Build advice: Fire +... Lightning?

[petrov]

Build advice: Fire +... Lightning?

I'm currently level 76, basing a build around full tal's set (getting there), spirit monarch (got) and then whatever else I can find. I have an Normal A2 Merc (Defiance), who I am planning to build a Doom poleaxe (or thereabouts) for - so he can have high def and Holy Freeze from Doom.

I have 30 free skill points. So far, I have maxed fireball (which is what I use almost all the time), meteor and then a few into firebolt (c.6 points) and 1 point into FM. I was planning to go down the FOrb route, but since my merc is going to be a Holy Freezer (due to Doom), I wondered if it made more sense to go for something in the lightning tree (Nova?)?

Any thoughts appreciated...

Petrov.

 

[lumpor]

Re: Build advice: Fire +... Lightning?

Why are you using a defiance merc? I would never sacrifice his weapon slot for a defiance aura.

I suggest pure fire! Perfect one tree instead of half-mastering two trees

 

[petrov]

Re: Build advice: Fire +... Lightning?

Hi lumpor, thanks for the suggestion.

I am using a Defiance merc so that he can tank effectively and he gets the Holy Freeze aura from the Doom runeword (ie run two auras at the same time). Does that make sense?

Petrov.

 

[lumpor]

Re: Build advice: Fire +... Lightning?

Defense doesn't really help that much in this game unless you have lots of it. Holy freeze + obedience will probably make him a better tank because of the fhr, and then he gets lots of damage and crushing blow too

 

[petrov]

Re: Build advice: Fire +... Lightning?

Well, at level 76, the merc gets about 6,500 defence with Defiance aura activated (Duriel's shell and Duskdeep help). Does that classify as "lots" at that level/early Hell?

What's the "obedience" aura?

Petrov.

 

[Arek]

Re: Build advice: Fire +... Lightning?

I wouldn't go with nova, just because i don't like it and i find the orb to be much better spell. But it's only a game so if you are having fun, whatever spell is fine. Don't rely on Doom as a source of elemental damage in hell, it will do a little harm. I found defiance merc being the best tank in the game. Sure that's highly dependant on his level. Don't expect him being a tank at lvl 70.

 

[SnickerSnack]

Re: Build advice: Fire +... Lightning?

If you want a tank, get him either eFortitude or eStone. If you need him to have CBF, then put a Dark Sight Helm on him. Also, so far, your merc doesn't have any life leech. He'll need some if he's going to tank regular mobs and not just bosses.