[1.D9] The Lord Of Parasites

Original post by bastardodentro on the old forums (forumer).
Most formatting is lost.
-WolfieeifloW

Introduction

As you may notice this is the second guide about this character and you might ask me why do i post it if the build is already being analized in another post: mainly beacause i don't like wasting my time and when HellWyrm posted his placeholders for the upcoming guide i was already finishing mine. I hope you'll get the best infos from both guides.

About The Guide

This build is based on the newly created Parasite skill, our main croud-killind ability used with the support of the Deathlord form.
This is not a precise guide, it gives you many different build possibilities, "guiding" you through the creation of your own necro fighter.
There is one main difference: a scythe user build (strength based a.k.a. easy early game) and a dagger+shield user build (dexterity based a.k.a. harder early game), i'll try to explain the dagger+shield build.

For a scyther build take a look at this guide [1.D9] Death - A Melee Necromancer (WIP) by HellWyrm

I would like to tell you that this is my first guide, so any helpful suggestions to improve it are really welcome.

Stats

Twinks are for pussies, so we play untwinked.


Put here very few points, only what you need to wear your equipment. Shael runes (+10 to strength) are your friends so try to get them as fast as possible.


All your remaining points here for max block. If you don't want it remeber that high dexterity increases your damage so i think it's worth spending all remaining points here.

We have a huge life leech, max block, different bonuses that increase our dodge %, our defense and our damage reduction (items) so i don't really see any good reason for investing points into vitality (btw, we get only 1 life per each point spent here, really not worth). If you put points into energy brother laz will murder a kitten.

Skills

These skill are the core of the build and cannot be changed, all the other personalization are at your own will

Battle Tree

Parasite (supermax): our main croud-killing skill. Hard points add additional targets.

Deathlord (supermax): finally also the necro got his morph ability. Increases our attack speed, defense per 100 points into str/dex, hard points increase damage bonus and we even get a flat bonus to strength and dexterity. Sweet.

Angel of Death (1+ points): main single target killing skill, very usefull for killing totems in K3KBA. As hard points increase only poison duration and not real damage you can put here as many as you wish (i went with only 1).

Support Tree

Famine (supermax): we love passive skills, and this passive skill ownz: damage bonus per soft points and life leech bonus per hard points, your life will never go down while you hit your enemies.

Unholy Armor (1+ points): invulnerability? Yes we can! How many points here depend on how many sockets are you willing to use for +buff duration runes (Nih). I spent 5, +skill will help increasing the duration as there are no hard skill bonuses.

Talon's hold (1 point): slows targets and reanimates them, really good passive skill. Again no hard skill bonuses so +skills will do the rest.

Totem and summoning trees

I won't be precise here as these skills can be used to personalize your build: you can use totems to empower yourself or, with the new oathbreaker totem, create an army of reanimates. With the summoning tree you can have a nice meatshield or a good distraction, it depends on your playstile.

Uberskill

Death Ward (supermax): Total character defense and chance to dodge bonuses, perfect unberskill for our build.

Ennead and Black Road Skills

Unfortunately these skills bring no good for us so there's no need to waste points there.


What i did with the summoning and totem tree

Supermaxed shadows: they are small and will die in 1 hit, but they're 30 and will boost up you life and damage significantly. They really help in uberquests. Forget Judgement day without them (or without any good quantity of summons).

1 point in each totem of the left tree: there are no hard skill point synergies so 1 point is enough. Elemental and howling totems will increase your damage, mana tide will help with judgement day and blood tide will boost our life by 100+%. Not bad. Btw: getting these skills via charms is much better then spending points here.

Equipment

This will be a long section

Relevant bonuses are in bold.

Early/mid game gear

Weapons

Compass of Souls
Spirit Edge (6)
One-Hand Damage: (104-115) to (197-217)
Durability: 28
(Necromancer Only)
Required Dexterity: 410
Required Level: 59
+(191 to 220)% Enhanced damage
Adds (401-800)-(801-1600) fire damage
Adds (401-800)-(801-1600) cold damage
+(16 to 18 ) to Whirlpool
(24 to 27)% Mana stolen per Hit
Regenerate Mana +(46 to 50)%
(18 to 20)% Chance of Uninterruptable Attack
Socketed: 3

The only good option for early game for a dagger user. Whyrlpool helps a lot sometimes and the mana steal will solve all the mana problems plus we get a nice 2 elemental damage bonus.

Runeword
Misery (Mal in necro dagger)
+(1 to 2) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(101 to 150)% Enhanced damage
Adds 2500-5000 poison damage over 20 seconds
+(1 to 6) to Way of the Spider
Slows Target by (11 to 15)%
+250 to Life
Poison Resist +40%
+(11 to 15) Life on Striking

Way of the spider for a nice damage bonus. Life on striking OWNZ.

Runeword
Dawn (El in any weapon)
5% Chance to cast level 7 Celerity when you Kill an Enemy
+(31 to 60)% Enhanced damage
15% Faster Hit Recovery
(101 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
10% Bonus to All Attributes
(31 to 60)% Extra Gold from Monsters
+2 to Light Radius

Very early game option. FHR, AR, stats and celerity proc.

Icebird
Flying Knife (6)
Throw Damage: (218-244) to (244-273)
One-Hand Damage: (125-140) to (139-155)
Durability: 12
Required Dexterity: 337
Required Level: 50
10% Chance to cast level 12 Shackles of Ice on Striking
+(231 to 270)% Enhanced damage
Adds (401-800)-(1041-2080) cold damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
Cold Absorb (14 to 15)%
40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Socketed: 2

Damn nice option for an untwinked char and if you really like you can keep it even for endgame.

Shields

Hellspeak
Demon Head (6)
Defense: (1618-3202)
Durability: 70
(Necromancer Only)
Required Dexterity: 236
Required Level: 54
30% Chance to cast level 24 Fire Splash when you Kill an Enemy
30% Chance to cast level 12 Doom when you Kill an Enemy
+(171 to 200) to Maximum Damage
-(36 to 40)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Stun Attack
+(11 to 12) to Devil's Fang Totem
(23 to 25)% Chance of Crushing Blow
(36 to 40)% Bonus to Dexterity
+(181 to 210)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Absorb (18 to 20)%
Socketed: 4

I think this shield speaks for itself: doom proc, damage bonus, stun, CB, huge dexterity bonus and fire absorb! Why it's not Sacred?

Runeword
Nomad (Lem in any shield)
5% Chance to cast level 44 Carpet of Spiders on Attack
40% Faster Block Rate
+(101 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+163 Defense
40% Slower Stamina Drain
+(6 to 10)% to Experience Gained
(101 to 150)% Extra Gold from Monsters

Mainly for the nice proc. Until you find Hellspeak (believe me hellspeak is a MUST).

Armors

Jitan's Kamon
Splint Mail (6)
Defense: (2170-4307)
Durability: 75
Required Strength: 391
Required Level: 49
100% Chance to cast level 42 Singularity when you Die
10% Chance to cast level 19 Guard Tower when you Kill an Enemy
Adds (241-480)-(481-960) fire damage
Adds (241-480)-(481-960) lightning damage
Adds (241-480)-(481-960) cold damage
+(191 to 220)% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 10%
Socketed: 6

Werecat
Breast Plate (6)
Defense: (1984-3904)
Durability: 69
Required Strength: 353
Required Level: 50
10% Chance to cast level 16 Claw Tornado on Attack
30% Increased Attack Speed
(46 to 50)% Chance of Open Wounds
+(191 to 220)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Strength
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Vitality
Socketed: 6

Albrecht's Revenge
Chain Mail (6)
Defense: (1432-2735)
Durability: 63
Required Strength: (200-188)
Required Level: 49
10% Chance to cast level 1 Arrow on Striking
Adds (401-800)-(801-1600) cold damage
+(131 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
Cold Resist +(46 to 50)%
(23 to 25)% Reanimate as: Returned Archer
+(52 to 60) Life after each Demon Kill
Requirements (-36 to -40)%
Socketed: 6

As there is no armor that outstands all the others and fits good, one of those will do, choose what you prefer/need/find first.

Runeword
Apotheosis (Shael in any body armor)
10% Chance to cast level 11 Countdown on Attack
50% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(11 to 15)% to Spell Damage
+(11 to 20) to all Attributes
(31 to 50)% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Light Radius

Proc, AR, all attribute bonus, magic find. Nice for early game.

Helms

The Allseeing Eye
Coronet (6)
Defense: (279-411)
Durability: 15
Required Dexterity: 183
Required Level: 49
1% Chance to cast level 18 Blink when you Take Damage
15% Increased Attack Speed
(131 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
(14 to 15)% Bonus to Dexterity
+(131 to 150) Defense
Socketed: 4

IAS, AR and a dexterity bonus.

Haareis
Diadem (6)
Defense: (212-375)
Durability: 25
Required Dexterity: 294
Required Level: 54
4% Chance to cast level 11 Shackles of Ice on Attack
(14 to 15)% Bonus to Buff/Debuff/Cold Skill Duration
(17 to 19)% Life stolen per Hit
(27 to 30)% Chance of Open Wounds
(14 to 15)% Bonus to Vitality
Cold Resist +(66 to 75)%
Socketed: 4

Nice helm to boost up your life and the proc also helps.

Belts

Wormtongue
Light Belt (6)
Defense: (757-970)
Durability: 34
Required Strength: 173
Required Level: 46
(131 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds (301-600)-(601-1200) poison damage over 6 seconds
(17 to 19)% Life stolen per Hit
+(131 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
Socketed: 2

AR, life leech, flat dexterity bonus.

Runeword
Rainbow (Eth in any belt)
+5 to Maximum Damage
+5% to Spell Damage
All Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 15)% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Light Radius

Resists and magic find. Very early game option.

Gloves

Featherclaw
Chain Gloves (6)
Defense: (549-777)
Durability: 39
Required Strength: 244
Required Level: 48
40% Faster Run/Walk
30% Increased Attack Speed
(171 to 200)% Bonus to Attack Rating
(18 to 20)% Chance of Open Wounds
+(131 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(351 to 400) Maximum Stamina
Socketed: 4

AR, FRW, IAS, flat dexterity bonus. Only option for dagger users, really good one though.

Runeword
Mercy (Shael in any gloves)
5% Chance to cast level 14 Punisher on Attack
+(21 to 30) to Maximum Damage
+26 Defense
+(11 to 20) to Strength
(11 to 15)% Bonus to Vitality when using a Healing Potion

OMG PWNISHERS!

Boots

Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (6)
Defense: (863-1235)
Durability: 68
Required Strength: 385
Required Level: 50
15% Faster Run/Walk
15% Increased Attack Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(131 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% Bonus to Dexterity
(11 to 12)% Reanimate as: Dark Templar
Socketed: 4

FRW, IAS, AR and bonus to desterity. Best option for dagger user.

Runeword
Epicenter (Ith in any boots)
100% Chance to cast level 21 Tremor when you Die
(0.125 per level)% Chance of Crushing Blow (Based on Character Level)
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Life (11 to 15)%

Another very early game option. Mainly for life and CB bonuses.

Rings/Amulets

Doesn't really matter.

End game gear

Weapons

There are too many good options but i'll post them all so you can easily choose what you prefer.

Drow Valor
Blade (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: (280-320) to (692-832)
Durability: 26
Required Dexterity: 488
Required Level: 100
4% Chance to cast level 37 Carpet of Spiders on Striking
+(4 to 5) to All Skills
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced damage
40% Increased Attack Speed
+(401 to 500) to Maximum Damage
Stun Attack
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Dexterity
(21 to 25)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Total Character Defense Plus (21 to 25)%
40% Reanimate as: Soul Spider
Socketed: 3

Lovely proc, skills, IAS, stun, dexterity bonus, CB, Total Char defense. Good weapon.

Frostneedle
Kriss (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: (234-273) to (391-480)
Durability: 20
Required Dexterity: 454
Required Level: 100
33% Chance to cast level 19 Glacial Nova when you Kill an Enemy
+(2 to 3) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(201 to 250)% Enhanced damage
35% Increased Attack Speed
+(151 to 200) to Maximum Damage
-50% Target Defense
+(31 to 40)% to Cold Spell Damage
Cold Resist +(41 to 60)%
Half Freeze Duration
Socketed: 3

Ice cold baby. Good wep, but i don't like it so much.

Astrogha's Fang
Hexblade (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: (279-304) to (743-792)
Durability: 15
(Necromancer Only)
Required Dexterity: 463
Required Level: 100
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced damage
30% Increased Attack Speed
Area Effect Attack
Adds 100-400 damage
(31 to 37)% Life stolen per Hit
40% Bonus to Dexterity
40% Bonus to Vitality
Replenish Life +(201 to 250)
Socketed: 2

Area effect attack... LOL! Huge stat bonuses, IAS and a huge life leech. This is a nice choice.

Mente Scura
Spirit Edge (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: (424-456) to (796-852)
Durability: 28
(Necromancer Only)
Required Dexterity: 537
Required Level: 100
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced damage
40% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 200-400 damage
Adds 500-1000 magic damage
Adds 500-1000 cold damage
Slows Target by 25%
+150 to Dexterity
10% Chance to Avoid Damage
Damage Reduced by 10%
Socketed: 3

Best option? Don't know but it's a really cool dagger: IAS, magic and cold damage bonuses, slow target, flat dexterity bonus, 10% dodge and 10% DR.

Runeword
Roc (Taha in a necro dagger)
+(301 to 350)% Enhanced damage
+(301 to 400) to Maximum Damage
+(3 to 12) to Thunder Slam
Hit Causes Monster to Flee +25%
(21 to 25)% Bonus to Strength
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Dexterity
(21 to 25)% Reanimate as: Gargoyle Ape

Gives us a good croud control and good stat bonuses. Gargoyle Ape LOL!

Runeword
Mkodos (Sha'ad in a necro dagger)
25% Chance to cast level 26 Venomous Spirit on Striking
+4 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced damage
Adds 150-250 damage
+(41 to 50)% to Poison Spell Damage
-(41 to 50)% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(8 to 10) Life on Striking

As for Cane of Juris Khan this is good for farming purposes in K3KBA and the life on striking really OWNZ.

Runeword
Gehenna (Xar in any weapon)
25% Chance to cast level 27 Frozen Crown on Attack
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced damage
Adds 750-1000 cold damage
Adds 1500-2000 poison damage over 5 seconds
-50% to Enemy Cold Resistance
-50% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+50% to Cold Spell Damage
+50% to Poison Spell Damage
Increase Maximum Life and Mana 25%
Requirements -33%

Added this RW because it does not require a Great Rune and imo it has a great proc (It also increases AoD effectiveness).

Runeword
Adramelech (Krys in any weapon)
25% Chance to cast level 40 Flamefront on Attack
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced damage
Adds 200-400 damage
Adds 1-4000 fire damage
Drain Life -250
+10 Life on Striking
(11 to 15)% Reanimate as: Condemned
Target Takes Additional Damage of 100

Good proc, damage bonus and again life on strinking OWNZ.

Tracker's Strike
Flying Knife (Sacred)
Throw Damage: (564-622) to (728-788)
One-Hand Damage: (416-454) to (573-612)
Durability: 12
Required Dexterity: 473
Required Level: 100
25% Chance to cast level 6 Knife Throw on Striking
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced damage
40% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 150-300 damage
+(41 to 50) to Dexterity
Target Takes Additional Damage of 100
Socketed: 2

Yes, it works. Mainly for the amazing proc.

Angler's Hook
Flying Knife (Sacred)
Throw Damage: (355-413) to (518-627)
One-Hand Damage: (228-266) to (385-473)
Durability: 12
Required Dexterity: 473
Required Level: 100
15% Chance to cast level 6 Knife Throw on Striking
+(2 to 3) to Assassin Skill Levels
+(2 to 3) to Druid Skill Levels
+(201 to 250)% Enhanced damage
30% Increased Attack Speed
+(151 to 200) to Maximum Damage
(16 to 22)% Life stolen per Hit
(21 to 25)% Chance of Open Wounds
(21 to 25)% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Socketed: 2

Nice proc and decent LL, but no skill bonus for us.

Pixie Legion
Balanced Knife (Sacred)
Throw Damage: (388-516) to (409-544)
One-Hand Damage: (246-328) to (255-340)
Durability: 16
Required Dexterity: 544
Required Level: 100
100% Chance to cast level 48 Scorpion Blade when you Kill an Enemy
+(31 to 50)% Bonus to Poison Skill Duration
+(201 to 300)% Enhanced damage
20% Faster Run/Walk
(101 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +(31 to 40)%
(301 to 500)% Extra Gold from Monsters
75% Curse Length Reduction
Socketed: 2

Great option. The proc really OWNZ.

Shields

Shadowhymn
Bone Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (1390-2005)
Durability: 51
Required Dexterity: 395
Required Level: 100
+1 to All Skills
-10% Target Defense
Adds 250-500 magic damage
Adds 250-500 fire damage
Adds 250-500 lightning damage
Adds 250-500 cold damage
+(101 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+5% to All Maximum Resistances
All Resists +(41 to 50)%
Socketed: 6
Requirements -25%

If you're low on res, this is for you: max res, good res bonus, tri ele dmg and magic dmg, +skills. Ah, and you look really cool, so best option for style!

Akarat's Crucifix
Spiked Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (1455-2160)
Durability: 59
Required Dexterity: 550
Required Level: 100
15% Chance to cast level 19 Mind Flay when Struck
5% Chance to cast level 16 Bloodlust when you Take Damage
+(31 to 40)% Bonus Elemental Damage to Bloodlust
50% Chance of Open Wounds
Enhanced Weapon Damage +400%
+(101 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+(41 to 50) to Strength
+(41 to 50) to Dexterity
+(41 to 50) to Vitality
Fire Resist +(31 to 40)%
Lightning Resist +(31 to 40)%
Socketed: 6

Imo best option. Good procs, enhanced weapon damage, flat bonus to strength dexterity and vitality

Runeword
Wyrm (Taha in a necro shield)
+(51 to 100) to Maximum Damage
Adds 5000-10000 poison damage over 10 seconds
(21 to 25)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(21 to 25) to Wings of Wrath
+(301 to 350)% Enhanced Defense
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Strength
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Dexterity

CB, Wings of wrath (Run!), good dexterity and stregth bonus. Nothing special...

Runeword
Wall of Fire (On in any shield)
+1 to All Skills
40% Faster Block Rate
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced Defense
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Strength
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Vitality
Total Character Defense Plus (16 to 25)%
Attacker Takes Fire Damage of 500

+skills, faster block rate, strength and vitality bonuses, total char defense. Good if you're lacking a great rune or SU.

Armors

Scales of the Serpent
Gothic Plate (Sacred)
Defense: (7012-9696)
Durability: 99
Required Strength: 614
Required Level: 100
15% Chance to cast level 40 Carpet of Spiders on Attack
25% Chance to cast level 12 Time Strike on Striking
+150% Damage to Undead
Adds 400-600 poison damage over 2 seconds
-50% to Enemy Poison Resistance
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
Enhanced Weapon Damage +200%
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced Defense
+150 to Strength
+250 Life on Striking in Melee
(31 to 40)% Chance of Uninterruptable Attack
Socketed: 6

Best armor for a melee char imo. Great procs, -enemy poison res, CB, enhanced weapon damage, flat strength bonus, life on striking in melee. GODLY for us.

Runeword
Erawan (Nih in a body armor)
-10% Slower Run/Walk
10% Bonus to Buff/Debuff/Cold Skill Duration
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
25% Bonus to Strength
25% Bonus to Vitality
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by (11 to 15)%
Total Character Defense Plus (11 to 20)%

Not a GreatRuneword, use it until you get Scales. Buff duration, CB, stat bonuses, DR (!) and total char defense. Very good.

Helms

The Wanderer's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2561-3013)
Durability: 27
Required Strength: 456
Required Level: 100
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+(201 to 250)% Enhanced Defense
Increase Maximum Life 10%
+(41 to 50) Life on Striking in Melee
(21 to 25)% Reanimate as: Soul Flayer
(101 to 150)% Extra Gold from Monsters
Socketed: 4

Nice helm if you really don't have anything better.

Royal Circlet
Tiara (Sacred)
Defense: (1825-2352)
Durability: 20
Required Dexterity: 392
Required Level: 100
+2 to All Skills
+150% Damage to Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced Defense
(21 to 25)% Bonus to All Attributes
All Resists +(31 to 40)%
Damage Reduced by 5%
(41 to 50)% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Socketed: 4

Imo this outstands all other options: skills, damage bonus against demons and undeads (more than half of the monsters in the game are demons or undeads), resistances, stats, DR (!), Magic find.

Runeword
Eidolon (Taha in any helm)
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+100 to Maximum Damage
20% Bonus to All Attributes
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced Defense
All Resists +(31 to 40)%
Total Character Defense Plus (21 to 30)%
+4 to Light Radius

Again great options: skills, stats, resistances and total char defense. I still prefer royal circlet.

Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136-2583)
Durability: 27
Required Strength: 228
Required Level: 100
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Strength
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Dexterity
+5% to All Maximum Resistances
All Resists +(31 to 40)%
Damage Reduced by 5%
Total Character Defense Plus (16 to 20)%
Socketed: 4
Requirements -50%

Low requirements, stat bonuses, max resists, resists, DR, total char defense. Really good option!

Belts

Runeword
Truce (Vith in any belt)
-5% Decreased Attack Speed
-5% Slower Cast Rate
Stun Attack
+(301 to 350)% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by 10%
Slows Attacker by 5%

Most popular solution for a melee fighter. DR (!), stun and slow attacker. Really good.

Runeword
Ahriman (Ghal in any belt)
+1 to All Skills
Adds 200-600 fire damage
Adds 200-600 lightning damage
Adds 200-600 cold damage
+(301 to 350)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) to all Attributes
All Resists +(31 to 40)%
Requirements +10%

Skills, tri elemental damage bonus, flat bonus to stats, resistances. Good option, but if you plan on getting high DR truce is your choice.

Gloves

Deadman's Hand
Chain Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: (1110-1417)
Durability: 39
Required Strength: 514
Required Level: 100
5% Chance to cast level 36 Doom on Attack
+1 to All Skills
20% Faster Hit Recovery
(41 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Slows Target by 5%
+(201 to 250)% Enhanced Defense
(11 to 15)% Bonus to Dexterity
Socketed: 4

Best option. Doom proc OWNZ.

Boots

Akarat's Trek
Light Plated Boots (Sacred)
Defense: (1410-1866)
Durability: 68
Required Strength: 561
Required Level: 100
10% Chance to cast level 13 Thunder Wave when Attacked
+(151 to 200)% Damage to Undead
Enhanced Weapon Damage +150%
10% Bonus to All Attributes
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Replenish Life +100
+2 to Light Radius
Socketed: 4

Attributes, enhanced weapon damage, damage to undead.

Runeword
Hibagon (Qor in any boots)
+1 to All Skills
+(301 to 350)% Enhanced Defense
All Resists +(31 to 40)%
5% Reanimate as: Bronze Titan
5% Reanimate as: Gold Titan
5% Reanimate as: Silver Titan
Requirements -15%

Godly reanimates, res and +skill. Cool boots.

Runeword
Nephilim (Nih in any boots)
100% Chance to cast level 51 Fire Splash when you Die
10% Bonus to Buff/Debuff/Cold Skill Duration
(21 to 25)% Bonus to Strength
(21 to 25)% Bonus to Vitality
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced Defense
+150 Defense
+50 to Strength
+50 to Vitality

Good option and quite easy to get: Flat and % bonus to strength, buff duration.

Rings/Amulets

Klaatu Barada Nikto
Amulet
Required Level: 120
25% Chance to cast level 20 Nova Bomb on Attack
+2 to All Skills
25% Increased Attack Speed
Adds 1-1500 lightning damage
+1800 poison damage over 6 seconds
Stun Attack
Lightning Resist +(41 to 50)%
Poison Resist +(41 to 50)%
50% Enhanced Damage vs. Necrobots
Level 16 Hive (5 Charges)

Self explanatory i think.

Angel Heart
Amulet
Required Level: 40
+1 to All Skills
Slows Target by 5%
(6 to 10)% Bonus to Strength
(6 to 10)% Bonus to Dexterity
Total Character Defense Plus (16 to 20)%
+(3 to 4) to Light Radius

If you want lot of space for MOing.

Empyrean Band
Ring
Required Level: 40
1% Chance to cast level 7 Singularity when you Kill an Enemy
(3 to 5)% Bonus to All Attributes
Increase Maximum Life and Mana 10%
(51 to 100)% Extra Gold from Monsters

Ring of Truth
Ring
Required Level: 20
15% Faster Hit Recovery
25% Faster Block Rate
(31 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Total Character Defense Plus (11 to 15)%
Slows Attacker by (3 to 5)%
+2 to Light Radius

Both good choices for the dagger user: use either a cambination of them or only 1. Lots of space for MOing.

Socketing/MOing

In early game if you're a dagger user socket items with shaels so you don't need to invest much into strength. For endgame i think Lahs for stats, Nihs for buff duration (unholy armor thanks) and Thais for resistances. I'm not a good crafter, i prefer farming, but i think you could craft/find jewels with IAS/Stats/FHR/AR (not all in the same otherwise brother laz murders 2 kittens ). For MOing the Endless Light UMO is really nice. Always remember to make the lucky upgrade on amulets (+1 to skills), armors (+40% ED and/or 1% DR) and on weapons (+40% ED) and to use MOs before making runewords.

Mercenary

Act1 Priestess

Why?

We are a melee fighter with a quite high survivability, but unfortunately we have low life.
The priestess casts Blood Tide Totems, loads of 'em, so our life is greatly increased (average 50% boost).

Equipment

WEAPONS

Hand of Karcheus
Long Battle Bow (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: (432-546) to (433-547)
Required Dexterity: 514
Required Level: 100
50% Chance to cast level 24 Glacial Nova when you Kill an Enemy
25% Chance to cast level 13 Frozen Soul on Striking
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced damage
25% Faster Run/Walk
+(101 to 150) to Minimum Damage
Adds 1000-1500 cold damage
Cold Resist +(31 to 50)%
+(21 to 25) Cold Absorb
Cannot Be Frozen
Socketed: 6

Frozen soul on striking + spore shot = croud control = more survivability

Runeword
Phantom (Nas in any bow)
50% Chance to cast level 15 Frozen Soul on Striking
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced damage
(11 to 17)% Stamina stolen per Hit
+(51 to 100) to all Attributes
Increase Maximum Mana 50%
Cannot Be Frozen

Again Frozen soul on striking + spore shot = croud control = more survivability. Poor men's option (a.k.a. easy to get).

ARMORS

Runeword
Erawan (Nih in a body armor)
-10% Slower Run/Walk
10% Bonus to Buff/Debuff/Cold Skill Duration
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
25% Bonus to Strength
25% Bonus to Vitality
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced Defense
Damage Reduced by (11 to 15)%
Total Character Defense Plus (11 to 20)%

Because of the really high DR. Reroll until you get 15% DR.

HELMS

Royal Circlet
Tiara (Sacred)
Defense: (1825-2352)
Durability: 20
Required Dexterity: 392
Required Level: 100
+2 to All Skills
+150% Damage to Demons
+150% Damage to Undead
+(251 to 300)% Enhanced Defense
(21 to 25)% Bonus to All Attributes
All Resists +(31 to 40)%
Damage Reduced by 5%
(41 to 50)% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Socketed: 4

Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136-2583)
Durability: 27
Required Strength: 228
Required Level: 100
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Strength
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Dexterity
+5% to All Maximum Resistances
All Resists +(31 to 40)%
Damage Reduced by 5%
Total Character Defense Plus (16 to 20)%
Socketed: 4
Requirements -50%

Choose one of these. Main reason is in bold.

With this equipment, if you use Void Archon, your merc will get: 45% DR, a good croud control proc, max res, high defense.

General Gameplay Tips

Before level 24
Until we get Parasite our killing speed won't be very high, in fact we'll be jumping around like mad trying to kill those bloody fast moving bastards with Angel of Death The only good thing is that this is act 1, so there are no really big crouds so we can kill them with AoD. You should arrive at the end of act 1 at level 24.

Until level 90
This i quite easy, just go around making quests and leveling in uberlevels like K3KBA, Island of the sunless sea and Infernal Machine (lovely if you want to get xp boosts even on /p1). I suggest you to kill Diablo after you made the ennead and level challenge, at least at level 60.
You should reach Terror at level 80/90.

Endgame
Terror will be a piece of cake at level 90 with decent gear (i suggest you to farm normal ubers until you get it)(btw, remember that in terror resistances are really hard to get for untwinked chars, find some runes in normal uberlevels (or at least use some Pgems): Mal (poison res), Gul (Cold res), Pul (Fire res) and Lo (lightning res)). While going through terror try to do the first 2 parts of the black road challenge as they're quite easy.
Again use infernal machine for xp boosts if you want.
At this point you should already have some decent chance to block.
Start farming your first charms at least at level 110 (ok, maybe the easiest ones can be done before, depends on your gear).
When you finally reach lvl 120 (or even before, do as you wish) you can go to K3KBA and start farming signets and items.

Challenges

Level Challenge
Go here at level 48 (last skill brakpoint before level 50). At level 48 i had around 20% block; believe me, it really helps when crouds of angry amazons try to kill you. Go ahead slowly and don't get into big packs or you'll get locked and die. Open many town portals to be safe because you'll die sometimes until you realize how to correctly lure the zons away from a priestess to kill her. It's easier with summons 'cause they get hit instead of you and give you the time to hit the zons. Whirlpool oSkill is also a nice help because you can use a hit'n'run strategy as it hits multiple times (really imba skill, even with timer).

Ennead challenge
Do it after the level challenge so you can just run to the necro in the right corner without killing all the totems. Very easy imo.

Black road challenge
1. Trial of Fear: lol this is impossible
2. Trial of Greed: go to Island of the sunless sea and farm you gold, then cube the charm.
3. Trial of Contrition: with summons it's easier than without, but, come on. this is terror. Cube the charm while the red swrils are around you, don't forget it.
4. Trial of Knowledge: if done at level 120 you can just run to the necro bosses and kill them to get the brains. Did in 15 minutes.
5. Trial of Blood: max bloxk tor the win! just lure the 2 priestess like shown in the image below, kill them then cube the charm.

6. Buy 4 victim's heart from a shop and cube them with your charm. Congrats!

Dragon Eggs
Kill the egg. Kill the dragon. Some fire resistance would be appreciated here.

Ubers

Summoning Uberquests

Before each summoning unerquest i recommend to summon buff totems: blood tide, elemental and howling.

The Butcher: no way guys...



The Binding of Baal: This is extremely easy if you follow these few steps.



This is the map of the valley of snakes. Enter here and cast sacrifices where indicated so you can summon buff totems. Then go to the signed corner (south one). Does not matter from what side you enter.





Stand where indicated and point the hand in the little circle, then summon Tal Rasha. This way you'll be able to summon him with max 2 guards (most of the time, if you did correctly, there will be none). Farm until you find a perfect charm with a good skill.



Assault on Mount Arreat: Very easy. With parasite you can point King Koth and start hitting so when the last guardsman dies you'll be already target locked on him. Summon in a corner.



Akarat: easy again. Summon in the temple: it will be easier because when one of the guards dies you have only 5 seconds to hit him and in these areas it is very simple to target lock akarat and kill the guards with parasite (you don't loose time pointing akarat).



Lord Aldric Jitan: Woo Hoo easy. With max block the towers won't be a big problem. Just remember to clear out the temple entrance, we don't really want an additional pack of heroic mobs to kill and REMEMBER TO RUN AWAY EACH TIME YOU KILL A GUARD, THE SINGULARY THEY CAST ON DEATH OWNZ.



Legacy of blood: this might be difficult, but it's not. Stay near the entrace to the first level of the tower, summons will distract enemies so you have time to kill the golems. When you are low on minios exit the room, resummon them, then get back and continue this way until you kill everybody.



Judgement Day:Still doing, but i think it will be very hard to get the charm upgrade.

Brother Laz: not tried.

Inarius' Revenge: one advice only: DON'T FORGET IT!



Dungeon Uberquests

Creature of Flame: Run in. Kill. Collect charm. Next please!



Infernal Machine: easy. Just beware of Core Lords, if you stay too close when they die they'll insta kill you.



Death Projector: easy, but We're quite weak against single targets so i think you'll have to apply a hit'n'run strategy using Whirlpool oSkill or AoD. I did it with whirlpool.



Azmodan: the tricky part here is to lure Azmodan near the dungeon entrance so you can run away to recast your summons/wait for Unholy armor timer. Did on Second run. Beware of Core Lords.



Rathma Square: A hard one, really. Before entering here cast buff totems. Kill the first pack of crawlers while in the first room, then lure rathma where you can see him and start hitting. When he's going to die cast unholy armor so you can check the loot. Did a lot of runs before i got the charm.



Cathedral of Vanity: Run in, wait until the ball stops casting the beam (unholy armor won't help), AoD it (should die in 1 hit), cast Unholy armor and kill everyone. Get the charm AND THEN DO THE SUMMONING QUEST!



Toraja: still doing...

Vizjun: still doing...

Uberlevels

Kurast 3000 BA: AoD OWNZ here for killing totems. Parasite will do the rest.



Island of the Sunless Sea: easy! Rathma Priests will spot enemies for you. Avoid Malic's pwnishers and kill him with AoD. Lucion is even easier. AoD rocks.





Khalimgrad: This is absolute ownage. Big Crouds = you never die, even if you get hit by pwnishers.



Tran Athulua: Max Block For The Win! Again absolutely no problem. Our huge life leech will keep us alive.



Faztinville: still doing...

Ghosts of Old Bremmtown: still doing...

Kingdom of Shadow: still doing...

Duncraig: Still doing...

Heroic Levels

Belial: still doing...

Bull Prince Rodeo: still doing...

Quov Tsin: still doing...

Astrogha: still doing...

Credits

Section dedicated to all who helped the improvement of this guide after i posted it.

death_arch: suggested to add very early game runewords for untwinked chars in the Equipment section. DONE.
HellWyrm: suggested to add mercenary section with equipment. DONE.