Diablo 2 : Lord of Destruction Bowzon guide (1.11) -V1.0 (7/9/07) -By AceOfSpadezz DISCLAIMER: This guide is only for private use. It may not be sold or reposted on any website, magazine, book, etc. You may print it out and distribute it if you wish but you cannot sell it without letting me know and I will most likely let you do it if you tell me. This guide can only be posted on and by GameFaqs.com or any other CNET owned site but no others. If you wish to put it on a personal website let me know beforehand and you will not be punished for violating a copyright. This guide is property of AceOfSpadezz. My e-mail address will be posted in the "Contact Info." part of the guide. ===================== - TABLE OF CONTENTS - ===================== I. Version History II. Purpose of the Guide III. Overview of the Amazon IV. Skills* A. Bow and Crossbow Skills B. Passive and Magic Skills C. Javelin and Spear Skills D. Skill Placement V. Attributes VI. Equipment A. "Elite" Equipment B. "Decent" Equipment VII. Charms VIII. Mercenary IX. FAQ's X. Contact Info. XI. Credits * When ever I mention any skill damage, radius, duration, or any other stat regarding the skill I will be looking at the stats of the skill with all of the suggested equipment, stat allocation, skill allocation, and mercenary bonuses such as auras, that the build in this guide suggests. I. VERSION HISTORY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1.0 (7/07/07) Newly released. II. Purpose of the Guide ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of this guide is to help readers build a Bow using Amazon. I will explain what items to use, stat allocation, skill point allocation, mercenary information and what charms to have in the inventory. This build is merely a suggestion and if you think that you should build the character otherwise do what you think is best. This character is somewhat expensive to make in with the "Elite equipment" but quite cheap with the "Decent equipment."Also this character is very easy to build and control. Use this build to totally rape everyone in dueling. III. Overview of the Amazon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Amazon is a character that has very balanced skill trees. She is a very skilled ranged or melee character. The Amazon's passive skills add a lot of nice things like pierce or critical strike. The Bow and Crossbow Skills are the best ranged skills in the game. The Javelin and Spear Skills range from melee to ranged skills and dish out massive amounts of damage. This build will focus on ranged skills so you wont have to worry about gettin pwned by melee chars. Pros: Can clear out rooms full of monsters in one attack. Can kill player in PvP relatively easily because you won't have to get very close for the Guided Arrow to damage the player. Guided Arrow is auto aim and is very good on 1 on 1. Guided Arrow lowers it's mana cost per level. Cons: Multiple Shot does only 75% of your total damage. Multiple Shot costs 1 more mana per level making it do more than 25 mana cost. Has only two main skills that have no synergies and have lower damage compared to other skills. If you are at melee range almost any melee character will kick your ass really bad and fast. IV. Skills ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Half of your skill points will go into the Bow and Crossbow skills tree and the other half will go into the Passive and Magic skills tree. At first the damage will seem to low but it will start to ramp up as soon as you get better equipment . If a skill is not needed it will be left out entirely. Many people decide not to use the Passive and Magic skills but it is better if you do. You have nothing better to do than to put skill points in these skills +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= A. Bow and Crossbow Skills +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= Your two attack skills will come from this tree. You can't be a Bowzon if you don't use these skill can you? This tree has four types of skills: fire enchanted arrows, cold enchanted arrows, magical arrows, and multi-fire arrows . Forget about the cold and fire skills entirely because you will not need to use any of these at all. You will be using one magical arrow skill and one multi-fire skill. =========== Magic Arrow =========== Required Lvl: 1 Effect: Creates an arrow or bolt to do magical damage to the target. This skill converts some of the damage done by your missile weapon into magical damage. This skill lowers it's mana cost evry level and will eventually cost no mana at all. This skill also creates an arrow or bolt entirely out of magic so if you have nothin in your quiver you can still fire missiles. Does as much damage as your weapon so if you run out of arrows or bolts use this skill. 1 point as a pre-requisite. ========== Cold Arrow ========== Reqired Lvl: 6 Effect: Enchant your arrows or bolts with the slowing and damaging effects of ice. Adds cold damage and slows your enemy down. Always does half of the weapon damage and always hits. The crappiest bow skill ever never even think about using this skill seriously. 1 point as a pre-requisite. ============= Multiple Shot ============= Required Lvl: 6 Effect: Shots an enchanted arrow or bolt that splits into many. Always does 75 percent of your weapon's damage. This is one of the Amazon's best skills of this skill tree. This is good to have when you are surrounded by enemies and you have no back up. The downside of this skill is that it has a huge mana cost when maxed out and the +skills add more mana cost. If you have mana leech this will give you back all of the mana that you wasted. This is one of the multi-fire skills that you will want to max out. I recommend you max out this instead of strafe but do what you think is better. Only wastes 1 arrow or bolt 20 points; Max it if you will not be using strafe. OR 1 point as a pre-requisite for Guided Arrow and Strafe ============ Guided Arrow ============ Required Lvl: 18 Effect: Fire a magical arrow or bolt that seeks enemies. Always hits, doesn't have AR, and pierce does not work with this skill. The main skill that will be uses in PvP and against single monsters. The best skill at the disposal of the Bowzon. Just like Magic arrow this skill lowers it's mana cost when more skill points are invested. 20 points; Max it as soon as possible! ====== Strafe ====== Required Lvl: 24 Effect: While standing still fire arrows or bolts at all enemies within range. Hits up to 10 targets and always does 75% of your weapon damage. The other multi-fire skill that the Amazon has. This skill may seem better than Multiple Shot because it adds a bit more damage but this skill has a downside. Once you fire you can't stop until you have fired all shots possible. This will leave you open for an enemy to hurt you. Go with Multiple Shot but if you want you can use this instead. Uses one arrow or bolt per Strafe. Only adds around 100 damage totally maxed out. 0 points if using Multiple Shot 20 if you're not using Multiple Shot. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- B. Passive and Magic Skills -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- A well balanced Amazon uses only the Passive skill of this tree. The magical skills are pretty crappy and aren't of any use onece you're in Hell. These skills give some pretty good bonuses such as dodging attacks, piercing attack, critical strike, and AR boosts. These skills are completely optional but I highly suggest you use these because you will need the pierce, critical strike and AR for the multi-fire skills. I will leave out all magic skills cuz they suck. *************** Critical Strike *************** Required Lvl: 1 Effect: Study your enemies weak points and stike there for double the damage- passive skill. Gives a chance of double damage on attacking, what else can be said? This skill is a must have for any Amazon as it will help you bring down enemies faster. See Skill Placement section. 1 point as a pre-requisite and let your +skills take care the rest. ***** Dodge ***** Required Lvl: 6 Effect: Dodge enemy melee attacks while standing still-passive skill. Only put in 1 point as the returns diminish with more skills in it. See Skill Placement section. 1 point as a pre-requisite and let your +skills take care the rest. ***** Avoid ***** Required Lvl: 12 Effect: Avoid enemy missiles while standing still-passive skill. Only put in 1 point as the returns diminish with more skills in it. See Skill Placement section. 1 point as a pre-requisite and let your +skills take care of the rest. ********* Penetrate ********* Required Lvl: 18 Effect: Focus on your target to increase chances of hitting it-passive skill. Max this skill if you will be using the multi-fire skills. You will need the extra AR boost. 20 points; Max it! ***** Evade ***** Required Lvl: 24 Effect: Evade enemy attacks while walking, running, or attacking-passive skill Only put in 1 point as the returns diminish with more skills in it. See Skill Placement section. 1 point and let your +skills take care of the rest ****** Pierce ****** Required Lvl: 30 Effect: Maximize your weapon's power to make your projectiles continue through your enemies. Only put in 1 point as the returns diminish with more skills in it. See Skill Placement section. 1 point and let your +skills take care of the rest ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ C. Javelin and Spear Skills ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ If you put any skills into this tree you should quit this game right now and go live in a zoo. This is a Bowzon not a Javzon so don't even click on the button change skill tabs to this tree. ################## D. Skill Placement ################## In all you will get 110 Skill points; 98 from leveling, 12 from quests. Here is how you should distribute them: 20 points into Guided Arrow 20 points into Muliple Shot or Strafe 20 points into Penetrate 2-3 points into pre-requisites(2 if you're using MultiShot, 3 if you're not) 1-x points into Evade 1-x points into Avoid 1-x points into Dodge 1-x points into Pierce 1-x points into Critical Strike Once you max out all skills needed you will have 47-48 skill points left and I suggest you split them evenly between all of the skills that have an x by them This means you will put about 9 skill points in each of these skills by the time you get all 110 skills and still have 2-3 skill points left over to put in whatever you want. V. Attributes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Strength- Just like casters you should only have as much strength as it takes to wear your items. The most strength you will need is around 120-140. If you cant get your hands on a torch and anni you will have to add in some more. Dexterity- On Amazons putting points into this gives you more damage. Split all your points in between this and vitality. you will ned plenty of this to equip your very high dexterity items. Vitality- Split your points evenly between this and dexterity. You will need this because you have one of the lowest natural defenses of any character. Also you will have lower defense because you will not be wearing a shield which also means you can't block. Energy- Forget about this entirely. You will not be needing it as you will not be casting anything. But some people are thinking "Multiple Shot wastes a hell load of mana!" You can always use pots. VI. Equipment ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In this section I will put two lists of equipment: "Elite" equipment, items that put you at full potential and "Decent" Equipment, items that make the character at average power. All Runewords, Runes, and Items will have listed all the mods on them and what to make them out of. If you have read any of my previous guides you will remember that I listed the item's value in terms of HRs. I have discontinued this listing because I have not obtained these items for myself therefore I don't know what people will want for them. If you want me to put this back in email me all of the values for these items ASAP. A. "Elite" Equipment ========== Weapon 1 ========== If you will be using the faster but slightly weaker bows there are two good options. The Runeword "Faith" is the BEST of the choices because it gives insane AR boosts, damage, resists, and +skills. NO leech on this weapon so be careful. "Faith" 4 Socket Missile Weapons Ohm + Jah + Lem + Eld Level 12-15 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped (varies) +1-2 To All Skills (varies) +330% Enhanced Damage Ignore Target's Defense 300% Bonus To Attack Rating +75% Damage To Undead +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead +120 Fire Damage All Resistances +15 10% Reanimate As: Returned 75% Extra Gold From Monsters (Ladder Only) Make this in a: "Superior Grand Matron Bow" Required Level: 58 Required Strength: 103 Required Dexterity: 152 +5-15% Enchanced Damage +2-3 to Bow and Crossbow Skills Socketed 4 Another good choice for a bow is the "Windforce". It has good damage, mana leech, and knock back which is very good on a Bowzon: "Windforce" Hydra Bow Two-Hand Damage: 35 To (241-547) Required Level: 73 Required Strength: 134 Required Dexterity: 167 +250% Enhanced Damage + (3.125 Per Character Level) 3-309 To Maximum Damage (Based On Character Level) 20% Increased Attack Speed 6-8% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies) Heal Stamina Plus 30% +10 To Strength +5 To Dexterity Knockback If you will be using the slightly stronger but slower crossbow there is only one choice here. I adds a crapload of elemental damages, IAS, and AR boosts. "Hellrack" Colossus Crossbow Two-Hand Damage: (89-105) To (254-300) (171.5-202.5 Avg) Required Level: 76 Required Strength: 163 Required Dexterity: 77 +180-230% Enhanced Damage (varies) 100-150% Bonus To Attack Rating (varies) Adds 63-324 Fire Damage Adds 63-324 Lightning Damage Adds 63-324 Cold Damage +20% Increased Attack Speed Level 18 Immolation Arrow (150 charges) Socketed (2) Notes: In the Hellrack or Windforce put in a "Ruby Jewel of Fervor" and if you need leech in the Hellrack put in an Amn Rune for mana leech "Ruby Jewel of Fervor" +40% Enhanced Damage +15% IAS ========== Weapon 2 ========== Your secondary weapon is usually adds a pre-buff. The best choice is "Call to Arms" abbreviated CtA on the realms: "Call To Arms" 5 Socket Weapons Amn + Ral + Mal + Ist + Ohm +1 To All Skills +40% Increased Attack Speed +250-290% Enhanced Damage (varies) Adds 5-30 Fire Damage 7% Life Stolen Per Hit +2-6 To Battle Command (varies) +1-6 To Battle Orders (varies) +1-4 To Battle Cry (varies) Prevent Monster Heal Replenish Life +12 30% Magic Find Notes: Use a Flail or Crystal Sword for lower Dexterity Requirements ========== Shield 1 ========== You're using a two-handed weapon you can't wear a shield. ========== Shield 2 ========== Use this to add +skills to the warcries on the CtA: "Spirit" 4 Socket Shields Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn +2 To All Skills +25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies) +55% Faster Hit Recovery +250 Defense Vs. Missile +22 To Vitality +89-112 To Mana (varies) Cold Resist +35% Lightning Resist +35% Poison Resist +35% +3-8 Magic Absorb (varies) Attacker Takes Damage of 14 (Ladder Only) Notes: Make in a Monarch(133-148 def, req lvl. 54, req str. 156). ============ Body Armor ============ The best choice of armor for this build is "Fort". Adds damage, resists, and life; what more can you ask for. "Fortitude" 4 Socket Body Armor El + Sol + Dol + Lo 20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck +25% Faster Cast Rate +300% Enhanced Damage +200% Enhanced Defense +15 Defense +X To Life (BCL) Replenish Life +7 +5% To Maximum Lightning Resist All Resistances +20-30 (varies) Damage Reduced By 7 12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana +1 To Light Radius (Ladder Only) Or you could go with the "Enigma" Runeword. Not as good as the Fort is but it adds a lot of strength so you wont have to waste the attribute points. "Enigma" 3 Socket Body Armor Jah + Ith + Ber +2 To All Skills +45% Faster Run/Walk +1 To Teleport +750-775 Defense (varies) + (0.75 Per Character Level) +0-74 To Strength (BCL) Increase Maximum Life 5% Damage Reduced By 8% +14 Life After Each Kill 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana + (1 Per Character Level) +1-99% Magic Find (BCL) Notes: Make these out of an Archon Plate(410-524 def, req lvl.63, req str.103) ======== Helmet ======== There are two good choices for the Bowzon in the headgear category. For life, mana, and +skills the "Harlequin Crest" called "Shako" on the realms is awesome. "Harlequin Crest" Shako Defense: 98-141 (varies) Required Level: 62 Required Strength: 50 +2 To All Skills + (1.5 Per Character Level) 1-148 To Life (Based On Character Level) + (1.5 Per Character Level) 1-148 To Mana (Based On Character Level) Damage Reduced By 10% 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items +2 To All Attributes If damage is what you're looking for the go with the "Dream" Runeword. It adds a Holy Shock aura that adds aroun 800-1k damage. "Dream" 3 Socket Helms Io + Jah + Pul 10% Chance To Cast Level 15 Confuse When Struck Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped +20-30% Faster Hit Recovery (varies) +30% Enhanced Defense +150-220 Defense (varies) +10 To Vitality Increase Maximum Life 5% +0.625-61.875 To Mana (BCL) All Resistances +5-20 (varies) 12-25% Magic Find (varies) (Ladder Only) Notes: Socket Shako with an Um rune for resists and make Dream out of a Bone Visage(100-157 def, req lvl. 63, req str. 103) ====== Belt ====== All elite unique belts in Diablo 2: LoD are candidates for your belt choice "Arach" gives mana, +skills and slows target down. "Nosferatu's" gives leech strength, IAS, and also slows target down. And the "Dungo's" gives a crapload of life, gives some FHR, and some damage reduction. I suggest going with the Arach or Dungo's, but if you can't just use the Nosferatu's "Arachnid Mesh" Spiderweb Sash Defense: 119-138 (varies)(Base Defense: 55-62) Required Level: 80 Required Strength: 50 16 Boxes +90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies) Slows Target By 10% +1 To All Skills +20% Faster Cast Rate Increases Maximum Mana 5% Level 3 Venom (11 Charges) "Nosferatu's Coil" Vampirefang Belt Defense: 56-63 (varies) Required Level: 51 Required Strength: 50 16 Boxes Slows Target By 10% +2 To Mana After Each Kill 5-7% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) +15 To Strength 10% Increased Attack Speed -3 To Light Radius "Verdungo's Hearty Cord" Mithril Coil Defense: 125-158 (Defense: 58-65) Required Level: 63 Required Strength: 106 16 Boxes +90-140% Enhanced Defense (varies) 10% Faster Hit Recovery +30-40 To Vitality (varies) Replenish Life +10-13 (varies) +100-120 Maximum Stamina (varies) Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies) Notes: None ======= Boots ======= One of the best boots around are "Treks". Have really good mods as far as boots go. The poison resist will help you against the foul hordes of the poison infested undead: "Sandstorm Trek" Scarabshell Boots Defense: 158-178 (varies)(Base Defense 56-65) Required Level: 64 Required Strength: 91 +140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies) +20% Faster Hit Recovery +20% Faster Run/Walk + (1 Per Character Level) +1-99 Maximum Stamina (Based On Character Level) +10-15 To Strength (varies) +10-15 To Vitality (varies) 50% Slower Stamina Drain Poison Resist +40-70% (varies) Repairs 1 Durability In 20 Seconds If you wanted more more damage then use either "Gores" or "Travs": "Gore Rider" War Boots Defense: 140-162 (varies)(Base Defense: 43-53) Required Level: 47 Required Strength: 94 +160-200% Enhanced Defense (varies) 30% Faster Run/Walk 10% Chance Of Open Wounds 15% Chance Of Crushing Blow 15% Deadly Strike Requirements -25% +20 Maximum Stamina "War Traveler" Battle Boots Defense: 120-139 (varies)(Base Defense: 39-47) Required Level: 42 Required Strength: 95 +150-190% Enhanced Defense (varies) 25% Faster Run/Walk +10 To Vitality +10 To Strength Adds 15-25 Damage 40% Slower Stamina Drain Attacker Takes Damage Of 5-10 (varies) 30-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies) Notes: Etheral Treks give much more defense and you won't have to worry about them breaking because they repair. If your etheral Treks break go into a game and wait for 4 minutes and 40 seconds for them to fully repair. Up the Gores or Travs if you can. (See FAQ's for details). ====== Gloves ====== Your pair of gloves will determine if you have mana leech or not. You'll need mana leech if you're not using Wind Force so I suggest you use "Soul Drainer". It has some pretty good mods like life leech, mana leech, -50% enemy defense every hit, and chance to cause weaken. "Soul Drainer" Vambraces Defense: 129-149 (Base Defense: 59-67) Required Level: 74 Required Strength: 106 +90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies) 4-7% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies) 4-7% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) -50 To Monster Defense Per Hit 8% Chance To Cast Level 3 Weaken On Striking If you dont want to use these or if you are using Wind Force then use these: "Dracul's Grasp" Vampirebone Gloves Defense: 125-145 (Base Defense: 56-65) Required Level: 76 Required Strength: 50 +90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies) +10-15 To Strength (varies) +5-10 Life After Each Kill (varies) 25% Chance of Open Wounds 7-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) 5% Chance To Cast Level 10 Life Tap On Striking Notes: Drac's are the overall best choice but lack mana leech. Really think about which you will choose because it will be a decision of life or death. ========== Jewelry ========== The jewelry suggested is very expensive and could put a very big dent in your HR bank. ======== Amulet ======== No doubt about it the best choice is: "Mara's Kaleidoscope" Amulet Required Level: 67 +2 To All Skills All Resistances +20-30 (varies) +5 To All Attributes But this works also: "Seraph's Hymn" Amulet Required Level: 65 +2 To All Skills +1-2 To Defensive Auras (Paladin Only) (varies) +20-50% Damage To Demons (varies) +150-250 To Attack Rating Against Demons (varies) +20-50% Damage To Undead (varies) +150-250 To Attack Rating Against Undead (varies) +2 To Light Radius (Ladder Only) Notes: For Mara's get a high res one and for Seraph's get a 1 to def. auras for lower worth requirements. ===== Rings ===== The best rings for the Bowzons are "Raven", "BK", and if you really need the mana leech use "Manald Heal" "Bul-Katho's Wedding Band" Ring Required Level: 58 +1 To All Skills + (0.5 Per Character Level) 0-49 To Life (Based On Character Level) 3-5% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) +50 Maximum Stamina "Ravenfrost" Ring Required Level: 45 +150-250 To Attack Rating (varies) Adds 15-45 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal) Cannot Be Frozen +15-20 To Dexterity (varies) +40 To Mana Cold Absorb 20% "Manald Heal" Ring Required Level: 15 4-7% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies) Replenish Life +5-8 (varies) Regenerate Mana 20% +20 To Life Notes: Use any of these combos to be at max power: 2 BK's, 1 Raven and 1 BK, or 2 Ravens. Manald Heal is very crappy and should only be used if needed really badly for mana leech. B. "Decent" Equipment The decent equipment is for either midlevel Players that have leeter items or poorer players that can't afford the best items. In other words this equipment mediocre to average. ========== Weapon 1 ========== There are 3 choices here. The first chioce "Lycander's" has some decent damage and some nice mods for Bowzons; mana leech being one of them. "Lycander's Aim" Ceremonial Bow Two-Hand Damage: (72-82) To (152-173) (112-127.5 Avg) Required Level: 42 Required Strength: 73 Required Dexterity: 110 (Amazon Only) +150-200% Enhanced Damage (varies) Adds 25-50 Damage +20% Increased Attack Speed +2 To Amazon Skill Levels 5-8% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies) +20 To Energy +20 To Dexterity +20% Enhanced Defense +2 To Bow And Crossbow Skills (Amazon Only) The other unique weapon chice is "Cliffkiller". Adds a bit more damage than Lycander's and has knockback which is a very nice skill to have on a Bowzon. "Cliffkiller" Large Siege Bow Two-Hand Damage: (34-43) To (141-168) (87.5-105.5 Avg) Required Level: 41 Required Strength: 80 Required Dexterity: 95 +190-230% Enhanced Damage (varies) Adds (5-10)-(20-30) Damage (varies) +2 To Amazon Skill Levels +80 Defense VS. Missile +50 To Life Knockback The best runeword for low Bowzons is "Harmony". It gives you a valkyrie which can help in by distracting enemies. It adds a crapload of elemental damages, and a vigor aura so you can travel faster. "Harmony" 4 Socket Missile Weapons Tir + Ith + Sol + Ko Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped +200-275% Enhanced Damage (varies) +9 To Minimum Damage +9 To Maximum Damage Adds 55-160 Lightning Damage Adds 55-160 Fire Damage Adds 55-160 Cold Damage +2-6 To Valkyrie (varies) +10 To Dexterity Regenerate Mana 20% +2 To Mana After Each Kill +2 To Light Radius Level 20 Revive (25 Charges) There is only one crossbow choice for low Bowzons, Buirza. It has uber IAS boosts, a bit of defense, a lot of damage, and always pierces. "Buriza-Do Kyanon" Ballista Two-Hand Damage: (82-99) To (139-412) (110.5-255.5 Avg) Required Level: 41 Required Strength: 110 Required Dexterity: 80 +150-200% Enhanced Damage (varies) + (2.5 Per Character Level) 2-247 To Maximum Damage (Based On Character Level) Adds 32-196 Cold Damage - 8 Second Duration Piercing Attack (100) Freezes Target +3 +75-150 Defense(varies) +35 to Dexterity 80% Increased Attack Speed Notes: Socket the Buriza and Lycander's with a Nef rune for Knockback. Put in an Amn rune for mana leech in the Cliffkiller.Up these if you can (See FAQ's for details). Make Harmony in a: "Superior Ceremonial Bow" Required Level: 36 Required Strength: 73 Required Dexterity: 110 +5-15% Enhanced Damage +1-2 to Bow and Crossbow skills Socketed 4 ========== Weapon 2 ========== CtA is the best weapon to add pre-buffs which really help out a lot. "Call To Arms" 5 Socket Weapons Amn + Ral + Mal + Ist + Ohm +1 To All Skills +40% Increased Attack Speed +250-290% Enhanced Damage (varies) Adds 5-30 Fire Damage 7% Life Stolen Per Hit +2-6 To Battle Command (varies) +1-6 To Battle Orders (varies) +1-4 To Battle Cry (varies) Prevent Monster Heal Replenish Life +12 30% Magic Find Notes: Since this is the poor section go with a 1 BO CtA. ================ Shield 1 and 2 ================ Shield 1: Your using a two-handed weapon you don't need a shield. Shield 2:The cheapest good shield for the +skills is "Lidless " "Lidless Wall" Grim Shield +80-130% Enhanced Defense +1 To All Skills Increase Maximum Mana 10% 20% Faster Cast Rate +3-5 To Mana After Each Kill +10 To Energy +1 To Light Radius Another decent low shield is: "Splendor" 2 Socket Shields Eth + Lum +1 To All Skills +10% Faster Cast Rate +20% Faster Block Rate +60-100% Enhanced Defense (varies) +10 To Energy Regenerate Mana 15% 50% Extra Gold From Monsters 20% Magic Find +3 To Light Radius Notes: Socket Lidless with a Perfect Diamond or Amethyst for Resists or def. Make Splendor out of a Grim Shield(50-151 def, req lvl 25, req str 58) Up the Lidless if you can. (See FAQ's for details) ============ Body Armor ============ There are two decent armors for the Bowzon. "Vipermagi" adds a lot of resists and some +skills. "Silks" is better defense, adds +1 to skills, and mana leech which is super needed on this build. "Skin of the Vipermagi" Serpentskin Armor Defense: 246-279 (Base Defense: 111-126) Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 43 +120% Enhanced Defense +1 To All Skills 30% Faster Cast Rate Magic Damage Reduced By 9-13 (varies) All Resistances +20-35 (varies) "Silks of the Victor" Ancient Armor Defense: 468-514 (varies)(Base Defense: 218-233) Required Level: 28 Required Strength: 100 +100-120% Enhanced Defense (varies) +1 To All Skills 5% Mana Stolen Per Hit +2 To Light Radius Notes: Socket these with a Shael Rune for FHR. Up these if it's possible. (See FAQ's for details) ====== Helmet ====== The best helmet for the low Amazon is "Valkyrie Wing". Has pretty nice defense some FHR, and some faster run speed. "Valkyrie Wing" Winged Helm Defense: 247-297 (varies)(Base Defense: 85-98) Required Level: 44 Required Strength: 115 +150-200% Defense (varies) +1-2 To Amazon Skill Levels (varies) 20% Faster Run/Walk 20% Faster Hit Recovery +2-4 To Mana After Each Kill (varies) Or if your to poor to get this use: "Peasant Crown" War Hat Defense: 108 (Base Defense: 45-53) Required Level: 28 Required Strength: 20 +100% Enhanced Defense +1 To All Skills 15% Faster Run/Walk Replenish Life +6-12 (varies) +20 To Energy +20 To Vitality Notes: Socket these with an attribute rune for more strength or a Shael for FHR. Up these if possible. (See FAQ's for details) ====== Belt ====== A very good belt for a low level Bowzon is "String of Ears". Good for the leech and damage reduction. "String of Ears" Demonhide Sash Defense: 102-113 (varies)(Base Defense: 29-34) Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 20 16 Boxes +150-180% Enhanced Defense (varies) +15 Defense 6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies) Magic Damage Reduced 10-15 (varies) Notes: Up it if possible. (See FAQ's for details) ======= Boots ======= A good choice of boots depends on what you think you'll need the most. If you need mana: "Silkweave" Mesh Boots Defense: 112-130 (varies)(Base Defense: 37-44) Required Level: 36 Required Strength: 65 +150-190% Enhanced Defense (varies) 30% Faster Run/Walk +5 To Mana After Each Kill Increase Maximum Mana 10% +200 Defense VS. Missile If you need life: "Waterwalk" Sharkskin Boots Defense: 112-124 (varies)(Base Defense: 33-39) Required Level: 32 Required Strength: 47 +180-210% Enhanced Defense (varies) 20% Faster Run/Walk +100 Defense Vs. Missile +15 To Dexterity +5% Maximum Fire Resist Heal Stamina Plus 50% +40 Max Stamina +45-65 To Life (varies) Notes: Up these if you can.(See FAQ's for details) ====== Gloves ====== There are many glove possibilities for a Bowzon. "M'avina's" golves are good for slowing your enemies down, also adds strength and dexterity. "Venom Grip" adds a lot of poison damage and life leech. "Ghoulhide" helps you pwn the undead and leeches mana. Last but not least "Lavagout" adds IAS, fire damage, and casts enchants. "M'avina's Icy Clutch" Battle Gauntlets (M'avina's Battle Hymn set) Defense: 84-97 (varies)(Base Defense: 39-47) Required Level: 32 Required Strength: 88 +45-50 Defense 6-18 Cold Damage, 6 sec. Duration (Normal) Half Freeze Duration 56% Extra Gold From Monsters +10 To Strength +15 To Dexterity Adds 131-252 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal) (4 Items) +20% To Cold Skill Damage (Complete Set) "Venom Grip" Demonhide Gloves Defense: 97-118 (varies)(Base Defense: 28-35) Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 20 +130-160% Enhanced Defense (varies) +15-25 Defense (varies) 5% Chance of Crushing Blow +60 Poison Damage Over 4 Seconds 5% Life Stolen Per Hit 5% To Maximum Poison Resist Poison Resist +30% "Ghoulhide" Heavy Bracers Defense: 112-130 (varies)(Base Defense: 37-44) Required Level: 36 Required Strength: 58 +150-190% Enhanced Defense (varies) + (8 Per Character Level) 8-792 To Attack Rating Against Undead (BCL) + (2 Per Character Level) 2-198 % Damage To Undead (Based On Character Level) 4-5% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies) +20 To Life "Lavagout" Battle Gauntlets Defense: 120-144 (varies)(Base Defense: 39-47) Required Level: 42 Required Strength: 88 +150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies) 2% Chance To Cast Level 10 Enchant On Striking Half Freeze Duration Adds 13-46 Fire Damage +20% Increased Attack Speed Fire Resist +24% Notes: Up all of the uniques if possible(See FAQ's for details) Use the gloves that give you what you need. ========== Jewelry ========== Fairly easy items to obtain. ======== Amulet ======== There are many choices to chose from but the cheapest is: "Eye of Etlich" Amulet Required Level: 15 +1-5 To Light Radius (varies) +1 To All Skills 3-7% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Adds (1-2) to (3-5) Cold Damage (varies) Cold Duration: 2-10 Seconds (varies) +10-40 Defense vs. Missile (varies) Also: "Telling of Beads" Amulet (Part of the Disciple Set) Required Level: 30 +1 To All Skills Poison Resist +35-50% (varies) Cold Resist +18% Attacker Takes Damage of 8-10 (varies) Any other magical amulets that add Resists, +Amazon or +Bow Skills will do. Notes: Use the Eye of Etlich for life leech and the cold damage to slow enemies down. ======= Rings ======= There are two rings low Bowzons to use: "Ravenfrost" Ring Required Level: 45 +150-250 To Attack Rating (varies) Adds 15-45 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal) Cannot Be Frozen +15-20 To Dexterity (varies) +40 To Mana Cold Absorb 20% "Manald Heal" Required Level: 15 4-7% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies) Replenish Life +5-8 (varies) Regenerate Mana 20% +20 To Life Notes: None VII. Charms ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Charms are a very helpful source of skills and attribute points. In order to make your character perfectly you must have a full inventory of really good charms. These charms are very expensive and require many HRs. The "Annihilus" is one of the best charms in the game so Blizzard made a limit of 1 per character. Nicknamed "Anni" on the realms. "Annihilus" Small Charm Required Level: 70 +1 To All Skills +10-20 To All Attributes (varies) All Resistances +10-20 (varies) +5-10% To Experience Gained (varies) The Hellfire Torch is another "uber charm" that is limited to one per character. It kicks ass and no character is complete without one. Called "Torch" on the realms "Hellfire Torch" Large Charm Required Level: 75 25% Chance To Cast level 10 Firestorm On Striking +3 to random character class skills (varies) +10-20 To All Attributes (varies) All Resistances +10-20 (varies) +8 to light radius Level 30 Hydra (10 charges) Notes: Of course get a torch that adds to Amazon skills, duh. Having at least 1 of these Grand Charms make any character more powerful. Modded charms are more expensive than plain ones. Combat charms are called "Bow GCs" on the realms. Richer players should have as many of these as possible "Fletcher's Grand Charm" X7 +1 To Bow and Crossbow Skills(Amazon Only) Fill the rest of the space up with Small Charms. Its up to you what the mods are but the better(and more expensive) charms are: "Serpent's Small Charm of Vita" +13-17 Mana(varies) +16-20 Life(Varies) "Shimmering Small Charm of Vita" +3-5% to All Resists +16-20 Life(varies) "Fine Small Charm of Balance" +10-20 To Attack Rating +1-3 To Maximum Damage +5% FHR "Pestilent Small Charm of Anthrax" +225 Poison Damage over 6 seconds VIII. Mercenary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The ideal mercenary for the Bowzon is the Act 2 Desert Mercenary. They give you auras which benefit you a lot. Go with the Nightmare Offensive mercenary because the give you a might aura that will give you more damage. Also his weapon will allow him to have a concentration aura which also improves your damage but also gives a 20% chance of uninteruptible attacks. So you strafers out there can now not worry about your long attack to be interupted. ====== Weapon ====== Use the "Pride" for the concentration aura that gives you more damage. Warning don't rely on your merc for kills because this weapon gives your merc a very low damage because it adds no enhanced damage, only the damage from the aura. "Pride" 4 Socket Polearms Cham + Sur + Io + Lo 25% Chance To Cast Level 17 Fire Wall When Struck Level 16-20 Concentration Aura When Equipped (varies) 260-300% Bonus To Attack Rating (varies) +1-99% Damage To Demons (BCL) Adds 50-280 Lightning Damage 20% Deadly Strike Hit Blinds Target Freezes Target +3 +10 To Vitality Replenish Life +8 1.875-185.625% Extra Gold From Monsters (BCL) (Ladder Only) If Pride is to expensive for you go with "Insight". It will definitely help you out with the high mana cost of Multiple Shot. "Insight" 4 Socket Polearms Ral + Tir + Tal + Sol Level 12-17 Meditation Aura When Equipped (varies) +35% Faster Cast Rate +200-260% Enhanced Damage (varies) +9 To Minimum Damage 180-250% Bonus to Attack Rating (varies) Adds 5-30 Fire Damage +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds +1-6 To Critical Strike (varies) +5 To All Attributes +2 To Mana After Each Kill 23% Magic Find (Ladder Only) Notes: Make Insight in any exceptional or elite polearm. Make Pride ONLY in: (If you can't get a superior then go with a normal one) "Superior Cryptic Axe" Required Level: 59 Required Strength: 165 Required Dexterity: 103 +5-15% Enhanced Damage +10-50 AR? (I can't recall the exact amount but who cares) ============ Body Armor ============ For your trusty sidekick to have more damage you'll need a "Fort" as it is called on the realms. "Fortitude" 4 Socket Body Armor El + Sol + Dol + Lo 20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck +25% Faster Cast Rate +300% Enhanced Damage +200% Enhanced Defense +15 Defense +X To Life (BCL) (1 per Lvl) (1-99) Replenish Life +7 +5% To Maximum Lightning Resist All Resistances +20-30 (varies) Damage Reduced By 7 12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana +1 To Light Radius (Ladder Only) Poorer Players could use: "Silks Of the Victor" Ancient Armor Defense: 468-514 (varies)(Base Defense: 218-233) Required Level: 28 Required Strength: 100 +100-120% Enhanced Defense (varies) +1 To All Skills 5% Mana Stolen Per Hit +2 To Light Radius or "Guardian Angel" Templar Coat Defense: 770-825 (varies)(Base Defense: 252-274) Required Level: 45 Required Strength: 118 +180-200% Enhanced Defense (varies) +20% Increased Chance Of Blocking +30% Faster Block Rate + (2.5 Per Character Level) 2-247 To Attack Rating Against Demons (Based On Character Level) +1 To Paladin Skill Levels +4 To Light Radius 15% To Maximum Poison Resist 15% To Maximum Cold Resist 15% To Maximum Lightning Resist 15% To Maximum Fire Resist Notes: Make Merc Forts out of Etheral items as they will not break, use an Archon Plate(410-524 def, 103 str req, lvl req 63) Up the uniques if possible (See FAQ's for details) ======== Helmet ======== There are three choices for merc helms if you're rich: "Andy Helm", "CoA", and the "Dream" Runeword. "Dream" 3 Socket Helms Io + Jah + Pul 10% Chance To Cast Level 15 Confuse When Struck Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped +20-30% Faster Hit Recovery (varies) +30% Enhanced Defense +150-220 Defense (varies) +10 To Vitality Increase Maximum Life 5% +0.625-61.875 To Mana (BCL) All Resistances +5-20 (varies) 12-25% Magic Find (varies) (Ladder Only) "Andariel's Visage" Demonhead Defense: 310-387 (varies)(Base Defense: 101-154) Required Level: 83 Required Strength: 102 +100-150% Enhanced Defense (varies) +2 To All Skills 20% Increased Attack Speed 8-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) +25-30 To Strength (varies) +10% To Maximum Poison Resist Fire Resist -30% Poison Resist +70% 15% Chance To Cast Level 15 Poison Nova When Struck Level 3 Venom (20 charges) (Ladder Only) or "Crown of Ages" Corona Defense: 349-399 (Base Defense: 111-165) Required Level: 82 Required Strength: 174 +50% Enhanced Defense +100-150 Defense (varies) +1 To All Skills Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies) All Resistances +20-30 (varies) +30% Faster Hit Recovery Socketed (1-2) (varies) Indestructible Poorer Players should give thier mercs: "Vampiregaze" Grim Helm Defense: 252 (Base Defense: 60-125) Required Level: 41 Required Strength: 58 +100% Enhanced Defense Adds 6-22 Cold Damage - 4 Second Duration 15% Slower Stamina Drain 6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) 6-8% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies) Damage Reduced By 15-20% (varies) Magic Damage Reduced By 10-15 (varies) Notes: Put in two Ber runes into the CoA to give 16% more dmg reduce. Up the Gaze if possible(See FAQ's for details)make Dream out of a Bone Visage (100-157 def, req lvl. 63, req str. 103) Socket Gaze and put an Um rune in it. IX.FAQ's ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ None yet since this is my first version and it is very recent but here are the FAQ's I think will arise: Q:What is an HR? A:HR is an abbreviation for High Rune. High Runes are these Mal, Ist, Gul, Vex Ohm, Lo, Sur, Ber, Jah, Cham, and Zod. Zod and Gul are questionable cuz in recent times people have started to not count these as HRs as they have no uses in any good runewords. Zod is in BotD (This is very good but hardly anyone makes it) and Gul isn't in any common good runewords. Also some people consider the Um Rune as an HR sometimes. HRs are the main currency on the realms and most people use these to trade for items. Q:What is an Attribute Rune? A:They are runes that Give +10 to an attribute. They are in a lot of decent Runewords so they are worth a bit. Io Rune +10 to Vitality Ko Rune +10 to Dexterity Lum Rune +10 to Energy Fal Rune +10 to Strength Q:What is FHR, FCR, IAS, and AR? A:FHR is Faster Hit Recovery, FCR is Faster Cast Rate, IAS is Increased Attack Speed, and AR is Attack Rating. Q:What is a pre-buff? A:A pre-buff or sometimes just called buff is a skill that you cast before you go into battle that adds somthing like damage or life or something in that neiborhood. e.g. Enchant, Battle Orders, Battle Command, Etc. Q:What is Upping? A:Upping an item is when you make the base item of a unique a quality higher. Example. Magefist are Light Gauntlets and therefore look exactly like Crusader Gauntlets and Battle Gauntlets graphicwise. Upping the gloves to exceptional will turn them into battle gauntlets giving them more base defense but also higher lvl and str requirements. UPPING TO ELITE IS LADDER ONLY!!!!! Upping to Exceptional is both ladder and non ladder. Both work in singleplayer also. To up any Armor items to exceptional you use the horadric cube recipie: 1 Tal Rune + 1 Shael Rune +1 Perfect Diamond + Normal Unique Armor To up any Armor items to elite you use the horadric cube recipie: 1 Ko Rune + 1 Lem Rune + 1 Perfect Diamond + Exceptional Unique Armor To up any weapon items to exceptional you use the horadric cupe recipe: 1 Ral Rune + 1 Sol Rune + 1 Perfect Emerald + Normal Unique Weapon To up any weapon items to elite you use the horadric cube recipe: 1 Lum Rune + 1 Pul Rune + 1 Perfect Emerald + Exceptional Unique Weapon X. Contact Info. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My E-mail address is Enigma107@gmail.com Feel free to comment on my guide and in the future even more guides. If you have any suggestion regarding skill allocation, attrribute allocation, or if you think that another item should be put in the guide then plz call me. Or email me if you have any other questions or suggestions regarding this guide. If you will be sending me suggestions or info please give me a name you would like to be called for me to add in the credits. I ask you that you don't send spam to my email; I already get enough of that. Plz don't email me suggesting I spell better or use better grammar. And most importantly don't email me asking me if you can get an item or if I can add you as my friend cuz I won't do either. The only time you can ask me for an item is if I specifically said I had the item and it was up for grabs. And don't expect a freebie. Any emails with no subject will be DELETED!!!! XI. Credits ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Me AceOfSpadezz for writing the guide; lol. (Insert Blizzard staff credits here) for creating the game. FrostyDragon and for introducing me to the game. All of the people who have previously written character FAQ's for helping me figure out the overall layout of how to write the guide. Blizzard's Diablo 2 Exp site at for providing skill info, set item info, unique item info, horadric cube recipes , normal item info, character info, and charms info. You for reading the FAQ and possibly emailing suggestions CNET and GameFAQ's for Hosting the site. (C)2007 AceOfSpadezz