Need Fury Druid advice

[unklbob]

After many fits and starts, I have decided to build a Fury Druid, but I
can't find a decent guide, so I have gone with searching AGD/AGD2 and
come up with some basics.

Before I read anything I made the mistake of putting 3 hard points in
Werewolf, but now I have maxed Lycanthropy with one point in OS and one
each in the prereqs toward Fury.

I am currently at lvl 23 and I am using Full Irathas with a Darkglow
for resists, a PeltaLunata shield, a General Tan do Li flail and Treads
of Cthon. I am using a Prayer merc with Sigons armor, Dimoak, and nice
little hat with resists, Dex and DR.

Here's my questions:

What are the early and mid game strategies/point allocations?

What is the best equipment for early and mid game?

Where do I want to focus the attribute points? Currently I am at 65
Str 400 plus Life (w/ OS) a handful in DEX and base mana.

I understand that mauls are the weapon of choice later on, and I need
to know which mauls to use and how to build up resistance when I am not
using a shield.

Do I need to go down the right side of the tree to get Fire Claws and
Hunger? IOW are they worth the points?

What is the best endgame strategy/equip? Please give me both the
expensive and low budget versions.

Should I use a minion?

Please feel free to add any other info you deem necessary. : )

TIA

Sean

[Shiflet]

Post by unklbob
Before I read anything I made the mistake of putting 3 hard points in
Werewolf,

Won't hurt too bad...little extra AR, and a lot of the popular druid weapons
need a few points in WW to hit breakpoints...with some hard points, less
worry about +skills.

Post by unklbob
What are the early and mid game strategies/point allocations?

Points in strength and vitality, aiming for enough strength to use whatever
your desired endgame weapon is.

Post by unklbob
What is the best equipment for early and mid game?

Well, Jalal's becomes available at 42, for armor you can go with a Lionheart
or Duress in the mid levels as well. Bonesnap is a popular early-mid weapon,
then you can up it later as it's usefulness wears out. Ribcracker is another
good midlevel choice, then upped makes a popular endgame weapon.

Post by unklbob
Where do I want to focus the attribute points? Currently I am at 65
Str 400 plus Life (w/ OS) a handful in DEX and base mana.

Enough strength for gear, rest in vita. If you wanna put points in dex to
aim for max block you can, but it requires a LOT to do so. If you're aiming
for a 2 handed endgame weapon, just focus on strength and vita.

Post by unklbob
I understand that mauls are the weapon of choice later on

Well, ONE of the weapons of choice at least. Tomb Reaver is also popular, as
is Buriza(yes, you can Fury with Buriza) and upped Ribcracker.

Post by unklbob
and I need to know which mauls to use

Barring something like an eBotD, Windhammer is a popular choice(damage,
speed, and CB). Some fury druids actually use IK maul as well.

Post by unklbob
and how to build up resistance when I am not using a shield.

Barring a Chains of Honor, there's not many choices...you can get some from
armor if you go with something like a Lionheart or Duress(and if you use
something else, Um it if possible), Um your Jalal's, and hope you can get a
really nice dual leech ring with resists...

Post by unklbob
Do I need to go down the right side of the tree to get Fire Claws and
Hunger? IOW are they worth the points?

I'd say no.

Post by unklbob
What is the best endgame strategy/equip? Please give me both the
expensive and low budget versions.

Helm:Jalal's, Crown of Ages
Armor:Duress, Chains of Honor, Lionheart
Weapon:Windhammer, eBotD, Tomb Reaver(an eth ShaelShaelZod is considered the
"godliest" weapon by many players), Buriza, upped Ribcracker, IK Maul
Gloves:Dracul's, Crafted gloves
Boots:Gore Riders, Goblin Toe
Belt:Verdungo's, SoE
Rings:Ravenfrost, dual leech+resists rare
Ammy:Highlords, nice rare with resists

Post by unklbob
Should I use a minion?

1 point in bear, max oak sage.

Post by unklbob
Please feel free to add any other info you deem necessary. : )
TIA
Sean

[Mark (newsgroups)]

Post by Shiflet

Post by unklbob
I understand that mauls are the weapon of choice later on

Well, ONE of the weapons of choice at least. Tomb Reaver is also popular, as
is Buriza(yes, you can Fury with Buriza) and upped Ribcracker.

Post by unklbob
and I need to know which mauls to use

Barring something like an eBotD, Windhammer is a popular choice(damage,
speed, and CB). Some fury druids actually use IK maul as well.

What about a Beast Beserker Axe? Is that any good? It also leaves room
for a shield.

[AngryRiceGirl]

Hi -

Post by Mark (newsgroups)

Post by Shiflet
Barring something like an eBotD, Windhammer is a popular choice(damage,
speed, and CB). Some fury druids actually use IK maul as well.

What about a Beast Beserker Axe? Is that any good? It also leaves room
for a shield.

I had a Fury Druid a while ago.

I used a Windhammer. I found that the faster
you can kill, the less likely you'll be hit and
therefore not need a shield. Although I had
a Baranar's Star with some 4pd shield for
backup. It did fine damage, and was cheap.

Plus with Feral Rage, you recover any
health you might loose when surrounded
by monsters.


angry

[Shiflet]

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
What about a Beast Beserker Axe? Is that any good? It also leaves room
for a shield.

Should work fine, but druids have awful block rate, so most favor the idea
of "kill enemies faster, so I don't need to worry about blocking".

[unklbob]

Post by Shiflet

Post by unklbob
Before I read anything I made the mistake of putting 3 hard points in
Werewolf,

Won't hurt too bad...little extra AR, and a lot of the popular druid weapons
need a few points in WW to hit breakpoints...with some hard points, less
worry about +skills.

Post by unklbob
What are the early and mid game strategies/point allocations?

Points in strength and vitality, aiming for enough strength to use whatever
your desired endgame weapon is.

Post by unklbob
What is the best equipment for early and mid game?

Well, Jalal's becomes available at 42, for armor you can go with a Lionheart
or Duress in the mid levels as well. Bonesnap is a popular early-mid weapon,
then you can up it later as it's usefulness wears out. Ribcracker is another
good midlevel choice, then upped makes a popular endgame weapon.

Post by unklbob
Where do I want to focus the attribute points? Currently I am at 65
Str 400 plus Life (w/ OS) a handful in DEX and base mana.

Enough strength for gear, rest in vita. If you wanna put points in dex to
aim for max block you can, but it requires a LOT to do so. If you're aiming
for a 2 handed endgame weapon, just focus on strength and vita.

Post by unklbob
I understand that mauls are the weapon of choice later on

Well, ONE of the weapons of choice at least. Tomb Reaver is also popular, as
is Buriza(yes, you can Fury with Buriza) and upped Ribcracker.

Post by unklbob
and I need to know which mauls to use

Barring something like an eBotD, Windhammer is a popular choice(damage,
speed, and CB). Some fury druids actually use IK maul as well.

Post by unklbob
and how to build up resistance when I am not using a shield.

Barring a Chains of Honor, there's not many choices...you can get some from
armor if you go with something like a Lionheart or Duress(and if you use
something else, Um it if possible), Um your Jalal's, and hope you can get a
really nice dual leech ring with resists...

Post by unklbob
Do I need to go down the right side of the tree to get Fire Claws and
Hunger? IOW are they worth the points?

I'd say no.

Post by unklbob
What is the best endgame strategy/equip? Please give me both the
expensive and low budget versions.

Helm:Jalal's, Crown of Ages
Armor:Duress, Chains of Honor, Lionheart
Weapon:Windhammer, eBotD, Tomb Reaver(an eth ShaelShaelZod is considered the
"godliest" weapon by many players), Buriza, upped Ribcracker, IK Maul
Gloves:Dracul's, Crafted gloves
Boots:Gore Riders, Goblin Toe
Belt:Verdungo's, SoE
Rings:Ravenfrost, dual leech+resists rare
Ammy:Highlords, nice rare with resists

Thanks for the info.

Right now I am at lvl 38, and I have started using the ribcracker with
sigons belt, gloves and boots, which make a nice resist/LL/IAS combo.
According to the weapon speed calc I am at 5 FPS. Killing things is a
pleasure.

Sean

[Shiflet]

Post by unklbob
Thanks for the info.

No prob.

Post by unklbob
Right now I am at lvl 38, and I have started using the ribcracker with
sigons belt, gloves and boots, which make a nice resist/LL/IAS combo.

Aye, tis a good setup.

Post by unklbob
According to the weapon speed calc I am at 5 FPS. Killing things is a
pleasure.

Aye, I try to aim for at least 5 FPS if possible...my fury druid was a bit
slower(6 FPS), but he was using a weapon with a BASE max damage of nearly
1400 so I was willing to make do with the slower speed.

Post by unklbob
Sean

[Mark (newsgroups)]

Post by Shiflet

Post by unklbob
Before I read anything I made the mistake of putting 3 hard points in
Werewolf,

Won't hurt too bad...little extra AR, and a lot of the popular druid weapons
need a few points in WW to hit breakpoints...with some hard points, less
worry about +skills.

I'm bumping a bit of an old thread but I found it while searching for
informatio on a WW Fury Druid. I'm just wondering why in this thread
you guys appear to prefer leaving WW at 1 hard point rather than
maxing, but searching agd2 reveals most posters have maxed WW. I rather
like the look of the increased attack speed, especially at the early
levels because I'm finding the attack speed a little frustating at the
moment.

Any comments?

[Shiflet]

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
I'm bumping a bit of an old thread but I found it while searching for
informatio on a WW Fury Druid. I'm just wondering why in this thread
you guys appear to prefer leaving WW at 1 hard point rather than
maxing, but searching agd2 reveals most posters have maxed WW.

Then most of them are fools. WW only provides so much benefit, and most of
the common Fury druid weapons hit max speed at 9 WW or less.

[Mark (newsgroups)]

Post by Shiflet

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
I'm bumping a bit of an old thread but I found it while searching for
informatio on a WW Fury Druid. I'm just wondering why in this thread
you guys appear to prefer leaving WW at 1 hard point rather than
maxing, but searching agd2 reveals most posters have maxed WW.

Then most of them are fools. WW only provides so much benefit, and most of
the common Fury druid weapons hit max speed at 9 WW or less.

Damn. Annoying how you can try do the correct thing and search out the
information you need before posting here, only to find out it's all
wrong. This is the only thread I've seen that doesn't recommend maxing
WW and now I've already put 9 hard points in it.

Thanks for the replies (Sean too), I'm only clvl 21 at the moment so I
could actually start again and rush to 21 in about an hour I suppose.

Do you guys recommend maxing Lycanthropy?

[Shiflet]

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
Damn. Annoying how you can try do the correct thing and search out the
information you need before posting here, only to find out it's all
wrong. This is the only thread I've seen that doesn't recommend maxing
WW

Should have tried alt.games.diablo...agd2 is not the only source of D2 info
on the net, if you want to be sure about something, check out multiple
sources. This was a routine discussion over there. The only people in AGD
who advocated maxing WW were the people who had attack rate problems(cause
adding to WW will boost your AR, just not your speed past a certain point).
Another place to check regarding IAS and how much is needed or not is the
weapons speed calculator at:
http://diablo2.ingame.de/tips/calcs/weaponspeed.php?lang=english

That will would tell you exactly when adding points to WW would become
mostly useless for any given weapon. Don't despair though, 9 hard points in
WW won't kill you, as wolves usually have a lot of points to spare.

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
Do you guys recommend maxing Lycanthropy?

Yes, THAT one you max. The typical WW druid maxes Lycanthropy, Fury, and Oak
Sage(or alternatively HoW, depending on preference) after that it varies.
Some max WW for the extra AR. Some pump up Grizzly Bear to have a strong
summon. Some go with Fire Claws for an elemental attack, but since it
requires a lot of synergies that you can't max to be really effective, many
do not and just use a weapon(or second weapon set) that deals a lot of
elemental damage. Some even go with maxing Cyclone Armor, though as with
Fire Claws, without it's synergies it's not going to be as mega effective as
it is for a druid whose build is based around it's synergies.

[Mark (newsgroups)]

Post by Shiflet

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
Damn. Annoying how you can try do the correct thing and search out the
information you need before posting here, only to find out it's all
wrong. This is the only thread I've seen that doesn't recommend maxing
WW

Should have tried alt.games.diablo...agd2 is not the only source of D2 info
on the net, if you want to be sure about something, check out multiple
sources.

Check, I did that (not agd, but googling the web). The reason I was
extra careful was because of this very thread. Every other build I
found recommended maxing WW, so needless to say, it's a little
confusing. As you say, wolves have points to spare so it's probably why
most people do it.

I'll continue and see how it turns out. I'm tempted to go for an IK set
(bar the helm), but I have quite a few choices. I have a Ribcracker
sitting on a mule doing nothing, a Beast Beserker axe I made for my
Necro, and an Ethereal 4 socket Scourge which would be perfect for
Oath. Just need to check out how a Scourge does on the IAS calcs for a
wolf.

Thanks for all the information!

[Shiflet]

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
I'll continue and see how it turns out. I'm tempted to go for an IK set
(bar the helm), but I have quite a few choices. I have a Ribcracker
sitting on a mule doing nothing, a Beast Beserker axe I made for my
Necro, and an Ethereal 4 socket Scourge which would be perfect for
Oath. Just need to check out how a Scourge does on the IAS calcs for a
wolf.

With 1 point in werewolf you attack at 6 fpa with a scourge. At 2 points in
WW, your speed is 5 fpa, which is max speed with a scourge(and for that
matter, max speed for pretty much ANY weapon, other than say a 4x shaeled
phase blade). For comparison, that Beast axe will cap at 6 fpa, which it
reaches with a single point in WW. An IK maul with either a Shael or a 15
IAS jewel will reach max speed(5 fpa) at lvl 5 WW(adding a second shael or
jewel will not have any effect). Ribcracker will reach max speed of 5 FPA at
level 3 WW.. However, if you up it to a Stalagmite, you reach max speed of 6
fpa at lvl 5 WW, but if you add a Shael/IAS jewel to it you can reach 5 fpa
at lvl 3 WW.

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
Thanks for all the information!

No prob.

[RJ]

Post by Mark (newsgroups)

Post by Shiflet

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
Damn. Annoying how you can try do the correct thing and search out the
information you need before posting here, only to find out it's all
wrong. This is the only thread I've seen that doesn't recommend maxing
WW

Should have tried alt.games.diablo...agd2 is not the only source of D2 info
on the net, if you want to be sure about something, check out multiple
sources.

Check, I did that (not agd, but googling the web). The reason I was
extra careful was because of this very thread. Every other build I
found recommended maxing WW, so needless to say, it's a little
confusing. As you say, wolves have points to spare so it's probably why
most people do it.
I'll continue and see how it turns out. I'm tempted to go for an IK set
(bar the helm), but I have quite a few choices. I have a Ribcracker
sitting on a mule doing nothing, a Beast Beserker axe I made for my
Necro, and an Ethereal 4 socket Scourge which would be perfect for
Oath. Just need to check out how a Scourge does on the IAS calcs for a
wolf.
Thanks for all the information!

I was using the ik setup until I found a Buri so I tried that and I
think that I prefer it. Seems to hit faster, cold dmg is nice against
pis overall dmg is greater.

[Mark (newsgroups)]

Post by RJ

Post by Mark (newsgroups)

Post by Shiflet

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
Damn. Annoying how you can try do the correct thing and search out the
information you need before posting here, only to find out it's all
wrong. This is the only thread I've seen that doesn't recommend maxing
WW

Should have tried alt.games.diablo...agd2 is not the only source of D2 info
on the net, if you want to be sure about something, check out multiple
sources.

Check, I did that (not agd, but googling the web). The reason I was
extra careful was because of this very thread. Every other build I
found recommended maxing WW, so needless to say, it's a little
confusing. As you say, wolves have points to spare so it's probably why
most people do it.
I'll continue and see how it turns out. I'm tempted to go for an IK set
(bar the helm), but I have quite a few choices. I have a Ribcracker
sitting on a mule doing nothing, a Beast Beserker axe I made for my
Necro, and an Ethereal 4 socket Scourge which would be perfect for
Oath. Just need to check out how a Scourge does on the IAS calcs for a
wolf.
Thanks for all the information!

I was using the ik setup until I found a Buri so I tried that and I
think that I prefer it. Seems to hit faster, cold dmg is nice against
pis overall dmg is greater.

I have one myself, I assume I should up it for more damage? I also have
a Ribcracker and have been contemplating making an Oath but not sure if
I should do it in the Ethereal Scourge I have or wait for an ethereal
big hitting two handed weapon like an Ogre Maul.

[Shiflet]

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
I have one myself, I assume I should up it for more damage?

It's not a huge gain, but if the higher requirements aren't a problem, go
ahead.

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
I also have a Ribcracker and have been contemplating making an Oath but
not sure if
I should do it in the Ethereal Scourge I have or wait for an ethereal
big hitting two handed weapon like an Ogre Maul.

Make it while you can...the runes Oath requires aren't THAT expensive(hell,
Mickey could probably make 20 Oath's for you if you wanted) then if you ever
DO find an eth 4 socket Ogre Maul(good luck there) just make another one.

[Mark (newsgroups)]

Post by Shiflet

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
I have one myself, I assume I should up it for more damage?

It's not a huge gain, but if the higher requirements aren't a problem, go
ahead.

Check, I'll try it out non-upped first. The dex is going to be the
problem I think.

Post by Shiflet

Post by Mark (newsgroups)
I also have a Ribcracker and have been contemplating making an Oath but
not sure if
I should do it in the Ethereal Scourge I have or wait for an ethereal
big hitting two handed weapon like an Ogre Maul.

Make it while you can...the runes Oath requires aren't THAT expensive(hell,
Mickey could probably make 20 Oath's for you if you wanted) then if you ever
DO find an eth 4 socket Ogre Maul(good luck there) just make another one.

I'm on Europe, but yes, the chances of finding that weapon are kind of
remote. So yeah, I just got a Mal from a forge rush the other day so no
problem using it up. I'll probably get a few more Mal runes before I
find that eth 4 socket Ogre Maul ;-)

[unklbob]

Post by Mark (newsgroups)

Post by Shiflet

Post by unklbob
Before I read anything I made the mistake of putting 3 hard points in
Werewolf,

Won't hurt too bad...little extra AR, and a lot of the popular druid weapons
need a few points in WW to hit breakpoints...with some hard points, less
worry about +skills.I'm bumping a bit of an old thread but I found it while searching for

informatio on a WW Fury Druid. I'm just wondering why in this thread
you guys appear to prefer leaving WW at 1 hard point rather than
maxing, but searching agd2 reveals most posters have maxed WW. I rather
like the look of the increased attack speed, especially at the early
levels because I'm finding the attack speed a little frustating at the
moment.
Any comments?

I ended up the game at lvl 4 (hard) in WW and with my main attack, an
upped Ribcracker I was at a 7 frame attack. I ended up with enough
extra points left over in the end to discover I couldn't cast a
hurricane in WW form so I abandoned the elemental tree and pumped up my
grizzly.

If you check out the Weapon speed calc, and be careful to properly
enter teh data, you'll be amazed at the speeds you reach with just a
little IAS.

[Kaytie]

Post by unklbob
After many fits and starts, I have decided to build a Fury Druid, but I
can't find a decent guide, so I have gone with searching AGD/AGD2 and
come up with some basics.
Before I read anything I made the mistake of putting 3 hard points in
Werewolf, but now I have maxed Lycanthropy with one point in OS and one
each in the prereqs toward Fury.
I am currently at lvl 23 and I am using Full Irathas with a Darkglow
for resists, a PeltaLunata shield, a General Tan do Li flail and Treads
of Cthon. I am using a Prayer merc with Sigons armor, Dimoak, and nice
little hat with resists, Dex and DR.
What are the early and mid game strategies/point allocations?
What is the best equipment for early and mid game?
Where do I want to focus the attribute points? Currently I am at 65
Str 400 plus Life (w/ OS) a handful in DEX and base mana.
I understand that mauls are the weapon of choice later on, and I need
to know which mauls to use and how to build up resistance when I am not
using a shield.
Do I need to go down the right side of the tree to get Fire Claws and
Hunger? IOW are they worth the points?
What is the best endgame strategy/equip? Please give me both the
expensive and low budget versions.
Should I use a minion?
Please feel free to add any other info you deem necessary. : )
TIA
Sean

Hi no1 mentioned this yet but my FAVE weredruid gear is full IK set
minus the barb hat and use Jalals instead. U get lots of the set
bonuses even without the hat which non barbs cant wear neways including
nice dbl leech and and nice resists and AR boost and TONS of elem
damage so u dont even need nething on switch 4 PIs

the armor is the hard part but it the only expensive part so it only
good idea if u have IK armor lying round but if u do it can work very
nice.

and other ppl will give lots and lote better play tips than me but i
will make sure u get 1 warning bout mana burners. have normal attack on
hotkey. On other chars and even for wearbears if they try to use a
skill that need mana but mana is empty then they automatic just do a
normal attack. for some reason a wolf who try 2 do skill attack with no
mana instead of doing normal attack automatic will just sit there and
do nothing. so unless u have normal attack hotkeyed so u can switch 2
it fast a mana burn pack can b a very big pain int eh u know what hehe.

Kaytie

[unklbob]

Post by Kaytie

Post by unklbob
After many fits and starts, I have decided to build a Fury Druid, but I
can't find a decent guide, so I have gone with searching AGD/AGD2 and
come up with some basics.
Before I read anything I made the mistake of putting 3 hard points in
Werewolf, but now I have maxed Lycanthropy with one point in OS and one
each in the prereqs toward Fury.
I am currently at lvl 23 and I am using Full Irathas with a Darkglow
for resists, a PeltaLunata shield, a General Tan do Li flail and Treads
of Cthon. I am using a Prayer merc with Sigons armor, Dimoak, and nice
little hat with resists, Dex and DR.
What are the early and mid game strategies/point allocations?
What is the best equipment for early and mid game?
Where do I want to focus the attribute points? Currently I am at 65
Str 400 plus Life (w/ OS) a handful in DEX and base mana.
I understand that mauls are the weapon of choice later on, and I need
to know which mauls to use and how to build up resistance when I am not
using a shield.
Do I need to go down the right side of the tree to get Fire Claws and
Hunger? IOW are they worth the points?
What is the best endgame strategy/equip? Please give me both the
expensive and low budget versions.
Should I use a minion?
Please feel free to add any other info you deem necessary. : )
TIA
Sean

Hi no1 mentioned this yet but my FAVE weredruid gear is full IK set
minus the barb hat and use Jalals instead. U get lots of the set
bonuses even without the hat which non barbs cant wear neways including
nice dbl leech and and nice resists and AR boost and TONS of elem
damage so u dont even need nething on switch 4 PIs
the armor is the hard part but it the only expensive part so it only
good idea if u have IK armor lying round but if u do it can work very
nice.
and other ppl will give lots and lote better play tips than me but i
will make sure u get 1 warning bout mana burners. have normal attack on
hotkey. On other chars and even for wearbears if they try to use a
skill that need mana but mana is empty then they automatic just do a
normal attack. for some reason a wolf who try 2 do skill attack with no
mana instead of doing normal attack automatic will just sit there and
do nothing. so unless u have normal attack hotkeyed so u can switch 2
it fast a mana burn pack can b a very big pain int eh u know what hehe.
Kaytie

Of course I have everything *except* for the armor, and this is an SP
char. Mebbe one of my kids will find an armor for me and I can give it
a try. On the realms I had 3 Jalal's, but of course I don't have a
single one in my ATMA files. And I'm having too much fun with the
Drood to stop and fire up one of my MF chars. : )

[neithskye]

Post by unklbob
Of course I have everything *except* for the armor, and this is an SP
char. Mebbe one of my kids will find an armor for me and I can give it
a try. On the realms I had 3 Jalal's, but of course I don't have a
single one in my ATMA files. And I'm having too much fun with the
Drood to stop and fire up one of my MF chars. : )

I have the IK armor and a Jalal's from playing SP in 1.10. If you'd
like I could create an ATMA stash and e-mail it to you (I think 1.10
items should work with 1.11?). If there's anything else you'd like let
me know as I had way more luck in SP than I ever had on the Realms (all
items "legit", as they were found by my characters).

Let me know if this interests you at all.

--
Jill