CommandoMancer Guide v3.0

[TheKbob]

This guide has been added to the DiabloII.Net Strategy Compendium.

http://strategy.diabloii.net/news.php?id=544

Please take some time to leave TheKbob some feedback at the foot of the guide once you're done reading.

Thanks

[Dragonmaster]

Very nice guide sir :thumbsup:
I'll definately make one of these when I can afford to outfit him

[Slipin]

yay! version 3.0 is out!, I have tried out the beast ettin axe and It really didn't cut it for me, If you can afford a beast caddy and warspike are much better options. Armor was kinda lacking, Stone would be nice to put on there, and the new, and very impressive Duress. All in all and great update to a great guide.

[Dark Knight]

I will get the sticky upgraded.

[HarbingersOfSkulls]

I protest this one...cuz I really like my Steel Rends(both on West and East) and you give them no mention in this update.

But...still a good update other than my slight rant :thumbsup:

And can't complain too much...since I am a lackey.

:drink: :buddies:

HoS

[Asheron]

Only things I've been wondering about is why you socketed a 40/15 IAS in your helm and suggest 20 IAS on gloves.. external IAS wouldn't matter for a Werebear ,thus making the sockets useless.

Unless its different with a necro for whatever reason or you reach a breakpoint unshifted with that additional IAS?

[47thRonin]

I orginally planned to forget about making a Commando until I had done some serious MFing to acquire the expensive gear. However, I am told in the "why fishymancer?" thread that I should consider getting the cheaper options on the reccomended gear until I become wealthier.

My question is this: How far can cheap take me? Below is the cheap set-up I am considering.

Helm: Wormskull
Ammy: +2 P&B skills Noxious ammy
Armor: Shaftstop
Weapon: Crescent Moon Axe (baranar's if this turns out to not be plausible)
Shield: Best thing I can get my hands on.
Rings: anything with leech
Belt: any rare I happen to find
Boots: Crafted Blood boots

-47thRonin

[TheKbob]

It will be tougher without the big ol smack stick that is Beast and no Enigma. Try to work on getting everything setup for hopefully end game gear.

Make sure to get a ravenfrost, Homun isn't too pricey, try to find something better than Wormskull. Get +2 Necro or +3 Summoning ammy. You wan't to worry about those instead of P&B skills. Marrowwalks are fairly cheap, the will do till some war travs.

CM is good at aiding your army with the static. Halving the lives of the monsters around is quite effective. You could always make your mercs weap crescent moon and you take something else.

The going may be slow, but eventually you will start filling in slots with end game gear.

On Rends: They are extremely costly, especially for good ones. Also, they require a lot of str that I wouldn't invest in my necro.

On Ias: Yeah, whoops. I meant to nip that one. With 20% gloves and beast caddy, you reach 10FPA, the fastest speed for a necro. 10 FPA = Descent barb swing speed, so not too bad. I didn't like 40/15's anyway. They did add dmg, but saving slots for res is a better plan. I now have Um'ed Homun and Shako so I can wear more fancy little 20 lifer charms. Never underestimate the power of a 20 lifer :D

On Armor: Stone and duress are actually good choices. I will let this run a week or so and do some upgrades up to v4.0 if I have the time.

~Kbob

[GordusMxus]

The ability your summoner has perfected is the highly developed skill of spending. So I think you should rename him the

"SpendOmancer".

I mean, really, get the gear and thats all there is to it.

This is a shopping guide. Its a high end Necro wish list and sure, we all wish we had it. Congrats to those who can afford it.

[gvandale]

Dude your an idiot. This is a subclass. It's part summoner. It's part meleemancer. It's all whoopass.

See, it's original because he utilises the aura's off of items to create SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

blowkoksjerkoff.

g

[TheKbob]

The ability your summoner has perfected is the highly developed skill of spending. So I think you should rename him the

"SpendOmancer".

I mean, really, get the gear and thats all there is to it.

This is a shopping guide. Its a high end Necro wish list and sure, we all wish we had it. Congrats to those who can afford it.

Yeah, I was wondering when I would get my first unhappy, stupid post.

Wow and this one doesn't even have any good criterea to back it up, good game my friend.

Ask HoS how he likes his new on East where he has nothing at all. I beleive he is enjoying it quite well seeing that he has had one or two on west in full gear.

Compared to some of the other char classes and their needs, only needing beast + enigma is cheap. Try a barb or pally that uses a BotD :cheesy: What about a sorc that needs 10x Skillers. Try a prof. grade bone necro that needs to hit 125% cast w/ enigma and 10 Skillerz as well. This is relativly cheap to the other "top of the line" builds.

There is a disclaimer at the top added now as well. Why don't you try reading it and then correct yourself :thumbsup:

Thank you, don't come again!
~Kbob

I felt like I should add this:

What is top Zealot gear? Well from what I have seen:

2 Socketed CoA (w/ 2 High runes or 40/15s in it)
Vortex Ethereal Exile
Eth BotD Zerker Axe
*Insert some really expensive, ethereal zodded armor here*
Ethereal Sandstorms
Perfect Verdungos
Steelrends
Either Angelics or 2x Raven + Highlords

Lets not forget 32020s out the bum, either.

Just for a little comparison, an eth BotD Zerker axe (Good one 395%-400%+, top of the line), can fetch a few enigmas. This build is relativly cheap compared to others.

[soulesschild]

glad to see you took advice on my revive bug..though u really shouldn't make it all so well known >< hopefully we wont see a bunch of revive sissies that just depend on it to win...oh well...gogo 125 FCR and mad teleporting skillz for 3 minutes! :)

[Mad Mantis]

Go go Soulesschild. :clap:

[cdavison71]

I would take it easy on Gordus, he makes a valid point. Some people can't afford or will not be buying equipment at all. I'm in the process of building a CommandoMancer as well - (level 35, Normal Baal runs), but it's going to be a 'pure' build, solo, with no playing online. (Can't stand all the whining and cheating going on, so I don't even think it's worth it) So, I'll have to use equipment that I find myself. So far it's been great fun but we'll have to see what stuff I find before Hell. I'd like to see a lot more of the guides even mention the possibilities and drawbacks of a build going solo/untwinked.

Overall this guide is fantastic and a really fun build to play. Excellent work!!!!

CD

[HarbingersOfSkulls]

I would take it easy on Gordus, he makes a valid point. Some people can't afford or will not be buying equipment at all. I'm in the process of building a CommandoMancer as well - (level 35, Normal Baal runs), but it's going to be a 'pure' build, solo, with no playing online. (Can't stand all the whining and cheating going on, so I don't even think it's worth it) So, I'll have to use equipment that I find myself. So far it's been great fun but we'll have to see what stuff I find before Hell. I'd like to see a lot more of the guides even mention the possibilities and drawbacks of a build going solo/untwinked.

Overall this guide is fantastic and a really fun build to play. Excellent work!!!!

CD

It's kinda hard to take it easy on someone...when they bring it on themselves with the comments that was made.

As for my take on the build...I happen to like it(even with out a Beast) I used other weapons until I did get mine(both on East and West)...though everything is better with Beast.

I happen to like my Skeletons and Mages(only use Revives to cause the lag when I feel the need) and though the items are Top-End the results are worth it when you do get them.

Guess it's because I'm a Summoner at heart...that does like to mix it up also that I like the build so much. And if It wasn't for kbob's guide...I would probably be done with D2 and off doing something else...like WC3 or FF online.

Kbob's build is da greatest...

HoS

[OldSkoolGamer]

This is a shopping guide. Its a high end Necro wish list and sure, we all wish we had it. Congrats to those who can afford it.

I don't play Ladder anymore, but on East Non-Ladder the rune prices have been dropping lately. The build is more affordable now than when I made mine.

[Beatboxer]

Beast Champion Axe:clap:

[TheKbob]

Beast Champion Axe:clap:

Yes I remember playing those to "self-made" :rolleyes: SP Necros of yours. No shield is interesting to the least, but with no shield, one finds themselves in bear form alot more than usual. Also, it comes at a sacrifice or Res, Skills, and Mana :cheesy:

~Kbob

[Beatboxer]

It looks teh cool, don't forget that. With beast fanaticism and enigma running powers I feel like a necromantic Axe murderer crazily running around with his minions.:music:

[CEG]

There was a Time when the Necro was just a bothersome lacky for the other classes, a Curse B*tch to say the least. Now that 1.10 is upon us, the Psn Necro, Bone Necro, and the even lowly Summoner are brought into full power. The Necro grows weary, though, of spamming spells or just standing there watching his minions go to work. He is ready. He lays down the wand that has molded to his hand and unsheathes a mighty weapon to now lead by example and take charge of his army. He shall become the Commando-Mancer!

Now why would you put such a false statement in what is otherwise a nicely written guide? It was very easy to make various types of powerful necros in all patches and they certainly were never curse B*tch's. Maybe its just me, but that is annoying to read. But yea it is a nicely written guide and sounds fun.

[Beatboxer]

CEG, the necro of 1.09 was sadly weak compared to the other classes, pretty much ALL of them were stronger and the necro was indeed much better suited to a back-up position among the party. Sad but true.

-Bone spells reletively weak
-Minions near worthless outside of golem
-Curses always were good but that's the point

[CEG]

CEG, the necro of 1.09 was sadly weak compared to the other classes, pretty much ALL of them were stronger and the necro was indeed much better suited to a back-up position among the party. Sad but true.

-Bone spells reletively weak
-Minions near worthless outside of golem
-Curses always were good but that's the point

Wrong, the necro of .09 was quite powerful. By far the most powerful was the Artillery necro. Mine could easily solo all parts of the game and in 8 player cows. Summoners also were quite capable of holding there own (I also had one). Necros were also quite powerful in pvp. The necro was not by any means weak in .09. He may have required more strategy to make succesful, but if made/equipped/played right he could hold his own with any other char in any part of the game.

[TheKbob]

Never the less, I was never fortunate enough to have the really overtly powerful gear to make a grand boner in 1.09. They were mere curse *****es back then for alot of people. It's also for fun, lighten up :rolleyes:

I dueled a little with Dracoy and his uber bone/summoner that he was put WAY too much crap into (can we say 10x summon charms with the lowest life amount of 34, and ALL of them have life). Oh well, we figured mainly that I was too much of a tank with my skeles and his bone spells werent really hurting anything, save like 3 mages after 2 min worth of me trying to catch him porting. Now if he would stand still :wink2: but alas, not in the nature of a Boner.

Like this guide was first started, Commando was never meant to be a PvP char. It was just an added bonus. It's more for killing pubbies and laughing a bit at the OMGs, but yeah. Enjoy people!

~Kbob

[Beatboxer]

Wrong, the necro of .09 was quite powerful. By far the most powerful was the Artillery necro. Mine could easily solo all parts of the game and in 8 player cows. Summoners also were quite capable of holding there own (I also had one). Necros were also quite powerful in pvp. The necro was not by any means weak in .09. He may have required more strategy to make succesful, but if made/equipped/played right he could hold his own with any other char in any part of the game.

I never said the necro was weak, I said he was comparitively underpowered when compared which is true. All the other classes were much more powerful, by most peolples estimates and so I agree with Kbob's humorous introduction comment.

Why do you think there were all those cartoons and storie and jokes and in game comments about necros? There was a reason and I gave the short list in my last post.

[Dracoy]

Kbob~ Next time we duel ill actually use summons hehe O_o but alas im a lazy fellow T_T Itsusually who gets lucky first shot hehe.

[uncreativereally]

I never said the necro was weak, I said he was comparitively underpowered when compared which is true. All the other classes were much more powerful, by most peolples estimates and so I agree with Kbob's humorous introduction comment.

Why do you think there were all those cartoons and storie and jokes and in game comments about necros? There was a reason and I gave the short list in my last post.
"comparitively" underpowered? My IM/Blood and my Arty could solo half the cow lvl in the time it took the other 7 to kill the other half. Oh, and yes even with lighting fury zons. In duels DR/Block necros beat everyone ts/orb sorcs, GA zons, or any other character. Yes, most people estimated that necros were weak but most people now estimate that revives are better than skeletons.

All the jokes, stories, and cartoon make necros look bad because they couldn't get a necro to work.

[Beatboxer]

*sigh* well I guess we all have our experiences and opinions....

When my 1.09 skels couldn't take a quill rat with confidence and it took about 3-5(!) bone spirits to take down one of those bloody foothills guys in an 8 player game, while barbs and zons were happily wiping the battlefeild clean....that's where I'm comin' from.

This topic is very one year ago.... :sleep:

[Asheron]

My commandonub is now officially lvl 76 O_o!

He's pretty fun and versatile,though I have no clue how you got that much melee damage. ~_~"

Prolly going to max Pdagger now,and then we'll see.. ^^

[TheKbob]

Mines only sitting at 71, but that is due to the fact he isnt through hell and I have 3 other chars to level.

Just enjoy the guide. I like the intro and it's my guide, so the intro stays. If that is the only thing wrong with my guide, then :clap: for me :drool:

~Kbob

[47thRonin]

I agree, necros were underpowered in 1.09. You actually had to have brains to make a good nec, not just with skill and stat point assessment but with strategic gameplay as well..... not that 1.10 necros can be masterfully wielded by idiots.

-47thRonin

[gvandale]

ladies, I think we're missing the point here (ceg & uncreativereally),

This isn't a 1.09 guide. This isn't a 1.09 game. Move past reading that one paragraph, learn about the commandomancer, and then decide if it's a build you would like to try.

If not, move on.

If so, post your questions / thoughts / experiences.

cheers to Kbob for the AWESOME guide.

g

[Asheron]

Mines only sitting at 71, but that is due to the fact he isnt through hell and I have 3 other chars to level.

Just enjoy the guide. I like the intro and it's my guide, so the intro stays. If that is the only thing wrong with my guide, then :clap: for me :drool:

~Kbob

agreed,mad props for teh guidezor!


btw. what is your engima in and whats your base str? ^_^

i know im curious! :surprise:

[CEG]

ladies, I think we're missing the point here (ceg & uncreativereally),

This isn't a 1.09 guide. This isn't a 1.09 game. Move past reading that one paragraph, learn about the commandomancer, and then decide if it's a build you would like to try.

If not, move on.

If so, post your questions / thoughts / experiences.

cheers to Kbob for the AWESOME guide.

g

You missed the point. Nowhere did I claim that it is a .09 guide/game. I said in my first post that he wrote a good guide. I was just pointing a out a false statement. Whether or not he chooses to alter it is his choice. And I do not need you to point out to me what I should be doing.

[TheKbob]

agreed,mad props for teh guidezor!


btw. what is your engima in and whats your base str? ^_^

i know im curious! :surprise:

I'm fiddling with him. My first necro has 130~ Base str and used wirefleece enigma.

My new one has 95~ Base str and uses Great Hauberk enigma. (Breast plate types dont have the infamous red pants that some hate, but I would rather have a fleece again. Barechested necro! RUH!). I'm not getting the damage I was, though. So I may drop a few points in str and see how that affects damage.

~Kbob

[GordusMxus]

Kbob, I'm sorry if you were slighted by my somewhat caustic read on the build. I have no problems with your guide -- its well written, detailed, and entertaining to boot. We all agree that we want to build the highest level character possible.

Here's the rub: A poster in this thread wished he could have more info on how this build would work in single player. In a nutshell, no one in single player would ever remotely obtain all the uber gear and runes needed to make your full-on Commando. I have a lot of sp experience, including a lvl 82 magic finding Barb who, despite many great mid level items found, has never found a fraction of the top gear you list, let alone the runes.

My point is that your full-on character is REALM DEPENDENT, period. Thats the only way you could get all the gear. I think you will have to agree to this point. And where does this stuff come from? How much of it is duped/hacked ? We have no way of knowing when we trade. Just traded for a nice Beast/Enigma? Maybe it came from D2Items.com... How about those Ber/Jah runes? All those Zods for trade... I bet someone found them on the ground, eh? Or is this build only possible thanks to the results of thousands of bots scavenging the realms?

IE: I have a half a dozen realm chars in the 70-90 lvl range. The highest rune found on the ground so far is a Mal. The highest from a hellforge is Gul. See what I'm saying?

So in a sense your Commando character, and ALL the other top-end class characters, are dependent upon the items needed generated in dubious ways. Any character who trades on the realms is, but we gladly take something we need/want and dont question it's origin.

Because of this I still think this is a summoner top gear listing rather than a build guide.

So I think you should state in your disclaimer that sp players can try for this but expect to be disappointed when the gear does not materialize and what you are left with is merely a good summoner.

ps: gvandale, please spare us your dispeptic outbursts. TY

[TheKbob]

A few things:

One, SP generators. They don't break the third party agreement and also, playing SP purist style gets old, real quick. Oh don't use a generator if you want to do "single player trading".. :cheesy: Yes, that exists in the SP forum.

Two, This isnt JUST a summoner. READ THE GUIDE INTO:

Summon + MELEE + Aura

Thank you.

Three: I made my beast caddy, found the white caddy, added sockets, had all runes save ber. Traded for enigma. We all know that at least 80% runes are duped, but saying this build is impossible is foolish. Necrochild and many others on these forums have found Zod. I have found many "high runes" including Ohm and Cham.

Too finish: Don't come to flame a build just because your SP and don't like the condition and origins of items on the realms. You are better off trotting back to the SP forum and conducting in some SP trading for items. You can get all you want there. The riduculous thing is, I want to know how they tell whether or not people are using generated items... but wait. Why would anyone want to trade when they could make their own already.

Please don't post my guide unless you have actual Constructive Critiscism instead of " This sucks, I can't get that stuff. Therefore this build sucks!"

:wave:

~Kbob

[memememe173]

A few things:

One, SP generators. They don't break the third party agreement and also, playing SP purist style gets old, real quick. Oh don't use a generator if you want to do "single player trading".. :cheesy: Yes, that exists in the SP forum.

Two, This isnt JUST a summoner. READ THE GUIDE INTO:

Summon + MELEE + Aura

Thank you.

Three: I made my beast caddy, found the white caddy, added sockets, had all runes save ber. Traded for enigma. We all know that at least 80% runes are duped, but saying this build is impossible is foolish. Necrochild and many others on these forums have found Zod. I have found many "high runes" including Ohm and Cham.

Too finish: Don't come to flame a build just because your SP and don't like the condition and origins of items on the realms. You are better off trotting back to the SP forum and conducting in some SP trading for items. You can get all you want there. The riduculous thing is, I want to know how they tell whether or not people are using generated items... but wait. Why would anyone want to trade when they could make their own already.

Please don't post my guide unless you have actual Constructive Critiscism instead of " This sucks, I can't get that stuff. Therefore this build sucks!"

:wave:

~Kbob
I missed this part in his post, seems to me, he's one of the many realm off (and ON!) players who imediatly suspect any very rare item...

GordusMxus hit something very key...yes you need some amount of high end gear to be a commandomancer...BUT!...that's what makes it a commandomancer, other wise it's a summoner who fights, but (IMHaughtyO) it's only truely a commando with all (read most) of the gear in place

and if you can't afford everything, pick out what you think would be the most helpful, and then improvise for the rest...that's what makes this game great

[Beatboxer]

This gear issue is the oldest 'arguement' on the forums...

Bottom line, you need items to play this game, you get items form playing the game. The designers/programmers botched the drop system in favor of a large trading evironment; that's just the nature of this game's mechanics, even more so with legit runes scarcity and place in 1.10.

I don't like hackkers and dupes and such but since the programmers are so damn stingy with runes no wonder someone did something about it. What if the government was holding back on printing money and everyone had to sufer with wearing Kmart clothes? Would you blame the guy that made his own tradeable goods to stimulate the economy and allow a better distribution of the wealth? Or would you blame the guy who traded for the new, much better clothes? Or would you dutifully wear those Kmart rags and eat that government cheese and pretend like your having fun?

Outside of the above single players can trade in the single player commuity forum or simply get themselves an item pack and have a good old time of it, like Kbob said.

The most fun builds are those who are equipped well and many top gear choices drastically affect a character's performance and allow hybrid options not possible without that top gear.

It's the way the game is set-up sadly...You canot melee with a necro, untwinked, very well, without extreme diffuculty. Try and you'll see. The build presented by Kbob is one of the most powerful all around characters in the game due inlarge to his specific gear/skill choices but that's what a guides all about isn't it?

Gordus (sp) if your really looking for an untwinked melee necro guide I have word of one 'dropping' within the week or so; if your just overcome with single playeritus and like to flame builds not easily done untwinked then I have said my peice.

Have fun playing your cheap *** computer game and please do direct your item-drop-hate at the *** handlin' programers who gave casual players the shaft.:bow:

O ya..and have a nice day. :wave:


Edit: Damn that turned out to be long...

[gvandale]

gvandale, please spare us your dispeptic outbursts. TY

School time trick-daddy:
1. Who is us? You're the only one fighting the 'norm' here pal, and your fighting a losing battle.
2. It's properly spelled dyspeptic
3. I do not have indegestion, and I am not morose in any way shape or form. I am tired of morons like you that post horsesh*t like you did.

Since you have a hard time comprehending Kbob's guide, let me point out 1 area you must have missed, and it goes a little something like this...


Disclaimer: It seems some people do not understand that this can be an expensive build. It can still be enjoyed with lower end gear, but please remember that this is more or less the professional level of Summoner.

Now...did you miss that part again...


this can be an expensive build.

Get it yet?

Now go home to your little SPF home of flaming troll trash, and beat it!

g

[VoodooCamel]

Well done kbob!

You probably dont know who I am, but thats okay :drool:

Lets not ruin kbob's perfectly good guide thread with a flame fest!

Also, I myself am a complete pauper, but am thinking of making one of these (come on meph, drop me another bstar and shaft :flip: )

Please, if you do not like this thread, or anything mentioned within it, and it is not constructive in any sort of way, keep it to yourself and just like the back button.

p.s. How'd the bowazon turn out kbob? You and your godly circlet :lol:

[TheKbob]

My bowazon is pretty good in CH. I have pulled off a 3 vs. 1 with her and almost repeated it (barb got me :( )

I will be starting a Commando on the new Ladder with no gear so I too will be a poor newbie :rolleyes:

I seem to be getting some hate b.net too... Oh well.

~Kbob

[Tar-Ancalimon]

just great. Right when I struck rich, ladder's going to reset. There goes my beast, enigmas, brambles, botds.

[memememe173]

just great. Right when I struck rich, ladder's going to reset. There goes my beast, enigmas, brambles, botds.
you still have them, just not i you want to play on the new ladder

[Tar-Ancalimon]

yes but I'd rather not be among mass 290's and .08 valks.

Also, question: would 7% dual leech from gloves suffice (so I dont have to use GLoomstrap)?

[TheKbob]

Soul Drainers = Bad choice IMO Weaken cast on struck... :cheesy:

I use Dual 3/3 20%ias Crafted Blood gloves, and I find the 3% there enough to let me use Verdungos. Glooms is still a great belt, though.

~Kbob

[Tar-Ancalimon]

oh yeah good point. I completely overlooked the % cast weaken...bah.

Also, I hear that only IAS on weapons affect the werebear's attack speed.

[TheKbob]

oh yeah good point. I completely overlooked the % cast weaken...bah.

Also, I hear that only IAS on weapons affect the werebear's attack speed.

True, so if you plan to be in bear 24/7, then maybe Steelrends or other such big bad gloves would be for you.

~Kbob

[Tar-Ancalimon]

Ah I see. Its pretty pathetic mentioning the Hand of Broc gloves since they're the lowest gloves in the game, but would you recommend it for someone who doesn't need and/or care about IAS (it has 3% dual leech)

[Monarch]

Kbob nice work bro

-WalrusPK :buddies:

[TheKbob]

Ah I see. Its pretty pathetic mentioning the Hand of Broc gloves since they're the lowest gloves in the game, but would you recommend it for someone who doesn't need and/or care about IAS (it has 3% dual leech)

You can craft and find rare gloves with 3% mana leech with far better mods then hands of broc. Use them as fillers but not for end game gloves.

~Kbob

[RagnarokTC]

Well considering i havent played d2 for many months like since the beginning of 1.10 release or something.

Thought i'd drop by and see whats been happening, looks like season 2 is coming... :lol:

After looking around abit, found your guide to be very interesting. No wait... awe inspiring! looks like i will come back to d2 once again. Though i'll have to start from scratch again... doesnt matter anyways since its ladder :lol:

Well thumbs up for the guide!! Great Work! :thumbsup:

[Axurewrath]

actually this is my first time reading this guide, kbob... im somewhat tempted to make one now :drool: must.. resist...anyway. great guide. also, im a newb! :thumbsup: thx kbob hehe.

.Axurewrath

[hazelnut]

Nice guide kbob.. I'm not following it to the letter, but my necro certainly takes a lot of cues from your build. I tend to read guides for knowledge and then do my own thing / variations. :) (so less than optimal then.. but mine!)

I'm planning on using Trang's & Arm with a beast on switch.. but I can't decide which weapon to make it - 1h or 2h... because I can only afford one beast (just, pawned everything lol) and also would like to use it on a real Druid bear too. Comments from people who have tried a Champion Axe / Decapitator please?

Dunno why blizz says beast can be made in hammers - no hammers can get 5 socks.. according to arreat. :scratch:

One other thing I'd like to know is whether the IAS on weapon makes a big difference for the Necro werebear like it does on the Druid Werebear? Or is it only using maul skill that it makes a diff, anyone know?

Thanks,

Andy.

(Funny thing is now I have runes, I find my socket eq mule has expired!! Doh! Can't even remember what was on there. ho hum. Such is life...)

[Mad Mantis]

I'm planning on using Trang's & Arm with a beast on switch. but I can't decide which weapon to make it - 1h or 2h... because I can only afford one beast (just, pawned everything lol) and also would like to use it on a real Druid bear too. Comments from people who have tried a Champion Axe / Decapitator please?

The point is that you need to change the rest of your equipment to make two-handed Meleemancing more viable. With a shield and a one-hander it is that much more easy. If you are willing to change your equip then go for it. Overall I would say that one-handed is slightly better.





Dunno why blizz says beast can be made in hammers - no hammers can get 5 socks.. according to arreat. :scratch:

Both the Maul and Great Maul and the upgrades are Hammers.





One other thing I'd like to know is whether the IAS on weapon makes a big difference for the Necro werebear like it does on the Druid Werebear? Or is it only using maul skill that it makes a diff, anyone know?

Weapon IAS makes all the difference. Check TheDragoons wereform IAS/FHR calculator (http://students.washington.edu/akrinke/wereformadvanced.html).

[hazelnut]

Firstly thanks for the helpful reply Mantis.. much appreciated.


The point is that you need to change the rest of your equipment to make two-handed Meleemancing more viable. With a shield and a one-hander it is that much more easy. If you are willing to change your equip then go for it. Overall I would say that one-handed is slightly better.


I am willing to change equipment from kbobs suggestions - as I'm already planning to use trangs. Maybe not the optimal, but its what I want to do... :)
Switch between cast & melee modes is the plan. Dunno how it'll play, as this is 1st necro... but I am gonna try it. :lol:

Planning Maras & SoJ & Whisp/Frost for the jewlery - can't think of any changes here that would help with 2h variant, can you?

So only other slot to play with is the boots - planning marrowwalks here, but will take any suggestions with thanks.




Both the Maul and Great Maul and the upgrades are Hammers.


They are - you're right they're classed as BIG hammers. I was thinking of 1h hammers, as the mauls dont seem to have the speed/dmg to make up for 2h IMHO.




Weapon IAS makes all the difference. Check TheDragoons wereform IAS/FHR calculator (http://students.washington.edu/akrinke/wereformadvanced.html).

Ah yes - top stuff. I can't wait... maybe I'll not be playing my werebear druid much anymore then... hehe

Cheers.

[Mad Mantis]

Planning Maras & SoJ & Whisp/Frost for the jewlery - can't think of any changes here that would help with 2h variant, can you?

If you are relying on the PDagger bug, then no.





So only other slot to play with is the boots - planning marrowwalks here, but will take any suggestions with thanks.

If you use the bug then you will be solid. Otherwise Gore Rider.

[hazelnut]

If you are relying on the PDagger bug, then no.


Hadn't planned to, but might be an idea... :thumbsup: Thought fanat would give enough AR, but don't know yet. Frost is so don't get frozen, whisp for HoW - I assume you don't have to keep wearing it once you've cast HoW..


Looking on the calc I'd need 12% OIAS to get 8 frame attack.. no clue how I can get this using trangs without a 15% jewel. Got several, never used one yet. cool.

Thanks Mantis.
:winner:

[Asheron]

You have to wear Wisp for the How/Oak to stay alive.

[hazelnut]

You have to wear Wisp for the How/Oak to stay alive.

Gahhh! Crap! Why do D2 chars only have 2 fingers for gods sake!! :lol:

Oh well. I'll work round it somehow.

[OldSkoolGamer]

Planning Maras & SoJ & Whisp/Frost for the jewlery - can't think of any changes here that would help with 2h variant, can you?

I use a BK ring over a Soj. My commando uses a 5% LL BK and a perfect Raven. I've been waiting for Whisps to go down in value, because I think the spirit will die too easily. I have a habit of teleporting right into the middle of boss packs to let my minions tear them apart from the inside. :evil:

[TheKbob]

Full trangs is odd for commando to say the least (Yes, I tried)

Im not quite sure if you swing slower or faster in the vampire state but it is funny :lol:

I tell you what, I play everything were nowadays. Werenecro, Werepaladin, Weredruid, and now my latest build is my werebarb who for cheap melee dueling gear compared to the eth zodded armors, eth botds, and all that lot of the big boys, he can go toe to toe.

Bah enough about me... wisp is fun to play with and can either be played Defensivly (OS) or Offensivly (HoW). Or you can play the best offense is to get smacked up side the head, but Spirit of the Barb charges cost alot.

~Kbob

[OldSkoolGamer]

I tell you what, I play everything were nowadays. Werenecro, Werepaladin, Weredruid, and now my latest build is my werebarb who for cheap melee dueling gear compared to the eth zodded armors, eth botds, and all that lot of the big boys, he can go toe to toe.
~Kbob

What? No WereEnchantress?

[memememe173]

I'm making a were zon :cheesy:

[TheKbob]

I had a weresorc, just didnt like the fact that she was screwed when she met a fire immune and people could absorb her in pvp.

Currently,my were barb is kicking some real tail. I like owning the barbs and such that their weapons = the cost of my entire build. :lol:

Frugal, but godly!

Glad to see people are still reading, playing, and enjoying the Commandomancer.

~Kbob

[hazelnut]

Full trangs is odd for commando to say the least (Yes, I tried)


I see why now! :( Just put it on for first time - lvl 66 now. It's +necro skill levels, not just all skill levels!! :rant: Didn't bargain for this - missed that subtlety! So doesn't increase any skills given by whisp or beast.. (or the fire spells from set itself for that matter) which is no good. Damn I really wanted to use it. :scratch:



Im not quite sure if you swing slower or faster in the vampire state but it is funny :lol:


Haven't yet tried melee, but was only planning to do it in were form.. I'd imagine vamp would be slow. I also don't seem to get same speed with run and walk that people speak of..



I tell you what, I play everything were nowadays. Werenecro, Werepaladin, Weredruid, and now my latest build is my werebarb who for cheap melee dueling gear compared to the eth zodded armors, eth botds, and all that lot of the big boys, he can go toe to toe.


Yeah I think that my Druid werebear might retire due to the Beast runeword... we'll see.

[NBAallstar]

I'm doing around 1.2 k w/ Caddy Beast using Attack(w/ might merc), is it supposed to be this low? Also how do i use the psn dagger bug.. I cant put it as left hand skill because I'm not using a dagger. It's very awkward in Bear Form, as I cannot tele/curse/bone armor. Any tips are welcomed.

[rikstaker]

The ability your summoner has perfected is the highly developed skill of spending. So I think you should rename him the

"SpendOmancer".

I mean, really, get the gear and thats all there is to it.

This is a shopping guide. Its a high end Necro wish list and sure, we all wish we had it. Congrats to those who can afford it.

:lol: :flip: :winner:
------

On a serious note: Nice guide Kbob-I will try this build out after the guide.

Rik

[TheKbob]

:lol: :flip: :winner:
------

On a serious note: Nice guide Kbob-I will try this build out after the guide.

Rik

So that means, in early 2005? :scratch:

~Kbob

[jordy666]

So that means, in early 2005? :scratch:

~Kbob
2005??, he needs to finish that WW guide first. :lol:

-jordy :strong:

[rikstaker]

2005??, he needs to finish that WW guide first. :lol:

-jordy :strong:

You..were exactly do you belong.There is not crappy builds forum here.

Rik

[Bigru]

i found something very interestng while trying trang with my 1 hand beast...

IT LETS U USE TRANG WITH OUT THE FCR BUG FOR AROUND 30 SECS!!!

not that exciting, cant even remember how i did it, but it wasnt hard, either turn into a bear then back, or just cast once, i think this would make trang a whole lot better personally, but enigma is just too good :)

also im trying the ultimate in versatile necros, ive added lvl 20 bone spirit into the cammando, i still use bear in pvm, then use spirit in pvp, with marrow it does some decent damage, thanks V much for the guide

also if anyone is on europe NL with a commandomancer, whisp me on bigru2

thanks

[OldSkoolGamer]

Yes, Beast can release you from the vampire form, but it is temporary. The length of time you are out of the vampire form is also not constant.

I've had some days where you are out of the form for 20 seconds, and some days where it only lasts one second. Very annoying. I built a Summon/Bone hybrid character around this idea, and got him to about level 77 or so, but I quickly grew tired of not being able to play him to his fullest when B.net didn't feel like letting me stay human for any decent amount of time.

To go to human form you use the bear skill one time. You have to use it a second time to acutally morph to the bear. If you do a weapon switch or take off any piece of equipment (even a non-Trang item like boots) it will cancel the effect and make you a vampire again.

[TheKbob]

I noticed this, but didnt think it to be too useful. Just something to make people freak out more when they see it. Shock value...

Newb: Why is he not a vampire? He's using full trangs!

Me: how would you know? Maphack peaker?

Newb: Haxxor!

:lol: me

~Kbob

[Gix]

The Poison Dagger bug doesn't work. I think you should remove it from your guide to avoid confusion.

[zeskelnec]

Nice guide Thekbob,
Could you check that comment I let on this link?

http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=326880