What to put in WWS sockets?

Post by ~misfit~
I'm after suggestions as to what would be best to put into the two
sockets in my (now upgraded) Witchwild String.

A couple of ladders ago I built a holy shock paladin who delivered his damage
via an upped WWS with a pair of shaels in it. This worked very well for me in
HC through Nightmare, but he bit it before he got to Hell.

I've also used this strategy with a strafer, who did get to Hell, but she
didn't do enough damage when she got there.

I don't see the WWS as an end-of-game weapon, even upgraded, so I'd probably
go with 2 shaels for now and look to replace the weapon when I find something
better later.

And, as you point out, unsocketing is so much cheaper now.

Best,
Mark.

--
Verbing weirds language--Calvin

~misfit~

2010-05-14 01:32:07 UTC

Post by Mark P. Nelson

Post by ~misfit~
I'm after suggestions as to what would be best to put into the two
sockets in my (now upgraded) Witchwild String.

A couple of ladders ago I built a holy shock paladin who delivered
his damage via an upped WWS with a pair of shaels in it. This worked
very well for me in HC through Nightmare, but he bit it before he got
to Hell.
I've also used this strategy with a strafer, who did get to Hell, but
she didn't do enough damage when she got there.
I don't see the WWS as an end-of-game weapon, even upgraded, so I'd
probably go with 2 shaels for now and look to replace the weapon when
I find something better later.
And, as you point out, unsocketing is so much cheaper now.

Thanks Mark.

The WWS already hits 3fpa without IAS and Shiflet reckons 2fpa is an
illusion. As hard as it's been for me to get a strafer to 2fpa in the past
I've always done it. However I'm inclined to believe Shiflet as I know he
doesn't say things lightly when it comes to D2.

Therefore SHAELs will only help my non-strafe speed, which I don't use much.
Especially now, with a WWS which relies on speed to proc the 2% CtC AD,
which is bloody useful. So, if 2fpa is a visual effect only more speed isn't
going to help much.

You're right about not having enough damage in hell. I tried a Countess run
with her last night in a 3 player game and, with the PI ghosts down there,
it was a waste of time. (Even though the bow should be doing 2 x it's listed
damge a it's got 70% Crit [lvl 70 zon] plus she has 55% Crit [which I
believe is added after the bow crit, so 70% + 55% of the 30% remaining means
I'm doing double damage about 87% of the hits.)

That's why I was wondering about ED jewels....

Sheee-it, I dunno... I'd just like to play her a bit. Strafers are one of,
if not /the/ most fun charaters to play IMO.

Rgds,

--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

Someone

2010-05-14 02:39:01 UTC

"~misfit~" wrote...

Post by Mark P. Nelson

Post by ~misfit~
I'm after suggestions as to what would be best to put into the two
sockets in my (now upgraded) Witchwild String.

A couple of ladders ago I built a holy shock paladin who delivered
his damage via an upped WWS with a pair of shaels in it. This worked
very well for me in HC through Nightmare, but he bit it before he got
to Hell.
I've also used this strategy with a strafer, who did get to Hell, but
she didn't do enough damage when she got there.
I don't see the WWS as an end-of-game weapon, even upgraded, so I'd
probably go with 2 shaels for now and look to replace the weapon when
I find something better later.
And, as you point out, unsocketing is so much cheaper now.

Thanks Mark.
The WWS already hits 3fpa without IAS and Shiflet reckons 2fpa is an
illusion. As hard as it's been for me to get a strafer to 2fpa in the past
I've always done it. However I'm inclined to believe Shiflet as I know he
doesn't say things lightly when it comes to D2.
Therefore SHAELs will only help my non-strafe speed, which I don't use
much. Especially now, with a WWS which relies on speed to proc the 2% CtC
AD, which is bloody useful. So, if 2fpa is a visual effect only more speed
isn't going to help much.
You're right about not having enough damage in hell. I tried a Countess
run with her last night in a 3 player game and, with the PI ghosts down
there, it was a waste of time. (Even though the bow should be doing 2 x
it's listed damge a it's got 70% Crit [lvl 70 zon] plus she has 55% Crit
[which I believe is added after the bow crit, so 70% + 55% of the 30%
remaining means I'm doing double damage about 87% of the hits.)
That's why I was wondering about ED jewels....
Sheee-it, I dunno... I'd just like to play her a bit. Strafers are one of,
if not /the/ most fun charaters to play IMO.

Why woudn't you want to use one of the Bow runewords for her, if I may ask?

~misfit~

2010-05-14 04:02:23 UTC

Post by Someone
"~misfit~" wrote...

Post by Mark P. Nelson

Post by ~misfit~
I'm after suggestions as to what would be best to put into the two
sockets in my (now upgraded) Witchwild String.

A couple of ladders ago I built a holy shock paladin who delivered
his damage via an upped WWS with a pair of shaels in it. This worked
very well for me in HC through Nightmare, but he bit it before he
got to Hell.
I've also used this strategy with a strafer, who did get to Hell,
but she didn't do enough damage when she got there.
I don't see the WWS as an end-of-game weapon, even upgraded, so I'd
probably go with 2 shaels for now and look to replace the weapon
when I find something better later.
And, as you point out, unsocketing is so much cheaper now.

Thanks Mark.
The WWS already hits 3fpa without IAS and Shiflet reckons 2fpa is an
illusion. As hard as it's been for me to get a strafer to 2fpa in
the past I've always done it. However I'm inclined to believe
Shiflet as I know he doesn't say things lightly when it comes to D2.
Therefore SHAELs will only help my non-strafe speed, which I don't
use much. Especially now, with a WWS which relies on speed to proc
the 2% CtC AD, which is bloody useful. So, if 2fpa is a visual
effect only more speed isn't going to help much.
You're right about not having enough damage in hell. I tried a
Countess run with her last night in a 3 player game and, with the PI
ghosts down there, it was a waste of time. (Even though the bow
should be doing 2 x it's listed damge a it's got 70% Crit [lvl 70
zon] plus she has 55% Crit [which I believe is added after the bow
crit, so 70% + 55% of the 30% remaining means I'm doing double
damage about 87% of the hits.) That's why I was wondering about ED
jewels....
Sheee-it, I dunno... I'd just like to play her a bit. Strafers are
one of, if not /the/ most fun charaters to play IMO.

Why woudn't you want to use one of the Bow runewords for her, if I may ask?

Because I don't have the runes to make a decent one yet and The Witchwild
String *can* be a decent bow, with it's 40% RA, 1% Critical Strike per
character level and two sockets. *Especially when it's upgraded*. There used
to be lots of WitchyZons running abound B'Net back in the day and many web
pages were devoted to the build.... Of course these days there are some
hugely powerful runewords that are far, far better than a WWS. Hopefully
some of the runes will drop for me with the twaeked rune drops.

You can rest assured that, as soon as I get an OHM, a JAH and a +3 bow
skills Matriarchal or Grand Matron Bow with four holes in it I'll be making
a Faith for her. ;-)

--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

Someone

2010-05-14 14:08:05 UTC

"~misfit~" wrote...

Post by Someone
Why woudn't you want to use one of the Bow runewords for her, if I may ask?

Because I don't have the runes to make a decent one yet and The Witchwild
String *can* be a decent bow, with it's 40% RA, 1% Critical Strike per
character level and two sockets. *Especially when it's upgraded*. There
used to be lots of WitchyZons running abound B'Net back in the day and
many web pages were devoted to the build.... Of course these days there
are some hugely powerful runewords that are far, far better than a WWS.
Hopefully some of the runes will drop for me with the twaeked rune drops.
You can rest assured that, as soon as I get an OHM, a JAH and a +3 bow
skills Matriarchal or Grand Matron Bow with four holes in it I'll be
making a Faith for her. ;-)

Well, I have the runes (and maybe even a +B&CS 'zon bow) to make a Harmony
or Melody, so if you'd find either useful, they're yours.

Shiflet

2010-05-14 05:28:53 UTC

Post by ~misfit~
The WWS already hits 3fpa without IAS and Shiflet reckons 2fpa is an
illusion. As hard as it's been for me to get a strafer to 2fpa in the past
I've always done it. However I'm inclined to believe Shiflet as I know he
doesn't say things lightly when it comes to D2.

Well, I was only pointing out what I saw in that discussion on AB. However,
based on the tests, the videos, and the evidence presented to support the
"no real 2 fpa strafe" theory, I *am* inclined to believe them. I could find
no flaws in their arguements and evidence, the videos they posted did back
up their theory, and these guys are experienced amazon players who know
their stuff, not just some random Bnet dude thinking he's a pro-zon or
something. I can't swear to the validity of it, but their evidence was very
compelling, and leads me to believe the point they were making.

Post by ~misfit~
You're right about not having enough damage in hell.

Mine did okay with WWS, though it was a far cry from a Faith. I was using
Fort however, which has that 300% more enhanced damage to boost it though.

Post by ~misfit~
I tried a Countess run with her last night in a 3 player game and, with
the PI ghosts down there, it was a waste of time. (Even though the bow
should be doing 2 x it's listed damge a it's got 70% Crit [lvl 70 zon]
plus she has 55% Crit [which I believe is added after the bow crit, so 70%
+ 55% of the 30% remaining means I'm doing double damage about 87% of the
hits.)

Yeah, but that's physical damage only. Againt a PI ghost, the crit won't be
doing much good until the amp triggers.

Post by ~misfit~
That's why I was wondering about ED jewels....

IIRC, my WWS had dual ED/IAS gems, but since I was NL I had a fair bit more
to spend, so both mine were 40/15's. An extra 80 ED from those and the 300%
from Fort did make WWS a viable hell weapon, though still not as effective
as Faith.

~misfit~

2010-05-14 08:31:00 UTC

Post by ~misfit~
The WWS already hits 3fpa without IAS and Shiflet reckons 2fpa is an
illusion. As hard as it's been for me to get a strafer to 2fpa in
the past I've always done it. However I'm inclined to believe
Shiflet as I know he doesn't say things lightly when it comes to D2.

Well, I was only pointing out what I saw in that discussion on AB.
However, based on the tests, the videos, and the evidence presented
to support the "no real 2 fpa strafe" theory, I *am* inclined to
believe them. I could find no flaws in their arguements and evidence,
the videos they posted did back up their theory, and these guys are
experienced amazon players who know their stuff, not just some random
Bnet dude thinking he's a pro-zon or something. I can't swear to the
validity of it, but their evidence was very compelling, and leads me
to believe the point they were making.

To be honest it sounds like it would take a long time to go over the
'evidence' and maybe even run some trials myself to decide one way or the
other so for now I'll go with what you think. I respect your knowledge and
judgement when it comes to the nitty-gritty of the game.

Post by ~misfit~
You're right about not having enough damage in hell.

Mine did okay with WWS, though it was a far cry from a Faith. I was
using Fort however, which has that 300% more enhanced damage to boost
it though.

Honestly, I expected to do quite a bit better than she's doing. My M'av zon
was twice as quick at killing monsters as this chick is. (LOL, mind you, I
made her with Kai's guidance and he was adamant that the 2fpa breakpoint had
to be reached. man, she killed quickly, faster than any Strafer I've played
other than a Faith-equiped one, and probably 3/4 as fast as one with a
Faith.)

Post by ~misfit~
I tried a Countess run with her last night in a 3 player game and,
with the PI ghosts down there, it was a waste of time. (Even though
the bow should be doing 2 x it's listed damge a it's got 70% Crit
[lvl 70 zon] plus she has 55% Crit [which I believe is added after
the bow crit, so 70% + 55% of the 30% remaining means I'm doing
double damage about 87% of the hits.)

Yeah, but that's physical damage only. Againt a PI ghost, the crit
won't be doing much good until the amp triggers.

Post by ~misfit~
That's why I was wondering about ED jewels....

IIRC, my WWS had dual ED/IAS gems, but since I was NL I had a fair
bit more to spend, so both mine were 40/15's. An extra 80 ED from
those and the 300% from Fort did make WWS a viable hell weapon,
though still not as effective as Faith.

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll go with the best ED jewels that I can
find for now and hope for a better weapon and/or some decent runes before
too long.

Heh! I hope that it's not too long as I do like playing a strafer. They're
fun to do Nilly key runs with too. Likely not the fastest or 'best' option
but fun... I could get temp banned doing Nilly runs with my Strafer if I
wasn't careful, which is pretty good for a non-teleporter.

--
Cheers,
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

Shiflet

2010-05-14 08:53:47 UTC

Post by ~misfit~
To be honest it sounds like it would take a long time to go over the
'evidence' and maybe even run some trials myself to decide one way or the
other so for now I'll go with what you think. I respect your knowledge and
judgement when it comes to the nitty-gritty of the game.

Thanks. Hopefully their testing was indeed correct.

Post by ~misfit~
Honestly, I expected to do quite a bit better than she's doing. My M'av
zon was twice as quick at killing monsters as this chick is. (LOL, mind
you, I made her with Kai's guidance and he was adamant that the 2fpa
breakpoint had to be reached. man, she killed quickly, faster than any
Strafer I've played other than a Faith-equiped one, and probably 3/4 as
fast as one with a Faith.)

I've only done it with upped WWS and Faith, so far. And even then, I find I
end up using Multi more than Strafe. I should probably respec her and take
the points out of strafe and put them into...something...but really, I dunno
what it'd even be other than maybe MA or something.

Post by ~misfit~
Heh! I hope that it's not too long as I do like playing a strafer. They're
fun to do Nilly key runs with too. Likely not the fastest or 'best' option
but fun... I could get temp banned doing Nilly runs with my Strafer if I
wasn't careful, which is pretty good for a non-teleporter.

I run my zon through the pit sometimes, and I like clearing Chaos with her,
never done other runs regularly with her though.

Kaytie

2010-05-14 10:34:40 UTC

Post by ~misfit~
Hey crew,
I'm after suggestions as to what would be best to put into the two sockets
in my (now upgraded) Witchwild String.
Shiflet tells me that a 2fpa strafe isn't going to help so my plan for
SHAELs is redundant. Also, with more mid to high-mid runes dropping it's not
such a big deal to empty sockets as it was last ladder.
I don't have much *to* socket it with but would appreciate suggestions. I'm
getting leech from other items at the moment but never know what's going to
be swapped out or when... I'm inclined to put a p-skull in one socket but
realise that's likely not the best choice.
My best ED jewel thusfar is only 28% (with 20 poison damage) but that would
take the bow's damage from being at the low end of the range to above the
high end. (150% to 170% range, mine's 154% but would be 182% with that
jewel.)
Input appreciated, TIA.
--
Shaun.
"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

Hi

if your enot putting shaels in either wouldnt a nef in 1 of the
sockets be helpful?

Kaytie

~misfit~

2010-05-14 11:56:14 UTC

Post by Kaytie

Post by ~misfit~
Hey crew,
I'm after suggestions as to what would be best to put into the two
sockets in my (now upgraded) Witchwild String.
Shiflet tells me that a 2fpa strafe isn't going to help so my plan
for SHAELs is redundant. Also, with more mid to high-mid runes
dropping it's not such a big deal to empty sockets as it was last
ladder.
I don't have much *to* socket it with but would appreciate
suggestions. I'm getting leech from other items at the moment but
never know what's going to be swapped out or when... I'm inclined to
put a p-skull in one socket but realise that's likely not the best
choice.
My best ED jewel thusfar is only 28% (with 20 poison damage) but
that would take the bow's damage from being at the low end of the
range to above the high end. (150% to 170% range, mine's 154% but
would be 182% with that jewel.)
Input appreciated, TIA.

if your enot putting shaels in either wouldnt a nef in 1 of the
sockets be helpful?

Hi Kaytie, good to see you here again. Thanks for the bow. :-) You are
just kind enough.

Hmmm, you have a point. Knockback. Y'know I've never used it? I figure if
you've got to knock them back then you really shouldn't be there. ;-) I
prefer to run around. I seriously dislike it with melee and have never tried
it with a Bowyer (other than with a Windforce in D1). With HELs being fairly
common it's perhaps something I could try, although I've already used my
only semi-decent ED jewel in one of the holes so would lose that if I were
to HEL the sockets empty....

The 28% ED jewel (and 20 Poison damage!) that I put in has actually made
quite a big difference. You wouldn't think so huh? However she's doing way
better than she was. She can actually clear The Pit easier than my
Skellidude can. Unfortunately she's not got much MF. She found a 4 OS eth CV
in The Pit tonight. 200 strength? Who're they kidding? <shrug> I've muled it
until later unless you need it?

I'm thinking that perhaps another ED jewel if I find one soon or a PUL if I
find one of those (30% ED) as the 28% jewel made quite a difference.
On-weapon ED is wicked, far better than trying to get it elsewhere.

Be lucky,

--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

Shiflet

2010-05-14 12:11:22 UTC

Post by ~misfit~
Hmmm, you have a point. Knockback. Y'know I've never used it?

Really?

Post by ~misfit~
I figure if you've got to knock them back then you really shouldn't be
there.

I can have 40 enemies walking towards me, me standing perfectly still, and
none of them will get to me. EVERY high end bowzon I've ever played with
uses it. Between merc, valk, decoy, and KB, everything keeps it's distance
no matter how long I'm standing in 1 place. KB also interrupts ranged
attackers, they can't shoot at you(or cast hydras, or meteors, or whatever)
when they're being bounced around.

Post by ~misfit~
;-) I prefer to run around.

You can't shoot while you're running around.

Post by ~misfit~
I seriously dislike it with melee

Well, umm, that's kinda duh? You have to be basically right next to the
enemies to hit them as a meleer, so knocking them back is just making it
take longer to kill them. A bowzon can hit targets not even on your screen
yet, it's very not the same thing.

Post by ~misfit~
She found a 4 OS eth CV in The Pit tonight. 200 strength? Who're they
kidding?

Yeah, if you're using one of those, you most likely have to have a pretty
high level merc wearing something like a CoH, Andy's Face, or something
socketed with whatever perf gem adds strength.

Post by ~misfit~
I'm thinking that perhaps another ED jewel if I find one soon or a PUL if
I find one of those (30% ED)

Shaun? Pul adds 30% enhanced DEFENSE. And only in armors/shields. In weapon
it adds damage and AR vs demons. Ohm adds 50% enhanced damage in weapon, but
I don't envision you putting 2 of those in a WWS.

~misfit~

2010-05-14 13:12:27 UTC

Post by ~misfit~
Hmmm, you have a point. Knockback. Y'know I've never used it?

Really?

Post by ~misfit~
I figure if you've got to knock them back then you really shouldn't
be there.

I can have 40 enemies walking towards me, me standing perfectly
still, and none of them will get to me. EVERY high end bowzon I've
ever played with uses it. Between merc, valk, decoy, and KB,
everything keeps it's distance no matter how long I'm standing in 1
place. KB also interrupts ranged attackers, they can't shoot at
you(or cast hydras, or meteors, or whatever) when they're being
bounced around.

Ok, sounds reasonable.

Post by ~misfit~
;-) I prefer to run around.

You can't shoot while you're running around.

Yeah, that sucks.

Post by ~misfit~
I seriously dislike it with melee

Well, umm, that's kinda duh?

LOL, Don;t hold back, say what's on your mind. <g>

Post by Shiflet
You have to be basically right next to
the enemies to hit them as a meleer, so knocking them back is just
making it take longer to kill them. A bowzon can hit targets not even
on your screen yet, it's very not the same thing.

OK boss, got it.

Post by ~misfit~
She found a 4 OS eth CV in The Pit tonight. 200 strength? Who're
they kidding?

Yeah, if you're using one of those, you most likely have to have a
pretty high level merc wearing something like a CoH, Andy's Face, or
something socketed with whatever perf gem adds strength.

Yeah, Off-ladder I have a couple, Infinity mainly but Insight too....

Post by ~misfit~
I'm thinking that perhaps another ED jewel if I find one soon or a
PUL if I find one of those (30% ED)

Shaun? Pul adds 30% enhanced DEFENSE.

Ok, confesssion time: I'm shit-faced. I turn 49 tomorrow... errr.... today
[it's after midnight here in New Zealand]. I have people who want to
'celebrate' with me but I've think I've managed to put them all off.... I'm
not as sociable as I once was.... (Anxiety disorder is a bitch...).

So, this evening, as I sit here entering my 50th year, I've been drinking
scotch and taking all manner of drugs[1], (truth be told I don't have anyone
I consider close who lives in NZ, so prefer to spend my time alone).

[1] Ok, before anyone freaks out and sends the police to my home... I'm
prescribed opiates for my back pain, dexamphetamine for my ADHD and three
different benzos for anxiety, muscle spasms and insomnia... As a side effect
of my anxiety I ensure that I have at least a few weeks of meds 'spare'.
Those spare meds can be... fun I guess. LOL, my day started speedy as hell
[with a bit of benzo to stop the craziness], followed by being opiated to
the gills and now I'm enjoying a scotch. My good friend in Aus transferred
the money into my account so I could buy the Scotch...

Yet it's not even my birthday until 15th. It's 1:05am on 15th here now but I
know that you guys are behind. Listening to Tori Amos...

So, yeah, I fusked up with the PUL and ED. It didn't seem right at the time
I wrote it.... Obviously I meant OHMs... LOL, like I have a pocket full of
those...

Post by Shiflet
And only in armors/shields. In
weapon it adds damage and AR vs demons. Ohm adds 50% enhanced damage
in weapon, but I don't envision you putting 2 of those in a WWS.

Yeah, my bad. :-(

If it wasn't so late and likely folks are going to want to say happy b'day
2moro I'd likely take a boatoad of these dexamphetamines.....

Have fun,

--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

Shiflet

2010-05-14 14:15:35 UTC

Post by Shiflet
You can't shoot while you're running around.

Yeah, that sucks.

Play WoW, roll a hunter, go into the battlegrounds, and proceed to piss off
all the other ranged caster types, who have to stand still while casting
most of their spells.

Post by ~misfit~
Yeah, Off-ladder I have a couple, Infinity mainly but Insight too....

Most of my Infinities ended up being cryptics, most CVs I got were Insights.

Post by ~misfit~
Yet it's not even my birthday until 15th. It's 1:05am on 15th here now but
I know that you guys are behind. Listening to Tori Amos...

Well then, your b-day was a bit more *cough* recreational than the one I was
at. At the b-day party *I* was at last night(my friend Savanna's, not mine),
we all went out to eat then went back then went back to her place where
everyone chilled and there were a few beers involved but that was it, heh.

Post by ~misfit~
So, yeah, I fusked up with the PUL and ED. It didn't seem right at the
time I wrote it.... Obviously I meant OHMs... LOL, like I have a pocket
full of those...

Yeah...for that matter, if you had enough Ohms laying around to just toss a
couple in a WWS, I figure you'd probably just as easily be able to make a
Faith, then you wouldn't need the WWS to begin with, heh.

~misfit~

2010-05-14 22:55:12 UTC

Post by Shiflet
You can't shoot while you're running around.

Yeah, that sucks.

Play WoW, roll a hunter, go into the battlegrounds, and proceed to
piss off all the other ranged caster types, who have to stand still
while casting most of their spells.

Post by ~misfit~
Yeah, Off-ladder I have a couple, Infinity mainly but Insight too....

Most of my Infinities ended up being cryptics, most CVs I got were Insights.

Post by ~misfit~
Yet it's not even my birthday until 15th. It's 1:05am on 15th here
now but I know that you guys are behind. Listening to Tori Amos...

Well then, your b-day was a bit more *cough* recreational than the
one I was at. At the b-day party *I* was at last night(my friend
Savanna's, not mine), we all went out to eat then went back then went
back to her place where everyone chilled and there were a few beers
involved but that was it, heh.

My head hurts.... That sounds like a far better way to celebrate *now*....

Post by ~misfit~
So, yeah, I fusked up with the PUL and ED. It didn't seem right at
the time I wrote it.... Obviously I meant OHMs... LOL, like I have a
pocket full of those...

Yeah...for that matter, if you had enough Ohms laying around to just
toss a couple in a WWS, I figure you'd probably just as easily be
able to make a Faith, then you wouldn't need the WWS to begin with,
heh.

<g> Aye.

--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

Kaytie

2010-05-14 15:06:07 UTC

On May 14, 7:11 am, "Shiflet" <***@charter.net> wrote:
Snip...

Post by Shiflet
Yeah, if you're using one of those, you most likely have to have a pretty
high level merc wearing something like a CoH, Andy's Face, or something
socketed with whatever perf gem adds strength.

Hi

Hehe u item rich ppl can make things soo complicated and yeah if u
can throw CoH on a merc ur rich :P For rest of us on wal-mart
level :P , Duriels gives plus 15 str (plus lots of other handy mods
that r nice for mercs) or even just griz armor which give like 20 str
or so (and then plug ort, ral, thul, or ias jewels or whatver u feel
like he needs in the 3 sockects) and merc is good to go on the eth
cov by mid 80's :)

Kaytie

Shiflet

2010-05-14 16:31:20 UTC

"Kaytie" <***@aol.com> wrote in message news:3df03235-14c8-42ee-862c-***@k17g2000yqf.googlegroups.com...
On May 14, 7:11 am, "Shiflet" <***@charter.net> wrote:
Snip...

Post by Kaytie
Hehe u item rich ppl can make things soo complicated and yeah if u

can throw CoH on a merc ur rich :P

Well yes, I am very rich item wise. That said, I actually prefer to throw
Fortitudes on mercs, but I don't always have spare Forts and I'm not always
willing to trade to get a merc my optimal gear if it's not something the
character build is dependent on(ie, an Infinity for a pure light sorc).

Post by Kaytie
For rest of us on wal-mart level :P , Duriels gives plus 15 str (plus lots
of other handy mods that r nice for mercs) or even just griz armor

Well...I never said my list was supposed to be comprensive, that's why one
of my options was "something socketed with whatever perf gem adds
strength.";-P

Shiflet

2010-05-14 11:57:26 UTC

Post by Kaytie
if your enot putting shaels in either wouldnt a nef in 1 of the

sockets be helpful?

She's right. Assuming you don't have knockback elsewhere on your gear, a Nef
really isn't a bad choice. Didn't think about it myself, since all the zons
I know use IAS/KB gloves, or are like mine and run with a Giant Skull on.

~misfit~

2010-05-14 12:29:37 UTC

Post by Kaytie

Post by Kaytie
if your enot putting shaels in either wouldnt a nef in 1 of the

sockets be helpful?
She's right. Assuming you don't have knockback elsewhere on your
gear, a Nef really isn't a bad choice. Didn't think about it myself,
since all the zons I know use IAS/KB gloves, or are like mine and run
with a Giant Skull on.

Oh, she's right, for sure. Kaytie doesn't miss a trick. However I have this
'thing' about knockack. IMO it's for (s'cuse me) pussies. I don't really
know my reasoning, I just don't like it. Stand and fight or go home I
reckon!

IMO knockback's fine early on, in NM maybe, but, comes a time, you gotta
face up to those monsters and kill or concede.

Then again, I'm not exactly kicking arse......

--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

Shiflet

2010-05-14 12:39:08 UTC

Stand and fight or go home I reckon!

Wait...how does that work? My zon is the one who "stands and fights" whereas
you admitted yours runs around a lot to avoid getting letting monsters get
near her. With mine, I can stand in 1 spot until everything within about 2
screens dies and never have to reposition...

IMO knockback's fine early on, in NM maybe, but, comes a time, you gotta
face up to those monsters and kill or concede.

I can kill everything within my range without having to run, move, or
otherwise avoid my enemies. I can routinely do it without even summoning a
valk or a decoy. So...if we're talking "courage", who is braver, your zon
who has to reposition and uses all her minions, or mine, who stands and
dominates, and doesn't even summon valk unless I'm fightning an act boss or
some really nasty boss pack?

~misfit~

2010-05-14 23:06:50 UTC

Stand and fight or go home I reckon!

Wait...how does that work? My zon is the one who "stands and fights"
whereas you admitted yours runs around a lot to avoid getting letting
monsters get near her. With mine, I can stand in 1 spot until
everything within about 2 screens dies and never have to reposition...

Not so much runs around a lot as runs to the other side of her merc / valk
if she's getting mobbed.