% an xp grind. At that point it’s often tempting to give in and start playing something else. And as I state in the post I linked to, the longer you’re away from a character, the harder it’s to get back into it.

In May I finally finished my Sept and also picked up Neverland for a bit. I joined the 99er challenge with a second character, a HC Hammerdin. The plan was to alternate between the two from that point on, but early on the focus was almost entirely on the Paladin. On June 5, 2018 I did reach level 98.5 though. But after that it was all about the Paladin.

What really made me come back to Neverland was the MF/RF tournament in July, which I ran with Neverland. That, and people like @ffs who kept on pushing me to finish the character (thanks for that !!) and @Neksja returning to his 99er to give me some friendly competition as well. What made me stick to finishing the character this time was that the tournament had gotten me a decent chunk of xp, at which point that 99 mark suddenly actually seemed within reach, and not something that was so far off that it might happen, but might as well not.

Having said that, first I went on holiday and then there was the 2018 MFO, so Neverland still didn’t see any progress for a while. When I really picked her up again in early September, I was determined to finish her, despite RL being very busy. I did play my Hammerdin a bit as well in between, but the focus was mainly on Neverland, and she hit 98.75 on September 20, 2018.

From that moment on things went really smooth. Drops weren’t good early on, but that was also because I hardly picked up anything, just focusing on xp. The nice thing was that, contrary to the early stages, now that I was getting closer to the end goal, that xp bar seemed to move about every time I played !!! When the drops also picked up when getting closer to 98.90, with two Bers as highlights, I really felt I was in a flow.

That was supposed to be my last update, but when I got to 3.500M xp and had a session with very good drops, with that ring which had eluded me for so long, I couldn’t resist giving another update.

Ironically, while I had not had a NDE for ages with Neverland, things got trickier again from time to time in that final stretch, and that would continue until I hit 99. Nothing too bad, but still life dropping below 400 and sometimes even 200, where I usually wouldn’t even go below 1000. Still not sure what caused it, as I actually used S/E more at this stage, but luckily I never died. That would have been really hard to digest.

Three days later, on October 21, 2018, Neverland reached the milestone that is level 99. I intended to finish her in a very long session on Saturday evening and night, but in the end was smart enough to call it a day when getting too tired and finish the day after. With a Jah on Saturday, Nihl definitely kept the HR for the last stretch !!

Screenshot011.jpg


One thing I’m not really sure of, is when I ever collected my Ancients at level 98. I think I did it shortly after finishing my test runs, but never wrote about it in the 99er thread and I can’t check it in my notes anymore :(.

Gear, skills and stats

So, that was Neverland's journey. These are Neverland’s stats, skills and gear when hitting level 99 (cleaned up version):

Code:
Name:       Neverland
Class:      Sorceress
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   143/180
Dexterity:  33/40
Vitality:   374/413
Energy:     35/71
HP:         926/1418
Mana:       231/482
Stamina:    536/536
Defense:    8/1519
AR:         115/184

Fire:       177/137/77
Cold:       163/123/63
Lightning:  157/117/57
Poison:     207/167/107

MF:         203       Block:      5
GF:         178       FR/W:       25
FHR:        60       IAS:        0
FCR:        115

Fire Bolt: 20/36
Warmth: 1/17
Inferno: 1/17
Blaze: 1/17
Fire Ball: 20/36
Fire Wall: 11/27
Enchant: 0/0
Meteor: 20/36
Fire Mastery: 20/36
Hydra: 0/0

Charged Bolt: 0/0
Static Field: 13/25
Telekinesis: 1/13
Nova: 0/0
Lightning: 0/0
Chain Lightning: 0/0
Teleport: 1/13
Thunder Storm: 0/0
Energy Shield: 0/0
Lightning Mastery: 0/0

Ice Bolt: 0/0
Frozen Armor: 1/13
Frost Nova: 0/0
Ice Blast: 0/0
Shiver Armor: 0/0
Glacial Spike: 0/0
Blizzard: 0/0
Chilling Armor: 0/0
Frozen Orb: 0/0
Cold Mastery: 0/0

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 24
Durability: 13 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0xc283cb1e
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+22% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 113
Durability: 7 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x48666206
Item Level: 74
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 29 Blaze when you Level-Up
+2 to All Skills
Adds 17 - 45 Fire Damage
-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+4% to Fire Skill Damage
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x7290f85b
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 29 Blaze when you Level-Up
Adds 17 - 45 Fire Damage
-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+4% to Fire Skill Damage

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x70c2bcad
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +26%
Damage Reduced by 11
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xea091ed6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +21%
Damage Reduced by 11
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 131
Durability: 7 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x142bf94
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+108% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0xcbf6314c
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +27

Burning Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xb18e61c0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)
+26 to Life

Chains of Honor
Wire Fleece
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 816
Durability: 24 of 32
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x46ddfa7a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0xa58044dc
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
145% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 138
Durability: 43 of 48
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x2c84340c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+188% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 10
48% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability

Russet Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xcb276884
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +7%
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Fine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xce490e0d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+14 to Attack Rating
+20 to Life

Beryl Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x6effda5d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Poison Resist +3%

Garnet Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0xf1ff2763
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Garnet Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x3ffda72c
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +9%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xfd905e8c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x474f33f6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x644aeebb
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Bronze Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x79ae0991
Item Level: 68
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Attack Rating
+20 to Life

Garnet Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x13caa10e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Arcing Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x7fca9606
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 43 Lightning Damage
+20 to Life

Crimson Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x51d7fce
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +3%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb94f67a1
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xaeab8207
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa52a5f97
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Bronze Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x49ae44a9
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Attack Rating
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Garnet Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x6f583d40
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +8%
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Toxic Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 55
Fingerprint: 0x88a98486
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 100 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x63aedc9d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbb4675e0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Bronze Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x75eec695
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Attack Rating
+19 to Life

Lapis Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9bc40c9e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +6%

Burning Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x2a62699a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)
33% Extra Gold from Monsters

Burning Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x97ea1199
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)

Crimson Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x7c2a3adb
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +5%
5% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Russet Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xfa9ef452
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +7%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Call to Arms
Flail
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 3 - 88
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x479c37ac
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
269% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5 to Battle Command
+4 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 148
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x5fbf205e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+34% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+109 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

Eschuta's Temper
Eldritch Orb
One Hand Damage: 18 - 50
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 72
Fingerprint: 0x5a698f44
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 31 Meteor when you Die
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+40% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 17 - 45 Fire Damage
-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+13% to Lightning Skill Damage
+24% to Fire Skill Damage
+29 to Energy
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x899c1c48
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 31 Meteor when you Die
Adds 17 - 45 Fire Damage
-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+5% to Fire Skill Damage

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 139
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 78 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0xe0d60444
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+103 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Mercenary:

Name:       Waheed
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 114096488
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/209
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2410
Defense:    1671/5128
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       188/148/88
Cold:       188/148/88
Lightning:  188/148/88
Poison:    188/148/88

Delirium
Death Mask
LemIstIo
Defense: 325
Durability: 13 of 20
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xb8f2b485
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Fortitude
Balrog Skin
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3132
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 155
Fingerprint: 0x3e6d842b
Item Level: 85
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
+123 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +26
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Infinity
Giant Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 215 - 613
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 178
Required Dexterity: 130
Fingerprint: 0x14e0ac2c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
259% Enhanced Damage
-52% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Additional notes

All the while when doing this journey, I was lucky enough that there had been others paving the way, both by theorycrafting and by actually playing the game and reporting back in with their different experiences. This had a great impact on the road I have followed with Neverland, as I mainly just followed good advice, with only some minor input and testing of my own.

The only difference was transforming to full Fire Sorc for the Nihlathak runs, where others had been doing Blizz/Nova or full Lightning. Picking Nihl as target was easy, as others already did the number crunching and the actual leveling on him. I only switched to full Fire, which other 99er runners hadn’t done before. I mainly took that because we already had had Cold and Lightning, but also because I wanted to include some good AoE skill which could kill the enemies always surrounding Nihl (who are CE), to try and improve my chances at finding some HRs. For a long time this wasn’t the case, but luckily near the end I got that two Bers and the Jah rune.

Some stats

In total Neverland did about 11000 Nihl runs, averaging 28.9 seconds per run. That average time was still slowly getting down though, I was a lot faster near the end then early on. Which shouldn't be a surprise, after so many runs :). These are the runes found during those runs (some below Vex might be missing due to the lost notes):

Code:
Rune    Amount

Pul      1
Um       4
Ist      3
Gul      1
Vex      3
Ohm      1
Ber      2
Jah      2

I wanted to include all runes Pul+ found here during the journey too, but unfortunately I can't, again due to losing my notes. Certainly those needed for Infinity, CoH, 2x HotO, 2x CtA and Delirium. Also the Cham in CS I posted about, and another Cham when doing Travincal runs. Skimming through the 179 pages of the Untwinked 99er thread, I also got reminded I once found 3 Ohm runes in quick succession in CS, with CtA already been made and another one found in AT. I also ran Cows and Travincal in the RFL with Neverland iirc, so at least a couple more runes were found there. Long story short ... given the time spent, not that much compared to the real dedicated rune runs and runners, but still an impressive amount of runes and especially HRs nonetheless !!

As far as S/U go, I got to grail -21 with Neverland, finding all set items except for two Cow King set pieces, and finding rare uniques like DFathom, DWeb (twice), Darkforce Spawn, SoJ, ... She also got quite some good uniques for her eth grail, like Reaper's Toll, Torch of Iro and Rixot's Keen (the latter two from Nihl).

I'm not sure how long it took me to get Neverland to level 99, but based on stats from other runners and my own xp rates for various levels, I assume it's some 350 hours for those runs strictly intended for this challenge. Maybe 10 - 20 hours less. However, I also participated in some tournaments, like MFO and RFL, with her, as well as doing additional Travincal and LK runs. So the total amount of time spent on Neverland before she reached level 99 is probably closer to 400 hours.

Last words

So I guess this concludes the journey. I still need to include the video of her reaching level 99, I’ll try to do that soon. It still feels a bit weird to be at this point to be honest. I mean, when grinding, you just want it to be over at times. But now that I finally reached my end goal, I realize the amount of time and dedecation I have put into this, and how attached I have gotten to Neverland. That's why I definitely want to try her out at different targets where she should excel: the upcoming Snipchap mf tournament, Cow runs, ... .

I’m not sure what the future will bring when it comes to more 99ers. There has certainly been a point (many actually …) when I swore to myself never to get a character past the lvl 97 mark, when the real grind begins, agains. Now I can already see myself doing it … maybe, really maybe. I’ll certainly continue my HC Hammerdin and look forward to endless CS runs for now, if I ever find that last Sur.

What I don’t feel like doing yet another time, is farming LK for basic stuff I already have, like CtA and HotO. So if I’ll ever do another 99er attempt after or next to the Hammerdin, it’ll be either a twinked character, or an untwinked one who will try to farm stuff like CtA, HotO, Enigma, Infinity, … whatever is needed, on the go, so in areas he or she wants to run anyway. Yes that will be slower. A lot slower unless I have some major luck. But it should also be a much more fun way to do it.

Thank you ... a lot !!!

Sincere thanks to … a lot of people really. @Kitteh for starting the thing. It’s been a huge success, given the amount of 99ers and amount of people still running. All of those people, present and past runners, thank you for being with me on the journey. Special thanks go to @Pb_pal and @NanoMist, for being with me from the start and giving me some friendly competition early on. @ffs and later on @Neksja to keep on pushing me to finish Neverland when the going got tough. @PhineasB for his incredible 99er compendium, bringing all the good info in one place, and for being a huge inspiration with his two 99ers and third character running.


Thanks for reading !!!

Edit: added some info on total playing time and S/U found.
Edit2: added video from the last minutes before and from the moment when hitting 99. For some reason I can only get screen capture to work, and for some other reason it doesn't capture the moments when I'm in the game menu. Hence the black screens.
 
orignal post Nov 8, 2018

Hey!


This will be the write-up of my untwinked sorc which hitted 99 yesterday, just wanna say that im not rly good at this things^^

So at first i just wanna say i really just started this, because this is the greatest singleplayer or diabloforum/community in general i know, i played a lot of singleplayer before but with <with a non-FAM mod> (2 hc 99er there) and bcause of u guys i started playing singleplayer without it and since im in general mainly interested in doing 99ers, that untwinked 99 thread is exactly the right thing for me!


Its rly great to post updates here, see updates of others, get tipps, questions, congratulations etc.



So my first attempt was hardcore but i died, so the journey of itssoftcore began in May 2018 (100% streamed):





So there isnt a lot to say in the playthrough i guess, i started as fire, respect to blizzard somewhere in nightmare to go on and for mephisto runs + lk runs until i had all uniques i needed + runes to make progress on cs. A very "important" drop alrdy happend on the playthrough at duriel hell - Maras 30. so i wasnt rly interested in crafting any amulets on the whole journey.

A funny fact is that i found the Hrs that i needed for hoto, cta, coh on lk but i didnt find the 2 ists runes i needed for CoH and Cta so i famred some countess where i got the first Jah rune from a random bossgroup also before i had the ists.

So somewhen i got the ists and the bases for the runewords (farmed in AT) and then i did another respec, stayed blizzard, but just put the stats exactly how i need em, so i dont have wasted strengh etc.

So from now on i made that infector/viz runs only (for some time i added diablo, just for fun, but it wasnt effective at all, so i stopped that pretty quick)


I really love delirium on merc, but it requiers, at least for cs, a coh armor (ll) and at ~95,5 a ber dropped (3 jahs runes dropped in cs until that, so i was on 4 Jah runes at that point) but i didnt have a eth bugged armor, which i rly wanted for some reason, so i just went on with the gaze, duriels, insight mercsetup.

Following runedrops in cs were: 2x sur, cham, 2x ohm, 2x jah (6 jahs now), 2x sur

So before that last 2x sur i had a random eth bugged 4 socked armor but i was alrdy somethin like 97,5 and i just though, well if i didnt have delirum and coh until now, i can just go on without it cause with 98 i wont wear coh on merc anymore anyway. But after that 2x sur (i was like 97,6) dropped i was able to make the coh and still have the runes for infinity left witch i needed with 98 so i made the coh and it was so awesome and i just should have make it muuuuch earlier in a random 4 sox elite armor.

After that i found another Ber rune before hitting 98 on the 8. September.

So after i hitted 98 i made the infinity in a scythe (thx to @Yng otherwise i would have made a eth elite base) and i gave the merc treachery instead of the coh.

I also respecced to fire then, which i actually wanted from the beginning, but if i had found a griffon and some light sks, id probably would have tried light as well, but 0 griffon and 0 light sks.

Luckily i found 3 fire sks and i cubed another one (cubed all gems beside amethists altough i could have used them as well) and i made a phoenix shield.


I ripped 2x at the beginning and it rly annoyed me somehow so i took a break and made a barb, which costed sooome time, cause i played him to 95, including farming lk for enigma and 2 griefs (6 surs, 2 ohm, 1 lo) but then after some updates on the forum 2 guys (i think) asked when i will go on with the sorc and that was actually a good idea, so i did it haha

I played with 42 fhr until that, but then i changed to 60 fhr (shako shael, viper shael, sandstorms) and that actually made everything much more enjoyable somehow^^


Found my first soj on that sorc then and used it instantly instead of the dwarfstar i was wearing, sadly a short time after this i ripped the 3. time on nihla on the 16. October (i always got my body back, but anyway)


Heres a clip of that rip: https://www.twitch.tv/enforcaa/clip/VibrantFreezingBananaDxAbomb


The reason why i mention that rip is, because i was still pretty much at the beginning of the level still and i just realized today when i checked my last posts for that writeup that i did that lvl up relatively quickly after that (7. november 99)

After that, no more rips and some nice drops:

Jah (nr. 7), soj (nr 2), cham (nr. 2), Jah (nr. 8), soj (nr 3), Zod, Cham (nr. 3)

So on the runs i didnt rly pick up a lot beside unique Amus/Rings and highrunes. Exp was somethin like 3,5 mio/h, sometimes even more, but overall ofc less cause of smoking breaks, writing stuff on discord, talk to viewers etc.

and thats it i think, feel free to ask whatever u want. Im gonna add i video of the last million + ancients here:








Heres the eq of my char: (hope i can do it correctly so u can scroll through it)

Code:
Name:       itssoftcore


Class:      Sorceress


Experience: 3520485254


Level:      99






            Naked/Gear


Strength:   137/156


Dexterity:  28/45


Vitality:   385/406


Energy:     35/42


HP:         948/1574


Mana:       231/403


Stamina:    547/646


Defense:    7/1783


AR:         90/211






Fire:       148/108/48


Cold:       141/101/41


Lightning:  156/116/56


Poison:     205/165/105






MF:         54       Block:      6


GF:         0


FR/W:       20


FHR:        60


IAS:        0


FCR:        110






Fire Bolt: 20/35


Warmth: 1/16


Inferno: 12/27


Blaze: 1/16


Fire Ball: 20/35


Fire Wall: 1/16


Enchant: 0/0


Meteor: 20/35


Fire Mastery: 20/35


Hydra: 0/0






Charged Bolt: 0/0


Static Field: 9/19


Telekinesis: 1/11


Nova: 0/0


Lightning: 0/0


Chain Lightning: 0/0


Teleport: 1/11


Thunder Storm: 0/0


Energy Shield: 0/0


Lightning Mastery: 0/0






Ice Bolt: 1/11


Frozen Armor: 1/11


Frost Nova: 0/0


Ice Blast: 1/11


Shiver Armor: 1/11


Glacial Spike: 0/0


Blizzard: 0/0


Chilling Armor: 0/0


Frozen Orb: 0/0


Cold Mastery: 0/0






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x40b7ae9e


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+20 to Life






Shimmering Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0xc3bf68d8


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+19 to Life


All Resistances +4






Harlequin Crest


Shako


Defense: 138


Durability: 9 of 12


Required Level: 62


Required Strength: 50


Fingerprint: 0x6dcef6d3


Item Level: 87


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+2 to All Skills


+20% Faster Hit Recovery


All Stats +2


+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)


+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)


Damage Reduced by 10%


50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


1 Sockets (1 used)


Socketed: Shael Rune






Shael Rune


Required Level: 29


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed


Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery


Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate






Mara's Kaleidoscope


Amulet


Required Level: 67


Fingerprint: 0x87bea525


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+2 to All Skills


All Stats +5


All Resistances +30






Skin of the Vipermagi


Wyrmhide


Defense: 952


Durability: 18 of 24


Required Level: 57


Required Strength: 84


Fingerprint: 0xb77c49ae


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to All Skills


+30% Faster Cast Rate


+20% Faster Hit Recovery


+120% Enhanced Defense


All Resistances +29


Magic Damage Reduced by 13


Required Level +7


1 Sockets (1 used)


Socketed: Shael Rune






Shael Rune


Required Level: 29


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed


Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery


Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate






The Stone of Jordan


Ring


Required Level: 29


Fingerprint: 0x2eb16966


Item Level: 95


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to All Skills


Adds 1 - 12 Lightning Damage


+20 to Mana


Increase Maximum Mana 25%






Arachnid Mesh


Spiderweb Sash


Defense: 138


Durability: 11 of 12


Required Level: 80


Required Strength: 50


Fingerprint: 0xefe61b7f


Item Level: 87


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to All Skills


+20% Faster Cast Rate


Slows Target by 10%


+120% Enhanced Defense


Increase Maximum Mana 5%


Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)






Sandstorm Trek


Scarabshell Boots


Defense: 168


Durability: 14 of 14


Required Level: 64


Required Strength: 91


Fingerprint: 0x78cd1a68


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+20% Faster Run/Walk


+20% Faster Hit Recovery


+156% Enhanced Defense


+12 to Strength


+14 to Vitality


+99 Maximum Stamina (Based on Character Level)


50% Slower Stamina Drain


Poison Resist +48%


Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds






Magefist


Crusader Gauntlets


Defense: 88


Durability: 16 of 18


Required Level: 69


Required Strength: 151


Fingerprint: 0xce953fcc


Item Level: 87


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to Fire Skills


+20% Faster Cast Rate


Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage


+29% Enhanced Defense


+10 Defense


Regenerate Mana 25%


Required Level +12






Ruby Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x39726896


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+16 to Life


Fire Resist +10%






Azure Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0xc58cb78f


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+18 to Life


Cold Resist +3%






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x2274331a


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+19 to Life






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x89b284c4


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+19 to Life






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0xd8c6d988


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+18 to Life






Amber Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0xa651fc1e


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+19 to Life


Lightning Resist +10%






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x12b97c96


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+20 to Life






Steel Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 49


Fingerprint: 0xcda7de15


Item Level: 84


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+34 to Attack Rating


+19 to Life






Bronze Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0xd5f0677e


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+2 to Attack Rating


+19 to Life






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x4f70382f


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+20 to Life






Ruby Small Charm of Fortune


Small Charm


Required Level: 32


Fingerprint: 0xb57141b8


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Fire Resist +11%


4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items






Sapphire Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x5fae4929


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+19 to Life


Cold Resist +11%






Ocher Large Charm of Vita


Large Charm


Required Level: 66


Fingerprint: 0x2c72296b


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+35 to Life


Lightning Resist +10%






Nature's Peace


Ring


Required Level: 69


Fingerprint: 0x621e4465


Item Level: 95


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Prevent Monster Heal


Slain Monsters Rest in Peace


Poison Resist +30%


Damage Reduced by 10


Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)






Burning Grand Charm


Grand Charm


Required Level: 42


Fingerprint: 0xe5950c1b


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)






Shimmering Grand Charm of Vita


Grand Charm


Required Level: 69


Fingerprint: 0xbe2c0eb1


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+36 to Life


All Resistances +13






Burning Grand Charm of Life


Grand Charm


Required Level: 42


Fingerprint: 0xff279f54


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)


+17 to Life






Burning Grand Charm


Grand Charm


Required Level: 42


Fingerprint: 0x3c37a9e7


Item Level: 52


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)






Burning Grand Charm of Craftmanship


Grand Charm


Required Level: 42


Fingerprint: 0x80b98a81


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to Fire Skills (Sorceress Only)


+1 to Maximum Damage






Coral Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0xc3694c2d


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+19 to Life


Lightning Resist +9%






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x79781f5b


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+20 to Life






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0xa2b5b67d


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+19 to Life






Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x6542998b


Item Level: 81


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+19 to Life






Lizard's Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x1675d72b


Item Level: 95


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+18 to Life


+4 to Mana






Super Healing Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenish Life +320






Super Healing Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenish Life +320






Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%






Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%






Call to Arms


Crystal Sword


AmnRalMalIstOhm


One Hand Damage: 25 - 81


Durability: 11 of 11


Required Level: 57


Required Strength: 33


Fingerprint: 0x8ebf2da5


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to All Skills


+40% Increased Attack Speed


269% Enhanced Damage


Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage


7% Life stolen per hit


Prevent Monster Heal


+4 to Battle Command


+4 to Battle Orders


+1 to Battle Cry


Replenish Life +12


30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Ethereal


5 Sockets (5 used)


Socketed: Amn Rune


Socketed: Ral Rune


Socketed: Mal Rune


Socketed: Ist Rune


Socketed: Ohm Rune






Amn Rune


Required Level: 25


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit


Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14


Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14






Ral Rune


Required Level: 19


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage


Armor: Fire Resist +30%


Shields: Fire Resist +35%






Mal Rune


Required Level: 49


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal


Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7


Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7






Ist Rune


Required Level: 51


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items






Ohm Rune


Required Level: 57


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage


Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist


Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist






Spirit


Monarch


TalThulOrtAmn


Defense: 145


Chance to Block: 0


Durability: 86 of 86


Required Level: 54


Required Strength: 156


Fingerprint: 0x785836f7


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+2 to All Skills


+33% Faster Cast Rate


+55% Faster Hit Recovery


+250 Defense vs. Missile


+22 to Vitality


+99 to Mana


Cold Resist +35%


Lightning Resist +35%


Poison Resist +35%


+5 Magic Absorb


Attacker Takes Damage of 14


4 Sockets (4 used)


Socketed: Tal Rune


Socketed: Thul Rune


Socketed: Ort Rune


Socketed: Amn Rune






Tal Rune


Required Level: 17


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)


Armor: Poison Resist +30%


Shields: Poison Resist +35%






Thul Rune


Required Level: 23


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)


Armor: Cold Resist +30%


Shields: Cold Resist +35%






Ort Rune


Required Level: 21


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage


Armor: Lightning Resist +30%


Shields: Lightning Resist +35%






Amn Rune


Required Level: 25


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit


Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14


Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14






Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%






Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%






Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%






Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%






Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%






Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%






Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%






Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%






Super Healing Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenish Life +320






Super Healing Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenish Life +320






Horadric Cube


Fingerprint: 0x104e73ed


Item Level: 82


Version: Expansion 1.10+






Tome of Town Portal


Fingerprint: 0x4bfce089


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+






Heart of the Oak


Superior Flail


KoVexPulThul


One Hand Damage: 1 - 26


Durability: 30 of 30


Required Level: 55


Required Strength: 41


Required Dexterity: 35


Fingerprint: 0xe57c2257


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to All Skills


+40% Faster Cast Rate


12% Enhanced Damage


+75% Damage to Demons


+100 to Attack Rating against Demons


+150% Damage to Undead


Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)


7% Mana stolen per hit


+10 to Dexterity


Replenish Life +20


Increase Maximum Mana 15%


All Resistances +31


Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)


Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)


4 Sockets (4 used)


Socketed: Ko Rune


Socketed: Vex Rune


Socketed: Pul Rune


Socketed: Thul Rune






Ko Rune


Required Level: 39


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +10 to Dexterity


Armor: +10 to Dexterity


Shields: +10 to Dexterity






Vex Rune


Required Level: 55


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit


Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist


Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist






Pul Rune


Required Level: 45


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons


+100 to Attack Rating against Demons


Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense


Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense






Thul Rune


Required Level: 23


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)


Armor: Cold Resist +30%


Shields: Cold Resist +35%






Phoenix


Monarch


VexVexLoJah


Defense: 143


Chance to Block: 0


Durability: 84 of 86


Required Level: 65


Required Strength: 156


Fingerprint: 0x33907535


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


100% Chance to cast level 40 Blaze when you Level-Up


40% Chance to cast level 22 Firestorm on striking


Level 14 Redemption Aura When Equipped


370% Enhanced Damage


-28% to Enemy Fire Resistance


+381 Defense vs. Missile


+50 to Life


+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


+10% to Maximum Fire Resist


+21 Fire Absorb


4 Sockets (4 used)


Socketed: Vex Rune


Socketed: Vex Rune


Socketed: Lo Rune


Socketed: Jah Rune






Vex Rune


Required Level: 55


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit


Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist


Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist






Vex Rune


Required Level: 55


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit


Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist


Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist






Lo Rune


Required Level: 59


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike


Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist






Jah Rune


Required Level: 65


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense


Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%


Shields: +50 to Life






Mercenary:






Name:       Razan


Race:       Desert Mercenary


Type:       Def-Nightmare


Experience: 114101186


Level:      98


Dead?:      false






            Naked/Gear


Strength:   209/209


Dexterity:  169/169


HP:         2287/2287


Defense:    1671/3382


AR:         2066/2066






Fire:       162/122/62


Cold:       192/152/92


Lightning:  162/122/62


Poison:    162/122/62






Delirium


Spired Helm


LemIstIo


Defense: 591


Durability: 21 of 21


Required Level: 59


Required Strength: 182


Fingerprint: 0x4aae8216


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck


6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck


14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck


11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking


+2 to All Skills


+261 Defense


+10 to Vitality


50% Extra Gold from Monsters


25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)


Ethereal


3 Sockets (3 used)


Socketed: Lem Rune


Socketed: Ist Rune


Socketed: Io Rune






Lem Rune


Required Level: 43


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters


Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters


Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters






Ist Rune


Required Level: 51


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items






Io Rune


Required Level: 35


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +10 to Vitality


Armor: +10 to Vitality


Shields: +10 to Vitality










Treachery


Hellforge Plate


ShaelThulLem


Defense: 1120


Durability: 31 of 31


Required Level: 59


Required Strength: 186


Fingerprint: 0x2dee3767


Item Level: 85


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






Shael Rune


Required Level: 29


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed


Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery


Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate






Thul Rune


Required Level: 23


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)


Armor: Cold Resist +30%


Shields: Cold Resist +35%






Lem Rune


Required Level: 43


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters


Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters


Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters










Infinity


Scythe


BerMalBerIst


Two Hand Damage: 28 - 72


Durability: 60 of 65


Required Level: 63


Required Strength: 41


Required Dexterity: 41


Fingerprint: 0x44b125a


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy


Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped


+35% Faster Run/Walk


262% Enhanced Damage


-49% to Enemy Lightning Resistance


40% Chance of Crushing Blow


Prevent Monster Heal


+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)


30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)


4 Sockets (4 used)


Socketed: Ber Rune


Socketed: Mal Rune


Socketed: Ber Rune


Socketed: Ist Rune






Ber Rune


Required Level: 63


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow


Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%


Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%






Mal Rune


Required Level: 49


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal


Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7


Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7






Ber Rune


Required Level: 63


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow


Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%


Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%






Ist Rune


Required Level: 51


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items






(Ty Indrek for making this bb code stuff for me!)






Heres a small list of the high runes and runewords i have in gomulestash now:


2x CoH


3x Cta


1x Dream (never used, deli is just better on merc)


12x Lem rune


17x Pul Rune


7x Um Rune


2x Mal Rune


0x Ist Rune


5x Gul Rune


2x Vex Rune


1x Ohm Rune


2x Lo Rune


2x Sur Rune


0x Ber Rune


6x Jah Rune


3x Cham Rune


1x Zod Rune



i could have upgraded some runes to make another cta, but i was too lazy to pick up gems haha
 
Last edited:
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Originally posted November 13, 2018

A Blessed Journey: Untwinked Paladin Reaches 99

Phaedrus was my third entrant in @Kitteh’s relaunch of the untwinked 99er challenge. He now joins Mercy (trapper assassin) and Hiatus (Blizz sorc 1-98 and lightning sorc 98-99) in the Table of Heroes.
99.jpg
Phaedrus started in November 2016 with plans for an untwinked playthrough as a Holy Fire/Holy Shock hybrid and stopped after taking down Normal Andariel. Around New Years, I was looking for a break from the XP runs for the other two 99ers (Baal for Mercy and CS for Hiatus), remembered this guy, and decided to approach him like a future 99er.

We’ll open with a vid of Ancients + last Diablo run to ping 99, followed by reflections on progress, run down of finds, and final stats and gear, and then some concluding thoughts and thanks. (Don't mind sloppy typing at the end--adding Ancients to the mix threw off a routine of p-settings that had been honed over 1000s of prior runs :oops:)

Progress
As summarized in this post, Phaedrus blitzed to level 86 in about two weeks into January 2017, doing the rest of Normal and Nightmare at p1 (respect to hammerdin occurred at Normal Diablo) and having minimal gear. Being undergeared led to some struggles, but nothing too bad. He took a short leveling break at Pit to 76 and then Eldritch/Shenk to 84, with some LK runs mixed in, yielding the first Sur and 2 Lion Branded skillers.

I mostly focused on Mercy at that point, but Phaedrus got some LK and RoF runs in, finally netting a 35 FCR spirit on the 18th try in April 2017. When Mercy hit 99 in May 2017, Hiatus was approaching 97 and Phaedrus was level 90.

Phaedrus then focused mostly on LK, with some Meph and RoF mixed in. Of note, he got Griffon’s from the Pit (which Hiatus would have appreciated) and a Cham from RoF (when a Jah or Ber would have been much preferred toward his Enigma).

But, at Level 93, he eventually finished that game-changing runeword from LK in late July 2017, with an extra Sur that quickly found a partner to allow merc to have CoH. Key stretch of LK runs (with 4 Surs) is summarized in this post. The estimate was ~4075 LK runs to make that happen. He then transitioned to CS full-time, doing Gripphon runs (Vizier and Infector seals only) up to 97, and then seals/Diablo for 97-99. He made it level 94 within the first week or so, and then was parked as Hiatus made her final push to 98 and then to 99.

As explained in this post, he got some runs here and there for a break from Hiatus and then more frequently toward the end of Hiatus’ push for 98-99, and quickly hit 95 after Hiatus pinged 99 in December 2017. I started the necro around this time because I missed having two characters on the tables. Along with the Amazon entered later, Phaedrus and Pestilence the necro have been the main focus of my gaming time since then.

Phaedrus was still missing Shako and Arachnid’s, which he picked up in the next half-level to 95.5. He hit 96 in late January, finally upgraded his +1 BO Call to Arms at the midway point through level 96 before hitting 97 in early March. A quarter of the way into level 97, he picked up a major drop (Cranium Basher) that brings me to grail -3 overall.

He didn't make much/any progress during Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2018 RFL. He then pushed to 97.5 before the start of RFL round 3, in the hopes of finishing the level during that three-week window, with some major upgrades of cubing a Ber for the Shako and a +6 BO CtA reroll (fifth attempt). The RFL set plus a few hours saw him hit 98, with a summary of 97-98 and a vid embedded in this post.

The pre-MFO tournament and then MFO led to breaks from Phaedrus—with Pestilence reaching 96.5 and Quinta the Amazon hitting 93.5. But Phaedrus made it through the first quarter level in early September before we left for vacation the rest of the month.

When we got back, I set a goal of 20M/week, which would have seen him finish by late November, and we exceeded the goal several times allowing him to finish up two weeks earlier. Updates of his progress are here (98.4), here (98.5), here (98.75), and here (99). Just because it was cool, here is one drop from this stretch:
98 (Zod).jpg

Finds
As noted in some of my posts, CS/Diablo runs are good for runes due to the animation of popping the last seal, and hammerdins have nice area of effect to boot. Thousands of Diablo kills also contributes nicely to eth grail. His rune haul was quite solid, and will allow me to complete the runeword grail once I organize the bases.

The key runewords he made and total remaining high runes is below:
Code:
Enigma
CoH eth
CtA x5
Delirium
HoTo x2
Ber’ed Shako

Mal – 7
Ist – 4
Gul – 7
Vex – 13
Ohm – 3
Lo – 3
Sur – 5
Ber – 2
Jah – 2
Cham – 2
Zod – 1
He also has ~2 Ists worth of Ko-Um runes when cubed up. Phaedrus didn’t pick up Normal and Exception items unless they contributed to eth grail or were high-variable items (e.g., War Traveler, Vamp Gaze). Still, he surpassed 400 items found (401), with quite a bit of progress on the eth grail front.

As with Mercy and Hiatus, there are too many nice items to summarize, so I will just list a couple favorites: Cranium Basher (overall grailer) and Entrapping GC of Vita (40). He also picked up lots of skillers that I’ll work through, but I don’t think many had secondary mods that would improve my overall stash. A few were “of life” or “of sustenance” though.

Reflections and Musings
A lot was covered above, but a few other thoughts on his journey:

-- I won’t repeat the p1 progression, as the main source of frustration was early on as he tried to pull together some decent gear to allow safe MF and LK runs.

-- That said, he could have moved faster if I’d just focused on LK once he had the basics. But I think I might have burned out if he’d done that, and the RoF chest runs were a fun break and decent leveling option.

-- He found two Lion Branded skillers in the first 100 LK runs, then no more over the next ~4000 and ~10 levels worth of XP runs. He didn’t pick up the third (and final for him) until around 98.5.

-- He had only one death after getting Enigma (during level 96). There were a couple NDEs mixed in (usually due to not seeing Conviction aura for Infector), but he was really quite safe.

-- A backpack full of skillers would make seal/Diablo runs go much faster.

-- As noted, straight p7 Diablo runs (or p1 for de Seis) was faster for 97-98, contrary to conventional wisdom about Gripphon runs being faster. My experience with him leads me to believe that would be true for any character than can take down de Seis and then Diablo relatively smoothly (i.e., not true for Blizz but likely true for many others).

Stats, Gear, and Merc
I removed readouts of the runes included in runewords to shorten things and didn’t bother including corpse recovery kit because it wasn’t used.
Code:
Name:       Phaedrus
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   25/101
Dexterity:  148/167
Vitality:   397/421
Energy:     15/17
HP:         1427/2042
Mana:       162/454
Stamina:    559/839
Defense:    37/1578
AR:         725/859

Fire:       198/158/98
Cold:       182/142/82
Lightning:  157/117/57
Poison:     166/126/66

MF:         254       Block:      46
GF:         92
FR/W:       85
FHR:        55
IAS:        0
FCR:        125

Sacrifice: 0/0
Smite: 1/18
Holy Bolt: 1/18
Zeal: 0/0
Charge: 1/18
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 20/37
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 20/37
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/15
Holy Fire: 0/0
Thorns: 0/0
Blessed Aim: 20/34
Concentration: 20/34
Holy Freeze: 0/0
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 0/0
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 0/0

Prayer: 1/15
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 2/16
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 1/15
Resist Lightning: 0/0
Vigor: 20/34
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 1/15
Salvation: 0/0
Code:
Call to Arms
War Scepter
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 35 - 59
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xae071a75
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
250% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+1 to Holy Shock (Paladin Only)
+1 to Conversion (Paladin Only)
+5 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Spirit
Superior Protector Shield
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 175
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 44 of 44
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 69
Fingerprint: 0x21e6848
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+32% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+14% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+101 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +39
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Increase Maximum Durability 12%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x91daca9a
Item Level: 42
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +38
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Phaedrus's Spirit
Sacred Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 140
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 34 of 45
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0x4a10eb21
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+105 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +43
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

Phaedrus's Enigma
Superior Breast Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 845
Durability: 43 of 56
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0x73794eb7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+15% Enhanced Defense
+766 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Durability 12%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 136
Durability: 9 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xa30a6af6
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+117% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Phaedrus's Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 126
Durability: 5 of 12
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xb62e9987
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 18%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x7e184e27
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
4% Life stolen per hit
+49 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0xe3d6e356
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+49 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 72
Durability: 11 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x131ab2c3
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%

Stone Clasp
Amulet
Required Level: 89
Fingerprint: 0xfc4446e1
Item Level: 92
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+7 to Dexterity
+14 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 6%
Poison Length Reduced by 25%
9% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Aldur's Advance
Battle Boots
Defense: 43
Durability: 15 of 18
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x4d900760
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+50 to Life
+180 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 32%
Fire Resist +50%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Set (2 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (3 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (4 items): +15 to Dexterity
Code:
Lion Branded Grand Charm of Craftmanship
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x4226e133
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+1 to Maximum Damage

Lion Branded Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe7377ae6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xffc92e2f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Poison Resist +9%

Viridian Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2ada174f
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Poison Resist +7%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2e0b4cef
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xc0cefc41
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+13 to Mana

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Life
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x24bb5cde
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+13 to Life

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x35837c33
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+6 to Mana

Lizard's Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xc665eb28
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5 to Mana
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xe0be1cbe
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x8d86e386
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Steel Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xffa77658
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+31 to Attack Rating
+20 to Life

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2c6a45e9
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2aba433f
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe8563667
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8ba0e7e5
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd689e86
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+1 to Mana

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x5bc17093
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Beryl Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x170c29bb
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Poison Resist +4%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x6d133cbe
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Bronze Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xb8a6c8c6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+8 to Attack Rating
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x277d2988
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Ruby Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x96f8768e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Fire Resist +10%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x46cf6814
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Russet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x19260714
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Fire Resist +6%

Lapis Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0xdef3a1b5
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Cold Resist +6%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x6e736a49
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Lightning Resist +11%

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x8a3f515e
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
92% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 11%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Code:
Name:       Waheed
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 114121228
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/260
Dexterity:  169/174
HP:         2287/2293
Defense:    1671/3707
AR:         2066/502038

Fire:       220/180/120
Cold:       227/187/127
Lightning:  227/187/127
Poison:    297/257/197

Chains of Honor
Wyrmhide
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 1723
Durability: 13 of 13
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 74
Fingerprint: 0xb2b5bd5d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 313
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xba3e278b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
29% Enhanced Damage
9% Life stolen per hit
+102% Enhanced Defense
+26 to Strength
+6 to Life
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -7%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Havoc Scarab

Havoc Scarab
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x723af5c
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
29% Enhanced Damage
+6 to Life
Fire Resist +23%

Insight
Great Poleaxe
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 240 - 636
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 169
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0x61dd1730
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 16 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
235% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
242% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+4 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Thank You-s
As with Mercy and Hiatus, I have to start with thanks to this forum and everyone who participated or contributed to this thread. It’s much easier to plug away with company :)

-- Special thanks go to @Pb_pal, NanoMist and @T72on1 who were in it from the beginning and have stayed active in this thread, and also have helped with feedback and encouragement throughout.

-- Of course, @Kitteh gets a special shout out for (re)starting this challenge.

-- Big thanks also to @Neksja who had the first high-level untwinked pally (and finished him earlier this year) and shared lots of great insight to the leveling approach for untwinked version of this build.

-- @ffs gets major thanks for the encouragement on pushing Phaedrus along—after Hiatus finished, I said I’d keep pushing Phaedrus along to keep his sorc company on the final stretch; then when he finished her, he said he’d keep pushing Ric until Phaedrus hit 99. I guess now I need to offer to keep pushing Pestilence until Ric is finished and then you need a third entrant! ;)

-- Major thanks also to the continued entries over the past year. There was a while in 2017 where it looked like things might be winding down, but the new characters keep things active and keep the excitement going. As I noted earlier, I doubt I’d stay engaged on the 99ers without an active community to share progress and keep things interesting, and having others on the same journey in this thread has made it much more engaging.

Finally, thanks to everyone who’s made it this far through this wall of text (only a little more left :p)!

What’s Next-es
As for what’s next, Phaedrus is going stay a Champion, but he will lose his untwinked status with a full compliment of skillers and some other charm upgrades, allowing both an MF set-up and high-power CS set-up for rune hunting. I will also sort through his stash and the charms, jewels, and eth bases in particular.

On the last point, I will also burn through his runes, which will nearly complete my runeword grail assuming I can find the right bases (the Zod will go in 3os eTomby, so the BoTD will have to wait for now).

Due to eTomby, I will likely start questing and leveling a new Druid, likely as pure feral rage until he can equip to become grief/fury and level in Pits until he can equip the eTomby and then respect for Hell quest through.

I also have work to do on the character screen and some outstanding 99er quests:
Screenshot007.jpg
Pestilence is 96.5 and Quinta is ~93.7. I hope to get them to the next level by the end of November and then take stock of where to focus. I’m thinking of focusing on Pestilence with a goal of hitting 98 by New Year’s, with LK runs for Quinta as a break along with progressing the Druid.

I also still have quite a few twinked builds on the to-do list (Druid will tick off two of them), so we’ll see whether I want to do more questing as a break from running a target over and over. I also can pick up the final character (Barb) in my Trio of Twins project—he’s been parked in NM Outer Cloister for a while now.

In closing, a final thanks to everyone who followed along and provided encouragement as Phaedrus progressed to 99. Questions and feedback are most welcome. Cheers! :D
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by ffs on Dec 26, 2018

Ric, untwinked Necro, finally wins CE battle and hits 99

Please meet Ric, an untwinked 99er Necromancer. Following HelpYourself, an untwinked 99er Sorc I finished earlier this year, he is my second untwinked 99er, the 12th completed character in the untwinked 99er challenge, and AFAIK the SPF's first untwinked 99er Necro.

Here's his final moment of glory, followed by a summary of his gear, loot and progress along the way:


Gear and Build(s)

Starting off with the gear and build used for running Nihlathak (also shown in the end of the video):
Code:
Hoto 36@ (eth Flail)
+2 Necro, 10% FCR craft amulet
Shako, socketed with a -5/+4 poison facet
Enigma BP
35% Spirit
BKWB
Dwarf Star
Arachnid Mesh
TO Claws
Aldur's Advance

Switch: +4 BO CtA (eth Crystal Sword), Spirit

Merc (Might):
- Andariel's Visage, socketed with 15 IAS, 28% ED jewel
- Infinity (eth CA)
- Fortitude (eth bugged Great Hauberk)

Inventory: 2x P&B Skiller, assorted life/resist/mana charms, one FHR SC
Skills: Max PN and synergies, max Golem Mastery, rest CE (18 at 98)

Corpse recovery kit:
Smoke, +6 PN White, +3 BO CtA, Shako, Mara, 2x Dwarf Star, Rhyme

The above is what he ran for the last two levels from 97 to 99. Before that he was a Fishymancer (and will be going forward) using more or less the following gear, in particular for Pit and Baal running:
Code:
Beast Double Axe
+2 Necro, 10% FCR craft amulet
Shako PTopaz
Enigma BP
35% Spirit
2x BKWB
Arachnid Mesh
TO Claws
WT

Inventory: 7x Summon Skiller, assorted life/resist/mana charms
Skills: Max CE, RS, SM, GM, some Summon Resist and AD

GoMule dump:
Code:
Name:       Ric
Class:      Necromancer
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   84/162
Dexterity:  25/27
Vitality:   451/475
Energy:     25/28
HP:         1124/1860
Mana:       221/531
Stamina:    613/883
Defense:    6/1466
AR:         80/90

Fire:       140/100/40
Cold:       102/62/2
Lightning:  122/82/22
Poison:     65/25/-35

MF:         179       Block:      2
GF:         100
FR/W:       85
FHR:        60
IAS:        40
FCR:        80

Amplify Damage: 1/14
Dim Vision: 1/14
Weaken: 0/0
Iron Maiden: 0/0
Terror: 0/0
Confuse: 1/14
Life Tap: 0/0
Attract: 1/14
Decrepify: 0/0
Lower Resist: 0/0

Teeth: 1/14
Bone Armor: 1/14
Poison Dagger: 20/33
Corpse Explosion: 18/31
Bone Wall: 0/0
Poison Explosion: 20/33
Bone Spear: 0/0
Bone Prison: 0/0
Poison Nova: 20/33
Bone Spirit: 0/0

Skeleton Mastery: 0/0
Raise Skeleton: 1/12
Clay Golem: 1/12
Golem Mastery: 20/31
Raise Skeletal Mage: 0/0
Blood Golem: 1/12
Summon Resist: 1/12
Iron Golem: 1/12
Fire Golem: 0/0
Revive: 0/0

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 114
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xdfb26117
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 51 Poison Nova when you Die
+2 to All Skills
Adds 37 Poison Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+4% to Poison Skill Damage
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x3895fe24
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 51 Poison Nova when you Die
Adds 37 Poison Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+4% to Poison Skill Damage

Beast Clasp
Amulet
Required Level: 89
Fingerprint: 0x92b328fd
Item Level: 91
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to Strength
+1 to Energy
+20 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 10%
Lightning Resist +16%

Burly Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xba0d0408
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 Defense
+20 to Life

Russet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 17
Fingerprint: 0xb0bcefea
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+14 to Life
Fire Resist +6%

Amber Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4223a875
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Lightning Resist +10%

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x51376769
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+7 to Mana

Garnet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x21f39116
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 to Life
Fire Resist +9%

Coral Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe11e2de8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +9%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8ab0c3c6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc83ff13
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2961a6c9
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Amber Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x800d5ad8
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Lightning Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe97fd16f
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Shivering Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x583c2363
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 3 - 5 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
+20 to Life

Russet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8146db77
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Fire Resist +6%

Call to Arms
Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 49
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x1a4d6288
Item Level: 80
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 Command
+3 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x7b2a5f6f
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ruby Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 23
Fingerprint: 0x6b96194a
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+22 to Life
Fire Resist +28%

Aldur's Advance
Battle Boots
Defense: 44
Durability: 17 of 18
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x391f1517
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+50 to Life
+180 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 32%
Fire Resist +50%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Set (2 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (3 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (4 items): +15 to Dexterity


Smoke
Breast Plate
NefLum
Defense: 119
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0xb9273397
Item Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+75% Enhanced Defense
+280 Defense vs. Missile
+10 to Energy
All Resistances +50
-1 to Light Radius
Level 6 Weaken (18/18 Charges)
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Nef Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune

Nef Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Knockback
Armor: +30 Defense vs. Missile
Shields: +30 Defense vs. Missile

Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy

White
Bone Wand
DolIo
One Hand Damage: 3 - 7
Durability: 15 of 15
Required Level: 35
Fingerprint: 0xf67b22ec
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to Bone Spear (Necromancer Only)
+4 to Skeleton Mastery (Necromancer Only)
+3 to Bone Armor (Necromancer Only)
+3 to Poison Nova (Necromancer Only)
Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
+10 to Vitality
+13 to Mana
Magic Damage Reduced by 4
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x12ad918d
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +30

Lapis Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xfe0fef10
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

Fungal Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x87649fc3
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)

Fungal Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xf065eca6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 126
Durability: 7 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xcd2e7703
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 67
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xfc2838ef
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%


Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 137
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xf52f0ed5
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+118% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Tangerine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8850bc26
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +3%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x494a16c3
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb18252b8
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+3 to Mana

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x5d01fd8b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x55e5447d
Item Level: 99
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

Enigma
Breast Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 823
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0x3aad8739
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+757 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x6dc564a6
Item Level: **
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

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x427d3972
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
+14 to Mana

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf7d9490c
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+9 to Mana

Rhyme
Unraveller Head
ShaelEth
Defense: 10
Chance to Block: 28
Durability: 19 of 20
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 18
Fingerprint: 0xf04b38ba
Item Level: 32
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
Adds 2 - 7 Poison Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
+2 to Corpse Explosion (Necromancer Only)
Regenerate Mana 15%
All Resistances +25
Cannot Be Frozen
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
2 Sockets (2 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x97516394
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x7cb6661f
Item Level: 95
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

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x831fd904
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
5% Life stolen per hit
+49 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbd4a919f
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+10 to Mana

Flawless Ruby
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 10 - 16 Fire Damage
Armor: +31 to Life
Shields: Fire Resist +28%

Coral Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1f564961
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Lightning Resist +8%

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0xf2e78de5
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
Fingerprint: 0x7336bef1
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
4% Life stolen per hit
+4 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+50 Maximum Stamina

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 36
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 25
Fingerprint: 0x76b82240
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +36
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Ko Rune
Required Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 142
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x20af0e73
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+100 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Call to Arms
Superior Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 26 - 82
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 33
Fingerprint: 0xb0023ca7
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
274% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Battle Command
+4 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Increase Maximum Durability 14%
Ethereal
5 Sockets (5 used)
Socketed: Amn Rune
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Ohm Rune

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 133
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x6c55d248
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+30% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+99 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+4 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Mercenary:

Name:       Azrael
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 114123178
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/236
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2386
Defense:    1671/5390
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       160/120/60
Cold:       190/150/90
Lightning:  190/150/90
Poison:    260/220/160

Fortitude
Great Hauberk
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3363
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 108
Fingerprint: 0x3e08afe8
Item Level: 85
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
+99 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +28
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7

Lo Rune
Required Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike
Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 356
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xe5f9c31
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+35% Increased Attack Speed
28% Enhanced Damage
10% Life stolen per hit
+130% Enhanced Defense
+27 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Realgar Jewel of Fervor

Realgar Jewel of Fervor
Jewel
Required Level: 37
Fingerprint: 0x56b44962
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15% Increased Attack Speed
28% Enhanced Damage


Infinity
Cryptic Axe
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 192 - 884
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 155
Required Dexterity: 93
Fingerprint: 0xab150a5b
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
293% Enhanced Damage
-48% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

The Drops

While the gear he used himself was rather straight-forward, he had a number of sweet drops along the way. My personal favorites:
  • 2x eth Titan's
  • 2x Zod
  • Astreon's Iron Ward
  • Mang Song's Lesson
  • perfect 30 FR RJoF
  • perfect 45 life Burning GC of Vita
Extended highlights:
S&U:
eth Stone Crusher
Crown of Ages (1os)
2x BKWB
4x Azurewrath
Schaefer's Hammer
Ravenlore (-18 EFR, 23@)
eth Hone Sundan 178 ED
Earth Shifter
2x Cranium Basher
Grandfather
Redeemer
eth Demon's Arch
eth Hellslayer
Executioner's Justice
8x Eschuta's Temper (best +3/19 Lightning)
5x Alma Negra
3x Tomby (all non-eth)
Dragon Scale
Death Cleaver
Spirit Keeper
29 Rainbow Facets (almost three times of the amount my Sorc found in 99 levels)

Rare/Craft/Magic:
2/20 FCR Pally amulet
2/20 FCR Druid Circlet
2/15 FCR Druid amulet
2 Sorc/2 Nova/20 FCR/life/mana rare orb
15 IAS/30 FR jewel
15 IAS/28 ED jewel
15 IAS/32 ED jewel
20 FCR, LL, resists amulet
20 FCR, 19 MF amulet

Skillers:
77 total (11 with life)
Largest sets were Entrapping (10), Sparking (7), Graverobber's (7), Chilling (6), Natural (6)

Sharp GCs: 13 total (3 with life)
Fine SCs: 31 total (4 with life)
Shimmering SCs: 8 total (no good secondary mods)
Life/single resist SCs: 21 total

He really found an abundance of high runes. Apart from the runewords he made for himself (Enigma, Infinity, Beast, Fortitude, Hoto and 3x CtA), these are the Ist+ runes he has left to play with or has in the meantime passed on to other characters:

Code:
1x Ist
1x Ohm
6x Lo
2x Sur
2x Ber
4x Jah
1x Cham
2x Zod

EDIT: This is where they ended up.

With gear and drops out of the way, this is the brief version (well, sort of) of his journey:

The Beginning

I first considered taking a Necro into the 99er challenge in November 2017. My Sorc was mid-90s at the time and I thought it would be nice to have another character to go back to for a change of scenery. I can't remember exactly whether I named him after the mad scientist vibe from Rick and Morty or after the Walking Dead character (because, you know, dead stuff). What I do know is that his journey started with a typo – I really meant to call him "Rick". :rolleyes: But 99 takes a long time, and there was no time to lose, so instead of creating another Necro and adding a "k", I went on to charge into the Blood Moor. ;)

The plan from the outset was to go with a Summoner build at first, given the ideal gear mainly consists of relatively common S&Us and runewords, which could all be farmed rather reliably. He pretty much followed the plan the whole way and was played as a Summoner until 97.

I don't remember much from the initial playthrough as he advanced to his first pit stop in Hell LK, which is when I entered him into the 99er thread. His first goal was to farm Enigma of course, and with an early Ber drop before even having a Harmony bow, he was off to a quick start. He had enough to make his first CtA (+3 BO) shortly after. Some dry spells followed, but he made consistent progress towards Enigma, with further rune drops reported here and here. I mostly focused on my Sorc at the time, so progress was slow in the beginning. But following a lucky streak and a funny "long distance battle" with @PhineasB (who had started running LK for Enigma with his Necro as well), he had assembled the ingredients for the ultimate game changer in February 2018, and made his Enigma.

He then went for a mix of Pit, Pindle, Meph and LK runs in order to get a few key pieces of S&Us. Around this time he also made an eth bugged Fortitude, considerably increasing his overall power due to the importance of the Merc setup for basically every Necro. Around this time a crazy thing happened when within ~6 hours of Pit running he found two Zods (and also made his Beast).

Getting the Missing Items & Baal Boredom

When @Grape hosted the 2018 RFL, I chose to run with Ric for two rounds of the tournament instead of going with more optimized rune finding characters. I was hoping to farm Infinity, the last major runeword he needed at the time. This worked out almost perfectly, collecting a suitable base and the runes for Infinity except for one Sur from running Cows during the first round of the RFL. Updates and non-qualifier drops posted here and here, including a +2 Necro/10 FCR craft amulet that he used for most of the time until 99. After the first RFL round ended, he went back to LK and quickly got the last Sur to make Infinity. The remaining core items he was looking for were Arachnid Mesh and Andy's Visage for Merc, so I continued running the Pit with him for the last RFL round in hopes of getting them. Alas, while finding a lot of stuff (think: MFO garbage), he was out of luck with these particular items. After RFL, he switched back and forth between Pit runs and Baal waves, including Pindleskin after raising the army there, until hitting 95.

At 95 it became increasingly hard to justify running the Pit any longer in terms of XP. While I still mixed things up from time to time, I almost exclusively moved to Baal waves. After a few XP gain tests, it turned out that Ventar runs were most efficient at first. He made his way to 96 this way and then started to include Baal. At this point, Baal runs were driving me almost crazy (IMO this is really the dullest experience in D2, I'd take LK over this any time ;)).

I was still missing Arachnid Mesh and Andy's Visage – both of which I considered crucial in increasing XP gain efficiency in later stages. So at one point I decided to take a welcome break from Baal runs and go on a killing spree against Hell Mephisto. After ~800 runs he finally had both items, plus his first eth Titan's – an item I've been hoping to get for a long time (he would later get a second one from Pindle). He then went back to Baal, having his core gear assembled. Shortly after he socketed the Andy's with an IAS/28 ED jewel and made a Hoto (though not using it yet), while making his way to 97.

The Final Grind

I was constantly testing all sorts of runs in hopes of not having to run Baal. After simulating different approaches with twinked Necros, it turned out that running Nihlathak provided pretty much the same XP gain as Baal for 97-98. However, it made sense to stick with Baal for safety reasons. While I continued running Baal until 97.15 because of that, I suddenly decided I've had enough and switched to Nihlathak. What I found the most effective Necro strategy against Nihlathak turned out to be quite simple: Have a strong Merc, spam CE and don't die. :p Despite having found only one P&B skiller at the time, I respec'ed to PN which I found was the way to go (at least without many skillers). With his new target providing refreshed motiviation, Ric quickly moved onwards to 97.3 and 97.5, i.a. picking up a Cham along the way.

When MFO came around, he went on a break for a while until I picked him up again in October, moving to 97.7. He was welcomed back by Nihl with these nice drops (including Mang Song's Lesson) and more goodies to follow.

Soon afterwards he hit 98, as good drops kept coming, including a perfect 45 life Burning GC and his first +1 skill ring with BKWB. While he was far away from breaking any XP gain records (in particular in comparison to my previous character getting some ~4.2-4.5m XP/h), I was nonetheless quite happy with his pace at ~3.4-3.5m XP/h when I ran the numbers and recorded a few runs:


As far as safety goes, he did have a number of NDEs, but got away by the skin of his teeth most of the time. There were two deaths for 98-99. One I'm still not sure how it happened (likely missed the BO cast), and the second one in classic Nihl running fashion, namely courtesy of those "working as intended" Viper clouds. At least he recovered the corpse in both instances, and picked up a second P&B skiller and a few other things (as well as these).

In November I hosted a little MF tourney and participated with Ric to get him on track to finish this year. Despite the second death occurring during the tourney, he did fine overall and managed to get to 98.5, with his tournament haul not being too shabby either, i.a. picking up a 30@ Mara's. Things became more and more hectic at work towards the end of the year with little time to play D2. Still I managed to squeeze in a few runs here and there. Slowly progressing, Ric hit 98.66 and 98.8, and in the meantime improving to a +4 BO CtA with his third try. The last few weeks in December though, RL was extremely busy, and he had to wait for the holidays to hit 98.9 a few days ago. I took a few breaks in between all that holiday feasting to put in the last ~10 hours over the last few days: He hit 99 today with a very strong finish in terms of drops, including a perfect 15 IAS/30 FR RJoF, the elusive Astreon's Iron Ward (overall grailer, putting me at -1 with Tyrael's remaining) and his second BKWB.

The Future

Same as with my Sorc, Ric will likely stay untwinked and at the very least serve as my go-to Fishymancer for testing purposes. :) While I started a third character in the 99er challenge, a "strictly melee" Paladin currently in Normal, making 99 with Ric will probably be my last major D2 project for quite a while. I decided to quit my job a few months back and will now take it easy for a while, fly out to sunny places to go backpacking until starting a new job in spring. :p For better or worse, I doubt I will have any opportunity (or desire even) to play until then.

There are one or two Mat/Pat projects on my list that I hope to wrap up before I leave. In any case, I'm sure I'll be back at some point! :)

Thanks...

...for reading, and in particular major thanks to the whole 99er crowd – too many to name or single out, and really everyone being active in it provided the necessary motivation for me to do this... again. ;) Thanks for the support and discussion, it was a fun run!

***
 
original post Jul 6, 2019

Hey!

Yeah, so this is the 2nd untwinked 99er i did and it was pretty funny actually overall haha. Also 100% streamed.

So, when i started, the main reason was that i was a bit bored with my untwinked sorc which just went 98 and died 2 times pretty much at the beginning at nihla.So i did a break on her and started Mayhem.
The beginning wasnt that interesting i guess, just doubleswing until nightmare i think, then i tried ww with a insight in hands but relatively respecced again to warcry bcause it didnt workout very well.
With warcry i played until LK hell and there istayed for a few weeks but before i started it i did some countess hell runs bcause i wanted the runes for Harmony bow first to increase runspeed and on the way i found his first SUR rune, that was amazing.
Then i just ran lk, lk, lk until i ended up having 6 sur runes, 2 ohm, 1 Lo (for enigma and 2x Grief) and even enough to make 2 hotos for tele. ofc also found a lot of useful charms.
Luckily i already found 1x 5 sox PB on the playthough so i was wearing enigma and 1 grief and the rest pretty crap. With that gear i started doin mephisto runs until i had major things from him and for some i also went for andariel.
i ended up having more or less all i needed to make baalruns with a ww barb beside a 2nd base for grief (and HL (found only highlord 20 mio before 99) and goreriders)
So then i did a couple of pitruns to get a 5 sox pb but even after a few hours i didnt get any but i found a griffon with like 80 mf^^ (https://livestream.clips.gg/AltruisticGentleMosquitoNerfRedBlaster) <- dropvideo
So then i decided to kill ancients and baal to make some cowruns for that stupid pb, in the first run i got one.
So the gear for ww was:
Gulli socket with 15 allres 5 mf jool
Metalgrid (didnt find highlord UNTIL 20 MIO BEFORE 99)
2x grief/2x hoto
Enigma
LoH
Raven / dualleech ring
String
Wts (found gores after some baalruns)

Merc was: Reapers ias, treachery, Kiras ias

Before i started baalruns i did try out cs for some hours but it didnt workout very well.

So now i baaled until 98 and yeah with 95 or 96 i did like a break and leveld the sorc from 98-99 on nihla, as well as some other breaks like playin other games, makin a 99 char on the pod hc :p and so on^^
the runs werent to bad overall and id say it was like under 4 min in average. (p1 tele, p8 waves, p3 baal) just manaburn w5 was annoying.
So somewhen i reached 98 and it was time to change from ww to conc and nihla.
On baalruns (where i didnt find too crazy stuff i guess beside Soj and Maras 30 in the same baalrun haha ) i found 2 cham runes and i had a base eth gpa that i cubed into 6 os. i didnt have a ber rune so playin grief/beast at the beginning wasnt rly an option and why not trying a botd out^^
The runs werent too bad and specially the 5 range of the gpa was very nice but at like 1/4 of the level i just though like damn i want to try that beast setup as well and maybe ill never find a ber on nihla.
So i went back to LK and famred that 2 Sur runes...
So then i had the grief beast setup and it was better. very soon i found a ber rune then at nihla ofc haha
With the Botd setup i was still wearing Gulli and metalgrid and overall didnt hav any nihlaspecific damred but now i changed to a magic damred circlet and a magic damred amulet. beside that i only changed dungo to string and the fc ring to another fc ring with manaleech.
So yeah, then i did that nihla thing until i was 99.
i had 1 rip at nihla and on lvl 97 i had one rip at baals (also had 1 or 2 before 97 on baals iirc)
Code:
Name: Mayhem


Class: Barbarian


Experience: 3520485254


Level: 99




Naked/Gear


Strength: 45/155


Dexterity: 116/136


Vitality: 414/414


Energy: 15/25


HP: 1867/2109


Mana: 113/195


Stamina: 579/616


Defense: 29/1268


AR: 565/1444




Fire: 54/14/-46


Cold: 30/-10/-70


Lightning: 75/35/-25


Poison: 30/-10/-70




MF: 106 Block: 15


GF: 10


FR/W: 75


FHR: 10


IAS: 91


FCR: 10




Bash: 20/22


Leap: 1/3


Double Swing: 1/3


Stun: 1/3


Double Throw: 0/0


Leap Attack: 0/0


Concentrate: 20/22


Frenzy: 0/0


Whirlwind: 0/0


Berserk: 11/13




Sword Mastery: 20/22


Axe Mastery: 0/0


Mace Mastery: 0/0


Pole Arm Mastery: 0/0


Throwing Mastery: 0/0


Spear Mastery: 0/0


Increased Stamina: 1/3


Iron Skin: 1/3


Increased Speed: 1/3


Natural Resistance: 4/6




Howl: 8/10


Find Potion: 0/0


Taunt: 0/0


Shout: 1/3


Find Item: 0/0


Battle Cry: 0/0


Battle Orders: 20/22


Grim Ward: 0/0


War Cry: 0/0


Battle Command: 0/0




Sharp Grand Charm of Life


Grand Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0x9363584a


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+10 to Maximum Damage


+69 to Attack Rating


+10 to Life




Sharp Large Charm


Large Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0xf6cf1d05


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+6 to Maximum Damage


+22 to Attack Rating




Fine Large Charm of Vita


Large Charm


Required Level: 50


Fingerprint: 0xa8b52376


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+18 to Attack Rating


+27 to Life




Sharp Large Charm


Large Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0xe20fb899


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+5 to Maximum Damage


+44 to Attack Rating




Amber Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0xc74e4d5c


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+17 to Life


Lightning Resist +10%




Fine Small Charm of Storms


Small Charm


Required Level: 37


Fingerprint: 0x54e621c9


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+11 to Attack Rating


Adds 1 - 23 Lightning Damage




Amber Small Charm of Sustenance


Small Charm


Required Level: 32


Fingerprint: 0x5d9e41bf


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+13 to Life


Lightning Resist +11%




Coral Small Charm of Vita


Small Charm


Required Level: 39


Fingerprint: 0x63fa6243


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+20 to Life


Lightning Resist +9%




Fine Small Charm of Balance


Small Charm


Required Level: 29


Fingerprint: 0x453a0e7


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+5% Faster Hit Recovery


+2 to Maximum Damage


+11 to Attack Rating




Fine Small Charm


Small Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0x2820dbd3


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+14 to Attack Rating




Fine Small Charm


Small Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0xfc8dbdb


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+13 to Attack Rating




Sharp Grand Charm of Vita


Grand Charm


Required Level: 69


Fingerprint: 0xb138e673


Item Level: 95


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+7 to Maximum Damage


+61 to Attack Rating


+36 to Life




Fine Grand Charm of Vita


Grand Charm


Required Level: 83


Fingerprint: 0x139fe1b1


Item Level: 95


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+5 to Maximum Damage


+23 to Attack Rating


+45 to Life




Fine Small Charm of Greed


Small Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0x48402b77


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+18 to Attack Rating


10% Extra Gold from Monsters




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Fine Small Charm of Good Luck


Small Charm


Required Level: 33


Fingerprint: 0x39461a94


Item Level: 95


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+2 to Maximum Damage


+12 to Attack Rating


7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Heart of the Oak


Superior Flail


KoVexPulThul


One Hand Damage: 1 - 24


Durability: 30 of 30


Required Level: 55


Required Strength: 41


Required Dexterity: 35


Fingerprint: 0xf3324e69


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to All Skills


+40% Faster Cast Rate


+1 to Attack Rating


+75% Damage to Demons


+100 to Attack Rating against Demons


+150% Damage to Undead


Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)


7% Mana stolen per hit


+10 to Dexterity


Replenish Life +20


Increase Maximum Mana 15%


All Resistances +33


Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)


Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)


4 Sockets (4 used)


Socketed: Ko Rune


Socketed: Vex Rune


Socketed: Pul Rune


Socketed: Thul Rune




Ko Rune


Required Level: 39


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +10 to Dexterity


Armor: +10 to Dexterity


Shields: +10 to Dexterity




Vex Rune


Required Level: 55


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit


Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist


Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist




Pul Rune


Required Level: 45


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons


+100 to Attack Rating against Demons


Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense


Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense




Thul Rune


Required Level: 23


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)


Armor: Cold Resist +30%


Shields: Cold Resist +35%




Rockstopper


Sallet


Defense: 177


Durability: 8 of 18


Required Level: 31


Required Strength: 43


Fingerprint: 0xe9894b7e


Item Level: 87


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+30% Faster Hit Recovery


+181% Enhanced Defense


+15 to Vitality


Cold Resist +33%


Lightning Resist +37%


Fire Resist +38%


Damage Reduced by 10%




Skin of the Vipermagi


Serpentskin Armor


Defense: 279


Durability: 11 of 24


Required Level: 29


Required Strength: 43


Fingerprint: 0xe1693a97


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to All Skills


+30% Faster Cast Rate


+120% Enhanced Defense


All Resistances +30


Magic Damage Reduced by 11




Amulet of Life Everlasting


Amulet


Required Level: 37


Fingerprint: 0x73e4cc84


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Damage Reduced by 24




Raven Frost


Ring


Required Level: 45


Fingerprint: 0x30c82e89


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+190 to Attack Rating


Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)


+19 to Dexterity


+40 to Mana


Cold Absorb 20%


Cannot Be Frozen




String of Ears


Demonhide Sash


Defense: 111


Durability: 13 of 22


Required Level: 29


Required Strength: 20


Fingerprint: 0x3066768e


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


7% Life stolen per hit


+175% Enhanced Defense


+15 Defense


Damage Reduced by 14%


Magic Damage Reduced by 10


+10 Maximum Durability




Jeweler's Tiara of Life Everlasting


Tiara


Defense: 41


Durability: 20 of 25


Required Level: 52


Fingerprint: 0x53ebd877


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Damage Reduced by 32


3 Sockets (3 used)


Socketed: Sol Rune


Socketed: Sol Rune


Socketed: Sol Rune




Sol Rune


Required Level: 27


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage


Armor: Damage Reduced by 7


Shields: Damage Reduced by 7




Sol Rune


Required Level: 27


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage


Armor: Damage Reduced by 7


Shields: Damage Reduced by 7




Sol Rune


Required Level: 27


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage


Armor: Damage Reduced by 7


Shields: Damage Reduced by 7




Raven Frost


Ring


Required Level: 45


Fingerprint: 0xa524cc0e


Item Level: 95


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+248 to Attack Rating


Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)


+20 to Dexterity


+40 to Mana


Cold Absorb 20%


Cannot Be Frozen




String of Ears


Demonhide Sash


Defense: 112


Durability: 13 of 22


Required Level: 29


Required Strength: 20


Fingerprint: 0xfc43fe6a


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+


6% Life stolen per hit


+179% Enhanced Defense


+15 Defense


Damage Reduced by 15%


Magic Damage Reduced by 15


+10 Maximum Durability




Gore Rider


War Boots


Defense: 158


Durability: 32 of 34


Required Level: 47


Required Strength: 94


Fingerprint: 0x356775a7


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+30% Faster Run/Walk


15% Chance of Crushing Blow


15% Deadly Strike


10% Chance of Open Wounds


+194% Enhanced Defense


+20 Maximum Stamina


Requirements -25%


+10 Maximum Durability




Amulet of Life Everlasting


Amulet


Required Level: 37


Fingerprint: 0xecbf3f1


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Damage Reduced by 24




Death Finger


Sharkskin Gloves


Defense: 56


Durability: 10 of 14


Required Level: 57


Required Strength: 20


Fingerprint: 0xbfb0a8dc


Item Level: 97


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+20% Increased Attack Speed


2% Life stolen per hit


10% Chance of Crushing Blow


+40% Enhanced Defense


+14 to Life


+13 to Mana


Fire Resist +24%




Sharp Grand Charm of Life


Grand Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0x8c3820fb


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+10 to Maximum Damage


+68 to Attack Rating


+19 to Life




Suicide Branch


Burnt Wand


One Hand Damage: 8 - 18


Durability: 7 of 15


Required Level: 33


Required Strength: 25


Fingerprint: 0x1d038fdb


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+1 to All Skills


+50% Faster Cast Rate


+40 to Life


Increase Maximum Mana 10%


All Resistances +10


Attacker Takes Damage of 25




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Ghoul Whorl


Ring


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0xfde98421


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+10% Faster Cast Rate


2% Mana stolen per hit


+29 to Mana


+17 Maximum Stamina


Lightning Resist +15%




Dread Grasp


Ring


Required Level: 88


Fingerprint: 0x98edeaac


Item Level: 97


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+10% Faster Cast Rate


3% Life stolen per hit


+24 to Strength


+19 to Life


Lightning Resist +27%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Fine Small Charm of Balance


Small Charm


Required Level: 29


Fingerprint: 0xbf38dc37


Item Level: 81


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+5% Faster Hit Recovery


+2 to Maximum Damage


+17 to Attack Rating




Fine Small Charm


Small Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0x950b0449


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+19 to Attack Rating




Fine Small Charm of Sustenance


Small Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0x294bb0ee


Item Level: 88


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+13 to Attack Rating


+13 to Life




Fine Small Charm of Strength


Small Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0x3994ad6b


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+10 to Attack Rating


+2 to Strength




Mayhem's Enigma


Light Plate


JahIthBer


Defense: 867


Durability: 48 of 60


Required Level: 65


Required Strength: 41


Fingerprint: 0xed0b8934


Item Level: 1


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+2 to All Skills


+45% Faster Run/Walk


+1 to Teleport


+761 Defense


+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)


Increase Maximum Life 5%


Damage Reduced by 8%


+14 Life after each Kill


15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana


99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)


3 Sockets (3 used)


Socketed: Jah Rune


Socketed: Ith Rune


Socketed: Ber Rune




Jah Rune


Required Level: 65


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense


Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%


Shields: +50 to Life




Ith Rune


Required Level: 15


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage


Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana


Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana




Ber Rune


Required Level: 63


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow


Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%


Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Fine Small Charm


Small Charm


Required Level: 21


Fingerprint: 0xdee46670


Item Level: 87


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+3 to Maximum Damage


+18 to Attack Rating




Fine Small Charm of Winter


Small Charm


Required Level: 38


Fingerprint: 0x52fc6c58


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+2 to Maximum Damage


+20 to Attack Rating


Adds 5 - 9 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Horadric Cube


Fingerprint: 0x53fbdf20


Item Level: 13


Version: Expansion 1.10+




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Super Healing Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenish Life +320




Super Healing Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenish Life +320




Sharp Grand Charm of Sustenance


Grand Charm


Required Level: 37


Fingerprint: 0x2fe36704


Item Level: 80


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+9 to Maximum Damage


+50 to Attack Rating


+28 to Life




Full Rejuvenation Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 100%


Replenishes Health 100%




Super Healing Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenish Life +320




Super Healing Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenish Life +320




Bitter Hold


Ring


Required Level: 13


Fingerprint: 0x4d35dc1a


Item Level: 95


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+10% Faster Cast Rate


+23 to Attack Rating


3% Life stolen per hit


+10 to Life


Cold Resist +5%




Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%




Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%




Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%




Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%




Super Mana Potion


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Replenishes Mana 250%




Wizardspike


Bone Knife


One Hand Damage: 23 - 49


Durability: 23 of 26


Required Level: 61


Required Strength: 38


Required Dexterity: 75


Fingerprint: 0x2502d138


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Indestructible


+50% Faster Cast Rate


Increase Maximum Mana 15%


+198 to Mana (Based on Character Level)


Regenerate Mana 15%


All Resistances +75




Wizardspike


Bone Knife


One Hand Damage: 23 - 49


Durability: 19 of 26


Required Level: 61


Required Strength: 38


Required Dexterity: 75


Fingerprint: 0x1d7635f8


Item Level: 99


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Indestructible


+50% Faster Cast Rate


Increase Maximum Mana 15%


+198 to Mana (Based on Character Level)


Regenerate Mana 15%


All Resistances +75




Grief


Phase Blade


EthTirLoMalRal


One Hand Damage: 31 - 35


Indestructible


Required Level: 59


Required Strength: 25


Required Dexterity: 136


Fingerprint: 0x17db99b9


Item Level: 79


Version: Expansion 1.10+


35% Chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking


+31% Increased Attack Speed


Damage +390


Ignore Target's Defense


-25% Target Defense


+185% Damage to Demons (Based on Character Level)


Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage


-21% to Enemy Poison Resistance


20% Deadly Strike


Prevent Monster Heal


+2 to Mana after each Kill


+12 Life after each Kill


5 Sockets (5 used)


Socketed: Eth Rune


Socketed: Tir Rune


Socketed: Lo Rune


Socketed: Mal Rune


Socketed: Ral Rune




Eth Rune


Required Level: 15


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: -25% Target Defense


Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%


Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%




Tir Rune


Required Level: 13


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill


Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill


Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill




Lo Rune


Required Level: 59


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike


Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist




Mal Rune


Required Level: 49


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal


Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7


Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7




Ral Rune


Required Level: 19


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage


Armor: Fire Resist +30%


Shields: Fire Resist +35%




Beast


Berserker Axe


BerTirUmMalLum


One Hand Damage: 84 - 249


Durability: 26 of 26


Required Level: 64


Required Strength: 138


Required Dexterity: 59


Fingerprint: 0xe97d1db


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped


+40% Increased Attack Speed


252% Enhanced Damage


20% Chance of Crushing Blow


25% Chance of Open Wounds


Prevent Monster Heal


+3 to Werebear


+3 to Lycanthropy


+34 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




Ber Rune


Required Level: 63


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow


Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%


Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%




Tir Rune


Required Level: 13


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill


Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill


Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill




Um Rune


Required Level: 47


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 25% Chance of Open Wounds


Armor: Cold Resist +15%


Lightning Resist +15%


Fire Resist +15%


Poison Resist +15%


Shields: Cold Resist +22%


Lightning Resist +22%


Fire Resist +22%


Poison Resist +22%




Mal Rune


Required Level: 49


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal


Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7


Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7




Lum Rune


Required Level: 37


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +10 to Energy


Armor: +10 to Energy


Shields: +10 to Energy




Mercenary:




Name: Fazel


Race: Desert Mercenary


Type: Off-Nightmare


Experience: 114113786


Level: 98


Dead?: false




Naked/Gear


Strength: 209/209


Dexterity: 169/169


HP: 2287/2287


Defense: 1671/3637


AR: 2066/2066




Fire: 162/122/62


Cold: 162/122/62


Lightning: 162/122/62


Poison: 162/122/62




Delirium


Demonhead


LemIstIo


Defense: 528


Durability: 11 of 11


Required Level: 55


Required Strength: 92


Fingerprint: 0x8426e7c0


Item Level: 85


Version: Expansion 1.10+


1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck


6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck


14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck


11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking


+2 to All Skills


+261 Defense


+10 to Vitality


50% Extra Gold from Monsters


25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)


Ethereal


3 Sockets (3 used)


Socketed: Lem Rune


Socketed: Ist Rune


Socketed: Io Rune




Lem Rune


Required Level: 43


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters


Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters


Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters




Ist Rune


Required Level: 51


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items


Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items




Io Rune


Required Level: 35


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +10 to Vitality


Armor: +10 to Vitality


Shields: +10 to Vitality






The Gladiator's Bane


Wire Fleece


Defense: 1438


Durability: 21 of 135


Required Level: 85


Required Strength: 111


Fingerprint: 0xcf0ea1bf


Item Level: 87


Version: Expansion 1.10+


+30% Faster Hit Recovery


+188% Enhanced Defense


+50 Defense


Damage Reduced by 20


Magic Damage Reduced by 15


Cannot Be Frozen


Poison Length Reduced by 50%


Attacker Takes Damage of 20


+103 Maximum Durability






The Reaper's Toll


Thresher


Two Hand Damage: 40 - 479


Durability: 65 of 65


Required Level: 75


Required Strength: 114


Required Dexterity: 89


Fingerprint: 0x56e79060


Item Level: 87


Version: Expansion 1.10+


33% Chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking


+20% Increased Attack Speed


240% Enhanced Damage


Ignore Target's Defense


Adds 4 - 44 Cold Damage Over 0 Secs (9 Frames)


11% Life stolen per hit


33% Deadly Strike


Requirements -25%


1 Sockets (1 used)


Socketed: Shael Rune




Shael Rune


Required Level: 29


Version: Expansion 1.10+


Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed


Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery


Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate


rip lvl 98 nihla: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/444011136?filter=highlights&sort=time

rip lvl 97 baals: https://livestream.clips.gg/LivelySweetEggnogKAPOW


So yeah, i think thats it, feel free to ask if u wanna know somethin.

heres a video of the last million and the up to lvl 99.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted July 30, 2019

An Explosive Conclusion: Untwinked Necromancer Hits 99

Pestilence was my fourth entrant in the relaunch of the untwinked 99er challenge hosted by @Kitteh. He now joins the Table of Heroes, along with Mercy (trapper assassin), Hiatus (Blizz sorc 1-98 and lightning sorc 98-99), and Phaedrus (Hammerdin).

I started Pestilence in late November 2017, while Hiatus was making her final push at Nihl, as a planned untwinked entry and he moved through Act 1 over Thanksgiving weekend. He had progressed to A2 Palace by New Year’s, and after Hiatus pinged 99 and Phaedrus had started moving again and reached lvl 95, his untwinked 99er journey started in earnest.

This guy had truly ridiculous luck for an untwinked playthrough, with multiple rare items perfect for a Novamancer dropping just for him. So he was a blast, especially in the gearing stage, with several stare-at-the-screen-in-disbelief moments. His drops were quite poor for the last level at Nihl (but still decent due to sheer number of runs), but his progress was smooth and fast. In all, I’m quite proud of this guy.

We’ll open with a vid of the last few Nihl runs, followed by summary of his progress, run down of key finds, final stats and gear, and then some concluding thoughts and thanks.

Progress
Pestilence’s career had four distinct phases, with the least amount of target switching for any of my 99ers so far.

Playthrough to Hell Anya Quest
As summarized in this post and this post, Pestilence started as a Fishymancer and quested through the Hell Anya quest and lvl 81 by the end of January. He played direct through Normal at mostly p7 and p5, and then p1 through Nightmare. He was nearly maxed on resists for Hell with basics from a brief stop at NM Meph and leveling at Pindle, making for a smooth transition. The next stretch was uneventful, with minimal drops through Anya.

Lower Kurast
Pestlience then transitioned to LK in search of runes. It also delivered some nice charms along the way, beginning with his first PnB skiller of Vita and Sur #1 in quick succession. He then had another solid stretch, finally picking up the third Lum to allow Harmony :rolleyes: and a Vex for HotO, followed by Sur #2 and his second PnB skiller of Vita.

Around this time, I entered Quinta in the S/U Worshipper tourney, so I generally was splitting time among her, Phaedrus, and Pestilence through the end of the year. But Pestilence continued in LK, with Sur #3, Lo, and some nice charms summarized here, Sur #4 here, and Sur #5 here, allowing him to make Enigma before the end of March 2018.

The Pit
That game-changing runeword allowed him to respec to Novamancer and transition to the Pit, where he stayed pretty much all the way to 98, with two brief stints back at LK, a lucrative sidetrack to Council, and some dabbling at Nihl to find GCs to reroll.

Progress from lvl 82 to 89 is summarized here, with a nice 4os eth Giant Thresher becoming an Insight upgrade (and eventually Infinity) and Shako. Then he his ridiculous luck continued in quick succession, prompting some speculation from others that I’d used up all the SPF luck for a while ;)

It began with Dweb, with a nice roll to boot, on his way to lvl 93, as summarized here. That stretch also included Arachnid’s and Andy’s, which were two end-game pieces of gear, so quite nice. Having reached lvl 93, he planned to burn through his pAmethysts, but didn’t have to go further than the 11th craft before hitting gold with a 2/20 necro amulet, along with gambling a 1/20 coronet that allowed 125 FCR set up with Dweb.

I was hooked on this guy at this point, and he continued moving to lvl 93.5, picking up a fourth PnB skiller and Darkforce, which was an overall grailer for me at that point. He had cube socketed a 4os eth Dusk Shroud, and a Lo dropped on the way to lvl 94, allowing a major merc upgrade in Fortitude. He then detoured for 1000 LK runs with enough to cube to a Sur.

Pestilence then returned to the Pit and progressed to lvl 94.5, with noteworthy drops a 5/5 poison facet prompting him to reroll his Pit map to grab Normal socket quest for DWeb, and with a Templar’s. On the way to Lvl 95, he rolled a +6 BO CtA to replace his original +1 BO roll. He then netted his last major gear upgrade in Infinity, with a Sur dropping while messing around at Council prompting him to focus on LK again, and a few hours later he had two more Surs to cube up.

He pushed to lvl 95.5 in advance of the MFO Warmup tourney hosted by @ffs in July, and made it to lvl 96.5 over those 20 hours plus a little extra. As noted in that update, he netted a Griffon’s during this stretch, which bested the 1/20 coronet for a 125 FCR setup. Pestilence was then parked, as I focused on Quinta as my MFO entry and Phaedrus made his push to 99. When Phaedrus dinged the last level in November, Pestilence pushed to lvl 97 with quite some nice drops for that half level.

I’d decided to stay in the Pit in advance of the MFO Warmup tourney, and then at least to finish the level there, but was hoping I could make another option would work for faster XP from 97-98. I wasn’t able to find a better option, so he remained in the Pit despite netting only a little more than 3M XP/hr, by far the slowest of my characters for this stretch.

Although somewhat slow, progress was smooth and the drops were plenty throughout the level, with updates at lvl 97.25, lvl 97.5, lvl 97.75, lvl 97.9 and lvl 98. Highlights for the level were a Jah, not one but two Unique Sacred Armors (both Templar’s), two unique Caducei, and Earthshifter x2, which was an overall grailer and brought me to grail -2.

Nihlathak
We then transitioned to our pasty friend in the Halls, and went toe-to-toe in a CE battle. Except for an early death when testing things out (about 4M in), Pestilence came out on top every time :) The drops were really poor, with only 5 Vex+ runes (and the two highest a Lo and a Sur), and a high roll Griffon’s. But after his luck leading up to this level, no complaints at all.

The other nice part was he had the fastest XP/hr so far for my characters on Nihl, consistently getting 3M. I managed to shorten the S&E lag from 6-7s average to closer to 4s, which helped a lot. But he also could manage almost every roll, so there were few aborted runs. I think the limited drops actually helped the XP/hr a bit also.

The other thing about the necro was how important the map roll was, particularly how often mobs spawned around Nihl’s platform. With the IG and merc charging blindly ahead, Viper clouds weren’t a danger to Pestilence, but the merc dropped frequently until I rolled a nice map.

His progress is summarized in the following posts: testing up to lvl 98.05, as my entry to RFL Round 3 up to lvl 98.33, lvl 98.5, lvl 98.75, and lvl 99.

A vid that I made on his final map is below to show a representative sample of how things went, including FI Stone Skin rolls! Below that is the vid of Ancients, which I chickened out and took at p1, because I thought it could be interesting with only amp and pNova, but was mostly just funny because of how OP merc and IG were. Amp roll wasn't even a concern!
(I generally have a fairly mellow Pandora stream going when running, so sorry if the background music isn't to your taste :p)

Finds
Although slow for XP, focusing on the Pit led to some solid S/U drops, including lots of Unique TC87s, and also some decent progress on my ethereal grail once I remembered to start checking drops for eth status. I’m pretty sure his stashed charms and rares are solid, so I look forward to sorting through those.

He also had good rune luck up to lvl 98, allowing him to build a body recovery kit Enigma for Nihl (which was thankfully not needed). The key runewords he made are below:
Code:
Enigma x2
CtA x2
HoTo x2
eth Fortitude
Infinity
Exile (for rune word grail)
The high runes still in the stash are Mal x5, Ist x3, Gul x4, Ohm x5, Lo x4, Sur x1, and Ber x1. As with the other three 99ers, there are too many nice items to summarize, so I will just list a couple favorites:
Code:
PnB Skiller of Vita x2
6 more PnB skillers, for a full backpack if desired!
DWeb
Earthshifter x2 (overall grailer)
Darkforce Spawn x3 (overall grailer)

Stats, Gear, and Merc
I removed readouts of the runes included in runewords to shorten things.
Code:
 Name:       Pestilence
Class:      Necromancer
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

Naked/Gear
Strength:   83/164
Dexterity:  31/40
Vitality:   441/470
Energy:     25/32
HP:         1104/1854
Mana:       221/508
Stamina:    603/831
Defense:    7/1491
AR:         110/200

Fire:       149/109/49
Cold:       133/93/33
Lightning:  103/63/3
Poison:     127/87/27

MF:         219       Block:      5
GF:         217
FR/W:       85
FHR:        60
IAS:        40
FCR:        85

Amplify Damage: 1/13
Dim Vision: 1/13
Weaken: 0/0
Iron Maiden: 0/0
Terror: 0/0
Confuse: 1/13
Life Tap: 0/0
Attract: 1/13
Decrepify: 0/0
Lower Resist: 0/0

Teeth: 1/14
Bone Armor: 0/0
Poison Dagger: 20/33
Corpse Explosion: 20/33
Bone Wall: 0/0
Poison Explosion: 20/33
Bone Spear: 0/0
Bone Prison: 0/0
Poison Nova: 20/33
Bone Spirit: 0/0

Skeleton Mastery: 0/0
Raise Skeleton: 0/0
Clay Golem: 1/11
Golem Mastery: 20/30
Raise Skeletal Mage: 0/0
Blood Golem: 1/11
Summon Resist: 1/11
Iron Golem: 1/11
Fire Golem: 0/0
Revive: 0/0
Code:
Trang-Oul's Claws
Heavy Bracers
Defense: 69
Durability: 14 of 16
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0x965b98e3
Item Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+25% to Poison Skill Damage
+30 Defense
Cold Resist +30%

Aldur's Advance
Battle Boots
Defense: 47
Durability: 16 of 18
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xb359ea83
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+50 to Life
+180 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 32%
Fire Resist +50%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Set (2 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (3 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (4 items): +15 to Dexterity

Pestilence's Enigma
Breast Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 828
Durability: 45 of 50
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0x179c5fd8
Item Level: 50
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+762 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Doom Spiral
Ring
Required Level: 74
Fingerprint: 0x3561afe
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to Minimum Damage
+45 to Attack Rating
6% Mana stolen per hit
All Resistances +11
Poison Resist +24%

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x74b31fc7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+40 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
Fire Absorb 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 14
100% Extra Gold from Monsters

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x27a8f6c8
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +27

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 132
Durability: 8 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x39d48942
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+110% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Pestilence's Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 122
Durability: 6 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xc6dd8ab2
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 23 Venom when you Level-Up
+2 to All Skills
Adds 37 Poison Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+5% to Poison Skill Damage
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0x79355403
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 23 Venom when you Level-Up
Adds 37 Poison Damage Over 2 Secs (50 Frames)
-5% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+5% to Poison Skill Damage

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x6acdd562
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +32
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 140
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 78 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x51fe094b
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+111 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 54
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xe92ff96b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
265% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+6 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+3 to Battle Cry
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

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 143
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x327ce544
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+100 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+4 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Code:
Fungal Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x3b4c50e2
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)
+39 to Life

Fungal Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xab3193b9
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)

Fungal Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x85ff09c0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)
+40 to Life

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x745b9d0b
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
117% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 10%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf685c245
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+11 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xfaeeb1e3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life


Ruby Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x27e931f9
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Dexterity
Fire Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xdc6b7dc6
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Rugged Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x64b8eb3f
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+8 Maximum Stamina

Garnet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x2fed7689
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Fire Resist +9%

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xca32ecbc
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+10 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xaad5e739
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbda0dc8e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd04415fe
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ruby Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xad738c60
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xeb07869c
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xae1f7328
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x715aede7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
+16 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1ea375e0
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xaa1555d5
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x93f51bfe
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf2eeaad2
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xff006004
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb8e225d9
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x62a925a3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Lizard's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1b42c33f
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+2 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x21bae0c5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x37c66bf7
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Code:
Enigma
Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 873
Durability: 44 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0x62bdea76
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+766 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 106
Durability: 6 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xe7abec4e
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+148 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+148 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 19 - 57
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0xa59cb6a8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
280% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+6 to Battle Command
+2 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 135
Durability: 11 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x1b53f25
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+115% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (9/11 Charges)

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x4aa275aa
Item Level: 60
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +30
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Homunculus
Hierophant Trophy
Defense: 184
Chance to Block: 52
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 58
Fingerprint: 0xdb197ec3
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Curses (Necromancer only)
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+30% Faster Block Rate
40% Increased Chance of Blocking
+160% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Energy
Regenerate Mana 33%
All Resistances +40
+5 to Mana after each Kill

Bone Beads
Amulet
Required Level: 89
Fingerprint: 0x7d52d88
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+3 to Minimum Damage
+16 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 4%
All Resistances +11
9% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Insight
Cryptic Axe
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 117 - 492
Durability: 56 of 65
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 165
Required Dexterity: 103
Fingerprint: 0x97479ec6
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 13 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
228% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
191% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+4 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Code:
Name:       Alhizeer
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 114104776
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/238
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2398
Defense:    1671/5142
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       157/117/57
Cold:       187/147/87
Lightning:  187/147/87
Poison:    257/217/157

Fortitude
Dusk Shroud
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3132
Durability: 11 of 11
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 67
Fingerprint: 0x3c7aabc5
Item Level: 85
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
+111 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
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 339
Durability: 10 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0x6cca8d34
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
10% Life stolen per hit
+119% Enhanced Defense
+29 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
Level 3 Venom (14/20 Charges)

Infinity
Giant Thresher
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 232 - 661
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 178
Required Dexterity: 130
Fingerprint: 0xb0613822
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
287% Enhanced Damage
-55% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Because he spent more time with his leveling gear, his gear when he finished up in the Pit is at the bottom of the update post for lvl 98 :)

Finally, I don’t regret socketing the Griffon’s for a pTopaz, given his drops from 97-98. But having an IAS jewel in Andy’s would have made a difference in terms of speed for Nihl. It was safe and fast enough without, but I would definitely encourage anyone trying Nihl with a necro to go that route for dropping those corpses faster.

Thank You-s
I have to start with thanks to this forum and everyone who participated or contributed to this thread, with special thanks to @Kitteh for (re)starting this challenge. As I’ve said before, it’s much easier to plug away with company :)

-- Special thanks go to @Pb_pal, @Nano and @T72on1 who were in it from the beginning and have stayed active in this thread, and also have helped with feedback and encouragement throughout.

-- Major thanks also to the continued entries, especially @ffs @Bewitch @Yng who’ve gotten characters to 99 and are still active here, and the more recent participants who are keeping this thread lively. It’s much more engaging with an active community to share progress, and the community here is a major contributor to my motivation to keep these 99ers going.

-- @ffs gets a special shout out for showing the way with Ric, and for the ongoing encouragement to keep our characters going if the other does also. To repeat the script from Phaedrus’ write up, Lucid appears on track to ping 99 soon, so I will at least offer to keep Quinta moving until then so maybe you’ll get a fourth entrant! ;)

What’s Next-es
Pestilence will finish off Baal, and then he will be an option for future RFLs and MFOs (Cows, Council, the Pit). I also plan to go on a gambling spree in my general stash for coronets/circlets, so he may even get some 2/20 headgear!

I want to get back to questing through my new Druid until he can equip to become grief/fury and level in Pits until he can equip the eTomby. And I plan to keep pushing my Overburdened tourney druid, who’s part way into A2 Hell, and a candidate to continue as an untwinked 99er entry some day.

Finally, we will continue pushing Quinta and Death, likely focusing on Quinta in the hopes that she can reach 97.25 between now and MFO (she’s currently around 97.15). Then she will be my MFO entry for Baal, with hopes of getting her past 97.5 and on her way to 97.75. That should allow her reach 98 and transition to Nihl before we leave for vacation in mid-October. It’s not too much time to get Death to 95, so that may also be a weekend project along the way.

As per tradition, I'm liking the character screen!
Screenshot002.jpg
In closing, a final thanks to everyone who followed along and provided encouragement for Pestilence and my other 99ers. Questions and feedback are most welcome. Cheers :)
 
Last edited:
Originally posted on Oct 8, 2019

The title says it all really; Klaus has made it.


61PGw41.jpg


Created as a participant in the Untwinked 99er Reboot, his journey was straightforward, but less than conventional. He started from the get-go as a fire druid, intent on staying that way for his entire career. I'll say this right now to get it out of the way; if you are planning on taking a character to 99, fire is NOT an efficient element to choose as your main source of damage. Many of the most efficient leveling areas are riddled with FIs, and some are just plain impossible to run well (I'm looking at you, unbreakable-FI Lister).

I'll leave the rambling for later, first is a quick rundown of his build, with a full dump to follow:

Stats:
Code:
Name:       Klaus
Class:      Druid
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   58/158
Dexterity:  20/38
Vitality:   487/487
Energy:     20/50
HP:         1181/1536
Mana:       216/327
Stamina:    638/638
Defense:    5/1653
AR:         70/162

Fire:       185/145/85
Cold:       133/93/33
Lightning:  187/147/87
Poison:     136/96/36

MF:         122       Block:      4
GF:         0
FR/W:       45
FHR:        0
IAS:        0
FCR:        99

Raven: 1/16
Oak Sage: 20/28
Summon Spirit Wolf: 1/9
Summon Dire Wolf: 1/9
Summon Grizzly: 5/13

Firestorm: 20/36
Molten Boulder: 20/36
Arctic Blast: 1/16
Fissure: 20/36
Cyclone Armor: 1/16
Volcano: 20/36

Equipment
Head: Ravenlore socketed with +4/-5 Fire Facet
Body: 'Enigma' Breast Plate
Belt: Arachnid's Mesh
Gloves: Magefist
Boots: Rare Boots (FR/LR/MF)
Main Weapon: 'HoTo' Flail
Main Shield: 'Phoenix' Monarch
Amulet:
Code:
Rune Collar
Amulet
Required Level: 89
Fingerprint: 0x8c7c3a41
Item Level: 91
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Druid Skill Levels
+9% Faster Cast Rate
+26 to Strength
+15 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 9%
Cold Resist +19%
Fire Resist +7%
Rings: Nature's Peace + Rare FCR/FR ring
Switch: CtA (+6BO)/Spirit

Charms: 4 Elemental skillers, the rest are +life and/or +resist SCs

Mercenary:
Razan - Might (to speed up killing of FIs)
Head: Delerium
Body: CoH (Archon Plate)
Wep: Infinity (Eth GPA)

And for those who like them, here is a full dump (with some fat trimmed out, of course):

Code:
Name:       Klaus
Class:      Druid
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   58/158
Dexterity:  20/38
Vitality:   487/487
Energy:     20/50
HP:         1181/1536
Mana:       216/327
Stamina:    638/638
Defense:    5/1653
AR:         70/162

Fire:       185/145/85
Cold:       133/93/33
Lightning:  187/147/87
Poison:     136/96/36

MF:         122       Block:      4
GF:         0
FR/W:       45
FHR:        0
IAS:        0
FCR:        99

Raven: 1/16
Poison Creeper: 0/0
Oak Sage: 20/28
Summon Spirit Wolf: 1/9
Carrion Vine: 0/0
Heart of Wolverine: 0/0
Summon Dire Wolf: 1/9
Solar Creeper: 0/0
Spirit of Barbs: 0/0
Summon Grizzly: 5/13

Werewolf: 0/0
Lycanthropy: 0/0
Werebear: 0/0
Feral Rage: 0/0
Maul: 0/0
Rabies: 0/0
Fire Claws: 0/0
Hunger: 0/0
Shock Wave: 0/0
Fury: 0/0

Firestorm: 20/36
Molten Boulder: 20/36
Arctic Blast: 1/16
Fissure: 20/36
Cyclone Armor: 1/16
Twister: 0/0
Volcano: 20/36
Tornado: 0/0
Armageddon: 0/0
Hurricane: 0/0

Amber Small Charm of Shock
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x7ab246bb
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 3 Lightning Damage
Lightning Resist +11%

Natural Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x22b34a0f
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Elemental Skills (Druid Only)

Ocher Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x219e72dd
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +7%
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x885ee06e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+17 to Mana

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x640d68f3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+17 to Life
+13 to Mana

Crimson Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x6fad3b1a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +4%

Amber Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x557a85f5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +10%
6% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x8c2871ae
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xe1077ab4
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +11%

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x429fc9d5
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Garnet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x46731b10
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+13 to Life
Fire Resist +8%

Cobalt Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xbd6d93c8
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Cold Resist +9%

Ruby Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xc89d3e3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Fire Resist +10%

Stalwart Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x950fe38a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+24 Defense
+19 to Life

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x7d70f83f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Amber Small Charm of Dexterity
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0xe06fdce3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Dexterity
Lightning Resist +10%

Russet Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x627178b5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Fire Resist +7%

Bronze Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xfd8d71f7
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Attack Rating
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf65c7929
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb9a6a96e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Viridian Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x580135c9
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Poison Resist +6%

Stout Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf1eb8e33
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 Defense
+19 to Life

Natural Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xeae22165
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Elemental Skills (Druid Only)
+21 to Life

Tangerine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9a367106
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Lightning Resist +4%

Natural Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x7fd6b992
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Elemental Skills (Druid Only)

Natural Grand Charm
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x46f50a9b
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Elemental Skills (Druid Only)

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x1f98aa63
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x90ce0a2e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Ravenlore
Sky Spirit
Defense: 361
Durability: 17 of 20
Required Level: 74
Required Strength: 113
Fingerprint: 0x7e5a6a7a
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 31 Meteor when you Die
+3 to Elemental Skills (Druid Only)
Adds 17 - 45 Fire Damage
-25% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+4% to Fire Skill Damage
+7 to Raven (Druid Only)
+132% Enhanced Defense
+30 to Energy
All Resistances +23
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Rainbow Facet

Rainbow Facet
Jewel
Required Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xeecb7948
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 31 Meteor when you Die
Adds 17 - 45 Fire Damage
-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+4% to Fire Skill Damage

Rune Collar
Amulet
Required Level: 89
Fingerprint: 0x8c7c3a41
Item Level: 91
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Druid Skill Levels
+9% Faster Cast Rate
+26 to Strength
+15 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 9%
Cold Resist +19%
Fire Resist +7%

Enigma
Breast Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 827
Durability: 48 of 50
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0x6279614f
Item Level: 20
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+761 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Rune Whorl
Ring
Required Level: 41
Fingerprint: 0xdcd9c120
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
12% Chance to cast level 4 Nova when struck
+10% Faster Cast Rate
Replenish Life +7
+66 to Mana
Fire Resist +20%

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0xdccabeef
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +25%
Damage Reduced by 11
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 136
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x49d4209c
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+117% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Viper Slippers
Greaves
Defense: 14
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 70
Fingerprint: 0x95190ffe
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Dexterity
Heal Stamina Plus 25%
Lightning Resist +40%
Fire Resist +13%
11% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Repairs 1 Durability in 33 Seconds

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 25
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0xe66a9324
Item Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+30% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%

Call to Arms
Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 49
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x612eb2c2
Item Level: 80
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 Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 140
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x3d8ebc39
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+28% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+95 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

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 36
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 25
Fingerprint: 0xd2626073
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +37
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Phoenix
Monarch
VexVexLoJah
Defense: 141
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 81 of 86
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x5ef44138
Item Level: 88
Version: Expansion 1.10+
100% Chance to cast level 40 Blaze when you Level-Up
40% Chance to cast level 22 Firestorm on striking
Level 10 Redemption Aura When Equipped
384% Enhanced Damage
-28% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+354 Defense vs. Missile
+50 to Life
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+10% to Maximum Fire Resist
+16 Fire Absorb
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune



Mercenary:

Name:       Razan
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 114102228
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/209
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2386
Defense:    1671/3596
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       187/147/87
Cold:       187/147/87
Lightning:  187/147/87
Poison:    187/147/87

Delirium
Superior Death Mask
LemIstIo
Defense: 356
Durability: 15 of 20
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0xcee8b25f
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+10% Enhanced Defense
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune


Fortitude
Archon Plate
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 1569
Durability: 44 of 60
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x7755a782
Item Level: 88
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
+99 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

Infinity
Great Poleaxe
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 276 - 760
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 169
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0x5b01eb6f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
300% Enhanced Damage
-45% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

--

The Journey

Now for some (how's THAT for an understatement!) notes on his journey to 99, and all the fun and frustration that befell him along the way!

As previously mentioned, he started as a pure fire druid from day 1. For anyone who hasn't played one before, this essentially means that he absolutely mowed his way through normal and nightmare, reaching Destroyer and Conqueror at 44 and 70, respectively. Upon reaching Hell, he decided on a whim to take a stroll through the Mausoleum and found himself a Jah. His next course of action was obvious; bee-line for LK and start hitting some chests!

Assembling the Gear

I thought since he had found a huge piece of Enigma so quickly that his stay in LK would be (relatively) short. In fact, in all my infinite wisdom I even had this to say about it:

So with that Jah taking a considerable chunk of running away, at ~900 runs/Sur Klaus is looking at ~5400 runs for Enigma/Infinity assuming average luck. I'll throw in a buffer for some reduced luck due to finding that Jah and I'm gonna guess 6500 for my goal. Let's see how that turns out!

His time in LK was... interesting. Both his first set of 1000 runs, as well as his 2nd set went by with nothing higher than an Ohm.

Then in the 3rd set run 2151 exceeded expectations and popped us a Ber rune! Klaus took that opportunity to take a break from LK, make an Enigma, HoTo(37 res), and CtA (+6 BO!) and move on questing. I didn't have a base for his eventual Infinity yet so it made sense to make some progress in terms of questing/levels while looking for one. He made it to Pindle at 79, got a few upgrades for the merc, and ran him exclusively until 90. At that point Klaus started mixing in AT runs in between bouts of Pindling, and was very happy he didn't abandon the guy completely when he made a game-changing find:

qmFV4wK.jpg


Shortly after this he hit 93 (giving him the magical 'time-to-start-crafting' level) in the AT and found a base for Infinity (and another Ravenlore!) so it was time to head back to LK.

Picking up where he left off he finished the 3rd set of 1k runs, as well as the fourth AND the fifth without finding a single Sur. The law of averages finally caught up with him and in the sixth set he got not one, not two, but THREE Surs. Then, finally, on run 6497 he got his final Sur. Not so bad on my prediction after all, huh? :D

At this point he made Infinity, Fortitude, and Delerium for the merc, did some crafting and some general charm adjustments and headed for the Tunnels.


Turning attention to XP

With fire as his only element, his options for XP were limited. The only real efficient target pre-97 turned out to be the Ancient Tunnels, so that's where he lived. He hit 94, participated in an MFO which got him to 95 (placing third), FINALLY found an Arachnid's Mesh just before 96. XP was slowing down now, but despite testing all sorts of options, AT reigned supreme until 97.

From here his path diverged a little bit and I found out that doing Diablo runs was actually more efficient (and runnable!) at this stage. I ran D until about 3.00B XP, and after finding back-to-back Ber runes Klaus made himself his final big piece of equipment.

DOHMiA6.jpg


A massive re-gear ensued and I kitted him out for full survival mode. He continued to run Diablo (p1/p7 runs) until about 97.2, at which point I could no longer resist the allure of Nihlathak's increased XP rates. One final re-gear and it was time to settle in for 17k runs of mr pasty.

The Final Level (plus some extra)

Nihlathak runs were, for the most part, extremely safe. Even with 5k+ life and maxed resistances it could still turn sour quite quickly, most notably in Oak Sage bit it. The first stint of running him taught me that, as well as the lesson of 'don't be a hero'. Don't try to teleport out of a pack of snakes, don't be stubborn and think you can rejuv your way out of it. Just S+E and live to fight another day. Funnily enough the final level has the least amount to talk about, really. For those curious, I laid out a general strategy of what Nihl running is like with a Fire druid:

With more numbers in, I feel comfortable giving some thoughts on running Nihlathak with a fire druid. First off, the XP is comparable to running Diablo with an XP shrine every run, so it's significantly faster. Faster, of course, is relative. A typical run is somewhere around 35 seconds, going as low as 30 but as high as 40 depending on the run. Consistency (in terms of run times) is not really a thing for fire druids, just by nature of how Fissure works.

Sometimes it absolutely mows Nihl and company, other times it literally just doesn't hit him. It makes sense, since he's such a narrow target, but it sure can be frustrating. General strategy is as follows:

1. Teleport in to a safe landing spot on the outside of Nihl's platform, throw a Fissure in and then use the casting delay time to figure out your next step.

If it's safe:
2. Keep Fissuring if he's in a "sweet spot" and taking damage, or telebomb and Firestorm him to death (very effective, as long as he doesn't go on a teleporting spree)

If it's not safe (active vipers, tons of witches/archers etc)
2. Either Fissure from the outside, or Volcano if Fissure isn't hitting. I'll also use Volcano if he only has a bit of health left, as it's the most reliable (even if not the most damaging) skill.

Always abort on FE, it's just too slow.

That about covers it really. Soon enough he had hit 97.5 (with another NDE) and then he officially made it to the final level. By now I had hit my stride with nihl runs, so they generally became safer. 98.1 gave him a Ber and Ohm, meaning he had already surpassed Eleanor's runecount from her entire Nihl-running experience. He followed that up with a Jah+Sur in the next 10%, and slowly plodded along hitting 98.3, 98.4, and then crossed the 3.4B border and hit 98.6. It took him all the way to 98.7 to find his first +skill ring (which he couldn't use anyway, due to fcr breakpoints) and then made his last big push to 98.8, where he cashed in his Ancients reward to put him within sight of the finish line. He participated in the Mini-RFL running (obviously) in the Nihlathak category, and that carried him through to the end.

--

ROONZ!

Everybody always wants to know how many runes you can find when taking a character to 99, so here is a breakdown of the Pul+ rocks Klaus found along the way.

First, organized by where he found them:
Code:
Mausoleum:
    Jah x 1
 
LK:
    Pul x 6
    Um x 2
    Mal x 8
    Ist x 3
    Gul x 2
    Vex x 4
    Ohm x 4
    Sur x 4
    Ber x 1
 
AT:
    Pul x 4
    Um x 2
    Mal x 2
    Ist x 2
    Gul x 2
    Vex x 1
    Lo x 1     
 
CS/Diablo:
    Ber x 2
     
Nihl:
    Pul x 3
    Um x 3
    Mal x 1
    Ist x 1
    Gul x 2
    Vex x 2
    Ohm x 2
    Lo x 1
    Sur x 2
    Ber x 3
    Jah x 2
         
Other (questing):    Pul x 1

And then, a final tally:
Code:
Pul: 14
Um: 7
Mal: 11
Ist: 6
Gul: 6
Vex: 7
Ohm: 6
Lo: 2
Sur: 6
Ber: 6
Jah: 3

Rundrop Grail -2. Not bad.

Final thoughts:
- That's a lot of life. Usually way more than I needed, but sometimes just barely enough. It's a bit of a strange dichotomy, but I had nothing else to spend the stat points on (definitely not going max block with a Monarch) so I never felt like I was sacrificing other things to get a high life pool.
- NDES; I had a few both in LK and Nihlathak runs. As mentioned before they mostly happen when Oak Sage dies, so you really have to pay attention to that little guy.
- He found three Ravenlores. THREE. One from Pindle, one from AT, and one from Nihl. Luckily, the very first one was the best of the bunch so his socket quest was well-used.
- His Hellforge was a pitiful Lum
- He ended up being right on track according to the numbers in his LK adventures, but going 5k runs without a Sur, and then finding 3 within 350 runs of each other was a bit of a rollercoaster. RNG, you little devil.
- Grail sits at 433, which I'm quite happy with since he didn't do much dedicated MFing other than that one MFO he participated in. That's 4 shy of what Eleanor did, btw.

Future Plans:
Not quite sure, really. I might use him as a cow runner during future RFLs if I want to get some HC runes to deed with other chars, but other than that I think he'll mostly just enjoy some well-needed rest.

Special thanks as always to the Untwinked 99er crowd for all the help theorycrafting, and all the encouragement along the way! Everyone in the thread from the old runners to the new, thank you for the encouragement, help, and willingness to listen to my ramblings along the way. I feel compelled to give special shoutouts to the following individuals:

@PhineasB @ffs @T72on1 - Staples of the thread. So much encouragement, theorycrafting, and sanity checks. Couldn't have done it without your encouragement.
@RIP - Kaira was Klaus' main running-mate in HC for a good chunk of his journey, she provided much motivation and encouragement along the way, I hope Klaus did her proud.

Of course, thank you to everyone in the SPF. None of this would happen without any of you.
 
Originally posted on Dec 14, 2019


Hello!

It will be a pretty long post, so prepare for a substantial amount of reading XD I will talk a little bit about my d2 "career" first and then why and how i came with an idea of doing this particular barb that this thread is about along with a write up about him, screenshots, clips and some memories. You can skip to the third paragraph if you aren't interested in reading about my "career".



My D2 history

I've been playing that one popular mod for like 2,5 years already (started in november 2016). Did a few chars there (lvled up a sorc to 97 and a barb to 98). That barb was ment to be a pitzerker, cause my main objective was to finish The Holy Grail. I got the necessary gear and created him in june 2017. Did about 20k pitruns with him, got many cool and rare items, but sadly not a single tyrael's... Was watching youtube videos and reading guides created by many players from this forum. I started watching @Bewitch's streams in early 2019, discovered @drmalawi's channel on youtube, met @Luhkoh and some other players. I was a little bit bored with grailing, so i decided to lvl up my pitzerker to 99. After hitting 98 with him i realised that there is something more interesting than what i am doing and I created my untwinked barbarian (mainly because of @Bewitch's influence and also a fact that barb is probably my favourite class). I wanted a challenge and that was a really tempting possibility, because i have never done an untwinked barb playthrough and wasn't that much familiar with untwinked stuff at all XD



Early game

Untwinked barb was created on 4th of May if i'm not mistaken and was ment to get to 99 with using only melee builds (did a fresh installation, patched it to 1.14d, downloaded gomule, RWM mod and glide). I went with double swing from the start (typical stuff) and switched to frenzy later on. Went through normal without many problems and farmed eldrich for lvls. Don't remember what lvl i was when i started nightmare, probably something like lvl 40. Farmed countess to make dual black runeword. Got to NM Andy and farmed her a little bit for basic gear. Then i rushed to NM mephisto and was switching between farming those 2 for some time. I remember getting 290+ ed ribcracker from Meph which was supernice. When i had pretty much all i needed, that is good weapons and some cb gear, i rushed to act 5 and farmed eldrich once again till i was like lvl 72. Then i went to hell which wasn't that much fun, but i was determined, got some more lvls and items and was able to farm hell Andy. Switched to WW with upped ribcracker. Got some end game items like Gface, LoH, Gores, Raven etc. from her and decided to switch to Meph, cause i still needed reaper's and kira's for my merc. Got those 2 pretty fast. I don't really remmeber when i started running LK, but i was definitely mixing it up with farming Andy and Meph and pits for 5os PB (i go the first one in act 3 during the playthrough). I focused on LK more when i had like 1 item left or something like that (respeced to full FRW build with maxed increased speed). The most lucky part was getting a random Lo rune drop in catacombs lvl 4 when farming andy. I was able to make the first Grief early on. Tried running trav, but it wasn't that much fun. Runes for enigma came pretty fast, but the second Lo rune was very stubborn. I cubed up all the way from mal to get the second grief.



Baalruns

Started baalruns on lvl 90 and did them all the way to 98. Was using typical gear: Gface, Enigma, dual Grief, Highlord's, String of ears, LoH, Ravenfrost, dual leech ring, Gores and dual HotO on switch, cause 105 fcr breakpoint wasn not needed to run baal at all and a little bit of life is always welcome. Merc was using Reaper's for decrep, Kira's for CBF and Treachery for ias and faster decrep proc. I had a hard time finding eth base for Treachery, so he was using ~250 def one for many lvls XD I tried many playstyles when killing the waves. I think my preferable one is teleporting to the middle of the pack, casting maxed War Cry to stun the mobs, WW them to death or WW for a little bit and recast War Cry to keep them stunned. It was especially helpful against wave 5, which is definitely the hardest wave for barb. Manaburn Lister is annoying and might/fana can really hurt you and obliterate your merc if you forget about him. Wave 2 is pretty tough too and can hurt sometimes, but can't compare it with wave 5 at all.


Nihlathak

On 98 i did around 2,6k LK runs (insane), cause i still needed 1 sur rune to make Beast. After getting it i switched to Conc and farmed nihla to get to 99. I came with a balanced build for nihla at first (safety was my priority, dmg and runtimes weren't that much important). I was using Grief as mainhand, Beast as offhand, iDR circlet and amulet, blood gloves with dual leech, random fcr ring with life leech, String of ears and dual wizzy on switch (I knew that using gface and highlords for a little bit faster runs will get me killed by vipers a lot). After a while i came to the conclusion that i don't need 17% life leech and can probably change my setup a little bit to get more health, cause i was mainly focused on not dying and not killing nihla 0,2s faster. So i switched to Magefist (to get to 105 fcr breakpoint), dual leech ring with useful stats (my only source of leech), Dungo's and HotO+Suicide Branch on switch (to boost BO). Swaped charms to AR/life ones, cause gain from max dmg GCs was marginal. Ended up with 500 more health (around 4,9k) and pretty much the same runtimes. I was really tempted to farm some gold and gamble for dual leech ring with FCR, so i can swap Suicide Branch to HotO for even higher BO boost, but decided that it's not worth it. Merc was using Reaper's obviously, Delirium and Treachery/Gbane. I think he is a little bit more tanky with Gbane, so it is a better armor in my eyes. I did a few thousands runs with maxed Howl and a few thousands runs without it. Both have their own pros and cons. Howl keeps ghosts away, so they don't manaburn you. It can also keep other mobs away, but not vipers. Those sneaky bastards will throw their javelins at you no matter what and merc has a hard time dealing with that dmg bug most of the time. Had to res him a lot even with Gbane. What is nice though is that he dies quickly, so your char is more or less safe, cause you are no longer loosing health to bugged physical dmg of viper's clouds. Cons of casting Howl is loosing time (8 frames XD) and making some mobs run away from you which opens a way for nihla to run around. You don't see it often, but it's a little bit annoying (keep in mind that nihla can teleport, so you will have to chase him either way).



Other

I was doing some chaos runs for essences of terror, cause i was finding an upgrades and wanted to respec to fully utilize them. Did it a few times... I died many times with this barb but wasn't paying that much attention to deaths, cause it was SC (it was also my first untwinked char and i wasn't that much familiar with lvling up a barb xD). I didn't die at all on 97 and died only once on 98. I am still a little bit pissed about that death, cause it was due to my stupid mistake, but whatever...


Run Counter screenshot:
rv84uVy.png


I would estimate total time spent on this char for about 320 hours.


Most important Clip:


Link to my "Untwinked Barb" youtube playlist (many clips from this barb including lvl ups, build videos, some funny moments and many drops there):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeontGtZce94pLJGDZhRa0ARSsqX_32L5



Highrunes that i found: 2 Ohm, 2 Lo, 4 Sur (LK), 2 Ber (LK), 1 Jah. I have no idea how many Vex runes i found... Probably like 2/3.

Some screenshots of drops:
HOx9PrF.jpg

UAXsokT.jpg

S7K7tCI.jpg

slnBwc6.jpg

KSRtlid.jpg

EOLbIhd.jpg

DqSqXsZ.jpg

Lv3FJF1.jpg

jVM7Buo.jpg

uEUMCOD.jpg

r7OgH5Z.jpg

Cp3WtHV.jpg

wrtZnTv.jpg

LWj2WXs.jpg


Links to my posts in UT99ers thread in the spoiler below:



Future plans

Lvling to 99 wasn't the only thing i wanted to do with this barb. I still have to fight my demons from the past and finish the grail. I thought it would be an extremely cool thing to do Untwinked 99 and The Holy Grail with the same char. First part is done, i have to work on the second part now. I am planning to make a thread about my Holy Grail, don't know if it would be an interesting thing to read for people on the forum though... Currently at 465 items found and 37 items left. Mostly lacking the rarest items in the game, but i have spent a lot of time grinding with a different barb, so those won't be a big problem on the current one to be honest. There is that one item which causes troubles no matter what you do though... The Blue Wonder... Tyrael's might as it is called in the game. That's a really tricky one but i have the feeling that my journey will end with a success!


Thanks everyone for the support especially to @Bewitch, @drmalawi, @Luhkoh and @Kinkara! It was an honour to do this project together with you!

See you around!


PS Ask if you have any questions ^^

***
 
Originally posted by ffs on Dec 23, 2019

Breath of the Dreaming – untwinked Paladin reaches 99

Lucid, an untwinked Paladin, made it to 99 today. Following a Sorc and a Necro, he is my third completed character in the untwinked 99er challenge. Here’s a group picture of the trio in the character selection screen:

View attachment 52982

Let’s start with a video of his final ding, followed by a rundown of his gear and build(s) and a summary of his journey to 99.

Hitting 99

A bit of a bumpy finish with Nihl not making room to teleport next to him and Ancients being annoying, but that's how it was. :)


Gear and Build

Avenger Setup (98-99)

For his final Nihlathak running stage, he used the following gear and build:

Code:
‘Breath of the Dying’ eth Berserker Axe (363 ED)
‘Dream’ Grand Crown (28 FHR, 19@, 25 MF)
‘Dream’ Sacred Targe (30 FHR, 50@ in 37@ base, 13 MF)
‘Enigma’ Breast Plate
Mara’s Kaleidoscope (30@)
Ravenfrost (250/20)
Blood craft ring with 53 life, 11@ + 40 CR, 33 PR
Arachnid Mesh
Magefist
War Traveler (39 MF)

Switch: +6 BO CtA CS, 35 FCR ‘Spirit’ Sacred Targe (43@ base)

Merc (A1 Cold): ‘Faith’ DB (2/14), ‘Delirium’ Bone Visage, Gladiator’s Bane (unsocketed)

Inventory: 3x PComb skillers (FHR/max dmg), 2x Sharp GCs (one Vita 37), Gheed’s, various life/resist charms

Build: 20 Vengeance, 20 Resist Lightning, 20 Resist Fire, 18 Conviction, 10 Salvation, 10 Holy Shield, 1 pre-reqs

Corpse recovery kit: ‘Enigma’ Light Plate, Spirit, ‘Oath’ (336 ED) eth Scourge, SoE 8/15, +2/str circlet, Raven, LL/ML amulet

GoMule dump at 99:
Code:
Name:       Lucid
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   25/146
Dexterity:  112/167
Vitality:   438/503
Energy:     15/50
HP:         1550/1956
Mana:       162/324
Stamina:    600/607
Defense:    28/2034
AR:         545/1272

Fire:       181/141/81
Cold:       169/129/69
Lightning:  145/105/45
Poison:     183/143/83

MF:         215       Block:      46
GF:         158
FR/W:       80
FHR:        70
IAS:        60
FCR:        40

Sacrifice: 1/9
Smite: 1/10
Holy Bolt: 1/9
Zeal: 1/9
Charge: 1/9
Vengeance: 20/28
Blessed Hammer: 1/9
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 10/18
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/6
Holy Fire: 1/6
Thorns: 1/6
Blessed Aim: 0/0
Concentration: 0/0
Holy Freeze: 1/6
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 1/6
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 18/23

Prayer: 0/0
Resist Fire: 20/25
Defiance: 0/0
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 0/0
Resist Lightning: 20/25
Vigor: 0/0
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 0/0
Salvation: 10/15

Stout Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf122b84a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 Defense
+20 to Life

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 133
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xe45cf12c
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+112% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x39c24831
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+233 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

Call to Arms
Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 17 - 45
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x2e02d2f5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
252% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+4 to Battle Command
+3 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Oath
Scourge
ShaelPulMalLum
One Hand Damage: 17 - 523
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 115
Required Dexterity: 67
Fingerprint: 0xd10e7fcf
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
30% Chance to cast level 20 Bone Spirit on striking
Indestructible
+50% Increased Attack Speed
336% Enhanced Damage
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Prevent Monster Heal
+10 to Energy
+10 Magic Absorb
Level 16 Heart of Wolverine (20/20 Charges)
Level 17 Iron Golem (14/14 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Shael Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune

Shael Rune
Required Level: 29
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +20% Increased Attack Speed
Armor: +20% Faster Hit Recovery
Shields: +20% Faster Block Rate

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy

Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x5d7a8c7a
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+250 to Attack Rating
Adds 15 - 45 Cold Damage Over 4 Secs (100 Frames)
+20 to Dexterity
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Cannot Be Frozen

Chaos Knot
Ring
Required Level: 48
Fingerprint: 0x5abe39b9
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Maximum Damage
+10 to Strength
All Resistances +11
Poison Resist +11%
Level 4 Dim Vision (20/30 Charges)

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xcfb99c8a
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+12% Faster Hit Recovery

Dream
Grand Crown
IoJahPul
Defense: 279
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x3e06c4e0
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+28% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+155 Defense
+10 to Vitality
Increase Maximum Life 5%
+61 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +19
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

War Traveler
Battle Boots
Defense: 134
Durability: 47 of 48
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0xe090fe1b
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25% Faster Run/Walk
Adds 15 - 25 Damage
+181% Enhanced Defense
+10 to Strength
+10 to Vitality
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 8
39% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+30 Maximum Durability

Spirit
Sacred Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 149
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 45 of 45
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0x35044685
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+26% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+110 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +41
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xdf1611ba
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x4ecaebf1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x40e48cb0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Bronze Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x505f45e3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7 to Attack Rating
+20 to Life

String of Ears
Demonhide Sash
Defense: 103
Durability: 22 of 22
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Fingerprint: 0x3917d9c3
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
8% Life stolen per hit
+152% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
Damage Reduced by 15%
Magic Damage Reduced by 15
+10 Maximum Durability

Enigma
Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 874
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0x70e9174c
Item Level: 1
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+769 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Magefist
Battle Gauntlets
Defense: 71
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: **
Fingerprint: 0x61bafc9d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+30% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%
Required Level +5

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0xac6d240d
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +30

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3d432c66
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Storm Spiral
Ring
Required Level: 74
Fingerprint: 0x4a652e8f
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+4 to Maximum Damage
+113 to Attack Rating
6% Mana stolen per hit
+18 to Life
+54 to Mana
Poison Resist +27%

Stone Spiral
Ring
Required Level: 82
Fingerprint: 0x64676699
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion 1.10+
3% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Strength
+53 to Life
Cold Resist +29%
All Resistances +11
Poison Resist +22%

Eagle Clasp
Amulet
Required Level: 95
Fingerprint: 0x968843b3
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Cast Rate
6% Life stolen per hit
+25 to Strength
+24 to Mana
Regenerate Mana 6%

Sharp Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x691a210a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+9 to Maximum Damage
+57 to Attack Rating
+37 to Life

Sharp Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 21
Fingerprint: 0xb285aa2f
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+7% Faster Run/Walk
+7 to Maximum Damage
+69 to Attack Rating

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xb09bcb22
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+2 to Maximum Damage

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x941094ff
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+2 to Maximum Damage

Rugged Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb43df15a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+7 Maximum Stamina

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x837a3a39
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe79bae8a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc08cb484
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Enigma
Breast Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 837
Durability: 48 of 50
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0x9e55dcee
Item Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+771 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Darksight Helm
Basinet
Defense: 280
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 82
Fingerprint: 0x5c5d05b9
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
6% Chance to cast level 3 Dim Vision when struck
5% Mana stolen per hit
+198 Defense (Based on Character Level)
Fire Resist +23%
Cannot Be Frozen
-4 to Light Radius
Level 5 Cloak of Shadows (30/30 Charges)

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x58c1596b
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Emerald Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc3a11a99
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Poison Resist +11%

Emerald Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x2c216878
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Poison Resist +10%

Garnet Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 20
Fingerprint: 0x517d4fd1
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+11 to Life
Fire Resist +8%

Fine Small Charm of Inertia
Small Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x64013644
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3% Faster Run/Walk
+3 to Maximum Damage
+19 to Attack Rating

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x3bd3af3a
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
158% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
39% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Tangerine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x18d2c2e1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +5%

Ruby Small Charm of Life
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x54082ad0
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xcb37e5f9
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 55
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x73428373
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
271% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+3 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Spirit
Sacred Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 142
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 44 of 45
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0xcaa7ea10
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+90 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +43
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14


Breath of the Dying
Berserker Axe
VexHelElEldZodEth
One Hand Damage: 166 - 490
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 103
Required Dexterity: 40
Fingerprint: 0x263a42e1
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Poison Nova when you Kill an Enemy
Indestructible
+60% Increased Attack Speed
363% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
+50 to Attack Rating
+200% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
7% Mana stolen per hit
12% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
All Stats +30
+1 to Light Radius
Requirements -20%
Ethereal
6 Sockets (6 used)
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Eld Rune
Socketed: Zod Rune
Socketed: Eth Rune

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Hel Rune
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Requirements -20%
Armor: Requirements -15%
Shields: Requirements -15%

El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius

Eld Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Armor: 15% Slower Stamina Drain
Shields: 7% Increased Chance of Blocking

Zod Rune
Required Level: 69
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Indestructible
Armor: Indestructible
Shields: Indestructible

Eth Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: -25% Target Defense
Armor: Regenerate Mana 15%
Shields: Regenerate Mana 15%

Dream
Sacred Targe
IoJahPul
Defense: 397
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 44 of 45
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0x4df96c5b
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
10% Chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+192 Defense
+10 to Vitality
+50 to Life
+61 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +50
13% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Io Rune
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense


Mercenary:

Name:       Kundri
Race:       Rogue Scout
Type:       Ice - Nightmare
Experience: 109346384
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   151/151
Dexterity:  230/230
HP:         1796/1796
Defense:    1455/3259
AR:         2363/711263

Fire:       171/131/71
Cold:       171/131/71
Lightning:  171/131/71
Poison:    171/131/71

Delirium
Bone Visage
LemIstIo
Defense: 400
Durability: 38 of 40
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 106
Fingerprint: 0x8ec32b58
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Io Rune
Required Level: 35
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Vitality
Armor: +10 to Vitality
Shields: +10 to Vitality


The Gladiator's Bane
Wire Fleece
Defense: 1404
Durability: 30 of 135
Required Level: 85
Required Strength: 111
Fingerprint: 0x4992fe4
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
+181% Enhanced Defense
+50 Defense
Damage Reduced by 20
Magic Damage Reduced by 16
Cannot Be Frozen
Poison Length Reduced by 50%
Attacker Takes Damage of 20
+103 Maximum Durability


Faith
Diamond Bow
OhmJahLemEld
Two Hand Damage: 141 - 172
Durability: 21 of 40
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 89
Required Dexterity: 132
Fingerprint: 0x4b669ce3
Item Level: 85
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

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Lem Rune
Required Level: 43
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 75% Extra Gold from Monsters
Armor: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
Shields: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters

Eld Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Undead
+50 to Attack Rating against Undead
Armor: 15% Slower Stamina Drain
Shields: 7% Increased Chance of Blocking

Hammerdin Setup (pre-98)
Before transitioning to the above Dreamer build, he was a Hammerdin spending most of his time running CS until 98. Final gear and gameplay in this stage below.

Gear and build:
Code:
Shako ‘PTopaz’
Enigma BP
Hoto (40@) eth Flail
35 Spirit ST (44@ base)
Mara’s 28@
FCR/life/FR blood craft ring
Dwarf Star
Arachnid Mesh
Magefist
Waterwalk

Switch: +6 BO CtA CS, Spirit

Merc (A2 HF): Insight (15/235/5) eth GPA, Fortitude eth GH, Andy’s (15 ED, 22 FR jewel)

Inventory: 2x PComb, 2x OA skiller, Gheed’s, various life/resist charms

Build: 20 BH, Vigor, BA, Concentration, XXX HS, 1 Vigor + pre-reqs

Gameplay video of CS runs:


GoMule dump at 98:
Code:
Name:       Lucid
Class:      Paladin
Experience: 3229485671
Level:      98

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   30/117
Dexterity:  140/172
Vitality:   400/429
Energy:     15/22
HP:         1434/2020
Mana:       160/410
Stamina:    561/648
Defense:    35/1573
AR:         685/860

Fire:       179/139/79
Cold:       176/136/76
Lightning:  181/141/81
Poison:     187/147/87

MF:         211       Block:      48
GF:         275
FR/W:       65
FHR:        55
IAS:        0
FCR:        125

Sacrifice: 0/0
Smite: 1/16
Holy Bolt: 1/15
Zeal: 0/0
Charge: 1/15
Vengeance: 0/0
Blessed Hammer: 20/34
Conversion: 0/0
Holy Shield: 20/34
Fist of the Heavens: 0/0

Might: 1/15
Holy Fire: 0/0
Thorns: 0/0
Blessed Aim: 20/34
Concentration: 20/34
Holy Freeze: 0/0
Holy Shock: 0/0
Sanctuary: 0/0
Fanaticism: 0/0
Conviction: 0/0

Prayer: 1/13
Resist Fire: 0/0
Defiance: 1/13
Resist Cold: 0/0
Cleansing: 1/13
Resist Lightning: 0/0
Vigor: 20/32
Meditation: 0/0
Redemption: 1/13
Salvation: 0/0

Dwarf Star
Ring
Required Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0xe7c47fb0
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

Mara's Kaleidoscope
Amulet
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0x5847c04f
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +5
All Resistances +28

Order Grip
Ring
Required Level: 31
Fingerprint: 0xb4b301c8
Item Level: 90
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to Maximum Damage
+15 to Attack Rating
2% Life stolen per hit
+2 to Strength
+15 to Life
Fire Resist +16%

Magefist
Battle Gauntlets
Defense: 71
Durability: 17 of 18
Required Level: 30
Required Strength: **
Fingerprint: 0x61bafc9d
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+30% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%
Required Level +5

Enigma
Breast Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 837
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 30
Fingerprint: 0x9e55dcee
Item Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+771 Defense
+73 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
98% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Harlequin Crest
Shako
Defense: 111
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xcbe55c66
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
All Stats +2
+147 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+147 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Damage Reduced by 10%
74% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Perfect Topaz

Perfect Topaz
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 40 Lightning Damage
Armor: 24% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: Lightning Resist +40%

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 133
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xe45cf12c
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+112% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Waterwalk
Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 195
Durability: 14 of 14
Required Level: 56
Required Strength: 91
Fingerprint: 0x16d012d1
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+206% Enhanced Defense
+100 Defense vs. Missile
+15 to Dexterity
+57 to Life
+40 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
+5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Required Level +7

Call to Arms
Crystal Sword
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 18 - 55
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x73428373
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
271% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+3 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+3 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Spirit
Superior Aerin Shield
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 41
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 50 of 50
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xb38d4e8d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+13% Enhanced Defense
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+97 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +27
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Full Rejuvenation Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 100%
Replenishes Health 100%

Super Mana Potion
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Replenishes Mana 250%

Heart of the Oak
Superior Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 36
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 25
Fingerprint: 0x77674eec
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +40
Increase Maximum Durability 15%
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Ko Rune
Required Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Spirit
Sacred Targe
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 142
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 45 of 45
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 86
Fingerprint: 0xcaa7ea10
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+90 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +43
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+7 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Tome of Town Portal
Fingerprint: 0xe2e4c6eb
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tome of Identify
Fingerprint: 0xffeba4df
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Horadric Cube
Fingerprint: 0x58c1596b
Item Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+

Tangerine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x18d2c2e1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Lightning Resist +5%

Stout Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xf122b84a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+6 Defense
+20 to Life

Stalwart Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0x4fc187d3
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+25 Defense
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x15480bfa
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xdcccd6cd
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xcb37e5f9
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Emerald Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc3a11a99
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
Poison Resist +11%

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x40e48cb0
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+15 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc08cb484
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xe79bae8a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Ruby Small Charm of Sustenance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x4ecaebf1
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12 to Life
Fire Resist +11%

Rugged Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb43df15a
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+7 Maximum Stamina

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x837a3a39
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Serpent's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 40
Fingerprint: 0xd9e201ca
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+13 to Mana

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x3d432c66
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Snowy Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xa1863cfe
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 1 - 2 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xd727b8
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x941094ff
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+2 to Maximum Damage

Lion Branded Grand Charm of Quality
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xb09bcb22
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
+2 to Maximum Damage

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x3bd3af3a
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
158% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 12%
39% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Captain's Grand Charm of Strength
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x8858d04f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
+5 to Strength

Captain's Grand Charm of Greed
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0x941c05b7
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Offensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)
17% Extra Gold from Monsters

Flawless Amethyst
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +100 to Attack Rating
Armor: +8 to Strength
Shields: +24 Defense

Spirit
Crown Shield
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 36
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 65
Fingerprint: 0xcc3849c7
Item Level: 79
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+27% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+101 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
All Resistances +39
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

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Ort Rune
Required Level: 21
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 1 - 50 Lightning Damage
Armor: Lightning Resist +30%
Shields: Lightning Resist +35%

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Plague Brow
Circlet
Defense: 53
Durability: 72 of 105
Required Level: 67
Fingerprint: 0xe74f4c29
Item Level: 94
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
+4 to Minimum Damage
+71% Enhanced Defense
+28 to Strength
+39 to Life
All Resistances +9

Heart of the Oak
Flail
KoVexPulThul
One Hand Damage: 1 - 24
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 55
Required Strength: 41
Required Dexterity: 35
Fingerprint: 0x867cc340
Item Level: 48
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
7% Mana stolen per hit
+10 to Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +35
Level 4 Oak Sage (25/25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60/60 Charges)
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ko Rune
Socketed: Vex Rune
Socketed: Pul Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune

Ko Rune
Required Level: 39
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Dexterity
Armor: +10 to Dexterity
Shields: +10 to Dexterity

Vex Rune
Required Level: 55
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit
Armor: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist

Pul Rune
Required Level: 45
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +75% Damage to Demons
+100 to Attack Rating against Demons
Armor: +30% Enhanced Defense
Shields: +30% Enhanced Defense

Thul Rune
Required Level: 23
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 3 - 14 Cold Damage Over 3 Secs (75 Frames)
Armor: Cold Resist +30%
Shields: Cold Resist +35%

Enigma
Light Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 874
Durability: 58 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 41
Fingerprint: 0x70e9174c
Item Level: 1
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+769 Defense
+73 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
98% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Jah Rune
Required Level: 65
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Ignore Target's Defense
Armor: Increase Maximum Life 5%
Shields: +50 to Life

Ith Rune
Required Level: 15
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Maximum Damage
Armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Shields: 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana

Ber Rune
Required Level: 63
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Armor: Damage Reduced by 8%
Shields: Damage Reduced by 8%

Call to Arms
Double Axe
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 17 - 45
Durability: 24 of 24
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 43
Fingerprint: 0x2e02d2f5
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
252% Enhanced Damage
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+4 to Battle Command
+3 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Amn Rune
Required Level: 25
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 7% Life stolen per hit
Armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Shields: Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Mal Rune
Required Level: 49
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Prevent Monster Heal
Armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Magic Damage Reduced by 7

Ist Rune
Required Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shields: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Ohm Rune
Required Level: 57
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Enhanced Maximum Damage
Armor: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 124
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x25ea2017
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+98% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Mercenary:

Name:       Azrael
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Def-Nightmare
Experience: 110653822
Level:      97
Dead?:      false

            Naked/Gear
Strength:   207/238
Dexterity:  168/173
HP:         2247/2345
Defense:    1643/5337
AR:         2057/411400

Fire:       180/140/80
Cold:       188/148/**
Lightning:  188/148/**
Poison:    258/218/158

Andariel's Visage
Demonhead
Defense: 328
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Fingerprint: 0xf33977c2
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova when struck
+2 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
15% Enhanced Damage
10% Life stolen per hit
+112% Enhanced Defense
+26 to Strength
+10% to Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -8%
Poison Resist +70%
13% Extra Gold from Monsters
Level 3 Venom (20/20 Charges)
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Plague Whorl

Plague Whorl
Jewel
Required Level: 13
Fingerprint: 0xd109277f
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
15% Enhanced Damage
Fire Resist +22%
13% Extra Gold from Monsters


Fortitude
Balrog Skin
ElSolDolLo
Defense: 3366
Durability: 16 of 16
Required Level: 59
Required Strength: 155
Fingerprint: 0x1a47fe1b
Item Level: **
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
+98 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +27
Damage Reduced by 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 to Light Radius
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: El Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Lo Rune

El Rune
Required Level: 11
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +50 to Attack Rating
+1 to Light Radius
Armor: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius
Shields: +15 Defense
+1 to Light Radius

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Dol Rune
Required Level: 31
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%
Armor: Replenish Life +7
Shields: Replenish Life +7

Lo Rune
Required Level: 59
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: 20% Deadly Strike
Armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
Shields: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist


Insight
Great Poleaxe
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 240 - 636
Durability: 28 of 28
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 169
Required Dexterity: 89
Fingerprint: 0x758eee5e
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 15 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
235% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
199% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+5 to Critical Strike
All Stats +5
+2 to Mana after each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ral Rune
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Sol Rune

Ral Rune
Required Level: 19
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Armor: Fire Resist +30%
Shields: Fire Resist +35%

Tir Rune
Required Level: 13
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Armor: +2 to Mana after each Kill
Shields: +2 to Mana after each Kill

Tal Rune
Required Level: 17
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
Armor: Poison Resist +30%
Shields: Poison Resist +35%

Sol Rune
Required Level: 27
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +9 to Minimum Damage
Armor: Damage Reduced by 7
Shields: Damage Reduced by 7

Drops
Of course there were plenty, these being my personal highlights:

S&Us:
eth Andariel’s Visage
2x eth Titan’s Revenge
Griffon’s Eye with 14/20 roll
Nova Ormus
Fire Ball Ormus
199 ED eth Hone Sundan
Perfect Wisp Projector
Perfect Ravenfroat
Perfect Mara’s
5x (!) Metalgrid
2x 3os Head Hunter's Glory
Azurewrath
27 Rainbow Facets

Rare, craft, magic:
2 Necro/20 FCR/life/PR circlet
2 Paladin/20 FCR circlet
38 ED RJoF
1/20 Sorc amulet
20 FCR, LL, Str amulet
56 skillers, 7 with life

Ist+ runewords made:
Code:
1x BotD
2x Enigma
2x Dream
1x Faith
2x CtA
1x Fortitude
1x Death
2x Hoto
1x Delirium

Ist+ runes remaining:
Code:
2x Ist
3x Gul
1x Vex
3x Ohm
1x Lo
1x Sur
1x Jah
1x Cham

It was fun to actually utilize many of the HRs he found, thanks to his HR-intensive build for 98-99.

Lowlights:
  • Not finding a +1 ring until ~98.8 (SoJ) – my two other 99ers found 2 (Necro) and 5 (Sorc) SoJ/BKWB
  • Not crafting a single +2 Paladin/10+ FCR amulet. He crafted 336 caster amulets – yes I kept track and overall I expected more on this front. :/
  • Not finding my last grailer is OK since that’s Tyrael’s ;) but neither did he find any truly special S&Us – and in particular by far the lowest amount of TC87 of my three untwinked 99ers. (He found many very useful ones that actually provided upgrades to my cast of characters, though, so I guess I can’t really complain all things considered...)

With that out of the way, let’s briefly summarize his journey.

Starting Out (1-19)

He was created in November 2018 while I was approaching 99 with my untwinked Necro. He was originally planned to be a melee-only Paladin with the express intention of ending up as a Dreamer. Back then I played him to the beginning of A2 Normal, but there he had to stay for a while. Having quit my old job, I took a small sabbatical and went traveling for a few months starting in early 2019.

I returned in April during RFL 2019, and while I participated with more optimized characters for the first two RFL rounds, I felt like running CS for the third round. Since I had planned to progress him, and given Hammerdins are great CS runners, I decided to level him a bit and try to farm Enigma in between RFL rounds.

Playthrough and Gearing Up (19-90)

As a consequence, I picked him up again in April and rushed him through the game speedrun style. Admittedly, I quickly ditched the original melee-only idea and went for the lame cookie-cutter Hammerdin build from the get-go to speed things up. Aided by useful drops such as Wizardspike and Viper and great maps, he quickly breezed through to Hell LK. RNG was moreover supportive in providing bases for several runewords he would need in his near future.

He then went on to farm Enigma in LK. This was somewhat unusual as he didn’t get any Sur runes from LK, but three Bers dropped instead in pretty much the expected “runs for Enigma” time frame. Timing was on point, as he was able to make his Enigma and first CtA (+3 BO) just in time for the final RFL round. Making use of further rune drops, he also made his first Hoto and improved to a +6 BO CtA with his second try not long after. (This was particularly welcome as my previous 99ers both needed to make numerous CtAs before getting a good roll.) Other notable drops from LK included a nice Spirit base and his first Combat skiller. Updates on LK runs here, here and here.

After Enigma was completed, he ran Hell Mephisto to muster the typical bread & butter uniques. Having looked for Arachnid Mesh for ages with my 99er Necro, it was a pain to get yet again, with extra heartbreak when an ethereal one dropped early on. He gained 14 levels, farming mostly Mephisto but also a good amount of CS/Diablo, until it finally dropped. Drops by Meph and Diablo moreover included two eth Titan’s, which as a Java aficionado I value quite a lot, apart from the more common staple S&Us like Shako.

Chaos Sanctuary & RFL (90-98)

His subsequent participation in RFL turned out to be very successful, surprisingly completing the rune drop grail at level 96 by getting Zod, Cham, Jah and several other high runes over the course of two 20h sets. Having won the preceding RFL round with my Travincal Sorc, he nearly secured overall RFL victory, had it not been for @WoRG stealing it away with some out-of-this-world 1.07 luck. :mad: CS in general was crazy in terms of HR drops (before, during and after RFL), allowing him to make a second Enigma (kept in stash for corpse recovery purposes) and providing the foundation that would later allow him to transition to the BotD/Dream Avenger build for 98-99.

General updates from around the time of his RFL participation can be found here, here and here, including theorycrafting on run times, XP/h and targets until 98. Some good drops along the way reported here (eth Titan's, Metalgrid).

Altogether, the gearing and leveling from 20 to 97, including playthrough, LK and Meph farming and gearing up, was done within about a month. :eek:

He had two deaths in his CS stage at 96 and 97, both rather unnecessary given how tanky he was, but not a big deal either as they merely resulted in a couple of hours of running lost overall. His pace of XP gain in CS was quite fast at a little under 7m XP/h for 97-98.

Upon hitting 97 he made Fortitude for Merc and a 2nd Hoto (nice 40@ roll) and switched from to P8/P7 Diablo runs, as it turns out these provided better XP than P8 2-seal runs. However, after RFL, both my time and desire to play D2 went up and down for a while, so his progress slowed down a bit. In the next couple of months, he found a couple of upgrades on his way to 98 with a second Combat skiller and two OA skillers. Generally, S&U drops from CS felt a bit lackluster, considering the amount of time spent there and solid MF. The most notable exception was a nice Griffon’s Eye (14/20) shortly before 98.

Switch to Dream/Vengeance Build

My previous 99ers switched build and targets around for the final stage, and Lucid would do the same. Despite Hammerdin P1/P7 Diablo runs being a solid 98-99 option for Paladins, I figured Nihlathak would outperform it in terms of XP/h. So I tested a couple of options with twinked characters to simulate what I could do with Lucid. While I originally expected to end up with a Smiter build, the short range was a downside with Nihlathak being always crowded by his buddies. In the end I concluded an Avenger using Dreams and a Faith Merc was his best option for 98-99.

Apart from following through on his original Dreamer idea in the end, the build was a great fit for Nihl running, with Dreams providing both great damage and safety via built-in Confuse CtC. Moreover, this provided the single best reason to make an ultimately classic eBotD BA with the Zod he found – this being one of the few builds where BotD is ideal.

He had most of the ingredients ready to go, including an eth BA on which he used his last socket quest (having used the other two on Shako and Andy’s). The only thing missing was a decent Dream shield base, which he obtained via a dedicated racking session in Act 3. Then it was time to drop his Zod and three Jahs to make BotD, two Dreams and Faith. You know, typical untwinked stuff. ;)

He completed the transition to an Avenger build by using his last quest respec, and was ready to finish in style. :cool:

Nihlathak (98-99)

With his new build he went on to run Nihlathak, which started out nicely with Earth Shifter, Griswold’s Valor and Azurewrath dropping on his way to 98.1, as well as decent blues while moving to 98.25. Shortly after, he found his third Combat skiller alongside a couple of HRs (98.35).

However, he then was shelved again for several months as I took another break from D2 – RL was rather busy, new job and colleagues, and generally having gotten a bit tired of the game. I picked him up again earlier this month with the aim of finishing him this year still. In a somewhat spoiled comeback, he immediately died thanks to his driver being a bit rusty. We recovered the body though. Getting back into the routine, he then quickly moved got to 98.5, picking up a Nova Ormus along the way. With his new momentum he kept going and pushed to 98.65 shortly after, getting a small upgrade with a perfect Mara’s. At ~98.8, he finally got his first and only +1 ring (SoJ) while making his way towards the final ding, cashing in the Ancients quest 40m shy of 99 to complete his journey.

Overall, Nihl runs were smooth for the most part, largely thanks to the built-in Confuse procs provided by Dream and his ability to focus down Nihl quickly. There was one death during the first couple million XP not costing meaningful XP, and the second one mentioned above upon returning to D2 after a break. Apart from that he was very safe with very few NDEs (none below 1k HP IIRC). For the majority of the 98-99 stretch, he averaged some 3.5-3.6m XP/h, which was similar to my Necro numbers but slower than my Sorc. Viper spawns had to be S&E’ed more often than on my previous 99ers. Later into the level I stopped casting Holy Shield entirely to maximize Confuse procs, which reduced S&Es and sped things up a bit. Here’s a batch of Nihl runs to give you an idea of the gameplay:


Conclusions

While in absolute terms his journey seemed long due to numerous breaks, this was by far the fastest of my three untwinked 99ers regarding time spent in-game. Overall, he did some 230-250 hours of actual running – estimated based on approx. 220 hours according to his run times, but considering deaths adding some 7-8 hours and not being fully focused all the time. Unfortunately run counter doesn't work on Mac so I can't give 100% exact numbers. But here’s a brief overview of his individual stages and time spent on each based on frequently timing his runs/XP gain:

Code:
~7-8h: Playthrough to Hell LK (1-76)
~25-30h: Farming Enigma in LK (76)
~20h: Farming Meph and CS (76-90)
~45h: CS two seal runs (90-97)
~40h: CS/Diablo runs (97-98)
~75h: Nihlathak & Ancients (98-99)

I was surprised how powerful and fast Paladin is for untwinked 99. He really competes with Sorc for the possibly fastest class IMO, provided Enigma doesn’t take unusually long to farm. Once he has Enigma, the damage output of Hammerdins is kind of OP, without any special gear requirements whatsoever. A well geared Sorc may reign supreme regarding 2-seal P8 runs in CS and Nihlathak later on. But with just runewords and otherwise basic gear, his CS efficiency is pretty close to a fully decked Blizzy, and there is no stronger build for P8/P7 CS/Diablo runs (97-98). He also turned out to be a respectable Nihl runner with the Dream/Vengeance build. RNG was kind in providing Lucid with ideal gear for that along the way, but it wouldn't have been much slower with a more typical approach and items as well.

Currently I have no further plans for him. I think his current gear and build is pretty cool and unique, so probably I’ll leave him untouched for a while. ;) I’ll be using some of his drops in my sept of characters using only items found by untwinked 99ers, and of course the traditional leftover rune dump will follow shortly.

I think my next D2 untwinked project will be finally making a Guardian and collecting some HC stuff. Apart from that, probably working on a few more fun builds I have lined up and generally spending some time with twinked characters.

At the moment I’m pretty sure this will be my last 99er, but you never know!

Thanks for reading everyone, and of course special thanks to the untwinked 99er crowd, past and present. In particular @PhineasB, @T72on1, @Pb_pal and @Neksja had previously run with Paladins in the 99er challenge, providing helpful information for this character.

Happy holidays everyone, thanks for reading and supporting along the way, and see you around!
 
Last edited:
Originally posted December 28, 2019

Cursed: A Nihlathak Love Story (Untwinked Amazon Hits 99)

Quinta was my fifth entrant in Kitteh’s relaunch of the untwinked 99er challenge, joining Mercy (trapper assassin), Hiatus (Blizz sorc 1-98 and lightning sorc 98-99), Phaedrus (Hammerdin), and Pestilence (Novamancer) on the Table of Heroes.
99.jpg
Here’s a vid with the final few Nihl runs and gear showcase. I somehow forgot to show weapon switch and merc gear (you’d think I’d have it down by now, but obviously not :rolleyes:). But they are in the readouts at the end.
A literary interlude is in the spoiler below, for those who are interested. My writeups were feeling a bit formulaic, and I had some creative energy. It gives the backstory around the title and choice of music in the video.
Harrogath was crumbling, slowly withering in the face of Baal’s onslaught. The rest of the Elders had slowed the assault, but not stopped it, their sacrifice in vain, the Fools! Now only I remained, and there was little hope of victory in arms. Warriors departed, not to return. The enemy was too powerful to overcome, but also too treacherous to trust. As I pondered these questions, they approached.

Rumor had spread around the City of a hero who had vanquished the other Prime Evils who was come to deliver us from despair. Such mad hope often appears in the face of disaster, but what could one warrior do when so many of the City’s bravest had set out only to be slaughtered in the foothills. But it turned out to be no rumor.

One was an archer, lithe and stern of expression. The other was like a vision of an ancient goddess, her blonde hair flowing and a faint glow around her. She carried a large spear and an expression of neutral regard for all that she saw. But I had eyes only for the third, clearly their leader, and my first sight of her smote my heart. She wore a grim helm, and perhaps even a grimmer expression full of determination. Our eyes met, and, as she looked me up and down, said:
Nihl Greeting.jpg
My heart skipped a beat, but I was not a foolish boy. Doom was bearing down on us all, so I tried to cut the infatuation short. “Well, well. The siege has everything in short supply...except fools,” said I. “Why would you seek this place, stranger? Are you a vulture come to loot the bodies of our fallen warriors? Regardless, this is no place to make a name for yourself. The mountain is ours to protect. It is only a matter of time before Hell's legions are routed.”

She returned a wry smile, perhaps with a murmur of pity shining through her eyes, and said, “A lovely welcome. Where can a girl get lunch around this City? Surely you have the skill to tend to that?” With that, she took my hand and my heart melted. Those were the most glorious hours of my life. We talked, shared our hopes and histories.

Quinta! Her name was Quinta, my love. I learned how her parents had given her that name after a seer in her homeland had said she was destined to be the fifth in a line of great heroes. I told her of my secret retreat, how well-guarded it was, and hinted that we could go there together and be safe. She looked at me doubtfully, and simply repeated that her destiny led elsewhere, to defeat Baal.

I devolved to pleading and begging, telling her that she would only be throwing her life away and that we should fly to safety and at least be together, hidden from Baal’s corruption. The look of pity was no longer just a murmur. She said she would return to find me after she overthrew the Lord of Destruction and set forth with her two companions.

I was in agony. As the hours passed with no news, my despair deepened and I resolved to save my love by whatever means. Although I had dismissed this before, I saw that the only hope was to bargain with Baal. After disposing of that snoop Anya, it was easy enough to find Baal. “Even you, Baal, cannot bypass the Ancients,” said I. “I can help, but you must agree that you and your minions will bring the hero, Quinta, to no harm, and end the siege of Harrogath.” He nodded assent, the deed was done, and when I reminded him of his promise to spare Quinta as he departed, his laughter echoed off the slopes of Mount Arreat. “Thank you for your aid, fool!” were his leaving words.

I was distraught. Had I helped Baal in exchange for nothing, with my love still in danger? I thought of running to battlefront to find her, but instead fled to my retreat. All was quiet for some time as I agonized over what was occurring. I would give anything to see her again, but I dared not leave. Suddenly, commotion broke out at the entry, and slowly worked its way down the levels, as the sounds of fighting became clear and screams of my servants broke out. Had Baal come to exact his final revenge?

Battle could be heard in the hall outside my chamber, my minions were drawn out and destroyed, but I could not see by what. I awaited some evil creature, but it was her! My love, but with a grim look and fiercer than ever. Her two companions also looked battle tested and, unlike her, a bit weary. I wanted to yell, “My love, you are safe!” But she spoke first, charging forward as she cried out:

Nihl Traitor.jpg
My mind was a muddle, as I realized she was right. But I had done everything for her, to save her. And then was on top of me, striking fiercely. I had betrayed her, but only to protect her, so I could not fight. My final thought before entering the blackness was: “Quinta, my love, I understand. I only wanted to be with you always, and hope you will also come to understand my motivation."

* * *

I regained awareness in my retreat. I thought maybe she would be there, it was all a mistake. It was if though she had never arrived. But I had died, and I came to believe this was some device of Baal’s to punish me for thinking I could bargain with him. He had, of course, killed Quinta (and with that thought, my heart was pierced with grief), and decided it would amuse him to make me live in, trapped where she had struck me down.

For week’s I sat in peace, grappling with my thoughts and guilt. Then tumult broke out above, at the entrance it seemed. It lasted weeks, like an epic battle raging in my front garden. I was confused, curious, but also too afraid to investigate. But it ceased, and several months of quiet followed again. I was confused and beginning to dread this limbo.

Suddenly, tumult broke out again, cries of an intruder from my servants, and then . . . She appeared again, but her companions were gone, replaced by a strange man with a polearm and strange auras around him. She carried javelins and a shield instead of her spear. I nearly cried out with joy, she was alive and had somehow survived. Perhaps we could be together.

Before I could speak, she let fly a bolt that split into countless others and seared my vision, and all went black again. But I again regained awareness, as if nothing had happened. She arrived again, as before, and struck me down, as before. I realized she would not forgive me. This this was my punishment for the betrayal, and I resolved to maintain my love for her no matter how long this lasted. I had earned this fate, I understood, but I would not abandon my love for Quinta . . .

Progress
Quinta entered the S/U Tourney hosted by @jiansonz in February 2018, with the idea that she could become my untwinked 99er zon entry. After making it through as a passive CS spearazon without a death (but also without any useful gear for a furyzon), she gathered some basics and became my entry in the 2018 Summer MFO. She won the Pindle category with ridiculous S/U luck, but she also got virtually no drops useful for her end-game build.

She officially entered the Untwinked 99er challenge in September 2018 at level 93.4, with that post summarizing (with links to relevant posts) her tourney progress, pre-MFO running for basics, and MFO results. She continued at Pindle to level 94. With a Ber in hand from Pindle, she then transitioned to LK, netting 2 Surs and other lower runes over 1350 LK runs (first 500, second 500, last 350), plus Thunderstroke and a non-eth Shako from Meph runs.

That allowed Infinity, as I’d already decided to build it first. The idea was to “run” WSK, given that early SPF 99ers had run Baal without Enigma, and in hopes that v1.13 would deliver runes toward Enigma without having to grind LK too much. It worked out, as she picked up two Bers from Cows and WSK, before returning to LK for another 650 runs that netted a Sur and Ber to allow the game-changing runeword.

She also had picked up a +6 BO CtA and Titan’s by this point, and key gear (minus Griffon’s), so the transition to Baal runs was smooth, moving to 95.5 before Achmel dropped the real game-changer:
Baal (Griffons).jpg
:D She then moved to level 96, with the gear upgrades making for speedy progress. She was parked as a I focused on Pestilence, but picked up again after being my 2019 RFL Round 1 (Cows) entrant, with some runes but the best drop a FR RJoF for the merc’s Andy’s.

She then blitzed to level 97 in just over a week, averaging <3 minutes per run, or around 12M/hr, which I believe was the fastest for any of my 99ers for that stretch (updates for 96.5 and 97). She then sat until Pestilence hit 99 in July, and then getting to 97.25 before 2019 Summer MFO. She hit 98 during the MFO, placing second to @Vildecor who deservedly took the victory with his own untwinked 99er zon. A vid from her last few Baal runs is below.
It was then time to transition to Nihl, where the love story resumed. After some testing and helpful feedback from @ffs, we settled on the Thunderstroke set up with Highlord’s, Magefist, and ML ring. The lack of FCR/ML ring or caster/ML amulet was the limitation. Then it was just steady progress from September to December, with a nice vacation and trip to visit my family mixed in (updates at 98.25, 98.5, 98.75, and 99).

Drops weren’t great, but XP progress was ~2.9-3M/hr, so progress was smooth and steady, with no deaths. The only auto-aborts were unbreakable LI Nihl, and nasty viper rolls or might/fanaticism with amp and archers resulted in other S&Es. But they were pretty limited, so that helped with progress. She was fun for Nihl, and I found the aggressive approach engaging: 2-3 LF casts to clear things out, then teleport to Nihl and CS away unless Vipers had shot clouds around his landing spot.

Finds
She had some great finds, particularly for the two MFOs. She netted two of my at-that-time four remaining grailers overall, with Grandfather during 2018 Summer MFO and Mang's during 2019 Summer MFO to bring me to grail -1 :cool: Honestly, the biggest find was the Griffon’s at level 95, which really makes the javazon shine. She was also solid on the rune front, with the key runewords made and runes remaining in the stash below:
Code:
Enigma
CtA x2
eth CoH
eth Fortitude
eth Infinity
Delirium
Cham'ed Griffon’s

Runes left: Mal x2, Ist x2, Vex x2, Lo x2, Sur, Ber, Jah x2
She picked up only two skillers for herself, which was disappointing, but otherwise her charm collection was really nice. She netted a +35 vita Natural skiller, but not much else to contribute to my overall stash beyond her equipped charms.

Reflections
Due to starting as a tourney character and lack of early gear contributions from 2018 Summer MFO, she was much slower to 93 than any other approach, and her gear early on was pretty weak. But the tourney was a fun challenge and way to get the fifth one of these going. Once she got the basics, and especially Enigma/Infinity, she was very fast. The Griffon’s then made her a powerhouse, and Baal runs were actually fun with her :eek: All in all, a great option for a 99er run, for sure, which makes sense given the javazon’s prevalence in the overall SPF 99er table.

Stats, Gear, and Merc
Below are her stats, etc. upon pinging 99, reflecting her approach for Nihl runs. I removed readouts of the runes included in runewords to shorten things. She obviously ran a good bit of Baal also, and her set up at the conclusion of those is summarized here in the Meet the Olympians posts for 2019 Summer MFO.
Code:
Name:       Quinta
Class:      Amazon
Experience: 3520485254
Level:      99

Naked/Gear
Strength:   83/157
Dexterity:  151/160
Vitality:   331/353
Energy:     15/15
HP:         1239/1552
Mana:       162/320
Stamina:    493/673
Defense:    37/1755
AR:         725/890

Fire:       177/137/77
Cold:       120/80/20
Lightning:  164/124/64
Poison:     152/112/52

MF:         150       Block:      34
GF:         96
FR/W:       92
FHR:        87
IAS:        35
FCR:        100

Magic Arrow: 0/0
Fire Arrow: 0/0
Cold Arrow: 0/0
Multiple Shot: 0/0
Exploding Arrow: 0/0
Ice Arrow: 0/0
Guided Arrow: 0/0
Strafe: 0/0
Immolation Arrow: 0/0
Freezing Arrow: 0/0

Inner Sight: 0/0
Critical Strike: 1/8
Dodge: 0/0
Slow Missiles: 0/0
Avoid: 0/0
Penetrate: 1/8
Decoy: 0/0
Evade: 0/0
Valkyrie: 0/0
Pierce: 20/27

Jab: 1/14
Power Strike: 20/33
Poison Javelin: 1/14
Impale: 0/0
Lightning Bolt: 20/36
Charged Strike: 20/33
Plague Javelin: 1/14
Fend: 0/0
Lightning Strike: 4/17
Lightning Fury: 20/33
Code:
Enigma
Mage Plate
JahIthBer
Defense: 985
Durability: 59 of 60
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x47c52f56
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 to Teleport
+753 Defense
+74 to Strength (Based on Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced by 8%
+14 Life after each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based on Character Level)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Jah Rune
Socketed: Ith Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune

Arachnid Mesh
Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 131
Durability: 12 of 12
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0x6adf6d92
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Slows Target by 10%
+109% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11/11 Charges)

Quinta's Griffon's Eye
Diadem
Defense: 245
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 76
Fingerprint: 0x8a0d0e42
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+25% Faster Cast Rate
-20% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+11% to Lightning Skill Damage
+188 Defense
Cannot Be Frozen
1 Sockets (1 used)
Socketed: Cham Rune

Aldur's Advance
Battle Boots
Defense: 43
Durability: 13 of 18
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 95
Fingerprint: 0x696ec723
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Indestructible
+40% Faster Run/Walk
+50 to Life
+180 Maximum Stamina
Heal Stamina Plus 32%
Fire Resist +49%
10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
Set (2 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (3 items): +15 to Dexterity
Set (4 items): +15 to Dexterity

Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0xf5cd287e
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1 - 30 Lightning Damage
37% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15

Stone Master
Ring
Required Level: 74
Fingerprint: 0x687bfd1b
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+103 to Attack Rating
6% Mana stolen per hit
+9 to Dexterity
+57 to Mana
All Resistances +8
Half Freeze Duration

Magefist
Light Gauntlets
Defense: 24
Durability: 18 of 18
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Fingerprint: 0xd5758894
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Adds 1 - 6 Fire Damage
+24% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
Regenerate Mana 25%

Nature's Peace
Ring
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x28577eb1
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Prevent Monster Heal
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Poison Resist +29%
Damage Reduced by 9
Level 5 Oak Sage (27/27 Charges)

Call to Arms
War Scepter
AmnRalMalIstOhm
One Hand Damage: 38 - 65
Durability: 70 of 70
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 55
Fingerprint: 0x268d802d
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
285% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 to Fist of the Heavens (Paladin Only)
+1 to Holy Shock (Paladin Only)
+2 to Battle Command
+6 to Battle Orders
+4 to Battle Cry
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

Spirit
Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 140
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 86 of 86
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x34f88642
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+34% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+107 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune

Thunderstroke
Matriarchal Javelin
Throw Damage: 100 - 188
One Hand Damage: 85 - 154
Quantity: 53
Required Level: 69
Required Strength: 107
Required Dexterity: 151
Fingerprint: 0x723df120
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Chance to cast level 14 Lightning on striking
+4 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
+15% Increased Attack Speed
186% Enhanced Damage
Adds 1 - 511 Lightning Damage
-15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+3 to Lightning Bolt (Amazon Only)

Spirit
Superior Monarch
TalThulOrtAmn
Defense: 147
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 96 of 97
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 156
Fingerprint: 0x89780392
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+22 to Vitality
+93 to Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Increase Maximum Durability 13%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Thul Rune
Socketed: Ort Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
Code:
Harpoonist's Grand Charm of Inertia
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xfe1e9c6a
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
+7% Faster Run/Walk

Harpoonist's Grand Charm of the Icicle
Grand Charm
Required Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xe71fd84b
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)
Adds 2 - 4 Cold Damage Over 1 Secs (25 Frames)

Ruby Grand Charm of Sustenance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 53
Fingerprint: 0xbaba0836
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+32 to Life
Fire Resist +27%

Ruby Grand Charm of Vita
Grand Charm
Required Level: 69
Fingerprint: 0x400a174c
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+37 to Life
Fire Resist +26%

Shimmering Grand Charm of Balance
Grand Charm
Required Level: 27
Fingerprint: 0x95f5156d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+12% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +15

Gheed's Fortune
Grand Charm
Required Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x2e252803
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
96% Extra Gold from Monsters
Reduces all Vendor Prices 13%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Shimmering Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x1e36f89a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
All Resistances +5

Sapphire Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x4cf35a43
Item Level: **
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Cold Resist +10%

Amber Small Charm of Good Luck
Small Charm
Required Level: 33
Fingerprint: 0x5703a5bc
Item Level: 85
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +11%
7% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Fine Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xde186caf
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+3 to Maximum Damage
+17 to Attack Rating
+19 to Life

Emerald Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x9475875d
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Poison Resist +11%

Snake's Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x9f098977
Item Level: 81
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life
+8 to Mana

Lapis Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x6a408631
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+19 to Life
Cold Resist +7%

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x15138b8d
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Tangerine Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0xe0cccd93
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Lightning Resist +5%

Russet Small Charm of Balance
Small Charm
Required Level: 29
Fingerprint: 0x59b22a7b
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Hit Recovery
Fire Resist +7%

Amber Small Charm of Fortune
Small Charm
Required Level: 32
Fingerprint: 0x853a86f0
Item Level: 87
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Lightning Resist +10%
4% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc125991b
Item Level: 83
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xcb514ffe
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Shimmering Small Charm of Craftmanship
Small Charm
Required Level: 77
Fingerprint: 0xc8b24b99
Item Level: 95
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Maximum Damage
All Resistances +5

Jade Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0x474859c
Item Level: 99
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+18 to Life
Poison Resist +9%

Shimmering Small Charm
Small Charm
Required Level: 25
Fingerprint: 0x8e62d14
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +5

Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xc7dc48ac
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+20 to Life

Burly Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 39
Fingerprint: 0xb421078a
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+16 Defense
+20 to Life
Code:
Name:       Kasim
Race:       Desert Mercenary
Type:       Off-Nightmare
Experience: 114096020
Level:      98
Dead?:      false

Naked/Gear
Strength:   209/229
Dexterity:  169/169
HP:         2287/2287
Defense:    1671/3745
AR:         2066/2066

Fire:       227/187/127
Cold:       227/187/127
Lightning:  227/187/127
Poison:    227/187/127

Delirium
Grand Crown
LemIstIo
Defense: 354
Durability: 33 of 50
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 103
Fingerprint: 0x75cd5556
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
1% Chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck
6% Chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck
14% Chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck
11% Chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking
+2 to All Skills
+261 Defense
+10 to Vitality
50% Extra Gold from Monsters
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 17 Attract (60/60 Charges)
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Lem Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune
Socketed: Io Rune

Chains of Honor
Archon Plate
DolUmBerIst
Defense: 1720
Durability: 31 of 31
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 93
Fingerprint: 0x3642f69f
Item Level: 86
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to All Skills
+200% Damage to Demons
+100% Damage to Undead
8% Life stolen per hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 to Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced by 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Dol Rune
Socketed: Um Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Infinity
Colossus Voulge
BerMalBerIst
Two Hand Damage: 90 - 896
Durability: 26 of 26
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 200
Required Dexterity: 45
Fingerprint: 0xe3c8a32e
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
50% Chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you Kill an Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
263% Enhanced Damage
-53% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+49 to Vitality (Based on Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30/30 Charges)
Ethereal
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Mal Rune
Socketed: Ber Rune
Socketed: Ist Rune

Thank You-s and What’s Next-es
As always, I have to start with thanks to this forum and everyone who participated or contributed to this thread: it’s much easier to plug away with company. A special shoutout to @Kitteh for relaunching the challenge, and @Pb_pal, @Nano, @T72on1, @ffs, @Bewitch and the other more recent entries for the suggestions and encouragement throughout. The SPF is a great community, and the untwinked 99er thread in particular has been a great place for theorycrafting and tips and has generally helped keep D2 engaging for me. So a big thanks for the SPF for being the SPF!

As for what's next, Quinta will search for an eth Scythe in early NM to Larzuk and make Infinity for another project. Beyond that, she likely won’t get much use. But I will try to put together distinct set ups for her and my other javazon so each can be ready for a particular target (Cows, CS maybe) without rerolling maps.

Beyond that, I will take a break from the untwinked 99ers, focusing on the Three Way Dance to finish those characters off (one way or another). I also have some twinked builds that I would like to push through. I know, I’ve said that about the Druid to use the eTomby in, what, three straight 99er writeups now, but this time I mean it! I have a project in mind that might provide the motivation to actually do it this time, so maybe at least a few twinked pat/mats will be incoming. For my other 99ers, Death (Barb) is at 95 and Septimus (Druid) is at 90. The occasional set of Baal runs may see Death start creeping toward 96, but I think Septimus will sit for a while. We’ll see . . . Either way, liking the character screen:
99 (Character screen).jpg
In closing, a final thanks to everyone who followed along and provided encouragement around the untwinked 99ers. Questions and feedback are most welcome. Cheers! :)
 
Originally posted March 3, 2020

All Spelled Out - Arkana the Untwinked Sorceress Reaches 99

Arkana, my untwinked sorceress, and my first character made after resetting to join the SPF, reached level 99 on Sunday!

Start: January 4, 2019
End: March 1, 2020


eCvI2cN.jpg


First, here is a video of the final few nihlathak runs, dinging 99 on ancients, and getting matriarch afterwards.


I aborted two nihlathak runs in totally non-dangerous situations in the video, but I was getting really nervous about screwing something up on video :p. Also I thought about making it so that i got the finally 99 ding on Baal himself, but decided I didn't want any increased risk. My ~500 hp in the throne room makes me think that was a solid decision ;).

Gear and Build
Fire Sorceress (98-99)

Code:
Harlequin Crest (Sol)
Mara's Kaleidoscope (30@)
Heart of the Oak (40@)
Skin of the Vipermagi (Shael, 30@, 13mdr)
Phoenix Monarch
Swap: Call to Arms (4bo), Spirit
Magefist
Arachnid Mesh
2x 11 PDR Nature's Peace
Sandstorm Trek
Gheeds (40mf)
4x fire skillers (1 with 12fhr)
Assorted life/fire res/fhr sc's
Merc: Delirium, Infinity, Treachery
Corpse Recovery: hoto, 1bo cta, spirit, shako, vipermagi, 30@ amulet, natures peace, raven (for the dex), 24 str belt, bloodfist, aldurs boots
Build: max fire ball, fire bolt, meteor, fire mastery, 1 in warmth, and teleport, enough in static to hit nihla from distance, rest into inferno
Video of sample runs and gear:
Approx avg exp/hr: 3.5 million

Gomule dump (to be added later):

Blizzard Sorceress (pre 98)
From 94-99 Arkana was a blizzard sorceress running Chaos (2 seal runs) with the following:
Code:
Harlequin Crest (PTopaz)
Mara's Kaleidoscope (30@)
Heart of the Oak (40@)
Skin of the Vipermagi (PTopaz, 30@, 13mdr)
Spirit Monarch (35fcr)
Bloodfist
Snowclash (did first half with string of ears)
Stone of Jordan
Dwarf Star
Aldur's Advance
Gheeds (40mf)
3x cold skillers (started with 1)
Assorted life/res/fhr sc's
Merc: Delirium, Insight, Chains of Honor
Corpse Recovery: similar to above
Build: standard blizzard sorc
Video of sample runs and gear:
Approx avg exp/hr at lvl 97: 4.6 million

The Journey
Beginning/Questing/Gearing
I started Arkana on January 4th, 2019. I played diablo 2 for the first time when a buddy convinced me to try it out in May 2018. After playing a few months, I realized the SPF was the place to be, and reset to join following SPF rules. Arkana was the first character I made, looking forward to joining @Kitteh's Untwinked 99er Tournament. I honestly didn't have any aspirations to finish the project in the foreseeable future, but ended up making nice progress.

After starting the character, I set myself many restrictions, most of which were totally unrealistic. I did stick with questing throught game on p8, just for some extra challenge, and using no extended stash just during that questing period. I think I mentally underestimated how much effort goes into 99ing a character and these long term restrictions such as no LK, hydrid spec, and no hell Mephisto were quickly ditched. I blame the noobness :p. Now I would recommend a player going for 99 leave their options open. There is a LOT of time to change your mind on stuff in such a long journey.

Anyways players8 questing went smoothly and at a reasonable pace. I started hell with some reasonable gear and finished questing on February 8th, as a meteorb sorc. I saved a link to what I call my D2 existential spiral, where I realized this project would take some serious effort. And shortly after, I started LK. For the next couple of months, I played Arkana more sporadically, as I was questing characters of the other classes, and trying to get budget characters up and running for the 2019 RFL. Sometime in the midst of this though, I did some Mephisto runs and found arachs. I had already found a shako really early on from a handful of mephy runs. I then did a focused LK grind over a week or so, and got the gear I needed for hoto and cta at the beginning of May, so 4 months after starting. At this point, I also decided I wanted to just be a full blizz sorc. Cookie cutter ftw (but at the moment I would say blizz sorc is still my favorite d2 character, so no regrets :) ).

Ancient Tunnels (lvl 86-94)
After that, I moved into the Ancient tunnels and did runs on p3 or p5 with plenty of mf in hoped of more nice finds on my way into the mid 90s. Shortly after that, I got lvl 90, and a 30@ maras! Then in the beginning of june, Arkana scored an soj from a couple of random pindle runs. I continued to do my ancient tunnels runs. Here is a video of what the runs looked like. They now look super super slow to me. At least that means I've gotten better :). I tested some exp vs mf efficiency of the different psettings for my runs, and dinged 94 in mid June.

Chaos Sanctuary (lvl 94-98)
I took a little break from the character till mid July, as I knew I wanted my next step to be starting chaos running. I started asking some questions about how to gear for it. Thanks to everyone who helped, but especially to @Bewitch, who helped me decide on most of my setup while chatting on his twitch stream. He also conveyed to me the importance of delirium. While not needed on an hdin in my opinion, I would say delirium is pretty much necessary for comfortable chaos runs on a sorc. Unless you're a pro and/or have some sick gear, but if that's you, then you know who you are. Anyways, I got my gear together and started the runs. It was a learning process, but went well. I finally found my first eth elite 4os polearm for an insight base early in the chaos runs.

I also started asking questions about what other sorcs in the tourney were getting for exp/hr in chaos. My runs were pretty slow at that point, and extrapolated to 3.7m exp/hr at lvl 97. Fortunately after some advice, I was able to speed up my runs to ~4.6m/hr during lvl 97. Which isn't quite as nice as the rate some of the other sorcs achieved and is a far cry from the speed of Gripphon's twinked sorceress mentioned in the 99er compendium. But I was glad of the improvement anyways. Also took a break from the character in august to prepare my budget pitzerker for the 2019 mfo and to participate in that tournament. I also think I finished questing my untwinked playthrough of all classes during that time. I was back to Arkana soon though.

Between 97 and 97.75, I had no deaths and was starting to think I might make it through the lvl without one. Then I died to stupidity shortly after. Then at 97.98, I got one shot by a fanaticism stormcaster in vizier's pack. Don't think that one was really avoidable, but I sure was angry. I'm sure I died a few times pre 97 too, but the penalty (provided you have a successful corpse recovery) doesn't feel too bad till 97. I found the mental grind during this stretch much more taxing than I expected, despite having a good idea of the time involved. I was eager to get lvl 98 so I plowed through it, but I wanted to show again how much effort these final two levels take. Much respect to the madmen with more than one 99er in this thread, and especially @PhineasB of course. Lvl 97-98 ended up taking ~65 hours with the deaths. Not an impressive rate, but these runs made me rich in runes, and I had ancients saved for the last level, so no regrets at all. I always knew I wanted a character who ran chaos rather than baal, and that paid off nicely for me. Here's a video of what my runs looked like near the end. And here are the updates I posted during that time in chaos.

Level 96.3 (July 28)
Level 97.5 (end mini-RFL) (October 22)
Level 97.75 (November 4)
Level 98 (November 15)

Runes found from 97-98: cham, cham, jah, sur, sur, lo, ohm, ohm, vex

Nihlathak (lvl 98-99)
I then had a big theorycrafting session, debating and estimating the difference between going light and fire sorc for nihla running. Made a very thorough spreadsheet for the analysis and had a lot of fun. I ended up choosing to go with a fire sorceress, and am glad I did. I died once in the first ~50 runs since I was experimenting and trying to see how hard the snakes hit and such. So no loss there. Then I died again at ~4% into the level, trying too hard to pick something up in a pile of loot. This prompted some reconsideration of my picking behavior, and I made this post of the safety setup I chose to run as well as my (reduced) picking choices during the run. I didn't die again, so I would say that was a success!

I really liked my build for nihla. I had fire sorc with phoenix, with 29 pdr, 85 fire res, 105 fcr, and 60 fhr. Now that I'm done running nihlathak, I feel like I can finally say this without jinxing myself. I think nihlathak runs were pretty easy and pretty safe with this setup and behavior. Yes safe :p. I had far fewer NDE's than I did in chaos. The runs are just so repetitive and short, it feels easy to s/e in most situations in plenty of time. I think the pdr was huge for safety. However since I was too scared to do some runs without it, I don't know for sure. I'll plan to do some nihlathak test runs with other gear in the next couple of months though. Also I made my mercs infinity in an elite base. With the 85 fire res, CE's usually did very very little dmg. Ofc CE has a very wide dmg range. I remember a single time where I saw a CE chunk ~1000 of my hp. Which was scary, but I had plenty of hp left, and think I even finished the run.

My key points, were ALWAYS insure the step-away from merc to avoid nextdelay issues. If I didn't achieve this, if there were no snake clouds, I would teleport to a new spot and try again. If there were snake clouds and step-away was screwed up, I would s/e. Next is with a character like this, picking items up is by far the most dangerous part of the run. I minimized the items I was picking up, and when I did pick one up, I really took my time clearing the room before doing so. So my runs with no pickups were ~22s, and runs with pickups were 30+. Also s/e immediately on might witches. Just not worth it. Ofc might/fana snakes and be careful when cursed etc. Here's a video of some sample runs. Also here are the updates I posted during my time at nihla.

Level 98.25 (December 31)
Level 98.48 (February 3)
Level 98.58 (February 10)
Level 98.66 (February 17)
Level 98.78 (February 24)
Level 99 (March 1)

Runes found from 98-99: jah, ber, sur, ohm, ohm, ohm, vex
Noteable S/U's from 98-99: astreons (from a minion), dragonscale, azurewrath, spirit keeper, boneflame

Also random point, but I did not roll a map with shrines on the way to nihla. It has been discussed elsewhere that it's dubious if they decrease your time overall, but that its helpful in that it lessens the total runs, thereby reducing your opportunities for death. I think I disagree with the last point. Seems to me im just as likely to die stopping to check/tag a shrine as I am on nihla's platform. Another random point. I don't know anyone else who plays with the perspective setting on (in video settings if you're using glide), but I do since I like the look of it. I realized after i was already 10k runs in, that turning it off allowed me to see more of nihla's platform, reducing the chance of missing an offscreen drop. Doh!

Anyways, if I had to do it all again, I might go light sorc (even though I didn't have griffons), solely to have the option of doing some chaos or baal runs for variety when bored. I'm glad however I went fire sorc this go-around, because not having the opportunity to do chaos/baal made me buckle down and focus. And plus I think my fire build was more tanky, and the extra minions kills likely led to more runes, as well as that astreons. Here's screen of my runcounter. Was very happy with the runtimes, despite ~3s additional time from s/e and loading. Was averaging around 3.5m exp/hr. Note that maybe 400-500 runs were done off the runcounter while trying to get a Hall of Records entry.
QPAeizQ.png

Conclusions
Was loads of fun and I'm so happy I reached 99! Big thanks to everyone who makes the thread fun, as well as to @Kitteh for hosting it. I will say though that 97-99 was quite a grind, and one that I am not eager to take on again. I'll never say never, who knows what I'll want to do, but I don't plan to start another character for the thread. I don't plan to grind for 99 in any sort of focused fashion on twinked characters either.

Now Arkana's gear is mixed in with the rest of my characters, which I found sooo satisfying. I don't love working to keep gear sequestered. And Arkana will likely respec and reappear as my trav sorc for RFL round 2 this year. Thanks everyone! Let me know if any of the links in the writeup don't work or point to the wrong address.
 
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