Is it...possible?!

[fiend!]

I was thinking today about what new character I wanted to start on HCL...and wondering which build was likely to be least dependent on gear aside from a Necromancer with a gazilllion monsters runnin around. I decided to start a C/C Assassin, which seemed intuitively to be very independent as far as items are concerned and I think they can survive decently throughout the game, untwinked. Is this accurate, do you think? Which Sin skills allow the most mobility and freedom of gear in an untwinked build?

[ilkori]

Most flexible: Trapper
Second: Phoenix Striker

Both would need strong shadows, so they wouldn't be as powerful as their counterparts. There is a good trapper guide in the sticky - haven't checked recently for a Phoenix/MA build recently. You may want to consider a shield (rhyme) until you can get your hands on a Ravenfrost.

[BIGeyedBUG]

I'd agree with ilkori if this were SC. Since this is HCL, I'd say:

1. Lightning/Fireblast Trapper
2. BFer

Thats both item indepedency and viability.

On both his list and mine though, calling them first and second doesn't really do justice to how much easier trappers have it. Untwinked martial artists are fragile. Untwinked BFers are safe, but slow. Untwinked trappers are fast and tough.

Nothings as fun as an elemental martial artist though. IMO.

[ilkori]

1. Lightning/Fireblast TrapperThat's the only kind of trapper I'd even recognize. :p

I thought the BF builds needed good weapons to kill. I'm guessing you rely on procs?

[BIGeyedBUG]

Malice claws actually work into Act 2 Hell. If I'd found a 3 socket ethereal suwayyah, I think it might even have been an endgame weapon. In any case, it's not too difficult to gamble decent rare claws. My endgame claw had less than 200% ED, but a bunch of AR, PMH, and some other good mods. No procs at all.

I knew you meant lightning trapper, but I specified in case the original poster wasn't that familiar with Assassins. Fire trappers might be easy too--well, easier than a Phoenix Striker anyway--but I don't know anyone who's really given them a chance. Another thing I'll probably never get around to, seeing as I'm obsessed with martial artists.

[ilkori]

Ah, you must have better luck or more patience than me. I've only found 5ish claws I'd consider for a BF sin counting all my playing time.

Fire trappers are quite mana intensive, and Fire Blast is one of the best damagers in the group. That means you may as well go lit/fire/ds to get the best of all worlds.

[wangboBW]

Humm i was wondering, has any of the assassin forum people recommended to max fade for a trapper? or is it just me being stupid, cause i kind of want to max fade for free DR!!!.

[BIGeyedBUG]

Go ahead, knock yourself out. The game's about having fun after all.

Personally though, I'd have more fun putting those points in synergies. Unless you're playing some wacko commando trapper, the PDR% shouldn't be coming into play that much. Keep in mind also that Trappers tend to have a ton of VIT later on.

If you need a safety skill, a decent SM is the way to go. Fade only soaks up damage. The SM can keep you from getting damaged in the first place. It also kills things, and holds monsters in place for your traps.