--Diablo 2 Lightning/MF Sorceress Guide (1.11) --V1.0 (11/16/07) --By BlackLightBurns DISCLAIMER: This is property of Tim Butler (A.K.A. BlackLightBurns). 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 advanced 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. |=================| |Table of Contents| |=================| I. Version History II. Purpose of This Guide III. Character Overview IV. Skills A. Lightning Tree B. Cold Tree C. Fire Tree V. Skill Allocation VI. Stat Distribution VII. Equipment A. Expert Gear (A.K.A. Dueling/PvM) 1. Helmet 2. Weapon 1&2 3. Armor 4. Shield 1&2 5. Gloves 6. Belt 7. Boots 8. Amulet 9. Rings 10. Charms 11. Final list B. Magic Find Gear 1. Helmet 2. Weapon 1&2 3. Armor 4. Shield 1&2 5. Gloves 6. Belt 7. Boots 8. Amulet 9. Rings 10. Charms 11. Final list C. Cheap Gear (for poor players) 1. Helmet 2. Weapon 3. Armor 4. Shield 5. Gloves 6. Belt 7. Boots 8. Amulet 9. Rings 10. Charms 11. Final list VIII. Mercenary IX. Magic Find Info X. Contact Me XI. Credits I. VERSION HISTORY ############################################################################# 1.0- Initial attempt and likely to be some corrections II. PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE ############################################################################# This guide explains the popular Lightning Sorceress build in-depth. It explains exactly how to build it and how to use it. This build is great for MFing (Magic Finding) and PvM (Player versus Monsters) as well. III. CHARACTER OVERVIEW ############################################################################# The Sorceress in general is an all out spell caster and with no physical strength and few defensive skills to speak of she must rely on her sheer killing power to stay alive. The Sorceress’ skills are divided up into 3 trees (like all characters): Fire, Cold, and Lightning. Compared to a Fire build, which is less efficient in Hell due to such common high fire resistances and immunities, and a Cold build, which is slower and some-what less damaging, a Lightning build is a very powerful, efficient option of Sorceress. Although, a Lightning Sorceress does have one big drawback: variable damage. Most of a Light Sorc’s skills have a wide range of damage (normally a minimum of 1 and a very high maximum) making her skills less consistent. But with the speed and average power she is a great choice. IV. SKILLS ############################################################################# There are only about 10 skills that you should bother putting points into for this build. As you would guess the majority of them are in the Lightning skill tree. Our main spell is Lightning and our rest of spells are either synergies (skills that benefit skills other than itself) or prerequisite skills needed to move on to other skills. Only skills that are relevant, or useful to this build, will be listed here. IVA. Lightning Spells %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% We will be putting almost all of our skill points into this tree. It’s fast, powerful, and lots of fun. +------------+ |Charged Bolt| +------------+ Required Level: 1 Prerequisites: None Effect: Fires multiple, jumping bolts of electricity that seek their targets. IMO the best of the 3 starting spells. As long as you learn how to control the bolts then this spell will serve you well though a lot of the game. Even though an individual bolt does a small amount of damage, the number of bolts increases with each level to a maximum of 24. If you can get every bolt to hit one target then they’re as good as dead (but that takes skill), otherwise it’s great as a spreadshot to hit numerous targets. Also, it synergizes with Lightning- MAX IT! +-----------+ |Telekinesis| +-----------+ Required Level: 6 Prerequisites: None Effect: Allows you to pick up items, trigger objects, and attack others at a distance. With this spell you can do a variety of things, however useless it may appear. You can knockback and stun a monster, allowing for retreat or set-up for another attack, and you can grab inventory items (potions, gold, scrolls) from a distance. And yes, it is useless as an actual attack. Prerequisite for Teleport- 1 point +------------+ |Static Field| +------------+ Required Level: 6 Prerequisites: None Effect: Every enemy in a radius around you loses 25% of their current health. This spell is a must have! It has the ability to take 1/4 of a boss’s hp in one cast! Multiple castings will lower the enemy’s hp 25% of the remaining hp and is limited to a total of 66% in Nightmare and 50% in Hell. (This spell is still affected by resistances) Since additional skills points only increase the range- 1 point +---------+ |Lightning| +---------+ Required Level: 12 Prerequisites: Charged Bolt Effect: Casts a bolt of lightning. This spell pierces through the enemies that it hits and continues on until hitting a wall or something similar. It’s “crowd control” is one reason that the spell is so great, along with doing the most damage. And, duh, it’s your main spell- MAX IT! +----+ |Nova| +----+ Required Level: 12 Prerequisites: Static Field Effect: Creates an expanding ring of electricity that does massive damage. This skill is good for...well...just about nothing. That whole “does massive damage” part is a little exaggerated. I guess the only use I can think of would be going back through Normal at a higher level. And oh yeah, it’s a synergy- MAX IT! +---------------+ |Chain Lightning| +---------------+ Required Level: 16 Prerequisites: Charged Bolt, Lightning Effect: Casts a lightning bolt that jumps through multiple targets. This skill is essentially the same as Lightning except that instead of going in one straight direction it hits a target then changes its direction to the next target (up to a maximum of 10 hits), hence “chain”. Now the downside is that it does less damage than Lightning and costs more mana. But, again, it’s a synergy- MAX IT! +--------+ |Teleport| +--------+ Required Level: 18 Prerequisites: Telekinesis Effect: Instantly transports you between two points. Teleport is a pretty nifty spell. Almost every character class will use it only because it's the fastest way to get around, especially while rushing, running or MFing. Additionally, you can use Teleport to retreat from battle. Since extra points only lower mana cost- 1 point +-------------+ |Thunder Storm| +-------------+ Required Level: 24 Prerequisites: Static Field, Nova Effect: Summons a thunderstorm that periodically blasts a nearby enemy with a bolt of lightning. Unlike all other damaging spells, this one is a timed spell. In other words, you cast it and it stays active for a certain amount of time. As for what the spell does, it periodically (every 1 or 2 seconds) shoots out an auto aimed bolt of lightning from the sky to strike an enemy around you. Overall I think the spell isn't worth it in the end. With no synergies, other than Lightning Mastery, it doesn't do much for damage. That being said- 1 point, let +skills do the rest or nothing +-------------+ |Energy Shield| +-------------+ Required Level: 24 Prerequisites: Telekinesis, Teleport Effect: Absorbs magical and some physical damage to Mana instead of Life. For this skill to be of any use you would need to have a high pool of mana. But even then I've personally found that it just isn't worth it. Life seems to sustain more damage than an Energy Shield does. Logically one would think that since sorceresses gain more mana than they do life that they would end up with more total hp. But Energy Shield takes 2 points of mana for every 1 point of life. Granted that with points into Telekinesis, a synergy, that will eventually be reduced to a 1 to 1 ratio. But who would really want to waste the points on that. And a last note: I've noticed that when you're hit with ES on you get a short stun, like you would with low faster hit recovery. It's not much but it's enough with a lot of hits. All in all, I've found it best to just stick with Life over ES, but give it a shot if you'd like to test it for yourself- No points +-----------------+ |Lightning Mastery| +-----------------+ Required Level: 30 Prerequisites: None Effect: Increases the damage of lightning spells. Simple enough, increases the damage of all lightning spells by a percentage. Makes a world of a difference- MAX IT! IVB. Cold Tree %%%%%%%%%%%%%% +------------+ |Frozen Armor| +------------+ Required Level: 1 Prerequisites: None Effect: Gives a defense bonus and freezes any melee attacker that hits you. Seeing as sorceresses are quite lacking in the defense department any help would be fantastic. This spell is a timed spell that increases your defense by a percentage for a period of time. And as a bonus, it freezes enemies that hit you for a very short time. I recommend it- 1 point, let +skills do the rest IVC. Fire Tree %%%%%%%%%%%%%% +------+ |Warmth| +------+ Required Level: 1 Prerequisites: None Effect: Increases your mana recovery rate. Although it's not necessary, this spell can give a little help with your mana. But by no means put more points into than you can spare. Any leftover points you can spare or- 1 point V. SKILL ALLOCATION ############################################################################ Now as a smart cookie like you will have figured out, the plan is to max Lightning (duh) and all of its synergies. And add in some 1-pointers on the way as well. Since at level 99 (assuming you manage to make it there) you total 98 skill points from leveling and 12 total from the 3 skill quests in each of the 3 difficulties, you'll be working with 110 total skill points. 20 points into Charged Bolt 20 points into Lightning 20 points into Chain Lightning 20 points into Nova 20 points into Lightning Mastery That comes to 100; 10 left, assuming you actually make it to level 99. You've got 5 1-pointers to acquire, so that's 105. Why not dump the rest into Warmth or even Thunder Storm if you'd like. So that's the WHAT. Here's the WHEN. 1st- Make sure you get each 1-pointer as soon as they become available 2nd- Max Charged Bolt or Lightning 3rd- Max the other of the previous 2 4th- Max Chain Lightning 5th- Max Lightning Mastery 6th- Max Nova (max this one last) VI. STAT DISTRIBUTION ############################################################################# ======== Strength ======== Now since strength is used to calculate physical damage, we won’t have much use for it. But, most equipment has a strength requirement so we will use it for something. I’m sure you’ve heard it more than enough, or you will, but you really only need enough strength to wear your equipment (minus your +strength from other equipment). (So basically if you have a torch, an anni and a mara’s then that’s a possible +45 strength. So if you need an end result of 165 strength then you only need a base of 120 strength) Put enough into strength(+ equipment bonus) to wear equipment. ========= Dexterity ========= Dexterity is used to calculate defense, attack rating and block %. Now technically a sorceress doesn’t need any of these three. You’re not using melee so AR is out, you’re not going to be up close if you can help it so block is out, and for defense you’re going to rely on your equipment. Put noting into dexterity. ======== Vitality ======== Vitality determines life. Each character gets a set amount of life and stamina per level and per vitality point. And remember, I explain earlier that life will serve you better than an ES with mana. So put as many points as you can spare into vitality. ====== Energy ====== Energy determines mana. Just like vitality, each character gets a set amount of mana per level and per energy point. As a sorceress, you need mana to cast spells. But you can actually manage with putting no points into energy. With bonuses to mana from equipment and levels you should have plenty. But if you’re going to that route you should know that it is very rough in the beginning. You will use a lot of mana potions and will be tempted to dump some points into energy. But my advice is to hold off. It won’t be so terrible if you do get some energy but the more energy you have, the less vitality you have and the less vitality you have, the less life you have. Little or no points into energy, but it’s your decision. VII. EQUIPMENT ############################################################################# You should have noticed in the table of contents that I have listed 3 different sets of equipment: 1 for the best your sorceress can be, 1 for magic finding and 1 for poor players. VIIA. EXPERT EQUIPMENT %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% This equipment list is based on +skills, spell damage, % bonus to mana, faster cast rate, and resistances. Helmet ------ With +skills, FCR, +% Light damage and -% Light resist what more could you ask for? Socket an Um into it for more resistances. Griffon’s Eye - Diadem Required Level: 76 +100-200 Defense +1 to All Skills +25% Faster Cast Rate -15-20% to Enemy Lightning Resistance +10-15% to Lightning Skill Damage Weapon 1 (Main) --------------- I doubt you can find anything better for your build. +skills, +% Light Damage, FCR and even a big chunk of energy which I’m sure you’ll welcome with open arms. This should be socketed with a Lightning Die Facet. Eschuta’s Temper - Eldritch Orb Required Level: 72 +1-3 to Sorceress Skill Levels +40% Faster Cast Rate +10-20% to Fire Skill Damage +10-20% to Lightning Skill Damage +20-30 to Energy Rainbow Facet – Jewel Required Level: 49 100% Chance to Cast Level 47 Chain Lightning When You Die Adds 1-74 Lightning Damage +3-5% to Lightning Skill Damage -(3-5)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance Weapon 2 (Switch) ----------------- The reason for a “switch” weapon is almost always for prebuff, which is indeed the case here. Prebuffing is the use of a spell(s) that enhances your character in some way before entering battle. Our switch weapon grants you the skills Battle Command and Battle Orders. “Call to Arms” (Amn+Ral+Mal+Ist+Ohm) – Flail Required Level: 57 +1 to All Skills +40% Increased Attack Speed +250-290% Enhanced Damage Adds 5-30 Fire Damage 7% Life Stolen Per Hit +2-6 Battle Command +1-6 Battle Orders +1-4 Battle Cry Prevent Monster Heal Replenish Life +12 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Armor ----- Your most damaging option is Ormus’ Robes. No question. You’re going to look for a +3 to Lightning, +15% Lightning Damage one. Socket an Um into it for more resistances. Ormus’ Robes – Dusk Shroud Required Level: 75 Required Strength: 77 +10-20 Defense +20% Faster Cast Rate +10-15% to Cold Skill Damage +10-15% to Fire Skill Damage +10-15% to Lightning Skill Damage +3 bonus to a random Sorceress skill (Sorceress Only) Regenerate Mana 10-15% Another option is the runeword Chains of Honor. This could give Ormus’ Robes a run for its money. With the +2 to all skills you will get +2 to Lightning and +2 to Lightning Mastery. The bonus to Lightning Mastery gives you a 24% increase to lightning damage compared to the 15% from Ormus. But as for Lightning…I’m not sure how the overall damage compares in the end. BUT, CoH gives you a very nice 65 resist all bonus and an 8% DR (Damage Reduction). I think it would be best to go with CoH. “Chains of Honor” (Dol+Um+Ber+Ist) – Archon Plate Required Level: 63 Required Strength: 108 +2 to All Skills +200% Damage to Demons +100% Damage to Undead 8% Life Stolen Per Hit +70% Enhanced Defense +20 to Strength Replenish Life +7 All Resistances +65 Damage Reduced By 8% 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Shield 1&2 (Main)&(Switch) --------------- Your main shield will be the runeword Spirit, the most popular caster shield. +skills, FCR, Life, Mana, Resists; AKA greatness in a shield. And you’re going to put it in a monarch shield (only because it has the least strength requirement for a 4 socket shield). And the switch shield will be the same, just for the plus skills. “Spirit” (Tal+Thul+Ort+Amn) – Monarch Required Level: 54 Required Strength: 156 (Yuck!) +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 Gloves ------ A sorceress really has two easy options here: “Frosties” or Magefists, it all comes down to which you’d rather have; more mana or more FCR. Magefist – Light Gauntlets Required Level: 23 Required Strength: 45 +20-30% Enhanced Defense +10 Defense +1 to Fire Skills +20% Faster Cast Rate Regenerate Mana 25% Adds 1-6 Fire Damage Frostburn – Gauntlets Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 60 +10-20% Enhanced Defense +30 Defense +5% Enhanced Damage Increase Maximum Mana 40% Adds 1-6 Cold Damage Belt ---- Any character that relies mainly on spells should use this belt. Arachnid Mesh – Spiderweb Sash Required Level: 80 Required Strength: 50 +90-120% Enhanced Defense Slows Target by 10% +1 to All Skills +20% Faster Cast Rate Increase Maximum Mana 5% Level 3 Venom (11 Charges) Boots ----- For some reason unknown to me it seems everybody recommends Sandstorm Trek for the universal “kick ass” boots. I just don’t see it. True, the poison resist could help out and it has a max of 15 vitality. But, if you’re looking for life then go with Waterwalk. You can get a max of 65 life with those, much better. If there’s something I’m missing please let me know. Waterwalk – Sharkskin Boots Required Level: 32 Required Strength: 47 +180-210% Enhanced Defense 20% Faster Run/Walk +100 Defense vs. Missile +15 to Dexterity +5% to Maximum Fire Resist Heal Stamina Plus 50% +40 Max Stamina +45-65 to Life Also another good option if you’re in need of mana is Silkweave. Silkweave – Mesh Boots Required Level: 36 Required Strength: 65 +150-190% Enhanced Defense +30% Faster Run/Walk +5 to Mana After Each Kill Increase Maximum Mana 10% +200 Defense vs. Missile Amulet ------ This defers none from the universal choice; Mara’s. It’s almost like a Torch in an amulet; skills, resists, stats. Can’t beat it. Mara’s Kaleidoscope Required Level: 67 +2 to All Skills All Resistances +20-30 +5 to All Attributes Rings ----- Unless you’re going to mess around with Rare rings or worry about Attack Rating, any character really only has one option. If you’re a melee character then you’re going with Bul Katho’s Wedding Band, but you’re not. You’re a spell caster and you’re going with The Stone of Jordan. Stone of Jordan Required Level: 29 +1 to All Skills Increase Maximum Mana 25% Adds 1-12 Lightning Damage +20 to Mana Charms ------ Every character needs 2 specific charms: Hellfire Torch and Annihilus. They are fantastic and completely necessary and you’ll see why. But, on top of those it would benefit any character well to invest in some skill specific grand charms. These are grand charms that add one to a certain skill and can vary with other mods tab (Ex. +1 to Lightning Skills and +45 to Life or +1 to Combat Skills and 20% Faster Hit Recovery). Hellfire Torch – Large Charm Required Level: 75 25% Chance to Cast Level 10 Firestorm on Striking (By the way: Not Druid’s Firestorm, it’s Diablo’s) +3 to Sorceress Skills +10-20 to All Attributes All Resistances +10-20 +8 to Light Radius Level 30 Hydra (10 Charges) Annihilus – Small Charm Required Level: 70 +1 to All Skills +10-20 to All Attributes All Resistances +10-20 +5-10 to Experience Gained Sparking Grand Charm of Vita – Magic Grand Charm Required Level: +1 to Lightning Skills +45 to Life Final Listing ------------- Griffon’s Eye w/ Um Eschuta’s Temper w/ Light Die Facet “Chains of Honor” “Spirit” Magefist Arachnid Mesh Waterwalk 2 x Stone of Jordan Mara’s Kaleidoscope Hellfire Torch Annihilus TOTAL: *+17 to All Skills (Plus Grand Charms) *+40% Lightning Damage/-25% Enemy Lightning Resistance *Resists: 150F/185C/185L/185P (Plus Anya Quests) VIIB. MAGIC FIND EQUIPMENT %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% This equipment is for magic finding. So, naturally, magic find comes first, then whatever else we can manage next. Helmet ------ This is a great all-around helmet. FANTASTIC Life and Mana bonuses, +2 to all skills and DR! Plus our favored mod: MF Socket a perfect Topaz into it for more MF of course. Harlequin Crest – Shako 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 Weapon 1 (Main) --------------- Although Eschuta’s is better damage-wise, the “Occy” is the best universal orb. With better general mods and of course MF, it’s what we want here. Socket with an Ist. (Ist here because a perfect Topaz won’t work in a weapon) The Oculus – Swirling Crystal Required Level: 42 +3 to Sorceress Skills +5 to Mana After Each Kill All Resistances +20 25% Chance to Cast Level 1 Teleport When Struck +30% Faster Cast Rate +20 to Vitality +20 to Energy +20% Enhanced Defense 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Weapon 2 (Switch) ----------------- The reason for a “switch” weapon is almost always for prebuff, which is indeed the case here. Prebuffing is the use of a spell(s) that enhances your character in some way before entering battle. Our switch weapon grants you the skills Battle Command and Battle Orders. “Call to Arms” (Amn+Ral+Mal+Ist+Ohm) – Flail Required Level: 57 +1 to All Skills +40% Increased Attack Speed +250-290% Enhanced Damage Adds 5-30 Fire Damage 7% Life Stolen Per Hit +2-6 Battle Command +1-6 Battle Orders +1-4 Battle Cry Prevent Monster Heal Replenish Life +12 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Armor ----- As I suggest, MF over everything else, but you are welcome to drop certain MF items for the better items. For the most MF you’re going to use certain pieces of Tal Rasha’s set. While full Tal Rasha’s can be pretty good we have better. With 3 pieces of Tal’s you will gain a set bonus of 65% MF. Since you’d lose too much by dropping your Shako and Occy then we’re going with the other 3 pieces that won’t hurt us as much, and help us with MF. So...Tal’s armor is one. Socket a perfect Topaz into it for more MF of course. Tal Rasha’s Guardianship – Lacquered Plate Required Level: 71 Required Strength: 84 +400 Defense Requirements -60% Magic Damage Reduced by 15 Cold Resist +40% Lightning Resist +40% Fire Resist +40% 88% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items +10% Faster Cast Rate (Set Bonus: 2 Items) Shield 1&2 (Main)&(Switch) --------------- Your main shield will be the runeword Spirit, the most popular caster shield. +skills, FCR, Life, Mana, Resists; AKA greatness in a shield. And you’re going to put it in a monarch shield (only because it has the least strength requirement for a 4 socket shield). And the switch shield will be the same, just for the plus skills. “Spirit” (Tal+Thul+Ort+Amn) – Monarch Required Level: 54 Required Strength: 156 (Yuck!) +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 There is another option on your main shield. While it may be a waste it will give you a significant boost of MF. Again, this can be done without. 100 MF Shield (Ist+Ist+Ist+Ist) – Monarch Required Level: 54 Required Strength: 156 100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Gloves ------ There is only one option that fits the bill. Chance Guards – Chain Gloves Required Level: 15 Required Strength: 25 +20-30% Enhanced Defense +15 Defense +25 to Attack Rating 25-40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 200% Extra Gold From Monsters +2 to Light Radius Belt ---- This is another Tal Rasha piece and we are closer to our MF bonus. Tal Rasha’s Fine-Spun Cloth – Mesh Belt Required Level: 53 Required Strength: 47 Requirements -20% 37% Damage Taken Goes to Mana +30 to Mana +20 to Dexterity 15% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items +60 Defense (Set Bonus: 2 Items) +10% Faster Cast Rate (Set Bonus: 3 Items) Boots ----- These are great for what we’re looking for. A whopping 50% MF max and 10 vitality always feels good. War Traveler – Battle Boots Required Level: 42 Required Strength: 95 +150-190% Enhanced Defense 25% Faster Run/Walk +10 to Vitality +10 to Strength Adds 15-25 Damage 40% Slower Stamina Drain Attacker Takes Damage of 5-10 30-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Rings ----- Here’s another optional MF vs. good equipment. Again, it’s up to you. Stone of Jordan Required Level: 29 +1 to All Skills Increase Maximum Mana 25% Adds 1-12 Lightning Damage +20 to Mana Nagelring Required Level: 7 Magic Damage Reduced By 3 +50-75 to Attack Rating Attacker Takes Damage of 3 15-30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Amulet ------ This is our last piece of Tal’s. Independently, this is still a good amulet, however it doesn’t have the resists that Mara’s does. But too bad. Tal Rasha’s Adjudication Required Level: 67 +2 to Sorceress Skills Lightning Resist +33% Adds 3-32 Lightning Damage +42 to Mana +50 to Life Charms ------ Every character needs 2 specific charms: Hellfire Torch and Annihilus. They are fantastic and completely necessary and you’ll see why. But, on top of those it would benefit any character well to invest in some skill specific grand charms. These are grand charms that add one to a certain skill and can vary with other mods tab (Ex. +1 to Lightning Skills and +45 to Life or +1 to Combat Skills and 20% Faster Hit Recovery). Hellfire Torch – Large Charm Required Level: 75 25% Chance to Cast Level 10 Firestorm on Striking (By the way: Not Druid’s Firestorm, it’s Diablo’s) +3 to Sorceress Skills +10-20 to All Attributes All Resistances +10-20 +8 to Light Radius Level 30 Hydra (10 Charges) Annihilus – Small Charm Required Level: 70 +1 to All Skills +10-20 to All Attributes All Resistances +10-20 +5-10 to Experience Gained Sparking Grand Charm of Vita – Magic Grand Charm Required Level: 83 +1 to Lightning Skills +45 to Life Additionally we will have another Grand Charm for MF. Gheed’s Fortune – Grand Charm Required Level: 62 80-160% Extra Gold From Monsters Reduces All Vender Prices 10-15% 20-40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Final Listing ------------- Harlequin Crest w/ Topaz The Oculus w/ Ist Tal Rahsa’s Guardianship w/ Topaz “Spirit” –or- Ist’d Monarch Chance Guards Tal Rasha’s Fine-Spun Cloth War Traveler 2 x Stones of Jordan –or- Nagelrings Tal Rasha’s Adjudication Hellfire Torch Annihilus Gheed’s Fortune TOTAL: *641% MF (481% without Ist’d Monarch and Nagelrings)(450% is plenty) *+15 to All Skills (Without Ist’d Monarch and Nagelrings)(Plus Grand Charms) *Resists: 100F/135C/168L/95P VIIC. CHEAP EQUIPMENT %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% This list of equipment is…uh cheaper than the expert gear and obviously not as good. But some people just don’t have that choice. Helmet ------ Peasant Crown – War Hat Required Level: 28 Required Strength: 20 +100% Enhanced Defense +1 to All Skills 15% Faster Run/Walk Replenish Life +6-12 +20 to Energy +20 to Vitality Weapon ------ My suggestion is that that your best bet would be to go with a good orb or a staff with +skills and such bought from a vender or that you found. But there is a pretty cheap and decent unique for you. Spire of Lazarus – Gnarled Staff Required Level: 18 +50% Damage to Undead Adds 1-28 Lightning Damage +1 to Sorceress Skills +2 to Lightning (Sorceress Only) +1 to Chain Lightning (Sorceress Only) +3 to Static Field (Sorceress Only) Regenerate Mana 43% +15 to Energy Damage Reduced by 5 Lightning Resist +75% Armor ----- Skin of the Vipermagi – Serpentskin Armor Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 43 +120% Enhanced Defense +1 to All Skills 30% Faster Cast Rate Magic Damage Reduced by 9-13 All Resistances +20-35 Shield ------ Lidless Wall – Grim Shield Required Level: 41 Required Strength: 58 +80-130% Enhanced Defense +1 to All Skills Increase Maximum Mana 10% 20% Faster Cast Rate +3-5 Mana After Each Kill +10 to Energy +1 to Light Radius Gloves ------ Magefist – Light Gauntlets Required Level: 23 Required Strength: 45 +20-30% Enhanced Defense +10 Defense +1 to Fire Skills +20% Faster Cast Rate Regenerate Mana 25% Adds 1-6 Fire Damage Frostburn – Gauntlets Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 60 +10-20% Enhanced Defense +30 Defense +5% Enhanced Damage Increase Maximum Mana 40% Adds 1-6 Cold Damage Belt ---- Gloom’s Trap – Mesh Belt Required Level: 36 Required Strength: 58 +120-150% Enhanced Defense 5% Mana Stolen Per Hit Increase Maximum Mana 15% Regenerate Mana 15% +15 to Vitality -3 to Light Radius Boots ----- Waterwalk – Sharkskin Boots Required Level: 32 Required Strength: 47 +180-210% Enhanced Defense 20% Faster Run/Walk +100 Defense vs. Missile +15 to Dexterity +5% to Maximum Fire Resist Heal Stamina Plus 50% +40 Max Stamina +45-65 to Life Silkweave – Mesh Boots Required Level: 36 Required Strength: 65 +150-190% Enhanced Defense +30% Faster Run/Walk +5 to Mana After Each Kill Increase Maximum Mana 10% +200 Defense vs. Missile Rings ----- You’re going to have to just go with rare rings here. You’ll have to find them, but you’re looking for FCR, Resists, Life, Mana and anything else you like. Amulet ------ For your amulet I would suggest basically the same thing: a magic or rare amulet. Here you’re looking for a +3 to Lightning Skills amulet plus whatever else. You can usually trade pretty easily for these. Charms ------ Good luck with charms, don’t expect much. Sorry. Final Listing ------------- Peasant Crown Rare or Magic Staff or Orb Skin of the Vipermagi Lidless Wall Magefist –or- Frostburn Gloom’s Trap Waterwalk –or- Silkweave Rare Rings Magic Amulet VIII. MERCENARY ############################################################################# Your mercenary is a great attribute to your character that is pretty much required for a sorceress. First off, the best hireling is an Act 2 Desert Mercenary, hands down, and this is for a few reasons. One, they can tank almost anything they run into. Two, their auras are a great help. And three, they are the only hirelings that can use the weapon we need them to. As for which one to get, I have two suggestions. You could either go with a Nightmare Defensive Mercenary or a Nightmare Offensive Mercenary. Both have their benefits. The Defensive mercenary has a Holy Freeze aura that adds cold damage to their attack and chills everything in a radius from them. The Offensive mercenary has a Might aura that increases their damage, in turn making them a more effective killer. It’s really up to you which one to choose but I would go with an Offensive Mercenary. Mercenary Equipment %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Your mercenary only uses polearms which is what we need. Both weapons I would suggest are runewords that go into 4 socket polearms. Ideally you should get a 4 socket ethereal cryptic axe as these do the most damage and have pretty low requirements. As for other equipment, the most important mod is Life Leach. Life Leach along with good defense will keep your mercenary alive and well. Good, cause they will get quite expensive to resurrect. Weapon ------ This is essentially the main reason for having a mercenary, the weapon. Infinity will strip the immunity off of monsters that are immune to lightning. That is unless a monster has 185% resistance to lightning, unlikely. That is great because now you can kill pretty much anything. And on top of that it’s a good weapon for your mercenary; good damage, bonus to vitality, crushing blow and prevent monster heal. “Infinity” (Ber+Mal+Ber+Ist) – Ethereal Cryptic Axe Required Level: 63 Required Strength: 155 Required Dexterity: 93 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 0.5-49.5 to Vitality (Based On Character Level) 30% Better Chance of Finding Magic Items Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30 Charges) Helmet ------ This is where your mercenary will get his life steal. Also he’ll benefit from increased attack speed and strength. And I’m not sure on this but the +skills may increase the conviction aura. If someone knows more than I do then I’d love some back-up. Andariel’s Visage – Demonhead Required Level: 83 Required Strength: 102 +100-150% Enhanced Defense +2 to All Skills 20% Increased Attack Speed 8-10% Life Stolen Per Hit +25-30 to Strength +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) Armor ----- This is a great melee character’s armor. Fortitude gives a significant damage and defense bonus along with a CtC (Chance to Cast) chilling armor (an additional 115% defense bonus) then a big chunk of life to top it off. “Fortitude” (El+Sol+Dol+Lo) – Archon Plate Required Level: 63 Required Strength: 103 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 IX. MAGIC FIND INFORMATION ############################################################################# MF is essentially the repetitive killing of a boss or bosses to hopefully yield some kick-ass items. Now MF runs need to be a combination of fast and effective. So basically you’re just heading after good bosses that don’t take long to get to or kill. You have a few candidates for this. Mephisto is the prime option for MFing (in Nightmare or Hell); very fast and very likely to have good drops. Also, Travincal is extremely fast (maybe 30 seconds) and the council has a high probability to drop magic grand charms, which could potentially be a +1 to a random skill tree (very valuable). Also, for a really fast run you can keep it to Shenk, Eldrich and Pindleskin (popular bot choices). Pindleskin is in the portal to Nihlathak by Anya after you do the Anya quest. He’s right inside the temple entrance to the Halls of Anguish. Eldrich is in the Frigid Highlands just north of the waypoint. And Shenk is just south of the Frigid waypoint in the Bloody Foothills. So they may not yield such good items as often as Mephisto but they are very fast so it’s more quantity over quality for those three. Basically, give it all a try and find out what works for you. And good luck, definitely. X. CONTACT ME ############################################################################# I did my best and I’m sure there’s a few things missing or incorrect. I’m wide open to any input you have to offer. Any questions, comments or suggestions you may have, drop me an email. I’ll respond as soon as I can. My email address is BlindElement626@yahoo.com and I would appreciate any help you can offer. XI. CREDITS ############################################################################# While the gameplay information is mine from experience, most of the statistics on skills and equipment isn’t. All of that came from the best Diablo 2 site on the interweb: http://www.battle.net/diablo2exp/ (A.K.A. Arreat Summit) Also GameFAQs.com – A great site that I use just as much. I’m happy to write for it and appreciate everyone else that does too. Copyright 2007© Tim Butler