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PVP Frost Zealot Guide
This frost zealot's focus is high dual damage (cold + physical), a decent passive dmg to kill low life players, high life, defense, and dr versus melee, and high life and res vs. casters. This is all while trying to be as good mannered as possible, whether you consider HF to be BM in the first place is another issue.
Using this build, I should note, gives you a 5 frame attack, as the gear compromises aren't worth the extra frame imo.
The Arreat Summit isn't up right now (so I'm using dii.net's 45% ias from doom and supposing it's correct), but I'm thinking of this build (supposing you have perfect gear):
Versus Melee (Smite/Fanatical Zealots, Barbs, Melee Druids, Bow Zons, WW/Kick Sins that don't use poison - though even if they do use psn, you might be able to KO them before you're life disappears):
Helm: 15% Nightwings with a 5/5 cold facet (You get +2, +20% HF dmg, and -5% res). Other good Helms are as follows: Shako (for +2, dr, life - but defense sucks), Delerium (though I think I spelled it wrong, it's +2 and defense is good, Crown of Ages is probably second best helm, with +1, 2 OS (which you can use 2 5/5 facets for +1, 10/-10 as dmg mods overall, good defense, hit recovery, and the DR)
Weapon: Doom War Spike (if it really is 45% ias on doom, then you need no further IAS) - Use for the IAS, Very Good Weapon Dmg, +2, and -res. I used a +3, 2 os heavens light and while that's really good and probably the second best, Doom provides +2 skills and a massive -res, which is important when your opponent is stacking res and/or using absorb gear.
Amulet: +2 Paly/+2 all is an important mod, so Seraphs/Maras is good, so is a safety amulet with +2 paly and +blocking, life, str, dex, and life. Angelic Amulet w/ rings is my pick because attack rating is extremely essential for the build.
Armour: I'm not big on teleporting, nor would you have the cast speed to zip around like a nec or hammerdin (the 2 builds you'd really need teleport to get away from), so enigma is not good for this build. I think an upgraded Guardian Angel is best here. High defense is essential when fighting melee (and up'd GA is pretty good with defense, though not amazing), and GAs Blocking and +1 (skills are still very important) make it the best. Chains of Honour is great for +2 and res, but res isn't very important versus a non elemental build and the stats you can save on blocking can boost your life well.
Shield: Stormshield. I considered and used HoZ and Alma Negra, but for melee, damage reduction, defense, and blocking is the most important mod for the frostie shield. Alma Negra is the second best for the +ed, ar, and +2 skills, and HoZ is great for all the reasons paladins use it. I'd socket the SS with a 5/5 cold facet for the dmg and -res.
Gloves: While some people may call HF BM, I wouldn't go all out with the "BM tactics" and use Dracs. If it's not a big deal to you, then dracs are a strong choice, as are upped bloodfists for +fhr and life, Ogre Gaunts for the +ed, and upped Lava Gouts for the chance to up your dmg and ar with enchant - but I think Upped Bloodfists are the gloves for this build.
Rings: 2 Ravens or 1 Raven and BK if you're going for +skills - but Angelic Rings are still my choice with amulet if you want to keep dex low and vit high.
Belt: 15% Verdungoes is my pick if you use a Nightwings for the dr, defense, and vit, but if you are using angelic combo, it might be smart to use a CoA for 15% DR and a Trangs Belt for the CBF and life.
Boots: Upped Gores for the OW, DS, CB, and defense. Eth treks are also good for the dual stats and high defense.
If I had to say which is the exact set up of choice (versus picking individually good items) for melee duels I'd go with:
Crown of Ages with 2 5/5s
Angelic Amy
Doom War Spike
5/5ed Upped GA
5/5ed SS
Upped Bloodfist
2 Angelic Rings
Trangs Belt
Upped Gores
Casters (I'm trying to use all around +res items to allow you to deal with multiple elemental dmg casters in a chaotic pubby duel, but if there is a stand out caster, I will make specific picks):
Helm: Kira's Guardian w/ a 5/5 Cold or UM Rune. This depends on whether or not you are getting slammed with elemental dmg, use UM for more elemental protection - otherwise stick with 5/5s.
Amulet: Mara's for the Res and +2 skills
Weapon: Doom War Spike (it's a staple of this build, though other weapons can be used, remember to stay at 4 or 5 frames max)
Armour: Upped UMd or 5/5ed Guardian Angel. While the +blocking isn't being used, the +skill helps and the +15 max res is extremely important here.
Shield: We have 2 great (and fairly cheap) choices here. If you are fighting a fire sorc (and brave enough to get that close to cast it), bone necro, or other projectile throwing (not orb sorcs, that makes their orb deadlier) casters, then sanctuary is the best pick b/c it gives 60 charges of lvl 12 Slow Missle. Keep in mind this is kinda BM, so don't do it if you A. Aren't gonna risk getting close to use the charge. B. PvP a lot and know that it will eventually cost gold you don't have. C. Don't like casting SM - though versus a Bone Necro, this is probably your only chance of killing them other than passive kill. Sanctuary (assuming +70 res) in a high +res paladin shield is a pretty good way of getting sick resistance, at least on your way to stacking res without having to have 3 (light, cold, fire) seperate shields. Otherwise, put 4 perfect diamonds in a high +res paladin shield for a very cheap alternative.
Gloves: Bloodfist is still my pick here, but +res gloves are fine if you need it. I doubt you will though, and besides the fhr and life is very important versus a trapper.
Rings: Depending on who you fight, use 2 Wisps (light), 2 Dwarf Stars (fire), or 2 Ravens (cold). Oh, and 2 Carrion Rings for sick psn resist. BUT keep in mind absorb is considered BM, but it might be the difference between life and death versus a teleporting/very fast player.
Belt: Because you're using a Kira's, you don't need CBF - so go for either arachnid mesh (+1 Skill), a Crafted Belt for +fhr, +life, +str, +res, TGods for +max light res, or anything else that fits your needs. This is not a very important choice compared to other item picks.
Boots: Waterwalks vs. fire casters, Treks vs. Psn, but Gores aren't bad for the extra dmg. You can also use +frw +res boots if you still need res.
If I were to pick a well balanced caster set up, I'd go with:
Kira's w/ UM (+85)
Mara's (+30)
Doom War Spike
Upped UMd GA (+15, +15 max)
4 PD +40 res or so Paly Shield (~+116)
Bloodfist
2 Wisps/2 Dwarf Stars/2 Ravens/2 Carrion Rings (keep all 8 in stash and use as needed or if absorb is not your thing, go with 2 rare +15 res rings)
Crafted Belt for FHR and life
Waterwalks/Treks/Gores
85+30+15+116+30(res qs)=276-100=176 resistance to all in hell, which should keep you at a capped 90% res all (95 if waterwalks, 95 if TGods) in almost all situations, unless someone is really throwing on -res gear, then you can use anni, res charms to make the small adjustments.
Skills:
+20 in Holy Freeze
+20 in Resist Cold
+20 in Salvation
Now, there are 4 skills that you can put your attention towards and make a variable build. I personally would do +20 in Holy Shield and +20 in Zeal for defense, mediocre phys attack, and the ar bonus, but you could do +20 zeal/+20 sacrifice for attention to physical, +20 HS/+20 Defiance for attention to defense, or any other variation therein to fit your needs.
Stats:
Since there is so much variables in gear, come up with 2 sets of gear (melee and caster) and figure out what the maximum amount of strength you need for the highest demanding set up.
Dex - I'd go with as much dex needed for max block using the melee set up, but going over (provided it doesn't significantly harm your life) isn't so bad because AR is extremely important if you want to connect in melee or vs casters (and remember you won't most likely use 2 ravens all the time nor the angelic set up vs casters, so chance to hit might be lower despite their usually low defense.
Vit - Everything else
Mana - Who puts points in mana anymore?
Charms:
1 Anni, 10 +offensive skill paly gcs (preferably with +life), and 9 +life/+res/fhr small charms.
This frost zealot's focus is high dual damage (cold + physical), a decent passive dmg to kill low life players, high life, defense, and dr versus melee, and high life and res vs. casters. This is all while trying to be as good mannered as possible, whether you consider HF to be BM in the first place is another issue.
Using this build, I should note, gives you a 5 frame attack, as the gear compromises aren't worth the extra frame imo.
The Arreat Summit isn't up right now (so I'm using dii.net's 45% ias from doom and supposing it's correct), but I'm thinking of this build (supposing you have perfect gear):
Versus Melee (Smite/Fanatical Zealots, Barbs, Melee Druids, Bow Zons, WW/Kick Sins that don't use poison - though even if they do use psn, you might be able to KO them before you're life disappears):
Helm: 15% Nightwings with a 5/5 cold facet (You get +2, +20% HF dmg, and -5% res). Other good Helms are as follows: Shako (for +2, dr, life - but defense sucks), Delerium (though I think I spelled it wrong, it's +2 and defense is good, Crown of Ages is probably second best helm, with +1, 2 OS (which you can use 2 5/5 facets for +1, 10/-10 as dmg mods overall, good defense, hit recovery, and the DR)
Weapon: Doom War Spike (if it really is 45% ias on doom, then you need no further IAS) - Use for the IAS, Very Good Weapon Dmg, +2, and -res. I used a +3, 2 os heavens light and while that's really good and probably the second best, Doom provides +2 skills and a massive -res, which is important when your opponent is stacking res and/or using absorb gear.
Amulet: +2 Paly/+2 all is an important mod, so Seraphs/Maras is good, so is a safety amulet with +2 paly and +blocking, life, str, dex, and life. Angelic Amulet w/ rings is my pick because attack rating is extremely essential for the build.
Armour: I'm not big on teleporting, nor would you have the cast speed to zip around like a nec or hammerdin (the 2 builds you'd really need teleport to get away from), so enigma is not good for this build. I think an upgraded Guardian Angel is best here. High defense is essential when fighting melee (and up'd GA is pretty good with defense, though not amazing), and GAs Blocking and +1 (skills are still very important) make it the best. Chains of Honour is great for +2 and res, but res isn't very important versus a non elemental build and the stats you can save on blocking can boost your life well.
Shield: Stormshield. I considered and used HoZ and Alma Negra, but for melee, damage reduction, defense, and blocking is the most important mod for the frostie shield. Alma Negra is the second best for the +ed, ar, and +2 skills, and HoZ is great for all the reasons paladins use it. I'd socket the SS with a 5/5 cold facet for the dmg and -res.
Gloves: While some people may call HF BM, I wouldn't go all out with the "BM tactics" and use Dracs. If it's not a big deal to you, then dracs are a strong choice, as are upped bloodfists for +fhr and life, Ogre Gaunts for the +ed, and upped Lava Gouts for the chance to up your dmg and ar with enchant - but I think Upped Bloodfists are the gloves for this build.
Rings: 2 Ravens or 1 Raven and BK if you're going for +skills - but Angelic Rings are still my choice with amulet if you want to keep dex low and vit high.
Belt: 15% Verdungoes is my pick if you use a Nightwings for the dr, defense, and vit, but if you are using angelic combo, it might be smart to use a CoA for 15% DR and a Trangs Belt for the CBF and life.
Boots: Upped Gores for the OW, DS, CB, and defense. Eth treks are also good for the dual stats and high defense.
If I had to say which is the exact set up of choice (versus picking individually good items) for melee duels I'd go with:
Crown of Ages with 2 5/5s
Angelic Amy
Doom War Spike
5/5ed Upped GA
5/5ed SS
Upped Bloodfist
2 Angelic Rings
Trangs Belt
Upped Gores
Casters (I'm trying to use all around +res items to allow you to deal with multiple elemental dmg casters in a chaotic pubby duel, but if there is a stand out caster, I will make specific picks):
Helm: Kira's Guardian w/ a 5/5 Cold or UM Rune. This depends on whether or not you are getting slammed with elemental dmg, use UM for more elemental protection - otherwise stick with 5/5s.
Amulet: Mara's for the Res and +2 skills
Weapon: Doom War Spike (it's a staple of this build, though other weapons can be used, remember to stay at 4 or 5 frames max)
Armour: Upped UMd or 5/5ed Guardian Angel. While the +blocking isn't being used, the +skill helps and the +15 max res is extremely important here.
Shield: We have 2 great (and fairly cheap) choices here. If you are fighting a fire sorc (and brave enough to get that close to cast it), bone necro, or other projectile throwing (not orb sorcs, that makes their orb deadlier) casters, then sanctuary is the best pick b/c it gives 60 charges of lvl 12 Slow Missle. Keep in mind this is kinda BM, so don't do it if you A. Aren't gonna risk getting close to use the charge. B. PvP a lot and know that it will eventually cost gold you don't have. C. Don't like casting SM - though versus a Bone Necro, this is probably your only chance of killing them other than passive kill. Sanctuary (assuming +70 res) in a high +res paladin shield is a pretty good way of getting sick resistance, at least on your way to stacking res without having to have 3 (light, cold, fire) seperate shields. Otherwise, put 4 perfect diamonds in a high +res paladin shield for a very cheap alternative.
Gloves: Bloodfist is still my pick here, but +res gloves are fine if you need it. I doubt you will though, and besides the fhr and life is very important versus a trapper.
Rings: Depending on who you fight, use 2 Wisps (light), 2 Dwarf Stars (fire), or 2 Ravens (cold). Oh, and 2 Carrion Rings for sick psn resist. BUT keep in mind absorb is considered BM, but it might be the difference between life and death versus a teleporting/very fast player.
Belt: Because you're using a Kira's, you don't need CBF - so go for either arachnid mesh (+1 Skill), a Crafted Belt for +fhr, +life, +str, +res, TGods for +max light res, or anything else that fits your needs. This is not a very important choice compared to other item picks.
Boots: Waterwalks vs. fire casters, Treks vs. Psn, but Gores aren't bad for the extra dmg. You can also use +frw +res boots if you still need res.
If I were to pick a well balanced caster set up, I'd go with:
Kira's w/ UM (+85)
Mara's (+30)
Doom War Spike
Upped UMd GA (+15, +15 max)
4 PD +40 res or so Paly Shield (~+116)
Bloodfist
2 Wisps/2 Dwarf Stars/2 Ravens/2 Carrion Rings (keep all 8 in stash and use as needed or if absorb is not your thing, go with 2 rare +15 res rings)
Crafted Belt for FHR and life
Waterwalks/Treks/Gores
85+30+15+116+30(res qs)=276-100=176 resistance to all in hell, which should keep you at a capped 90% res all (95 if waterwalks, 95 if TGods) in almost all situations, unless someone is really throwing on -res gear, then you can use anni, res charms to make the small adjustments.
Skills:
+20 in Holy Freeze
+20 in Resist Cold
+20 in Salvation
Now, there are 4 skills that you can put your attention towards and make a variable build. I personally would do +20 in Holy Shield and +20 in Zeal for defense, mediocre phys attack, and the ar bonus, but you could do +20 zeal/+20 sacrifice for attention to physical, +20 HS/+20 Defiance for attention to defense, or any other variation therein to fit your needs.
Stats:
Since there is so much variables in gear, come up with 2 sets of gear (melee and caster) and figure out what the maximum amount of strength you need for the highest demanding set up.
Dex - I'd go with as much dex needed for max block using the melee set up, but going over (provided it doesn't significantly harm your life) isn't so bad because AR is extremely important if you want to connect in melee or vs casters (and remember you won't most likely use 2 ravens all the time nor the angelic set up vs casters, so chance to hit might be lower despite their usually low defense.
Vit - Everything else
Mana - Who puts points in mana anymore?
Charms:
1 Anni, 10 +offensive skill paly gcs (preferably with +life), and 9 +life/+res/fhr small charms.