-Diablo 2 Poisoner Necromancer Guide (1.11)
-V6.0 (3/7/06)
-By IR0NMA1DEN

DISCLAIMER:
	This is property of IR0NMA1DEN (Ben Ferrara). This may be not be
reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not
be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance
written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any
public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.
In plain English, this means that it is against the law for you to copy this
guide. If you want to print it out, that's fine, but if you wish to use any part
of it, please contact me to ask first. I will put my email address in the
CONTACT ME section of this FAQ.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| TABLE OF CONTENTS  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I.      Version History
II.     Purpose of the Guide
III.    Why a Poisoner Necromancer?
IV.     Skills
    a. Summoning Spells
    b. Poison and Bone Spells
    c. Curses
V.      Attributes
VI.     Equipment
VII.    Inventory
VIII.   Mercenary
IX.     Strategies
X.      Contact Me
XI.     Credits/Thanks


I. VERSION HISTORY
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FINAL (3-7-06) Fixed a few typos here and there and reading over it, realized I
couldn't change anything about to improve it really. If new versions of D2 come
out, the guide will be updated again. But until then, I'm done updating this.

6.0 (2/7/06) Wrote a strategy section for doing PvM. Changed the equipment list
to include some of the new Ladder Only Runewords. I've never used them before
recently. I finally got up enough profit trading to afford some of them. They're
really quite good. Some skills and stats have also been changed. "You learn new
things every day."

5.0 (10/24/05) Changed the #1 weapon from Blackbog's Sharp to Death's Web. I had
no idea what it did. I've never had one before, so you can hardly blame me. I
also fixed a typo in the Credits/Thanks section. BDC is now BCD. Sorry about
that BCD.

4.0 (9/08/05) I can't believe it. I just submitted v3.0 and I have to update it
AGAIN because of a tiny error. You'll have to forgive my incompetence. This IS
my first guide after all.

3.0 (9/08/05) Fixed another small error.

2.0 (9/07/05) Major issue fixed. Reading over it again, I realized I put in my
old Battle.net account at the top where it now says IR0NMA1DEN. Also fixed a
small error in Enigma's stats. The added defense of the Runeword is changed to
it's proper range. Also a few typos were fixed. Just a few tiny errors that are
easily fixed, but I'm long-winded, and have a strange urge to over-explain
things. I'll stop typing now.

1.0 (8/24/05) First Version


/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/


II. PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This guide is written to answer some questions several people have asked me 
about my best duel character, the Poisoner Necromancer. In writing this, I hope
to explain the advantages and disadvantages it has.

If you're looking for a style of dueling that isn't simply a game of who has
more FCR, (Faster Cast Rate) then I recommend the Poisoner Necromancer.


/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/


III. WHY A POISONER NECROMANCER?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Well, to begin I would like to point out to everyone who is a fan of the common
Bone Necromancer that the MarrowWalk glitch NO LONGER WORKS! Yep, Blizzard went
and patched it with the release of version 1.11. That means that Bone spells
lost quite a bit of their effectiveness, and we need to find a new way to use
our favorite character, the Necromancer.

Another reason I recommend the Poisoner is because he has the ability to cancel
out an enemy's immunities. This is great for any kind of run. Like if you have
a Baal game with no Hammerdin to take out Baal's minions, a Poisoner would give
your entire party the ability to take all those monsters down pretty quick.

This also works well in dueling.


/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/


IV. SKILLS
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alright, you will only need a few skills to do this, and a lot of the ones I
will list are prerequisites. If the skill is not used, I will not bother listing
it. A character that makes it to level 99 gains 98 skill points without doing
any skill quests. With skill quests, the total possible number of skill points
is 110. That leaves quite a bit of possibilities.


/\/\/\/\



A. Summoning Spells
********************************
Summoning Spells are used only to take damage for you in this particular build.
You won't need Skeletons or Revives. Just a Golem.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Clay Golem |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 6
Clay Golem is a great little guy who has so much life it makes you want to cry
sometimes because you own characters dont get that much. This makes him an
excellent tank. Meaning he takes damage for you. Always keep him out. Add 5 to
this skill.
Skill Points Used: 5

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Golem Mastery  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 12
Golem Mastery boosts the life, attack rating, and mobility of your Golems. Add 5
points to this skill.
Skill Points Used:5

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Summon Resist  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 24
Summon Resist does as the name implies. It raises the resistances of all your
Summons. Give this skill 5 points.
Skill Points Used: 5


/\/\/\/\


B. Poison and Bone Spells
********************************
Poison and Bone Spells are a Poisoner's primary abilities. In other words, most
of your skill points will be going here for this build. We will be mostly
focusing on the Poison skills.

 /\/\/\/\
| Teeth  |
 \/\/\/\/
Required level: 1
Teeth is a spell that casts out multiple jagged teeth at your enemies. This one
is not used for anything except as a prerequisite.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Bone Armor |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 1
Bone Armor creates a spinning barrier of bone around you. It absorbs physical
damage. A very useful spell to this build. Place only one point here since after
the first point is added, it gives 10 more damage absorbed. The synergies give
more absorption per level than the actual skill.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Corpse Explosion |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 6
Corpse Explosion is a spell that makes a monster's carcass explode to damage
nearby enemies that still live. This spell is used only as a prerequisite.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Poison Dagger  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 6
Poison Dagger is a skill used with any Dagger Class weapon to poison an enemy.
The poison damage at high levels is massive but it takes 40 something seconds
for it do all that damage. This skill one of your main skills, so max it. This
skill is mostly used at lower levels. Death's Web is not a dagger class weapon,
so it can't be used once you have that on. 
Skill Points Used: 20

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Bone Wall  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 12
Bone Wall creates a wall of bones. It also is a synergy to Bone Armor and that's
the only reason we need it here. Since only 110 skill points are possible, only
add 6 to this. And make sure you take care of Lower Resists and your Poison
skills first.
Skill Points Used: 6

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Poison Explosion |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 18
Poison Explosion causes an enemy's corpse to emit a poisonous gas cloud, similar
to what you see the Rotting Carcass monsters do when they die in Act 2. Yours 
however, works on the enemies instead of you. This skill does good damage at the
higher levels, but like Poison Dagger it takes a bit of time to do that damage.
This is also a main skill. Max it out.
SKill Points Used: 20

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
|  Poison Nova |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 30
Poison Nova creates an expanding ring of poison around you. At high levels, this
skill does massive amounts of poison damage. Not as much as Poison Dagger or
Poison Explosion, but it does it's damage in 2 seconds! This is your primary
attack! Max it out.
Skill Points Used: 20


/\/\/\/\


C. Curses
********************************
Curses help support a Necromancer's other skills. To name some effects, they can
decrease enemy defenses, cause enemies to run, and cause monsters to fight each 
other.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Amplify Damage |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 1
Amplify Damage reduces an enemy's physical defense. Meaning any phsical attack
against an enemy afflicted with Amplify Damage will take more damage. A good
skill, but not used for anything but a prerequisite for this build.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\
| Weaken |
 \/\/\/\/
Required Level: 6
Weaken is a curse that reduces the amount of damage they cause to you. Not a
very useful skill. One point as a prerequisite.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Iron Maiden  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 12
Iron Maiden is a curse that cause enemies' physical attacks to be reflected back
at them. This is a good curse for a Summoner to duel with, but not a Poisoner.
Give it a point as a prerequisite.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\
| Terror |
 \/\/\/\/
Required Level: 12
Terror causes enemies to panic and run from you. This curse is mostly useless.
Add a point into it as a prerequisite and forget that it even exists.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\/\
| Life Tap |
 \/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 18
Life Tap is a skill that curses enemies to heal their attackers. A good skill
for a Summoner to use also, but not a Poisoner. One point as a prerequisite.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Decrepify  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 24
Decrepify is a curse that makes monsters move very slowly, take more damage,
and do less damage to you all at once. A nice skill, but it's only a
prerequisite. One point here.
Skill Points Used: 1

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Lower Resist |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Required Level: 30
Finally, we get to where we need to be. Lower Resist is a curse that lowers all
resistances on enemies by a certain amount. This skill is perfect for a Poisoner
because it can take an enemy's immunity off, enabling you to damage it. This is
also good to use for a party. That way everyone can damage the enemy better.
This is the one curse that you need to max out.
Skill Points Used: 20


/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/


V. ATTRIBUTES
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A character's attributes are just as important as it's skills. It is important
not to do things so that you can't wear your equipment or survive a Boss fight.

 /\/\/\/\/\
| Strength |
 \/\/\/\/\/
You only need enough strength to wear your items. My Necro has a BASE Strength
of 63. With two charms, (Annihilus and Hellfire Torch) he has enough Strength
to wear his armor which requires 103 Strength to use. The charms give a boost
o 40 points to all stats. The armor gives an even bigger boost which allows him
to wear the rest of the items. See how this works? You may need to adjust the
base Strength your Necro will need depending on how much of a bonus your charms
give.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Dexterity  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/
Add just enough Dexterity to put your items on. Use it like Strength. Wait to
add anything until your bonus from charms kicks in. Then add only as much as
necessary and no more. 

 /\/\/\/\/\
| Vitality |
 \/\/\/\/\/
Vitality is very important to a Poisoner. After adding all the Strength and Dex
you will ever need, put the rest of your points into this.

 /\/\/\/\
| Energy |
 \/\/\/\/
Energy is not needed.


/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/


VI. EQUIPMENT
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Skills and attributes are simply not enough to make a character powerful. Your
equipment is very important too. You might laugh and call me a "n00b", but this
setup works well for me. As it should for you. I will recommend two pieces of
equipment that you will need. The item listed as 1 is the recommended choice.
2 is a decent alternative. Put Perfect Poison Rainbow Facets wherever possible.
They don't need to be Die Facets. Morons insist on them. I don't know about you,
but when I build a dueling character, I don't plan on dying much.

 /\/\/\/\
| Weapon |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Death's Web - Unearthed Wand
One-Hand Damage: 22 To 28 (25 Avg)
Required Level: 66
Required Strength: 25
Durability: 18
Base Weapon Speed: [0]
+50% Damage To Undead
-40-50% To Enemy Poison Resistance (varies)
+7-12 To Mana After Each Kill (varies)
+7-12 Life After Each Kill (varies)
+2 To All Skills
+1-2 To Poison And Bone Skills (Necromancer Only) (varies)

2:Heart of the Oak - Flail
Ko + Vex + Pul + Thul
+3 To All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage To Demons
+100 To Attack Rating Against Demons
Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
7% Mana Stolen Per Hit
+10 To Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +30-40 (varies)
Level 4 Oak Sage (25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60 Charges)
+50% Damage To Undead 

 /\/\/\/\
| Shield |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Homunculus - Hierophant Trophy
Defense: 127.5-213 (varies)(Base Defense: 58-70)
Defense: 58-70
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 58
Durability: 20
Chance To Block: 72%
(Necromancer Only)
+150-200% Enhanced Defense(varies)
25% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
40% Increased Chance of Blocking
30% Faster Block Rate
+2 To Necromancer Skill Levels
+20 To Energy
Regenerate Mana 33%
All Resistances +40
+2 To Curses (Necromancer Only)

2:Darkforce Spawn - Bloodlord Skull
Defense: 357-417 (varies)(Base Defense: 103-148)
Required Level: 65
Required Strength: 106
Durability: 20
Chance To Block: 32%
(Necromancer Only)
+140-180% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+1-3 To Summoning Skills (Necromancer Only) (varies)
+1-3 To Poison And Bone Skills (Necromancer Only) (varies)
+1-3 To Curses (Necromancer Only) (varies)
+30% Faster Cast Rate
Increase Maximum Mana 10%

 /\/\/\/\
| Armour |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Bramble - Archon Plate (Runeword)
RAL + OHM + SUR + ETH
Level 15-21 Thorns Aura When Equipped (varies)
+50% Faster Hit Recovery
+25-50% To Poison Skill Damage (varies)
+300 Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Regenerate Mana 15%
+5% To Maximum Cold Resist
Fire Resist +30%
Poison Resist +100%
+13 Life After Each Kill
Level 13 Spirit of Barbs (33 Charges)

2:Enigma - Archon Plate (Runeword)
JAH + ITH + BER
+2 To All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 To Teleport
+750-775 Defense (varies)
+ (0.75 Per Character Level) +1-74.25 To Strength 
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% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 

 /\/\/\/\
| Helmet |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Rare Circlet/Coronet/Tiara with some of these mods
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+15-20 All Resistances
+30-50 Life
+30-50 Mana
Socketed (1 or 2)

2:Harlequin Crest - Shako
Defense: 98-141
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
Durability: 12
+2 To All Skills
+1.5-148.5 To Life (Based On Character Level)
+1.5-148.5 To Mana (Based On Character Level)
Damage Reduced By 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 To Strength
+2 To Dexterity
+2 To Vitality
+2 To Energy

 /\/\/\/\
| Boots  |
 \/\/\/\/
1: Grim Spur - Chain Boots (Rare)
Defense: 9
Durability: 16
Required Strength: 30
Required Level: 41
+30% Faster Run/Walk
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+19 Strength
+45% Cold Resist
+22% Lightning Resist
+21% Poison Resist

2: Silkweave - Mesh Boots
Defense: 95-130.5 (varies)(Base Defense: 37-44)
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 65
Durability: 16
+150-190% Enhanced Defense(varies)
30% Faster Run/Walk
+5 To Mana After Each Kill
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
+200 Defense VS. Missile

 /\/\/\/\
| Gloves |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Trang-Oul's Claws - Heavy Bracers
Defense: 67-74 (varies)(Base Defense: 37-44)
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 58
Durability: 16
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Cold Resist +30%
+30 Defense
+25% Poison Skill Damage
+2 To Curses (Necromancer Only)

2:Magefist - Light Gauntlets
Defense: 20.8-24.3
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
Durability: 18
+20-30% Enhanced Defense
+10 Defense
+1 To Fire Skills
20% Faster Cast Rate
Regenerate Mana 25%
Adds 1-6 Fire Damage

 /\/\/\/\
| Amulet |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Storm Circlet (Crafted)
Required Level: 34
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
20% Faster Cast Rate
+18 to Strength
+55 to Life
+59 to Mana
+23% Fire Resist
+23% Cold Resist
+23% Lightning Resist

2:Mara's Kaleidoscope
Required Level: 67
+2 To All Skill Levels
All Resistances +20-30(varies)
+5 To Energy
+5 To Vitality
+5 To Dexterity
+5 To Strength

 /\/\/\/\
| Rings  |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Stone of Jordan (Two)
+1 to All Skill Levels
Adds 1-12 Lightning Damage
+20 to Mana
Increase Maximum Mana 25%

2:Caster Ring (Two) [Should have these stats on it]
10% Faster Cast Rate
+ to Life
+ to Strength
+ to All Resists

 /\/\/\
| Belt |
 \/\/\/
1:Arachnid's Mesh - Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 119-138 (varies)(Base Defense: 55-62)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
Durability: 12
+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)

2:Gloom's Trap - Mesh Belt
Defense: 79.2-102.5 (varies)(Base Defense: 35-40)
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 58
Durability: 16
+120-150% Enhanced Defense(varies)
5% Mana Stolen Per Hit
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
Regenerate Mana 15%
+15 To Vitality
-3 To Light Radius

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Secondary Weapon & Shield  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
-The weapon is the only secondary weapon you should use. Therefore, I
will not be adding an alternative choice of weapon.

1:Call to Arms - Flail
AMN + RAL + MAL + IST + OHM
+1 To All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
+200-240% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
+1-6 To Battle Command
+1-6 To Battle Orders
+1-4 To Battle Cry
Prevent Monster Heal
Replenish Life +12
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

1:Spirit - Monarch (MADE ONLY ON LADDER)
TAL + THUL + ORT + AMN
+2 To All Skills
+25-35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3-8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14

2:Lidless Wall - Grim Shield
Defense: 91.8-347.3 (varies)(Base Defense: 50-150)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
Chance to Block: Pal: 50%, Ama/Asn/Bar: 45%, Dru/Nec/Sor: 40%
Durability: 40
Paladin Smite Damage: 14 To 20
+80-130% Enhanced Defense(varies)
+1 To All Skill Levels
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
20% Faster Cast Rate
+3-5 To Mana After Each Kill(varies)
+10 To Energy
+1 To Light Radius


/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/


VII. INVENTORY
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The inventory is another important part of a strong character. This is where all
of you charms go.

I recommend getting only 9 Poison and Bone Grand Charms. This way, you have room
for a Hellfire Torch and an Annihilus. That makes it 12 to your Poison and Bone
Spells. Plus 1 to All Skills from the Annihilus. So if you count that up, that's
13 to Poison and Bone, 1 to Summoning (which you should have none of) and 1 to
Curses. And thats only in charms. Pretty good huh? A note about the Hellfire
Torch. The Firestorm is not the one a Druid casts. This Firestorm is the giant
one that Diablo casts. Also, fill any empty spaces with 20/5 Small Charms. They
have +20 to Life and +5 to All Resists. Very useful indeed. If you think you
don't have enough Faster Hit Recovery, put in Shimmering Small Charms of
Balance. Those have +5% All Resists and +5% Faster Hit Recovery. 

Annihilus - Small Charm
Required Level: 70
+1 To All Skills
+10-20 To All Attributes (varies)
+10-20 To All Resistances (varies)
+5-10% To Experience Gained (varies)

Hellfire Torch - Large Charm
Required level: 76
25% Chance of casting Lvl 10 Firestorm on striking
+3 to one character class's Skills (varies, eg.Paladin, Necromancer)
+8 Light Radius
+10-20 All Resistances (varies)
+10-20 All Stats (varies)
Lvl 30 Hydra Charges (10/10)


/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/


VIII. MERCENARY
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A mercenary is a great help to a Poisoner. They can keep enemies off of you long
enough for you to crush their resistances and poison them to death. I'm going to
put in my Mercenary preferance, but remember a Mercenary is optional. You can
still do quite well without one.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Mercenary  |  Desert Mercenary
 \/\/\/\/\/\/ 

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Difficulty |  Nightmare
 \/\/\/\/\/\/

 /\/\/\
| Type |        Defensive
 \/\/\/

I chose the Defensive Nightmare Desert Mercenary because he has a Holy Freeze
Aura. This enables him to freeze my enemies, either player or monster, so that
they move much slower. This is good because if you are using the Bramble, you
can't use Teleport. And fast people like Trap Assassins are hard to catch and
hit with a Poison Nova. The aura is special because it doesn't matter if the
enemy is Cold immune or not. It will freeze them anyway. Now, we need to discuss
the Mercenary's equipment.

 /\/\/\/\
| Weapon |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Infinity - Superior Ethereal Cryptic Axe (15% Enhanced Damage/Ladder Only)
Ber + Mal + Ber + Ist
50% Chance To Cast Level 20 Chain Lightning When You Kill An Enemy
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Run/Walk
+255-325% Enhanced Damage
-(45-55)% To Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
0.5 To Vitality (Per Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30 Charges)

2:Insight - Superior Ethereal Cryptic Axe (15% Enhanced Damage/Ladder Only)
Ral + Tir + Tal + Sol
Level 12-17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+200-260% Enhanced Damage
+9 To Minimum Damage
180-250% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
+75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
+1-6 To Critical Strike
+5 To All Attributes
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

 /\/\/\/\
| Armour |
 \/\/\/\/
1:Fortitude - Superior Archon Plate (15% Enhanced Defense) (MADE ONLY ON LADDER)
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
+1-1.5 To Life (Per Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +25-30
Damage Reduced By 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius

2:Jeweler's (Any Armor) of the Whale
+100 Life
Socketed (4) Best with 4 Ruby Jewels of Fervor

 /\/\/\/\
| Helmet |
 \/\/\/\/
1: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)(Best with 2 Ruby Jewels of Fervor or 2 Ber Runes)
Indestructible

2:Jeweler's Bone Visage of the Whale - Bone Visage
+100 Life
Socketed (3)(Best with 2 Ruby Jewels of Fervor or 2 Ber Runes)


/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/


IX. STRATEGIES
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This section will explain ways to fight different types of enemies.

 /\/\/\/\/\
| Bowazons |
 \/\/\/\/\/
A Bowazon is very hard to fight with a Poisoner, considering that they don't run
very fast and if you use Bramble, you can't Teleport. I recommend using Bone
Armor to absorb some of the shots while trying to get your mercenary near enough
to freeze them. Then you should be able to give them a blast of Poison Nova.
Be careful though, there is about an 80% chance that you will lose. Badly. I do
not recommend dueling a Bowazon with this character build.

 /\/\/\/\/\
| Javazons |
 \/\/\/\/\/
A Javazon is much easier to fight than a Bowazon. Bone Armor helps a little, but
not much. It won't absorb the lightning damage. Most Javazons use Charged Strike
to duel so that means they will need to get close. Don't stand still. Use Lower
Resist to make them much more vulnerable to Poison Nova. Then have your 
mercenary freeze them to slow them down. Back off a few steps and blast them
with Poison Nova. Rinse, repeat.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Hammerdin  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/
This is a very hard fight considering that you shouldn't be able to Teleport.
Again, use your mercenary to slow them down, and try not to get hit with a
Hammer. It is almost certain death if they catch you. Not very likely that you
will win against a Hammerdin.

 /\/\/\/\/\
| Zealadin |
 \/\/\/\/\/
A Zealadin is easy to beat. Simply use Lower Resist, have your mercenary freeze
them to slow them down and ruin their IAS (Increased Attack Speed) and cast your
Poison Nova until they die.

 /\/\/\/\
| Smiter |
 \/\/\/\/
A Smiter is just as easy to beat as a Zealadin. Use Lower Resist, have your
mercenary freeze them and give them a blast or so of Poison Nova. Careful of the
Smite attack, it will stun you, leaving you stuck in place for a moment so that
they can keep Smiting.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| FoH Paladin  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/
An FoH Paladin is in my opinion a very nasty customer. It's almost impossible to
beat one with a Poisoner. I get lucky sometimes and get a shot in. Conviction
lowers your resistances so that they can damage you more. If you survive the
attack, they will have to wait a second to cast again. That's your chance. Lower
Resist and cast Poison Nova as much as you can until they either die, or they
get another shot in, which will most likely kill you. I recommend avoiding them
altogether.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Whirlwind Barb |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
A little more difficult to beat than a Melee Paladin. Use your mercenary to
Freeze them and slow their IAS. Lower Resist to do more damage. Poison Nova
until they die. Be careful not to get hit. Use Bone Armor to absorb some damage.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Trap Assassin  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
They are mean. They run fast, so try to get your mercenary to freeze them. Use
Lower Resist and use Poison Nova until they die. Their traps are nasty. Avoid
them if possible. They also use their Mind Blast technique to knock you back,
making it harder to avoid the traps. These guys are hard to beat. But not
impossible.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Whirlwind Assassin |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Just the same as a Whirlwind Barbarian. Follow that strategy.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Bone Necromancer |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
These guys WERE hard to beat before their precious MarrowWalk glitch got ruined
with the new patch. They still have some wicked FCR. You should be able to get
close enough to hit them with Lower Resist and POison Nova. They aren't too much
trouble anymore.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Poisoner Necromancer |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Use your Lower Resist, your Bone Armor, and your mercenary's Holy Freeze to win
this. This is a hard fight. They have all the same moves you have. Can you beat
a copy of yourself? 

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Summoner Necromancer |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
This is pretty easy. Just cast your Lower Resist curse and stand still casting
Poison Nova. The Summoner will try to Teleport his summons onto you. At that
point, his summons should be killed, along with him.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Lightning Sorceress  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
These guys are hard to beat. Use Lower Resist, then Holy Freeze from your
mercenary and try to avoid the Lightning. I won't lie. These are not easy to
fight. They have a lot of FCR, and the damage they do is incredible sometimes.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Fire Sorceress |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Not as difficult as fighting a Lightning Sorceress, but only because they tend
to do less damage. Use the same strategy to beat these as with a Lightning
Sorceress.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Cold Sorceress |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
This all depends on which skill they use. If they use Blizzard, use the same
strategy as with a Lightning Sorceress. If they use Frozen Orb, this is easy.
They need to get very close to hit you with Frozen orb, as it has bad range.
Use your mercenary, Lower Resist, and Poison Nova. Still, they do wicked damage
if they have the right gear on. Careful!

 /\/\/\/\/\/\
| Wind Druid |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/
This is an easy fight. They have to get close to hit you. Crush their resists,
freeze them, and use Poison Nova.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Melee Druid  |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Another easy win. They have terrible blocking and defense, considering they lack
Holy Shield. That means your mercenary could do some considerable damage by
himself. While he keeps the Druid busy, cast Lower Resist, and Poison Nova him
until he dies. Easy, right?

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| Player vs. Monster |
 \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
For pesky immunes, cast Lower Resists, and hit them with Poison Nova until dead.
Easy right? For boss monsters, keep your distance.


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\/\/\/\/


X. CONTACT ME
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
If you wish to comment on any of this material or you still have questions,
feel free to email me. Keep in mind that ALL hate mail will be deleted. Don't
waste your time even writing it. If you seriously have the time on your hands to
write me a hate mail, I suggest getting a job or something. 
Unfortunately, if you wish to duel my Poisoner or see his equipment, that is 
quite impossible, seeing as how I no longer have that account available to me.
If you wish to use any of this guide, please contact me to ask permission and
please credit me in the event that I grant that permission. Thank you. 

Email: FinalFantasyO_o@msn.com


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\/\/\/\/


XI. CREDITS/THANKS
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-I would like to thank ExarKunnn for the stats on the Runewords.

-I would like to thank BCD and Sir Alex for the stats on the Unique Items.

-I would like to thank Kirbix for the stats on the Hellfire Torch.

-I would like to thank Blizzard for making this great game.

-I would like to thank DeckardCain for the stats on the Ladder Runewords.

-I would like to thank my little borther for getting me into the game.

-And lastly, I would like to thank the person who taught me to use a Poisoner,
my friend who coincidentally is also named Ben.


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