what runewords to build towards?

[alvar]

what runewords to build towards?

hi all,
After reading another thread on the 1.11 runewords, I started to think whether or not using a runeword is worth it at all for my build.
I have a lvl 80 mauler, so I have been building for speed (still looking to build that 6 shael'd phase blade). As a backup weapon, I've been looking for the ones with elemental damage( Baranar's Star, IK Stonecrusher, etc).
Looking at the runewords, Beast looks appealing (with its +3 to Werebear and Lycanthropy). Any others that ppl recommend? Or should I just stick to building speed?

On the armor side, I have a Rhyme Grim shield and a Duriel's Shell (which I am looking at upgrading to a Great Hauberk). Is a runeword like Bramble or Chains of Honor worth it? Can I get higher def elsewhere?
Please note, I only play SP, and haven't done any trading, so getting high runes is going to be tricky.
All suggestions/opinions welcome!

 

[SnickerSnack]

Re: what runewords to build towards?

I've never played a mauler, so I can't really help with that. Though I don't think that the +skills on beast will help much. You can just use a +skill weapon and shield on switch for shifting.

Bramble has it's uses, but I've never had one. It's not very versatile, so I wouldn't make one if I had an Ohm.

Chains of Honor is just about the best armor to be had (barring enigma since it costs three times the runes). If I had a Ber, I'd make CoH for sure.

Keep in mind that defense isn't that useful unless you have lots of it. Going to from 2k defense to 5k isn't that big a deal.

 

[wickedswami]

Re: what runewords to build towards?

few people know, but the only thing defense does is reduce your chance of being hit. It does not reduce damage in any other way. For that, you'd want 'damage reduced by...' mods

 

[Hrus]

Re: what runewords to build towards?

Why 6shaeled PB for a mauler? Your base damage would be 33 avg, that's quite low and isn't worth it. Just use a good 2hander. For example Buriza, IK Stone Crusher, Tomb reaver.

I am not sure if you are playing with RWM - if you do, there is allways incredible Oath runeword - for reasonable rune prize.

+Skills are nice, but not crucial for physical oriented builds.

In terms of damage good runewords are:
armor: Fortitude armor (RWM only), Duress armor, Chains of Honor armor. Bramble is only good for poison based builds.
weapon: Grief Phase blade, Oath
shield: Phoenix shield (RWM only, 4 high runes - not affordable in SP), Stormshield or good defensive shield or use a two-handed weapon, Bears have bad blocking speed anyways.
helm: no good runeword, usually for fast hitting characters Guillaume's helm is used, or Jalal's Mane for druids

 

[Mursilis]

I'd like to throw Lionheart in there as well for physical builds. It has +20% enhance damage as well nice boosts to all stats and +30% resist all. Not too shabby for having a highest rune of a Fal. If you are playing SP this is far more likely than a Fortitude, Grief, CoH or anything else with a HR.

 

[alvar]

Re: what runewords to build towards?

Why look for a shael'd PB? Good question...all the guides seem to suggest that speed is critical for a Bear.

As for a IK Stonecrusher or a Tomb reaver...I'd love it, if I could find it-- I am playing SP.

I don't have RWM currently, but I'll look into it.

Interesting point about defense...I thought it would be important for a mauler. Getting up to 5k and beyond seems like a pipe dream at this point anyway.

Thanks for all the replies so far.