Diablo 2 : Lord of Destruction FoH-din guide (1.11)
-V1.0 (7/9/07)
-By AceOfSpadezz
DISCLAIMER:
This guide is only for private use. It may not be sold or reposted
on any website, magazine, book, etc. You may print it out and distribute it
if you wish but you cannot sell it without letting me know and I will most
likely let you do it if you tell me. This guide can only be posted on and by
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on a personal website let me know beforehand and you will not be punished for
violating a copyright. This guide is property of AceOfSpadezz. My e-mail
address will be posted in the "Contact Info." part of the guide.
=====================
- TABLE OF CONTENTS -
=====================
I. Version History
II. Purpose of the Guide
III. Overview of the Paladin
IV. Skills*
A. Combat Skills
B. Offensive Auras
C. Defensive Auras
D. Skill Placement
V. Attributes
VI. Equipment
A. "Elite" Equipment
B. "Decent" Equipment
VII. Charms
VIII. Mercenary
IX. FAQ's
X. Contact Info.
XI. Credits
* When ever I mention any skill damage, radius, duration, or any other stat
regarding the skill I will be looking at the stats of the skill with all of
the suggested equipment, stat allocation, skill allocation, and mercenary
bonuses such as auras, that the build in this guide suggests.
I. VERSION HISTORY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1.0 (7/07/07) Newly released.
II. Purpose of the Guide
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The purpose of this guide is to help readers build a FoH Paladin. I will
explain what items to use, stat allocation, skill point allocation, mercenary
information and what charms to have in the inventory. This build is merely a
suggestion and if you think that you should build the character otherwise do
what you think is best. This character is somewhat expensive to make in with
the "Elite equipment" but quite cheap with the "Decent equipment."Also this
character is somewhat hard to control and may take a semi-skilled player to be
at the FoH-din's full power.
III. Overview of the Paladin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Paladin's skills range from passive-like auras, melee skills, and some
casting skills. The Offensive Auras add damage, IAS, AR, and lowering enemy
resistance. The Defensive Auras range from giving healing powers, faster run
speed, and massive resistances. The Combat Skills range from casting to melee
skills that do some of the most damages in the game. This build will focus on
the casting skill Foh(Fist of the Heavens).
Pros: Can clear out rooms full of undead monsters in one attack.
Can kill player in PvP relatively easily because you won't have to get
very close for the FoH to damage the player.
FoH is auto aim and is very good on 1 on 1.
FoH has a fixed mana cost.
Cons: FoH has a cast delay.
The Conviction Aura, your main aura, has a fixed radius and a cap of
-150% resistances.
Holy Bolts do no damage to demon or monster type enemies; only undead.
IV. Skills
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Half of your maxed out skills will go into the Offensive Auras tree and the
other half will go into the Combat Skills tree. At first the damage will seem
to low for the mana cost but it will start to ramp up as soon as you get
better equipment and max out your synergies. If a skill is not needed it will
be left out entirely.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
A. Combat Skills
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
The Pride and Joy of the Paladin. Trained in the Holy ways from the great
priests of Zakarum the Paladin's combat skills range from divine magic to
great feats of strength that come from the Paladin's Inner Faith and devotion.
These skills help the Paladin banish evil off the face of the earth and bring
justice and light to the land if Sanctuary. The bad thing about FoH-dins is
that you have to waste a lot of skill points into crappy skills that are
needed as pre-requisites.
=========
Sacrifice
=========
Required Lvl: 1
Effect: The Paladin's devotion is so great he enchants his weapon to add more
damage at the cost of his own life. Always does 8% of the damage done, to you.
If you have a weapon that steals life this skill is pretty decent. A good
skill to max out for Zealots or Sacrificers but not for you. As soon as you
get this skill leave it alone and forget that you ever learned it.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
=====
Smite
=====
Required Lvl: 1
Effect: Use a shield bash that stuns, knocks back, and damages your opponent.
Another useless skill for an FoH-din. Obtain this skill then dismiss it
entirely.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
=========
Holy Bolt
=========
Required Lvl: 6
Effect: Spawn a bolt of divine energy that heals your party members and damage
the undead. Only damages the undead and no other monsters. Heals your allies
but it does a rather low amount of life healed. A pretty crappy skill but it
has to be maxed out cuz it is a synergy for FoH.
20 points; Max it!
====
Zeal
====
Required Lvl: 12
Effect: If surrounded by many enemies the Paladin will channel his inner power
and strike all adjacent enemies with his weapon. Attacks many targets, max of
five hits. Increases damage and AR. One of the Paladin's best skill but
totally necessary for you. Just like Sacrifice and Smite, learn this and
leave it behind.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
======
Charge
======
Required Lvl: 12
Effect: Showing bravery and showing no weakness the Paladin charges fearlessly
into battle. Adds a lot of damage, AR, and can be used as a way to get around.
Many people falsely believe that since charge is near the shield skills that
it uses a shield to hit. This of course is not true and you use your weapon to
strike. Charge cannot be used in melee range but will knockback if you are in
melee range. Get this skill and forget about ever having this unless you'll
use it as way to move around.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
========
Vengeance
========
Required Lvl: 18
Effect: Use the energies of past warriors to avenge their death by adding
elemental damages to your weapon. Adds lightning, cold, and fire damage to
your attack. A nice skill for your Avengers but not very useful to you.
Learn it only as a pre-req.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
==============
Blessed Hammer
==============
Required Lvl: 18
Effect: Tap the blessed energies of a sacred, mystical, hammer-like relic and
banish your enemies to hell. Summon small spiraling hammers that do 150%
damage to the undead(note: they still hurt monsters and demons). One of the
Paladin's most successful skills but just use it as a pre-req.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
==========
Conversion
==========
Required Lvl: 24
Effect: Blind your enemies with your faith and convert them into pious minions
that will aid you in battle. Similar to the Assassin's Mind Blast skill but
much more crappier cuz you have to hit them to convert. Will covert enemies
for a limited time but don't use it. The most pointless skill that the Paladin
has.
1 point(sadly) as a pre-requisite.
===========
Holy Shield
===========
Required Lvl: 24
Effect: Enchant your shield with divine magic to enhance your defense, smite
damage, and block %. One of the best combat skills(even tho is isn't a "combat
skill at all :D) ever. A skill that every Paladin must have no matter what
build they are.
XX points (XX is all leftover points)
===================
Fist of the Heavens
===================
Required Lvl: 30
Effect: The angels in heaven send down a bolt of lightning to banish the
target. The main attack skill of the FoH-din. Releases as many holy bolts
as there are enemies in the room. Does massive lightning damage to one enemy
at a time and massive holy damage to the undead. This is very useful in act 2
where the undead gang up on you. Has a cast delay of 1 second.
20 points; Max it!
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`
B. Offensive Auras
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`
Calling upon divine magic the Paladin creates a halo of magic that can add a
variety of bonuses. These Auras add AR, damage, IAS, damage reflection, and
lowering resistances. The Offensive Auras skill tree accounts for half of the
skills that are going to be maxed out. Also listed will be on what items the
aura can be found on.
~~~~~
Might
~~~~~
Required Lvl: 1
Effect: While in battle you call upon the powers of justice to add damage to
your melee based attacks. Adds a low amount of damage compared to the other
damage adding auras. Do away with this skill as soon as you obtain it. Found
on the "Last Wish" Runeword.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
~~~~~~~~~
Holy Fire
~~~~~~~~~
Required Lvl: 6
Effect: Use the purificating power of fire to burn your enemies. Will add fire
damage to melee based attacks(not Smite) and the aura pulse deals a little bit
fire damage every second. Crappy skill only good for Auradins but not for you.
Found on the "Dragon" and "Hand of Justice" Runewords.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
~~~~~~
Thorns
~~~~~~
Required Lvl: 6
Effect: Use the powers of righteousness to retaliate on melee based attacks.
Only works with melee hits not missile hits. You will still get hurt but you
will also hit your opponent. Use when you think you are getting too hurt from
a very strong monster. Does only 1/10th damage in PvP. Can be found on the
"Bramble" and "Edge" Runewords.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Holy Freeze
~~~~~~~~~~~
Required Lvl: 18
Effect: Using this aura the Paladin uses his powers to drop the temperature
around him slowing enemies down and adding cold damage to your melee based
attacks(not Smite). One of the crappiest auras ever. Adds very little damage
and slowing down enemies isn't a very good effect either. Found on the "Ice"
Runeword. Found on the "Ice" Runeword.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
~~~~~~~~~~
Holy Shock
~~~~~~~~~~
Required Lvl: 24
Effect: Call upon the powers of divine lightning to shock your enemies. Adds
lightning damage to your attack and the aura does lightning damage to enemies
within the radius. Adds damage to FoH as a synergy.
20 points; Max it!
~~~~~~~~~
Sanctuary
~~~~~~~~~
Required Lvl: 24
Effect: Shine with blessed light that adds magic damage, damages the undead
with the aura pulse, and knockback the undead. Just like Holy Freeze this is a
very pointless aura that should totally be kept away from gameplay. Found on
the "Lawbringer" Runeword and "Azurewrath" Phase Blade.
1 point as a pre-requisite.
~~~~~~~~~~
Conviction
~~~~~~~~~~
Required Lvl: 30
Effect: Using his determination the Paladin demonstrates his power; lowering
the defense and resistances of his enemies. This Aura can break immunities
of the monsters and lets you hurt monsters that would've been immune. Also
lowers defense by a significant amount. The minus resistance has a cap of -150
but the defense reduction doesn't have a cap at all. A good skill for element
based Paladins. Found on the "Infinity" Runeword.
20 points; Max it!
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
C. Defensive Auras
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Defensive Auras add defense, resists, run speed, and healing abilities. These
Auras are completely optional and I suggest you not waste skill points in
these auras. You cannot wear two auras at once and you will already be using
Conviction so you shouldn't need these.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
D. Skill Placement
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You get 110 skills total; 98 from leveling, 12 from quests. Here is how you
should distribute your skill points for maximum efficiency:
20 points into Fist of the Heavens
20 points into Holy Bolt
20 points into Holy Shock
20 points into Conviction
12 points into Pre-Requisites
__________________________________
18 points left over
(I suggest you put them in Holy Shield)
V. Attributes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Strength- Strength isn't a very big issue with casters. Just have as much
strength as it takes to equip your items. Try to keep the base strength at
around 85-120 and let your items add the rest. The most strength you will
ever need is 151 if you plan on upping your Magefists to max quality.
Dexterity- For this build just have as much dexterity as it takes to wear your
items. Also Paladins have the highest block percentage out of all of the
characters. HoZ plus Holy Shield will give you around 65-70% block rate so add
in like 10-25 more for max block.
Vitality- Dump ALL of your extra points into this one. 'Nuff said
Energy- Try to keep this to a base of 50-65. You have some inc. max mana %
items at your disposal and some also help you regenerate mana. Also all of the
skills you will be using will have a fixed mana cost so they always cost the
same amount of mana forever. If you run out of mana just use pots(potions)
thats what they're for.
VI. Equipment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In this section I will put two lists of equipment: "Elite" equipment, items
that put you at full potential and "Decent" Equipment, items that make the
character at average power. All Runewords, Runes, and Items will have listed
all the mods on them and what to make them out of.
A. "Elite" Equipment
==========
Weapon 1
==========
Most FoH-dins use what is called a "FoH Stick" which is a random six-socketed
weapon with 6 perfect "Rainbow Facet" Jewels that add to lightning skills.
Another good choice here is the "Heart of the Oak" Runeword called HotO on
the realms:
There are two kinds of these:
"FoH Stick" Six Socketed Weapon
+6 to 444 Lightning Damage
600% Chance to cast a Lvl. 47 Chain Lightning on Death
+30% to Lightning Skill Damage
-30% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
OR
"FoH Stick" Six Socketed Weapon
+6 to 444 Lightning Damage
600% Chance to cast a Lvl. 41 Nova on Level Up
+30% to Lightning Skill Damage
-30% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
"Heart of the Oak"
4 Socket Staves/Maces
Ko + Vex + Pul + Thul
+3 To All Skills
+40% Faster Cast Rate
+75% Damage To Demons
+100 To Attack Rating Against Demons
Adds 3-14 Cold Damage, 3 sec. Duration (Normal)
7% Mana Stolen Per Hit
+10 To Dexterity
Replenish Life +20
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
All Resistances +30-40 (varies)
Level 4 Oak Sage (25 Charges)
Level 14 Raven (60 Charges)
+50% Damage To Undead
Notes: Use a Flail for HotO and a low requirements, six socketable weapon for
the FoH stick. FoH sticks can also be any combo of the skills that can
be casted. Best is the Chain Lightning one. Try getting one that adds
some to combat skills, FoH, Conviction, or offensive auras.
==========
Weapon 2
==========
Your secondary weapon is usually adds a pre-buff. The best choice is "Call to
Arms" abbreviated CtA on the realms:
"Call To Arms"
5 Socket Weapons
Amn + Ral + Mal + Ist + Ohm
+1 To All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
+250-290% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
+2-6 To Battle Command (varies)
+1-6 To Battle Orders (varies)
+1-4 To Battle Cry (varies)
Prevent Monster Heal
Replenish Life +12
30% Magic Find
Notes: Use a Flail or Crystal Sword for lower Dexterity Requirements
==========
Shield 1
==========
The best shield for most Pallys is without a doubt "HoZ". Adds a lot of vita,
strength, resists, and a crap-load of block chance:
"Herald of Zakarum" Guilded Shield
Defense: 422-507 (varies)(Base Defense: 144-168)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 89
Chance To Block: 82%
(Paladin Only)
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
30% Increased Chance Of Blocking
30% Faster Block Rate
20% Bonus To Attack Rating
+20 To Strength
+20 To Vitality
All Resistances +50
+2 To Paladin Skill Levels
+2 To Combat Skills (Paladin Only)
Notes: Up to Elite if you can. Socket with an Um Rune, Perfect Diamond, or
Resistance Jewel.
==========
Shield 2
==========
Use this to add +skills to the warcries on the CtA:
"Spirit"
4 Socket Shields
Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn
+2 To All Skills
+25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies)
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana (varies)
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3-8 Magic Absorb (varies)
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
(Ladder Only)
Notes: Make in any 4 socketed Pally shield that has lower strength requirement
============
Body Armor
============
The best choice of armor for this build is the "Enigma" Runeword. Gives a lot
of faster run/walk % and lets you teleport which is very important in dueling.
If you want a bit more damage on your FoH you could also use "Ormus" adds FCR
and regenerate mana.
"Enigma"
3 Socket Body Armor
Jah + Ith + Ber
+2 To All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 To Teleport
+750-775 Defense (varies)
+ (0.75 Per Character Level) +0-74 To Strength (BCL)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced By 8%
+14 Life After Each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+ (1 Per Character Level) +1-99% Magic Find (BCL)
"Ormus' Robes" Dusk Shroud
Defense: 371-487 (varies)(Base Defense: 361-467)
Required Level: 75
Required Strength: 77
+10-20 Defense (varies)
+20% Faster Cast Rate
+10-15% To Cold Skill Damage (varies)
+10-15% To Fire Skill Damage (varies)
+10-15% To Lightning Skill Damage (varies)
+3 bonus to a random Sorceress skill (Sorceress Only)*
Regenerate Mana 10-15% (varies)
Notes: Make in any low strength requirement armor that has at least 420 Def.
Of course get a high lightning skill damage Ormus'
========
Helmet
========
The best helmet for the casters is the "Harlequin Crest" called "Shako" on the
realms. It gives a lot of life, mana, dmg reduction, and +skills.
"Harlequin Crest" Shako
Defense: 98-141 (varies)
Required Level: 62
Required Strength: 50
+2 To All Skills
+ (1.5 Per Character Level) 1-148 To Life (Based On Character Level)
+ (1.5 Per Character Level) 1-148 To Mana (Based On Character Level)
Damage Reduced By 10%
50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
+2 To All Attributes
Socket with:
Um Rune if resists are needed
OR
For Damage:
"Rainbow Facet" Jewel
Required Level: 49
100% Chance To Cast Level 41 Nova When You Level-Up
Adds 1-74 Lightning Damage
+3-5% To Lightning Skill Damage (varies)
-(3-5)% To Enemy Lightning Resistance (varies)
"Rainbow Facet" Jewel
Required Level: 49
100% Chance To Cast Level 47 Chain Lightning When You Die
Adds 1-74 Lightning Damage
+3-5% To Lightning Skill Damage (varies)
-(3-5)% To Enemy Lightning Resistance (varies)
Notes: If your going with the facet get the on death one.
======
Belt
======
There is no doubt about which belt to use if you are a caster, "Arachnid".
Adds FCR, mana, +skills, and slows target down, what more can you ask for?
"Arachnid Mesh" Spiderweb Sash
Defense: 119-138 (varies)(Base Defense: 55-62)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 50
16 Boxes
+90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies)
Slows Target By 10%
+1 To All Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Increases Maximum Mana 5%
Level 3 Venom (11 Charges)
Notes: None
=======
Boots
=======
One of the best boots around are "Treks". Have really good mods as far as
boots go. The poison resist will help you against the foul hordes of the
poison infested undead:
"Sandstorm Trek" Scarabshell Boots
Defense: 158-178 (varies)(Base Defense 56-65)
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
+140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+ (1 Per Character Level) +1-99 Maximum Stamina (Based On Character Level)
+10-15 To Strength (varies)
+10-15 To Vitality (varies)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +40-70% (varies)
Repairs 1 Durability In 20 Seconds
Notes: Etheral Treks give much more defense and you won't have to worry about
them breaking because they repair. If your etheral Treks break go into
a game and wait for 4 minutes and 40 seconds for them to fully repair.
========
Gloves
========
The best gloves for any caster are these that add regenerate mana and FCR.
"Magefist" Light Gauntlets
Defense: 24-25 (varies)(Base Defense: 9-11)
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
+20-30% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+10 Defense
+1 To Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Regenerate Mana 25%
Adds 1-6 Fire Damage
Notes: Up these twice if you can.(See FAQ's for details)
==========
Jewelry
==========
The jewelry suggested is very expensive and could take as much as half of the
HRs need so far.
========
Amulet
========
No doubt about it the best choice is:
"Mara's Kaleidoscope" Amulet
Required Level: 67
+2 To All Skills
All Resistances +20-30 (varies)
+5 To All Attributes
But this works also:
"Seraph's Hymn" Amulet
Required Level: 65
+2 To All Skills
+1-2 To Defensive Auras (Paladin Only) (varies)
+20-50% Damage To Demons (varies)
+150-250 To Attack Rating Against Demons (varies)
+20-50% Damage To Undead (varies)
+150-250 To Attack Rating Against Undead (varies)
+2 To Light Radius
(Ladder Only)
Notes: For Mara's get a high res one and for Seraph's get a low dmg, low
AR, and 1 to def. auras for lower worth requirements.
=======
Rings
=======
The best ring for casters is one of the most popular rings, The "SoJ".
"Stone of Jordan" Ring X2
Required Level: 29
+1 To All Skills
Increase Maximum Mana 25%
Adds 1-12 Lightning Damage
+20 To Mana
Notes: Good for the mana and +skills.
B. "Decent" Equipment
The decent equipment is for either midlevel Pallys that have leeter items or
poorer players that can't afford the best items. In other words this equipment
mediocre to average.
==========
Weapon 1
==========
One of the few low level items that is of any use is the "Spirit" Runeword in
swords. Adds a lot of FCR, mana, and life. "Suicide Branch", the cheapest of
the options, is hard to find cuz nobody uses it, but has some pretty nice mods
"Spirit"
4 Socket Swords
Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn
+2 To All Skills
+25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies)
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 3-14 Cold Damage 3 Second Duration (Normal)
+75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana (varies)
+3-8 Magic Absorb (varies)
(Ladder Only)
"Suicide Branch" Burnt Wand
+50% Damage To Undead
+1 To All Skills
50% Faster Cast Rate
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
All Resistances +10
+40 To Life
Attacker Takes Damage of 25
Notes: Make spirit out of a Crystal or Broad Sword to make it less
requirements. Spirit Sword is easier to make than a Spirit Shield.
==========
Weapon 2
==========
CtA is the best weapon to add pre-buffs which really help out a lot.
"Call To Arms"
5 Socket Weapons
Amn + Ral + Mal + Ist + Ohm
+1 To All Skills
+40% Increased Attack Speed
+250-290% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
+2-6 To Battle Command (varies)
+1-6 To Battle Orders (varies)
+1-4 To Battle Cry (varies)
Prevent Monster Heal
Replenish Life +12
30% Magic Find
Notes: Since this is the poor section go with a 1 BO CtA.
================
Shield 1 and 2
================
The cheapest good shield is the "Lidless Wall" just called "Lidless" on the
realms. One of the best shields for a caster cuz it adds mana, FCR, and
+skills. This shield has better defense than spirit but doesn't have any
resists :(
"Lidless Wall" Grim Shield
+80-130% Enhanced Defense
+1 To All Skills
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
20% Faster Cast Rate
+3-5 To Mana After Each Kill
+10 To Energy
+1 To Light Radius
Another decent low shield is:
"Splendor"
2 Socket Shields
Eth + Lum
+1 To All Skills
+10% Faster Cast Rate
+20% Faster Block Rate
+60-100% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+10 To Energy
Regenerate Mana 15%
50% Extra Gold From Monsters
20% Magic Find
+3 To Light Radius
Notes: Socket Lidless with a Perfect Diamond or Amethyst for Resists or def.
Make Splendor out of a Grim Shield(50-151 def, req lvl 25, req str 58)
Up the Lidless if you can. (See FAQ's for details)
============
Body Armor
============
The best low armor for the caster is the "Skin of the Vipermagi" called
"Vipermagi" on the realms. Nice for the resists and FCR.
"Skin of the Vipermagi" Serpentskin Armor
Defense: 246-279 (Base Defense: 111-126)
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 43
+120% Enhanced Defense
+1 To All Skills
30% Faster Cast Rate
Magic Damage Reduced By 9-13 (varies)
All Resistances +20-35 (varies)
Another good candidate is the "Que-Hegan's Wisdom":
"Que-Hegan's Wisdom" Mage Plate
Defense: 628-681 (varies)(Base Defense: 225-261)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 55
+140-160% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+1 To All Skill Levels
+3 To Mana After Each Kill
20% Faster Cast Rate
20% Faster Hit Recovery
Magic Damage Reduced By 6-10 (varies)
+15 To Energy
Notes: Both are good for FCR. Que-Hegan's is better Def and energy but the
Vipermagi is better for Resists and FCR. Up these if you can.(See FAQ's
for details)
========
Helmet
========
The best Helmet for a low caster is the "Peasant Crown":
"Peasant Crown" War Hat
Defense: 108 (Base Defense: 45-53)
Required Level: 28
Required Strength: 20
+100% Enhanced Defense
+1 To All Skills
15% Faster Run/Walk
Replenish Life +6-12 (varies)
+20 To Energy
+20 To Vitality
Another decent helmet is the "Lore" Runeword:
"Lore"
2 Socket Helms
Ort + Sol
+1 To All Skill Levels
+10 To Energy
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
Lightning Resist +30%
Damage Reduced By 7
+2 To Light Radius
Notes: Lore is best made in a Grim Helm (Def 60-125, lvl Req 25, 58 str Req)
Up Peasant Crown if you can.(See FAQ's for details)
======
Belt
======
A very good belt for a low level caster is the "Gloom's Trap":
"Gloom's Trap" Mesh Belt
Defense: 90-102 (varies)(Base Defense: 35-40)
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 58
16 Boxes
+120-150% Enhanced Defense (varies)
5% Mana Stolen Per Hit
Increase Maximum Mana 15%
Regenerate Mana 15%
+15 To Vitality
-3 To Light Radius
Another good candidate is:
"String of Ears" Demonhide Sash
Defense: 102-113 (varies)(Base Defense: 29-34)
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
16 Boxes
+150-180% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+15 Defense
6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies)
Magic Damage Reduced 10-15 (varies)
Notes: It's better to use Gloom's Trap for the mana bonus but if you feel like
you need the damage reduction then use the other belt. Up these if you
can. (See FAQ's for details)
=======
Boots
=======
A good choice of boots depends on what you think you'll need the most. If you
need mana:
"Silkweave" Mesh Boots
Defense: 112-130 (varies)(Base Defense: 37-44)
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 65
+150-190% Enhanced Defense (varies)
30% Faster Run/Walk
+5 To Mana After Each Kill
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
+200 Defense VS. Missile
If you need life:
"Waterwalk" Sharkskin Boots
Defense: 112-124 (varies)(Base Defense: 33-39)
Required Level: 32
Required Strength: 47
+180-210% Enhanced Defense (varies)
20% Faster Run/Walk
+100 Defense Vs. Missile
+15 To Dexterity
+5% Maximum Fire Resist
Heal Stamina Plus 50%
+40 Max Stamina
+45-65 To Life (varies)
Notes: Up these if you can.(See FAQ's for details)
========
Gloves
========
No caster is complete without these:
"Magefist" Light Gauntlets
Defense: 24-25 (varies)(Base Defense: 9-11)
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 45
+20-30% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+10 Defense
+1 To Fire Skills
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Regenerate Mana 25%
Adds 1-6 Fire Damage
Notes: Up these if you can.(See FAQ's for details)
==========
Jewelry
==========
Fairly easy items to obtain.
========
Amulet
========
There are many choices to chose from but the cheapest is:
"Eye of Etlich" Amulet
Required Level: 15
+1-5 To Light Radius (varies)
+1 To All Skills
3-7% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
Adds (1-2) to (3-5) Cold Damage (varies)
Cold Duration: 2-10 Seconds (varies)
+10-40 Defense vs. Missile (varies)
Also:
"Telling of Beads" Amulet (Part of the Disciple Set)
Required Level: 30
+1 To All Skills
Poison Resist +35-50% (varies)
Cold Resist +18%
Attacker Takes Damage of 8-10 (varies)
Any other magical amulets that add FCR, Resists, +Pally or +Combat Skills
will do.
Notes: A +3 to Combat Skills amulet is the best magical amulet to use, but
is very expensive, 3 HRs
=======
Rings
=======
There are two main rings to choose from:
"Dwarf Star" Ring
Required Level: 45
Fire Absorb 15%
Heal Stamina Plus 15%
+40 Maximum Stamina
+40 to Life
100% Extra Gold From Monsters
Magic Damage Reduced By 12-15 (varies)
or
"Ravenfrost" Ring
Required Level: 45
+150-250 To Attack Rating (varies)
Adds 15-45 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal)
Cannot Be Frozen
+15-20 To Dexterity (varies)
+40 To Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
or
any other ring that adds resists or FCR.
Notes: The unique rings are good for dueling against cold or fire based chars.
VII. Charms
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Charms are a very helpful source of skills and attribute points. In order to
unleash the FoH-din's full power you must have a full inventory of really good
charms. These charms are very expensive and require many HRs.
The "Annihilus" is one of the best charms in the game so Blizzard made a limit
of 1 per character. Nicknamed "Anni" on the realms.
"Annihilus" Small Charm
Required Level: 70
+1 To All Skills
+10-20 To All Attributes (varies)
All Resistances +10-20 (varies)
+5-10% To Experience Gained (varies)
The Hellfire Torch is another "uber charm" that is limited to one per
character. It kicks ass and no character is complete without one. Called
"Torch" on the realms
"Hellfire Torch" Large Charm
Required Level: 75
25% Chance To Cast level 10 Firestorm On Striking
+3 to random character class skills (varies)
+10-20 To All Attributes (varies)
All Resistances +10-20 (varies)
+8 to light radius
Level 30 Hydra (10 charges)
Notes: Of course get a torch that adds to Pally skills, duh.
Having at least 1 of these Grand Charms makes a Pally more powerful. Modded
charms are more expensive than plain ones. Combat charms are called "PCombs"
on the realms. Richer players should have as many as possible of these.
"Lion Branded Grand Charm" X7
+1 To Combat Skills(Paladin Only)
"Captian's Grand Charm" X2
+1 To Offensive Auras(Paladin Only)
Fill the rest of the space up with Small Charms. Its up to you what the mods
are but the better(and more expensive) charms are:
"Serpent's Small Charm of Vita"
+13-17 Mana(varies)
+16-20 Life(Varies)
"Shimmering Small Charm of Vita"
+3-5% to All Resists
+16-20 Life(varies)
VIII. Mercenary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The ideal mercenary for the FoH Paladin is the Act 2 Desert Mercenary.
They have an aura as soon as you get them which could benefit you and your
party. Go with the Normal or Hell Defensive mercs so they give you a defiance
aura. You could also go with the Nightmare combat to give you a Thorns aura.
========
Weapon
========
(No don't email me asking "Isn't Infinity the best weapon for any elemental
character?" The answer is no for this build cuz you already use a conviction.
The one that affects the monster first will be the one to always be on it
assuming you would stay in the radius. The mercs conviction will only make you
weaker not stronger.)
For any this build actually there are no specific weapons but this is good:
"Doom"
5 Socket Axes/Polearms/Hammers
Hel + Ohm + Um + Lo + Cham
5% Chance To Cast Level 18 Volcano On Striking
Level 12 Holy Freeze Aura When Equipped
+2 To All Skills
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+330-370% Enhanced Damage (varies)
-(40-60)% To Enemy Cold Resistance (varies)
20% Deadly Strike
25% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
Freezes Target +3
Requirements -20%
A cheaper option is:
"Insight"
4 Socket Polearms/Staves
Ral + Tir + Tal + Sol
Level 12-17 Meditation Aura When Equipped (varies)
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+200-260% Enhanced Damage (varies)
+9 To Minimum Damage
180-250% Bonus to Attack Rating (varies)
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
+75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
+1-6 To Critical Strike (varies)
+5 To All Attributes
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
23% Magic Find
Notes: Make either in a Cryptic Axe(Elite) or Partizan(Exceptional).
============
Body Armor
============
For your trusty sidekick to have more damage you'll need a "Fort" as it is
called on the realms.
"Fortitude"
4 Socket Weapons/Body Armor
El + Sol + Dol + Lo
20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+X To Life (BCL)*
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +20-30 (varies)
Damage Reduced By 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius
Poorer Players could use:
"Silks Of the Victor" Ancient Armor
Defense: 468-514 (varies)(Base Defense: 218-233)
Required Level: 28
Required Strength: 100
+100-120% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+1 To All Skills
5% Mana Stolen Per Hit
+2 To Light Radius
or
"Guardian Angel" Templar Coat
Defense: 770-825 (varies)(Base Defense: 252-274)
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 118
+180-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+20% Increased Chance Of Blocking
+30% Faster Block Rate
+ (2.5 Per Character Level) 2-247 To Attack Rating Against Demons
(Based On Character Level)
+1 To Paladin Skill Levels
+4 To Light Radius
15% To Maximum Poison Resist
15% To Maximum Cold Resist
15% To Maximum Lightning Resist
15% To Maximum Fire Resist
Notes: Make Merc Forts out of Etheral items as they will not break. Use an
Archon Plate(410-524 def, 103 str req, but makes lvl req 63 instead
of 59) Up any uniques if possible (See FAQ's for details)
========
Helmet
========
There are two choices for merc helms if you're rich:
"Andariel's Visage" Demonhead
Defense: 310-387 (varies)(Base Defense: 101-154)
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
+100-150% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+2 To All Skills
20% Increased Attack Speed
8-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
+25-30 To Strength (varies)
+10% To Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Resist +70%
15% Chance To Cast Level 15 Poison Nova When Struck
Level 3 Venom (20 charges)
(Ladder Only)
or
"Crown of Ages" Corona
Defense: 349-399 (Base Defense: 111-165)
Required Level: 82
Required Strength: 174
+50% Enhanced Defense
+100-150 Defense (varies)
+1 To All Skills
Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies)
All Resistances +20-30 (varies)
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
Socketed (1-2) (varies)
Indestructible
Poorer Players should give their mercs:
"Vampiregaze" Grim Helm
Defense: 252 (Base Defense: 60-125)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 58
+100% Enhanced Defense
Adds 6-22 Cold Damage - 4 Second Duration
15% Slower Stamina Drain
6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
6-8% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies)
Damage Reduced By 15-20% (varies)
Magic Damage Reduced By 10-15 (varies)
Notes: Put in two Ber runes into the CoA to give 16% more dmg reduce.
IX.FAQ's
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
None yet since this is my first version and it is very recent but here are the
FAQ's I think will arise:
Q:What is an HR?
A:HR is an abbreviation for High Rune. High Runes are these Mal, Ist, Gul, Vex
Ohm, Lo, Sur, Ber, Jah, Cham, and Zod. Zod and Gul are questionable cuz in
recent times people have started to not count these as HRs as they have no
uses in any good runewords. Zod is in BotD (This is very good but hardly
anyone makes it) and Gul isn't in any common good runewords.
Also some people consider the Um Rune as an HR sometimes. HRs are the main
currency on the realms and most people use these to trade for items.
Q:What is an Attribute Rune?
A:They are runes that Give +10 to an attribute. They are in a lot of decent
Runewords so they are worth a bit.
Io Rune +10 to Vitality
Ko Rune +10 to Dexterity
Lum Rune +10 to Energy
Fal Rune +10 to Strength
Q:What is FHR, FCR, IAS, and AR?
A:FHR is Faster Hit Recovery, FCR is Faster Cast Rate, IAS is Increased Attack
Speed, and AR is Attack Rating.
Q:What is a pre-buff?
A:A pre-buff or sometimes just called buff is a skill that you cast before
you go into battle that adds somthing like damage or life or something in
that neiborhood. e.g. Enchant, Battle Orders, Battle Command, Etc.
Q:What is Upping?
A:Upping an item is when you make the base item of a unique a quality
higher. Example. Magefist are Light Gauntlets and therefore look exactly
like Crusader Gauntlets and Battle Gauntlets graphicwise. Upping the
gloves to exceptional will turn them into battle gauntlets giving them
more base defense but also higher lvl and str requirements. UPPING TO
ELITE IS LADDER ONLY!!!!! Upping to Exceptional is both ladder and non
ladder. Both work in singleplayer also.
To up any Armor items to exceptional you use the horadric cube recipie:
1 Tal Rune + 1 Shael Rune +1 Perfect Diamond + Normal Unique Armor
To up any Armor items to elite you use the horadric cube recipie:
1 Ko Rune + 1 Lem Rune + 1 Perfect Diamond + Exceptional Unique Armor
To up any weapon items to exceptional you use the horadric cupe recipe:
1 Ral Rune + 1 Sol Rune + 1 Perfect Emerald + Normal Unique Weapon
To up any weapon items to elite you use the horadric cube recipe:
1 Lum Rune + 1 Pul Rune + 1 Perfect Emerald + Exceptional Unique Weapon
X. Contact Info.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My E-mail address is [email protected]
Feel free to comment on my guide and in the future even more guides. If you
have any suggestion regarding skill allocation, attrribute allocation, or
if you think that another item should be put in the guide then plz call me.
Or email me if you have any other questions or suggestions regarding this
guide. If you will be sending me suggestions or info please give me a name
you would like to be called for me to add in the credits.
I ask you that you don't send spam to my email; I already get enough of that.
Plz don't email me suggesting I spell better or use better grammar. And most
importantly don't email me asking me if you can get an item or if I can add
you as my friend cuz I won't do either. The only time you can ask me for an
item is if I specifically said I had the item and it was up for grabs. And
don't expect a freebie. Any emails with no subject will be DELETED!!!!
XI. Credits
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Me AceOfSpadezz for writing the guide; lol.
(Insert Blizzard staff credits here) for creating the game.
FrostyDragon and for introducing me to the game.
All of the people who have previously written character FAQ's for helping me
figure out the overall layout of how to write the guide.
Blizzard's Diablo 2 Exp site at <http://www.battle.net/diablo2exp/> for
providing skill info, set item info, unique item info, horadric cube recipes
, normal item info, character info, and charms info.
You for reading the FAQ and possibly emailing suggestions
CNET and GameFAQ's for Hosting the site.
(C)2007 AceOfSpadezz 
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