Re: Fisheymancer help!
I think there are a couple of reasons that people use threshers instead of giant thresher.
Thresher has higher max damage.
Thresher has lower reqs
lvl 57 vs 68
str 152 vs 188
dex 118 vs 140
As far as the range goes, I don't think that it is an issue on a merc. For zealers, ww barbs, fury druids, etc, range is important because you attack multiple baddies at once. You want to get as many monsters in hit range as you can and you don't want to waste swings on baddies that moved just out of range. You will definately notice a change in damage output in relation to the range of your weapon.
But since your merc only attacks one baddie at a time he will always walk into the correct range. If you switch from a range 2 to a range 5 weapon (although I have never tried this) I would imagine that you will not see the same difference in damage output, if you see any difference at all.
NumtyDoo,
I understand the statistic requirement arguement can agree in that sense. I'll admit that when it comes to the damage arc, I was looking at the average as opposed to the maximum. In this comparison, the Thresher loses out [76.5 against the GThresher's 77], but the difference is so minor that it is statistically insignificant. Thus, in the mid levels when the Thresher is able to be utilized, I would give it the edge due to the stat requirements. At the endgame phase of a character's "life" though, I would think it safe to say that the above listed requirements for the Giant Thresher would be sufficiently met. My Necro's poorly equipped Act 2 Might merc [Ethereal Non-Upped Shaftstop, NonEthereal The Meat Scraper, and a MF Circlet for lack of anything better at the moment] meets the strength and dexterity requirements at level 86 being purchased. I've always heard that the mercenary's stats are worse if you buy at high level instead of levelling them on your own, but I have not seen proof of that, so it's not considered valid in this discussion.
Thus, it comes down to maximum damage rating and range. The damage issue was already set aside very well and I thank you again for pointing that out to me. As I said, I was looking at consistency and thus the average. The range though, I begin to say would sway this in favor of the Giant Thresher. As you pointed out, Zealots, Fury Druids, Whirlwind Barbarians, etc., all prefer to keep their enemies within striking distance and not allow them to survive by running away. Yet, even with the fact that the mercenary will always approach the enemy due to their AI, I would think that logically the range of the weapon would impact this. After all, if I could hit from range 5, why would I close the distance any further? Thus, if you can keep your enemies at bay, or at least earn the initiative for the first strike, your odds of survival have now improved. This especially holds true when you consider the strategy of cannon fodder, should the environment and minion placement allow for it. A solid wall of skeletons would separate the foes from your Necro, your mercenary, and any skeleton mages and/or ranged revives that you have. The ranged attackers would strike from safety, as well as the mercenary who could attack through the wall. The Thresher-equipped mercenary would have to be on the front lines and thus have more exposure to injury. Minimizing the exposure to your mercenaries is crucial to their survival, though not as much for the Iron Wolves as they are able to wear shields and thus should be able to block effectively. This is where I would see the range winning out over the maximum damage.
Of course, I could very well be wrong and the game doesn't look at the range for mercenaries. It certainly is glitchy enough at times to defy logic, so I try to apply it conservatively so as to not disturb the balance. Thus, I ask the members of the forum that know more than I do about such matters.
Never seen an SoJ? I've only had one drop for me ever in a 1.10 ladder game, however I've traded for a couple of 'em somewhere down the line. Most of the time I just spent a mal on a 3% BK ring and called it a day, but an SoJ shouldn't be a myth to anyone heading towards the end gear for a character =).
shijo,
Unfortunately, I was merely middle class last ladder, and the wealth I did get was spent on Dracs, Enigma, Grief, et al. to rurn my Hammerdin into a 1pt Smiter in an attempt to uber and get that wealth. I never could get a SoJ, nor was I ever able to get a hold of a Herald of Zakarum. I have seen one in game though, so I can say that at least.
All,
Thanks again for the input and help that I've seen here. It's definitely given me more insight into the Summoner and the game overall. Now if I can just decide on more mages vs. Bone Armor and Wall/Prison.
-Nightborn
