Currently level 77 and in the Dark Wood.
However, just after firing D2 tonight, I ran into quite a dilemma. Within the first few minutes of playing I found the following two, potentially game changing items.
First was this beauty (perfect damage roll)
Athena's Wrath
Battle Scythe
Two-Hand Damage: 75 to 187
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Dexterity: 72
Required Strength: 72
Required Level: 42
Polearm Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 70
Fingerprint: 0xbf832fc5
+15 to Dexterity
+180% Enhanced Damage
+1 to Druid Skill Levels
30% Increased Attack Speed
+1 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+1 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
Ethereal (Cannot be Repaired)
Second was this long awaited rune for an exceptional weapon upgrade (found the Pul during Act 3 NM).
View attachment 1382
So now is the important question, what to do with my mercenary and eventual weapon. I can upgrade an exceptional unique weapon to elite. In addition, I still have my NM socketing reward available. Currently, Bulwye the Barbarian, is faring very well with his 'Strength' Legend Sword. Below are my following options.
Barbarian
1) Current weapon - 'Strength' Legend Sword. Pros: Provides crushing blow which, when coupled with the intrinsic speed-10 speed plus with the +45% IAS on 'Treachery' make his very fast and quite deadly. I am cruising on players 5 in act I hell. Cons: low damage
2) Upgrade Bing Sz Wang - Dacian Falx. Pros: Freezing, cold damage, decent damage. Cons: slow base speed (10). However, when upgraded, the speed increased to (-10) which would be awesome with Treachery.
Other uniques are Kinemil's Awl, Blood Crescent, Colossus Sword (2 sockets).
Desert Guard
1) Upgrade the Athena's Wrath above. Awesome damage and nice life bonus; however, no life steel , crushing blow, or AR. But when this is coupled with Treachery, I can hit the 5 frame breakpoint and still have the open socket to spare.
Other weapon options are The Battlebranch (ethereal), The Meat Scraper, Spire of Honor, and Soulfeast Tine War Fork.
I should also point out that my iron golem currently is using an ethereal 'malice' partizan, so regeneration is not an issue with the open wounds. Any thoughts?
Edit: I should also note that keeping my barbarian opens myself up to more magic find as I have an Immortal Kings Will with +86% MF. I also have a Tal's hat I can use for additional life steal as well.
HAHA I just realized that literally a half hour ago, before the start of this playing session, I cubed all my flawless emeralds and used them for crafting! For those of you that don't know, this is needed to upgrade an exceptional unique weapon to elite. Thankfully I have plenty of regular ones.