Motivated with that first Ist I cubed all runes from Lum up. It left me with Ist Um to finish the Eni. Lets continue with some LK. View attachment 11030
Damn, so close. Give me that last UM!! I tried the countess few times, but it took so long, so I switched back to LK. After some more ( +- 200 runs): View attachment 11031
Yay, way more than I needed. That was my 6th Sur, so all the cubing was completely unnecessary. Good bye LK, I dont want to see you for some time now! View attachment 11032
And here we go! It definitely deserves personification! First ever (since release of d2) SP selfound Enigma. View attachment 11035
Lets take it out for a spin (need to farm meph now, for some eq that couldnt be easily found in LK). Hmm, first Meph, first chest on lvl 3. Are you kidding? This could have saved like 4 hours to me. But not mad at all View attachment 11036
I think I will stay at Meph to farm some Wizzardspike, Suicide branch, Stormshield and possibly Arre/Guillame now.
Then I am going to respec to optimalizace stats and go full exp mode
Today is a bit of an odd one. First I got to 50% to level 97. I was on a roll and the experience was coming to me like waves to a beach. Alas, disaster strikes. View attachment 11038
It must have been quite the combination of modifiers for Achmel this time, it was done in a matter of seconds. I don't have a corpse retrieval kit, and the loss is about 20-25 million XP. At least I'm not playing hardcore, and the loss isn't too big of a problem. I had been thinking about how I would feel if I died, and it was more of a comic fail than actually annoying.
I did find an interesting item along the way, now I have a plan B if level 98 gets to be too annoying some time in the far future:View attachment 11039
I also made a nice armor for my merc, but truth be told it feels no different than Duriel's Shell did: View attachment 11040
In closing, and for future reference for people going to do any farming with high projected fire damage Steel Shade is a fantastic tool for keeping the merc alive. I can't remember who wrote it, but I think it was Gripphon. The merc has not died since I equipped it on him, and he used to struggle a lot with the Bartuc wave, and at times I had to help him out at the Ventar wave, but as I said now he feels immortal (as long as I stay alive, hehe).
@Ashenshugar Sorry to hear about the death, hope you'll make up for it quickly! Why no eth bugged Forti though?
After MFO and with lots RL stuff going on I played considerably less recently. Scarce D2 time was spent leveling other characters and doing twinked MF Pit runs here and there. Now I picked up Ric again though and hope to progress him towards 98 soon. I'm also considering entering with a HC Druid. I tend to push characters a bit too much, so I don't think he'd ever make 99... but I never had a Guardian even, so that's something to tick off the list.
also considering entering with a HC Druid. I tend to push characters a bit too much, so I don't think he'd ever make 99... but I never had a Guardian even, so that's something to tick off the list.
Post-MFO life has still been decent in terms of drops. The level started off well with green CBs and Sacred Armours. Not entirely useful, but it leaves a glimmer of hope for more useful things to drop soon. His time in the AT has only just begun, so there's nothing but time to find other goodies. Speaking of other goodies:
Nice! Klaus' MF has now moved up to 271 while maintaining his killing power.
I decided to test out the Drifter Cavern to see if I could make the xp work there, seeing as there is only 1 FI-type monster. The testing didn't last long as it's quite clearly not as efficient xp-wise, which is no surprise since it's an alvl 84 area. It also has the benefit of being way more dangerous which is a no-go for HC, but I did get an eth Horizon's out of it!
Code:
Horizon's Tornado
Scourge
One Hand Damage: 14 - 435
Durability: 33 of 33
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 92
Required Dexterity: 54
Fingerprint: 0x76d5f66f
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Unidentified
20% Chance to cast level 15 Tornado on striking
+50% Increased Attack Speed
263% Enhanced Damage
+150% Damage to Undead
Slows Target by 20%
Requirements -20% Ethereal
With that experiment over it was back to the tunnels for another green SA and CB and a Lightsabre right as we hit the halfway mark. Grailers have been semi-steadily coming in, and it continued here with a nice Stormspire (and Tal's amulet in the same run!). Just as Klaus was approaching the 2/3 mark of the level his grumbling over the uselessness of his drops finally paid off:
Awesome! Been waiting for that one for a while (bit of an understatement there ) so it's nice to finally have it drop. Another useful drop soon followed when he found Wisp Projector. Not only is that the final piece of jewelery I need for my overall grail (and is obviously a grailer for Klaus), I swapped some charms and the other ring around to incorporate the WP and its light absorb and now Klaus is sitting at 298% mf! Nice!
A Demonhorn's Edge and Stormshield dropped to round out the level, so Klaus now sits at 96. Pace will probably slow for a little bit now. I have some otehr projects I want to work on, and I've started getting a bit sloppy trying to push for extra XP. No real NDEs, but some poor decision making and unneccessary risks being taken, so I'm going to take a step back and run him a bit more casually for a while. Better slow and alive than quick and dead!
Skillers:
- Hexing
- Graverobber's (cubed)
Other finds:
- 2x Um (1, 2)
- Pul
- Mal (from the chest)
- 20life/17mana SC (nice!)
- a couple unsocketed, eth Threshers/Gthreshers for potential future re-rolls.
- Ormus Robes (Chain Lightning, a grailer!)
- 5os eth Colossus Sword
- this eth Sacred Targe. Is this useful for anything? Exile maybe?
- a few other eth uniques for the grail.
Forumite Character SC/HC Class Level Exp Date E/S S/U Grail Deaths Hours
--------------- --------------- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---------- --- ---- ----- ------ -----
Bewitch itsreal HC Sorc 87 1.xx 2018-04-24 No - - - -
MizzouFTW Pure HC Necro 86 1.15 2018-01-10 Yes - - 1 -
Vildecor Celia HC Ama 84 0.99 2018-05-30 Yes 125 97 1 -
coju NintyNine_orRiP HC Sorc 81 0.74 2016-04-07 Yes - - 1 -
TwentyMuleTeam Valus HC Barb 76 0.48 2016-10-27 Yes - - 1 -
Pb_pal Stevesy HC Pala 76 0.48 2017-06-19 Yes - - 1 -
weezaard Cypher SC Druid 66 0.00 2018-02-21 Yes - - 20+ -
Tenecabo OldShatterhand HC Druid 49 0.04 2016-06-16 Yes - 0 1 -
Pijus Pyrestarter HC Druid 36 0.00 2018-05-21 Yes - - 1 -
coju fB HC Sorc 29 0.00 2016-04-09 Yes 1 1 1 2
Kitteh Verallus HC Druid 26 0.00 2016-03-25 No - - 1 -
logoutzero Rolex HC Barb 21 0.00 2016-03-26 Yes 0 0 1 1
So DirkStruan has slowly slogged his way thru many Hell Countess and Pit runs, but finding very little of note. The big finds in the Pits were Aldur's Advance boots, an ethereal Small Crescent (that rolled 4 sockets in the cube), and the following rare Reinforced Mace, which replaced my crafted Naga and is my current weapon:
Code:
Death Breaker
Reinforced Mace
One Hand Damage: 115 - 138
Durability: 40 of 60
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 145
Required Dexterity: 46
Fingerprint: 0x7a282066
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
182% Enhanced Damage
+330 to Attack Rating
+150% Damage to Undead
9% Mana stolen per hit
As nice as the Tower map was that I had, other than the back-to-back Pul & Um the Countess dropped those runs dried up so I went back to questing in an effort to make it to Lower Kurast and try and at least get the Mal rune I need for an Oath. The following has been my gear for that trek, and what Dirk is currently equipped with as he starts his LK runs:
5% Chance to cast level 1 Amplify Damage on striking
Gemmed Superior Aerin Shield
Superior Aerin Shield
Defense: 28
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 57 of 57
Required Level: 18
Required Strength: 50
Fingerprint: 0xd98a1787
Item Level: 51
Version: Expansion 1.10+
All Resistances +105
Increase Maximum Durability 15%
4 Sockets (4 used)
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Socketed: Perfect Diamond
Perfect Diamond
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +68% Damage to Undead
Armor: +100 to Attack Rating
Shields: Cold Resist +19%
Lightning Resist +19%
Fire Resist +19%
Poison Resist +19%
Perfect Diamond
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +68% Damage to Undead
Armor: +100 to Attack Rating
Shields: Cold Resist +19%
Lightning Resist +19%
Fire Resist +19%
Poison Resist +19%
Perfect Diamond
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +68% Damage to Undead
Armor: +100 to Attack Rating
Shields: Cold Resist +19%
Lightning Resist +19%
Fire Resist +19%
Poison Resist +19%
Perfect Diamond
Required Level: 18
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +68% Damage to Undead
Armor: +100 to Attack Rating
Shields: Cold Resist +19%
Lightning Resist +19%
Fire Resist +19%
Poison Resist +19%
Loath Tower
Royal Shield
Defense: 274
Chance to Block: 0
Durability: 60 of 60
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 114
Fingerprint: 0x8db9b7a3
Item Level: 64
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+1 to Paladin Skill Levels
+51% Enhanced Defense
All Resistances +21
Fire Resist +7%
Damage Reduced by 2
Poison Length Reduced by 50%
Edge
Short War Bow
TirTalAmn
Two Hand Damage: 6 - 14
Durability: 30 of 48
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 35
Required Dexterity: 55
Fingerprint: 0xb30e994
Item Level: 48
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 15 Thorns Aura When Equipped
+35% Increased Attack Speed
+371% Damage to Demons
+280% Damage to Undead
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
7% Life stolen per hit
Prevent Monster Heal
All Stats +7
+2 to Mana after each Kill
Reduces all Vendor Prices 15%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Tir Rune
Socketed: Tal Rune
Socketed: Amn Rune
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%
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
Smoking Small Charm of Vita
Small Charm
Required Level: 56
Fingerprint: 0xa56adbbf
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Adds 4 - 16 Fire Damage
+16 to Life
Lapis Large Charm of Inertia
Large Charm
Required Level: 18
Fingerprint: 0x5370c544
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+5% Faster Run/Walk
Cold Resist +8%
Death Breaker
Reinforced Mace
One Hand Damage: 115 - 138
Durability: 40 of 60
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 145
Required Dexterity: 46
Fingerprint: 0x7a282066
Item Level: 80
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+10% Increased Attack Speed
182% Enhanced Damage
+330 to Attack Rating
+150% Damage to Undead
9% Mana stolen per hit
Mercenary:
Name: Fazel
Race: Desert Mercenary
Type: Off-Nightmare
Experience: 66971232
Level: 82
Dead?: false
Naked/Gear
Strength: 181/219
Dexterity: 145/165
HP: 1647/1697
Defense: 1217/1666
AR: 1874/367304
Fire: 184/144/84
Cold: 184/144/84
Lightning: 214/174/114
Poison: 184/144/84
Lionheart
Dusk Shroud
HelLumFal
Defense: 413
Durability: 20 of 20
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 66
Fingerprint: 0x5fb976a0
Item Level: 75
Version: Expansion 1.10+
20% Enhanced Damage
All Stats +10
+15 to Strength
+5 to Dexterity
+10 to Vitality
+50 to Life
All Resistances +30
Requirements -15%
3 Sockets (3 used)
Socketed: Hel Rune
Socketed: Lum Rune
Socketed: Fal Rune
Hel Rune
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: Requirements -20%
Armor: Requirements -15%
Shields: Requirements -15%
Lum Rune
Required Level: 37
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Energy
Armor: +10 to Energy
Shields: +10 to Energy
Fal Rune
Required Level: 41
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Weapons: +10 to Strength
Armor: +10 to Strength
Shields: +10 to Strength
Doom Circlet
Coronet
Defense: 36
Durability: 30 of 30
Required Level: 65
Fingerprint: 0x138cad99
Item Level: 82
Version: Expansion 1.10+
+2 to Summoning Skills (Druid Only)
7% Life stolen per hit
+8 to Strength
All Resistances +8
Lightning Resist +30%
Magic Damage Reduced by 2
Insight
Thresher
RalTirTalSol
Two Hand Damage: 51 - 494
Durability: 65 of 65
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 152
Required Dexterity: 118
Fingerprint: 0xc1f8da88
Item Level: 84
Version: Expansion 1.10+
Level 16 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
251% Enhanced Damage
+9 to Minimum Damage
195% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5 - 30 Fire Damage
Adds 75 Poison Damage Over 5 Secs (125 Frames)
+6 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
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
I keep the War Axe with the Amp Damage on switch for Physical Immunes, and the Edge stays in my stash for gambling. I managed to improve my charm situation a bit via rerolling with Perfect Gems, but they obviously still need work - hopefully I find some upgrades once I start my LK runs. It's been slow going with a fair bit of kiting, especially around the PI's. That War Axe I shopped came in handy in the Arcane Sanctuary, making it a little easier to deal with all the ghosts. The worst part was the Tomb - that one alone must have taken a good 40 minutes or so thanks to the Unravellers and the PI ghosts and the Urdars. Both Andariel and Duriel dropped complete rubbish, but that's been par for the course for Dirk In Act III, I was unlucky to have a map that did not have the Great Marsh bypass, but lucky in that there were no Gloams in the Great Marsh. Sszark packed his usual wallop, but I slowly lured out his pack one or two at a time and then fought him on my terms (a la Sun Tzu). I also got lucky in the Flayer Dungeon, as there were no dolls to worry about.
Eventually I got to Lower Kurast, but it only had one campfire. Sadly giving up my Tower map, I started rerolling and came upon a pretty good map on the 3rd roll but found the boss pack density to be too much for an untwinked Paladin relying on FRW to do his LK runs, so I went back to rerolling. About a half hour later I think I've finally found a nice map that is a little less chaotic (will post tonight once I take a screenshot). I've got my fingers crossed, hoping that these LK runs will bear a little more fruit than the 2,500 or so that my LK running Whirly Barb has completed over time.
I just noticed that my blocking is a little low, so I'm going to pump Dexterity with whatever unspent points I have. I've made it this far with that darned rare mace, but I don't foresee taking on the Council in Travincal without at least equipping an Oath. And I'm way to rune-poor to consider a Call To Arms as something to plan for in my near future....
@Pb_pal : Damned, You are ahead once again Time to move forward with Kaira, did not touched her since ZOD dropped...Though, i have to admit, i played a little with another character ... i will probably introduce him in next update
Well, it was almost a whole day of farming, lets say something about 8 hours... I was really determined to finish that Eni, so I pushed it hard :]
Fun thing is, that I found out, that I need to get some rest from that barb, so I played my HC bone necro a bit. Will come back to barb as soon as I will feel into it.
As promised in the previous post, here i'm to introduce my third character (still counting Espada, but thats for very distant future )
My third chars name is Attila, and not surprisingly, he is Barbarian (WW build)...So far he reached LK in Hell, where he will remain for very long time, because his equipement is tragic at best
Journey to this point has been painfully slow, and even dangerous sometimes - especially at Act 2 Hell with lots of PI monsters...
My personal rules for this character are the same as always:
1) HC - thats obvious i guess
2) Using ESC button to avoid death is not allowed
3) Respec is not allowed
4) Avoid Mephisto as much as i can - in other words, only one kill in Hell difficulty
Not sure how far i can get, melee characters are far slower then casters, but having melee and caster on the list is something i really wanted for change...
Attila reached lvl 78 btw
Attilas gear:
Code:
Berserker's Jawbone Visor of Light
Defense: 68
Durability: 20 of 25
(Barbarian Only)
Required Strength: 58
Required Level: 42
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 71
Fingerprint: 0xf9d8deea
+15 to Attack Rating
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
+1 to Light Radius
+2 to Battle Orders (Barbarian Only)
+1 to War Cry (Barbarian Only)
+1 to Battle Cry (Barbarian Only)
Butcher's Pupil
Cleaver
One-Hand Damage: 56 to 138
Required Strength: 68
Required Level: 39
Axe Class - Fast Attack Speed
Indestructible
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 57
Fingerprint: 0x9fab1587
+167% Enhanced Damage
+30 to Minimum Damage
+50 to Maximum Damage
30% Increased Attack Speed
25% Chance of Open Wounds
35% Deadly Strike
Indestructible
Aldur's Rhythm
Jagged Star
'ShaelEthEth'
One-Hand Damage: 60 to 93
Durability: 59 of 72
Required Strength: 74
Required Level: 42
Mace Class - Very Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x63e48ff3
+40 to Minimum Damage
+62 to Maximum Damage
Adds 50-75 lightning damage
10% Life stolen per hit
5% Mana stolen per hit
50% Increased Attack Speed
-50% Target Defense
200% Damage to Demons
150% Damage to Undead
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
+15 to Strength
+15 to Strength
+15 to Strength
***Partial Set Item Bonuses***
Socketed (3: 3 used)
Order Gorget
Amulet
Required Level: 11
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 28
Fingerprint: 0xa7aee666
+4 to Energy
Lightning Resist +20%
4% Mana stolen per hit
+1 to Light Radius
10% Faster Cast Rate
Skin of the Vipermagi
Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 279
Durability: 19 of 24
Required Strength: 43
Required Level: 29
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 68
Fingerprint: 0x54f74b22
+120% Enhanced Defense
Magic Damage Reduced by 13
All Resistances +26
30% Faster Cast Rate
+1 to All Skill Levels
Laying of Hands
Bramble Mitts
Defense: 87
Durability: 9 of 12
Required Strength: 50
Required Level: 63
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 79
Fingerprint: 0x2fccaeb6
+25 Defense
Fire Resist +50%
20% Increased Attack Speed
350% Damage to Demons
10% Chance to cast Level 3 Holy Bolt on striking
Sander's Riprap
Heavy Boots
Defense: 6
Durability: 9 of 14
Kick Damage: 4 to 10
Required Strength: 18
Required Level: 20
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 71
Fingerprint: 0x4a59a578
+5 to Strength
+10 to Dexterity
+100 to Attack Rating
40% Faster Run/Walk
Fiend Clasp
Plated Belt
Defense: 11
Durability: 23 of 24
Required Strength: 60
Required Level: 18
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 62
Fingerprint: 0x8c94063c
+33 to Life
+6 to Mana
+30 to Maximum Stamina
Fire Resist +26%
24% Faster Hit Recovery
Poison Length Reduced by 25%
Manald Heal
Ring
Required Level: 15
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 45
Fingerprint: 0x88aafe92
+20 to Life
Regenerate Mana 20%
6% Mana stolen per hit
Replenish Life +7
Stone Touch
Ring
Required Level: 24
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 34
Fingerprint: 0x7168d8ed
+14 to Maximum Stamina
+98 to Attack Rating
Fire Resist +18%
3% Life stolen per hit
Half Freeze Duration
Level 1 Dim Vision (22/22 Charges)
Spirit
Broad Sword
'TalThulOrtAmn'
One-Hand Damage: 7 to 14
Durability: 32 of 32
Required Strength: 48
Required Level: 25
Sword Class - Normal Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 42
Fingerprint: 0xc5b324f8
+22 to Vitality
+112 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Adds 1-50 lightning damage
Adds 3-14 cold damage over 3 seconds
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
7% Life stolen per hit
55% Faster Hit Recovery
34% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skill Levels
+5 Magic Absorb
Socketed (4: 4 used)
Spirit
Long Sword
'TalThulOrtAmn'
One-Hand Damage: 3 to 19
Durability: 44 of 44
Required Dexterity: 39
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 25
Sword Class - Fast Attack Speed
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 49
Fingerprint: 0xfdf32873
+22 to Vitality
+92 to Mana
+250 Defense vs. Missile
Adds 1-50 lightning damage
Adds 3-14 cold damage over 3 seconds
+75 poison damage over 5 seconds
7% Life stolen per hit
55% Faster Hit Recovery
31% Faster Cast Rate
+2 to All Skill Levels
+3 Magic Absorb
Socketed (4: 4 used)
@RIP Very nice choice for another HC character. Very brave as well . Good luck !!!
Btw, your gear doesn't seem that crappy to me. If you can find the runes to up that Butcher's Pupil, you already have one very strong weapon. Other than that more life leech would be a very good thing.
Edit: also, kuddos to you for doing this a third time. I'm on my second character and I swear, I won't ever run LK again for gear I already have, but have to get again because I'm foolish enough to go the untwinked route on a project like a 99er. After 3000 runs in with my Hammerdin (who is slow compared to teleporting characters but fast otherwise), I definitely came to that conclusion. I just don't find it fun.
Well, actually its only second time because Necromancer never leaved Normal difficulty...Kaira (my sin) already done 4400 p7 LK runs, if that matters...
Personally, it might sound very strange, but running LK with Barbarian is even more interesting, any drop can have huge impact on survival/killing speed...overall building melee character takes alot more time than building caster, and this fact i like a most...after all, this quest is about having fun, while planning/playing You character, not just about reaching one last level, don't You think?..at least for me
Well, actually its only second time because Necromancer never leaved Normal difficulty...Kaira (my sin) already done 4400 p7 LK runs, if that matters...
Personally, it might sound very strange, but running LK with Barbarian is even more interesting, any drop can have huge impact on survival/killing speed...overall building melee character takes alot more time than building caster, and this fact i like a most...after all, this quest is about having fun, while planning/playing You character, not just about reaching one last level, don't You think?..at least for me
It's definitely not about the last level for me, as that is the only one where it's truly all about grinding xp (barring some good drops you're likely to get given the time spent), and I agree with you on the fun of planning and playing the character, being able to get an item upgrade almost the entire journey. I also don't mind repetitive runs as such. But LK running, as good as the rewards can be (runes, jewelry, charms, rares, ...), is only clicking some chests, not actually killing monsters. I can't really bear much of that, especially if it's main purpose is to get the runes to make something I already have.
So I still plan on doing some chest running for test purposes like RoF and the Act 5 ones at some point. Who knows even some LK runs if I want to see how hard I can push for example a 200% fcr Barb or Sorc, or to get some more skillers, charms, whatnot. But other than that, to assemble yet another set of HotO, CtA, Enigma. Right now I'd say no.
Right now I feel like, if I am going for another 99er attempt next to Neverland and ShouldBeEasy, it will be twinked, to see how hard and fast I can push it, and also because of the reasons mentioned above about gathering the typical runewords in an untwinked environment. I don't completely rule out that I'll start another untwinked 99er at some point. but if that's the case, right now I think I'll just try to assemble gear while running whatever target I fancy, be it Meph, Pindle, AT, Pits, CS ... It will take far longer that way, I know, but at least I'll be killing monsters.
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