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DarkPrinceLoki

01-04-2008, 04:04 AM

From the steamy recesses of the southern swamps comes a figure cloaked in mystery. The Necromancer, as his name implies, is an unseemly form of sorcerer whose spells deal with the raising of the dead and the summoning and control of various creatures for his purposes. Though his goals are often aligned with those of the forces of Light, some do not think that these ends can justify his foul means. Long hours of study in dank mausolea have made his skin pale and corpselike, his figure, skeletal. Most people shun him for his peculiar looks and ways, but none doubt the power of the Necromancer, for it is the stuff of nightmares.
-The Arreat Summit

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/LokiShinigami/Screenshot007.jpg

Congrats on choosing to walk the path of a Necromancer or Necro for short. As the Arreat Summit puts it, the necro's power is the stuff of nightmares. No other Character can invoke the type of fear that makes even FearItself wet its pants and run crying. Its a long hard path to walk, one that is filled with Power, Amusement and constant whining from fellow party members about this mythical condition called

L. A. A. G. ( Loser PC getting it's Acehole raped, due to its Ancient processors, by my Godly PCs alienware).

Interested so far? I hope so, because whether you like it or not this is a guide about Necromancers, more specifically the summoning kind. This guide is intended for players that are new to playing a summoning necro, but veteran players can get some good tips from here as well:

Loki's Guide to Dethwalking
or
How to build an Army of Darkness real cheap

A Summon Necro is one of the quickest and easiest of the Diablo classes to get the hang of, it requires very little expense from the player on both the equipment and skill-stat distribution. The main type I'm focusing on is the Commandomancer. It is a unique form of Summoner that, after building an army, will join in with his minions and lead them to battle. It can be completed as early as level (LVL) 42, or 51 depending on how certain decisions regarding skills are made. The quicker route is effective and I have soloed hell Diablo using it, but it does leave many things to be desired, which is why the build doesn't reach "Perfection" until around LVL 67. I use perfection as a loose term as no one build is perfect, as all have their flaws, even mine. Now, after finishing the main build there is still plenty to do, you still have 52 skill points left over, that's two extra skills you can max, and i will touch on suggestions for that later in this guide.

The Army of Darkness:

What's a Summoner without his minions? Just a crazy, pale-faced man shouting in tongues, that's what! The main meat and potatoes of this type of necromancer is his skeletons. These will be the force by which you beat the three prime evils back to the burning hell's with. Some will simply scoff at these skills, passing them up and using bone skills, which although are powerful, just aren't as intimidating as 16+ skeletons carrying battle axes and lobbing elemental magic in their direction.

Skeletal Warriors: Main physical damage source, although weak at first, these guys can get bad to the bone, pun intended, when supported right. You are going to max this skill

Skeletal Magi: This is your artillery, and the source of your elemental damage support. Although not needed, they help get the job done quicker and easier. In Hell monsters will heal faster, and even though the damage isn’t high, a few poison magi will serve to prevent that. I highly suggest starting off with at least three, after that its up to you.

Revives: These are your slot fillers and main tanks, sporting more health than their living versions, while still keeping all their strengths and skills. need more artillery?, resurrect something that can fire from a distance. going against a massive foe? throw some Urdars in the mix. nothing is sacred when revived is used, just don't get something weak, like a fallen...... that's just stupid. One point here will be plenty. Plus skill items will increase it.

Golems: Golems, although not stressed are necessary to put points into. You have to go through them in order to get to summon resist, so why not reap the benefits of those spent points. Golems are the last line of defense should you find yourself against, lets say Diablo. When he uses his fire nova and wipes the floor with your skeletons (who aren't strong enough . . . yet) and mercenary. what's left to do when the lord of terror is chasing you? summon a golem of course, they can tank him enough to give you the time to escape or regroup. Some golems can be great support tanks as well, like the Clay and Iron variety . The clay golem can slow the enemy its focused on, and gets more life per level than the other golems, while the Iron golem can take the properties of whatever item you create it from, runic items included. Good things to make an iron golem from can be found everywhere. A cheap item to use would be a 5 open-socketed items with gems or the following runes:

Nef: KnockBack
Eth: -25% Target Defense (you would need 4 of them for best results)
Amn: 7% Life Steal
Shael: 20% Increased Attack Speed
Pul: 75% Enhanced Damage and +100 Attack Rating VS Demons
Um: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Mal: Prevent Monster Heal
Lo: 20% Chance of Deadly Strike
Ber: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow (maxes out at 75%)
Jah: Ignore Target Defense

The Hired Help:
Look up just about any guide on the necromancer, and the main mercenary (Merc) that is listed, 9 times out of 10, is the Act 2 Offensive Spear-man. Regardless what difficulty you're in, this is the one you NEED. When Starting out the Blessed Aim Aura can help your minions hit more often. Being able to hit more often and thus killing quicker is more likely desired, than having to tank Normal Mephisto for an hour or more with a Defiance Aura Merc. Once you get to nightmare, it becomes a whole different ballgame. Enemies hit harder and have more life, so amplify damage isn't going to cut it anymore, not without help. This is where the Nightmare version of the Offensive Merc becomes necessary. Packing a Might Aura, this guy will help you conquer the depths of the abyss and anywhere else you go. With a Merc you also have more options to support your army. More on this and equipment choices later

What Is Thy Biding My Master?

Who's the master you ask? Why me of course, Muhahaha! All minions need a master to serve, and as a necromancer your minions are . . . . . . well . . . . let's face it your minions are dead. yes they are dead, but you breathe life into them. As the creator of this "life" you have to support and manage your spawn, so that they may be more efficient killers. In order to do that, you have to survive.

STATS

Str --- Enough for equipment (49-89) < depends if you have Anni & torch available
Dex --- Enough for equipment or max block* (37 minimum)
Vit --- Everything else
Nrg --- Base or 50*

Energy:
Leave this at base? Really? The stone set claim for this, is that by the time you hit Lvl 60, there will be enough Mana points (MP) from leveling and your gear that you wont need any points in Energy (NRG). Should you hear "I need more Mana" then the general solution is to drink a mana potion. IMO not everyone reaches Lvl 60, and then there's the few builds that while later in the build it's perfect not to put points into it, the early game suffers from the lack thereof. One good example is a Hammerdin, and Shinchibi can even back me up in this fact. So what do you do, rely on mana potions? It's really a matter of personal preference, I tend to cast curses and Corpse Explosion (CE) allot, making sure that all the enemies stay afflicted by the right curse and that my skeletons can kill quick, so during the early game i find that i need more mana, so i like to bring my NRG stat up to 50, and i highly suggest doing it with any type of character (Char) build. It really does make a difference, and helps in the long run, not to mention gold and trips back to town.

Dexterity & Max Block:
This is another subject of debate, while max block is a good thing to have for a melee extensive build, for most its a waste of skill points that could be put in a more useful stat, like vitality. Sure stopping 75% of all attacks that come your way is something indeed, but remember that this changes with your level, and at Lvl 99, using the highly coveted Homunculus as a shield, it still takes a whopping Dex stat of 222 to reach max block. Now add in the fact that you have minions and a merc to distract the enemy and engage them in battle, a swirling ring of bone armor, and 2 legs that function, do you really need max block? Instead an easier and more practical 50% block should be much easier to achieve, but then again don't break your computer or gripe at me for Hell Diablo killing you . . . . . you really shouldn't have been standing right in his way.

Block Calculator:
http://baronsbazaar.invisionzone.com/ppr/block_calc.html (http://baronsbazaar.invisionzone.com/ppr/block_calc.html)

Getting Started:
I do have a chart that gives my suggestion for stats and skill placement, you can find it towards the end in the charts section.

Table on "Runs"
LVLS 3-12______________Tristram
LVLS 12-14_____________Andariel
LVLS 15-20______________Tombs
LVLS 21-24_______________Cows
LVLS 25-28____________Travincal
LVLS 29-32______Chaos Sanctuary
LVLS 33-46_____Baal's Throne-room

Newbish: Lvls 1-3ish
Starting out you really don't have much. a +1 skeleton wand is pathetic and you cant afford the better ones, so what do you do? Cow Runs, not for experience (exp) but for loot. doing a few cow runs early can give you the benefit of having gold, and when you meet the requirements, future items and bartering chips (aka runes and gems).once you get a comfortable amount of "good" loot (yellow and gold items, Normal grade and higher gems, maxed gold in stash and on char, runes, etc.) then it's time to go do the first quest, THE DEN OF EVIL! (insert evil music and laughter).
So after you earn some respect, you should be about lvl 3ish, enter random games and check Akara's wares for a decent wand that is usable or soon to be usable. Stats that are keen to look for are plus to skeletons, bone armor, amplify damage (AMP), etc. think smart when choosing, don't get a plus +1 skeleton, +3 weaken wand, you don't need that. something better would be a +2 skeleton mastery, +2 raise skeleton, +3 bone armor wand. this is an actual wand i bought too, and i cherished it until i found my first Ume’s lament. now that you're good to go, it's time to do your job: Scaring the Crap out of Evil.

Powering-up: Lvls 4-12
Start doing Tristram (Trist) Runs now. don't summon, just curse, help the others out, when you get Corpse Explosion, use it and help, but not too much. When you hit Lvl 12 you should be wearing a full set of rare EQ. If not then you didn't get the right stuff during those cow runs....
Also after hitting Lvl 12 you earn your first skeleton mage, and are now ready to take on Andariel (Andy). But before you do this go finish all the other quests, except for the countess, you want to save those drops till later, also don't Imbue anything yet from Charsi, that's good to save as well. When you enter Act 2 Immediately get your first Act 2 offensive merc. He will Serve you well. If You need to, do some more cow runs, to restock on gold and maybe get some better Items, though its more a waste right now to do it then wait a few more levels. when you think you're ready, proceed with the Radament's Lair Quest, and get your free skill point.

Tips of the Trade:
Now that we've gotten you started the rest is up to you. . . . . . . think I would leave you hanging? though I do leave the rest up to you, there are some spots that might get tricky. I will note these as follows:

Hellacious Farming: In the higher difficulties it may be hard to find good places to get corpses quick, so a nifty place to visit is Pindleskin’s Garden. As soon as you enter the portal there will lots of corpses just lying on the ground, if your quick you can get most of your army “grown” before they become the undead again.

TP Teleport: Careful use of a Town portal at the right times can regroup all of your minions for easy battlefield directing

Maggot Lair & Arcane Sanctuary: If you plan on soloing these area's i suggest getting a good bone shield, a good 1 handed weapon, and lots of resists. Don't summon your minions they get lost very easy and often get in the way. Golems are OK as you can re-summon them anytime. this goes for any small, cramped areas also.

Diablo: Best advice i can give is save the seals until last, clear everything out of Chaos Sanctuary, then do the three seals that spawn the demon lords. After killing them and leaving the last two seals, go to where Diablo appears and cast a town portal (TP) right in the middle. If you have Skeletal magi, swap them all out for Cold Mages, trust me. Time yourself from each of the seals to the middle, whichever you can get from to the middle fastest, is the one you open last. after opening the last seal run into the town portal and right back out this will have all your minions right on top of diablo when he spawns, immediately cast Decreptify when Satan, i mean diablo appears. the cold mages should do their job and so should the others, keep him decreptified (decrepit) and every now and then cast life tap, or amplify damage, but only for a few seconds, constantly keep him slowed with the cold mages and decrepit. It will take time, but this strategy is easy and safe.

The biggest tip Ever: Go slow and take it easy. getting in a big hurry will kill you more often than not. you must stay with your minions, and if necessary us a town portal. to regroup them in a battlefield.

If there are any other problem spots you have, let me know and ill help you the best i can.

GEAR:

Blue=Perfect Endgame Gear, Red= Next best slot filler

Helms:
Harlequin Crest
http://www.diablo2.com/article/uniques/items/helms/elite/armor/harlequin-crest.html
Wormskull
"Lore"

Chest: "Enigma" MP or AP
http://www.diablo2.com/article/runewords/items/1-10-runewords/1-10-runewords/enigma-runeword.html
Skin of the Viper Magi
"Stealth"

Gloves: Trang-Oul’s Claws
http://www.diablo2.com/article/sets/items/expansion-only-sets/trang-oul-s-avatar-necromancer-set.html
MageFist

Boots: Marrowwalk
http://www.diablo2.com/article/uniques/items/elite/boots/armor/marrowwalk.html (http://www.diablo2.com/article/uniques/items/elite/boots/armor/marrowwalk.html)
Silkweave
Wartravler's

Belt: Arachnind Mesh
http://www.diablo2.com/article/uniques/items/elite/belts/armor/arachnid-mesh.html
Trang-Oul’s Girth
crafted safety belt

*Weapons: With weapons, as a Necro, the choices are pretty straight forward, whatever wand you can find. The easiest to find are Gravenspine, and Ume's Lament. The Best Wand (other than a "White” with great mods) for a summoner is King Leoric's Arm, but it can be expensive to obtain. Later once the build is complete, I Strongly Urge you to get a "BEAST", in a War Axe host. This Runeword will boost the damage and attack speed of all your minions by an alarming rate. As for what to keep on switch, most Builds suggest a "Call To Arms" in a Flail type host. While this is an easier less expensive Runeword, trying to get one is still no easy feat. Both will help you survive Hell, and kill quicker.

http://www.diablo2.com/article/runewords/items/1-10-runewords/1-10-runewords/beast-runeword.html

*Merc Weapon: Eventually (If you play on Ladder) You Should work towards getting a polearm with the "Pride" runeword in it, For the Concentration Aura, or as i prefer "Infinity" for the Conviction Aura. Weapons to use until you obtain one should have these mods: - Target Defense, Crushing Blow, Leech Life, Prevent Monster Heal, Slows Target. A Great and cheap choice would be the unique yari Hone Sudan, it has good mods and comes with 3 open sockets, which can be used to add mods you want. Another good choice is the Spire of Honor

http://www.diablo2.com/article/runewords/ladder-only/items/1-10-runewords/pride-runeword.html

*Shields: For a Shield, the best bet a Necromancer has is a totem. Homunculus is among the most sought after due to its better mods and defensive stats, but is quite hard to find, not to mention expensive.
Another Totem to look for is the BloodFlame. I'm Not sure of its rarity or value at the moment, but its a decent alternative. Wall of the Eyeless is another good shield, it may lake the + to skills that most look for, but its easy to find and has wonderful mods. for a last resort you can always craft yourself a Safety shield or "Spirit" runeword.

http://www.diablo2.com/article/uniques/necromancer/items/class-specific/homunculus.html

*Rings & Amulets: These are some of the most expensive Items to obtain IMO. Its best to just look at your current setup, and use these to fill in the gaps. Some to get your hands on include: (Rings)The Stone Of Jordan, Ravenfrost, Bul-Katho's Wedding Band, Wisp Projector; (Amulets) Mara's Kaleidoscope, Eye of Etlich. Crafted Rings and Amulets are also a great choice.

Appendix/Charts:

Stat Placement: LVL. Stat (Increase Till) This is merely my suggestion. The final decision is up to you.

Str = Strength, Dex = Dexterity, Vit = Vitality, Nrg = Energy

2-10. Str (60)
11. Vit (20)
12. Vit (25)
13. Vit (30)
14. Nrg (30)
15. Dex (30)
16 - 19. Nrg (50)
20 - 23. Vit (50)
24. Str (65) Lam Elsome: Dex (35)
25. Dex (40)
26 - 35. Vit (100)

*This is a good start, the rest of the stat placement from this point on is based upon what you need, due to EQ, Health needs, or how much block you want.*

Skill Placement (Short Version): LVL. Skill (new level after point)

2. Skeleton (1)
3. Amplify Damage (1) Den of Evil: Bone Armor (1)
4. Skeleton (2)
5. Skeleton (3)
6. Skeleton Mastery (1)
7. Teeth (1)
8. Corpse Explosion (1)
9 Save
10. Save
11. Save
12. Skeletal Mage (1) Skeleton Mastery x2 (3) Clay Golem (1)
13. Skeletal Mage (2)
14. Skeleton Mastery (4)
15. Skeleton (4) Radament's Lair: Weaken (1)
16. Skeletal Mage (3)
17. Golem Mastery (1)
18. Iron Maiden (1)
19. Life Tap (1)
20. Skeleton Mastery (5)
21. Skeleton Mastery (6)
22. Terror (1)
23. Save
24. Decreptify (1) Summon Resist (1)
25. Skeleton (5)
26. Skeleton Mastery (7)
27. Skeleton (6) Fallen Angel: Skeleton Mastery 2(9)
28. Skeleton (70
29. Skeleton Mastery (10)
30. Skeleton (7)
31. Skeleton (8)
32. Skeleton (9)
33. Skeleton (10)
*Enter Nightmare*
33. Blood Golem (1)
34. Iron Golem (1) Den of Evil: Revived (1)
35. Skeleton Mastery (11)
36. Skeleton Mastery (12)
37. Skeleton Mastery (13)
38. Skeleton Mastery (14)
39. Skeleton Mastery (15)
40. Skeleton Mastery (16) Radament's Lair: Skeleton (11)
41. Skeleton Mastery (17)
42. Skeleton Mastery (18)
43. Skeleton Mastery (19)
44. Skeleton Mastery (20)
45. Skeleton (12)
46. Skeleton (13)
47. Skeleton (14)
48. Skeleton (15)
49. Skeleton (16)
50. Skeleton (17)
51. Skeleton (18) Fallen Angel: Skeleton x 2 (20)
*Build Complete*

Total Skill Points Used: 58 (50 Lvl + 8 Quest)
Total Skill Points Left: 52

What Now?

Remaining Skill Points from Short version: 52

You got 52 skill points left, and you don't know what to put them into? There is several help skills to invest in, and you even got enough points to Max two. Now while most of the skills that have only one point placed into them (like curses and revived) get taken care of with plus to skill Items, for the rest, you will need to help them out by adding more points into them. Some good Skills to consider are:

*Corpse Explosion (at least to lvl 10, this will help your skeletons clear rooms faster.)
*Bone Armor, Wall, Prison (5 in each one to help with Defense)
*Golems (5 for Iron, 4 in the rest, 5 in mastery)
*Summoned Resist ( at least 10)
*Lower Resist (1 point)

*Questions?*

Let me know and I will try to help you to the best of my abilities, and If I can't, then I will point you in the right direction at least. I Play on The USEast Servers and since I have a family I'm not always on, so message me with your questions and I will Answer them as quickly as possible, and please no spam or flaming.

*Now Go Forth and Conquer*

ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US!!!!!!!

Sorry for the length but, it is comprehensive of everything a new player needs to know. This is also one of my first guides, so give me a little credit for just trying, even if it is a cookie cutter build.

And now some sweet pics of my Necro:
Hell lvl Stats:
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/LokiShinigami/Screenshot002.jpg

Skill Tabs with +skill equipment boost:
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/LokiShinigami/Screenshot003.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/LokiShinigami/Screenshot004.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/LokiShinigami/Screenshot005.jpg

Belhemel

01-04-2008, 04:44 AM

Ahh yes you edited it. I totally mifed on your name in another thread. So here goes,, all told I like the options on gear although I still like the idea of giving short explanation on why you choose gear. If someone is truly noobish they wont know why but then maybe that will help them learn on their own or ask questions so either way it's pretty good as is. I would like to see the merc section separated from your main gear but other than that pretty good guide.

SummonFoo

01-04-2008, 04:48 AM

well....i heard skellies cant kill in hell and die too fast....

is that true?

blackmage

01-04-2008, 04:51 AM

20 skelly master 20 raise skelly corpse exploison all you need in hell mages are useless revives are better

summon fo you classic or expansion i'l show upower of my semi built geared summoner

Belhemel

01-04-2008, 05:07 AM

Actually if you can get some poison mages it doesn't let monsters regen life so they not a total waste. If you have good gear, doesn't have to be godly, a beast for your switch and a pride for your merc skellies can kill just as fast as any other class. Think about it, Fanatacism aura from beast, possible level 20 Concentration from pride and then you cast a near maxed amp damage from you +skills gear to kill just 1 body then spam CE. Bodies drop faster than you can cast. If you run up against a boss that is killing your skellies you can cast life tap to regain their health.

blackmage

01-04-2008, 05:22 AM

i haven't put more then 2 points into mages maybe

merc bramble eth andys um'd 330+ infinity for my merc

shako arch belt sojs / wisp ap nigma beast axe hommu um boneflame um marrow walks 30 maras cta aokl is my fishymancers gear

i will tell u right now infinity is better then pride benifts mages damage a does more damage conviction helps merc kills fast so its always going off for lighting damage everyone says oh pride pride nope thorns conviction might fantasim from my gear is far superiror to any other necro set up ive come aganist in pvm hammerdins even praise me how fast i can clear baal with 5 6 skelles n merc

Belhemel

01-04-2008, 05:37 AM

Well I have to disagree as the mages don't do very good damage and Conviction doesn't break all immunities. Your main damage dealers are your skeletons so why are you worried about what your mages are doing? They should only be ther efor extra little tanks and extra minions in between you and monsters. I have always had better luck with pride but then that is just personal preference from player to player.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-04-2008, 06:28 PM

from my experiences skellies are perfect for hell. while the life could be more for them, if you support them with the proper curses at the right time, then they will last longer and just like the golems they reiceve a health boost with each difficulty. Then if you have it you should be using call to arms as well. As for not doing enough damage, take their base damage, then add in a boost from the might aura of the act 2 merc. then if you have them, add in the fanaticism and concentration auras from both beast and pride runewords and your skeletons are going to be doing massive damage and attacking faster than the monsters can think. then you also have to take in consideration that you have 10+ skeletons doing that damage per swing. next add either amplify damage or decreptify (i prefer decrept for it slows down the attacking of said monster) you will be either doubling or half over adding to the skeletons damage. need i say more?

As for mages, yes i do argee that the damage they put out is minimum, but if you add maxed mastery and maxed magi then they do between 200-600 damage depending on which mage type. poison is the lowest damage, but it lasts the longest. now i prefer to have 3 points in them to give me at least 3 mages, + to skills add more magi. magi's are not useless either, cold and poison are IMO the best ones to have, poison preventing the monsters from healing and cold to slow them down, even when immune, they are still slowed to some degree. so theyre not useless.

i choose pride over infinity because i use more skelletons than magi, and the skelletons are my main damge output.

Black Necro

01-05-2008, 12:49 AM

Im following this build right now with my new summoner. at lv 6 right now.

okay, would maxing golem mastery be good with 1 point in blood and fire golems. alot in clay golem and 2 in iron golem? or would that mess the build up? I was gonna use clay golem as a massive meat shield and slowing down enemies and then 2 pts in iron to get thorns.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-05-2008, 01:25 AM

for golems i put 1 point into each, EXCEPT fire. and 1 point into golem master also, only for being able to use summon resist. to answer your question though, when the guide is complete you should have at least 35 skill points left over (depending if you used the short or long build) which you can use to max golem mastery. I suggest not though, because with +skill equipment you would have great meat shield anyways. not to mention the skelletons, which should be more than enough of a meat shield.

personally I only use the iron golem, for the simple reason of the item used to create it. the mods that get passed on are plentiful: crushing blow, prevent monster heal, leech life, chance to cast, ect. when my iron golem dies, i use a clay golem ony until i find a new item to use.

does that help? i'd like to know which route your using. the short guide or long guide, so i can help you better.

Black Necro

01-05-2008, 02:28 AM

Im probably gonna be going for the long guide. Im just trying to figure out the skill totals right now. in the long guide you still have 35 skill points left over at lv 66 right?

umm for some reason i cant edit my post so i had to double. but to continue the last post i was thinking of boosting CE to 10.....giving me 79 points used. But should i put any points in bone armor? is it absolutely effective in the build?

DarkPrinceLoki

01-05-2008, 03:41 AM

yes at lvl 66 there should be 35 skill points left over, but that's following the skill placement guide to the letter. now for corpse explosion 10 is plenty, the extra points only increase the radius of damage. but you can also leave it at lvl 1, and I can explain why. +skill items. Since patch 1.10 (i belive) there has been an increase in items dropping with + to skill modifiers on them, which can increase the potencey of many skills well beyond the limits of what they were intended to do. so the 1 point in CE with +skill items can bring it up to lvl 5 or more with even low level items. so 1 point is plenty but if you want you can increase it to 10, but do so after the main build. this will allow your minions proper growth.

now as for bone armor, i highly suggest it, it can be a life saver. if 1 monster does manage to sneak up behind you or hit you while you're on the move it can be the last defense you have in many cases. 1 point will be plenty due to +skill items. though after the build is complete i suggest putting 1 point into each of its synergies (bone wall & bone prison) as well, to help it. although it should be noted that +skill items DO NOT work with synergies.

Black Necro

01-05-2008, 03:47 AM

i forgot about the +skills. thanks for your help. I just hope i dont die before completion.....i made it hardcore since i seem to find better items when playing a hardcore character.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-05-2008, 03:53 AM

the best advive i can give you with hardcore, is take your time and dont get in a rush. also only play the hardcore charater when you can devote full attention to the game. need to go afk for a few minutes, go back to town or save and quit. and never play tired, its the number one killer of hardcore charaters (technically its the monster that kills you but anyways). and if your in a tough situation start over, never just go ahead with it, overconfidence can be a downfall. keep your distance from the main battle too. CE becomes a vital part in a hardcore summoner's arsenal too, it clears a room quick.

Black Necro

01-05-2008, 04:01 AM

yeah, i guess overconfidence kinda killed my last hardcore necro. The Summoner kept throwing fireballs and a few too many hit me before i could get to a better spot for long ranged bone spears.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-05-2008, 04:16 AM

try to keep a full army at all times if possible, and dont be afraid to go back to the area just outside of town in act 1 just to raise that army either. i do it just for it being the easiest place to do so, which holds true when u get to nightmare and hell difficulty. the 1 point in revives that i mention in the guide will be a life saver as well.

blackmage

01-05-2008, 04:19 AM

i don't have a problem with skelles killing with infinity at all by the time one bodys down i case ce

I'm going to get a pride and test it out but I've had debates with people on another site they agree infinity's better poison mages stop monster heal and with cta on prebuff with arm of king leoric n bone flame then prebuff them with bc and bo then switch to beast

DarkPrinceLoki

01-05-2008, 04:32 AM

i have no problem with it either, but for the most part a summoner like the one in this guide relies more on the skeleton warriors for damage output, and concentration will push thier damage and killing speed through the roof. The mages are mainly there for support and to help with physical immunes, although amplify damage will break that imunity anyways, sometimes you have an enemy that has a quicker attack rating that is PI, so in my shoes i would decreptify it and let the skeletons do thier best, and the mages support them. you encounter more elemental immunes in higher difficulties so the mages lose their appeal as main damage dealers. But if you wer a Lord of Mages summoner, then use Infinity would be a much better choice than pride because your main damge would be magi with revives serving as tanks.

Black Necro

01-05-2008, 05:19 AM

i've already got a Homunuclus that Landazar gave me when he was giving away items for forum gold. cant use it since its in a email. but thats a plus for when i get a new comp and am able to mule with ATMA.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-05-2008, 05:33 AM

congrats, be sure to put a Perfect diamond in it once you can socket it. then when u find an um rune, use the cube to remove the Pdiamond and put the Um in its place.

Black Necro

01-05-2008, 05:39 AM

Identified Name: Homunculus
Unid Name: Hierophant Trophy

Defense: 177-213 (varies) (Base Defense: 58-70)
Durability: 20
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 58
Chance to block: 72%
(Necromancer Only)
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+5 To Mana After Each Kill
40% Increased Chance of Blocking
30% Faster Block Rate
+2 To Necromancer Skill Levels
+20 To Energy
Regenerate Mana 33%
All Resistances +40
+2 To Curses Skills (Necromancer Only)

you know that it already has +40 resistances......once i get the patch to upgrade from 1.07.....and then mule my lv 54 Necro's items over ill have maxed out my resistances.(got none on a sheild so that just ups what my lv54 has.) but then hell......well, i guess that Um would really help with the penalty.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-05-2008, 05:54 AM

i belive in hell there is a -65ish penalty to resists so yeah, just trust me on that :)

Black Necro

01-05-2008, 06:41 AM

My D2 book that came with the battlechest said something like -40 and -100 for NM and Hell

but when i moved on to NM i looked at the difference and I remember seeing it was less than -40....so maybe the penalty isnt -100 for hell. i dont know, thats just how i remember it. i hope it is -65, that would be alot easier.

Shallie

01-05-2008, 09:02 AM

Player and Hireling resistances are lowered by 40 in Nightmare.
Player and Hireling resistances are lowered by 100 in Hell Difficulty.
From my experience the only resistance you really need to push as a summoner is lightning. If you want to do some hell Baal runs you should have maxed lightning resistance or you'll have a really hard time in level 2 and Baal's Throne Room with all those Willowisps. For the other resistances just try to be positive or just slightly in the minimum and you should do fine.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-05-2008, 04:50 PM

yeah i agree that lightning resist is the most important, cold being the next one after that. for players we can have light damage of 2-700 for example, but monsters seem like they always dish out that 700 in hell....... kinda unfair if you asked me but hey who ever said that life was fair

Shallie

01-05-2008, 11:12 PM

I did have a link to a max block indicator, but I lost it durring the reset. If I find it again I will put it back in my guide.
Here are the links for two Block Calculators:
Peterpaulruben's D2X/1.11 Blocking Calculator (http://baronsbazaar.invisionzone.com/ppr/block_calc.html)
Block Calculator [v1.05] (http://diablo2.ingame.de/tips/calcs/block.php) This is a German one though.

Black Necro

01-06-2008, 12:17 AM

okay, i guess the penalties in the book were correct...i guess in normal i just had all the resistances about 10 or 20 above the cap and when the penalty came in it just looked like it didnt have as much effect.

I usually try and max my Fire and Light resists though before i fight Diablo, then try and keep the resists up for Baal. I usually have then all around 50 or 60 though if they arent maxed, poison is hard though. (on my first necro i found some good resistance+ charms...but lost them in a comp freeze and now my poison resist is in the negatives.)

DarkPrinceLoki

01-06-2008, 12:39 AM

thanks shallie its not the one i had but ill be sure to post it.

blackmage

01-06-2008, 01:44 AM

So why aren't we using Pride Runeword instead? After all it boasts a level 16-20 Concentration aura, which gives our skeletons +285%-345% damage. And not to mention Conviction only seems to help our mages, which don't deal out as much damage as our skeleton warriors. There are two reasons why Infinity is the better choice, one concerns to Conviction aura, and the other concerns the overall stats of the weapon.

First lets start out with the Conviction aura. Infinity has a level 12 aura, which is -83% monster defense and -80 monster resistance. So if you were to say that is only benefits the mages and not the warriors then you would be misinformed. A reduction in target defense in theory means enchanted damage in the long run. But how much ED does -83% def mean? Well let me give another example. My necro right now is level 85, he has a level 48 skeleton mastery and a level 46 skeleton warrior, which means he has 17 skeletons. His skeletons receive +48%ed from Heart of Wolverine, +93%ed from Fanta, +200% ed from Might, and 100% from Amp: 48+93+200+100= +441%ed. His skeletons also receive +53%ar from Heart of Wolverine, and 80%ar from Fanta: 53+80= +138%ar. One of his skeletons attacks .9 times per second. Knowing this i can calculate my skele dmg and ar...

SKELETON STATS
AVG DMG: 871 x 5.41 = 4,712 dmg
AR: 1445 x 2.38 = 3,439 ar

Now lets say I have 17 skeleton warriors only without Conviction arua on Uber Mephisto. Uber Meph has 3360 def. With the %chance to hit formula i can find out that my skeles have a 44% chance to hit Uber Meph. But now with conviction aura on, Mephisto now only has 571 def. which means my skeles now have a 76% chance to hit. Now lets see how much damage that equates to per second.

DMG/SEC WITHOUT CONVICTION
4712 dmg x 17 skeles x .9 attack / sec x .44 %hit = 31,521 dmg per sec

DMG/SEC WITH CONVICTION
4712 x 17 x .9 x .76 = 54,791 dmg per sec

As you can see ED from Concivtion is quite real. In fact it is equal to 393% enchanted damage!!! (that is, if you want to achieve the same amount of damage without the increased chance to hit from Infinity). But thats not the only benefit from the aura. -80 monster resistance in theory means +80% enchanted missile damage for my mages, if they are attacking a monster that doesn't have immunities. Conviction helps both my mages AND my warriors, oh yeah it also increases your CE damage aswell, 'nuff said.

But this is not the only reason why Infinity is superior to Pride. The stats on Infinity really make this polearm stand out. 40% Chance of Crushing Blow, 0.5-49.5 To Vitality (Based on Clvl), Prevent Monster Heal, and +255-325% ED make this runeword way better. OK so now look at Pride, what's that got? Well not much, it has NO enchanted damage, and just a measly hit blinds target.

With the combination of Conviction's impressive benefits and it's superior stats, I think the choice is clear to make a Infinity polearm for your merc. The armor and helm slots have a few candidates and are completely up to you.

thats why i use infinity obidence would be nice to

Black Necro

01-06-2008, 03:15 AM

I really need to start playing ladder......i was using this guide for my non ladder necro, but i also have to get 1.11 as i still have 1.07

btw, "a level 48 skeleton mastery and a level 46 skeleton warrior, which means he has 17 skeletons."

how does that work? you get 1 skeleton per point so how does 46=17?

DarkPrinceLoki

01-06-2008, 05:32 AM

btw, "a level 48 skeleton mastery and a level 46 skeleton warrior, which means he has 17 skeletons."

how does that work? you get 1 skeleton per point so how does 46=17?

first 3 levels you get 1 per point , after lvl 3 you get 1 sekelton every 3 lvls.

also i blackmage, i think that you missed something in the calculations it dont seem right, even if i did support inifinity over pride, the math dont seem right on it. right now im helping ppl on halo 3 and when im done ill be giving the Pride vs infinity debate a better view, maybe in another thread.

Black Necro

01-06-2008, 05:38 AM

really? is that before or after a certain patch? cause i could have sworn i got 1 skelly per level even though i only went up to like 4 or 5. i dont have the latest patch though as ive said before.

Belhemel

01-06-2008, 05:58 AM

DarkPrinceLoki

01-06-2008, 06:55 AM

that's what my assumption was, i knew the numbers couldn't be right, just didnt know where in the formula it was.thanks for pointing out where it was.

i have another thread up discussing this in further detail belheml if you would like to add in on it.

after doing some comparing one thing i found about infinity is that its more benifital to the merc and that it dont freeze enemies like pride does. but then again i use pride
and have found that the freezeing/shattering isnt of any inconvienance. bodies gather round just as easily.

really? is that before or after a certain patch? cause i could have sworn i got 1 skelly per level even though i only went up to like 4 or 5. i dont have the latest patch though as ive said before.

yes they did change it, because haveing 20 skeletons made the necro a lagging and at times over powered class, which is why some ppl think the necro got nerfed when the new patches came out, but hey we still have the all powerful CE! and bone spirit!

Black Necro

01-06-2008, 06:15 PM

yeah, i agree, CE is just cool for room clearing power. Bone spirit is just better than bone spear IMO.

Wallenberg

01-06-2008, 09:03 PM

Max CE :) Best suggestion on the build..

DarkPrinceLoki

01-06-2008, 09:51 PM

ive done some testing and while you can max it, and if you have the points to spare go ahead an do it, but 10 points into CE is far plenty enough, taking +skills into consideration as well. i have a lvl 10 CE and with +skills im just about at 23 total lvl.

Master Plan

01-07-2008, 02:03 AM

Question:

Which is better for a potion saver that will last atleast through nightmare, Blood Golem or clay?

And when you're doing tristram runs, it has you saving up points only to use 2 on skele mastery when you hit mage. Can't you just use the points instead of saving them?

Also, when doing cow runs, what should I look for? I have found nothing so far beyond some armor and stuff that I npced for 60k. Should I keep on looking and hope I find a good gem or armor, because most of the good stuff is picked up before I can reach it.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-07-2008, 03:26 AM

potion as in life? i hardly ever use potions with the skelletons running around, and the only golems i use are iron, and when it dies a clay till i can get a good item to make another iron.

its good to start with a cow game that has just started, and wait before you enter the portal incase its swamped. look for rare or uniques of course and any type of gem, preferably norm or better ones. also runes. if you cant use what you pick up immediatly or within a few levels sell it for gold that you can use to gamble with.
old cow games will work too, most people either use them to level or to rune hunt, so get whatever you can. i stay unpartied so i get all the gold i pick up.

Master Plan

01-07-2008, 03:33 AM

Ooooh okay so if I can't get enough uniques, then I can just use the money I got from npcing to gamble, right?

I try to join new cow games, but I end up with 200 + bovine on my tail. It was quite funny until I ran to the protection of my party and then began to loot lol. Guess I did get 2 thawing rings, a tal rune, and a topaz from that... too bad they all died.

blackmage

01-07-2008, 09:02 AM

for running i would say finity is superior makes merc do 5 k + a poke with out amp or fantasim pride for bosses i would say could be better for more damage period but u don't need that all over

finity lowers defense by alot with skelles ar damage isn't an issue with them besides i cast corpse exploison to clear rooms out forget waiting for the skelles

in baal rooms i've noticed pride is useless pallys with finity i see hammerdins staying back letting me take care of everything

DarkPrinceLoki

01-07-2008, 06:27 PM

Do what now?

"Would you mind explaining that again, in english perhaps?" -April O'Neil

Master Plan

01-08-2008, 04:04 AM

I think he is trying to say that Infinity is superior because the skeleton's damage doesn't matter as much, the merc can dish out huge amounts of damage with a good runeword. Problem is, merc dies, you're screwed.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-08-2008, 05:51 AM

skelleton damage matters more because well lets face it thats what the guide is all about. and for those instances the skelletons arent relying on the merc as i have beast! also concentration=chance for uninteruptable attack to all skelletons

Landau14

01-08-2008, 10:56 PM

please edit it. I honestly cannot read it, it's too long. I mean, I understand it's for the noobiest noob, but please make it shorter. lvling up strageties can be deleted. I'll try to read it again when I'll be more relax, but please make it shorter.
and anyway I would love to make a deathwalker myself.
and I'm no expert just read some nero gudies but why not max clay golem to deal with bosses?
and gear section needs editing. you listed just too many options. just list the best option- explain why you chose it and write like 2-3 alternatives and why you can use them in a sentense.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-08-2008, 11:57 PM

im editing atm between work and other such it takes time.

the clay golem is there strictly for a back up if your iron golem dies. the skeletons can tank bosses by themself and do more damage than the golem can.

Master Plan

01-09-2008, 12:29 AM

Landau, if you want a clay golem, put some points into it from the 35 extra after you finish the build.

Also, if you think thats long, you really need to read more. It really isn't that hard to read, maybe 5 minutes for me. Just read it and, if you need to, copy and paste the stat and skill guide into a word document.

Landau14

01-09-2008, 12:57 AM

wow, copied and deleted some and it helped ALOT. so here are my suggestions:
1. if you really want to keep it that long you can make a summary in the edn with maxed skills, perfect gear and stats.
2. as you said the mana thing is your personal prefrence, but I would really reccomand not to. I've played hdin and he really didn't have mana problems, only for tele maybe. it doens't cost alot of money at all and you find alot of mana potions on the monsters you kill.
3. max block is ridiculus. it's very funny written but I would say "don't max block" and that it. It's pretty dam obvious.
4. gear- as you said it's in progress to imo it should be like that:
helm: shako. alternatives: tran, wormskull, undead crown.
arm: eni. alternatives: viper, bramble, coh (altought I can't see why)
shield: homu. alternatives: bloodflame, spirit (it's an amazing option, especially for tele but requires alot of str) and cheapers- lidless, splendor
rings: 2 sojs. alternatives: whatever works for you. +str/+res/+life. doens't matter
ammy: seraph's is the cheapest +2 sk you can find I belive. Mara's is a waste I think
gloves: trang's. alternatives: imo really none.
boots: marrow. alternatives: doesn't really matter, there are alot.
belt: arach. alternatives: maybe trang's?
5. again, I'm no expert, but as far as my friend play and as far as I've read 1 point in revive, 1 point in mages, 20 in skele and mastery and 20 in clay golem is best? extra will be summon resist/golem mastery. I mean, CE range will be goo enough will +skills...what do you say?

DarkPrinceLoki

01-09-2008, 01:24 AM

"Sarcasam is just an excuse for those who lack intelligence."

I would rather have a guide that is too long and full of information, than a short one that leaves the reader wondering. also you definatly didn't read much of the guide because what i posted is the Long version in regards to skills, stats and other such. I do have a shorter one that can be completed by lvls 42-46, but as I stated in the same sentence, there is more that a person would want when they find themselves in certain situations.

"I'm no expert, but as far as my friend play and as far as I've read 1 point in revive, 1 point in mages, 20 in skele and mastery and 20 in clay golem is best? extra will be summon resist/golem mastery. I mean, CE range will be goo enough will +skills...what do you say?" -Landau14

One point in revive is fine, my guide states this.
20 in skelleton and master, this is a given
1 in mages is find and dandy, i just suggest 3 for more support, i leave it up to the player if they want more.

my lvl 74 necro is able to solo hell, kill dclone (with the right golem), and although i havent yet, will be able to do the chaos tristram event.

Landau14

01-09-2008, 01:32 AM

Uber tristram I belive you mean. and I wish you good luck, altough this place is just ****ing frightning. but I guess a summoner will probably have the easiest time there..

and okey. you want to keep your guide long that OK by me. Even for "not leaving the reader wondering" this guide is too long for me, but hey- that's just me.

And I didn't consider that your going legit. that's pretty unique. So please except my apolagizes. With perfect and not so expensive gear you could have like +17 to skills.

That's about it I guess.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-09-2008, 01:53 AM

technically it's the pandamonium world event, but the name of the place is chaos tristram, and you fight uber baal, uber mephisto and pandamonium diablo. yeah it is crazy there, and while i have a hero editor and a mod that allows the CT event for single player, as far as bnet no i havent.

near perfect gear= no anni, no torch, no skill charms. all i have is eq that gives +skills. with that i have about +9 depending on what arm switch i use.

i would have an anni, but i was helping a friend kill dclone, so he got the charm.
He couldnt kill him because dclone kept regenerating and my friend was suprised by him (didnt know that he had walked) and was ill prepared. so he IMed me to help.

Landau14

01-09-2008, 02:00 AM

Yeah, It doesn't really matter what's it called chaos tristram just sound confusing.
anyway, I just pointed out that with +skills (with anni,torch and sk or without) 1 point in mages is fine. just with your good homu and shako a decent bonus.
but never mind, never mind..

DarkPrinceLoki

01-09-2008, 02:38 AM

that's fine and perfectly resonable, but now i bring the bigest point in history up:

why did we argue over 2 points...............roflbbq

Malaki

01-09-2008, 02:41 AM

Until I read this guide on a summoner I wasn't so convinced. I decided to go with one and follow your steps, ya' know just to see. I'm at lvl 21 right now and he seems to be doing okay. Although I'm a little confused on where I should place my stats. Suppose mainly life? Have my strength to where it should be and my dexterity I'm not certain about either. How will I know when my block is at 50%+? I may sound noobly but well Im just not sure on the calculations of the necro on dex

DarkPrinceLoki

01-09-2008, 04:52 AM

if your unsure always put them in life. str is good at 65 untill you go to nightmare. for dex, if you want 50% block in the char stat menu look at the attack ratting and defense. AR will show you your chance to hit, and if you hover over defense it will show your chance to be hit, and your chance to block. i dont put anything into dex until mid nightmare or hell.

lord of angels

01-09-2008, 04:40 PM

my current main char is a lvl 73 summoning necro (i haven't been playing too long)
and what i've done with him is ....

maxed out on raise skeleton and on skeleton mastery by lvl 35 and then took on normal baal,
I then did baalruns til i was lvl 45 putting points in mages only,so I had a pretty good army for when i entered nightmare.I then entered nightmare and got to lvl 50 putting 1 point in each golem and the den of evil in mages then at lvl 51 I put a point in revive(which was upped to 6 because of the bonuses)and completed act 1 nightmare,then I got to 55 and put points in and summon ressist(5)(point from radament)(copleted act 2)lvl 56 point in revive (completed act 3)got to lvl 59 putting points in revive and took on diablo and killed him.Then from lvl 60-64 I put points in mage (and then took on the ancients)ancients:mage 65-mages (completed nightmare)then i went through to hell. 66-amplify damamage.67-70 mages(maxed out)then from there on I put 5 points in revive (2 from hell q's)and thats where i am currently in act 2 hell.

I admit it is quite a slow levelling guide which takes a lot of time, but it's really effective when you get it going.

my equipment at the mo is:

armour:full trangs(for the +2 summoning plate and +3 necro skills and the +50 all resist and i can help damage enemies with fire from a distance)

amu:+3 summoning skills

boots:natalyas (I really need better)

rings:manalds/and a prismatic ring +11 all resist

wand:arm of king leoric(but i'm looking for a heart of the oak)

I've found this build really affective plz try it and tell me how it works for you

oh yeah my amount of summons are...
skeleton:13(lvl 33)unmodified lvl 20
mages:13(lvl 32)unmodified lvl 20
revives:19(lvl 19)unmodified lvl 9
and I use an iron golem in hell for the thorns aura (lvl 11)unmodified lvl 1

my equi gives me: +7 summoning skills
+3 necro skills
+2 curses
+3 summon raise skeleton
+2 raise mage
those are the only bonuses that my armour gives me that I really care about!!!

I've found this build really affective plz try it and tell me how it works for you

DarkPrinceLoki

01-09-2008, 06:24 PM

sounds real good, how many hard points is in revive. i never have the hrs to get a full trang's set, id like to know more.

lord of angels

01-09-2008, 07:30 PM

In revive I have bout 9 hard points i think and for trangs i found 2 parts and got lucky and cheap with the other 3. but all in all it works really well :D

DarkPrinceLoki

01-09-2008, 11:48 PM

vampire attack/casting animation is horrible though.......or at least to me it is.

Belhemel

01-10-2008, 06:02 AM

vampire attack/casting animation is horrible though.......or at least to me it is.

Yeah there are good things to say about trangs but I think good uniques completely own full trangs anyday. In nm it is ok but you really need that enigma in hell to move around in certain areas. I do like the vamp skills and
the look but yeah full trangs not too good in hell imo.

Landau14

01-10-2008, 12:38 PM

doen't really matter since a good necro can go naked in hell. but yeah, eni helps alot, especially since you summons tele with you as far as I know.
Get Marrow instead of natalya's.
and why Manald's?

Belhemel

01-10-2008, 01:01 PM

Yes summons and merc do tele. Enigma allows you to bring revives along for the ride too instead of them wandering around and getting lost. We all know how frustrating it is to lose half your damn army if you have summons when you are running.

Landau14

01-12-2008, 03:18 PM

Yeah, revives are just dumb.
and sorry loki, but this guide still isn't good as I see it. gear is a big important part of a guide and your's just messed up. not to mention bad. String of Ears andVerdungo's Hearty Cord? why? the big bonus of these is DR, but you're a sumoner, so the main idea is that you don't get hit.
hawkmail is also pathetic option, giving abosultly no good things.

Rest of the guide is good, well written and too long for my taste but the gear section just ruins everything for me.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-12-2008, 03:57 PM

i list these thing for options to find on the way, as you progress. hawkmail is pathetic , i disagree. I have used it and it works perfectly. the cannot be frozen helps much. and if anyone misses the sentence again im going to snap. the Item section is in the works. geeze. I'm working on redoing the whole guide so just bear with me.

Enigma

01-12-2008, 08:30 PM

trangs cost hrs? odd, i bought my entire set for a um rune, and my friend bought a set for a pul

DarkPrinceLoki

01-13-2008, 06:39 AM

grrr, how come everone else is getting the good deals? anytime i look for one its always over priced. anyways, i wouldnt use a full trang set due to enigma and humunculus. theyre just too valuble.

Landau14

01-13-2008, 01:24 PM

yeah, Trangs cost pul-um, actually just for the belt with cost ~pul by its own.

And okey, I understand gear section is in progress, so I apolagize, but still accept my recommendations.
the CBF can be easily achieved by a Raven Frost, and it doesn't really matter anyway since it doesn't matter if you get frozen. you're not a melee.
Viper is a must better choice and very cheap especially since you don't need the perfect res. Anyway, anything with +1 skills (and there are a lot) are better than hawkmail. Even stuff with Str or Dex bonus are better, because they allows you to wear you high req items.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-14-2008, 04:30 AM

ok new update:

for the record on my Lvl 77 Necro Balzhur

Equip:
Helm: Harlequin Crest
Body: "Enigma" Archon Plate
Weapon1&2:"Beast" Eth Ettin Axe (Lvl 9 Fanaticism) & "Call To Arms" Flail (+6BCom,+1BO,+4BCry)
Shield1&2: Humunculus (Umed) & +1 Necro Skills Rare Bloodlord Skull [From Anya]
Hands: Upgraded Frostburns
Boots: Sandstorm Trek
Belt: Rare Plate Belt
Amulet: Golemlord's Amulet (+3 Summoner Skills)
Rings: The Stone of Jordan, Raven Frost

Merc EQ > lvl 77 w/ lvl 22 Might

Weapon "Pride" Colossus Voulge (Lvl 17 Concentration)
Body: Leviathan Unique Kraken Shell
Head: Rare Basinet (Nef & Perfect Amethyst)

my skeletons are at lvl 30 with a lvl 30 Mastery, and with the combined auras of Might, Fanaticism, and Concentration, they do an average damage of about 3,000 per swing per skeleton. keep in mind that every skeleton swings 2 times a second, and I have 12 skeletons runing around. Then there's Amplify damage that doubles that final damage.

Is there anyone else that doubts the damage of a skeleton warrior, much less a pack of them?

Landau14

01-14-2008, 02:49 PM

Sweeeet.

but why AP eni? too much str. You should use the eni str bonus in a low str req arm (Mage plate of Beast plate) so you can put all of your gear without putting a single point into str.

safetypro

01-14-2008, 09:08 PM

Hiya Loki.
Quick question. Are you building your Nec max-block? I decided to try that on mine. Originally, my Nec had gear very similar to yours however I decided to switch to Trangs. I wasn't getting enough resists from gear and I hate summoning on switch. The one drawback is that the Trang shield has a lower block and I've had to invest a few more points into dex than I would have if I had kept the Homunculus set up.

Shallie

01-14-2008, 10:59 PM

I wouldn't go for max block and rather spend those points into vitality. Because you still have a lot of skill points left after maxing your main skills I usually spend one point into bone armor and max bone wall (synergy). That gives you some nice defense against physical attack, so no need to go for max block.

Belhemel

01-14-2008, 11:05 PM

On my necro I like to have a breast plate nigma as def isn't much of an issue. The occasional arrow that gets through wont be enough to hurt you too bad. If you put a point into BA and a few into synergies it will help as well. I never really liked max block as I never get hit so I would rather have igh vitality. As for BA don't worry about a point into it and into a synergy because you will have lots of skill points left over after maxing core stats.

safetypro

01-14-2008, 11:25 PM

Well I'm kind of committed to max-block now. He's level 84 or so. I tried a non-block Skellymancer last ladder and max-block this ladder. Just going into act 5 Hell so I'll be facing all those spear chucking/arrow slinging monsters in the highlands. So far I'm happy with the max block. This Nec seems much more robust than last ladder. You don't have to worry about life loss when you're getting hit 25% of the time, right? I know many people avocate vita builds but with my play style, I've found max block more suitable.

Belhemel

01-14-2008, 11:31 PM

Well yeah if thats working for you then not a bad idea as you can always pot so i guess not a bad idea.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-15-2008, 12:23 AM

dang so many questions to answer in a single post for shame.....

first off my PC messed up last night so it cut me off halfway through the last post i made so recheck it to see what was suppose to be there.

Answers:
1> The reason i chose AP armor for my enigma is because of what i plan on using him for. My necro while following the main part of my build is designed for the best of the best. Built to take on Dclone and Chaos Tristram with its Ubers. So I like to make sure i am well protected, that and it was the first thing i found that had 3 open sockets that wasnt ethereal.
2> ATM my necro is sitting at 68% block. He is going for max block, but for now im going to put points into Vitality until my Health is at or close to 1,000HP. Remember last night when we ran Nihlathak? Even at 68%Block those Vipers were Smiting way too hard, if and when they did. A few caught me in stun lock and the blocking helped when it kicked in. With that Lower Block Shield from Trangs, You could socket it with the rune that gives chance to block (dont remember which one that is at the moment) and it could help, or make the sacrifice and swap it out for humunculus.
Overall I would go ahead and max block. either you have more vitality and get hit more often, or you have slightly less life but get hit less. No matter which way you go the trade off is even, but would you rather find yourself in a situation where you get mobbed and have less block with demons eating away at your huge life orb, or being safe and not getting hit as often with your smaller life orb.

saracen85

01-15-2008, 12:51 AM

use a crafted safety ammy..
one with +10% blocking chance can save you ~20 dexterity.. =)

here's what i'm using on my trang's necro right now.. too bad i had already invested the points into dex before getting it.. =P

Skull Clasp
Amulet
Required Level: 89
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 92
Fingerprint: 0xd0fd22b2
+6 to Mana
+7% Increased Chance of Blocking
Damage Reduced by 4
Magic Damage Reduced by 1
Fire Resist +21%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels

DarkPrinceLoki

01-15-2008, 01:39 AM

I Almost forgot about the Safety items, but I didnt post them because I know what SafetyPro Uses and I didnt think he wanted to trade out his ammy. BTW Eld is the rune that gives 7% Chance to block. Speaking of Runes . . . .

For everyone that likes to Make Special Iron Golems, a 6os Metal Weapon with these runes can yield some great benefits, If you can spare them:

Nef: KnockBack
Eth: -25% Target Defense (you would need 4 of them for best results)
Amn: 7% Life Steal
Shael: 20% Increased Attack Speed
Pul: 75% Enhanced Damage and +100 Attack Rating VS Demons
Um: 25% Chance of Open Wounds
Mal: Prevent Monster Heal
Lo: 20% Chance of Deadly Strike
Ber: 20% Chance of Crushing Blow (maxes out at 75%)
Jah: Ignore Target Defense

Belhemel

01-15-2008, 02:22 AM

If your rich a last wish Golem kicks @zz. I never made one myself cuz I can't bear to do it but I have a friend that did and his IG panws. His idea is basically what made me write my Iron Summoner guide before the reset.

safetypro

01-15-2008, 02:54 AM

IK Maul Iron Golem is cool, pls don't use the 40 CB ones though, I'm ISO one:)

DarkPrinceLoki

01-15-2008, 05:05 AM

Belhemel

01-15-2008, 06:28 AM

Infinity golem would be pretty cool. You would really need that enigma so you could tele in case his health gets low.

safetypro

01-15-2008, 10:46 AM

I made one out of Infinity and another out of BotD (using hero editor), and they both kicked major Ace of Spades, but the infinity one was better, and would be a great choice for a summone3r who has a few magi, though it would be top priority to keep it alive.

It would be my luck (and I've done this) to accidental cast another golem like clay or fire after I've made an iron golem out of a nasty weapon...:eek:
The thought of using Infinity or BOTD just makes me cringe knowing I have the potential to do something like that.

saracen85, that Safety Amulet idea is super. I'll put the word out to see if I can acquire one with +2 Nec Skills and other decent mods to go along with the increased block.

Landau14

01-15-2008, 08:28 PM

DarkPrinceLoki

01-16-2008, 12:28 AM

It would be my luck (and I've done this) to accidental cast another golem like clay or fire after I've made an iron golem out of a nasty weapon...:eek:
The thought of using Infinity or BOTD just makes me cringe knowing I have the potential to do something like that..

That happened to me once unfortanatly, but i had a 6OS Axe with 4 Eth's, an Amn, and Ber. i cast a clay golem instead of casting life tap, the hotkeys were close together. I've moved them since

safetypro

01-16-2008, 03:44 AM

refering to the max block discussion:
I'll go with no MB. If you're having trouble with some creatures, just try to aviod them. Not a big problem with an army of skeles and teleport. And it's not a "little" less . If you put NO point in STR and NOT point in DEX the life difference becomes quite noticable after BO.

Your point is valid but it's more a matter of personal preferrence. I tried no block last ladder and max block this ladder. The Skellimancer is by no means my main character but, just another of the many I make to try new stuff. I actually think this ladder's mancer is a little stronger with the max block.

Builds are becoming so specialized these days. It used to be that people would invest a few extra points into strength just for the versatility of being able to equip something else that may have higher requirements. Nowadays, most people are making builds like they would for PvP. Most of my builds are strong and clear the game without worrying about minimizing strength or dex in order to maximize life. The one exception this ladder is the no block meteorb I made. She was a complete glass cannon which doesn't match my play style at all. Needless to say I've scrapped her in favor of the Mancer and my latest build a WW Barb (both max-block).

Now I'm not saying that all builds should go max block because I've had success with several builds without it. My Lightning Sorc last ladder was a very strong build however, I haven't accumulated the wealth yet this ladder to duplicate the build. My dual sword wielding Frenzy Barb was another no block success last ladder and best of all, my own Werebear/Summoner that many new people are trying and liking this ladder because of my build guide, is a no block build.

Sorry for the long post.:eek:

DarkPrinceLoki

01-16-2008, 04:47 AM

yeah, people are starting to have a narrow view on stat placement, making everything like they would a pvp character. Sure go ahead and take in consideration what end game gear you will be using, but be prepared for the unexpected. Come on not everyone starts out with a spare anni and torch for their new charter, or a complete set of perfect gear and all the right charms. Some people actually play right out of their pockets and have to spend points as they go. For example my necro was built with very specific Eq in mind, but sometimes you have to settle with what you can get. I was looking for a war axe/naga/beserker axe to put my "beast" in, but after about 3 weeks i settled on an eth ettin axe that fit the build, and i had to adjust my stat placement. Regardless, I suggest a bare minimum of 50% block for safety and conveinance.

lord of angels

01-17-2008, 08:14 AM

DarkPrinceLoki

01-17-2008, 11:37 PM

I've found that I'm always very cheap and i've never had any good runes or very descent items. my main character is my lvl 73 necro in hell he is the only char i have in hell and he's only on act 2!!! I've always had to pay for things with pgems which suck coz i really need better stuff.

that's how i was too, but then i lucked up and FINALLY got the rebate for my Cellphone back in the form of a visa card with $50 on it, so I decided then and there to never be poor gamewise again. i went to Lewt.com and baught a bunch of HRs and a couple of tradeable Items that are highly saught after.

no plug intended but It did help me out alot and i actuall have stuff i need and there is no worries about them being duped either, because their not.

lord of angels

01-18-2008, 08:23 PM

k thx but my problem is I'm english so lewt will be a bit wierd for me

safetypro

01-18-2008, 11:53 PM

haha lord or angels, I'm Canadian and it's still wierd to me. Really, if Loki wants to use Lewt.com, I'm cool with that however, there are other ways to accumulate wealth without having to buy it. First and foremost, establish yourself in a trade community where you have an outlet to exchange items you find for ones you need. Collect pgems, good socketables and keys to start with and build your wealth by trading up to more valuable items. I know it sounds easy but, if you do want some more information, I'd be happy to point you in the right direction in terms of a trade community.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-19-2008, 04:31 AM

:D i just tried it out, i kinda felt ashamed at first but for the first time since i stated LOD i actually had a hR, and not just 1, but 20...... and thanks safety for helping me with aquiring some of the items i needed. BTW, how is it wierd?

lord of angels

01-19-2008, 01:22 PM

btw how do you use lewt because I thought you payed for it online and they gave you the items online. do they deliver some sort of code thingy to activate it???

DarkPrinceLoki

01-19-2008, 04:50 PM

Its done like this:

1)Go to lewt.com and register an account, its free.

2) you browse the site and chose which game you want items for, in our case its Diablo 2 (they have other games too).Pick out your Items, they offer all sorts of Items, uniques, sets runic and os items as well.

3)when your done browsing then you go to the checkout page, where it lists all your items and the total price, you then select your payment options. the prefered pament method is PayPal. which if you dont know, PayPal uses your debit or credit card to pay with, and its very secure. PayPal is also used on ebay, if your familar with it.

4)after the transaction is complete it will send a comformation email to the account you registered with and after about 20 miutes they will send another email with an account and password to one of the hundreds of Item Mules they have with all the items you ordered on it.

5) log in and transfer the items yourself, or they also have a live chat option where you can get one of their most trusted representatives to help you transfer.

6) enjoy your completely legit items.

azz33

01-20-2008, 11:55 PM

wuld this b good for ubers??

DarkPrinceLoki

01-21-2008, 07:00 AM

with the proper preparation, yes, it can do ubers and quite effectivly I might add too, but i wouldnt try it until at least the following conditions are met.

1) Main build is completed (Maxed skeleton and mastery) and at least 1 point into the following: Revive, Corpse Explosion, Bone Armor, Summon Resist, Amplify Damage, Decreptify, Life Tap, Bone Wall and Iron Golem

2) You have the following Equipment: "Enigma", "Beast", "Pride", "Call to Arms"

3)Enough +to Skills Equipment that your minion total is close or more than this:

Skeletons:12+
Revives:10+ (use mostly Blunderbore type monster for the Crushing Blow)
Magi:5+ (with at least 1 hard point) (3 Poison & 2 Cold, adding with a 2:1 ratio)

Iron Golem: if your rich I would use the Infinity Runeword, if not a 6OS Etheral Weapon with 4 ETHs, an AMN and a SHAEL runes socketed in it will work fine.

Black Necro

01-21-2008, 07:28 AM

That sounds like one insanely expensive Iron Golem...

lord of angels

01-21-2008, 05:08 PM

well duh normally I use the +lightning damage and stuff like that that are already socketed with a couple of eths for a quick golem but for a more thought through golem I will use apropriate runes and gems in a descent/ok item depending on where I am

Landau14

01-21-2008, 07:05 PM

Didn't mention Merc.
And any reason for Enigma?

As for revives- aren't most people use Urdars? (or whatever their name is) WTF is Blunderbore?

DarkPrinceLoki

01-22-2008, 04:20 AM

Pride is for merc, Enigma gives plus 1 to teleport and plus 2 to all skills, and a blunderbore is a different species of urdar, the more deadly kind found in mephisto's lair.

Also another good Runeword to use for Iron Golem is Strength (Amn + Tir). Its very cheap and gives excelent Mods: Life leach, 25% crushing blow, 50% ED just to name a few.

tyciol

01-22-2008, 05:50 AM

I really like your guide, but a lot of the writeup simply didn't make sense.

For example, saving a point so you can get both golem mast and skel mage simultaneously makes sense...

But saving 2 to put in skel mastery at 12? No sense at all, why not just put them in as they come? You have the strength to level with.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-23-2008, 01:03 AM

more points in mastery = more damage and more life.

http://www.battle.net/diablo2exp/skills/necromancer-summoning.shtml

Now although raise skeleton does give more benefits for maxing it first, i try to keep them even in level and then finish mastery first in the guide, because it also benefits Magi and revived.

Night Ranger

02-03-2008, 04:25 AM

A very good I hope one day I try it out

kwittstruck

02-06-2008, 10:54 PM

Im going to go on and try this one out, Ive tried something simular but it lacked in a lot of areas and to be quite honest, was compleatly horrid in NM mode. 35 pts. so much choices...

DarkPrinceLoki

02-11-2008, 06:54 PM

ok im here to make a small update, ive been playing real hard lately and i reached my goal of lvl 99. but i restarted my character just for the hell of it. i took lots of SS and will be uploading some of them when i update the whole guide.

and now here is a teaser shot of my awesome stats. which they could have been better, and on my next build they will be.

also to reach 50% and 75% block at lvl 99 requires 153 & 222 dex stats respectivly

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/LokiShinigami/Screenshot002.jpg

DarkPrinceLoki

02-16-2008, 01:06 AM

Ok i made a major update/overhaul for the guide, tell me if there is anything else you would like to see. i just restarted my char, so when it gets back up to speed, ill show you more bwnage.

Phoenix13

02-17-2008, 04:24 AM

Wow you're lvl 99 congradulations! I'm starting from scratch now in non-ladder useast, do you think a summoner is a good type of mfer, even with a bad gear?

MaddyGoneWild

02-17-2008, 04:45 AM

summoning necros can own any where it just depends on the +skills own people with summoning necros u just havta b godly

kwittstruck

02-17-2008, 06:04 AM

im workin on a pvm summon necro, only on lvl 34 but doing good in NM so far, single player. usin skeleton and mastery, along with revive (1pt and + skills) and usin poison tree too, workin out quite well

DarkPrinceLoki

02-17-2008, 03:55 PM

a summoner is a real good MFer no matter what the gear. give the merc a bunch of MF items, and load yourself out in items that have Ptopazes or natural Mf on them. then let your summons do the most of the work, and then just spam Corpse Explosion till the room is clear. let CE and your Merc do the Mfing, while the minions just help you get Corpses to explode.

Shallie

02-18-2008, 08:38 PM

What do you need that 231 strength for?

DarkPrinceLoki

02-19-2008, 05:07 AM

thats just all the mods. the following was the base/naked stats at the time of the SS.

base stats:
Str: 89
Dex: 200
Vit: 246
Nrg: 50

Life: 948
Mana: 838

In the picture it shows my stats with all my EQ and charms. thats not counting what "call to arms" can boost. I dont even think im using an anni or torch in th SS. this was before i restarted my char.

Skullcaptain

02-19-2008, 07:01 AM

Now this is one of the best guide I ever read :)

Applause!!

Apokalyptus

02-28-2008, 04:09 AM

What do you think of using an act 1 fire arrow merc equipped with a hydra/crusader 15% ed faith bow with 15 fanat? I can solo pretty well with my Act1 merc and my skellies.

DarkPrinceLoki

02-28-2008, 04:49 AM

its perfectly fine to use, and will help u get corpses better, because she stays at range, but you would be losing 2 potential auras in the process though (might and concentration).

another alternate build to this that ive been working/testing in single player (with help from a few mods) is instead of the necro using a "beast" axe, he would be using a "faith" bow/xbow. which would still allow you to have the fanaticism and the act 2 merc with might and concentration. basically still the dethwalker commandomancer, but instead he is more like a sniper, than a samuari. using the bow to take out the boss pack leaders, while the skills take out the pack itself.

yehaw

02-28-2008, 08:40 PM

best damn necro guide:)

RichardWeed

03-18-2008, 08:10 PM

another alternate build to this that ive been working/testing in single player (with help from a few mods) is instead of the necro using a "beast" axe, he would be using a "faith" bow/xbow. which would still allow you to have the fanaticism and the act 2 merc with might and concentration. basically still the dethwalker commandomancer, but instead he is more like a sniper, than a samuari. using the bow to take out the boss pack leaders, while the skills take out the pack itself.

I was planning on trying Faith out with my summoner I'm making. Asking somebody who has experience using Faith, would I need to use Angelics for the extra AR or will I have enough?

DarkPrinceLoki

03-18-2008, 11:29 PM

the fanticism from faith should give you plenty of attack ratting. it's best to have on your equipment, and see for yourself if you need more, are you hitting anything? if so your good with AR.

DarkPrinceLoki

03-21-2008, 07:49 PM

i think its about time to sticky my guide . . . just look at the post count.

Patriarch Balzhur: Lvl 82
Status: Taking a break to work on my sorc
Last Activity: Mfed every Hell boss( atma's scarab, Seraph's Hymn, Soj, are just some of the better finds)
Next Goal: getting my merc high enough lvl to wear andy's visage, solo run the ubers and Dclone.

kreality

03-23-2008, 04:28 PM

Zinah

03-23-2008, 04:47 PM

Is this build available for a poor necromancer?

If you mean the gear - he listed options for poor in red. These is pretty cheap stuff you can find/trade easily even if you're not rich. :)

Rotta

03-23-2008, 08:05 PM

I think im in love to this guide... 9.2/10!

Zinah

03-23-2008, 09:17 PM

I forgot to say that I love that guide as well!!! *rates high* *votes for sticking it*

Liachem

03-23-2008, 11:05 PM

Nice guide. Usually I go with what I feel would be best, but this looks like it might be fun.

"They say most of your brain shuts down in cryo-sleep. All but the primitive side, the animal side. No wonder I'm still awake."
Hey, Zinah? Isn't that from "The Chronicles of Rid****"? (Best movie ever, by the way.)

Belhemel

03-23-2008, 11:24 PM

Is this build available for a poor necromancer?

and does you maxed Skeleton Mages in your build? Because I really want to know how good is the skeleton Mages with Skeleton Warriors Combo...especially in Hell Mode.

You dont have to be rich to solo hell with a summoner. It does help though to have a few of the top items but you will get them eventually even starting out poor. I always start with a summoner every ladder and he always finds me some really great gear so don't worry about not having the best gear.

DarkPrinceLoki

03-24-2008, 12:52 AM

Is this build available for a poor necromancer?

and does you maxed Skeleton Mages in your build? Because I really want to know how good is the skeleton Mages with Skeleton Warriors Combo...especially in Hell Mode.

Just like belhemel said, this guide can opperate "naked" in hell in terms of no equipment, and solo it no problem, but be prepared for lots of trouble in some areas, which if you are good at thinking on your feet, and are careful, really isnt that much problem. I start out with rare items, and if i find something usefull i adapt it to my build. as you progress in hell, you can sacrifice some items you have for items that have lots of MF and simply farm for better items. i myself have found lots of the equipment in this guide simply from walking in random areas, not even doing a mf run.

as for the mages, for my personal build i only put 3 points into mages. and let the +skills take over from there, giving me 6 magi as of my current lvl. for me that's plenty, because my skeletons can do enough damage that the magi arent really needed, but the cold and poison mages are very valuable against booses witht high attack speeds and regeneration rates. personally my skeletons kill so quick most the magi dont even shoot their missles.

kreality

03-24-2008, 01:56 AM

saracen85

03-24-2008, 02:12 AM

I am playing single player mode...so I never thought about trading item with other players.

About Fighting boss...isnt that your minion usually got killed easily..especially against Andriel and Diablo....So I really wonder how you guys manage to keep your minion alive?

and what is the best players X work with Summoner?

20 CE/SM/RS, at /players 1, you'll own the game easily even without leet gear.

imo, ~/players 5 is still decent.. maybe lower it to /p3 vs baal + minions

Zinah

03-24-2008, 10:10 AM

"They say most of your brain shuts down in cryo-sleep. All but the primitive side, the animal side. No wonder I'm still awake."
Hey, Zinah? Isn't that from "The Chronicles of Rid****"? (Best movie ever, by the way.)

Lol at the word filter. No, it's from "Pitch Black", the first movie with Ridd1ck. But you were close. :D

kreality

03-24-2008, 02:56 PM

Another Question..

Does your Might Merc did easily in Hell mode?

DarkPrinceLoki

03-25-2008, 12:01 AM

no the merc keeps up real good, it just really depends on his equipment and lvl. dont fight monsters that are too far above his lvl or he may be in trouble, but then again the skeletons do most the work anyways. Also it's always good to keep a belt row of full rejuvination potions for those times when life tap isn't healing him fast enough.

Shallie

03-25-2008, 09:55 AM

Life leech is important for you merc otherwise he should do fine in hell. I'm just doing WSK MF runs with my Fishymancer and the only time my merc dies is when he gets Iron Maiden and I can't react fast enough.

theOG22093

03-30-2008, 05:32 AM

Congrats on the guide. Looks pretty good.

DarkPrinceLoki

03-30-2008, 07:48 PM

why thank you. But why hasnt it been stickied yet, I dunno.

My char update:

Patriarch Balzhur lvl 86
Current Quest: searching for Dclone, and just got a full organ set so i will be taking on chaos tristram and the 3 uber brothers.
Total MF: 268 or 298% (Beast or Call to Arms)
Latest Finds: Que Hegans Wisdom, The Stone of Jordan, The Eye of Etlich, Leviathan, StormSpire, Buriza-Do Kyanon, And Various Set items.

I'd like to know who uses this guide, go ahead post your progress, i would like to know how well others can handle it. Also if you have any problems i could help, because I you have encountered it, then so have I probly more than once.

Fallen Angel

03-31-2008, 10:48 PM

Wow,this guide is really informative.:)
Among all the characters I played I one I hated the most was the necromancer.I found it very difficult.I was confused with all the builds...which resulted the conversion of my necromancer to mince meat!!But reading this guide I have started playing the necromancer.And I love it!!It is way cooler than sorcie or amazons!!!I have named my necro "Ares" (lvl 12)and I am following the build given.I am loads of fun now.Thx for the guide.And keep up the good worK!!::D

Enigma

04-23-2008, 01:41 AM

level 52 soloing nm chaos and diablo. nice guide man i LOVE it

its right up there with the Fishymancer

DarkPrinceLoki

04-23-2008, 02:34 AM

Well another point to show what +skills can do:

lvl 20 skeleton (8 skeletons)
lvl 3 magi (3 magi)
lvl 1 revive (1 revive)

add in the +skills my equipment gives not counting battle command.

lvl 35 Skeleton (13 skeletons)
lvl 18 Magi (8 Magi)
lvl 16 Revive (16 Revives)

I can summon all my skeletons, magi, golem, merc and only 10 of the revives.

the following is a true story, it happened in an uber game.

the reson i can only summon 10 of the revives is after 10, im not sure at which number specifically but i Lagg the server out. not the other players, but the server actuall lags enough that it boots me from the game. Me being booted is due to Bnet's attempt at stopping lag induced duping. of course i also summon viper magi, urdars, council members and frenzytaurs for revives. then there was also meph and his damn minions. You get the picture.

Liachem

04-25-2008, 02:59 AM

DarkPrinceLoki

04-25-2008, 06:43 PM

I love the guide. I was making a summoner myself now I've read the guide I'll have to restart. Anyway love it, but wouldn't it be better to have Last Wish instead of Beast? Beast gives llevel 17 Might, upped my damage from 300 something to 1400. Just saying, because I have no idea what Fanatacism does to other monsters.

Hey I actually made a necro following this guide word for word. so far its pretty good, only a level 8 right now though.

last wish gives lvl 17 might not beast ;D. beast gives lvl 9 fanaticism, which ups damage, attack speed and attack rating, so not only will they hit harder, and faster but more offten too.

Liachem

04-26-2008, 07:53 PM

OK, thanks for the info. I have another question too. Will I be able solo nm at level 33? Because the Dethwalker I'm making is doing it all solo so noone can whine until I'm at a higher level.

DarkPrinceLoki

04-27-2008, 12:56 AM

yup it'll do just nicely, starting off it may seem hard, but it will get faster as you learn what not to do. later nightmare lvls will sting without ur merc and might cause some cursing of ur own (irl, mind u). hell is a differnet ball game starting off. just remember to amp and corpse explode. u'll do fine.

Liachem

04-27-2008, 04:50 AM

Thanks, My Necro's a level 15 now, and really working for me.

wat3rboy1014

05-11-2008, 07:14 AM

should i get up bone spirit or poison nova (or something else)...i don't want to use corpse explosion because i don't want to rely so heavily on corpses and i want to be able to help my skeles out at the same time

Shallie

05-11-2008, 08:00 AM

I would spend at least 5 points in CE even though you want to go for bone/poison spells as backup to your skeletons.

If you go for poison or bone spells is up to you (question of preference). Just decide you for one of the two and don't mix it. Bone spells are usually considered better for pvp while poison is better for pvm but don't let you hinder to go for bone if you like it better. Check this link (http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=366742) for more infos, there are two guides for poison/summon and bone/summon necros.

justintime693

05-14-2008, 06:13 AM

Hey, I think that I used a later version of this guide when a came home over the winter. I'm not bringing this game up to school with, way too much of a distraction. So I only play for short periods of time, but now summer is here.....

Anyway, I found this guide awesome. If you get a chance, I'd like you to check my char out and give me suggestions. Also, I have some questions about iron golem.

I really appreciate how comprehensive this guide is. It has helped me out a lot.

Raine

05-15-2008, 02:52 AM

Congratulation, you convinced me to make a summoning necromancer.

Guide currently in my favorites list

Taurean

05-18-2008, 12:19 AM

Following your guide JUST LIKE MY MINIONS FOLLOWING ME XO

Works great, well done =D

theOG22093

05-18-2008, 10:11 PM

Nice guide.
I'm going to build one just for the hell of it, and to have an army 40+ strong. :)
All I need is Beast to finish it.

*edited: got one for 2x ss gcs, getting rushed now.

I tried it out.
I ended up maxing Revive, turns out with too many of them I get too much lagg lol.
Besides that, it works great. I'm going to time how long it takes me to run a Baal Run, the start being when i enter the way point.
4 minutes, 24 seconds

Liachem

05-29-2008, 02:09 AM

theOG22093

05-29-2008, 07:21 AM

They definetly will. Use CE like a mad-man, and when ever your taking on bosses, make sure to keep a TP up in a safe spot. Every now and then, go back to revive Merc/Get your summons, and re-enter.

DarkPrinceLoki

05-29-2008, 07:32 AM

Try swapping your merc out. Normally i use an offensive merc regardless, in norm the blessed aim works alot to help the skeletons hit more, but if you have trouble keeping them alive you can always swap him out for a defiance (defensive) merc. recheck my tips section for the strategy with diablo. if you have clay golem, recast him right after decrepting diablo, making sure he hits and gets big d slowed, then switch to amplify damage or life tap.

on another note, im in the works of rewriting the guide, into a more dangerous, powerhouse (more so than it already is)

theOG22093

05-29-2008, 08:20 PM

Shallie

05-29-2008, 10:14 PM

Hmm, I'm still following guide and I can solo the chaos Sanctuary at level 24 but Diablo kills my minions in one hit. Made it past Diablo though, with help. Just worried that the skellies won't be able to take on any other high level monsters.
One option is to use IM (Iron Maiden) and your clay golem. Just keep IM on Diablo while recasting your golem when he dies. That was my strategy before I started to play through normal with /players 8. It's slow and you might need some mana pots but it's fun to let Diablo kill himself.

merchantofkhaos

05-31-2008, 02:08 AM

WHAT IS UP LOKI XD.... i like the build man leaves lots of options for personal desighn XD. no wonder you said it was like the most godly build .... ITS YOURS LOL ... oh and you should get a picture of you , ian and me fighting with our necros lol

DarkPrinceLoki

05-31-2008, 02:10 AM

yeah, will do, but then again i have to wait for you all to be online at the same time.

Liachem

05-31-2008, 07:22 PM

One option is to use IM (Iron Maiden) and your clay golem. Just keep IM on Diablo while recasting your golem when he dies. That was my strategy before I started to play through normal with /players 8. It's slow and you might need some mana pots but it's fun to let Diablo kill himself.

Right, didn't think of that.

necrosis

06-12-2008, 11:20 PM

DarkPrinceLoki

06-13-2008, 01:08 AM

now that im in the rigth state of mind i do have just a few questions for you and they is....... are the skeletol mages neccesary to a summoner? is'nt one point enough? do they do anything in hell mode besides being meat shields?

now regarding the conentrate vs conviction thing ive seen on diablo 2 alot. some say tri offensive auras= more damage but others say that using infinnity alows for skeletons to hit more and gives your mercenary more damage not to mention lowers the resist of monsters so corpse explosion does more damage.

also about clay golems im curious what life is good enough because my last summoner that i have deleted had a 50k life clay golem did i go to far? (i only put 1 point in mages to max golem mastery :D)

and a question so small an ant can carry it. which should i use for my merc if i uber pride or infinity?

Mages can be useful on different levels. Most people just look at the damage output and the immunies in hell and just flat out ignore them. I don't though.
Normally i put 3 points in them, because the first 3 points give you 3 skeletons. They aren't nessessary to max, but if you take the killing speed of a group of say 14 skeleton warriors, vs the same group with say 8 magi, then the mixed group has a faster killing speed. Poison magi and cold magi are the most useful. poison takes away from a monster's regeneration ability and cold will slow down just about all monsters.

Lucky for you I happen to own both a Pride and Infinity, of which I prefer the Infinity. Using lvl 35 skeletons and mastery, with a beast, and a lvl 86 nightmare offensive merc, my skeletons were dealing around 4.5K damage when my merc used Pride, but only when all 3 auras were active. Now trading out my Pride for Infinity, my skeleton's damage dropped to about 3.5K, but since Infinity lowers defense, they hit more often than when they had pride's aura affecting them, which ment more damage over a shorter time (aka a faster killing speed).
Now as far as merc damage goes, to say that pride doesn't increase the merc's damage like infinity's enhanced damge mod does, AHEM concentration boosts damage people! Not only that but if you look at the other mods you will see the Enhanced damge vs Demons mods. For those who don't know 95% of the monsters in diablo are ranked in the demon category.
Yes Infinity will help increase the damage of corpse explosion, Majorly, but i think that pride my also increase it, or at least the physical side of the damage, so its a tie prolly.

Yes there is such thing as too much life. anything over 10K would be too much IMHO. barbs max life is near 6K with Battle Orders (unless you just put all your points into vitality, but thats stupid) and they tank alot of hits. Something i want to throw out there for alot of people, is that where a clay golem may be able to reach 50K life, an Iron golem's defense can measure out to be equal to that huge health. Not only that but you can get nice mods on an iron golem like -100% target's defense or ignore target's defense (basically able to hit everytime) plus crushing blow, open wounds, ect from just a few runes and a 6 socketable weapon. 4 eth runes can give -100% target defense (which works for minion vs boss, unlike ignore target defense) add in a ber rune for crushing blow, and mal for open wounds and you have a golem able to tank a boss and kill it. can your clay golem do that?

if you're reading this and havent found out what to use for ubers yet i guess i can just tell you . . . . . . . Infinity.

necrosis

06-14-2008, 02:29 AM

my clay golem cant kill anthing but in ubers it would serve as a far better tank than iron golem even thought it has a high defense output (imo).

also you said using open wounds items and jah'd items for an iron golem. what about black? ive found it to be good in some cases.

DarkPrinceLoki

06-14-2008, 05:53 AM

roo

06-14-2008, 10:03 AM

nice guide when i make summoners and i solo the game i usually get 4-5 skellies then max mastery then i max warrior id rather have 4-5 strong one in the beginning than mass weak ones. there are less monsters to kill u in the beginning so u dont need so many skellies

necrosis

06-14-2008, 07:18 PM

well normally i have an iron golem out anyways, normally made of Insight, to help me teleport better, but when he dies I do use Clay. how many people have a spare black with them at all times? I don't, but i do have lots of spare runes like jah, ber, mal, ect. runes that give certain mods . . . .

thats the most wasteful thing i ever heard.. black is thul io nef no where near an hr. and when i uber i carry about 3 with me.

DarkPrinceLoki

06-15-2008, 07:58 AM

Io is harder to find than ral+tir+tal+sol IMO, and with all the teleing and CE casting I do, insight is worth wasting. Then again, i dont use my necro for the big 3 ubers, only the mini ubers. when i face chaos tristram i use my frenzy barb.

necrosis

06-18-2008, 03:31 AM

so you use bers and mals for regular ubers on an iron golem?

DarkPrinceLoki

06-18-2008, 06:22 PM

it just depends on what i have. If i have the runes I use a 6 socket polearm with: JahBerUmLoAmnPul

If not then I use EthBerEthEthAmnEth (4x Eth BerAmn)

should the iron die then I cast decrept and clay golem, until he hits then i switch back to amp damage

necrosis

06-18-2008, 07:13 PM

thats still wasteful concidering io runes can be found alot easier than hi runes

DarkPrinceLoki

06-19-2008, 12:04 AM

Just depends on our luck, I found them all the time. Highest rune I ever found was a Vex, doing a solo mf baal run.

Also just a quick note, in my bid to aget to lvl 75+ with my necro and the onset of the new ladder, I'm making a step-by-step guide so to speak of my journey. When I've finished compiling the info expect to see a complete overhaul on my guide to go along with it.

Bauers

07-01-2008, 05:16 AM

I'm 73 struggling to do all NM bosses following this guide, so I'm obviously doing something really wrong. Granted I just started playing and my gear is bad, still struggling. On Meph I usually barely get the kill using decreptify. Wondering if theres any suggestions.

DarkPrinceLoki

07-01-2008, 05:54 AM

first thing to do is look at your skill and stat spread, then your actual equipment. Necros are casters, so +skills are a big part of thier power. Do you have the right merc? Nightmare act2 Offensive is what you should have, check his equipment also. If you have all of those in place, then it may just be the way you play. I havent hoped on diablo in a while, due to family reasons, but im lvl 41 in nightmare act 1, let me catchmyself up some and ill be going through that area soon enough, if you still have problems PM me with what you have, and ill see what you dont.

RobDeity

07-11-2008, 08:17 AM

I have to post so I can see the link for the guide.

I have to post so I can see the link for the guide. Sorry for spam.

KaRyan

07-16-2008, 06:36 PM

ok i might be completely wrong on this but as I was researching how to develop my own army of death I was looking up the 'beast' runeword and the War Axe requirements. the War Axe is a 6 soc weapon, and the runeword is 5 (Ber + Tir + Um + Mal + Lum). Would it be better if you grabbed a twin axe instead, or does the War Axe just look cooler? ya i am probably gonna look incredibly stupid tryin to point this out, but I usually don't learn anything unless I ask.

DarkPrinceLoki

07-17-2008, 02:04 PM

the war axe does a little more damage for the stat points you invest in it. its easier to find too.

daudi81

07-24-2008, 10:58 PM

DarkPrinceLoki

07-25-2008, 02:04 AM

I don't know if this was stated but what mercenary do you use with this build? I know it's the act 2 offensive one, but in Normal, NM, or Hell? Or does it matter? Thanks

I dunno maybe I'm doing this wrong, but I have followed the guide to a T (I am now lvl 73) and I feel so worthless in hell. NM I clean up pretty easily, but hell is a completely different story.

I am reading that your skeletons are doing multiple thousands of dmg per swing, where are you getting that stat? When I scroll my mouse over my RS skill it says 185-187 dmg, and my SM and RS skills are completely maxed (with about +5 in skills to boot).

Consequently I am doing piddly squat damage in hell. It takes so long to kill ANYTHING, I practically fall asleep at my desk. I'm sure my gear isn't nearly as good as yours, but how is my damage a mere FRACTION of yours. I don't have any of the aura's you have yet, but I don't see how a couple of aura's can gives you thousands of dmg per swing vs my 185dmg per swing.

If things don't get better within the next couple levels I think I'm going to try a hammerdin, as I just grouped with one and he was killing so much faster than me and he was 2 levels below me.

Please tell me I'm doing something wrong.

the mercenary you need can be found in nightmare difficulty. the act 2 offensive spearman uses a Might aura, which can boost your damage by a percentile. so you have the might aura, the next aura I use comes from the Runeword "Beast". this runeword gives a lvl 9 fanaticism aura, which boosts damage, attack speed and attack rating.

after that you have 2 auras to choose from. Concentration (from the pride runeword) or Conviction (from the infinity runeword). Concentration boost damage and gives a chance of an un interuptable attack (not sure if that part is used by minions). conviction lowers resistances and defense, allowing your magi to do more damage, and your melee minions to hit more offten.

i will sympathize with the +5 skills part, because my necro with his equipment had enough +skill mods to push my skeleton mastery and warrior skills to lvl 47/42 respectivly (after buffing). this gave my skeletons by themselves around 350-450 damage. factor in the auras and thats alot of damage. As far as my stated damge, the host for my "beast" had about the same damage as my skeletons were putting out (without the aura, so when all auras were active I looked at my screen to show what my damage was and it was around 3.5-4.5K. So based on that I assume my skeletons are doing that damage. If anyone wants to check it using the loads of information avaiable then they're welcome to do so. Last I checked, my merc was lvl 89, i was lvl 90, pride had a lvl 18 concentration on it (iirc), beast's fanaticism is stuck at lvl 9, and the infinity I had was perfect.

daudi81

07-25-2008, 02:31 AM

Wow, so those aura's really do make that big of a difference huh?

It looks like you've used both the infinity and the pride - which do you prefer? More dmg or higher hit chance?

DarkPrinceLoki

07-26-2008, 06:52 AM

Wow, so those aura's really do make that big of a difference huh?

It looks like you've used both the infinity and the pride - which do you prefer? More dmg or higher hit chance?

Personally I use the Infinity, it helps all my minions, where Pride would only benifit my merc, warriors and revive. I used the pride first and loved the speed at which I killed, monsters players, everything. When I finally got an Infinity I quickly found out that even with a lower damage output than Pride, I could kill just as fast if not faster with the Infinity. basically look at it this way:

Max Damage: Pride
More Balanced: Infinity

SouthOfHeaven

08-10-2008, 10:31 PM

Going to seem like a stupid question, I'm sure... but what armor did you use to create your Enigma?

DarkPrinceLoki

08-11-2008, 06:43 PM

Archon Plate the elite version of light plate.

Tri Poc

08-18-2008, 11:22 PM

hey man ive started your guide and i love it great job :thumbs up:
im only lvl 13 and i own pretty hard on norm act1 and i dont even have to good a gear but i am starting to love necros again escpecially summoners

kidkandee

08-20-2008, 05:53 PM

If I am using an enchanter for my 15 Necro skels, is using a rogue Merc with 15 fanat Faith better than the a2 merc for might and Infinity or Pride?

And would Faith stack with Beast lvl 9 fanat?

Archbishop_Lazarus

08-21-2008, 04:03 AM

If I am using an enchanter for my 15 Necro skels, is using a rogue Merc with 15 fanat Faith better than the a2 merc for might and Infinity or Pride?

And would Faith stack with Beast lvl 9 fanat?

From what I understand, it does stack, making a level 24 Fanatacism aura, but as for what is better between the Infinity, Pride, and Fanatacism, it depends on you.

kidkandee

08-21-2008, 07:40 AM

Old Skool

09-04-2008, 08:29 PM

Why hasn't this guide been stickied yet? Just wondering, so many have used it and appreciated it myself included.:confused:

DarkPrinceLoki

09-05-2008, 06:44 PM

I just seem to think that if im enchanting each skel for +1k damage then a high fanatacism would be better than Infinity or Pride with Might, unless they push the damage beyond what enchanting the skels does

they can push damage beyond that of what enchant can do, besides enchant adds fire damage, not physical, so might wouldn't work with it and since 80% of the monsters in hell are fire immune (est.) that really wouldn't be a good idea. The only benefit I can see from using enchant is the boost to attack rating.

merchantofkhaos

12-24-2008, 01:59 PM

GOD I LOVE YOUR GEAR :D lol i have so much fun in hell with this shiz lol. oh and ne1 that thinks this build might not be good in any way at all its prety much perfect.

KaRyan

01-08-2009, 05:03 PM

First off I really enjoy the guide and am in the process of implementing it right now. Of course it may be a while since I just started up (again), but I'll get there eventually. I just had a few questions. First is spending points in the pnb tree a necessity? With the exception of ce (a must-have) will minimal points spent on bone armor, bone wall and bone prison be worth it in hell? Or would it be better to just stock those points into maxing out mages and/or your golem(s)?

Jostron

01-08-2009, 11:50 PM

Personal pref. really. Once you max RS, SM, and CE, you really can't go wrong. You should have those skills maxed before you hit hell, or before you finish Hell act 1. After that, you really can't go wrong. Pump up some curses, or golem mastery, or your fav golem, or mages, or bone armor. That's a bridge you can def. wait to cross til' you come to it.

DarkPrinceLoki

01-09-2009, 12:38 AM

what he said -/\. beat me too the answer. but yeah, those suggestions i give at the end are just things you can do. a good point to do is get extra curses or max the mages.

KaRyan

01-14-2009, 06:00 PM

What armor/helm would be sufficient for your merc to level through hell and end-game? At the moment he is getting almost one-shotted, and am going broke keeping him alive. What should I go for?

DarkPrinceLoki

01-14-2009, 11:47 PM

merc armor setup that i use: helm --> Andy's (socketed with Ral) Armor--> Chains of Honor (Achron Plate) it works very well.

dainbramage

01-15-2009, 04:15 AM

lolwut?

If your merc has life leech on his weapon, then guillaume's+duress is the best.

If not, you'll want life leech on either of the 2 (andy's as above works, as does tal's mask, though IMO it's better to find some on your armour, even though it's more difficult, as g-face has more CB. CoH works, but there are much much much cheaper options). coh and andy's is massive overkill on life leech, and has 0 cb.

Life steal generally keeps your merc alive through anything that isn't IM.

The cheap (but CB-less) option is tal's mask and duriel's shell, which is as effective as loki's proposal, but incredibly less expensive.

The super-tank option is a gladiator's bane and artisan's circlet of life everlasting, with all sockets sols, which gives up to 73 pdr.

lascombes

01-18-2009, 07:39 AM

In normal single player mode what do you when your up against Diablo or Baal and they do their area of attack that pretty much kills off all of your guys? Seems like all I can do is run like hell, open a portal, heal up and go back to see it happen all over again till I can kill him. My golems usually last a little longer but not by much.

I've been stuck on act 5 for awhile now. I just can't seem to kill baal off quick enough. He makes mincemeat of my skeletons. Any tips would be appreciated.

Embersye

03-12-2009, 09:31 PM

Great Guide, but there are a few things I would like to bring up that I think will make this guide much better.

I suppose the biggest thing is the waste of skill points in a few areas. I am talking about the 1 point you reccommended in Bone Armor and the 2 extra points in Skeletol Mage. That 1 point in Armor is without a doubt: Useless. I understand that Mages are needed for various Bosses and different points in Normal mode, but I think that 1 point is plenty. When Fighting Diablo they die too fast anyways, and they're only there to slow him down. So one of them is enough, plus Decrepify and your Henchie is the main DPS for normal mode bosses. With so much slow the bosses don't get many attacks in at all and they don't use their special attacks very often. Clay Golem is strong enough to take 2 hits usually, so he is somewhat of a handy meatshield.

You mentioned something about Maggot Lair and Arcane Sanctuary which was accurate. This is also a place that Skeletol Mages are useless in. When they agro enemies they body block the other skellies. These areas are definitely soloable, they tend to take a bit longer of course because of so many bottle-necks, but if you use curses correctly and TP's it should go smoothly.

Other than the utter waste of three skill points (which isn't even THAT big of a deal considering the amount left over) {but still} everything else is very nice.
More Hell mode advice would prly be a nice addition because Hell Mode is almost like Normal Mode all over again for the MM Necro because in Nightmare you get to Max out Skeletol Mastery and Raise Skeli and so at that point your guys are as beastly as they can get w/o Items and so Nightmare is cake, but if you havn't found at least +4 to skills in items, then Hell Mode goes by a bit slower. You still beast things, but it's not as a wave of destruction like in Nightmare, it takes longer to kill things in general. Plus more strat with Curses.

That reminds me, you should also mention that certain curses like Amp Damage, Decrepify, and Lower Resist are capable of stripping Immunities...

Very Handy info that would be to nooberts like I was at the time...

. ~ E m b e r s y e ~.

nja123

05-01-2009, 02:14 AM

good stuff bro

Weave

06-02-2009, 04:01 AM

thanks for this, i've been struggling to create a character that works in nightmare. This definitely works. For some reason though, I have skellys maxed and I only have 9. Is that normal??

LakeShow

06-02-2009, 07:01 AM

I believe having raise skeleton at 20 gives you 8 skeletons. So you must have some +skill items for raise skeleton. If you follow the gear he states, you can easily have your mastery and skeletons in the 40 skilll point range (with out skillers), which gives you a nice little army. I currently am using all the gear( with necro torch and anni charm), except for the weapon, I'm still using Arm of King Leoric wand. My Necro's mastery is like 41, and skeletons and mages is at 39. So you can have quite the army if you follow that gear. Also, if you put one into revives and you'll have it at like 15+ with just the +skill the gear gives. Same for corse explosion. level 35 CE is great for clearing the path.

Hrdly

06-02-2009, 04:30 PM

reply to DarkPrinceLoki:
i was looking for some good guide very long time,yours is great,really thx..