===================================================================== _____ _ __ ___ _____ _____ || \\ / \ || | | |_ _| |_ _| || \\ |_| || | | // | | \\ // | | \\ || \\ _ || | | | | | | || || | | ____ ||____ | | ____ | | | | || || | | / __ \ || __ | | | / __ \ | | | | || // | | | / \ | ||| || | | | | | | | | | | ||___// | | | |__| | |||__|| | | | |__| | \\_| |_// \\_| |_// -----/ |_| \___ /| ||____| |_| \____/ |_____| |_____| ===================================================================== 1.10 Ladder Runewords FAQ FAQ Version 1.00 Contributed by: Sean Crookston (DeckardCain) ===================================================================== ===================================================================== Version History -February 18th, 2005 Table of Contents added. Section I and II added. -February 20th, 2005 Section III added. ===================================================================== ===================================================================== Table of contents Section I - Legal Information Section II - The New Runewords - Rune Information Section III - Weapon Runewords - Brand - Death - Destruction - Edge - Faith - Fortitude - Greif - Harmony - Ice - Infinity - Insight - Last Wish - Lawbringer - Oath - Obedience - Pheonix - Pride - Rift - Spirit - Voice of Reason - Wrath Section IV - Armor Runewords - Dragon - Dream - Fortitude - Pheonix - Spirit Section V - Freqently Asked Questions Section VI - Credits / Endings ===================================================================== ===================================================================== Section I - Legal Information ===================================================================== The following FAQ is cannot be published, sold, or be plagurized by any means. Vialoting these laws, will allow consequences to be made. This FAQ may be posted on a site with a written agreement from the author, Sean Crookston (Me). If you are caught without an agreement, then you will face the conseqences of big payback. Copyright Sean Crookston (DeckardCain) 2004 - All Rights Reserved ===================================================================== Section II - The New Runewords ===================================================================== As you all know, Blizzard has set out new runewords for players to discover. They did not change the version of the game, but they did allow more runewords to be made. All runewords have been made, and many people like some of them for being useful, while others hate certain new runewords for being totally pointless. Continue down to find out about the runes and their effects. -Runes Information- While playing the game, whether it be questing, leveling, or finding items, you'll eventually find runes. Runes are like gems, except that they can do different modifications on different pieces of equipment depending on the rune being used. The higher the rune, the higher the rarity. Below is information on runes and their effects. El Rune (11) Weapons: +1 Light Radius, 50 to attack rating Armor/Helm/Shield: +1 Light Radius, +15 Defense Eld Rune (11) Weapons: 50 attack rating to Undead, 75% damage to Undead Armor/Helm: 15% slower stamina drain Shield: 7% increased chance of blocking Tir Rune (13) Weapon/Armor/Helm/Shield: +2 to mana after each kill Nef Rune (13) Weapons: Knockback Armor/Helm/Shield: 30 defense to missile attacks Eth Rune (15) Weapons: -25% targets defense Armor/Helm/Shield: Regenerate mana 15% Ith Rune (15) Weapons: +9 to maximum damage Armor/Helm/Shield: 15% damage goes to mana Tal Rune (17) Weapons: +75 poison damage over 5 seconds Armor/Helm: Poison resistance 30% Shield: Poison resistance 35% Ral Rune (19) Weapons: +5-35 fire damage Armor/Helm: Fire resistance 30% Shield: Fire resistance 35% Ort Rune: (21) Weapons: +1-50 lightning damage Armor/Helm: Lightning resistance 30% Shield: Lightning resistance 35% Thul Rune (23) Weapons: +3-14 cold damage Armor/Helm: Cold resistance 30% Shield: Cold resistance 35% Amn Rune (25) Weapon: 7% Life stolen per hit Armor/Helm/Shield: Attacker takes damage of 14 Sol Rune (27) Weapons: +9 to minimum damage Armor/Helm/Shield: Damage reduced by 7 Shael Rune (29) Weapons: 20% increased attack speed Armor/Helm: 20% faster hit recovery Shield: 20% faster block rate Dol Rune (31) Weapons: Hit causes monster to flee 25% Armor/Helm/Shield: Replenish life +7 Hel Rune (-) Weapons: Requirements -20% Armor/Helm/Shield: Requirements -15% Io Rune (35 Weapons/Armor/Helm/Shield: +10 to Vitality Lum Rune (37) Weapons/Armor/Helm/Shield: +10 to Energy Ko Rune (39) Weapons/Armor/Helm/Shield: +10 to Dexterity Fal Rune (41) Weapons/Armor/Helm/Shield: +10 to Strength Lem Rune (43) Weapons: 75% Extra gold from monsters Armor/Helm/Shield: 50% Extra gold from monsters Pul Rune (45) Weapons: +100 attack rating to demons, +75% damage to demons Armor/Helm/Shield: 30% enhanced defense Um Rune (47) Weapons: 25% chance of open wounds Armor/Helm: All resistances 15% Shield: All resistances 22% Mal Rune (49) Weapons: Prevent monster heal Armor/Helm/Shield: Magic damage reduced by 7 Ist Rune (51) Weapons: 30% Better magic find Armor/Helm/Shield: 25% Better magic find Gul Rune (53) Weapons: 20% Bonus to attack rating Armor/Helm/Shield: 5% to maximum poison resistance Vex Rune (55) Weapons: 7% Mana stolen per hit Armor/Helm/Shield: 5% to maximum fire resistance Ohm Rune (57) Weapons: 50% enhanced damage Armor/Helm/Shield: 5% to maximum cold resistance Lo Rune (59) Weapons: 20% Deadly strike Armor/Helm/Shield: 5% to maximum lightning resistance Sur Rune (61) Weapons: Hit blinds target Armor/Helm: Increase maximum mana 5% Shield: +50 to mana Ber Rune (63) Weapons: 20% Chance of crushing blow Armor/Helm/Shield: Damage reduced by 8% Jah Rune (65) Weapons: Ignore targets defense Armor/Helm: Increase maximum life 5% Shield: +50 to life Cham Rune (67) Weapons: Freeze target +3 seconds Armor/Helm/Shield: Cannot be frozen Zod Rune (69) Weapon/Armor/Helm/Shield: Indestructible ===================================================================== Section III - Weapon Runewords ===================================================================== Before I start off listing the new runewords, there is some valuable information you will need to know. First off, the new runewords are for ladder ONLY (On Battle.net). If you try to make the runeword on non-ladder, you'll just be wasting your runes. Also, please note that you use the correct runes, in the correct equipment, with the correct rune order with the correct amount of sockets. Example: Greif runeword will require a 5os (open socket) sword or axe, and the runes Eth + Tir + Lo + Mal + Ral socketed in the weapon in that order. Read carefully about what runes are needed, and the specific armor or weapon needed for the runeword to be made in is correct. If some information I provide is false, please tell me (Section VI) and I will fix it. Also read the FAQ at the bottom before reporting errors to be corrected. Now that I have explained this to you, let us continue on to the runewords! ===================================================================== Runeword: Brand Weapon: 4os missile weapon Rune Order: Jah + Lo + Mal + Gul Modifications: 35% Chance to cast level 14 Amplify Damage when struck 100% Chance to cast level 18 Bone Spear on striking Fires explosive arrows or bolts +260-340% Enhanced damage Ignore Target's Defense 20% Bonus to attack rating +280-330% Damage to demons 20% Deadly strike Prevent monster heal Knockback Description: Very nice weapon, but it is missing increased attack speed, which is very important. Use this if you want to do heavy damage. Best used for an Amazon. ===================================================================== Runeword: Death Weapon: 5os Sword/Axe Rune Order: Hel + El + Vex + Ort + Gul Modifications: 100% Chance to cast level 44 Chain Lightning when you die 25% Chance to cast level 18 Glacial Spike on attack Indestructable +300-385% Enhanced damage 20% Bonus to attack rating +50 to attack rating Adds 1-50 Lightning damage 7% Mana stolen per hit 50% Chance of crushing blow +0.5% Deadly strike (Per character level) +1 To light radius Level 22 Blood Golem (15 Charges) Requirements -20% Description: Seems like a superb weapon, but it also does not include increased attack speed. Once again, great for heavy damage, but not very fast. If you want to make this runeword, it is highly recommended using an Ethereal weapon, because it is indestructable, meaning it will never break. Best used for Barbarians. ===================================================================== Runeword: Destruction Weapon: 5os Polearm/Sword Rune Order: Vex + Lo + Ber + Jah + Ko Modifications: 23% Chance to cast level 12 Volcano on striking 5% Chance to cast level 22 Molten Boulder on striking 100% Chance to cast level 45 Meteor when you die 15% Chance to cast level 22 Nova on attack +350% Enhanced Damage Ignore Target's Defense Adds 100-180 Magic Damage 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit 20% Chance Of Crushing Blow 20% Deadly Strike Prevent Monster Heal +10 To Dexterity Description: Just like Death runeword, but with more of those chance to cast attack stuff. Pretty much wasted runeword, as there is no increased attack speed on it! Do not even make this runeword, or even trade for it. It's only worth the Ko rune used in it, nothing more. ===================================================================== Runeword: Edge Weapon: 3os Missile Weapon Rune Order: Tir + Tal + Amn Modifications: Level 15 Thorns Aura When Equipped +35% Increased Attack Speed +320-380% Damage To Demons +280% Damage To Undead +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds 7% Life Stolen Per Hit Prevent Monster Heal +5-10 To All Attributes +2 To Mana After Each Kill Reduces All Vendor Prices 15% Description: This isn't bad for a low level Amazon, since it has good increased attack speed, and a Thorns aura. What it lacks is Enhanced damage (Except for demons and undead monsters). Other than that, it is nice weapon for a Amazon with a bow. ===================================================================== Runeword: Faith Weapon: 4os Missile Weapon Rune Order: Ohm + Jah + Lem + Eld Modifications: Level 12-15 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped +1-2 To All Skills +330% Enhanced Damage Ignore Target's Defense 300% Bonus To Attack Rating +75% Damage To Undead +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead All Resistances +15 10% Reanimate As: Returned 75% Extra Gold From Monsters Description: This bow is practically the best bow in the game. There is nothing better than this bow. Even though there is no increased attack speed on it, the Fanaticism Aura gives increased attack speed to everyone close by, and even gives enhanced damage to near allies. This bow is absolutely amazing!! This bow certainly is bringing back the "Bowazons" in Diablo II. ===================================================================== Runeword: Fortitude Weapon: Any 4os Weapon Rune Order: El + Sol + Dol + Lo Modifications: 20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck +25% Faster Cast Rate +300% Enhanced Damage +200% Enhanced Defense +50 To Attack Rating +1-1.5 To Life (Per Character Level) Hit Causes Monster To Flee 25% +5% To Maximum Lightning Resist All Resistances +25-30 +9 To Minimum Damage 12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana +1 To Light Radius Description: Fortitude is a decent weapon. I dueled a person with this weapon, and he owned me. This runeword is pretty nice, and if you have a Lo rune, you should find a 4os weapon and make this. But then again, Greif is much better. ===================================================================== Runeword: Greif Weapon: 5os Sword/Axe Rune Order: Eth + Tir + Lo + Mal + Ral Modifications: 35% Chance To Cast Level 15 Venom On Striking +30-40% Increased Attack Speed Damage +340-400 Ignore Target's Defense -25% Target Defense +1.875% (Per Character Level) Damage To Demons Adds 5-30 Fire Damage -20-25% To Enemy Poison Resistance 20% Deadly Strike Prevent Monster Heal +2 To Mana After Each Kill +11 Life After Each Kill Description: This weapon here is comparable to BoTD (Breath of the Dying). If you want a good dueling weapon or need a nice weapon for monsters, this is just about the best choice. I've dueled many paladins zealers, and they own all the time. It's almost impossible to beat someone using this runeword. Best used for paladins or Barbarians. ===================================================================== Runeword: Harmony Weapon: 4os Missile Weapon Rune Order: Tir + Ith + Sol + Ko Modifications: Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped +200-275% Enhanced Damage +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 +10 To Dexterity Regenerate Mana 20% +2 To Mana After Each Kill +2 To Light Radius Level 20 Revive (25 Charges) Description: This runeword is not too bad, besides the fact that it has no increased attack speed. Good damage for a low-mid level bow Amazon. It also has Revive skills in it, meaning you can summon a massive amount of monsters you have slained to use as tanks. Other than that, it isn't too great. ===================================================================== Runeword: Ice Weapon: 4os Missile Weapon Rune Order: Amn + Shael + Jah + Lo Modifications: 100% Chance To Cast Level 40 Blizzard When You Level-up 25% Chance To Cast Level 22 Frost Nova On Striking Level 18 Holy Freeze Aura When Equipped +20% Increased Attack Speed +140-210% Enhanced Damage Ignore Target's Defense +25-30% To Cold Skill Damage -20% To Enemy Cold Resistance 7% Life Stolen Per Hit 20% Deadly Strike 3.125 Extra Gold From Monsters (Per Character Level) Description: This bow is pretty good for a Bow Amazon specializing in ice skills, but the runes it uses are too expensive, making it not worth making. However, it does have increased attack speed and also deadly strike, so that makes up for the damage. It is very useful for ice skilled Bowazons. ===================================================================== Runeword: Infinity Weapon: 4os Polearms Rune Order: Ber + Mal + Ber + Ist Modifications: 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) Description: This weapon runeword is practically the best for an Act two mercenary, especially if your character uses elements. It has good enhanced damage, and a conviction aura, which lowers the enemy resistances to elements. And if you use a lightning sorceress, then that will prove even better use. If your rich, make one of these and your merc will do heavy damage. The only thing lacking in this is the increased attack speed. Overall, it is the best Act two mercenary weapon you can make. ===================================================================== Runeword: Insight Weapon: 4os Polearms/Staves Rune Order: Ral + Tir + Tal + Sol Modifications: 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 Description: This runeword is not as great as Infinity, but it still comes out to make a nice Mercanary weapon. If you have problems with mana, this Meditation aura will recover mana extremely fast. If you pretty new to the game, this is a cheap runeword that you can make early in the game. Do not make it in staves, unless you have nothing better than this. ===================================================================== Runeword: Last Wish Weapon: 6os Swords/Hammers/Axes Rune Order: Jah + Mal + Jah + Sur + Jah + Ber Modifications: 6% Chance To Cast Level 11 Fade When Struck 10% Chance To Cast Level 18 Life Tap On Striking 20% Chance To Cast Level 20 Charged Bolt On Attack Level 17 Might Aura When Equipped +330-375% Enhanced Damage Ignore Target's Defense 60-70% Chance of Crushing Blow Prevent Monster Heal Hit Blinds Target 0.5% Chance of Getting Magic Items (Per Character Level) Description: This is very expensive to make, and it definitely not worth making or even trading for. No increased attack speed, but still does several amounts of enhanced damage, combined with an aura of Might. Massive damage, but not fast attack speed. Stick with Breath of The Dying, since you gain both increased attack speed, and more enhanced damage. If your Breath of the Dying is ethereal, it will easily surpass the might aura. ===================================================================== Runeword: Lawbringer Weapon: 3os Swords/Hammers/Scepters Rune Order: Amn + Lem + Ko Modifications: 20% Chance to Cast Level 15 Decrepify on Striking Level 18 Sanctuary Aura When Equipped -50% Target Defense Adds 150-210 Fire Damage Adds 130-180 Cold Damage 7% Life Stolen Per Hit Slain Monsters Rest In Peace +200-250 Defense Vs. Missile +10 To Dexterity 75% Extra Gold From Monsters Description: Mid runes are used in this weapon, so it isn't too bad, besides the fact that it has no increased attack speed or even any enhanced damage. Don't bother making this runeword, you'll just be wasting a few runes. ===================================================================== Runeword: Oath Weapon: 4os Swords/Axe/Maces Rune Order: Shael + Pul + Mal + Lum Modifications: 30% Chance To Cast Level 20 Bone Spirit On Striking Indestructible +50% Increased Attack Speed +210-340% Enhanced Damage +75% Damage To Demons +100 To Attack Rating Against Demons Prevent Monster Heal +10 To Energy +10-15 Magic Absorb Level 16 Heart Of Wolverine (20 Charges) Level 17 Iron Golem (14 Charges) Description: This weapon is very nice. It doesn't use any high runes and it gets 50% increased attack speed, and 210-340% enhanced damage. You should make this weapon if you happen to find a 4os ethereal weapon. It has Iron Golem charges and Heart of Wolverine charges, so you can do massive damage and have a tanker with you. ===================================================================== Runeword: Obedience Weapon: 5os Polearms' Rune Order: Hel + Ko + Thul + Eth + Fal Modifications: 30% Chance To Cast Level 21 Enchant When You Kill An Enemy 40% Faster Hit Recovery +370% Enhanced Damage -25% Target Defense Adds 3-14 Cold Damage -25% To Enemy Fire Resistance 40% Chance of Crushing Blow +200-300 Defense +10 To Strength +10 To Dexterity All Resistances +20-30 Requirements -20% Description: If you ever find a 5os Cryptic Axe, you definitely need to make this runeword. 370% enhanced damage is just as great as Breath of The Dying. I made this runeword, and the weapon itself does over 1k of damage. It doesn't have increased attack speed, but it is a great alternative to Breath of The Dying. ===================================================================== Runeword: Phenoix Weapon: Any 4os Weapon Rune Order: Vex + Vex + Lo + Jah Modifications: 100% Chance To Cast level 40 Blaze When You Level-up 40% Chance To Cast Level 22 Firestorm On Striking Level 13 Redemption Aura When Equipped +350-400% Enhanced Damage -28% To Enemy Fire Resistance +350-400 Defense Vs. Missile +50 To Life +5% To Maximum Lightning Resist +10% To Maximum Fire Resist +15-21 Fire Absorb Description: This weapon isn't bad, but uses way too many high runes. It would be much better using Breath of The Dying or Greif. Even Oath runeword could be better than this. This is much better made in a shield. (See Section IV) ===================================================================== Runeword: Pride Weapon: 4os Polearm Rune Order: Cham + Sur + Io + Lo Modifications: 25% Chance To Cast Level 17 Fire Wall When Struck Level 18 Concentration Aura When Equipped 260-300% Bonus To Attack Rating +1% Damage To Demons (Per Character Level) Adds 50-280 Lightning Damage 20% Deadly Strike Hit Blinds Target Freezes Target +3 +10 To Vitality Replenish Life +8 +1.875% Extra Gold From Monsters (Per Character Level) Description: This is almost a complete waste. Don't even bother to try making this runeword. No increased attack speed, and only damage is enhanced to demons. It requires three high runes, so basically you're wasting a lot of wealth if you make this. ===================================================================== Runeword: Rift Weapon: 4os Polearm/Scepter Rune Order: Hel + Ko + Lem + Gul Modifications: 20% Chance To Cast Level 16 Tornado On Striking 16% Chance To Cast Level 21 Frozen Orb On Attack 20% Bonus To Attack Rating Adds 160-250 Magic Damage Adds 60-180 Fire Damage +5-10 To All Stats 38% Damage Taken Goes To Mana 75% Extra Gold From Monsters Level 15 Iron Maiden (40 Charges) Requirements -20% Description: Worthless, and doesn't help much. Again, no increased attack speed, and no enhanced damage. Those two stats are important, and if a weapon doesn't have any of them, it is useless. (Unless your a caster). ===================================================================== Runeword: Spirit Weapon: 4os Sword Rune Order: Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn Modifications: +2 To All Skills +25-35% Faster Cast Rate +55% Faster Hit Recovery Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage Adds 3-14 Cold Damage +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds 7% Life Stolen Per Hit +250 Defense Vs. Missile +22 To Vitality +89-112 To Mana +3-8 Magic Absorb Description: This is great for a low level, but when you get near the 50s and higher in levels, you can find better things. This is mostly meant to be made for a caster, and not melee. This runeword is much better in shields, though. (See Section IV) ===================================================================== Runeword: Voice of Reason Weapon: 4os Sword/Mace Rune Order: Lem + Ko + El + Eld Modifications: 15% Chance To Cast Level 13 Frozen Orb On Striking 18% Chance To Cast Level 20 Ice Blast On Striking +50 To Attack Rating +220-350% Damage To Demons +280-300% Damage To Undead +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead Adds 100-220 Cold Damage -24% To Enemy Cold Resistance +10 To Dexterity Cannot Be Frozen 75% Extra Gold From Monsters +1 To Light Radius Description: It could be useful for both Freezadins, and Sorceresses, but there are much better weapons. Just dont make this unless you are desperate. ===================================================================== Runeword: Wrath Weapon: 4os Missile Weapons Rune Order: Pul + Lum + Ber + Mal Modifications: 30% Chance To Cast Level 1 Decrepify On Striking 5% Chance To Cast Level 10 life Tap On Striking +375% Damage To Demons +100 To Attack Rating Against Demons +250-300% Damage To Undead Adds 85-120 Magic Damage Adds 41-240 Lightning Damage 20% Chance of Crushing Blow Prevent Monster Heal +10 To Energy Cannot Be Frozen Description: No increased attack speed, and only enhanced damage to demons and undead. Sorry, but this is useless. Only modification that is useful is Cannot be Frozen, but there are few other items that you can use to get that modification. ===================================================================== Section IV - Armor Runewords ===================================================================== Some runewords may have been mentioned in the weapon section, but do not believe that it is a mistake. Blizzard has made some runewords able to be made in both weapons and armors. Some are better in the weapon, and some are better in the armor. Runeword: Dragon Armor: 3os Body Armor/Shield Rune Order: Sur + Lo + Sol Modifications: 20% Chance to Cast Level 18 Venom When Struck 12% Chance To Cast Level 15 Hydra On Striking Level 14 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped +360 Defense +230 Defense Vs. Missile +3-5 To All Attributes +0.375 To Strength (Per Character Level) Increase Maximum Mana 5% +5% To Maximum Lightning Resist Damage Reduced by 7 Description: This is only good for a vengeance Paladin, along with dream runeword, and a Doom runeword. With those three runewords are combined, they can allow you to have Holy freeze, Holy fire, and holy thunder auras at the same time! If you equip a conviction aura on your Paladin, you will do MASSIVE elemental damage. ===================================================================== Runeword: Dream Armor: 3os Helm/Shield Rune Order: Io + Jah + Pul Modifications: 10% Chance To Cast Level 15 Confuse When Struck Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped +20-30% Faster Hit Recovery +30% Enhanced Defense +150-220 Defense +10 To Vitality Increase Maximum Life 5% +0.625 To Mana (Per Character Level) All Resistances +5-20 15-25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Description: This runeword seems to be popular with helms. Again, as I mentioned before with Dragon runeword, it is Godly for a vengeance Paladin with conviction aura. You do massive damage in elemental skills, so think about making this build. These runewords are meant to bring back dead builds, and make them the godly characters in the game. ===================================================================== Runeword: Fortitude Armor: 4os Body Armor Rune Order: El + Sol + Dol + Lo Modifications: 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 Description: Any characters that are pure Melee, will love this. The armor adds 200% enhanced defense, and also 300% enhanced damage! My mercenary was wearing this and he did 9k damage, and with a Paladin, your mercenary can take off to 15k per hit. You also get some decent resistance, so that helps too, and faster cast rate if you need to use Battle orders, shout, Holy shield, those kind of skills, is pretty nice too. Another godly modification is the 20% chance of casting yourself a Chilling armor, which boosts your defense up really high, which can surpass the defense Stone runeword gives. VERY NICE CHOICE INDEED. ===================================================================== Runeword: Pheonix Armor: 4os Shield Rune Order: Vex + Vex + Lo + Jah Modifications: 100% Chance To Cast level 40 Blaze When You Level-up 40% Chance To Cast Level 22 Firestorm On Striking Level 13 Redemption Aura When Equipped +350-400% Enhanced Damage -28% To Enemy Fire Resistance +350-400 Defense Vs. Missile +50 To Life +5% To Maximum Lightning Resist +10% To Maximum Fire Resist +15-21 Fire Absorb Description: This is much better made in a shield than weapon, thats for sure. 350-400% ENHANCED DAMAGE. If this is combined with Breath of the Dying, and Fortitude, and a Dream helmet, you can do 15k of damage, with EASE. This is an expensive shield to make, but it is worth it. Try to get your hands on one of these, and you won't regret it. ;) ===================================================================== Runeword: Spirit Armor: 4os Shield Rune Order: Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn Modifications: +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 Description: This is pure godly for any caster. This easily beats Lidless Wall in the modifications. +2 All Skills, 25-35% Faster Cast Rate, and a load of mana, a load of vitality, and even resists! You definetely need one of these, LOW RUNES used to make a godly shield. Easy, right? No. You need a 4os shield, and a Monarch is the lowest shield for strength requirements, that can have four open sockets. You should sacrifice some of your stats to get 150 or so strength. Trust me, it is well worth spending 20-30 strength, when you get +22 to vitality, and loads of mana. It's as if you used them in those stats instead of strength. ===================================================================== Section V - Frequently Asked Questions ===================================================================== Q: Why can't I make these runewords on non-ladder? A: Blizzard made these runewords for Ladder only. Q: Is there a way to get these runewords on non-ladder? A: Yes, when blizzard resets the ladder, all items, including the ladder only runewords, will transfer over to non-ladder. (They will be worth quite a bit in price) Q: Which runeword is the best? A: Depends on the character build you have. The best runewords for Melee characters are Greif, Fortitude (Armor), Pheonix (Shield), Dream (Helm). Spirit is the best caster shield in the game pretty much. Q: Which runewords are good for Mercenaries? A: Obedience is a cheap runeword with loads of enhanced damage, but not as great as Breath of the Dying. It is a cheap alternative to it. Fortitude that is Ethereal is great for a mercenary, along with Dream helmet. If your character is a caster, then your mercenary should use Infinity, created inside an Ethereal Cryptic Axe. Q: Some of these runewords use way too many high runes! How will I ever get them? A: Well, my friend, you got to keep playing and sooner or later, you will find stuff that you can trade. You can always make the runewords that use lower runes, and you'll still be able to fend off the beasts in Hell difficulty. Q: Will you make more FAQs for Diablo? A: Probably not. I am not sure if I will write more FAQs period. I will write around 10 reviews for games, and I might feel like making another FAQ for GameFAQS. Q: Will you give me free runewords? A: NO. I don't sit here handing all my things. You got to find things for youself, or else here is no point in playing the game. It's all about finding stuff to become godly. If you can't do it, use ebay. :p ===================================================================== Section VI - Credits / Ending ===================================================================== - Thanks To - Me - Obviously I wrote the FAQ, so I deserve credit. :p Blizzard - For making a fun game, and adding ladder only runewords. Battle.net - For a free online gaming place for me to play at. B.Net Friends - Thanks to them for helping me out some. GameFAQs - For accepting this FAQ. DoA - Demons of Armaggedon!!! We own everyone!!! lol - Contact Information - Name: Sean (DeckardCain on GameFAQs) E-Mail: DoA_Sean@yahoo.com Site: www.d2doa.com (Iamstupid on the forums) Xfire IM: doasean