01234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Diablo 2 - Lord of Destruction 1.12a PvP/PvM Aura Zealot/Aura Beardin Guide By Zekareisoujin (or Zeka in short) ______ \ \ Table of Contents \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Version History [AZTVHY] 2. Introduction [AZTINT] 3. Stat Distribution [AZTSDN] 4. Skills Allocation [AZTSKA] 4a. Combat Skills [AZTCSK] 4b. Offensive Auras [AZTOAS] 4c. Defensive Auras [AZTDAS] 4d. Skills Summary [AZTSKS] 5. Equipments [AZTEQT] 6. Hirelings [AZTHLG] 7. General Strategies [AZTGSY] 7a. PvM [AZTPVM] 7b. PvP [AZTPVP] 8. Abbreviations [AZTABR] 9. Contact Me [AZTCTM] 10. Credits [AZTCTS] ______ \ 1 \ Version History [AZTVHY] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.00 (07/08) - First version 1.01 (10/08) - Fixed some errors in the equipment section, namely Shield and Weapons 1.30 (07/09) - Changed Aura Templar to Aura Beardin - Correction on Zeal fpa - Correction on Equipments - Add My Beardin to the end of Equipments Section ______ \ 2 \ Introduction [AZTINT] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT IS THIS GUIDE? =============================================================================== Basically this guide tells you how to make Aura Beardin and Aura Zealot, 2 of the best alternatives of an Auradin. However, the build itself is expensive in term of equipments (duh, what else is more expensive than that), plus the use of ladder-only runewords. So, if you are rich, or you are not playing on ladder, and you somehow manage to aquire these ladder-only equipments, go ahead and read this guide. SO, WHO'S AN AURADIN? =============================================================================== A Paladin who make use of equipments that gives offensive auras, Holy Fire and Holy Shock to be exact. Instead of Holy Shock/Holy Fire as your main aura like other Tesladin/Firadin, you are gonna utilize one of the best aura, Conviction. AURA ZEALOT? =============================================================================== An Auradin, who uses Zeal as his main attack. This is not the spotlight of this guide, however, since Aura Zealot is mentioned in many other Auradin guides. AURA BEARDIN? =============================================================================== What's a beardin? It's a werebear paladin. So Aura Beardin? An Auradin using Werebear, duh. Compare with Aura Zealot: ==Pros== - You gonna have tons of hit points. 50% max life from Werebear, not counting prebuffing equips. Against other Auradin, you're gonna laugh at them, since you can take much more hits. - In PvM, you can breeze through Hell, and even Uber Tristam. Feh, since when Diablo is so easy? - With proper equipments, you will have 4 FPA attacks. Fastest Zealots are still stuck with a 8 frame normal attack at the beginning of their Zeal. Yes, your attack speed is only 2nd to a weresin. And their damage is pathetic. - Stylish. A bear with dual elemental attack, 4fpa, leeching and all... - Mana? What's that? What are these mana-burn-monsters doing to me? o.O ==Cons== - You can only use normal attack and nothing else in Bear Form T_T. Not that important in PvM though. In PvP, however, you will be watching other people teleporting and charging... And bear also needs more AR booster, especially in PvP... - Again, Aura Beardins is a bit more expensive than Aura Zealot. - Bears are ugly T_T. *Notes: - From now on I will use AB for Aura Beardin and AZ for Aura Zealots. ______ \ 3 \ Stats Distribution [AZTSDN] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ===STRENGTH=== Useless stat, just dump in enough to meet equip req. ===DEXTERITY=== Also useless, put enough for equip req. Blocking? No no, for paladin in general, you will utilize Holy Shield, which will easily push your block rate to 75% (max). ===VITALITY=== Every other points go into here. More life = more survivability. The winner is the last man standing. ===ENERGY=== Most useless stats of the game, especially for those turning bear like Aura Beardin, since Bears don't use mana. ______ \ 4 \ Skills Allocation [AZTSKA] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Note: The only difference between an AB and AZ are their equipments, so basically their skills are the same, except Zeal for Zealot.. 4a COMBAT SKILLS [AZTCKS] ======================================================================== --------- SACRIFICE --------- A synergy for Zeal, great! Max it? No no, you're using elemental damage from Aura, so Sacrifice is useless. 1 pt as prereq. ---- ZEAL ---- Main attack for AZ. 1~20 pts. You need at least lvl 4 for 5 hit attacks. Of course, more points doesn't hurt, since it will boost your AR anyway. For AB, you can put points into here to change to a AZ any time you want with an equipment change. ----- SMITE ----- Main attack for Smiter/Vindicator.. but you are Auradin, so 1 pt as prereq and move on. ------ CHARGE ------ Great skill to move around quickly in PvP. For AZ only though, since AB can't charge in Bear form. At least 1 pt as prereq. Either leave it to +skills, or add more point. I'd recommend a 1 pt wonder, though. --------- HOLY BOLT --------- For Holydin, perhaps there's some use. For us, it's useless. 1 pt as prereq. -------------- BLESSED HAMMER -------------- You are not a Hammerdin right? 1 pt as prereq. ----------- HOLY SHIELD ----------- Great skill, esp. for AZ. With Holy Shield, you will hit max block rate of 75% easily. For AB, it's good, but not necessarily best. If you have some life leech you won't like this skill, since 1 block = 10+ frames = 2~3 attacks. Hit recovery is faster. Your choice, 1~20 pts here. Oh btw, if you maxed it you'll have loads of defense also! 4b OFFENSIVE AURAS [AZTOAS] ======================================================================== ===== MIGHT ===== For physical attack, Concentration and Fanaticism is way better. 1 pt as prereq and forget this skill. ========= HOLY FIRE ========= Your aura comes from equipments, remember? So 1 pt as prereq. =========== HOLY FREEZE =========== Not using this, 1 pt as prereq. ========== HOLY SHOCK ========== Not using this, not a prereq, so DO NOT PUT ANY POINT HERE -.- ====== THORNS ====== 1 pt as prereq, yawn~ ========= SANCTUARY ========= Another 1 pt as prereq. ========== CONVICTION ========== This is the build, dude! Sorcs, Fireclaw Druids, Trapsin, Javzon, and even Paladins (Tesladin, Freezadin, Avenger, etc...) loves the -resist. Normally you would acquire this aura from Infinity. But, as a Paladin, Auradin is able to max it, since Auradin is not gonna use any other aura! Max it. The -defense is also great, you'll pratically have 95& chance to hit almost everything. 4c DEFENSIVE AURAS [AZTDAS] ======================================================================== ====== PRAYER ====== They take mana every second to heal a minor amount of life. Useless. 1 pt as prereq. ========= CLEANSING ========= Useful to rid of an annoying poison. Nothing else. It's a 1 pt wonder, so 1 pt you go. ======== DEFIANCE ======== Up your defense... It's great! But you can only use 1 aura, and you don't want it to be a defensive aura (you can't do damage). 1 pt as a prereq. ===== VIGOR ===== This helps you travel faster while not in combat. Good skill. It's a 1 pt wonder, so 1 pt and let +skill do the rest. ========== MEDITATION ========== Good use to regenerate your mana while out of combat. 1 pt wonder, up to you if you want 1 pt here. =========== RESIST FIRE =========== Max it. You're not using it, but it's a synergy to your Holy Fire. ================ RESIST LIGHTNING ================ Same as Resist Fire. ========= SALVATION ========= Good skill in Group PvP. But here, it's a synergy to 2 auras, so max it. SKILLS SUMMARY [AZTSKS] ======================================================================== To sum up: - 1 pt as prereq: Sacrifice, Holy Bolt, Smite, Blessed Hammer, Might, Holy Fire, Holy Freeze, Sanctuary, Thorns, Prayer, Cleansing, Defiance, Vigor, Charge. - 1~20 pts for Holy Shield, Zeal - 20 pts for Resist Fire (only if you're gonna use Holy Fire equipments), Resist Lightning, Salvation, Conviction. *My personal preference: You will want at least +5 skills to reach maximum -resist from Conviction (-150%), so automatically Zeal and Holy Shield will benefits. Thus, I only put 1 point there. ______ \ 5 \ Equipments [AZTEQT] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ah, finally, this is what you need. Auradins are extremely item dependent, so this is the most important part of the guide. Your main skills, namely Holy Fire and Holy Shock, come from the following Runewords: ***DREAM*** =========== 3 Socket Helms/Shields Io + Jah + Pul =========== 10% Chance To Cast Level 15 Confuse When Struck Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped +20-30% Faster Hit Recovery (varies) +30% Enhanced Defense +150-220 Defense (varies) +10 To Vitality Increase Maximum Life 5% (Helms Only) +50 To Life (Shields Only) +0.625-61.875 To Mana (Based On Character Level) All Resistances +5-20 (varies) 12-25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies) ***DRAGON*** ============ 3 Socket Body Armor/Shields Sur + Lo + Sol ============ 20% Chance to Cast Level 18 Venom When Struck 12% Chance To Cast Level 15 Hydra On Striking Level 14 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped +360 Defense +230 Defense Vs. Missile +3-5 To All Attributes (varies) +0.375-37.125 To Strength (Based on Character Level) Increase Maximum Mana 5% (Armor Only) +50 To Mana (Shields Only) +5% To Maximum Lightning Resist Damage Reduced by 7 ***HAND OF JUSTICE*** ===================== 4 Socket Weapon Sur + Cham + Amn + Lo ===================== 100% Chance To Cast Level 36 Blaze When You Level-Up 100% Chance To Cast Level 48 Meteor When You Die Level 16 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped +33% Increased Attack Speed +280-330% Enhanced Damage (varies) Ignore Target's Defense 7% Life Stolen Per Hit -20% To Enemy Fire Resistance 20% Deadly Strike Hit Blinds Target Freezes Target +3 The funny thing is that, when you use 2 piece equipments that provide these auras, the Auras will "stack up". Basically, when you use a Dream helm and a Dream Shield, you will have 15*2=lvl 30 Holy Shock. Jesus! For a Tesladin, lvl 30 Holy Shock is nothing. But it's Holy Shock + lvl 20+ Conviction!! With these gears, you will have 3 options: - Dream Shield + Dream Helm = lvl 30 Holy Shock - Hand of Justice Weapon + Dragon Armor + Dragon Shield = lvl 44 Holy Fire - Dream Shield + Dream Helm + Dragon Armor + Hand of Justic Weapon = lvl 30 Holy Shock + lvl 30 Holy Fire. After testing, I found out that Dual Dream is the most damaging build. Holy Fire is weak, so Lvl 44 Holy Fire isn't that great, despite its level. Dual fire and lightning is more damaging than dual lightning, but it's too much of a gear sacrifice. You won't be able to reach 4fpa attack with Hand of Justice weapons also... So from now on, I'll only discuss the dual dream build. First of all: - Mods we want: Resists, Defense, FHR, IAS, CBF, FBR, increase blocking, life, PMH, AR, DR, CB - Mods we like: +stats, FRW, MR, MF, GF, life leech, elemental dmg, absorb of all sorts - Mods we hate/don't need: knockback, hit causes mob to flee, FCR,+mana, +mana regen, +life regen *For these short forms, check Section 8 - Abbreviations. So, let's get started: ==================================== HELM ==================================== Of course, a Dream Helm, if not you can forget about this build. Any 3 slot base helm would be good. A good base helm would be either a Demonhead or a Bone Visage, they have low strength req, and their stats are about the same. You would want the req to be as low as possible, so that you have more points in Vitality. One with good mod will be even better. For the Dream Runewords, check above. *Personal Preference: Both are ugly. Demonhead are uglier =P ==================================== SHIELD ==================================== Again, a Dream Shield. The difference will lie in the base Shield. Try to look for one with low Strength req and good mod, as usual. Of course you are a paladin, so I expect nothing less than a paladin shield with 3os. Check Arreat Summit for more information on Paladin shield: http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/items/normal/paladinshields.shtml http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/items/exceptional/paladinshields.shtml http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/items/elite/paladinshields.shtml You may also want a switch shield with 4os for prebuff (optional). ***SPIRIT*** ============ 4 Socket Swords/Shields Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn ============ +2 To All Skills +25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies) +55% Faster Hit Recovery +250 Defense Vs. Missile +22 To Vitality +89-112 To Mana (varies) Cold Resist +35% Lightning Resist +35% Poison Resist +35% +3-8 Magic Absorb (varies) Attacker Takes Damage of 14 ***Lidless Wall*** ================== +80-130% Enhanced Defense (varies) +1 To All Skills Increase Maximum Mana 10% 20% Faster Cast Rate +3-5 To Mana After Each Kill (varies) +10 To Energy +1 To Light Radius *Spirit vs Lidless: Spirit runeword requires a 4 slot shield, and the one with lowest Strenth Req is a Monarch with 156 Str req. Lidless has low Str req, but only +1 to All Skills. ==================================== BODY ARMOR ==================================== Any armor with good stats will do. I recommend Fortitude armor on Archon Plate (best Str req/Def ratio). Otherwise, a Dusk Shroud, Wire Fleece will also do. ***Fortitude*** =============== Body Armor 20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck +25% Faster Cast Rate +300% Enhanced Damage +200% Enhanced Defense +15 Defense +X To Life (Based on Character Level)* Replenish Life +7 +5% To Maximum Lightning Resist All Resistances +25-30 (varies) Damage Reduced By 7 12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana +1 To Light Radius ==================================== WEAPON ==================================== You would want a weapon with highest IAS possible. Damage or %ED is irrelevant, since you are doing elemental damage, not physical damage. In this case, Phase Blade is recommended for its -30 WSM and 6 possible sockets as a base weapons. *IAS Breakpoints for Were Paladin standard attack with Phase Blade: 00 % IAS = 10 fpa 04 % IAS = 9 fpa 07 % IAS = 8 fpa 21 % IAS = 7 fpa 32 % IAS = 6 fpa 40 % IAS = 5 fpa 58 % IAS = 4 fpa *IAS Breakpoints of Zeal initial attack: 00 % IAS = 11 fpa 08 % IAS = 10 fpa 24 % IAS = 9 fpa 54 % IAS = 8 fpa *IAS Breakpoints of Zeal subsequent attacks: 00 % IAS = 6 fpa 13 % IAS = 5 fpa 72 % IAS = 4 fpa There you go. For AZ, a Phase Blade socketted with 4 Shael will reach maximum attack speed. For AB, 3 Shael will do. If you find a 6os Phase Blade, you will have 2-3 sockets left. I'd recommend Eth for ITD, or Ber for CB. For AB, you will need the Beast axe for a switch weapon. Without it, you will not become a bear, and hence an Aura Beardin. ***BEAST*** =========== 5 Socket Axes/Scepters/Hammers Ber + Tir + Um + Mal + Lum =========== Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped +40% Increased Attack Speed +240-270% Enhanced Damage (varies) 20% Chance of Crushing Blow 25% Chance of Open Wounds +3 To Werebear +3 To Lycanthropy Prevent Monster Heal +25-40 To Strength (varies) +10 To Energy +2 To Mana After Each Kill Level 13 Summon Grizzly (5 Charges) Any base axe/scepter with low strength req will do. You may also consider a prebuff weapon for AZ, and even AB: a Call To Arms: ***CALL TO ARMS*** ================== 5 Socket Weapons Amn + Ral + Mal + Ist + Ohm ================== +1 To All Skills +40% Increased Attack Speed +250-290% Enhanced Damage (varies) Adds 5-30 Fire Damage 7% Life Stolen Per Hit +2-6 To Battle Command (varies)* +1-6 To Battle Orders (varies)* +1-4 To Battle Cry (varies)* Prevent Monster Heal Replenish Life +12 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items With a Beast in switch, and a CTA in Inventory, an AT may reach 5k life and above without charms. ==================================== JEWELRY ==================================== A Ravenfrost is necessary, since you will not get CBF from any other piece of equipment. No one would want to be frozen, you would be a laughing stock without this mod, trust me, slowed attack and movement is just plainly stupid. ***Raven Frost*** ================= +150-250 To Attack Rating (varies) Adds 15-45 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal) Cannot Be Frozen +15-20 To Dexterity (varies) +40 To Mana Cold Absorb 20% For the other ring and the amulet, there are 2 choices: - Mara's Kaleidoscope paired with Bul Kathos' Wedding Band. You get +3 to All Skills from both of them, together will other good mods, namely +resists and +Life BCL. - If you have trouble hitting things, these are the solutions: Angelic Wings amulet and Angelic Halo ring. They will give approx. 1k AR. So little? Heh, with lvl 25 Conviction, ppl get a -95% to Defense, and 1k AR with other bonus is just enough. ***Mara's Kaleidoscope*** ========================= +2 To All Skills All Resistances +20-30 (varies) +5 To All Attributes ***Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band*** ============================== +1 To All Skills + (0.5 Per Character Level) 0-49 To Life (Based On Character Level) 3-5% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) +50 Maximum Stamina ***Angelic Wings*** =================== 20% Damage Taken Goes to Mana +3 To Light Radius +75 Life (2 Set Items) +1 To All Skills (3 Set Items) ***Angelic Halo*** ================== Replenish Life +6 +20 To Life + (12 Per Character Level) 144-1188 Attack Rating (Based On Character Level) (2 Set Items) +50% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items (3 Set Items) ==================================== BELT ==================================== There are a few choices: Verdungo's Hearty Cord for some good FHR and DR String of Ears for DR, or Arachinid Mesh for the +skills. Of course, Verdungo is most preferable, but Arachinid Mesh comes in need if you haven't reach the minimum req level of 25 for Conviction. ***Verdungo's Hearty Cord*** ============================ +90-140% Enhanced Defense (varies) 10% Faster Hit Recovery +30-40 To Vitality (varies) Replenish Life +10-13 (varies) +100-120 Maximum Stamina (varies) Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies) ***Arachnid Mesh*** ==================== +90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies) Slows Target By 10% +1 To All Skills +20% Faster Cast Rate Increases Maximum Mana 5% Level 3 Venom (11 Charges) ***String of Ears*** ==================== +150-180% Enhanced Defense (varies) +15 Defense 6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies) Magic Damage Reduced 10-15 (varies) ==================================== GLOVES ==================================== 3 choices: Dracul's Grasp for CTC Life Tap and Life Steal, Lava Gout with 2% CTC lvl 10 Enchant to crack up your AR (not that useful in PvP), or Bloodfist with 10% IAS, 30% FHR and 40 Life! After all, it depends on what you need. ***Dracul's Grasp*** ==================== +90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies) +10-15 To Strength (varies) +5-10 Life After Each Kill (varies) 25% Chance of Open Wounds 7-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) 5% Chance To Cast Level 10 Life Tap On Striking ***Lava Gout*** =============== +150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies) 2% Chance To Cast Level 10 Enchant On Striking Half Freeze Duration Adds 13-46 Fire Damage +20% Increased Attack Speed Fire Resist +24% ***Bloodfist*** =============== +10-20% Enhanced Defense (varies) +10 Defense +10% Increased Attack Speed +30% Faster Hit Recovery +40 To Life +5 To Min Damage ==================================== BOOTS ==================================== If you choose to be safe, there's Sandstorm Trek with FHR and Poison Resist. Gore Rider is another option with 15% CB, 15% DS and 10% OW, which helps in killing speed. To kill even faster, there's Goblin Toe with 25% CB. ***Sandstorm Trek*** ==================== +140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies) +20% Faster Hit Recovery +20% Faster Run/Walk + (1 Per Character Level) +1-99 Maximum Stamina (Based On Character Level) +10-15 To Strength (varies) +10-15 To Vitality (varies) 50% Slower Stamina Drain Poison Resist +40-70% (varies) Repairs 1 Durability In 20 Seconds ***Gore Rider*** ================ +160-200% Enhanced Defense (varies) 30% Faster Run/Walk 10% Chance Of Open Wounds 15% Chance Of Crushing Blow 15% Deadly Strike Requirements -25% +20 Maximum Stamina ***Goblin Toe*** ================ +50-60% Enhanced Defense (varies) 25% Chance of a Crushing Blow -1 To Light Radius Damage Reduced By 1 Magic Damage Reduced By 1 +15 Defense *Personal Preference: I take Gore Rider, for its balance: good FRW, coupled with CB. ==================================== CHARMS ==================================== Resist and Life charms are always welcomed. FRW is desirable for PvP specially for AB, since Bears can't charge nor teleport T_T. So is AR charms, since Conviction works additively on enemies. It means that Conviction only remove %defense from base defense, the part that comes from %enhanced defense will not be remove. Back to the topic, you will want some FHR, and these are the breakpoints for bear (I don't have one for Paladin form): 13 frames (0%) 12 frames (5%) 11 frames (10%) 10 frames (16%) 9 frames (24%) 8 frames (37%) 7 frames (54%) 6 frames (86%) 5 frames (152%) 4 frames (360%) 4 frames is impossible, 5 frames is doable, 6 frames is good, 7 frames is too easy that you don't want to go any further below. Dream Helm and Dream Shield already provides 48% FHR, the rest will come from boots, gloves, belts or charms. After that, there're also Anni and Torch... It's expensive, but who would not want them? ***Annihilus*** =============== +1 To All Skills +10-20 To All Attributes (varies) All Resistances +10-20 (varies) +5-10% To Experience Gained (varies) ***Hellfire Torch*** ==================== 25% Chance To Cast level 10 Firestorm* On Striking +3 to random character class skills (varies) +10-20 To All Atributes (varies) All Resistances +10-20 (varies) +8 to light radius Level 30 Hydra (10 charges) ==================================== MY BEARDIN ==================================== Yes, I build a beardin coz I like fast-hitting characters. These are his stats: Equipments: - Dream Grand Crown - Dream Sacred Rondache - Fortitude Ethereal Hellforge Plate - 6os Phase Blade gemmed with 3 Shael, 3 Ber - Dracul - Arachnid Mesh - Gore Rider - Ravenfrost - Angelic Duo - Anni - Torch Merc: Cold Rogue with - Faith Crusader Bow - Fortitude Archon Plate - Dream Grand Crown His current stats: - Shown damage: 197 - 7255 - AR: 1863 (3817 with Fanaticism from Faith) - Defense: 30856 (fully buffed with Holy Shield and Chilling Armor) - Life: 1972 Bear Form, 1154 normal form (quite low, cos I sacrifice a lot of stats to be able to wear that damn Ethereal Hellforge Plate. I made a mistake cos there's no Indestructible. Though that armor is not gonna break any time soon, due to my 30k defense) - 60% IAS - 10% lifesteal - 30% FRW - 47% FHR - 75% CB - All resist 137% (-100% on Hell) Usually I need more resist and FHR charms T_T.. This beardin decimate Hell Baal in under 10 seconds. ______ \ 6 \ Hirelings [AZTHLG] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This build is quite well-rounded so Hireling plays a minimal role here. When it comes to hireling, there are also a few choices: - Act 1 Rogue Scouts: They casts Inner Sights to lower enemy Defense (yay when doing bosses!). Otherwise, there's nothing much. If you're rich, give them a Faith bow for Fanaticism Aura, this will boost your AR, and a bit of IAS. Otherwise Silence or anything else will do. ***FAITH*** =========== 4 Socket Missile Weapons Ohm + Jah + Lem + Eld =========== Level 12-15 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped (varies) +1-2 To All Skills (varies) +330% Enhanced Damage Ignore Target's Defense 300% Bonus To Attack Rating +75% Damage To Undead +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead +120 Fire Damage All Resistances +15 10% Reanimate As: Returned 75% Extra Gold From Monsters ***Silence*** ============= 6 Socket Weapons Dol + Eld + Hel + Ist + Tir + Vex ============= 200% Enhanced Damage +75% Damage To Undead Requirements -20% 20% Increased Attack Speed +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead +2 To All Skills All Resistances +75 20% Faster Hit Recovery 11% Mana Stolen Per Hit Hit Causes Monster To Flee 25% Hit Blinds Target +33 +2 To Mana After Each Kill 30% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items - Act 2 Townguards: + Defensive (Hell & Normal): Defiance is good + Defensive (Nightmare): Holy Freeze will help in crowd control. But seriously, you'r gonna 1 hit almost every mobs, plus leeching a lot from them. Yet, this merc is the best choice. There is not a specific equipment I'd recommend for these guys.. Perhaps a Pride polearms so that you can leech more? ***Pride*** =========== 4 Socket Polearms Cham + Sur + Io + Lo =========== 25% Chance To Cast Level 17 Fire Wall When Struck Level 16-20 Concentration Aura When Equipped (varies) 260-300% Bonus To Attack Rating (varies) +1-99% Damage To Demons (Based on Character Level) Adds 50-280 Lightning Damage 20% Deadly Strike Hit Blinds Target Freezes Target +3 +10 To Vitality Replenish Life +8 1.875-185.625% Extra Gold From Monsters (Based on Character Level) - Act 3 Iron Wolves: They're just useless, being mage warrior they always fight at front line despite their low hp. Even more useless against Hell monsters, when they have immunity. Ignore them unless you have gold to spare for ressurection cost. - Act 4 Barbarians: Well, apart from being a tank, they give you nothing else. Act 2 townguards are better tanks with their Aura. Generally I'd give them a Dream/Delirium/Chains of Honor/Fortitude to boost their survivability. They're certainly expensive, so look for anything that can help them survive. ______ \ 7 \ General Strategies [AZTGSY] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLAYERS VERSUS MONSTERS (PVM) [AZTPVM] ======================================================================== - Early level is a pain, so look for a friend or Baal run to help you level up until level 63, when you can wear all of your equipments. - Basically, once you have obtained all your equipments (in other word, you have met the req to wear them), you are invincible. Charge into any crowd and you will make short of them in no time. - AB are basically more durable than AZ because of their bear form, thus it is recommended that AZ play safer. For AT, it's simple. You have huge life pool, and acceptable life leech (with Dracul), not counting Life Tap which will proc constantly with your 4 frames attack. Besides, the Dream Helm and Shield also have CTC Confuse, which will certainly help in large crowd. I told you already, you're gonna breeze through Hell with this build. - Boss strategy: no strategy, just go straight at them and clobber them. If you have trouble hitting them, put on Angel ammy and ring. If you want them die fast, put on more CB. - Chaos Tristam: no strategy as well, it's all too easy. Get a bit more life leech to make sure that you stay alive making short of the adds. The Ubers become just as simple as any other bosses, even for Memphisto. Your Conviction Aura will cancel out his, thus you will fight with your original Resistance. Just make sure it's high enough to withstand his attack, and he will die in no time. PLAYERS VERSUS PLAYERS (PVP) [AZTPVP] ======================================================================== *These are only some general strategies for PvP, since I have not test this build much in PvP. Feel free to contact me if you found a better in-depth strategies against certain classes. - Put on equipments that give AR, FHR and FRW, namely Sandstorm Trek, Angel duo. Choose either Dracul or Bloodfist. Get more charms as well. - If you choose to play defensively, turn Paladin and charge around the target, avoid being hit... Common sense, lol! - If you choose to play offensively.. either Charge and Zeal them to dead. In bear form, you have more life, so you can always run in and clobber them to dead, providing you have enough FRW and AR. - I'd suggest a defensive play against caster in general, WW Sin and WW Barbs. Other classes like bearsin and javzon, you can make short of them quick with bear form. - Against rangers, play defensively. If you cannot dodge, kill them before they kill you. - Against other auradin: turn bear. You have more life, wanna see who will die first? Carefully block their way to town, and if you're confident enough, you can always run in and make short of them. - Against other auradin with better gears: simple, leave the game. There's no way you're gonna win, unless they're dumb enough to let you attack them without retaliating. - Against aura sorc: heh, charge in and kill them. They have less life, and pathetic AR. They can teleport away, but can they teleport forever? ______ \ 8 \ Abbreviation [AZTABR] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For whatever reason you do not understand my abbrev., look here. FHR - Faster Hit Recovery FCR - Faster Cast Rate IAS - Increase Attack Speed FRW - Faster Run/Walk CBF - Cannot be Frozen AR - Attack Rating PMH - Prevent Monster Heal ITD - Ignore Target Defense CB - Crushing Blow DR - % Damage Reduction MR - % Magic Damage Reduction MF - Better Chance to find Magic Items GF - Extra Gold from Monsters AB - Aura Beardin AZ - Aura Zealot CTC - Chance to cast os - Open Socket (5os, 6os, etc...) ______ \ 9 \ Contact Me [AZTCTM] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anything you want to correct/add in, feel free to Email me to Zeka304@yahoo.com. I may throw them away, add them in.. but suggestions are still necessary. Certainly I'll credit you if I use your idea. I will try to reply any emails I get, but if I don't, it doesn't mean that I'm ignoring you. ______ \ 10 \ Credits [AZTCTS] \_______________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSoG - 10x for his love for bear. I start turning almost every of my characters into bears after I read about Kordiak and Ursa Major The Areat Summit - 10x for providing all items info The Dragoon - 10x for wereform IAS calculator TitanSeal - 10x for all weapons IAS calculator Rampidzier - 10x for the reference for FAQ Format forums.diii.net - 10x for answering all my questions This FAQ may only be used on GameFAQs (www.gamefaqs.com). It may not be distributed in any form unless you have acquired permission from the creator. Copyright 2008 Zekareisoujin