zaiura
03-04-2008, 11:44 PM
Note that this guide is still somewhat incomplete. feel free to post any fixes if I made any factual errors, or post opinions and what not.
I'm going to start this guide off with some legal stuff. Do not copy and/or edit this guide, in part or in whole, without my express permission. This article is copyrighted under Sean Rose, aka Zaiura, and he reserves the right to bring forth legal action to anyone who violates the terms given forthwith. Before reading any further, you agree to the above terms, and plan to acknowledge and follow them.
Now for the table of contents.
I. Introduction
II. Skills
III. Break Points
IV. Equipment
V. Mercenary
VI. Hot Keys
VII. Leveling
VIII. Rushing
IX. Chaosing
X. Baaling
XI. Dueling
XII. End
I. The Introductory
Before you read any farther, know one thing. You Are Not Affluent Enough To Make This. This build will take the upper half of 100 hrs or more, so unless your older brother works for d2items.com, you probably can't afford to devote this much to one character yet. Give it a patch or two. And now for some good news. If, and only if, you can afford to build this, you should know that you can wear an Archon Plate without putting any stats in strength. Wow, eh? yeah. EVERYTHING goes in vitality excepts enough for max block (which won't be that many). That being said, I'm going to be cool and use rational thought based off of an irrational concept for the decision of whether or not I want a stat section. No. I just don't want 13 sections. GG. Moving on:
II. The Skills
Now for the skills of this beast we call Hammerdin, or Zaiuradin X for kicks. The skills are really simple, and straight to the point. if your little ones cannot survive a chaos run or baal run, one of you is doing something stupid, and need to stop. As a forewarning, there are several ways to add points into these skills. They will be addressed below.
20 Blessed Hammer
20 Concentration
20 Vigor
15-20 Blessed Aim
15-20 Holy Shield
1 Might
1 Prayer
1 Cleansing
1 Smite
1 Charge
1 Redemption
101 skill points, which means this guy can be completed (as thus) at level 89, and have maxed both synergies and Holy Shield at level 94. However, the common consensus among most Hammerdin builds is that Blessed Aim should be maxed before Holy Shield. From there, I recommend a few of the extra auras such as Conviction, Meditation, Salvation, etc., or putting the rest into Defiance. It couldn't hurt either way.
III. The Break Points
Note that all of these Break Points are for the Paladin class. I wasn't sure where to find them, so I found them on a different guide*
FHR Frames:
0% 9
7% 8
15% 7
27% 6
48% 5
86% 4
200% 3
It is wise to attempt to get 86% break points, though with the proper gear as listed below, you have no trouble whatsoever getting the 48% Break Point.
FCR Frames:
0% 15
9% 14
18% 13
30% 12
48% 11
75% 10
125% 9
FBR Frames
Frame 5: Without Holy Shield = 0% / With Holy Shield = n/a
Frame 4: Without Holy Shield = 13% With Holy Shield = n/a
Frame 3: Without Holy Shield = 32% / With Holy Shield = n/a
Frame 2: Without Holy Shield = 86% / With Holy Shield = 0%
Frame 1: Without Holy Shield = 600% / With Holy Shield = 86%
IV. The Equipment
For the equipment the gear shown is only what is necessary, and other mods can accompany the required parts. Also note that the mods shown are VERY high expectations, Mr. High Roller. A minimum of 10% can be accepted for everything but FCR.
Body Armor:
Prefered: Perfect Archon Plate Enigma (1378 defense)
2nd Choice: best possible Archon Plate Enigma
Dueling: Perfect Archon Plate Enigma, or Perfect Archon Plate Chains of Honor
MFing: Perfect Archon Plate Enigma
Helm:
Prefered: Circlet +2 P Skills, 20 FCR, 20 Strength, 15-20 Resist All, Shael'd, or a
2nd Choice: Ber'd perfect Harlequin's Crest Shako
Dueling: Whichever you can get.
MFing: Ist'd Harlequin's Crest Shako
Weapon:
Prefered: 40% Heart of the Oak Flail
2nd Choice: Any Heart of the Oak, or Wizard Spike
Dueling: 40% Heart of the Oak Flail, or Wizard Spike
Weapon Switch:
Prefered: Call to Arms Flail with level 6 Battle Orders
2nd Choice: Any Call to Arms
Dueling: Call to Arms Flail with level 6 Battle Orders
MFing: Double Ist'd Blade of Ali Baba Tulwar
Shield:
Prefered: Perfect +45 Resist All Spirit (of any Paladin Shield)
2nd Choice: Perfect Um'd Herald of Zakarum Gilded Shield
Dueling: Perfect +45 Resist All Spirit (of any Paladin Shield)
Shield Switch:
Prefered: Perfect Spirit (any shield and resistances)
2nd Choice: any Spirit shield
Dueling: Perfect Um'd Herald of Zakarum Gilded Shield
MFing: Quadruple Ist'd Monarch
Belt: Perfect Arachnid's Mesh
Prefered: Perfect Arachnid's Mesh
2nd Choice: Any Arachnid's Mesh
Dueling: Perfect Arachnid's Mesh
MFing: Gold Wrap Heavy Belt
Boots: Perfect Marrow Walks, or perfect Ethereal Treks
Prefered: Perfect Marrow Walks
2nd Choice: Ethereal Sandstorm Treks
Dueling: Either
MFing: Perfect War Travelers Battle Boots
Gloves:
Prefered: Mage Fist Crusader Gauntlets (up'd twice. 151 strength requirement)
2nd Choice: Any Mage Fists
Dueling: Mage Fist Crusader Gauntlets
MFing: Perfect Chance Guards Chain Gloves
Amulet:
Prefered: +2 P Skills, 10 FCR, 20 strength, 20 resist all,
2nd Choice: Perfect Mara's Kaleidoscope
Dueling: either
MFing: 35% MF or more amulete
Ring:
Prefered: +10 FCR, +15-20 strength, 15+ Resist All (or 30+ of 2 resistances)
2nd Choice: Stone of Jordan
Dueling: either
MFing: Perfect Nagel Ring
Ring:
Prefered: +10 FCR, +15-20 Str, 15+ Resist All (or 30+ of 2 resists of the other 2 resistances)
2nd Choice: Stone of Jordan
Dueling: either
MFing: Perfect Nagel Ring
Grand Charms:
7-9 Paladin Combat charms with +12% FHR, or just use regular combat charms. These are not entirely necessary, but they can help a lot in duels or chaos/baal runs.
1 Perfect Gheed's Fortune Grand Charm when MFing
Large Charms
1 Hellfire Torch: 20/20 Paladin. Naturally, this is going to be a tough objective, but don't bother with the build unless you get atleast a 15/15.
1 Town Portal Scroll Tome
Small Charms:
1 Annihilus: 20/20/5-10. The experience doesn't matter really
6-9 20/5 Life/Resist All Small charms. They aren't needed, but they sure don't hurt.
1 Standard of Heroes Optional. I personally have a few theories regarding this little charm.
Stats time! With the mods described above, you should have the following:
Faster Cast Rate: 165% or 135% with Mara's and Ber'd Shako
Faster Hit Recovery: 55% with Spirit, 75 with Spirit and Shael'd Circlet, and add 12% for every FHR combat charm
+ all skills: 13 with Battle Command which may seem pretty low, but this build still maintains damage of over 11k and firing hammers like a machine gun.
+ Strength: 105-120
+MFing: 650%+
V. The Mercenary
There are several viable options for using a mercenary, but I'll only list my favorite.
Normal (or Nightmare defensive, if you prefer Holy Freeze) Act II Combat mercenary for Defiance aura.
Weapon: Ethereal Cryptic Axe Infinity, or if you really are that rich, Phoenix
Armor: Ethereal Fortitude (preferably Bugged)
Helm: Ethereal Andarial's Visage
VI. The Hot Keys
F1
Concentration
F2
Redemption
F3
Holy Shield
F4
Teleport
F5
Vigor (or Blessed Hammer if dueling)
F6
Cleansing or Defiance (or Charge if dueling)
F7
Battle Command
F8
Battle Orders
VII. Leveling
There are several variants of leveling up. some prefer the traditional route. This way can take anywhere from several hours to 2 weeks, but is just as effective in the end. If this is for you, make sure you do it right.
1-15 Normal Tristram Runs
16-24 Normal Tal Rasha Tomb Runs
-Rush- (optional)
25 Normal Ancients
26-40 Normal Baal Runs
-Rush-
41 Nightmare Ancients
42-60 Nightmare Baal
-Rush-
61 Hell Ancients
62+ Hell Chaos or Baal runs.
The next version is the way I prefer, as I have several nice friends that help. However, note that it pays off to have at least one member of your clan level up the "traditional" way, so this method can be used efficiently. It is known as Grush or Glitch Rushing, and is done by partying with a member who has completed ancients and is doing Baal for his quest. You too will get the quest on account of an unpatched glitch by Blizzard. This method is becoming popular FAST as it is possible to level a character to level 80 and beyond in a matter of 3-4 hours with proper dedication.
Start at level 1, rush to act V and join a "Baal for Quest" game. When someone who has completed ancients joins, simply remain in Harrogath while he does his Baal Quest, and you will complete it by association. Just note that you have to be partied with him. Rinse and repeat in Nightmare difficulty and so forth to hell. Once you rush to act IV in Hell Mode, do Hell Chaos runs from your current level to 60 to 70 (your choice; note that this can take anywhere from about 10 runs to 30 or more depending on your party, the size of the party, the size of the game, and how the Chaos Sanctuary is cleared). Now, do Hell Ancients, (it is advisable to go back and do Normal and Nightmare Ancients as you gain eligibility, as it can speed up the leveling process) and from there, continue with Hell Baal runs until the desired level is reached.
VIII. Rushing
Rushing is fairly simple. To be quick and easy, I'll draw up a list, in order, of the quests to be done.
1. Andarial in act 1
2. Cube in Halls of the Dead (optional)
3. Staff in the Maggot Lair
4. Amulet in the Claw Viper Temple
5. Summoner in the Arcane Sanctuary
6. Kill Duriel
7. TP at Harem Level 1 for Jehryn (optional)
8. Teleport behind the Council and TP, so the rushee is a safe distance away from hydras, and then kill the Council.
9. Kill Mephisto
10. Kill Hephaesto and clear the Forge area, and have him destroy the Soul Stone (optional)
11. Kill Diablo
12a. Kill ancients
12b. Make a Baal for Quest game, and wait for someone to join. When someone needing the quest joins, kill baal.
13. Start a new Difficulty (optional)
IX. Chaosing
Chaosing is relatively simple, but chaosing for clans can be rather time-consuming; many people choose to use bots. I find that the use of bots can be rather helpful, but I myself have always been paranoid of keyloggers, etc. The choice is, as always, yours. One common strategy of chaosing is teleporting past all of the enemies near the entrance all the way up to the star in the center. Once that area is cleared, you can TP so the lower levels are free to follow you, but make sure they stay behind you, and definitely make sure they do not lure any other monsters as this can kill many of the other lower levels, and unfortunately even you. The most common way I've seen is someone to start from the Grand Vizier of Chaos on the left with 2 seals, to Lord De Seis in the middle with 1, and finally go to the right killing The Infector of Souls with his 2 seals. Diablo then come to the center, so make sure everyone is backed away or hidden, and keep higher levels out of the star to protect your drops. If they don't, just PK them; odds are you'll be way to fast for them anyways.
X. Baaling
Baaling also is relatively simple. Teleport past the enemies in levels 2 and 3, and enter the Throne of Destruction. Teleport to the entrance of the actual throne room, and either clear that area or teleport past to a clear corner, TP to town, and begin clearing the areas. If you're baaling for a clan with a bot, most people used to baaling will not enter until you queue them with a message saying it's clear. From there on, it's rather obvious isn't it? Clear the rest of the area, you and the rest of the high levels go to the center and anticipate the waves coming in. Whether or not to kill baal himself is your call. He doesn't bring in A LOT of experience, and doesn't always drop the best either, but if you want to do baal, why not. Just always remember for sorceresses to use Static.
XI. Dueling
Dueling IMO ought to be pretty fun with this character. For most character classes you'll duel against, I think that in 9/10 duels, the largest factor determining how you duel will be your connection. Fast internet + Fast cast rate = Fast rape. Naturally dueling goes beyond this for many duels, but I admit that I don't have a lot of experience in the field of dueling, as I've never found it to my tastes as a Battle.net player. For casters, just teleport around their spells in random and untraceable patterns, and eventually you'll just teleport on them and hammer. Another popular move is to Desync, or Desynchronize, which is to say that you use the Charge skill so that you're at a different position than what it shows to your opponent. Your actual position and the position shown to your opponent are desynchronized. For duels against melee classes such as most barbarians or some smiters, you could attempt to tank them, but it is obviously unwise. Beyond this, you can experiment, and use your own judgment based on past experience to make the best decision. Oh, and always use Battle Command, Battle Orders, and Holy Shield. Preferably Battle Command first. If they're camping, just go to Stony Field and cast. A lot of time, when campers have team mates, they'll go to the Cold Plains waypoint and camp there as well. Naturally, with the pure speed of this hammerdin you could easily teleport from the Stony Field waypoint to the Cold Plains waypoint and pick them off on surprise and continue on to pick off the town camper.
XII. The End, and References.
I hope that those who read this article enjoyed it, and I envy those who can afford to build it. I plan on joining Diablo's Mile High Club with you guys soon. Thanks go out to Blizzard for having an awesome game, WNxGaz for the Breakpoints, The Arreat Summit, and the guys at Spaceman.ca for their excellent page on rune words which can be found here:
http://www.spaceman.ca/rune/index.?Runewords=
the guide I found the breakpoints in is here:
http://warriornation.net/Forum/archive/index.php/t-358601.html
The Arreat Summit can be found here:
http://www.battle.net/diablo2exp/
I'm going to start this guide off with some legal stuff. Do not copy and/or edit this guide, in part or in whole, without my express permission. This article is copyrighted under Sean Rose, aka Zaiura, and he reserves the right to bring forth legal action to anyone who violates the terms given forthwith. Before reading any further, you agree to the above terms, and plan to acknowledge and follow them.
Now for the table of contents.
I. Introduction
II. Skills
III. Break Points
IV. Equipment
V. Mercenary
VI. Hot Keys
VII. Leveling
VIII. Rushing
IX. Chaosing
X. Baaling
XI. Dueling
XII. End
I. The Introductory
Before you read any farther, know one thing. You Are Not Affluent Enough To Make This. This build will take the upper half of 100 hrs or more, so unless your older brother works for d2items.com, you probably can't afford to devote this much to one character yet. Give it a patch or two. And now for some good news. If, and only if, you can afford to build this, you should know that you can wear an Archon Plate without putting any stats in strength. Wow, eh? yeah. EVERYTHING goes in vitality excepts enough for max block (which won't be that many). That being said, I'm going to be cool and use rational thought based off of an irrational concept for the decision of whether or not I want a stat section. No. I just don't want 13 sections. GG. Moving on:
II. The Skills
Now for the skills of this beast we call Hammerdin, or Zaiuradin X for kicks. The skills are really simple, and straight to the point. if your little ones cannot survive a chaos run or baal run, one of you is doing something stupid, and need to stop. As a forewarning, there are several ways to add points into these skills. They will be addressed below.
20 Blessed Hammer
20 Concentration
20 Vigor
15-20 Blessed Aim
15-20 Holy Shield
1 Might
1 Prayer
1 Cleansing
1 Smite
1 Charge
1 Redemption
101 skill points, which means this guy can be completed (as thus) at level 89, and have maxed both synergies and Holy Shield at level 94. However, the common consensus among most Hammerdin builds is that Blessed Aim should be maxed before Holy Shield. From there, I recommend a few of the extra auras such as Conviction, Meditation, Salvation, etc., or putting the rest into Defiance. It couldn't hurt either way.
III. The Break Points
Note that all of these Break Points are for the Paladin class. I wasn't sure where to find them, so I found them on a different guide*
FHR Frames:
0% 9
7% 8
15% 7
27% 6
48% 5
86% 4
200% 3
It is wise to attempt to get 86% break points, though with the proper gear as listed below, you have no trouble whatsoever getting the 48% Break Point.
FCR Frames:
0% 15
9% 14
18% 13
30% 12
48% 11
75% 10
125% 9
FBR Frames
Frame 5: Without Holy Shield = 0% / With Holy Shield = n/a
Frame 4: Without Holy Shield = 13% With Holy Shield = n/a
Frame 3: Without Holy Shield = 32% / With Holy Shield = n/a
Frame 2: Without Holy Shield = 86% / With Holy Shield = 0%
Frame 1: Without Holy Shield = 600% / With Holy Shield = 86%
IV. The Equipment
For the equipment the gear shown is only what is necessary, and other mods can accompany the required parts. Also note that the mods shown are VERY high expectations, Mr. High Roller. A minimum of 10% can be accepted for everything but FCR.
Body Armor:
Prefered: Perfect Archon Plate Enigma (1378 defense)
2nd Choice: best possible Archon Plate Enigma
Dueling: Perfect Archon Plate Enigma, or Perfect Archon Plate Chains of Honor
MFing: Perfect Archon Plate Enigma
Helm:
Prefered: Circlet +2 P Skills, 20 FCR, 20 Strength, 15-20 Resist All, Shael'd, or a
2nd Choice: Ber'd perfect Harlequin's Crest Shako
Dueling: Whichever you can get.
MFing: Ist'd Harlequin's Crest Shako
Weapon:
Prefered: 40% Heart of the Oak Flail
2nd Choice: Any Heart of the Oak, or Wizard Spike
Dueling: 40% Heart of the Oak Flail, or Wizard Spike
Weapon Switch:
Prefered: Call to Arms Flail with level 6 Battle Orders
2nd Choice: Any Call to Arms
Dueling: Call to Arms Flail with level 6 Battle Orders
MFing: Double Ist'd Blade of Ali Baba Tulwar
Shield:
Prefered: Perfect +45 Resist All Spirit (of any Paladin Shield)
2nd Choice: Perfect Um'd Herald of Zakarum Gilded Shield
Dueling: Perfect +45 Resist All Spirit (of any Paladin Shield)
Shield Switch:
Prefered: Perfect Spirit (any shield and resistances)
2nd Choice: any Spirit shield
Dueling: Perfect Um'd Herald of Zakarum Gilded Shield
MFing: Quadruple Ist'd Monarch
Belt: Perfect Arachnid's Mesh
Prefered: Perfect Arachnid's Mesh
2nd Choice: Any Arachnid's Mesh
Dueling: Perfect Arachnid's Mesh
MFing: Gold Wrap Heavy Belt
Boots: Perfect Marrow Walks, or perfect Ethereal Treks
Prefered: Perfect Marrow Walks
2nd Choice: Ethereal Sandstorm Treks
Dueling: Either
MFing: Perfect War Travelers Battle Boots
Gloves:
Prefered: Mage Fist Crusader Gauntlets (up'd twice. 151 strength requirement)
2nd Choice: Any Mage Fists
Dueling: Mage Fist Crusader Gauntlets
MFing: Perfect Chance Guards Chain Gloves
Amulet:
Prefered: +2 P Skills, 10 FCR, 20 strength, 20 resist all,
2nd Choice: Perfect Mara's Kaleidoscope
Dueling: either
MFing: 35% MF or more amulete
Ring:
Prefered: +10 FCR, +15-20 strength, 15+ Resist All (or 30+ of 2 resistances)
2nd Choice: Stone of Jordan
Dueling: either
MFing: Perfect Nagel Ring
Ring:
Prefered: +10 FCR, +15-20 Str, 15+ Resist All (or 30+ of 2 resists of the other 2 resistances)
2nd Choice: Stone of Jordan
Dueling: either
MFing: Perfect Nagel Ring
Grand Charms:
7-9 Paladin Combat charms with +12% FHR, or just use regular combat charms. These are not entirely necessary, but they can help a lot in duels or chaos/baal runs.
1 Perfect Gheed's Fortune Grand Charm when MFing
Large Charms
1 Hellfire Torch: 20/20 Paladin. Naturally, this is going to be a tough objective, but don't bother with the build unless you get atleast a 15/15.
1 Town Portal Scroll Tome
Small Charms:
1 Annihilus: 20/20/5-10. The experience doesn't matter really
6-9 20/5 Life/Resist All Small charms. They aren't needed, but they sure don't hurt.
1 Standard of Heroes Optional. I personally have a few theories regarding this little charm.
Stats time! With the mods described above, you should have the following:
Faster Cast Rate: 165% or 135% with Mara's and Ber'd Shako
Faster Hit Recovery: 55% with Spirit, 75 with Spirit and Shael'd Circlet, and add 12% for every FHR combat charm
+ all skills: 13 with Battle Command which may seem pretty low, but this build still maintains damage of over 11k and firing hammers like a machine gun.
+ Strength: 105-120
+MFing: 650%+
V. The Mercenary
There are several viable options for using a mercenary, but I'll only list my favorite.
Normal (or Nightmare defensive, if you prefer Holy Freeze) Act II Combat mercenary for Defiance aura.
Weapon: Ethereal Cryptic Axe Infinity, or if you really are that rich, Phoenix
Armor: Ethereal Fortitude (preferably Bugged)
Helm: Ethereal Andarial's Visage
VI. The Hot Keys
F1
Concentration
F2
Redemption
F3
Holy Shield
F4
Teleport
F5
Vigor (or Blessed Hammer if dueling)
F6
Cleansing or Defiance (or Charge if dueling)
F7
Battle Command
F8
Battle Orders
VII. Leveling
There are several variants of leveling up. some prefer the traditional route. This way can take anywhere from several hours to 2 weeks, but is just as effective in the end. If this is for you, make sure you do it right.
1-15 Normal Tristram Runs
16-24 Normal Tal Rasha Tomb Runs
-Rush- (optional)
25 Normal Ancients
26-40 Normal Baal Runs
-Rush-
41 Nightmare Ancients
42-60 Nightmare Baal
-Rush-
61 Hell Ancients
62+ Hell Chaos or Baal runs.
The next version is the way I prefer, as I have several nice friends that help. However, note that it pays off to have at least one member of your clan level up the "traditional" way, so this method can be used efficiently. It is known as Grush or Glitch Rushing, and is done by partying with a member who has completed ancients and is doing Baal for his quest. You too will get the quest on account of an unpatched glitch by Blizzard. This method is becoming popular FAST as it is possible to level a character to level 80 and beyond in a matter of 3-4 hours with proper dedication.
Start at level 1, rush to act V and join a "Baal for Quest" game. When someone who has completed ancients joins, simply remain in Harrogath while he does his Baal Quest, and you will complete it by association. Just note that you have to be partied with him. Rinse and repeat in Nightmare difficulty and so forth to hell. Once you rush to act IV in Hell Mode, do Hell Chaos runs from your current level to 60 to 70 (your choice; note that this can take anywhere from about 10 runs to 30 or more depending on your party, the size of the party, the size of the game, and how the Chaos Sanctuary is cleared). Now, do Hell Ancients, (it is advisable to go back and do Normal and Nightmare Ancients as you gain eligibility, as it can speed up the leveling process) and from there, continue with Hell Baal runs until the desired level is reached.
VIII. Rushing
Rushing is fairly simple. To be quick and easy, I'll draw up a list, in order, of the quests to be done.
1. Andarial in act 1
2. Cube in Halls of the Dead (optional)
3. Staff in the Maggot Lair
4. Amulet in the Claw Viper Temple
5. Summoner in the Arcane Sanctuary
6. Kill Duriel
7. TP at Harem Level 1 for Jehryn (optional)
8. Teleport behind the Council and TP, so the rushee is a safe distance away from hydras, and then kill the Council.
9. Kill Mephisto
10. Kill Hephaesto and clear the Forge area, and have him destroy the Soul Stone (optional)
11. Kill Diablo
12a. Kill ancients
12b. Make a Baal for Quest game, and wait for someone to join. When someone needing the quest joins, kill baal.
13. Start a new Difficulty (optional)
IX. Chaosing
Chaosing is relatively simple, but chaosing for clans can be rather time-consuming; many people choose to use bots. I find that the use of bots can be rather helpful, but I myself have always been paranoid of keyloggers, etc. The choice is, as always, yours. One common strategy of chaosing is teleporting past all of the enemies near the entrance all the way up to the star in the center. Once that area is cleared, you can TP so the lower levels are free to follow you, but make sure they stay behind you, and definitely make sure they do not lure any other monsters as this can kill many of the other lower levels, and unfortunately even you. The most common way I've seen is someone to start from the Grand Vizier of Chaos on the left with 2 seals, to Lord De Seis in the middle with 1, and finally go to the right killing The Infector of Souls with his 2 seals. Diablo then come to the center, so make sure everyone is backed away or hidden, and keep higher levels out of the star to protect your drops. If they don't, just PK them; odds are you'll be way to fast for them anyways.
X. Baaling
Baaling also is relatively simple. Teleport past the enemies in levels 2 and 3, and enter the Throne of Destruction. Teleport to the entrance of the actual throne room, and either clear that area or teleport past to a clear corner, TP to town, and begin clearing the areas. If you're baaling for a clan with a bot, most people used to baaling will not enter until you queue them with a message saying it's clear. From there on, it's rather obvious isn't it? Clear the rest of the area, you and the rest of the high levels go to the center and anticipate the waves coming in. Whether or not to kill baal himself is your call. He doesn't bring in A LOT of experience, and doesn't always drop the best either, but if you want to do baal, why not. Just always remember for sorceresses to use Static.
XI. Dueling
Dueling IMO ought to be pretty fun with this character. For most character classes you'll duel against, I think that in 9/10 duels, the largest factor determining how you duel will be your connection. Fast internet + Fast cast rate = Fast rape. Naturally dueling goes beyond this for many duels, but I admit that I don't have a lot of experience in the field of dueling, as I've never found it to my tastes as a Battle.net player. For casters, just teleport around their spells in random and untraceable patterns, and eventually you'll just teleport on them and hammer. Another popular move is to Desync, or Desynchronize, which is to say that you use the Charge skill so that you're at a different position than what it shows to your opponent. Your actual position and the position shown to your opponent are desynchronized. For duels against melee classes such as most barbarians or some smiters, you could attempt to tank them, but it is obviously unwise. Beyond this, you can experiment, and use your own judgment based on past experience to make the best decision. Oh, and always use Battle Command, Battle Orders, and Holy Shield. Preferably Battle Command first. If they're camping, just go to Stony Field and cast. A lot of time, when campers have team mates, they'll go to the Cold Plains waypoint and camp there as well. Naturally, with the pure speed of this hammerdin you could easily teleport from the Stony Field waypoint to the Cold Plains waypoint and pick them off on surprise and continue on to pick off the town camper.
XII. The End, and References.
I hope that those who read this article enjoyed it, and I envy those who can afford to build it. I plan on joining Diablo's Mile High Club with you guys soon. Thanks go out to Blizzard for having an awesome game, WNxGaz for the Breakpoints, The Arreat Summit, and the guys at Spaceman.ca for their excellent page on rune words which can be found here:
http://www.spaceman.ca/rune/index.?Runewords=
the guide I found the breakpoints in is here:
http://warriornation.net/Forum/archive/index.php/t-358601.html
The Arreat Summit can be found here:
http://www.battle.net/diablo2exp/